City of Hudson, Ohio

Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council

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, July 9, 2024

7:30 PM

Town Hall

27 East Main Street

Regular Meeting:

Call to Order

In the absence of Mayor Anzevino, President of Council Foster called to order the meeting 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.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Roll Call

6 -

1 -

Present:

Absent:

Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater and Mr. Sutton

Mrs. Kowalski

Staff in Attendance: Mr. Sheridan, City Manager; Mr. Pitchford, City Solicitor & Special Counsel; Ms. Wheeler,

Clerk of Council; Mr. Comeriato, Assistant City Manager - Operations; Mr. Knoblauch, Assistant City Manager

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

Powell, Assistant Public Works Director

Approval of the Minutes

24-0065

Minutes of Previous Council Meetings

Brief Description: Draft minutes of previous meetings are provided for City

Council’s review and approval.

Attachments:

June 18, 2024 Combined Meeting & Workshop Minutes - Draft

A motion was made by Mrs. Heater, seconded by Dr. Bird, that the minutes be approved as

submitted. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater and Mr. Sutton

Public Comments

None.

Correspondence and Council Comments

Mr. Banweg thanked Mayor Anzevino for leading the effort on the new City flag.

Dr. Bird suggested clarification of the signage around the Milford Rd./SR 303 detour, stating that sidewalk ends

for pedestrians and cyclists. He also heard from Ward 4 residents about a lengthy fireworks display and

wanting to review the legislation for consistency. Last, he congratulated Ben Fauver who won the junior

invitational at the Country Club of Hudson.

Mr. Foster congratulated Mr. Leiter of winning the Central Great Lakes Emmy award for "The Master

Craftsman" under the Lifestyle Category. Mr. Foster also provided a Planning Commission update.

Report of Manager

Mr. Sheridan reminded residents that State Route 91 will be closed for another two weeks, and to please visit all

the businesses impacted by the closure. He also congratulated the 12 local businesses recognized as Northeast

Ohio's Top Workplaces 2024 by Cleveland.com. Mr. Sheridan also noted that Cleveland Magazine ranked

Hudson in the Top 20 places to live in Northeast Ohio.

Appointments

None.

Suspension of the Rules for the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Mr. Sutton, to suspend the rule requiring

three readings. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton and Mr. Banweg

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Mrs. Heater, to approve the Consent Agenda.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg and Dr. Bird

24-77

A RESOLUTION TO CONSENT TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION (“ODOT”) FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF

SIGNS ALONG SR 303 WITHIN THE CITY OF HUDSON (PID

109473); AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: The Ohio Department of Transportation requires local

consent legislation allowing them to perform work within City corporation

limits. The work will include replacement of signs along SR 303 within City

limits.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 24-77

Resolution No. 24-77 was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Removed from the Consent Agenda

24-78

A RESOLUTION REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 24-38 AND

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A LEASE

AGREEMENT WITH THE NAVIGATORS D/B/A NAVIGATOR MEN

OF THE WORD BIBLE STUDY FOR SPACE AT CITY HALL.

Brief Description: The Men of the Word Bible Study group would like to

secure a space in City Hall.

Attachments:

Exhibit A: Lease Agreement with Navigator Neighbors Mens Bible Study

Group June 2024

Resolution No. 24-78

A motion was made by Mr. Sutton, seconded by Mrs. Heater, to suspend the rule requiring

three readings. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird and Mr. Foster

Mr. Sutton stated that he could not agree to any lease in City Hall and that the City should not be in the business

of leasing space.

Mr. Banweg agreed but stated that the legislation complies with the guidelines that Council had previously

passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Mrs. Heater, that Resolution No. 24-78 be

adopted with rule suspension. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

Nay:

5 - Mrs. Heater, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster and Dr. Goetz

1 - Mr. Sutton

24-79

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH JANE HOWINGTON;

AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This legislation authorizes the City Manager to sign a

settlement agreement with Jane Howington, the former City Manager,

resolving all disputes between her and the city and deleting the prior

non-disparagement and confidentiality clauses from the prior separation

agreement.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 24-79

A motion was made by Dr. Goetz, seconded by Mr. Banweg, to suspend the rule requiring three

readings. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster and Dr. Goetz

Dr. Goetz read a prepared statement from Mrs. Kowalski in her absence. Mrs. Kowalski's comments referenced

the publicly-available records of the lawsuit, stating that she would have voted no on the settlement if she were

in attendance.

