City of Hudson, Ohio

Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council Workshop

Jeffrey L. Anzevino, Mayor

Christopher W. Foster, President of Council (Ward 2)

Christopher A. Banweg, Council Member (At-Large)

Michael W. Bird, Council Member (Ward 4)

Patricia L. Goetz, Council Member (Ward 1)

Karen E. Heater, Council Member (At-Large)

Nicole V. Kowalski, Council Member (At-Large)

Skylar J. Sutton, Council Member (Ward 3)

Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager

Marshal Pitchford, City Solicitor & Special Counsel

Aparna Wheeler, Clerk of Council

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

7:30 PM

Town Hall

27 East Main Street

Call to Order

In the absence of Mayor Anzevino, President of Council Foster 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.

6 -

Present:

Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Kowalski and Mr.

Sutton

1 -

Absent:

Mrs. Heater

Others & Staff in Attendance: Mr. Comeriato, Assistant City Manager - Operations; Ms. Fernandez, Community

Project Planner; Mr. Hannan, Community Development Director; Mr. Knoblauch, Assistant City Manager -

Financial/Special Projects; Mr. Kosco, City Engineer; and Mr. Leiter, HCTV Production Assistant.

Correspondence and Council Comments

Dr. Goetz inquired whether the $600,000 mentioned by Mr. Sheridan last week, which is to be returned to the

General Fund from the Golf Course, could be allocated to the Inclusive Playground project or used for lighting

at the Pickleball Courts.

Dr. Bird expressed his disappointment that the City did not receive any emergency management funds from the

August 8th flood. He also thanked Mr. Sheridan and staff for their ongoing efforts to investigate the flood's

impact and explore ways to prevent future occurrences.

Mr. Foster highlighted concerns raised by residents that he would like staff to investigate. Those concerns

include trucks obstructing Hudson-Aurora Road during school hours, issues with curb in front of Brewster

Mansion at the crosswalk across from Hudson Community Foundation affecting turns, further discussion on

FLOCK cameras, and the enforcement of overnight parking ban and elimination during non-snow season . He

also requested that staff inquire with the Ohio EMA about the threshold for declaring an emergency, requested

an update on the Metro Parks Maple Grove Park extension at the Former Youth Development Center and

suggested the re-allocation of funds from Golf to General fund for stormwater projects.

Discussion Items

TMP-7497

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING IN CONCEPT THE 2026-2030 WALK

AND BIKE HUDSON PLAN.

Brief Description: The draft Walk and Bike Hudson Plan has been prepared

for Council discussion.

Attachments:

Staff Memo

Appendices A_B_C

Walk and Bike Plan 2026-2030 - Draft

Draft Resolution

Ms. Fernandez and Mr. Kosco presented the updated Walk and Bike Plan. Ms. Fernandez stated that staff

incorporated Council's feedback from the June discussion, which included prioritizing high-speed roads over

inter-neighborhood connections. She presented the updated scoring matrix and rankings and asked for

Council's input on the desired funding level and any changes to the segments identified as priorities for

sidewalk, connection to regional amenities, and educational and safety improvements to the existing network .

Council discussion followed, covering topics such as adding signs with QR codes for bike maps, combining

various segments, reviewing Southeast corner connections to nearby trails or neighborhoods, prioritizing parks

over schools, timelines and funding for multi-purpose trails, studying bike lanes within the City, and installing

rumble strips along some bike lanes. Mr. Foster noted that current connections should be completed before

prioritizing interconnection with Metro Parks. Staff will finalize the matrix and return to Council for further

schedule discussions.

This matter was discussed.

24-0090

High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Signal

Brief Description: At the August 27, 2024, Council Workshop, Council

requested staff review the possible installation of a High-Intensity Activated

Crosswalk signal, or “HAWK” Signal, on Aurora Street at E. Main Street.

Attachments:

FHWA Hybrid Signal Fact Sheet

Walking Route Exhibit

Mr. Kosco and Mr. Banweg explained the reasons for bringing this discussion item forward. Council discussion

followed that included impact to traffic, cost, and location. Mr. Kosco stated that he will provide Council with

locations near Hudson that have these installed and proposed conducting an accessibility study . Mr. Foster

recommended that Council learn more about the operation of HAWK signals before proceeding .

