Following is a summary of the July 11, 2023, City Council Meeting and Workshop. To watch the meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Executive Session
- Council entered executive session to interview applicants for the Economic Growth Board.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes of the 6/20/2023 Council Meeting and Workshop. Motion was made to amend the minutes for spelling corrections. Motion approved 5-0. Minutes as amended were approved 5-0.
Public Comments
Following are individuals who spoke during the Public Comments Section. Click here to view the public comments in their entirety.
- A representative of the TASC force spoke in favor of the acquisition of the Norfolk Southern Rail spur on the agenda and believes it is good for the residents of Hudson.
- In reference to Resolution 23-76, an individual requested that Council consider the financial impact on property owners outside of Hudson if they are forced to tie into Hudson water when Stow or Akron might be closer.
Correspondence and Council Comments
Click here to view the Council Comments in their entirety.
- Council mentioned a recent Letter to the Editor in the Hub Times that appreciated the City’s work on its Connectivity Plan.
- The Council subcommittee recently met with LIT, the company that the City is looking to partner with on providing high-speed internet fiber to residents. They are still in negotiations but hope to bring it back soon to Council.
- Council mentioned an issue with the recently completed Stow Road water line that was done by the City of Akron. The construction left the road in disrepair. Staff will look into this.
- Residents have been complaining that Kimble seems to be not honoring the quadrant pre-scheduled pick-up days. Staff will look into it and the agreement with the company and discuss it in a couple of weeks.
- Planning Committee met to review the plans for a lighted field on Western Reserve Academy. Five pages of the document submission were missing, so another meeting was scheduled on Monday so Planning Commission can review the remaining pages.
- Council suggested looking into limited remote attendance at the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, since it did not have a quorum in person at its last meeting.
- Council spoke regarding the individual’s concerns about the City’s right of first refusal and suggested they would make a motion to postpone the legislation until after they can discuss it at the following workshop tonight.
- Council recognized Megan who was awarded the highest honor in the Girl Scouts.
- Council recognized the organizer of the Birdsong Art Project and mentioned that the large bird sculpture has been named Melody which was chosen by people online.
- The Mayor would like Council to discuss designing and adopting a new City flag. The previous flag was discontinued by a previous council.
- Council thanked staff for reviewing a members concern about the new traffic signals at Middleton and Stow Roads. The signal is great, but no-turn-on-red signs will be added to the intersection.
Report of Manager
- The City Manager mentioned that there are openings on the City’s boards and commissions and encouraged residents to apply.
- Staff will be bringing the addition of no-turn-on-red signs at Middleton/Stow and no parking on Barlow near Case Barlow Farm to Council next week.
- Hudson has selected Constellation as its natural gas endorsement program supplier for the period beginning in October 2023 with the November billing cycle. The City has locked in a rate of $3.59 per Mcf, which is down from the current endorsement program rate of $4.05/Mcf. Individuals currently in the City's Constellation Endorsement program will automatically receive the new rate when it goes into effect in October. Those not in the current program and who wish to sign up for the City's new rate can do so in September. Residents will receive information from Constellation about the new Endorsement Program rate through the mail in September. More information is on the City’s website at www.hudson.oh.us.
Appointments
No appointments. Current Vacancies:
- Economic Growth Board (between 5 and 9 members)
- Board of Tax Review (2)
- Tree Commission (1)
Consent Agenda
Council passed the following Consent Agenda items. Passed 5-0.
- Ordinance authorizing to enter a contract for the purchase of one vehicle for EMS.
Legislation
- Ordinance amending Section 1040.15 of the Codified Ordinances, revising water rates for water service outside City limits. Third reading. Passed 5-0.
- Ordinance establishing Section 1040.081 in the Codified Ordinances to require new developments to use city water services and provide City Council first right of refusal. Third reading. Motion to postpone to the July 18 meeting to be discussed at workshop. Discuss at today’s workshop meeting. Vote to postpone to July 18 meeting passed 5-0.
