Following is a summary of the December 7, 2021 City Council Meeting. To watch the meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
In Memory of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Mayor asked for a moment of silence to honor those fallen and injured in the attack on Pearl Harbor 80 years ago.
Oath of Office
- Newly elected At-Large Council Members Chris Banweg, Karen Heater, and Nicole Kowalski were sworn in.
Election of President of Council
- Councilman Chris Foster was elected President of Council by a vote of 5-2.
Public Hearing
- A public hearing was held for Ordinance 21-141 amending Chapter 1205, 1206 and 1213 to incorporate regulations to conditionally permit fireworks storage and fireworks retail facilities. Several residents spoke out against amending the Code. Representatives from American Fireworks said the facility is heavily regulated by the State and Federal Governments and that the amendment adds City regulations that were not previously in place for items such as mounding, setbacks, landscaping buffers, and spacing requirements.
Public Comments
- Several residents spoke against the passage of previous legislation that agrees to pay the developer of Phase 2 design and upfront costs if Planning Commission does not approve their plan.
- The Reserve at River Oaks developer thanked the City for working with them on that development.
- A resident made suggestions regarding ways other than the current Phase 2 proposed plan to put housing in the downtown.
Council Comments
- A Council member inquired about the definition of President pro tem. The City Solicitor indicated that the President pro tem is defined as the Council member with the longest tenure at any individual meeting who would assume the President of Council's duties in their absence.
- The Environmental Awareness Committee is working on a Climate Action Plan for the City that would include a greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Green on the Green is scheduled for April 23. The holiday lights recycling program is going well. Applications for the open Committee seat are being accepted through December 10 at 4:30 p.m.
- The Council President expressed concerns about the idea that the City would be responsible for the developer’s expenses for Phase 2. He has placed legislation on the agenda that would allow the project to move forward but without paying the developer per the previous legislation.
- Council members congratulated the new and re-elected Council members who are joining City Council.
- Council also thanked all those involved in last weekend’s fireworks. It was a very successful event.
- The Christkindlmarkt will be held Friday, December 10 through Sunday, December 12. It is an authentic German-styled outdoor Christmas market that is common in Europe. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, holiday food, drinks, gifts, and more. Krampus will make an appearance, as well. The hours are:
- Friday: 4 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 – 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.
- State Senator Kristina Roegner thanked all the newly and re-elected Council members and offered them official commendations.
City Manager’s Report
- The City Manager congratulated and welcomed new and re-elected members of Council. She also welcomed Aparna Wheeler, the City’s new Clerk of Council.
- City staff is working on orientation material for new Council members and performance measures for City departments that will be available in early January.
- Staff is producing a snapshot report on current conditions that will be valuable for the Council retreat scheduled in early February.
- ACME shopping plaza had a pre-application meeting and will be presenting a renovation plan to Planning Commission. The Phase 2 development proposal has a pre-application meeting next week and then will go before Planning Commission. The Tennis/Pickleball Complex will be before Planning Commission in January as well.
- On December 6, the City signed note issuances that Council previously approved. The rate was one-third of one percent. The low rate was due to the City’s outstanding financial condition and excellent bond rating.
- Last weekend’s fireworks were a huge success. They brought many people downtown and merchants were excited with all the activity during the winter.
- City offices will be closed the Thursday and Friday before Christmas and New Year’s.
Brief Recess
The Mayor called a five minute recess.
Consent Agenda
The following consent agenda items were passed by Council. Passed 7-0.
- Motion to appoint Councilmen Foster and Sutton to serve as Representatives to the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund.
- Ordinance accepting the dedication of public streets, easements, and public improvements in The Reserve at River Oaks Phases III and IV.
- Ordinance accepting the dedication of public streets, easements, and public improvements within the Lake Christine subdivision.
- Resolution to approve the assignment of a Community Reinvestment Act Agreement from Hudson 21, LLC to Aurora 725 Streetsboro, LLC.
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve the assignment of a Community Reinvestment Act agreement from Hudson 42, LLC to Aurora 6288, LLC.
- Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to approve the assignment of a Community Reinvestment Act Agreement from Hudson 125, LLC to Aurora 6279, LLC.
- Resolution to enter a contract with Signal Service Company for the flashing school zone speed limit signs at Western Reserve Academy.
- Resolution to accept the material terms of the OneOhio subdivision settlement pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding and with the terms of the 2021 National Opioid Settlement Agreement.
Legislation
- Ordinance amending Chapter 1205, 1206 and 1213 to incorporate regulations to conditionally permit fireworks storage and fireworks retail facilities. Second Reading.
- Resolution repealing Resolution No. 21-116 and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Fairmount Properties for the property located in the downtown. This Resolution, proposed by Councilman Foster, is intended to repeal Resolution No. 21-116 while simultaneously authorizing the sale of property in the downtown area to Fairmount Properties for development of Downtown Phase 2 pursuant to terms that are different than those terms authorized in the Resolution that is subject to repeal. First Reading.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to consider the appointment of a public employee.