1/12/2021 Council Workshop Recap
Correspondence and Council Comments
More on pedestrian crossings and safety - a request was made to add the Hudson-Aurora and Stow Road crossings to a future discussion on 1/26. Additionally, the Planning Commission meeting has been moved.
Discussion Item
Small business relief program for Hudson’s businesses impacted by COVID-19.
My Take: The purchase of furniture and a fire pit to be added to the First & Main area was discussed. Overall, Council wanted to move forward with this idea. I do believe this will draw people in when the weather starts to improve, which in turn, will encourage foot traffic and hopefully increase sales for the downtown businesses. Staff estimated the cost of the fire pit at $12,000 and the outdoor furniture at $48,000. Increasing the number of trash cans and recycling cans in this area will be necessary as we encourage people to dine more outdoors. I am excited that buying this new furniture will mean we can move the tables that are currently there back to the parks.
Staff shared that our local businesses have expressed a desire to have assistance and support with marketing. A Facebook and/or Instagram page was mentioned as a way to do this. I love this idea, but I think businesses need help NOW, and my fear is that this is a bigger endeavor than initially thought, and will take longer than expected. I expressed that while I like this idea, I have a concern that organic shares might not have the immediate effect of impacting businesses like they think, and we might be underestimating the budget this would require. Staff agreed that this needs to be discussed more, is an ongoing conversation, and would require working with community partners like the Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants of Hudson.
The topic of restrooms in the First & Main area was brought up again. It seemed to me that most people were on board with this, and are interested in us getting a temporary restroom of some sort in the meantime (like a restroom trailer you may have used at weddings or some other larger scale event).
A suggestion to have more festivals and outdoor events on the greens was concerning to me. So many of our local events have been cancelled out of an abundance of caution for public health. The sentiment behind it is nice, but until we are able to get this pandemic under control, any events that encourage gathering of any sort might be unwise, especially for a municipality to encourage. Car shows were mentioned, which is a great idea, but I think the location they currently take place at (outside of Johnny’s Diner in the Acme plaza) is much better suited for cars than any of the greens.
WiFi in the DORA area is estimated around $80-90k. I believe staff is going to explore this more and report back to us with more precise information.
You’ll notice that most of these ideas focus on the downtown area. I still want to explore ideas such as utility relief which would benefit all businesses in Hudson, even ones outside of the downtown area.
Proposed Consent Agenda for January 19, 2021, Council Meeting
B. TMP-5239 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE 2021 STORM SEWER LINING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WITH THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER.
Brief Description: This project involves the lining of storm sewers in various areas in Hudson.
My Take: Some (but not all) of the segments of streets or neighborhoods slated for this improvement are: Valerie Ln, Beckwith Dr, Bard Dr, Carriage Hill Dr, Groton Dr, Granby Dr, Inverness Ct, Goshen Dr, Bradford Way, Argyle Dr, Brunswick Ln, Valley View Rd, and Sodalite Dr.
D. TMP-5268 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHEASTERN EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. FOR A GRADALL WHEELED EXCAVATOR FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: This resolution provides for the replacement of an existing Gradall wheel excavator for use in the Public Works Department. The existing unit was severally damaged in a traffic accident while being transported for repairs by a contractor and was subsequently deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
My take: This equipment is a frequently used piece of machinery that is necessary for digging and cleaning roadside ditches. An insurance check in the amount of $233,166.67 was issued for the adjusted, depreciated value of the unit. But, the cost of this equipment has risen to $322,632.00, so we need to cough up an additional $89,465.33 to replace this. The excavator that was damaged was originally purchased in 2014, so one could argue that we come out ahead here by getting a brand new one under these circumstances. Either way, as unfortunate as this may be, it is a necessary expense.
Proposed Legislation for January 19, 2021, Council Meeting
5. A. 20-145 is the moratorium on short term rentals (STRs) and 5. B. 20-160 is the proposed legislation to enact a permit program to regulate STRs.
My take: After much discussion, Council seemed to agree that staff should continue to pursue the route of licensing which is business regulation as opposed to zoning. I personally am in favor of this because it will be quicker for us to implement than going the zoning route, and I do not want the permits to run with the land, but instead be non-transferrable. Several Council members, including myself, reiterated how important public input is in whatever we move forward with. Staff plans to address this as well as a whole slew of comments in the next draft of this legislation, which will be on it’s third reading and actionable at the next Council meeting.
E. TMP-5270 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH EVERSTREAM SOLUTIONS LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF AN INTERNET CIRCUIT FOR THE CITY’S VELOCITY BROADBAND SERVICES.
Brief Description: This request will enable Velocity Broadband to replace an existing Cogent and Windstream internet circuit that is set to end in late 2021.
My take: This is pretty straightforward. Mostly, I am including this for awareness so that if you don’t click the agenda, you are aware that it will be on our agenda in the coming weeks.
Finally, we entered into executive session to consider applicants for the City's boards, commissions, and committees. I have said this before and I will say it again, serving on one of the city’s boards, commissions or committees is truly rewarding and the efforts of those who do so are greatly appreciated! If you are looking for a way to give back and get involved, please consider applying.
Have questions? Want to share with me your thoughts 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.
