At a glance
Hudson's Common Council held an informal meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Topics included a presentation by retired Officer Sean Thomas on the donation of a trained K9 named Sergeant Philly to the police department, departmental reports from fire, youth, police, building and planning, treasury, and public works, and consideration of 14 resolutions. The fire department sold its old engine-rescue truck; the youth department reported rising enrollment and a new transportation program; the police department issued 2,218 parking tickets in September; the treasurer reported building permit revenues are under budget but parking revenues are on track; public works detailed sewer upgrades and a fuel tank removal. The council introduced resolutions covering topics from personnel appointments to vehicle immobilization to a call on the New York State Comptroller to stop purchasing Israel bonds. No votes were taken.
K9 donation presentation
Retired Officer Sean Thomas presented Sergeant Philly, a trained K9 named after the late Sergeant Chris Philly, and requested the council accept the dog for the Hudson Police Department. The dog is trained in tracking, article recovery, and courthouse support, with all training provided free of charge by Thomas.
Key points
- Thomas trained Sergeant Philly, a non-biting dog from Tennessee, in tracking, article recovery, obedience, and courthouse support for children and others who need assistance during testimony.
- The Lynan family donated the dog in honor of Sergeant Chris Philly, who died in November 2024.
- Thomas offered to train the dog and its handler at no cost. The city would pay only for food, veterinary bills, and a vehicle.
- Council President Morris raised concerns about budget costs, including handler overtime for state-mandated monthly training, maintenance, and vehicle expenses, especially after recent increases in EMT service costs.
- Thomas noted the department currently has one dog (Rigsby) and argued two dogs are necessary so coverage continues when one is on vacation.
- Thomas added explosive detection training for the dog, citing four locations in Hudson deemed critical by Homeland Security.
- Council members suggested the chief and police commissioner should weigh in before council consideration. Thomas confirmed he had discussed the idea with the chief, mayor, and former commissioner.
The council did not vote on accepting the K9. The matter was presented for information and discussion.
Fire department report
Chief Nick Zachs reported 30 calls for September, including false alarms, accidents, and standby calls. The old engine-rescue truck was sold, and a new one is expected by June or July.
Key points
- The department responded to 30 calls in September: one water incident, two accidents, one carbon monoxide incident, two standbys, and 24 unintentional alarms (cooking or similar, not actual fires).
- The old engine-rescue truck was sold yesterday; the buyer picked it up and took it to Taghkanic.
- The sale was previously approved by the council. Proceeds will be applied to the cost of the new ladder truck expected in 2026.
- A council member asked if the sale was an arms-length transaction; the question was not answered directly.
Youth department report
Youth Director Calvin Hicks presented highlights from September, including the start of the new programming year, rising enrollment across all three age groups, and recognition of students and staff. The department's busing program gave 282 rides in September.
Key points
- The department broke the year into four sessions to be more intentional with programming and increase registration. Enrollment is rising in all three programs: K-2, 3rd-8th, and teens.
- Sonia Okun joined as the new youth commissioner; Maya Reed departed after about five years.
- Elaine was named student of the month (3rd-8th group); Kayla Hopwood was staff of the month.
- K-2 program enrollment rose from 13 to 21 students; 3rd-8th from 16 to 51; teen program from 0 to 23.
- The county-funded busing program gave 282 rides in September (week 1: 96, week 2: 98, week 3: 88).
- Programming included hip-hop dance, art with Joan through the School of Columbia, drumming and literacy with Elena Mosley, and circus with Blessed After School Circus.
- The department attended meet-the-teacher night on September 24 and homecoming, where Keith Robinson was named homecoming king. Robinson coaches and referees for the youth department.
- Youth soccer league wraps up on October 26; youth basketball registration is now open.
- A Hudson Youth Town Hall is scheduled for October 21 at the library from 5:30 to 8 PM, with a potluck and discussion about youth and their future.
- The harvest festival and youth center open house will be November 15.
- Hudson Youth Town Hall, October 21, 5:30-8 PM at the library
- Final soccer league day, October 26
- Harvest festival and open house, November 15
Police department report
Captain Miller reported zero use-of-force incidents, 30 arrests in September, and 2,218 parking tickets issued. The department resolved four school threat incidents involving juveniles and promoted Officer Kevin Kaiser to detective.
Key points
- Section 9 reporting: zero use of force, 30 arrests with 42 total charges, four emotionally disturbed person calls, zero drug overdoses or Narcan incidents, and zero overdose deaths.
- Body-worn camera report showed nothing unusual.
