At a glance
Hudson's Conservation Advisory Council met on February 5, 2026, welcoming new member Emily and hosting Ron Bogle, the new Planning Board chair, to discuss collaboration. The group navigated membership renewals and transitions (Nathan, Nora, and Ivy stepped down), approved Emily's application pending Common Council vote, and introduced Ron to the CAC's work on trees, restoration, and green infrastructure. Discussions centered on ongoing projects: bulb exchanges, street trees, grant applications (Harry Howard planting wrap-up, DEC seedling programs, open space grants), community solar outreach, and EV charger installations. The council agreed to prioritize sidewalk green infrastructure and tree ordinance review with the Earth Law Center.
Call to Order, Quorum Issues, and Membership Updates
The meeting opened with some confusion over quorum requirements for voting on new members. The council addressed membership transitions: Nathan moved to the Planning Board, Nora stepped down, and Ivy withdrew her application. Emily's new membership application will proceed to Common Council.
Key points
- Nathan and Nora are no longer members; Ivy withdrew her application
- Emily's membership application will be sponsored by Rich and go before Common Council this month
- Three current members need to renew, which will also go before Common Council in February
- New members must sign the oath book within a month of approval and will receive a city email address
- Currently have three open membership slots (capacity is nine members)
The opening minutes contain fragmented dialogue and uncertain quorum discussion; exact procedural details may be incomplete.
Planning Board Liaison Introduction: Ron Bogle
Ron Bogle, new Planning Board chair and founder of the National Design Alliance, introduced himself and proposed creating a regular liaison relationship between the Planning Board and the CAC. CAC members introduced themselves and their backgrounds in environmental work, design, and policy.
Key points
- Ron Bogle brings urban design expertise and experience working with cities on creative problem-solving and sustainable design
- Planning Board is establishing liaison relationships with both the CAC and Historic Preservation Commission
- Ron emphasized shifting from reactive project review to proactive planning on environmental and design issues
- CAC members highlighted expertise in ecological restoration, tree stewardship, climate policy, urban forestry, and waste management
- Both groups agreed to use Nathan (now on Planning Board) or another member as a point of contact to identify collaboration opportunities
This liaison model mirrors the Planning Board's approach with the Historic Preservation Commission. It aims to bring environmental and conservation expertise into development review and city planning decisions earlier in the process.
Nathan may serve as the formal liaison between Planning Board and CAC. Ron invited CAC members to connect over coffee for brainstorming.
Earth Law Center Partnership and Priorities
The council reviewed a draft list of priorities for their ongoing collaboration with the Earth Law Center, focusing on environmental ordinances and policy development. They agreed to finalize the list, bold top priorities, and schedule another call with Earth Law Center.
Key points
- Tree ordinance review is a top priority (will obtain draft from Nathan)
- City sidewalks and green infrastructure moved up the priority list due to the new sidewalk fee and upcoming sidewalk replacements
- Other potential topics include water retention, tree materials, and broader green infrastructure policy
- The council will finalize priorities before the week is out and send them to Earth Law Center
- Earth Law Center is hosting an event on Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m. at 21 North 6th Street: 'Rise of Earth Law'
Council members will bold top three to five priorities in the shared document and send the full list to Earth Law Center. A Zoom meeting with Earth Law Center may be scheduled for March.
Hudson now has a sidewalk fee in place, and sidewalks are being redone. Without updated code, the city risks defaulting to plain concrete instead of incorporating green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, or tree-friendly design.
Light Bulb Exchange Program Update
The bulb exchange program continues with a large inventory remaining. The council is expanding outreach to Operation Unite, Pike's Nest, and the Housing Authority, and plans to table at the farmers market in April.
Key points
- Bulbs are restocked at distribution sites, including the rolling brochure
- Outreach sent to Operation Unite, Pike's Nest, and Housing Authority to expand participation
- Farmers market table booked for late April (possibly the 18th or 25th, around Earth Day)
- Council hopes to launch logo merchandise at the farmers market
- The slogan 'Keep Hudson Shady' was mentioned (humor about 'filling holes and planting seeds' was deemed not family-friendly)
EV Charger Grant Progress
Rich provided an update on the electric vehicle charger grant. Four vendors are under consideration, and a vendor must be selected within the next month. Federal tax credits have expired, affecting the project scope.
Key points
- The city has roughly $75,000 to spend on EV chargers (federal tax credits expired in December)
- Original plan: three stations with six ports near Amtrak, plus one fast charger by the dog park
- Budget constraints may limit the project to one or the other
- National Grid may have additional funding to support dig work and infrastructure upgrades
- Vendor selection must happen by next month; Rich will present bids at the March meeting
The expiration of federal tax credits in December significantly reduced available funding for this project.
Arbor Day and Street Tree Plantings
Invoices for fall tree plantings were paid out. Spring planting will proceed with roughly 10 to 11 trees on the list, pending site viability checks. The council discussed proactive outreach to expand the program.
Key points
- Fall tree planting invoices were sent out and paid the week of January 27
- Spring planting list has approximately 10 to 11 trees; viability checks will determine final number
- Budget may support two planting events this year
- New mayor and Common Council president may increase tree budget for 2027
- Council discussed proactively reaching out to residents to offer street trees rather than waiting for requests
Spring tree recipients will be contacted in the coming weeks. If budget allows, the council will conduct a second planting round later in the year.
Harry Howard Avenue Tree Grant Wrap-Up and Photo Contest
Sam is finalizing the DEC grant paperwork for the Harry Howard Avenue tree planting (44 trees planted). A mandatory four-season photo contest must be promoted in April as part of grant requirements.
