At a glance
Hudson's Common Council Safety Committee met on June 1, 2026 for its regular monthly meeting. Fire Chief Hoffman reported 36 calls in May and announced that the new fire truck, three years in the making, should arrive next month. He also shared that the fire department will begin responding to cardiac arrest calls alongside Greenport Rescue within the next month or two, as part of a countywide effort to support EMS. The police department reported zero drug overdoses in May and discussed parking enforcement, which generated nearly $50,000 in revenue. Council members requested signage improvements at several one-way intersections and a no-right-turn-on-red sign at North Sixth and Columbia. The committee also discussed noise complaints at the Pocketbook Factory (found to be within legal limits), a problematic special event at Basilica in May that lacked proper permits, and the ambiguous regulatory status of a scooter rental business operating on public sidewalks.
Fire Department Report and New Fire Truck Update
Fire Chief Hoffman reported 36 calls in May, including five fire-related incidents. He announced the long-awaited new fire truck, ordered three years ago, should arrive next month after final inspection.
Key points
- Department responded to 36 calls in May: 5 fires (2 structure fires via mutual aid, 1 brush fire, 1 small kitchen fire), 4 hazard situations (3 power lines down, 1 odor), 1 car-pedestrian accident, 24 non-emergency calls, and 2 standbys
- New fire truck expected to arrive next month after three-year wait, will go to Premier dealership for equipment mounting before delivery to Hudson
- Fire boat is in the water for the season and housed at the Hudson Power Boat Association with water and electric access
- Boat club members will provide docking training for fire department operators due to tricky river conditions and strong tides
Fire Department to Begin EMS First Response
Chief Hoffman announced the fire department will begin responding to cardiac arrest calls within the next month or two as first responders, part of a countywide initiative to support ambulance services.
Key points
- Hudson Fire will respond to cardiac arrest (echo) calls alongside rescue squads starting within 1-2 months
- EMS coordinators pressed for two years, all county fire departments being asked to participate due to minimal ambulance availability some days
- Hudson averages 15 cardiac arrests per year over the last 5 years
- Department will train with Greenport Rescue next week, familiarize with ambulances and equipment, redo CPR certifications
- Multiple EMTs and paramedics among volunteer firefighters will be major asset
- Response will be via van or Tahoe equipped as EMS vehicle with AED and first-in bag, not engine, ladder or rescue truck
- No formal agreement or liability issues, volunteers covered under Good Samaritan law
- Hudson could be first county in New York State with 100% fire department participation if all sign on
This is part of a countywide effort by EMS coordinators to address severe ambulance shortages. Some days there are very few rigs available across the entire county, leading to response times of 15-20 minutes or more.
Fire Hydrant Testing and Equipment Questions
In response to public questions, fire officials confirmed the city water department tests all fire hydrants yearly and discussed a broken digital sign at the fire station.
Key points
- All fire hydrants in Hudson are tested and flushed yearly by the city water department, typically at night
- Digital sign on Sixth Street side of fire station has been broken for several months, waiting for quote from manufacturer for replacement parts
- Repair could take a couple more months due to age of sign
- Fire department aware of out-of-commission hydrant on Tanner's Lane, will look into it but noted department has extensive hose capacity to reach areas as needed
January Fire Truck Accident Follow-Up
A resident asked about an accident involving the new fire engine on January 2nd. Fire officials confirmed no injuries occurred and insurance is handling the damage.
Key points
- Accident occurred January 2, 2026 involving the fire department's new engine
- No injuries resulted from the incident
- Damage is being repaired, insurance handling the claim
- Vehicle that was hit was parked illegally, which helps with insurance on the city's end
Police Department Monthly Report and Front Street Issues
Police reported 34 arrests, seven emotionally disturbed person calls, and zero drug overdoses in May. Captain Miller discussed a recent meeting with Front Street residents about ongoing problems.
Key points
- Body-worn camera review indicated no training needs for officers
- Zero defensive action reports filed in May
- 34 arrests made resulting in 50 charges
- Seven emotionally disturbed person (EDP) calls, some involving same individuals repeatedly
- Zero calls involving drug overdose or suspected overdose
- Police met with residents from 100 block of lower Front Street about trouble from new people creating problems
- Discussion covered police visibility, options for residents to call, video cameras, and potential city cameras for the area
- Issue is cyclical pattern where resources aren't always available or being fully utilized
Residents experiencing homelessness are seeking outlets and bathrooms. One suggestion was to direct people to businesses with available facilities. County building does not allow use of bathrooms by the public, and HPD station on lower Warren is the primary available resource.