This matter was discussed.

24-0091

Turnpike Bridge Widening and Trail Projects

Brief Description: Staff would like to discuss future trail budgets within the

Northwest quadrant of the City.

Attachments:

Exhibit NW Quadrant Trail Map V1

Exhibit NW Quadrant Trail Map V2

Mr. Kosco provided information on the costs associated with the Turnpike Bridge Widening and upcoming

proposed trail projects. Mr. Kosco asked Council whether they would prefer to reconsider the Turnpike Bridge

Widening and explore alternative options to reduce the overall trail project costs. After a brief discussion, there

was Council consensus to continue with the Turnpike Bridge Widening project. Mr. Knoblauch noted that some

projects will need to be re-prioritized, as the Turnpike Bridge Widening is currently listed as unfunded in the

draft 5-Year Plan.

This matter was discussed.

24-121

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH NORFOLK

SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE OF

APPROXIMATELY 10.77 ACRES LOCATED AT PARCEL NO.

30-04145 IN THE CITY OF HUDSON, OHIO, FOR PUBLIC

PURPOSES.

Brief Description: The City Manager is requesting City Council authorize

him to enter into an agreement for the Purchase of Property for future rails to

trail project. (See the attached map.) The cost of the property is $510,000 for

a portion of Summit County, Ohio parcel 30-04145, currently owned by

Norfolk Southern Railway Company, located at 650 W. Peachtree Street NW,

Atlanta, Georgia 30308, and an additional $30,000 for abandonment of the

railroad, for a total cost of $540,000.

Attachments:

Exhibit A: Map of RR Purchase Area Sept 2024

Resolution No. 24-121

Mr. Kosco provided an update on the schedule for the purchase and sale agreement, purchase price, and next

steps required.

This matter was discussed.

Proposed Consent Agenda for October 1, 2024, Council Meeting

24-118

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO BID

AND AWARD FOR THE PRINTING SERVICES FOR THE FOCUS

ON HUDSON NEWSLETTER.

Brief Description: This request is to enable the Communications Department

to bid and award a multi-year printing and mailing services for the Focus on

Hudson Newsletter.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 24-118

Responding to a question, Mr. Comeriato stated that this would be for 6 issues and that the increase in the

frequency of the newsletters has been well received.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-119

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GPD

GROUP FOR THE DESIGN OF THE HINES HILL GRADE

SEPARATION PROJECT (ODOT PID 121034).

Brief Description: The purpose of this request for proposal (RFP) was to

solicit proposals from professional design, engineering and surveying

consultants (Consultant) for the analysis, engineering, and detailed design of a

Railroad Grade Separation Bridge on Hines Hill Road over the Norfolk

Southern Railroad tracks. The project includes the study, design and

necessary coordination for the new bridge, roadway and pedestrian

improvements, drainage improvements, street lighting, and other

miscellaneous design items as described in the formal Request for Proposals

(RFP).

Attachments:

Resolution No. 24-119

Responding to a question, Mr. Kosco stated that as part of the grant application, it was noted that the City was

working on plan development, which shows a commitment from the City on the project.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-120

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH OARNET FOR THE LICENSING OF

VMWARE SOFTWARE FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This Resolution is for approval to enter into an agreement

with OARnet to allow the City of Hudson to fix costs for the annual renewal

of VMWare licensing for the next five-years.

Attachments:

City Of Hudson Ohio - VMware - 09.05.2024 - Quote 37740441

Resolution No. 24-120

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

Proposed Legislation for October 1, 2024, Council Meeting

24-76

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Brief Description: The ordinance would adopt the City’s update to the

Comprehensive Plan.

Attachments:

Exhibit A: Hudson Comprehensive Plan 2024 - Draft Plan (9.26.24)

Hudson Comprehensive Plan 2024 - Draft Appendix

PC 24-820 Decision Comprehensive Plan Recommendation (FINAL)

Ordinance No. 24-76

Ordinance No. 24-76 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-86

AN ORDINANCE PERMITTING FUNDS-IN-LIEU OF SIDEWALKS

CITYWIDE AND REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO

NON-VEHICULAR CONNECTIVITY IN THE CITY OF HUDSON.