Dr. Goetz also read her own prepared statement, stating she agreed with Mrs. Kowalski's comments and the

lawsuit was frivolous. She also read an email from Mr. Pitchford to the Ohio Elections Commission Executive

Director. She stated she would vote yes in order to prevent an appeal of the verdict.

Mr. Sutton responded to Mrs. Kowalski's statement and in response to Dr. Goetz's statement, he clarified that

the City did not file a claim with the Ohio Elections Commission, but that it was a resident. He further stated

that the Ohio Elections Commission has the final authority and they needed to be aware that new members are

seated in December, not January, so the issue had to be discussed on the correct docket .

Mr. Banweg disagreed with most of the comments made by Mrs. Kowalski and Dr. Goetz. He stated that Mr.

Pitchford's email accurately described the risk of seating individuals involved in an illegal PAC but potential

violations are decided by the courts.

Mr. Foster added to Mr. Banweg's comments, noting that the Ohio Elections Commission had referred the

Clocktower Collaborative case to the courts as potentially acting as an illegal PAC under State law.

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Mrs. Heater, that Resolution No. 24-79 be

adopted with rule suspension. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater and Mr. Sutton

10.

Legislation

24-69

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A COST REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE

SUMMIT COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL

DISABILITIES (DODD) FOR PURCHASING PLAYGROUND

EQUIPMENT FOR AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT

MIDDLETON PARK.

Brief Description: The Hudson Inclusive Playground Group (HIP)

approached the Park Board and City Council in regard to constructing an

all-inclusive playground in 2023. The HIP and the Park Board were to seek

outside funding to aid in the expense of the project regarding the playground

and the infrastructure for the playground. The HIP submitted an application to

the Summit DODD and HIP has been awarded $430,000.00 by the DODD in

early 2024. The DODD has asked that the city purchase the playground

equipment, since HIP is not a governmental agency, and the DODD will

reimburse the City of Hudson per the agreement up to $430,000 for the

purchase. The equipment will be owned and maintained by the City of Hudson

and can be used at any existing parks playgrounds, in case the inclusive

playground is not constructed.

Attachments:

HCBS-ARPA Summit DD Grant Application 12-2023

Inclusive Playground Grant Contract - Cost Reimbursement Agmt

Resolution No. 24-69

A motion was made by Mr. Sutton, seconded by Mr. Banweg, that Resolution No. 24-69 be

adopted on third reading. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton and Mr. Banweg

24-70

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 296 OF THE

CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HUDSON,

ESTABLISHING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND

PROCEDURES FOR THE APPOINTMENT TO, MEMBERSHIP

AND SERVICE ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.

Brief Description: This ordinance is intended to establish uniform

qualifications for the appointment to and ongoing service upon all City

boards and commissions.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-70

Ordinance No. 24-70 - Revised 6-11-2024

Ordinance No. 24-70 - June 18, 2024 version

A motion was made by Mr. Sutton, seconded by Mr. Banweg to pass Ordinance No. 24-70.

A motion was made by Mr. Sutton, seconded by Mr. Banweg, that Ordinance No. 24-70 be

amended to the version dated June 18, 2024. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg and Dr. Bird

A motion was made by Mr. Sutton, seconded by Mr. Banweg, that Ordinance No. 24-70 be

approved as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Dr. Goetz, Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird and Mr. Foster

24-71

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING NEW POLICIES REGARDING THE

PURCHASE, SALE, OR LEASE OF CITY OWNED OR

CONTROLLED REAL ESTATE AND CREATING CHAPTER 214

AND AMENDING SECTIONS 206.02(b) AND 220.05(b)(2) OF THE

CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HUDSON.