- Quarter 3 traffic report (July 1-September 30): HPD issued 236 traffic tickets.
- September parking enforcement: 2,218 tickets issued, 1,462 paid, 756 unpaid, six vehicles booted.
- Four incidents at the beginning of the school year involved juveniles making serious threats about shootings and weapons. The detective division investigated each case with the county attorney and DA. No arrests were made, but cases were handled through Supreme Court. A joint letter was sent to parents.
- Police Commissioner Bower resigned on October 3. Officer Kevin Kaiser was promoted to detective on October 6, bringing the detective division to full staffing.
- Senior Sergeant Nick Hodes is leading e-bike safety education. The department distributed pamphlets from the state at events including Dalmatian Day at the firemen's home. Sergeant Hodes will attend the MC Smith trunk-or-treat event on October 24.
- The department held a child passenger safety seat check event on September 21 at the Seventh Street firehouse.
- Lieutenant Kazer, patrol commander, directed officers to stop e-bike riders and provide educational information in addition to enforcement.
Council member noted the Legal Committee is working on e-bike safety with three approaches: education, ordinance changes, and enforcement. The committee will coordinate with the police department.
Treasury report and 2026 budget process
Treasurer Heather Campbell reported building permit and cannabis revenues are under budget, but parking revenues are on track. The 2024 audit is delayed but will be filed by the end of October. The 2026 budget process is underway, with the proposed budget due to council by November 10.
Key points
- Building permits and fees are under budget because projects like the second Galvan apartment building dropped off and others are delayed at the planning board.
- Parking revenues are at 68% of the year through August, on track with the budget.
- Lodging tax is lower than expected because anticipated new businesses have not opened yet and the number of registered short-term rentals decreased after recent regulatory changes. The Pocketbook Factory is now taking reservations.
- Cannabis tax is uncertain; the next one or two payouts will clarify whether the city will meet budget projections.
- Mortgage tax is one of two semiannual payments; it is unclear whether the city will meet the budget number until near year-end.
- The 2024 audit, including the regular audit, single federal audit, and single DOT audit, is delayed. The single federal audit was due September 30; auditors guaranteed it will be filed by October 31. The state Office of the Comptroller acknowledged the delay.
- The city transferred to new accounting software (tax collection, finance, and water/sewer billing). Some functions are worse than the old system; the treasurer is requesting credits for unproductive implementation hours and working with vendors to add missing features.
- Departmental budget reviews are underway. The Budget, Efficiency, and Accountability Committee must present the proposed budget to council by November 10. A special meeting will present the budget, followed by a public hearing and a council vote within 20 days.
The new accounting software lacks features the old system had. The treasurer is manually adjusting 25 funds to prepare reports for the state and auditors. The city is asking the vendor to fix problems and is seeking a credit for unproductive implementation hours.
- BEA presents proposed budget to council by November 10
- Mayor calls special meeting to present budget (only item on agenda)
- Public hearing on budget
- Council special meeting to vote on budget within 20 days
Foreclosure update and alternative installment plan
The treasurer reported 80 parcels remain on the foreclosure list, with $3.2 million in outstanding taxes. The city has redeemed 68 properties and $850,000. A resolution for an alternative installment plan (10% down, 36 months) is pending council vote. Galvan Housing Resources will offer free foreclosure counseling.
Key points
- A resolution for an alternative installment agreement (10% down, 36-month payment versus the standard 25% down, 24 months) was placed on council desks at the last meeting. The council has not yet voted on it.
- Treasurer Campbell met with representatives from Galvan Housing Resources, which offers foreclosure counseling. The city will provide a list of property owners still on the foreclosure list. Galvan will send letters offering free counseling.
- After the council votes on the alternative installment agreement, the city will issue a second demand letter with details on available installment plans and a Galvan Housing Resources brochure.
- Eighty parcels remain on the list, with $3.2 million in outstanding taxes. Sixty-eight properties have been redeemed, totaling about $850,000 (46% of properties, 23% of dollars).
- After the second demand letter, the city will order title searches (an expense added to the property), finalize and file the list with the county clerk, and begin legal proceedings.
- Council vote on alternative installment agreement
- Second demand letter with installment details and counseling brochure
- Title searches ordered for remaining properties
- List filed with county clerk, legal proceedings begin
Public works reports (September and October)
DPW Superintendent Rob Perry presented two months of reports. September highlights included a new bar screen at the sewer plant, repairs to an outfall fence-line pipe, and the fire department helping locate a river outfall. October highlights included aeration tank cleaning, overflow capping to close two combined sewer overflows, and removal of a buried fuel tank found during sewer repairs.