Speeding Enforcement and Radar Equipment Discussion
A Warren Street resident raised speeding and noise concerns. Police confirmed they can use radar in Hudson and discussed deploying speed trailers and portable equipment.
Key points
- Captain Miller will provide speeding ticket data (total tickets and Warren Street specific) at next meeting, quarterly report was not available
- Police cars equipped with radar, department also has handheld radar unit
- City's radar trailer does not collect data but displays speed, discussed deploying it on upper Warren Street
- Department has smaller portable speed detection unit (suitcase-style) that can collect data from both directions of traffic
- Portable unit is battery-operated, can be set up for two weeks, strapped to pole, and queried for data
- Resident from 600 block of Warren reported loud cars, burnouts, and rapid acceleration as soon as warm weather arrives
- Notable burnout marks on South Third going up Warren past Steiner's
- Police supervisors advised of complaint, checking area but not finding speed violations per se (rapid acceleration to legal speed limit is loud but not necessarily illegal)
- Suggestion to deploy speed trailer near Hudson Roastery on truck route with pedestrian crosswalk
Rapid acceleration and loud exhaust noise, even when drivers don't exceed the speed limit, create quality-of-life issues that are difficult to enforce. Warren Street's tall buildings amplify sound, making every noise 15 feet louder. The street is actually the quietest in the city by decibel measurement, making new sounds more noticeable.
Parking Enforcement Revenue and Kiosk Installation Plans
Captain Miller reported parking enforcement generated nearly $50,000 in May. Ten new parking kiosks will be installed in early June at locations along Warren and Columbia Streets.
Key points
- HPD responded to 975 documented incidents in May (nearly 2,000 over two months)
- Issued 3,335 parking tickets in May
- 2,378 tickets paid for total of $49,652 in revenue
- Revenue down about $13,000 from April, possibly due to elimination of weekend alternate-side parking enforcement
- 25 vehicles booted in May
- Overall parking enforcement up 10% from same time last year
- Ten parking kiosks to be installed first or second week of June at: 136 Warren, 213 Warren (near Promenade Park), 425 Warren (by Finch), 516 Warren, 539 Warren (park next to old Mexican radio), 606 Warren (may be shifted per business owner request), 701 Warren, 722 Warren, 751 Warren, and 735 Columbia (in front of TJ Auto)
- Two kiosks need to be converted from electric to solar, company will handle during installation
- Alternate-side parking suspended on Friday and Saturday nights from May through Labor Day (approved in May, runs seasonally)
Some blocks on Warren will have only one kiosk on one side of the street. While residents can also pay via phone app or signage QR codes, concerns were raised about accessibility for those without phones or on the opposite side of the street from a kiosk.
Parking System Implementation Challenges
A resident questioned the timeline for full implementation of the paid parking system. Captain Miller defended the current rollout, saying multiple payment options are available and the system is running well.
Key points
- Resident Bill questioned when the entire paid parking system will be complete with all kiosks, signs, and coverage
- Captain Miller confirmed some blocks will have one kiosk on one side of street only, similar to Albany and other municipalities
- Multiple payment options available: kiosks, QR code signs, phone app, or parking in free areas
- Captain Miller expressed pride in how parking program is running despite challenges
- Council President Hadad noted the city is 'limping along' after previous administration spent $250,000 on a solution to a problem that didn't need to exist
- Captain Miller disagreed that it's a problematic situation, said department is running parking 'pretty great' with many options for public
Signage Improvements for One-Way Streets and Intersections
Council President Hadad proposed installing no-entrance signs at several one-way intersections and a no-right-turn-on-red sign to improve safety, especially with the Galvan hotel opening soon.
Key points
- Request for 'no entrance' signs at: North 7th and State (across from old Bagel Time/Ean Thai and blue Galvan building), North 6th and Columbia (near Farmers Market/old Presbyterian church), and North 7th and Columbia (visual corridor from old library to county courthouse)
- No-right-turn-on-red sign requested at North 6th and Columbia (city already has one at North 4th)
- Concern about litigation potential if accidents occur at poorly marked intersections
- Galvan hotel opening soon will bring more traffic, making clear signage more important
- Signs estimated at roughly $350 each, likely a few thousand dollars total
- Council member noted incorrect truck route signage on Columbia Street (double arrow at Third Street should indicate route turns onto South Third, not continues both directions)
- Pedestrian accident occurred in January or December, highlighting need for better safety measures
List of four sign locations will be sent to DPW for installation. Code enforcement will be reminded at next week's meeting.