- Resolution adopting an applying a temporary events fee schedule pursuant to Chapter 872 to any event or organization hosting such an event and removing any exemptions previously granted, effective January 1, 2024. Second reading.
- Resolution to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Hudson Drive Realty to acquire real property at 5431 Hudson Drive for public purposes at a price of $1.9 million. Second reading.
- Resolution amending Chapters 1205 “Zoning Districts – City of Hudson Map” and 1206 “Use Regulations” of the Land Development Code relevant to the blending of proposed density for residential development adjacent to existing development. First reading. Motion was made to postpone to the July 18 meeting for further discussion at the July 11 workshop. Passed 5-0.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of public properties.
Meeting Adjourned
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Correspondence and Council Comments
Discussion Items
- Sidewalk and Trail Master Plan update and possible next phase of the Connectivity Plan. Staff reviewed the current status of the 2021-2025 Connectivity Plan and had a preliminary discussion regarding future plan updates. Council discussed future areas that need to be addressed with connectivity and determined the City should focus first on the streets with 35 mph speed limits. Click here to view the entire discussion.
- Update on the Purchase/Lease of the Norfolk Southern Abandoned Railroad Right-of-Way from W. Barlow Road to Veteran’s Way. After City Officials met with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Right-of-way to inspect the railroad right-of-way, and to determine the condition of the rail lines, staff has continued discussions with Railroad staff on the potential purchase or lease of the Norfolk Southern property from the intersection of W. Barlow Road to Veteran’s Way. Council is interested in moving forward. Next steps: NFS has a wetlands survey and an environmental phase 1 that must be completed for the appraiser to value the property. Council would like to purchase the property. Click here to view the entire discussion.
Proposed Consent Agenda for July 18
- Motion to approve Prospectus Architecture’s recommendation of the location for the new clubhouse at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club. The architect has recommended three possible locations on Ellsworth Meadows property to locate a new clubhouse. The preferred recommendation would be to locate the new clubhouse in the area of the current pavilion. Staff and the architect will come back with more information requested by council at a future workshop.
- Motion to acknowledge the timely receipt of the June 2023 Monthly Financial Report.
- Ordinance amending Ordinance 22-143 making appropriations for current expenses during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
- Resolution to advertise for bids and enter a contract for the Clairhaven/Colony Storm Sewer Improvement Project Phase 1 and 2.
- Resolution to accept the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Safety Intervention Grant for EMS.
- Ordinance to purchase a third powered stair chair from Stryker Emergency Care. This is part of a grant from the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.
Proposed Legislation Items for July 11
- Ordinance amending Ordinance 16-46 “Temporary Special Events” of the Business Regulation Code and repealing Ordinance No. 08-158 and Chapter 810, “Circuses and Carnivals” of the Business Regulations Code. Third reading.
- Resolution to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Hudson Drive Realty to acquire real property at 5431 Hudson Drive for public purposes at a price of $1.9 million. Third reading. Asked staff to link previous discussions on this since 2016.
- Ordinance Amending Chapters 1205 “Zoning Districts-City of Hudson Map” and 1206 “Use Regulations.” First reading.
- Ordinance establishing Section 1040.081 in the Codified Ordinances to require new developments to use city water services and provide City Council first right of refusal. Third reading. Council discussed amending the wording of the legislation be amended to put a distance of one half mile in the legislation regarding where the City has first right of refusal. The Council President will work with staff on the amended language. Staff will send Council a map showing roughly what a half mile looks like. Council will continue this discussion at the July 25 workshop.
- Resolution amending Chapters 1205 “Zoning Districts – City of Hudson Map” and 1206 “Use Regulations” of the Land Development Code relevant to the blending of proposed density for residential development adjacent to existing development. Council members expressed concerns about the density proposed within 100 ft. Some felt it works well for developed areas but not for less developed areas. Staff will take another look at the language and come back to Council.
Future Agenda Items
- Official City Flag to be discussed at the first meeting in August.
Meeting Adjourned