Key points
- Septage revenue was $55,000 in July, $46,870 in August.
- A new bar screen and control system at the sewer plant headworks was installed and brought online in September. The old screen was jammed with grit from the collection system during heavy rains. The new screen is working; grit is in the dumpster, not the pit.
- An outfall pipe near the sewer plant by the Furgary fence line, which had been repaired multiple times, failed again. The city applied for a wetland general permit from DEC to replace sections of pipe. The fire department located the outfall in the Hudson River and marked it.
- The sewer plant received a satisfactory rating in its annual DEC inspection.
- At the water plant, an overdose of polymer in a filter created pressure that blew off a fitting. The fitting was replaced, and the filter was cleaned.
- The water department tested all hydrants near the August or September fire on Warren Street. All hydrants were operational. Athens Fire Department used one hydrant; there were zero discolored water complaints after the fire because the city had flushed hydrants the week before.
- During a sewer repair on Cherry Alley, crews found a buried 1,000-gallon fuel tank. The city charter references fuel tanks installed before September 1, 1928. DEC requires the city to remove and dispose of abandoned tanks regardless of who installed them. The cleanup cost about $20,000.
- A Climate Smart Communities tree from the Erie Canal was planted. DPW clarified that per code section 82-2, abutting property owners are responsible for mowing to the curb; the Terrace complied. DPW will manage flowers, trees, and shrubs in the streetscape project area.
- Glens Falls, a round-one Main Street grant winner, is just starting construction on South Street. Hudson is a round-two winner and is several months ahead in its project timeline.
- In October, DPW cleaned out-of-service aeration tanks at the sewer plant to make them available if needed.
- DPW cut and capped two pump station overflows as requested by DEC after several years with no overflows. The overflows were filled with concrete and capped. The city will close two CSOs in the year-end BMP report.
- The state health department inspected the water plant. Turbidity meters, which monitor water clarity, were calibrated. All six passed.
- Water flow from the Forge reservoir spillway was low during the dry season, but the city never reached an emergency situation.
- Lead and copper sample results: 18 of 20 samples for lead came back non-detect. The two that detected lead measured far below the 0.015 action level (highest was 0.0029, or one-fifth of the action level). Copper results also showed trace amounts; the highest was one-tenth of the action level.
- The Colarusso lease for the quarry backup water supply has a face value of $7 million: $200,000 per year for 30 years (2005-2034), then $100,000 per year for 10 years (2035-2044). The quarry is close to a 1940s pump station. The station was designed to draw from the Claverack Creek or increase flow from the reservoir, but the 2005 water plant cannot handle excess inflow. The pumps can deliver 3 million gallons per day; the city draws 1 million to 1.4 million gallons per day. Running the pumps would put massive pressure on the 100-year-old transmission main and likely burst the pipe. Mechanical upgrades are needed before the backup supply is usable.
- Perry Street Bridge closeout: Amtrak is returning $199,000 from the flagger force account and $106,000 from the design review account. Total return: $305,000. The project started with a $600,000 loan from a capital reserve fund; the returned money will likely go back to that fund.
- The $66 million combined sewer overflow separation project is in design. After design, plans go to DEC for review and approval, likely in early winter. The bid will go out in March or April with a minimum 30-day period. Bid opening in April or May, contract to begin in summer 2026.
- The city filed the application for a sewer debt exclusion, which was acknowledged by the state. The exclusion allows the city to borrow for sewer projects without counting the debt toward the constitutional debt limit, giving the city more borrowing flexibility.
- The Environmental Facilities Corporation financing closing date is set for the first phase of the sewer project. The project is $66 million gross, expected to net to about $15 million after grants. Debt service will be over $500,000 per year. Total sewer revenue is currently $1.5 million per year. Water/sewer bill rates and re-levy rates will have to increase to cover the debt service.
The Colarusso quarry backup water supply is physically connected but not operationally usable. Running the pumps would deliver two to three times the needed volume, putting massive pressure on a 100-year-old transmission main and likely bursting the pipe. The city needs mechanical upgrades and a more comprehensive solution.
- Design phase completed by early winter
- Plans submitted to DEC for review and approval
- Bid issued in March or April 2026
- Bid opening April or May 2026
- Construction begins summer 2026
The first phase of the combined sewer overflow separation project will cost the city about $15 million after grants. Debt service will be over $500,000 per year, a significant increase for a sewer fund that currently generates $1.5 million per year. Water and sewer rates will have to rise.