Intersection Safety Concern at Seventh and Columbia
Council member Margaret suggested the intersection of North 7th and Columbia may benefit from being a four-way stop but recommended getting a traffic engineer's opinion given proximity to CSX tracks.
Key points
- Intersection identified as problematic: cars coming down Columbia (no stop sign) meet cars coming up 7th from the right (with stop sign) and cars turning left from Columbia onto 7th
- Margaret suggested four-way stop might help but acknowledged complexity due to CSX tracks near Lowe's
- If stop sign placed after tracks, could back up traffic onto tracks, a safety hazard
- If placed before tracks, creates awkward turning situation from Speedway Petroleum
- Committee agreed traffic engineer evaluation needed before making changes
Basilica/Revalry Event Parking Fiasco and Follow-Up
Chief Franklin reported on the May 13th Revalry event at Basilica that created a parking disaster. The organizer apologized and agreed to apply for a mass gathering permit and provide shuttle service for future events.
Key points
- Event on May 13th overwhelmed parking around Basilica, state boat launch, and Amtrak area
- Confusion between Basilica and Revalry owner about need for mass gathering permit
- Private event on private property would not require permit, but last year's event used Carousel's Hall Road parking (no longer available this year)
- Part of event and parking spilled onto public property and state boat launch, creating major hazard
- Chief Franklin and Lieutenant Piro met with Lulu from Revalry, she was 'very apologetic'
- Agreement for future events: mass gathering permit required, shuttle service to reduce vehicles, private security or HPD traffic assistance, discussion with Amtrak about parking limits, planning meeting with city/fire/police before event
- No mass gathering permit was filed, so no advance information available to police or fire
- Chief Franklin emailed mass gathering permit application to organizer for next year
Revalry agreed to apply for mass gathering permit next year and implement shuttle service, security, and coordination meetings with city departments.
Mass Gathering Permit Responsibility for Venue Operators
Council member Margaret argued that venue operators like Basilica have an obligation to inform clients renting their space about Hudson's mass gathering permit requirements.
Key points
- Revalry submitted a parking plan to Basilica that involved use of public space, which should have triggered mass gathering permit requirement
- Margaret: venues leasing space to clients who submit parking plans involving public streets have obligation to inform clients about permit requirements
- Outsiders cannot be expected to know Hudson's rules, but established businesses in Hudson should inform clients
- Basilica has filed 'dozens and dozens' of mass gathering permits over the years and should have known this required one
- Analogy to short-term rentals: hosts should inform guests of city rules (garbage day, regulations, etc.)
- Margaret has not yet seen the parking plan that was submitted to Basilica
The committee agreed that venues renting space need clearer guidance that they should inform clients about city permit requirements, especially when parking plans involve public property.
Scooter Rental Business Regulatory Questions
Council President Hadad raised concerns that a scooter rental business operating on public sidewalks may be in violation of the city charter regarding vendor permits, signage regulations, and residential district restrictions.
Key points
- Scooter rental business operating in Hudson under a vendor permit, but has not been vetted by Common Council as typically required
- Business operates on public land (sidewalks), setting up and removing scooters
- Several charter violations in current agreement between business and city
- Closest applicable code is Section 307-8 regarding vendors, signage regulation, and location
- As a vendor, business would need: signage approved by code enforcement, materials removed every night by 9 p.m., prohibition from residential districts (some scooters currently on Front Street)
- No permanent shop location, business sets up on sidewalk similar to a vendor cart
- Proper regulatory framework would likely be similar to Hudson Paddles agreement
- Discussion tabled until next month so operators can attend and speak for themselves
Committee will revisit scooter rental regulatory framework next month with business operators present. Margaret suggested Hudson Paddles agreement may serve as template.
The business is renting scooters, not selling them, which raises questions about whether vendor permit is the correct regulatory category. The goal is to encourage business while ensuring legal protections for both the city and the operator.
Code Enforcement Report: Pocketbook Factory Noise Levels
Code Enforcement Officer Nick presented decibel readings from various city locations, finding the Pocketbook Factory well within legal noise limits despite neighbor complaints.
