Minutes - City Council Workshop

City of Hudson, Ohio

Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council Workshop

Jeffrey L. Anzevino, Mayor

Michael W. Bird, President of Council (Ward 4)

Kyle Brezovec, Council Member (At-Large)

Samantha D'Eramo, Council Member (At-Large)

Patricia L. Goetz, Council Member (Ward 1)

Skylar J. Sutton, Council Member (Ward 3)

Amanda Weinstein, Council Member (At-Large)

Dan White, Council Member (Ward 2)

Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager

Marshal Pitchford, City Solicitor & Special Counsel

Aparna Wheeler, Clerk of Council

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

7:30 PM

Town Hall

27 East Main Street

Call to Order

Mayor Anzevino called to order the workshop of Hudson City Council at 7:30 p.m., in

accordance with the Sunshine Laws of the State of Ohio, O.R.C. Section 121.22, and he handed

the workshop over to President of Council Bird, in accordance with Council Rules.

6 -

Present:

Dr. Bird, Mr. Brezovec, Ms. D'Eramo, Dr. Goetz, Mr. Sutton and Mr.

White

1 -

Absent:

Dr. Weinstein

Others & Staff in Attendance: Mrs. Behnke, Economic Development Manager; Mr. Ersing, Assistant IT

Director; Mr. Griffith, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Hannan, Community Development Director; Mr.

Knoblauch, Assistant City Manager - Financial/Special Projects; Mr. Kosco, City Engineer; Mr. Leedham,

Innovation & Technology Director; Mr. Ferda, HCTV Production Assistant; Mr. Powell, Public Works

Director; and Mr. Tabak, Chief of Police.

Correspondence and Council Comments

Dr. Goetz thanked City staff and the Military and Veteran's Commission for putting together the Memorial Day

Parade. She also noted that the Hudson League of Service is seeking donations to help cover the costs of ice

cream and trash clean‑up for the Ice Cream Social, as they are no longer receiving support from Hershey’s or

Republic Services.

Mayor Anzevino expressed his appreciation to the 4th grade class at Eastwoods Intermediate School for inviting

him to speak about the history of Hudson and the workings of local government. He also noted that he will be

visiting Hudson Middle School to recognize students who set new Track and Field school records and reminded

everyone that the last day of school is May 29. He also announced several upcoming community events: the first

Farmer’s Market of the season on Saturday, June 6; the Ice Cream Social, the Home and Garden Tour and the

first Screen on the Green on June 12. He also noted dates and times for upcoming outdoor concerts and

musical performances are available on the community calendar.

Dr. Bird also thanked everyone involved with the Memorial Day Parade. He further noted that a neighborhood

feedback meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28 regarding Middleton Park.

Discussion Items

26-0041

Tinkers Creek Watershed Study - Model and Final Draft Report

Brief Description: Staff and the City’s consultant, ms consultants, will

present the Tinkers Creek Watershed Study development, findings and

recommendations.

Attachments:

Tinkers Creek Watershed Study Council 5-26-26

Figures 4.5 - 4.6

Tinkers Creek Study Area

Website Comments

Email Comments

Mr. Kosco provided brief background regarding the Tinkers Creek Watershed Study and introduced Mr . Chad

Boyer, ms consultants, who presented the model and final draft report. Discussion followed that included

interaction of storm sewer with sanitary sewer, cost estimates of projects, and how projects were prioritized .

This matter was discussed.

26-0042

An Update on an Opt-In Natural Gas Program and Discussion Regarding

Options to Move to an Opt-Out Program.

Brief Description: Following our review and discussion with the City’s

energy broker regarding available options for an opt-in natural gas

program-and given the lack of any viable alternatives-staff would like to

discuss additional options with Council.

Attachments:

Ordinance-Ballot-Gas-Hudson May26

Mr. Powell presented an update on the opt-in natural gas program and introduced Mr. Thomas Bellish,

president of Buckeye Energy Brokers, who outlined the opt-out program and the proposed implementation

timeline. Following discussion of the opt-out program details, the group reached consensus to proceed with

placing legislation on the agenda to put the issue on the November ballot.

