4/13/2021 Council Workshop Recap
Discussion Items
A. 21-0027 Tree and Wood Debris Management Practices in the City Parks
My Take: This was brought forward by Councilman Foster. Staff prepared a memo outlining the current process for parks tree and wood debris maintenance. During the 2020 season, some of the maintenance tasks were deferred as the City had to prioritize tasks and staffing levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021 season, several areas along hiking and walking trails will be fully cleaned up. Council deemed no further action was needed at this time.
B. 21-0028 Capping of Commissions Chargeable by Third-Party Food Delivery Service Businesses During States of Public Health Emergencies
My Take: The general consensus was not to move forward with this legislation because there was not enough support for it amongst Council. The reasons all went back to free enterprise and the role government should play in regulating business. This is a perspective I can respect and understand, and the reason I anticipated that this legislation might not garner support. Looking at government regulation throughout history, government regulation has played an important role in protecting all of us. Government regulation prevents predatory business practices, monopolies (arguably…), and more. If not for employee and consumer protections, regulations on things like food, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals, so many people would be worse off or even harmed. My motivation in introducing this legislation was to keep a few more dollars in the pockets of our local restaurants instead of going into the pockets of giant corporations.
One Council member went out of their way to talk about how restaurants in Hudson don’t need this and did it in a way that implied I did not do research and came unprepared. I have to say, I wish Council could just focus on getting the work done for the people of Hudson instead of using every opportunity to take shots. In regard to the feedback he received on this legislation versus the feedback I received - I suppose this is an example of how if you go looking for a specific answer, you will find it.
When I won in 2020, two of the reasons you all voted me in are that you know I always do my homework and seek input, and that you know I am not afraid to bring bold ideas to the table to push progress. Although I am disappointed that this legislation will not move forward, I am confident Council will continue to explore ways to help our businesses and merchants. And I will never stop bringing bold ideas to the table. Legislation like what I proposed tonight serves a purpose even when it goes nowhere, it gets us talking about topics that need our attention.
Proposed Consent Agenda
C. TMP-5413 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL TO CONTINUE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA AGREEMENTS AND JOB CREATION GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITY OF HUDSON, COUNTY OF SUMMIT. Brief Description: The City has established a Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) to periodically review each existing Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) and Job Creation Grant Agreement for compliance and to make recommendations to continue, modify or terminate each of the agreements. The duly appointed TIRC met on April 8, 2021, reviewed each CRA and Job Creation Grant Agreement and made certain recommendations to City Council.
My take: Economic Development Director, Jim Stifler, provided an update to Council on several topics. There is still no vacant class-A office space in Hudson, but the pandemic has changed the outlook for office space in general resulting in office vacancies in the teens (somewhere around 18% or 19%). While Hudson saw 15 permanent closings, we have 21 businesses that are new, on the way, or are expanding. A desire for bus stops and a better arrangement with Metro was expressed, and luckily this topic is already slated to be discussed by Council in the near future. This legislation accepts the recommendation that Community Reinvestment Area agreements for 6 companies be continued, and one Job Creation Grant Program be continued.
Proposed Legislation
B. TMP-5236 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 1202, “ADMINISTRATIVE AND REVIEW ROLES,” 1204, “GENERAL REVIEW STANDARDS”, 1205, “ZONING DISTRICTS-CITY OF HUDSON ZONING MAP”, AND 1207, “ZONING DEVELOPMENT AND SITE PLAN STANDARDS,” OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF HUDSON ADOPTED IN 2020. Brief Description: Pursuant to Charter amendments approved by voters in November 2020, the proposed Land Development Code amendments would revise relevant text of the composition and terms of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, and the Architectural and Historic Board of Review and remove regulations which allow the development of land with a maximum net density to increase without changing the text of the regulation or the zoning map.
My Take: This is basically just bringing our Land Development Code into compliance with our Charter following the amendments that passed in the Nov. 2020 election.
Items to be Added to future Agendas
Councilwoman Bigham will be bringing amendments forward, with the help of Councilman DeSaussure, on the short-term rental legislation Council passed earlier this year.
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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.
