HUDSON, OH (February 3, 2021) – Following is a summary of Tuesday’s City Council meeting. To watch the full meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Proclamation
- Random Acts of Kindness. Mayor Shubert issued a proclamation for Random Acts of Kindness Week. The Proclamation encourages citizens to perform acts of kindness, especially during February 14 - 20, 2021 Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Public Comments
- Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts. Several individuals spoke or sent letters that were read in support of moving forward with the tennis and pickle ball courts.
- Short-Term Rentals. Two residents who operate short-term rentals in Hudson spoke asking that good rental owners not be punished for the bad behavior of one owner.
- Recreation Center. An individual sent a letter strongly opposing using Life Center Plus as a City recreation center stating it would be a constant money drain on the City and will hurt other local gyms and recreational facilities. The resident does not want to pay for others to use a fitness center and would prefer just to pay a membership for themselves to one of the many facilities available already in Hudson.
Correspondence and Council Comments
- Hudson Schools and the 1927 Building. A council member read a letter with 209 signatures calling for the schools and council to work together on the 1927 school building conversion into a housing complex. Residents have concerns that the housing development will increase housing density and traffic, change the look and the streetscape of the historic downtown, and negatively impact housing values. They are asking for the project to be suspended until it is investigated further.
- Friends of HCTV Scholarship. The Friends of HCTV is offering a scholarship to high school seniors who wish to major in media fields. Information is available at www.friendsofHCTV.org.
- Downtown Phase II Soils. A council member received a letter from a resident expressing concerns about the soil quality in the Downtown Phase II area and asked staff to respond to the resident.
- Velocity Broadband. Council questioned an ad in the Hub that reads as though Velocity Broadband has paid off its debt. The City Manager explained that Velocity is still responsible for $3.5 million debt. The General Fund has been repaid in total, but Velocity will repay its debt through its own fund and not from the General Fund.
- Councilman At-Large Hal DeSaussure announced he will not be running for his At-Large seat in the November election.
- Coyotes. Coyotes have been in Hudson for many years and are in the height of their active season. While they are generally not aggressive, there are steps to take when encountering a coyote and ways to discourage them from coming into your yard. More information is on the City’s website at www.hudson.oh.us/Coyotes and on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website at https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/land-water/issues-for-landowners/nuisance-coyote.
Report of the Manager
- Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts. Hudson Schools expressed concern that the discussion at last week’s Council Workshop implied that the schools were the reason that the tennis courts were being considered. The schools were in no way part of that decision. The Park Board did a community survey and those items showed up as priorities for Hudson residents. In addition, no money from the schools would be going toward this effort.
- Terex Road Roundabout. The feasibility study on Tuesday night's Consent Agenda was in response to the traffic study and staff presentation about improving traffic safety on Terex Road. The City recently reduced the speed in that location from 45 mph to 35 mph. The feasibility study is to further survey, review, and analyze long-term solutions to improve safety at the intersections of Terex Road and Hudson Industrial Parkway and at the Terex Road and East Barlow Road intersection.
Consent Agenda
The following items were unanimously approved by City Council:
- A motion to approve and adopt the findings of fact relative to Ordinance No. 20-167. Based on the Land Development Code and at Council's request, the City Solicitor has prepared the Findings of Fact regarding Ordinance No. 20-167.
- A resolution to enter a contract with Prime AE Group for a Terex Road feasibility study. The feasibility study is to further survey, review, and analyze long-term solutions to improve safety at the intersections of Terex Road and Hudson Industrial Parkway and at the Terex Road and East Barlow Road intersection.
- Authorization to advertise for bids for outdoor furniture for the downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). The City would purchase new outdoor furniture for the DORA area and return the temporary picnic tables to the parks.
Legislation
- Placing a Moratorium on Short-Term Rental Operations. Failed 7-0.
- Ordinance adding regulations to short-term rental operations in the Business Regulation Code. Passed 5-2
- Resolution authorizing an agreement with Everstream Solutions to provide an internet circuit for the City’s Velocity Broadband Services. Second reading.