Building and planning report
Code Enforcement Officer Nick Zachs reported building permit revenues are under budget because anticipated projects have not moved forward. Parking revenues are on track. Lodging tax is lower than expected because some new businesses have not opened and short-term rental registrations decreased.
Key points
- Building permits and fees are substantially under budget. Anticipated projects, including the second Galvan apartment building, have not moved forward or are delayed at the planning board.
- Parking revenues are at 68% of budget through August (eight of 12 months, or 67% of the year), on track overall.
- Lodging tax is lower than expected. New businesses like the Pocketbook Factory (now taking reservations) have not yet opened. The number of registered short-term rentals decreased after regulatory changes.
- Sales tax is trending close to the 2025 budget number.
- Cannabis tax is uncertain; the next payout or two will clarify whether the city will meet projections.
- Mortgage tax is one of two semiannual payments; it is unclear whether the city will meet the budget number until near year-end.
Sidewalk Improvement District and lodging tax update
The Sidewalk Improvement District fee was successfully added to the assessment roll. The treasurer is working with the software company to determine when the fee should be due and when the SID fund should recognize revenue. A payback schedule for the interfund loan is also needed.
Key points
- The Sidewalk Improvement District fee was added to the assessment roll. The treasurer is determining when the fee should be due (city taxes are quarterly, county is every other quarter, water and sewer re-levies are in the second quarter).
- The treasurer is also determining when the SID fund should recognize revenue: as collected monthly, or as a lump sum at the beginning of the year (like the water/sewer re-levy, which has a negative cash flow impact on the general fund).
- A payback schedule is needed for the interfund loan that allowed SID to start without revenue. Estimated SID revenue is $300,000 per year. A three-year payback would use half the revenue each year, limiting funds available for sidewalk improvements until the loan is paid back.
- Lodging tax revenue is coming in, but the software reporting function has issues after an upgrade. The treasurer will focus on lodging tax now that other financial packages are operational.
The council or treasurer must decide when the SID fee is due on tax bills, when the SID fund recognizes revenue, and a payback schedule for the interfund loan. A three-year payback would use half the annual revenue.
Sale of 98 Paddic Place
The city is preparing to sell 98 Paddic Place, a foreclosed property, by public auction. The minimum bid will be $188,000, the amount of taxes owed. The property has been empty and secured after a lengthy eviction process.
Key points
- The city foreclosed on 98 Paddic Place years ago. Delays included bankruptcy, COVID, and a tenant who refused to leave. The sheriff's office evicted the tenant after a delay caused by high workload. The property is now empty and secured.
- The city wants to sell the property before winter to avoid the cost of winterizing it.
- The council will vote next week on whether to sell by auction or private sale. A private sale would require an appraisal and outreach. An auction does not require an appraisal but requires outreach. In the treasurer's experience, auctions generate competitive bidding and bring in more money.
- The minimum bid must cover the $188,000 in taxes owed. Any proceeds above that go to the former homeowner, per a 2023 law.
- Andy Howard will conduct the auction. Previous auctions have been well-attended.
Council will vote next week on selling 98 Paddic Place by public auction. The minimum bid is $188,000. Proceeds above that amount go to the former homeowner.
Resolutions introduced
The council introduced 14 resolutions, including personnel actions, budget transfers, a SEQR determination for the comprehensive plan, authorization to sell 98 Paddic Place, adoption of the comprehensive plan, discontinuance of Long Alley, authorization to boot vehicles at night, authorization for towing services, and designation of a fair housing officer. All resolutions were introduced and will be voted on at the next formal meeting.
Key points
- Resolution to call on the New York State Comptroller to stop purchasing Israel bonds. The resolution will be sent to the comptroller, state senators, congressman, governor, attorney general, and local senator. Public speakers supported the resolution, citing the New York State pension fund's $352 million in Israel bonds and arguing the bonds provide unrestricted funds for the Israeli government and military.
- Resolution reappointing Justin to the Board of Assessment Review.
- Resolution certifying the North Fifth Street streetscape improvement project as a SEQR Type II action (no significant environmental impact, no further review required).
- Resolution for a budget amendment to apply ADA grant writing services to the Sidewalk Improvement District.
- Resolution transferring funds in the youth department from personnel services to other accounts to pay seasonal workers.
- Resolution transferring funds in the youth department from Oakdale Park personnel services to general youth personnel services.
- Resolution for a SEQR negative declaration for adoption of the city's comprehensive plan (no significant environmental impact).
