Council Workshop Highlights from November 22, 2022

By Press release submission

Following is a summary of the November 22, 2022, City Council Workshop. To watch the workshop, visit www.hudson.oh.us/WatchMeetings

Correspondence and Council Comments

Council thanked Economic Growth Board and complimented the success of the Business Awards Breakfast.
Council reported on the Tree Commission meeting from November 17.
1. Hudson Garden Club donated $10,000 to pay for 24 spruce trees near the Safety Center and Barlow Community Center.
2. Next year is the 75th anniversary of the Home and Garden Tour and Tree Commission will assist with advertising the event.
3. Arborist advised that the ODNR grant for Hudson Springs Park has been approved.
4. The 2022 Merry Mulch program will begin January 2 and will run for four weeks.
The mayor reported on the Park Board meeting and shared his support for an inclusive playground.
1. He also encouraged residents to participate in the Live Love and Shop Local this holiday season.
2. Two ribbon cutting ceremonies were held recently: Acropolis Health and Blitzen’s Holiday Pop Up Bar in Hudson’s Restaurant.
3. The Mayor’s Open Forum will be held at the Hudson Library on Thursday, December 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
4. The City of Hudson is flying its flags at half staff in honor of the Cleveland firefighter who was tragically killed in an accident while on duty on interstate 90.
Council mentioned the Pumpkin for the Planet Program.
1. Drop off your unwanted pumpkins, gourds, and squashes for composting on Saturday, November 26 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at our service facility located at 1769 Georgetown Road.

Discussion Items

Update from the Hudson Senior Network. Representatives from the Hudson Senior Network provided an update to Council on their current activities, future plans, and goals. They requested some assistance from Council to accomplish these goals.
1. Council will direct the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee to evaluate senior needs in Hudson to include in the plan and to work with the Hudson Senior Network.
Recreation Center. Council would like the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee to review the demand for a recreation center and for the Park Board to take charge of this subject. Council also directed staff to meet with HCER to see about more senior programs and future collaboration with the City and Parks.
Management of Coyotes in Hudson.After consulting wildlife professionals, it was found that culling coyotes is not an effective form of management. It is more effective to deter them from your property and to learn how to spot a nuisance or aggressive coyote and what to do when you observe one.
1. At the City Manger’s direction, staff will expand education efforts on coyotes, including how to deter them from your property, how to spot an aggressive or nuisance coyote and what to do/who to call when they’re observed.
2. The City will provide a point person to answer any stray animal or coyote related questions and will educate staff on how to point residents in the right direction.

Consent Agenda

A Motion to Approve the Proposed 2023 City Council Meeting. Council would like to add a spring break recess to the calendar and to move the meeting/workshop scheduled for Election Day on November 7 to November 14.

Legislation

An ordinance establishing the City of Hudson Military and Veterans’ Commission. A Council member introduced this legislation in response to the large population of veterans, active-duty members, reservist, and young military families in Hudson.
1. Some of Council were concerned about the number of committees the City already has and suggested an Ad-Hoc committee could take care of the needs, especially for the Memorial Day Parade.
2. Some of Council were concerned about sustainable staffing of the committee and City responsibility for veteran events. Clarification about who could be a part of the Commission was also requested.

Items to be Added to Future Agendas