This matter was discussed.

26-94

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A CONTRACT WITH AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER TO

PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY ENERGY SAVINGS SMART

THERMOSTAT PROGRAM

Brief Description: This project involves participation in the Community

Energy Savings Smart Thermostat Program; Hudson Public Power customers

volunteer to participate in this energy savings effort by enrolling in a program

that strategically alters temperature control settings during peak demand

conditions.

Attachments:

CES Smart Thermostat Program Overview for Hudson Council May 26 ch

Resolution No. 26-94

Mr. Powell introduced Ms. Erin Miller, American Municipal Power (AMP), who provided information on AMP

as well as a Smart Thermostat program for Hudson Public Power customers. Discussion followed regarding

how the Smart Thermostat Program works.

This matter was discussed.

26-0043

Clinton Crossing Project Discussion

Brief Description: City staff will provide an update discussion on the Clinton

Crossing project including the upcoming Community Engagement to be led

by our consultant RDL Architects

Attachments:

Memo - Clinton Crossing Update - 5.26.26 Mtg

Engagement Schedule 2026

Mr. Griffith explained the updates made to the Comprehensive Plan map regarding Clinton Crossing . Ms. Jessie

Obert, a member of the Comprehensive Steering Committee, clarified the intended purpose of the map and noted

that it is based on percentages, which were unaffected by the location adjustments made by City staff . Mr.

Griffith also outlined the upcoming public engagement meetings, and Mr. Hannan provided a timeline for

Council discussions and the process of securing a development partner.

This matter was discussed.

26-0044

Hudson Innovation Park Overview

Brief Description: City Council requested an overview of the economic

development site at 996 Hines Hill Road, now called Hudson Innovation Park.

Included as attachments for this discussion are attachments from previous

discussion topics. Staff intend to provide a narrative overview and address any

questions.

Attachments:

Council Memo - Workshop 05.26.2026

996 Hines Hill Road Site History

Council Memo - JobsOhio Site Authentication Mar 2025

Hudson Innovation Park Conceptual Building Plan

Ms. Behnke reviewed the history of Hudson Innovation Park and provided an overview of where it stands today .

Discussion followed related to the relocation of the salt dome and types of buildings permitted within this zoning

district.

This matter was discussed.

26-78

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 876 SHORT-TERM

RENTAL OPERATIONS

Brief Description: Following a discussion with City Council an ordinance to

incorporate amendments to the short term rental policy and allowances

currently regulated within Chapter 876 of the codified Ordinances.

Attachments:

City Council Memo Short Term Rentals and Maps 5.26..26

City Council memo short term rentals 5.5.26

City Council memo short term rentals 4.3.26

Exhibit A: Draft 876 redline amendment 4.3.26

City Council memo short term rentals 2.25.26

Chapter 876

Short-Term Rental Locations - 2026 Map

STR Comparison Chart of Peer Communities

Ordinance No. 26-78

Mr. Griffith provided an update on bed tax, annual inspections, noise detectors, and the required buffer between

short‑term rentals. Discussion followed regarding buffer zone requirements, potential fee increases, and

outreach to short‑term rental owners for their input. Based on the discussion, staff will explore establishing caps

by Zoning District rather than by Ward, consider setback requirements, and begin engagement with short‑term

rental owners and neighboring residents.

This matter was discussed.

26-0045

City Council Discussion and Update on Velocity Broadband and the

Fiber to the Home Expansion Project.

Brief Description: Staff is prepared to provide City Council with an annual

update on the progress of the Fiber to the Home expansion Project, including a

general overview, metrics, and what to expect over the next 8-12 months.

Mr. Leedham and Mr. Ersing provided an update on the progress of the Fiber to the Home expansion and what

to expect in the next 8 to 12 months. Discussion followed on installing Velocity Fiber within neighborhoods

where other fiber exists and the take rate for neighborhoods that have Velocity as well as Kinetic .

This matter was discussed.