Brief Description: This ordinance is intended to establish a new process for

the purchase, lease, and/or sale of City-owned land.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 24-71

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Dr. Bird, that Ordinance No. 24-71 be

adopted on third reading. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mrs. Heater, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster and Dr. Goetz

24-72

A RESOLUTION OF HUDSON ADOPTING THE 2024 SUMMIT

COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.

Brief Description: The Summit County Emergency Management Agency is

responsible for adopting a revised mitigation plan every five years. The

thirty-one communities in Summit County worked on a revised Multi-Hazard

Mitigation Plan over the past year, which included the City of Hudson. The

Plan provides a guide for decisionmakers to help reduce risks from natural

hazards and serves as a basis for the State of Ohio to provide technical and

funding assistance. The mitigation plan is a stakeholder-driven document that

describes risks and vulnerabilities, and long-term strategies and

implementation approaches for reducing loss of life and property from natural

disasters. Mitigation plans are vital to breaking the cycle of disaster damage,

reconstruction, and repeated damage.

Attachments:

FEMA Approval Letter 4.19.24

Summit County Council Resolution No. 2024-078

2019 Community and Organization Hazard Mitigation Resolutions

Resolution No. 24-72

A motion was made by Mr. Banweg, seconded by Mrs. Heater, that Resolution No. 24-72 be

adopted on third reading. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

6 - Mr. Sutton, Mr. Banweg, Dr. Bird, Mr. Foster, Dr. Goetz and Mrs. Heater

11.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Foster adjourned the regular meeting at 7:59 p.m.

Regular Workshop:

Call to Order

12.

President of Council Foster called to order the workshop of Hudson City Council at 8:04 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. Heater and Mr. Sutton

1 -

Absent:

Mrs. Kowalski

Others & Staff in Attendance: Mr. Sheridan, City Manager; Mr. Comeriato, Assistant City Manager -

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

Mr. Leiter, HCTV Production Assistant; and Mr. Powell, Assistant Public Works Director.

13.

Correspondence and Council Comments

None.

14.

Discussion Items

24-80

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH

BRANDSTETTER CARROLL INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF THE

PUBLIC WORKS & HUDSON PUBLIC POWER FACILITY AND

SITE DESIGN PROJECT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This project involves the design and professional services

for the new Public Works and Hudson Public Power Facility, including but

not limited to: Site design, structural, mechanicals, traffic, surveying, civil

engineering, interior, environmental, sound/audio, wetland, fire suppression,

landscaping, and architecture design. The consultant will also review solar,

geothermal, bio retention swales, brush facilities, electric charging stations

and other environmental opportunities prior to the 30% design completion.

Attachments:

BCI 2024-07-03 Revised fee proposal

Hudson Public Works - FEE PROPOSAL - COMPLETE BCI

Public Works Site and Building RFP - FINAL 5-24-24

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-80

Mr. Sheridan provided background information on the RFP and RFQ process, as well as the current Public

Works and Hudson Public Power location. He further explained Brandstetter Carroll, Inc.'s proposal along

with an explanation of the if-authorized items. Council discussion followed that included Hudson Public Power

being part of the bid package, and purpose of cold storage.

This matter was discussed.

15.

Proposed Consent Agenda Items for July 16, 2024, Council Meeting

24-0068

A Motion to Acknowledge the Timely Receipt of the June 2024 Monthly

Financial Report

Brief Description: Financial summaries are provided each month for

Council’s review.

Attachments:

June 2024 Financial Report

This Motion was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-80

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH

BRANDSTETTER CARROLL INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF THE

PUBLIC WORKS & HUDSON PUBLIC POWER FACILITY AND

SITE DESIGN PROJECT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This project involves the design and professional services

for the new Public Works and Hudson Public Power Facility, including but

not limited to: Site design, structural, mechanicals, traffic, surveying, civil

engineering, interior, environmental, sound/audio, wetland, fire suppression,

landscaping, and architecture design. The consultant will also review solar,

geothermal, bio retention swales, brush facilities, electric charging stations

and other environmental opportunities prior to the 30% design completion.

