Following is a summary of the February 22, 2022 City Council Special Meeting and Workshop. To watch the full meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Special Meeting
- Council appointed Thomas Sheridan as Clerk of Council Pro Tempore.
Public Comments
- Several citizens spoke against City Council regarding the separation agreement and in support of City Manager.
- Several individuals spoke in support of Council and the separation agreement with the City Manager.
- One individual spoke about the need to find an economic development use for the former Youth Development Center property and the need for citizens to know the cost involved in the separation agreement with the City Manager.
Council Comments
- Two Council members read letters criticizing the Council for the separation of the City Manager.
- Council asked staff for an update on the status of quiet zones with Norfolk Southern Railroad, citing increased train traffic and more horns being used. Staff will report back to Council. Council also mentioned that there may be Federal funding available for a bridge at the Hines Hill Road crossing.
- Council indicated the City Manager’s Separation Agreement is a public document.
- A Council member mentioned that money spent by the previous Council on things such as Velocity Broadband, City Hall and Phase 2 could have gone toward the approximately $24 million worth of projects on the City’s unfunded list.
Legislation
- Resolution accepting the resignation of the City Manager. Passed 6-1.
- Motion to withdraw Resolution No. 22-18, A resolution to suspend the City Manager pending removal. Passed 7-0.
Special Meeting Adjourned.
Regular Workshop
Correspondence and Council Comments
- Streetsboro is spending $9 million in water improvements for residents in Stone Road area. Residents are challenging us to find a solution to the water problem. We have identified options and need to find funding.
- BZBA Request for variance on Middleton Road. Want to add a driveway, after staff research.
- At-Large Council Members Karen Heater and Chris Banweg held an At-Large Open forum on Wednesday night.
Proclamation
- A proclamation was read in special recognition of Rare Disease Day.
Discussion Items
- Update on the E. Barlow Road, Terex Road and Hudson Industrial Parkway Intersection Study.
A study was performed to look at a short-term solution for this offset intersection. Follow up on previous study, didn’t look at long-term solutions. Looking for single best solution. Improve safety, limit private property impact, limit impact to traffic pattern. Four possible recommendations:
- Alternative 2C: 4-leg Roundabout by realignment of Barlow Road & Industrial Parkway (15),
- Alternative 4B: 4-leg intersection by realignment of Barlow Road & Industrial Parkway (15),
- Alternative 2D: 3-leg Roundabout at Industrial Parkway & Cul-de-sac Barlow Road (13)
- Alternative 4A: 4-leg intersection by realignment of Barlow Road only (13).
These options will be studied further and that information will be presented to Council before a decision is made.
- Update on the Downtown Pedestrian Safety Study.
Staff provided a follow up on the pedestrian safety study This study focuses on SR 91, SR 303, Aurora Street and First and Main area. This is Phase I of the study process. The goal is to improve bicycle/pedestrian safety, increase ADA compliance, and encourage people to walk in the area. The next phase is a public input process. Then the citizen input and study information will be put into a final recommendation. We also will seek safety funds from ODOT for the final project.
- Discussion of the City’s current mailbox damage policy reimbursement amount.
Council discussed the current mailbox reimbursement policy. Council directed staff to increase the reimbursement from $100 to $200. Council also asked staff to come back with information on the costs and how the City could provide and install mailbox for individuals who physically cannot replace their mailbox themselves.