Key points
- 44 trees were planted along Harry Howard Avenue with a DEC grant (planted roughly 18 months ago)
- Paperwork and grant obligations are still being completed
- DEC requires a four-season photo contest to engage the public
- Contest will be promoted in April, potentially in partnership with the Fireman's Home and the Hudson Area Library
- Contest winners could receive free light bulbs or other prizes
The council will coordinate with the library and Fireman's Home to promote the contest in April. The library has a local ecology kiosk and runs youth contests, making it a natural partner.
New Grant Opportunities: DEC Seedling Sale and Open Space Conservation Grant
The council discussed applying for the DEC School Seedling Program (deadline March 27) and the Open Space Conservation Grant (deadline extended to April). They considered partnering with the Hudson Development Corporation on the seedling project.
Key points
- DEC School Seedling Program offers bare-root seedlings in bundles of 25 or more (five inches tall, one to three years old); application deadline is March 27
- Council proposed partnering with Hudson Development Corporation to fund and plant seedlings as part of streetscape or beautification projects
- Open Space Conservation Grant provides funding to purchase parcels for parks or conservation; deadline extended to April
- Open space grant may require partnership with land conservancies for long-term management
- Council agreed to explore these grants with DPW, Planning Board, and HDC before committing
Sam will contact Phil Foreman at the Hudson Development Corporation to propose a partnership on the DEC seedling project.
The open space grant requires identifying a specific parcel to purchase and convert. Council members suggested taking this year to plan with the Planning Board if it's an annual opportunity.
Rotary Club Grant for Hudson and Philmont
Sustainable Hudson Valley and the Rotary Club are applying for a grant that will benefit both Hudson and Philmont (Pikipsy). The grant focuses on environmental preservation and does not require city action.
Key points
- Rotary Club is applying for a large grant to fund environmental projects in Hudson and Philmont
- The grant was discussed at a meeting with Sustainable Hudson Valley and Bruce Shenker
- Rotary Club has a strong track record of grant approval
- The grant will focus on preserving existing environmental assets
- Hudson and Philmont will collaborate on the project once funding is secured
Specific grant objectives and amounts were not clearly stated in the transcript. The council will receive more information from Sustainable Hudson Valley's Melissa Everett.
Community Solar Outreach
The council discussed finalizing the community solar partnership with Power Market. Rich will meet with Mayor Joe Ferris to propose a letter to residents in the next water bill, promoting the opt-in program.
Key points
- Community solar program offers residents a roughly 10% discount on electric bills
- Power Market is the vendor; the city of Kingston uses the same program
- Program is opt-in and does not require city funding
- Rich will pitch Mayor Ferris on including a letter in the next water bill, with a potential QR code for sign-up
- Letter would mention that the program has been vetted by the CAC
Rich will meet with Joe Ferris on Wednesday to propose the community solar letter. If approved, the letter will go out in the next water bill cycle.
Columbia County Land Bank Representative and Climate Action Plan
Emily is now the CAC's representative to the Columbia County Land Bank. The council also discussed the status of Hudson's climate action plan, which remains undeveloped despite prior commitments.
Key points
- Emily will represent the CAC at Columbia County Land Bank meetings (next meeting Thursday, February at 10 a.m.)
- A resolution confirming Emily's appointment will go before Common Council in February
- Hudson previously committed to join an international organization (10,000 cities initiative) to develop a climate action plan, but the effort stalled when Michael Hoffman left city staff
- The county is developing a regional climate action plan that may inform individual town plans
- Hudson's comprehensive plan includes some climate elements
Hudson has elements of climate planning in its comprehensive plan and through Climate Smart Communities certification, but lacks a dedicated climate action plan. The county's regional plan may provide a framework for future municipal efforts.
Pocket Park Maintenance and Thank-You Letter
The pocket park's waffle stone was filled with gravel donated by Russo, but DPW snow removal partially displaced the gravel. The council plans to revisit and refill in the spring, and will send a thank-you letter to Russo on CAC letterhead.
Key points
- Russo donated gravel to fill the waffle stone at the pocket park
- DPW snow-blowed some gravel out of the waffle stone during the first snowfall
- DPW is now shoveling snow instead of blowing it to preserve the gravel
- Roughly 80% of the gravel remains; the council will organize a 'filling party' in the spring to restore it
- A thank-you letter to Russo will be drafted on CAC letterhead, possibly as a press release
The council will hold another volunteer event to refill gravel in the spring and send an official thank-you letter to Russo.
Hudson Green Keepers Program Development
Andrew is developing a Hudson Green Keepers program (tree steward initiative) and is in contact with Columbia Extension and the urban forester Joshua Del Rio. Progress is slow but moving forward.
Key points
- Andrew contacted Columbia Extension for advice on starting a tree steward program; waiting for response
- Joshua Del Rio, urban forester, recommended Columbia Extension as a resource
- Andrew is attending a city tree pruning training with Del Rio in March to build the relationship
- Del Rio mentioned potential synergy with other communities interested in similar programs
- Hudson Green Keepers would be a community-based tree stewardship program, necessary because Hudson lacks a parks department
Andrew will attend the urban forestry training in March and continue discussions with Del Rio about launching the Green Keepers program.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned after confirming next steps and upcoming meetings.
Key points
- Motion to adjourn was made and approved
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.
About coverage of this body
Meetings of the Conservation Advisory are uploaded to the city YouTube channel by members on a best-effort basis (not by the city audiovisual coordinator, who posts only the Common Council family, Planning Board, and HCDPA). If a meeting of this body is missing from the archive, it usually means the recording was not uploaded. See the archive index for the full coverage note.