Attachments:

BCI 2024-07-03 Revised fee proposal

Hudson Public Works - FEE PROPOSAL - COMPLETE BCI

Public Works Site and Building RFP - FINAL 5-24-24

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-80

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-81

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 23-134, MAKING

APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER

EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF HUDSON DURING THE FISCAL

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024 BY MAKING ADDITIONAL

AND/OR AMENDED APPROPRIATIONS.

Brief Description: This Ordinance will amend the 2024 budget for additional

and/or amended appropriations as listed in the attached Exhibit A.

Attachments:

2nd Appropriation Exhibit A

2024 General Fund Carryover

Draft Ordinance

Ordinance No. 24-81

Mr. Knoblauch stated that he will need to amend this Ordinance to move the Hudson Public Power portion of

the design of the new building from the General Fund over to Hudson Public Power's account .

This Ordinance was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-82

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY

FOR AND, IF AWARDED, ENTER INTO AN 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 is partnering with the Ohio Rail Development

Commission (ORDC) for a grant application to the Federal Railroad

Administration (FRA) Grade Crossing Elimination Program. If awarded, the

ORDC will contribute $8,580,000 towards the total estimated project of

$14,300,000.

Attachments:

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-82

Mr. Sheridan stated that the Ohio Railway Commission, on the City's behalf, is applying for the grant. He

further stated that he will need letters of support from all Council members, as well as local communities that

the City has mutual aid with. In response to a question, Mr. Sheridan stated that the City will be responsible for

approximately $3 million towards the project.

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-83

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A CONTRACT WITH LAKE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB FOR

THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR THE

BOSTON MILLS ROAD TRAIL PROJECT.

Brief Description: Due to the future installation of the new trail along

Boston Mills Road, permanent right-of-way acquisition is required for the

project. The property to be acquired is adjacent to the Summit County Bridge,

west of Lake Forest Drive, currently owned by Lake Forest Country Club.

Attachments:

Exhibit Boston Mills Rd Trail Property Acqisition

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-83

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-84

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO

ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR

THE RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY PLOWING PROGRAM; AND

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: This project involves a residential driveway plowing

program for eligible residents during the 2024/2025 snow season.

Attachments:

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-84

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

24-85

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF FOUR

BASEBALL SCORE BOARDS AT BARLOW FARM PARK FROM

THE KIWANIS CLUB OF HUDSON AND EXPRESSING

APPRECIATION THEREFOR; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Brief Description: Hudson Kiwanis Baseball has been facilitating baseball

for Hudson youth for 47 years. The Kiwanis Club of Hudson has been

instrumental with the league and the park facilities. The Kiwanis Club of

Hudson wishes to supply four scoreboards, materials and installation to be

located at Barlow Farm Park under the supervision of the Parks Department.

Attachments:

Scoreboard Image

Draft Resolution

Resolution No. 24-85

This Resolution was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

16.

Proposed Legislation or July 16, 2024, Council Meeting

24-86

AN ORDINANCE PERMITTING FUNDS-IN-LIEU OF SIDEWALKS

FOR DISTRICT 8 AND REAFFIRMING THE 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)

Mr. Sutton provided an explanation on the reason for this Ordinance. Discussion followed regarding inclusion

of Districts 4 and 5. There was Council consensus to amend the Ordinance to state "All Districts".

This Ordinance was forwarded for further consideration at the July 16, 2024, Council meeting.

17.

Items to be Added to Future Agendas

Mr. Sutton requested discussion on numerous procedural items involving Planning Commission .

Dr. Goetz inquired about discussion on a new Safety Center. Mr. Sheridan stated that RFP's for the needs study

is due back from consultants on July 12, 2024, with the anticipation of bringing it before Council in August.

18.

Adjournment

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

p.m.

_______________________________

Aparna Wheeler, Clerk of Council

_______________________________

Christopher W. Foster, President of Council

_______________________________

Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager, Clerk of Council Pro Tempore

Workshop Minutes prepared by Melissa Raber, Business Operations Manager - Professional Services .

Upon approval by City Council, this official written summary of the meeting minutes shall become a permanent

record, and the official minutes shall also consist of a permanent audio and video recording, excluding

executive sessions, in accordance with Codified Ordinances, Section 220.031 (a), Rules for Workshop Meetings.