Brief Description: The Council of the City of Hudson seeks to clarify

conflicting variance precedents granted by the Board of Zoning & Building

Appeals.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-86 (as revised 7-16-2024)

PC 24-842 Decision - LDC amendment - Sidewalk Funds-in-Lieu

Ordinance No. 24-86 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-103

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING IN CONCEPT THE 2024 SAFE

ROUTES TO SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN.

Brief Description: The Safe Routes to School Travel Plan was last updated in

2011. In 2023, the City received a grant from the Ohio Department of

Transportation (ODOT) to develop a new School Travel Plan. A core team

was selected to guide the effort, consisting of representatives from Hudson

City Schools, City Council, and City Staff. With the assistance of an

engineering traffic safety consultant, the new School Travel Plan was recently

completed. City staff will review the plan with City Council.

Attachments:

Memo To Council 9-3-2024

Exhibit A - 2024 Safe Routes School Travel Plan 9-3-2024

2011 Safe Routes School Travel Plan

Exhibit A - 08-27-2024

Resolution No. 24-103

Resolution No. 24-103 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-110

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY COUNCIL RULES TO

ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR THE REFERRAL OF MATTERS TO

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS EFFICIENTLY BY MOTION; AND

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This ordinance simplifies the parliamentary procedure for

City Council’s referral of items or topics to City boards and commissions.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-110

Ordinance No. 24-110 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-111

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

$740,000 OF TAXABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NONTAX

REVENUE BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF ACQUIRING APPROXIMATELY 4.0 ACRES OF REAL

PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF

OWEN BROWN STREET AND MORSE ROAD.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the refinancing of existing

financial obligations of the City. It allows for the rollover of note proceeds

used to pay for the former Windstream property at 100 Owen Brown Street,

purchased as part of the Downtown Phase II Project.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-111

Ordinance No. 24-111 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-112

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

$925,000 OF TAXABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NONTAX

REVENUE BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF ACQUIRING APPROXIMATELY 1.0 ACRE OF REAL

PROPERTY LOCATED AT 94 OWEN BROWN STREET.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the financing of the former

Windstream property at 94 Owen Brown Street, purchased as part of the

Downtown Phase II Project.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-112

Ordinance No. 24-112 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-113

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

NOT TO EXCEED $7,300,000 OF NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF IMPROVING CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT

5810 HUDSON DRIVE BY CONSTRUCTING, FURNISHING

EQUIPPING AND OTHERWISE IMPROVING (i) A NEW SALT

STORAGE FACILITY AND (ii) A NEW BUS MAINTENANCE AND

STORAGE FACILITY AND CLEARING, IMPROVING AND

EQUIPPING THE SITE.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the refinancing of existing

financial obligations of the City. It allows for the sale of notes to finance the

cost of the new bus garage and salt storage facility.

Attachments:

Fiscal Officer Certificate - 5810 Hudson Dr Salt Storage

Ordinance No. 24-113

Ordinance No. 24-113 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-114

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

NOT TO EXCEED $3,295,000 OF NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF ACQUIRING REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED BY THE

SUMMIT COUNTY FISCAL OFFICER AS PERMANENT PARCEL

NOS. 30-01315 AND 30-01316 AND CONSISTING OF

APPROXIMATELY 31 ACRES KNOWN AS 5431 HUDSON DRIVE IN

THE CITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A FACILITY

HOUSING FUNCTIONS OF THE CITY’S DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC

WORKS AND CONSTRUCTING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING

THAT FACILITY AND CLEARING, EQUIPPING AND IMPROVING

THAT SITE

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the financing of the purchase of

the Hudson Drive property that will be used for the new Public Works facility

as well as financing the cost of design of the new facility.

