Following is a summary of the January 17, 2023, City Council Meeting. To watch the meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/Jan17Meeting.
Executive Session
- Council entered executive session to interview applicants for boards and commissions.
Proclamations
- Special Recognition of Dr. James Boex for his contributions to the healthcare industry and service to the City of Hudson.
- Special Recognition of Catholic Schools Week. This proclamation recognizes Catholic Schools Week, January 29 to February 4, 2023.
Public Comments
Following are brief summaries of public comments. To view comments in their entirety, visit www.hudson.oh.us/Jan17Meeting.
- Several individuals spoke about the need for an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, ideally in the downtown.
- A member of the League of Women Voters invited people to their Climate Action Meeting on February 9, at 7 p.m. in the Hudson High School Media Center.
- Seven individuals spoke out in support of Councilmember Nicole Kowalski regarding her censure.
- One individual spoke in support of Council’s decision to censure.
- One individual would like Council to keep the past in the past and start fresh.
- One resident felt that people should not vote for Council candidates based on what party they represent.
Correspondence and Council Comments
- HCTV Advisory Committee Update. They elected a chair and vice chair and are producing a new show called Unlimited Access scheduled to launch this year.
- Fiber to Home. Two presentations were scheduled from private organizations. One was rescheduled.
- Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Selected a Chair and Vice Chair. Discussed roles and tools available. A road tour for the consultant and subcommittee is scheduled in February.
- Councilmember Beth Bigham announced her resignation from Council effective after the meeting.
- Local Government Presentation. The Mayor spoke to Hudson City Schools third graders at Eastwoods Elementary School about local government.
Report of Manager
- The City Council Retreat will be held Saturday, January 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Topics will include infrastructure and business items.
- The City reached a settlement with Hudson Community Living Development and citizen Wellborn Jack. Motion was made to hold a special meeting after the regularly scheduled workshop on January 24 for the purpose of considering approval of the settlement agreement with respect to the Hudson Community Living Project. Passed 7-0.
Discussion Items
- Discussion of Requirement of Keeping Attorney/Client Documents Privileged. The discussion is in reaction to a string of emails that were sent to all of City Council on December 19, 2022. Council discussed the importance of keeping attorney-client documents privileged and showed a video from a previous Council Meeting several years ago where the topic came up in an unrelated matter. The full discussion and motion can be viewed at https://hudson.granicus.com/player/clip/3832?meta_id=404231. Forward to minute mark approximately 2:10:48.
- Motion to Censure. A motion was made to censure Ms. Kowalski for providing attorney-client privileged information to a resident. The motion failed: 1 yes, 2 no, and 3 abstentions. Ms. Kowalski was not eligible to vote on this item as it was regarding her censure.
Appointments
- Still interviewing board/commission applicants.
- Applications will be accepted to fill Beth Bigham’s seat for her unexpired term through February 13. Applications can be submitted through the City’s website Boards and Commissions Page.
Consent Agenda
Council passed the following Consent Agenda items. Passed 7-0.
- Resolution to accept an urban canopy restoration grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.
- Resolution authorizing a contract for a small utility licensing agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. for a geographical information system program.
- Resolution to bid and award for the marketing services of Velocity Broadband.
- Resolution to advertise for bids and enter a contract for the Terex Road Resurfacing Project.
- Resolution to bid and enter a contract for installation of pedestrian signals at various locations near Hudson City Schools.
- Resolution to enter a software renewal contract with Brightly Software Inc. for software and services for an asset and workflow management program.
- Ordinance to enter an agreement with Max Rieker of the law firm Weston Hurd for Special Counsel.
Legislation
- Ordinance establishing the City of Hudson Military and Veteran’s Commission. Third reading. Motion to amend the ordinance to amend the member number to 3 with option to increase to 5 members. Amendment to ordinance passes 6-1. Ordinance as amended passed 5-2.
- Ordinance re-designating the title “Finance Director” in all relevant portions of the Codified Ordinances. Third reading. Passed 7-0.
- Resolution amending Resolution No. 22-108 amending the official City Policy governing the exhibition of flags at City government facilities and City-owned properties. First reading.
Meeting Adjourned
