Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 220.01 AND 220.031(A) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HUDSON TO CHANGE THE LOCATION FOR CITY COUNCIL’S REGULAR AND WORKSHOP MEETINGS TO CITY HALL.
Brief Description: This legislation would allow City Council to move its meeting location to City Hall for better accessibility, safety, and technology.
Body
Legislative History
None
Purpose & Explanation
While City Council recognizes the importance of preserving the historic character and architectural integrity of the historic Hudson Town Hall and seeks to reduce unnecessary wear associated with frequent large public gatherings, Council also recognizes that conducting public meetings in a modern facility better positions our community to meet current and future operational, technological, and public service needs.
Hudson City Hall and its Board Room in particular offer enhanced accessibility and improved accommodations for the public, including modern life-safety systems, emergency access, convenient parking, pedestrian accessibility, and efficient site circulation, together with advanced audio-visual technology and infrastructure that support public attendance and meaningful public participation, facilitate high-quality recording and broadcasting of public meetings, and promote effective governmental operations.
Relocating public meetings to City Hall does not diminish the historic significance of Hudson Town Hall. Rather, it allows the City to better protect and preserve the historic building by reducing the wear and operational demands associated with frequent public meetings. Limiting routine high-traffic use will help extend the building’s useful life, reduce maintenance needs over time, and support its long-term preservation as one of our community’s most important historic and civic landmarks.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04:
Competitively bid and advertised for three consecutive weeks; bid tab attached: [Yes/No/NA])
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
X Other: Charter 3.05(a) - Allowing City Council to determine its meeting place.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required.
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes [if so, explain why]
X No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
President Bird and City staff recommend that City Council approve this Ordinance, designating Hudson City Hall as the primary location for City Council meetings.
Submitted by,
Michael Bird, Council President
Thomas Sheridan, City Manager