Attachments:

Fiscal Officer Certificate - 5431 Hudson Drive Public Works

Ordinance No. 24-114

Ordinance No. 24-114 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-115

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

NOT TO EXCEED $2,700,000 OF NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING A

NEW CLUBHOUSE AT THE CITY’S ELLSWORTH MEADOWS

GOLF CLUB AND CLEARING, IMPROVING AND EQUIPPING ITS

SITE.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the financing a portion of the

new clubhouse at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club. The total cost is estimated

at $3.1 million. The balance of the project cost will be paid from the golf

course fund balance.

Attachments:

Fiscal Officer Certificate - Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club

Ordinance No. 24-115

Ordinance No. 24-115 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-116

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

NOT TO EXCEED $1,750,000 OF NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF IMPROVING THE CITY’S RECREATIONAL

FACILITIES BY INSTALLING AND IMPROVING A

MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL ALONG BOSTON MILLS ROAD

BETWEEN TIMBERLINE TRAIL AND LAKE FOREST DRIVE.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the financing of the trail along

Boston Mills Road from Timberline Trail (Reserve at River Oaks) to Lake

Forest Drive as part of the connectivity plan.

Attachments:

Fiscal Officer Certificate - Boston Mills Rd Trail

Ordinance No. 24-116

Ordinance No. 24-116 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

24-117

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF

NOT TO EXCEED $1,000,000 OF NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF

THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING

COSTS OF IMPROVING THE CITY’S RECREATIONAL

FACILITIES BY INSTALLING AND IMPROVING A

MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL ALONG VALLEY VIEW ROAD BETWEEN

STATE ROUTE 91 AND HUNTING HOLLOW DRIVE AND

CONTINUING ON HUNTING HOLLOW DRIVE TO PROSPECT

ROAD.

Brief Description: This ordinance allows for the financing of the trail along

Valley View Road between SR 91 and Hunting Hollow Drive and on Hunting

Hollow Drive to Prospect Road as part of the connectivity plan.

Attachments:

Fiscal Officer Certificate - Valley View Rd Trail

Ordinance No. 24-117

Ordinance No. 24-117 was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

TMP-7497

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING IN CONCEPT THE 2026-2030 WALK

AND BIKE HUDSON PLAN.

Brief Description: The draft Walk and Bike Hudson Plan has been prepared

for Council discussion.

Attachments:

Staff Memo

Appendices A_B_C

Walk and Bike Plan 2026-2030 - Draft

Draft Resolution

This Resolution was pulled from the October 1, 2024, Council meeting agenda, and will come back to a future

workshop, after requested changes are made by staff.

This Resolution was postponed to a future workshop.

24-121

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH NORFOLK

SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE OF

APPROXIMATELY 10.77 ACRES LOCATED AT PARCEL NO.

30-04145 IN THE CITY OF HUDSON, OHIO, FOR PUBLIC

PURPOSES.

Brief Description: The City Manager is requesting City Council authorize

him to enter into an agreement for the Purchase of Property for future rails to

trail project. (See the attached map.) The cost of the property is $510,000 for

a portion of Summit County, Ohio parcel 30-04145, currently owned by

Norfolk Southern Railway Company, located at 650 W. Peachtree Street NW,

Atlanta, Georgia 30308, and an additional $30,000 for abandonment of the

railroad, for a total cost of $540,000.

Attachments:

Exhibit A: Map of RR Purchase Area Sept 2024

Resolution No. 24-121

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the October 1, 2024, Council

meeting.

Items to be Added to Future Agendas

Mr. Foster noted that the following items will appear on the October 1, 2024, Council meeting agenda:

Proclamations for Colonial Heritage Month and 175th Anniversary of Hudson Fire, and a public hearing will

be held on Ordinance No. 24-86 entitled "An Ordinance Permitting Funds In-Lieu of Sidewalks Citywide and

Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Non-Vehicular Connectivity in the City of Hudson." He further stated that

he has been working with Mayor Anzevino regarding a Proclamation recognizing Clayton Rakes .

Adjournment

There being no further discussion, Mr. Foster adjourned the Council workshop meeting at 8:38

p.m.

_______________________________

Christopher W. Foster, President of Council

_______________________________