Following is a summary of the February 7, 2023, City Council Meeting. To watch the meeting, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Executive Session
- Council entered executive session to interview applicants for the Hudson Community TV Advisory Committee.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes of the 12/20/22, 1/17/23, 1/21/23, 1/24/23, and 1/31/23 council meetings, workshops, special meeting, and Council retreat were approved unanimously.
Honorary Resolutions
- Special Recognition of Leanne Schumacher for her dedicated service as a member of the Environmental Awareness Committee.
Proclamations
- Special Recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Week. This proclamation recognizes Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 12-18, 2023, and encourages citizens to perform acts of kindness.
Public Comments
Following is a brief summary of public comments.
- One individual attributed the progress the City has made in the last few years to the leadership of Chris Foster and thanked Council as a whole for the great job they are doing for the City of Hudson.
- One individual was disappointed in the behavior of some residents at the January 17 Council meeting and was concerned the views of all the wards and residents are not being heard. She asked that Council work together and not work for political gain. Thanked Council for their work and sacrifices made to serve Hudson.
- One resident commended Council for standing steadfast in their resolve to act in the best interest of Hudson. Urged Council and the Mayor to put a stop to inappropriate behavior of those attending meetings.
- One individual expressed disappointment in recent disruptions/behavior of attendees at Council meetings. Voiced support for the majority of Council and the censure of Councilmember Nicole Kowalski. Asked Council to work together on important issues coming up.
- An individual mentioned the shift from non-political to political agendas over the years. Supports censure of Nicole Kowalski and believes the will of an individual does not overrule the majority and that all opinions and thoughts be heard.
- An individual thanked and commended Chris Foster, Karen Heater, Skylar Sutton, Chris Banweg, and former Councilmember Beth Bigham for their service to Hudson.
- An individual expressed concern about recent school board and City Council meetings because of resident behavior during these meetings. The resident also was concerned that pornographic library books have not been removed from schools. Spoke in support of the censure of Nicole Kowalski. Told Council to keep up the good work and asked residents to stick to the facts.
- An individual thanked most of Council for their commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
- A resident thanked Council for serving Hudson and being courteous and friendly regardless of politics. Encouraged dialogue and is glad to see when everyone doesn’t completely agree because that means different views are being considered and heard.
- An individual thanked Council for their due diligence in making sure no Council person is above the law and following through with investigating any infractions.
Click on this link to view the Public Comments portion of the meeting. www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Correspondence and Council Comments
- Council mentioned a resident concern that the north part of South Hayden has been overlooked regarding pavement rating. Council asked staff to look into adding this to the pavement schedule in the next year or two.
- A subcommittee of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and the Consultant toured the City and provided an update to the full committee. The Consultant asked the Committee to bring likes and dislikes of current plan to the next meeting and to consider two more subcommittees – one for community outreach for public awareness and another to facilitate engagement when the survey and comments phase is reached. The March meeting with the consultant will focus on the survey they plan to conduct in the spring. The Committee will consider an online survey tool or conducting a statistically valid survey for $15,000 - $30,000. The survey and cost will be discussed at a future workshop.
- Update on the intersection of Library and Clinton. The City Manager reported that Summit County is planning to run sanitary sewer from Owen Brown to Clinton Street. Then, Owen Brown Street will be reconstructed by the City. A public meeting on the reconstruction is being held February 16 for Owen Brown residents. After the sanitary sewer is installed, a driveway change to Heinen’s will be considered to eliminate the driveway closest to the town homes and enlarge the driveway by the Heinen’s building to three lanes – two exiting and one entering the parking lot. A traffic flow change to one-way on Clinton also will be considered to increase safety. Information will be published on the website soon.
- Councilmembers Heater and Banweg held an Open Forum recently and plan to have one monthly.
- Councilmember Kowalski clarified misinformation in the public comments. According to Ms. Kowalski, she did not ask for three opinions, only two. The first one was requested by staff not her. The second one she had no knowledge of until it was used as a supporting document in the censure. She said the City is trying to redact documents that they revoked attorney client privilege on to prevent the public from seeing the full information. She feels that all expenditures were on legislation that was brought forward lawfully in accordance with the City Charter and Council rules. She also said that she was doing her job and is allowed to create and present legislation and that the evidence was related to lawful bringing forward of legislation.
Click on this link to view the Council Comments portion of the meeting. www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings.
Report of Manager
- Due to milder weather, City crews got a head start on patching streets and on stormwater.
- The Engineering Department will provide a Capital Projects update to Council at the February 28 meeting.
- City offices closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on February 20.
Appointments
- Clarified that a Council President Pro Tempore is not appointed each year. The person in attendance at a meeting or workshop who is the longest serving member on Council when Council President is absent is the Council President Pro Tempore.
- Environmental Awareness Committee. Appointed Joseph Ortiz, Holly Harris, and Alex Salimian.
- HCTV Advisory Committee. Appointed Nick Zaklanovich, Gary Viar, and Patrick Miller.
EAC and HCTV appointments approved. 6-0.
- Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. Reappointed Lydia Bronstein. Appointed Jane Davis.
- Planning Commission. Appointed Matthew Romano.
BZBA and PC appointments approved. 5 in favor, 1 abstention.
Consent Agenda
Council passed the following Consent Agenda items. Passed 6-0.
- Resolution authorizing a contract with Ciuni & Panichi, Inc. for the preparation of the City’s 2022 annual financial statements.
- Resolution authorizing advertising for bids and entering into a contract for the Veterans Trail Phase 2.
- Resolution authorizing advertising for bids, awarding and entering into a contract for the replacement of the driveway culvert at 27 Barlow Road.
- Resolution authorizing advertising for bids, awarding and entering into a contract for the Roslyn Water Main Replacement Project.
- Resolution authorizing a professional services contract with TMS Engineers Inc. for the redesign of the Adaptive Signals for Downtown Project.
- An ordinance authorizing revisions to Hudson’s Codified Ordinances to incorporate various ordinances and resolutions of general and permanent nature that have been passed by Council since the date of the last updating through December 5, 2022 and to include changes reflecting current State law through June 30, 2022.
- Resolution to approve a then and now certificate for a purchase made before a purchase order was generated.
Legislation
- Resolution amending the mission statement of the H.O.M.E. committee. Second reading.
- Resolution amending Resolution No. 22-108 amending the official City policy governing the exhibition of flags at City government facilities and City-owned properties. Second reading.
Meeting Adjourned