Following is a summary of the September 13, 2022, City Council Workshop. To watch the full meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Correspondence and Council Comments
- At this week’s Planning Commission meeting it reviewed a conditional use for Laurel Lake to construction 9 additional duplex buildings for a total of 18; a final subdivision review for an 11-lot, single family home development near Norton Road and Darrow Lake Drive; and a conditional use and major development site plan for Hudson Community Living, an institutional residential use serving individuals with disabilities.
Discussion Items
- Sister City Guidelines. Staff presented draft guidelines for the formal adoption of a Sister City relationship with the City of Hudson. Council agreed with the guidelines, and The City will reach out to our the Landsberg citizen group for their comments.
- Comprehensive Plan Update – Steering Committee. Council will be appointing members to the committee next week.
- Community Composting Program. The Environmental Awareness Committee is recommending putting a survey on Let’s Talk Hudson to see if there is enough interest in using Rubber City Reuse that offers drop-off and curbside composting solutions to subscribers in Summit County. The survey would determine if the City should provide a drop off location. There would be no cost to the City.
- Police Services Agreement with Hudson School District. Police Chief Tabak discussed with Council that the Hudson Schools is recommending the addition of one School Resource Officer (SRO) to the Elementary Schools. We currently have one at the High School and one at the Middle School. HPD would need to hire an additional officer. The Hudson City School District would pay $110,000.000 per year for this officer and commit to three (3) years. This amount is equal to an officer at Step 2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement including all benefits. Equipment is not included and City pays. If after 3 years, if the schools are not funding the officer, the chief will use the officer through attrition.
- Guidance Rules for the Use of Space at City Hall and at Other City Properties. Council discussed fees and a 3-year lease for use of space on public properties. Council discussed the historic Boy Scout Cabin, leased by the Rotary, and used by the Boy Scouts. Staff also discussed the historic Town Hall Building and leases. A separate exemption will be drafted by the Solicitor for these historic structures. Staff will look into this item further with the City Solicitor and will revise the guidelines as discussed with Council.
- Regulating the Maintenance of Sidewalks, Curbs, and Gutters. Council discussed maintenance of sidewalks, curbs and gutters particularly regarding snowplowing on sidewalks. The proposed ordinance will have a first reading on September 20, 2022.
- Proposed Amendment to Chapter 1480 – High Grass. The current high grass regulations establish a maximum eight inch height for grass. When areas exceed such grass height, Code Enforcement staff issue notice to the property owner requesting mowing. The existing regulation has been challenging to administer as numerous properties in town are outside of a platted and improved subdivisions and in more rural areas. This amendment ensures maintenance of all developed parcels as well as land within subdivisions. Undeveloped parcels would not have to meet this requirement except within 20 feet of a Public ROW. The 20 ft. standard is to aid visibility of utilities, fire hydrants, and access to public sidewalks. Council felt 20 ft. might be too much. Staff will revise the legislation and come back to Council with a reduced setback amount.
Future Consent Agenda Items
- ODOT South Main Street Bridge Replacement Project. Will require closing SR 91 for a period of 16 days. The project is being sponsored and managed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). ODOT is required to request and receive legislation from the City of Hudson prior to making any repairs to State Highways within the corporate limits of the municipality. This project will include the removal and replacement of the existing bridge under SR 91 just south of Ravenna Street. As part of the project, the City has requested widening of the sidewalk along the west side of SR 91 to better accommodate a future multi-purpose path along this section of roadway. It will be on the Consent Agenda next week.
Future Agenda Items
- Will discuss appointing a City Manager possibly in the next weeks meeting if the agreement can be reached..
- Fiber to the Home Committee is looking at October 11th for the RFP to go to Council.
- There will be a Proclamation on September 20 for Constitution Week.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter concerning the employment of a public employee.
Meeting Adjourned