Key points
- Code enforcement implementing IPS system to digitize reports and make them accessible at meetings
- Residential zone daytime noise limit is 55 decibels
- Washington Street (where complaints originated) is the quietest street in Hudson even with Pocketbook Factory equipment running
- Reading taken from complaining resident Neil's backyard in middle of day: 42.2 dB with lawnmower running at Pocketbook Factory (well below 55 dB limit)
- Comparative readings: Parkwood and Oakwood higher than Washington Street, Aken Avenue 48.8 dB, mid-Washington 39.4 dB
- From code perspective, Pocketbook Factory not in violation
- Possible noise increase when weather warms and all AC/HVAC units run simultaneously
- Restaurant exhaust systems (which Neil believes are loudest mid-day) used throughout the city
- Committee agreed to revisit if conditions change with full HVAC operation
- Parking situation at Pocketbook Factory being addressed separately
Because Washington Street is the quietest area in Hudson, residents are more sensitive to new sounds. The juxtaposition of silence to noise is more noticeable even when decibel levels are low and legal.
Pocketbook Factory Parking Lot Plans
Margaret provided an update on the Pocketbook Factory parking lot, which must go through lease approval and site plan review before paving can begin.
Key points
- Parking plan approved by council last month shows handicap spots paved, rest of lot gravel
- Pocketbook Factory already using lot, visible activity when passing area
- Fire Chief Hoffman offered fire department parking lot for overflow during big events when department not using it
- Margaret met with Sean (unclear if city official or Pocketbook representative): waiting for revised lease approval, then site plan approval from planning board
- Once approvals complete, Pocketbook intends to pave lot and install signage
- Cannot invest in improvements until legal steps completed
- Some clientele may be reluctant to park in unpaved lot, incentive for business to pave
Vacant Building Registry Expansion
Code Enforcement Officer Nick reported he has identified over 50 potentially vacant buildings in Hudson while conducting a comprehensive city survey, far more than the fewer than 20 currently on file.
Key points
- Current files show fewer than 20 buildings labeled vacant, not all on vacant building registry
- Nick's survey about 3/4 complete, has identified over 50 potentially vacant buildings
- Still needs to pull files to determine if people are living there and check for violations
- City code defines vacant building as: unoccupied and unsecured, unoccupied and secured by means other than normal, unoccupied and unsafe (as determined by code officer), unoccupied with multiple housing/building code violations, or illegally occupied
- Some identified buildings appear well-maintained with no obvious violations
- Question raised: should well-maintained but empty buildings be classified as vacant?
- Buildings with active building permits technically not vacant, but Nick will enforce permit terms
- Building permits void if work not started within 90 days, then property reverts to vacant status
- Permit must address work to make building occupiable, cannot be used to circumvent vacant building fees
- Repeatedly submitting permits without completing work costs more than paying vacant building registry fees
- Non-compliance can result in fines up to $1,000 per day
- Vacant building registry fees increase over time: $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000
- Goal is to incentivize property owners to renovate and return buildings to rental or sale market
A previous tentative list of properties for potential transfer from Galvan to Bard included 40 vacant properties. Some overlap likely exists with Nick's survey of 50+ buildings.
Nick will compile complete list and review files to determine violation status before presenting recommendations to committee next month.
Code Enforcement Procedures and Sidewalk Emergency Repairs
Nick described typical code enforcement complaint handling and discussed plans to amend the sidewalk law to allow emergency repairs on dangerous sidewalks.
Key points
- Most current complaints involve overgrown vegetation
- Process: send Order to Remedy, follow up after certain number of days if no compliance, continue until ticket issued as last resort
- Council President Hadad discussing with Margaret about amending sidewalk law for emergencies
- Current law has no mechanism for emergency sidewalk repairs
- Many properties now need emergency repairs before regular 3-5 year sidewalk improvement district process
- Proposed amendment would allow code enforcement to implement emergency repair process for dangerous sidewalks in more timely manner
- Bad sidewalks will only get worse without intervention, not better
- Nick requested to survey sidewalks for emergency conditions after completing vacant building survey
The city assumed sidewalk responsibility with the advent of the sidewalk improvement district. The proposed amendment would not change that overall structure but would add emergency repair authority.
Miscellaneous Items and Adjournment
Lloyd raised a question about the timeline for the peace pole that was uprooted, and the committee briefly discussed North Seventh Street intersection traffic issues before adjourning.
Key points
- Lloyd asked about peace pole incident timeline, reports conflict on when it was last seen intact
- Captain Miller said someone last saw it May 5th, but Lloyd noted conservation advisory council discussed it missing at May 4th meeting
- Likely uprooted the weekend before May 4th, reported to police after that date
- Brief return to discussion of North 7th intersection traffic study needs
- Concern that making it four-way stop could create backup issues and road damage from trucks sitting at light
- Committee agreed professional traffic study needed before making changes
- Meeting adjourned after motion, second, and unanimous vote
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.
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