- Resolution authorizing sale of 98 Paddic Place by public auction to the highest bidder. Minimum bid is $188,000, the amount of taxes owed. Proceeds above that go to the former homeowner.
- Resolution adopting the comprehensive plan after the public hearing.
- Resolution authorizing discontinuance of Long Alley (between State and Columbia streets) after the public hearing.
- Resolution authorizing police to apply vehicle immobilizers (boots) at night. The city purchased two boots years ago. Booting at night allows officers to boot uninsurable vehicles without waiting for a tow truck, generates revenue for the parking bureau (previously tow agencies got booting fees), and may increase with new license plate reader technology expected in January.
- Resolution authorizing towing services within the city. This is separate from the law setting tow regulations; it sets tow fees.
- Resolution for a 2024 budget transfer in the sewer fund (approximately $17,000) to correct an invoice missed in 2024 audit. The auditors found the error; the amount is too high to pass. The account that should be charged did not have enough money, but other sewer budget accounts do.
- Resolution for a budget amendment for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for firefighters. The 2025 invoice exceeded the budget by about $7,000.
- Resolution designating Teresa Bakner as fair housing officer. The mayor already designated her, but the council must also approve. Bakner receives a $1,000 stipend. The fair housing officer handles complaints about unfair landlords, evictions, and reasonable accommodations. A council member asked if there is a conflict with Bakner also serving as planning board chair; the answer was no because the charter does not prohibit it.
The council will vote on all 14 resolutions at the next formal meeting.
The resolution calls on the New York State Comptroller to stop purchasing Israel bonds and not reinvest current loans. As of March 2024, the New York State pension fund held over $352 million in Israel bonds. Public speakers argued the bonds provide unrestricted funds for the Israeli government and military.
Public comment on Israel bonds resolution
Three members of the public spoke in support of the resolution calling on the New York State Comptroller to stop purchasing Israel bonds. No one spoke against it. Speakers cited the amount of New York State pension fund investment in Israel bonds, the bonds' unrestricted use, and the International Criminal Court's charges against Israel's prime minister.
Key points
- Tamara Balapovsky, resident of Ward 3, said she is saddened by hundreds of thousands of dollars of New York State funds loaned to the Israeli government. The New York State pension fund held over $352 million in Israel bonds as of March 2024. The bonds provide unrestricted funds for the Israeli government and military. Comptroller DiNapoli purchased over $100 million in Israel bonds after October 7, 2023. She asked the council to vote yes.
- A rabbi and resident of a neighboring town said his great-grandfather was sent from Warsaw to Jerusalem in 1926, his grandmother was born there, and his grandparents fought in the war of independence (the Nakba). He was raised in Jewish Zionist schools and has been to Israel/Palestine many times. He said the genocide of the last two years has awakened the world to injustices in Palestine. Jewish communities are trapped in fear and trauma and willing to perpetuate occupation, apartheid, and genocide. He said divesting from Israel bonds is an act of care toward Palestinians, Jews, and New Yorkers. He urged the council to vote in favor.
- Phil Bishop, resident of the fifth ward, said he and others tried to meet with the comptroller and communicate with him, but the comptroller did not answer questions or respond. He said the comptroller's office would not confirm whether bonds that came due in May were renewed. He said the public cannot get information about what the comptroller is planning.
- Noah WZ, resident of the first ward, said he was disturbed to learn the New York City pension fund is one of the top US investors in Israeli bonds. He said the bonds provide unrestricted funds for the Israeli military, which has led to mass displacement, deliberate starvation of nearly half a million people, and genocide according to the United Nations. He called on the first ward representatives and the common council to vote in favor of the resolution.
Council discussion on dog control officer reports
A council member asked about reports from the dog control officer, which used to be provided monthly but have not been received in four years. The council agreed to follow up with the dog control officer.
Key points
- A council member said the council used to receive monthly reports from the dog control officer when he first started, including the number of calls and tickets issued.
- The reports have not been provided in the last four years.
- The council agreed to follow up with the dog control officer.
About this page
FUTURE HUDSON is an experiment in civic engagement: every public meeting of the City of Hudson since January 2026, transcribed and made readable, so any resident can follow what the city is deciding without attending every meeting. This page covers one meeting; see the full archive.
How it was made
The meeting video was transcribed automatically; the transcript was then organized into sections and summarized. The raw transcript is above, every claim can be checked against it.
What to be skeptical of
The transcript is automated and contains speech-recognition errors; names and numbers may be wrong. This page has not been reviewed by a human. Nothing here is an official record, the city's official minutes are authoritative.