Following is a summary of the December 29, 2022, Special Council Meeting. To watch the meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Approval of the Minutes
- A Council member made a motion to add the following statements to the December 6 Council Meeting Minutes. “Ms. Kowalski stated on the record that all legislation she brought forward for Council to consider related to campaign finance is done so in accordance with the law with the appropriate notice and in accordance with the Hudson Charter and the Council rules. Ms. Kowalski further spoke in opposition to the proposed censure based on the documentation that Mr. Foster provided.” This motion failed 4-3. The minutes were approved, as originally submitted, 5-2.
Public Comments
- Nine residents spoke in opposition to the censure of Councilwoman Nicole Kowalski. They do not believe she violated her oath of office. They believe she had the right to look into the campaign finance legislation. To view all the comments, visit: www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
- One resident spoke in support of the censure of Councilwoman Nicole Kowalski, believing she went behind Council’s back to investigate another person in the community for campaign finance violations. To view all the comments, visit: www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
- Residents also expressed concerns about the previous meeting that was adjourned to lack of a quorum.
- A resident stated the need for a grade separation at Hines Hill railroad tracks and asked about the status.
- A resident spoke in opposition of the emergency language for the aerator for the Ellsworth Meadows golf course.
Correspondence and Council Comments
- Council thanked Hudson Public Power for a great response to a large power outage and the service department’s snow control during the major snow event.
- A Council member spoke in opposition of Councilwoman Kowalski’s censure, while other Council members spoke in support of the censure of Nicole Kowalski.
- Velocity Broadband Ad-Hoc Committee Update. RFPs were received and interviews will begin in January. More information to come in February.
- A Council member made it clear that he missed the last meeting due to a known, prescheduled absence.
- Update on Hines Hill Grade Separation. The City has applied for a grant and is waiting to hear back.
- A Council member read several letters into the record from residents who expressed opposition to the censure of Nicole Kowalski.
- A Council member expressed concern that there have only been three applications for seven openings on Boards and Commissions. The deadline has been extended until January 10, 2022.
- The Mayor explained the legal reasons for ending the Council meeting on December 20 due to the lack of quorum.
Report of the Manager
- The City Manager confirmed a grant application has been submitted for the grade separation at the Hines Hill railroad. The City is waiting to hear back on this.
- The aerator for the golf course has emergency language because the cost increased from when it was previously approved, and the money needs to be appropriated.
Discussion Items
- Cancellation of the January 3, 2023, meeting. The meeting was cancelled with a vote of 6-1. The 2023 meeting schedule will resume with the January 10th workshop.
Appointments
- Roberto Sorgi was appointed (vote 7-0) for a full term on the Cemetery Board beginning 12/31/22.
Consent Agenda
The following consent agenda items passed with a vote of 7-0.
- A motion to acknowledge the timely receipt of the November 2022 monthly financial report
- An ordinance amending the 2022 budget for additional and/or amended appropriations as listed.
- A resolution approving the appointment of Dr. Catherine Cook to serve as the City of Hudson’s representative to the Summit County Public Health Board of Health for a four-year term.
- A resolution authorizing an agreement with the Summit County Public Defender’s Commission for the defense of indigent defendants in the Stow Municipal Court.
- A resolution authorizing advertisement for bids and to enter into contracts for the 2023 sidewalk improvement projects.
- A resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft for a paddling enhancement grant for Hudson Parks.
- A resolution authorizing the purchase of an aerifier for the golf course.
Proposed Legislation
- Ordinance amending the monthly finance reporting requirements as directed in the City Code. Third reading. Passed 7-0.
- Ordinance establishing a Military and Veteran’s Commission. Second Reading.
- Ordinance re-designating the title “Finance Director” in all relevant portions of the codified ordinances. Second Reading.
Meeting Adjourned