At a glance
The Common Council Safety Committee met Sunday evening to review monthly reports from the fire and police departments and discuss e-bike and e-scooter safety. The fire department reported 44 calls in June, including a busy storm day that generated eight calls, and ran its first cardiac arrest response under the new protocol. Police reported 26 arrests, issued 216 traffic tickets, and shared data from a two-week speed study on Warren Street showing nearly 50,000 vehicles eastbound with an average speed of 17 mph and over 6,500 vehicles exceeding the 25 mph limit. The committee discussed helmet enforcement for bikes and e-scooters, agreed to schedule a community education session, and debated the Crown Scooters vendor permit arrangement.
Fire Department Monthly Report
The fire department reported 44 calls in June, including three fires, six power line incidents, and eight calls on the day of a major storm. The new fire truck passed final inspection Friday and should arrive mid-July.
Key points
- 44 total calls: three fires (one dumpster, one cooking fire), two gas leaks, one carbon monoxide incident, one bomb threat, seven electrical hazards involving power lines
- 18 non-emergency calls, 12 false alarms from malfunctions, 10 public service calls including lift assists and an elevator rescue
- Eight calls came on the day of the storm, all within minutes of each other; power restored citywide by 9 PM except for major outages on Union Street
- New fire truck passed final inspection July 11 and is expected for delivery mid-July after tools are mounted at the dealer
- Fire department ran its first cardiac arrest call under the new protocol Thursday night; it was a reversal and worked smoothly with HPD and SWAT
- Cooling center opened for three days during the heat; one or two people used it, one bottle of water sold
Police Department Monthly Report and Body-Worn Cameras
The police department reported 26 arrests, nine emotionally disturbed person calls, and no narcan administrations in June. Body-worn camera review showed no training or discipline issues, though one incident is under investigation following a citizen complaint from the Attorney General's office.
Key points
- 26 arrests with 32 charges; nine emotionally disturbed person calls; zero narcan administrations or suspected drug overdoses
- Two defensive action reports: one arrest warrant subject fled, taser displayed but not deployed; one mental health incident requiring involuntary custody to bring the person to the hospital
- Body-worn camera review for the month showed nothing requiring training or discipline, but one open internal investigation from a citizen complaint received through the AG's office
- Committee discussed mobile crisis response resources and whether Aster, a new home-based crisis intervention provider, has been added to HPD's referral list (Chief Franklin had not heard of them)
- Mobile crisis available Monday through Friday; when unavailable, hospital referral is the standard next step for both adults and juveniles
Committee asked whether Aster, a new home-based crisis intervention provider, could be added as a secondary resource when mobile crisis is unavailable, to avoid hospital referrals when possible.
Warren Street Speed Study Results
Police shared data from a two-week speed study on the 800 block of Warren Street. Nearly 50,000 vehicles traveled eastbound with an average speed of 17 mph; over 6,500 exceeded the 25 mph limit. The westbound count appeared lower due to a possible equipment malfunction.
Key points
- Eastbound on Warren Street (June 3 to June 17): 49,293 vehicles, average speed 17 mph, highest recorded speed 81 mph (likely an error, not confirmed on camera footage)
- 6,575 vehicles exceeded the 25 mph posted limit eastbound; busiest hours were 10 AM to 4 PM
- Westbound (June 19 to June 30): 22,400 vehicles, average speed 19 mph, highest speed 49 mph, with 4,939 above the posted limit
- The lower westbound count likely reflects equipment downtime during the period, possibly weather-related
- Chief Franklin will send full reports with breakdowns by speed range to the council and post publicly
The 81 mph eastbound speed and the lower westbound vehicle count are both likely errors. Chief Franklin is reviewing the raw data and will clarify in the full written report.
Speeding Ticket Locations
Most speeding tickets in the second quarter were issued on South Third Street and Harry Howard Avenue. Officers use discretion, generally issuing tickets for speeds 30 mph or higher in 25 mph zones.
Key points
- 16 speeding tickets issued in second quarter; general locations were South Third Street, Green Street, Harry Howard Avenue, Worth Avenue
- Majority issued on South Third Street and Harry Howard Avenue
- Officers generally use 30 mph as the threshold for issuing tickets in 25 mph zones, though anything over the limit is legally stoppable
- Data does not include state troopers' evening enforcement runs
E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Helmet Enforcement and Education
Council President Morris asked the committee to consider ordinances on e-bike and e-scooter safety, including age limits and helmet requirements. Committee members discussed starting with education and community outreach before enforcement, and agreed to schedule a safety event at Oakdale on Thursday.
Key points
- Morris proposed the legal committee draft ordinances for e-bikes and e-scooters covering age limits, helmets, and safety rules
- Current city code requires helmets for bicycles; no mention of e-bikes or e-scooters
- State law prohibits children under 16 from riding electric scooters or non-pedal-assisted e-bikes
- Two police sergeants attended e-bike training in June; department plans to educate families and potentially confiscate scooters from repeat offenders rather than ticket children directly
- Committee agreed to hold a community education session Thursday at Oakdale with Berkshire Bike and Board; Chief Franklin will reach out to the superintendent to send email blasts to parents
- Dominic Merante suggested pulling over all riders without helmets and stopping them, not necessarily to ticket but to educate; Councilmember Claire Cousin proposed a community-led infographic and town hall before enforcement begins
Bike and e-scooter safety session Thursday at Oakdale, organized with Berkshire Bike and Board. Chief Franklin will coordinate with the superintendent to notify parents.