Proposed Consent Agenda for June 2, 2026, Council Meeting

26-0048

A Motion to Concur with the City Manager’s Appointment of Marshal

M. Pitchford as the Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel.

Brief Description: This motion seeks the concurrence of Council for the

appointment of Marshal Pitchford as Acting City Solicitor and Special

Counsel as well as DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, LLC as Special Counsel.

Dr. Bird stated that this motion is to extend Mr. Pitchford's contract through June 20, 2026 until the new

contract goes into effect.

This Motion was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-87

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO

ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR

FIBER CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND PROCUREMENT

SERVICES FOR THE FIBER TO THE HOME SECOND YEAR

BUILD-OUT PROJECT WITH THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER;

AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

Brief Description: This request will allow staff to bid and enter into contract

for the procurement of fiber and related material for use in the construction of

the fiber to the home (FttH) network over the next year.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 26-87

Mr. Ersing provided an explanation on this contract.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-88

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO AN AMENDED CONTRACT WITH ZAYO FOR DEDICATED

INTERNET SERVICE AND INCREASING BANDWIDTH.

Brief Description: This request will enable Velocity Broadband to amend

and renew its contract with Zayo (formally Crown Castle Fiber) for a three

year term while also increasing the allotted bandwidth to 10Gbps which will

match our other upstream circuits.

Attachments:

SOF - City of Hudson Renewal & Upgrade to 10 Gig - PRO146367

Resolution No. 26-88

Mr. Ersing provided an explanation on this contract.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-89

A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-183 AND

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE

EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND SERVICES FOR THE

CITY’S VELOCITY BROADBAND OPERATIONS DURING THE

YEAR 2026; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This resolution requests permission allowing staff to make

purchases of equipment, materials, supplies, and services in the operations

area of Velocity Broadband that will not exceed a new limit of $300,000.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 26-89

Mr. Ersing provided the reason for this increase in funding.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-90

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CHAGRIN

VALLEY ENGINEERING, LTD. FOR THE DESIGN OF THE

DARROW ROAD PARK STORM WATER MANAGEMENT POND,

PHASE 1.

Brief Description: This project includes the design of a new storm water

management pond inside Darrow Park to help alleviate flood flows to

downstream properties off Tamarisk and Lascala Drive at a cost not to exceed

$135,857.70, which includes a 10% contingency.

Attachments:

Darrow Park Location Map

Resolution No. 26-90

Mr. Kosco provided an explanation on this project.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-91

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO AN AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO RAIL

DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE HINES HILL ROAD

GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT THROUGH THE OHIO GRADE

CROSSING ELIMINATION PROGRAM.

Brief Description: The City was originally awarded a grant from the Ohio

Rail Development Commission (ORDC) in the amount of $2,886,174. ORDC

has recently awarded the City additional contingency funds bringing the total

grant amount to $4,290,000.

Attachments:

Funding Breakdown

Resolution No. 26-91

Mr. Kosco provided an explanation on the additional grant funding received.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-92

A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 26-8 TO

INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE FRANKLIN STREET WATERLINE

PROJECT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: Work will include the replacement of the waterline along

Franklin Street between Aurora Street and the Middle school. Staff is

requesting an increase in funding in the amount of $17,051.00.

Attachments:

Bid Tabulation - Franklin Street Waterline 2026.05.19

Resolution No. 26-92

Mr. Kosco provided the reason for these additional funds.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-93

A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING ACCEPTANCE BY THE CITY

MANAGER OF THE GREATEST AMERICAN CLEANUP GRANT BY

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL.

Brief Description: The City Manager has accepted a Keep America Beautiful

Grant in the amount of $5,000 to fund plantings to complete a recommended

area of beds within downtown Hudson. The grant does not require a match.

Attachments:

Grant Contract - Signed

Garden Bed Proposal

Downtown Beautification Map

Resolution No. 26-93

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

26-94

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A CONTRACT WITH AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER TO

PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY ENERGY SAVINGS SMART

THERMOSTAT PROGRAM

Brief Description: This project involves participation in the Community

Energy Savings Smart Thermostat Program; Hudson Public Power customers

volunteer to participate in this energy savings effort by enrolling in a program

that strategically alters temperature control settings during peak demand

conditions.

