1/11/2022 Workshop & 1/18/2022 Council Meeting Recaps
January 11 Workshop
Because the purpose of workshops is to work through the coming week’s agenda, I will only elaborate on items that we had conversations about that do not appear on the 1/18 agenda, because most of the agenda passed on the consent agenda at this week’s meeting.
Discussion Items
Discussion on revisions to the City of Hudson’s Interconnection Policy for Hudson Public Power customers relative to solar power.
Brief Description: City Staff would like to discuss proposed changes to the existing Interconnection Policy. The policy provides guidelines for installation, types of systems, and sizing limits for privately owned solar power generation systems.
My Take: We will be revising our residential solar generation system policy to increase the size of the unit from 10 kW to 25 kW, allow storage batteries, and special construction standards will be removed. It seemed that there was broad support on Council for these changes. I am very happy to see these changes being implemented. I have been pushing for changes like this since I was on the EAC, prior to ever being elected to Council.
2020 Census Update and City of Hudson Council Ward Distribution.
Brief Description: The city administration will update City Council on the new 2020 U.S. Census data and the population changes to the City Council Wards.
My Take: Since we last saw this in 2021, the map has gone unchanged. When we last discussed this, Council asked staff to inquired about a couple of areas that didn’t seem to make sense to us as elected officials who live in and know our city. The recommendations on the census blocks set forth by the Census Bureau, according to them, cannot be changed. As a result, staff recommended minimal changes to our current ward boundaries. Council agreed to hold a public hearing on the matter of ward boundaries.
*Note: This section was edited on 3/7 to clarify the process.
Campaign Finance Reform
Brief Description: Council members will consider the need for amendments to Chapter 226 of the City’s Codified Ordinances, as requested by Councilwoman Kowalski.
My Take: I wrote a separate blog on this topic, you can read that here. Overall, the draft I brought forward was met with mixed feedback. Two of my colleagues on Council have stepped up and agreed to contribute to this legislation and collaborate with me on a new draft for Council to review. I look forward to working with Kate Schlademan and Chris Banweg to find a solution we believe Council could support. This will be placed on the agenda for the customary three readings starting on 2/1.
Consent Agenda
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL COURTS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Brief Description: City Staff and the design consultant staff with Environmental Design Group (EDG) wish to review the design plan and estimated project cost for the Parks Tennis & Pickleball Courts Project with City Council and seek a resolution authorizing the City Manager to bid and award a project construction contract.
My Take: Estimates for the project came in higher than anticipated. The Park Board put forth four options for the complex that had different combinations of amenities. After reviewing the option Park Board recommended, Council was not in favor of removing the lighting/electrical. In the essence of time so that we can get people out playing ASAP, the City is putting the recommendation out to bid and will also bring back a “menu” of sorts, where Council can pick and choose what option they want. Park Board members were in attendance and gave a rational to Council for their recommendation. I think that we should send the project back to the Park Board to make a final recommendation to Council, rather than have it come back before us right away. I believe we are overstepping here, and are micromanaging the Park Board. We appointed them to do this work, we should let them maintain ownership of this project and trust that they are capable. This project will also be submitted to the Planning Comission for a report and recommendation.
January 18 Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Discussion Items
Proposed Sister City Program with Rwanda
This relationship was initiated by Mayor Craig Shubert. A presentation was given about the benefits of becoming a sister city with the city of Kicukiro in Rwanda. Council President Chris Foster recommended we place this on an upcoming workshop agenda for more discussion and to decide on a direction forward.
Appointments
Mr. Doug Hardtmayer was re-appointed to the Cemetery Board, Mr. Shawn Svacha was appointed to Cemetery Board, and Mr. Chris Dolciato was appointed to the Hudson Community Television Advisory Committee. These appointments passed 6-0 (Chris Banweg was absent). We still need a 7th member for the HCTV Advisory Committee, so we will begin accepting applications and interviewing applicants for this appointment. If you are interested in applying, you can quickly and easily do so online here.
Consent Agenda
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY MANAGER’S DESIGNEE TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION PROGRAM; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: The purpose of the program is to provide funding for assessments and cleanup/remediation costs aimed at containing, removing or disposing of hazardous substances at a brownfield. The City is seeking funding for the removal of hazardous substances at the former Youth Development Center on Hines Hill Road. The total project estimate is $282,150.00. The application is seeking $211,612 (75%) with a match of $70,538 (25%).
My Take: If we can get this funding, that will help Hudson get the YDC property one step closer to being a developable plot of land. The infrastructure that is currently underground at the YDC property needs to be remediated before anything can happen there. This will make the property more desirable, which could be beneficial to Hudson in many ways.
You can read a brief summary of the rest of the consent agenda items that passed on the City’s website here.
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Have questions? Want to share your thoughts with me on any of the agenda items or issues listed above? As always, I would love to have a conversation! Email me directly at nkowalski@hudson.oh.us.