Attachments:

CES Smart Thermostat Program Overview for Hudson Council May 26 ch

Resolution No. 26-94

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

Proposed Legislation for June 2, 2026, Council Meeting

26-78

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 876 SHORT-TERM

RENTAL OPERATIONS

Brief Description: Following a discussion with City Council an ordinance to

incorporate amendments to the short term rental policy and allowances

currently regulated within Chapter 876 of the codified Ordinances.

Attachments:

City Council Memo Short Term Rentals and Maps 5.26..26

City Council memo short term rentals 5.5.26

City Council memo short term rentals 4.3.26

Exhibit A: Draft 876 redline amendment 4.3.26

City Council memo short term rentals 2.25.26

Chapter 876

Short-Term Rental Locations - 2026 Map

STR Comparison Chart of Peer Communities

Ordinance No. 26-78

Ordinance No. 26-78 was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council

meeting.

26-79

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH HUDSON COMMUNITY

FOUNDATION REGARDING A SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

PROGRAM AND ACCEPTING A DONATION FOR A PASSENGER

VAN.

Brief Description: This initiative arose in 2025 when the Hudson Senior

Network Foundation (HSN) and Hudson Community Foundation (HCF)

raised funds for a Senior project. The Senior Transportation Program was

recognized as a need in the community. The HSN began researching a

program in an adjacent community that provides a similar service and they

along with HCF began collecting donations. To date, the groups have raised

the needed costs for a passenger van (estimated State Bid Cost $58,000) and

are asking the City to accept the donation to purchase the van and provide a

senior transportation program to Hudson residents over the age of 65 years of

age.

Attachments:

SCAT Information on service 5-1-26

SCAT_Memo - Reviews 5-1-26

Senior Van Costs

Guidelines_City of Hudson Senior Transportation Program - DRAFT

04-22-2026

Application_City of Hudson Senior Transportation Program - DRAFT

Waiver & Release of Liability_City of Hudson Senior Transportation

Program

Six Mile Radius Map

HSN Van Survey Results

Resolution No. 26-79

Resolution No. 26-79 was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council

meeting.

26-85

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 206.07 OF THE

CODIFIED ORDINANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF

UPDATING SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

Brief Description: The Codified Ordinances’ Council meeting

notification provision is outdated and must be updated.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 26-85

Ordinance No. 26-85 was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council

meeting.

26-86

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO

ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR

THE INSTALLATION OF HYDRANTS ALONG MIDDLETON ROAD

AND STOW ROAD.

Brief Description: This project includes the installation of 14 fire hydrants

on the City of Akron watermain along Middleton Road and Stow Road.

Attachments:

Hydrant Location Map

Resolution No. 26-86

Resolution No. 26-86 was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council

meeting.

26-96

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NORTHSTAR TOWERS II, LLC.

Brief Description: Consideration of a long term lease agreement between the

City of Hudson and Northstar Towers II, LLC for the lease of City-owned

property for the construction, installation, and operation of a

telecommunications (cell) tower and related communications equipment to

benefit the southern portion of the City.

Attachments:

Cell phone tower location

Resolution No. 26-96

Responding to a question, Mr. Knoblauch stated they have up to 3 years to build the cell tower.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the June 2, 2026, Council meeting.

Items to be Added to Future Agendas

Dr. Goetz expressed her intention to introduce an Ordinance to hire a full-time City Solicitor and explained the

rationale behind the proposal. A motion was made by Dr. Goetz, seconded by Ms. D’Eramo, to place this item

on the agenda for the June 2, 2026 Council meeting.

Dr. Bird stated that a Proclamation for Hudson Days will appear on the June 2, 2026, Council agenda.

Adjournment

There being no further discussion, Dr. Bird adjourned the Council workshop meeting at 10:41

p.m.

_______________________________

Michael Bird, President of Council

_______________________________

Jeffrey Knoblauch, Assistant City Manager, Clerk of Council Pro Tempore