Haddad referenced a May 28 Brooklyn Bridge collision between an electric scooter traveling 50 mph and a non-electric bicycle; both riders died despite wearing helmets.
Crown Scooters Vendor Permit Debate
Haddad raised concerns about Crown Scooters operating under a vendor permit rather than a contract, arguing the business does not conform to city code on signage, insurance, and age restrictions. Morris clarified that a contract would better protect the city and suggested working with the business to provide safety materials at point of rental.
Key points
- Crown Scooters operates under a vendor permit issued by the mayor, not a contract; Morris had recommended a contract structure similar to Hudson Paddles
- Haddad said the business does not conform to city code requirements for signage and insurance display, and anyone with an iPhone can rent a scooter regardless of age
- The mayor's office told Haddad the company's terms of service say they are not legally responsible once someone uses the app to rent
- Morris explained a contract would specify liability, require the city be held harmless, and allow terms such as banning repeat violators from renting again
- Committee discussed whether the vendor permit exposes the city to liability if a member of the public reasonably assumes this is a city-sanctioned operation
- Chief Franklin and Cousin agreed to reach out to the business owner and explore adding safety information to the app or providing handouts at the point of rental
Chief Franklin or another council member will reach out to the business owner to discuss safety information, app-based check-offs, and potential contract terms.
The business currently operates under a vendor permit issued by the mayor. Morris argued a contract would better protect the city and allow enforceable safety terms.
Bike Code Update: Sidewalk Riding Age Limit
The current city code allows children 10 and under to ride bicycles on sidewalks. Committee members agreed the age limit should be raised, likely to 15 or 16, and the outdated language referring to disabled individuals should be updated.
Key points
- Current code (Section 78-6A) allows children 10 and under to ride on sidewalks; committee agreed this is too low
- Suggested raising the age limit to 15 or 16 to align with state law and keep younger riders off the street
- Code language includes the outdated term 'cripples,' which needs to be revised
- Committee will ask the city attorney to research the appropriate age and draft updated language for the legal committee
Legal committee to draft updated language for Section 78-6A, raising the sidewalk riding age limit and removing outdated terms.
Flag Day Parade and Fourth of July Fireworks
Chief Franklin reported one complaint about Flag Day parade street closures and communication. The department towed seven cars for Flag Day and zero for Pride. Fireworks complaints on the Fourth were lower than last year; the department plans to organize a controlled community fireworks event for next year.
Key points
- One citizen complaint about Flag Day street closures and parade length; the 250th anniversary parade was longer than usual
- Seven vehicles towed for Flag Day, zero for Pride; no traffic complaints for Pride
- 12 fireworks calls on the Fourth, concentrated on Front Street between State and Columbia; lower than last year
- Chief Franklin proposed organizing a controlled community fireworks event for next Fourth of July with fire department safety presence and a mass gathering permit
- Morris thanked the department for posting a fireworks safety message ahead of the holiday, which the committee had requested last year
Police and fire departments will work with residents to organize a controlled community fireworks display next year, potentially with a mass gathering permit.
National Night Out Resolution and Sponsorships
Chief Franklin requested a resolution designating August 4 as National Night Out. The event will be held at the waterfront with free activities, community tables, and 500 to 600 toys donated by CSX and the First Responders Children Foundation.
Key points
- National Night Out is August 4, a Tuesday evening, at the waterfront
- Free community event to improve community and police partnerships; any organization can table and provide services
- Sponsors include the sheriff's department and Operation Unite (Elena Mosley)
- CSX and the First Responders Children Foundation are providing 500 to 600 toys for children, delivered to HPD before August 4
- Chief Franklin asked the committee to support a resolution designating the day
Hospital Bomb Threat
Chief Franklin reported that the hospital emergency room received an anonymous bomb threat on Juneteenth claiming multiple bombs were in the building. The threat was not credible; the call was computer-generated and untraceable, likely part of a pattern targeting random locations worldwide.
Key points
- Anonymous bomb threat called into the hospital ER on Juneteenth; caller claimed there were 'tons of bombs' and more were being brought in
- HPD, sheriff's office, and state police searched the hospital; nothing was found and the threat was not credible
- The phone number cannot be traced; the call was computer-generated and appears to be part of a pattern of random threats to various locations
- Similar calls have targeted schools in the area in the past
School Resource Officer Commendation
Chief Franklin read a letter from Hudson Junior/Senior High School Principal Derek Rearden commending Officer Ralph for his work as school resource officer. Ralph serves on the district safety team, provides traffic control at all buildings, works after-school events, and handles temporary extreme risk protection orders when students make threats.
Key points
- Principal Rearden's letter praised Officer Ralph for professionalism, dedication, and positive rapport with students and staff
- Ralph serves on the district safety team and is the liaison between the school and police department
- Provides traffic control at all district buildings, with the majority of duties at the elementary school
- Works after-school events including athletic games, graduation, dances, and proms
- Handles temporary extreme risk protection orders (TERPOs) when students make threats involving weapons; process includes going to the home, searching for firearms, and removing them temporarily
- Also transports students to and from school when needed and coached volleyball until last year
- During summer, Officer Ralph is on regular patrol and will rotate to Oakdale when the summer program opens
Committee requested quarterly summaries of Officer Ralph's role and activities, without identifying juveniles, to improve communication between the district and the city.
Code Enforcement Monthly Report
Code Enforcement Officer Nick Zachos reported reviewing and issuing 27 building permits, conducting 21 construction inspections and four housing inspections, and bringing in $24,243 in revenue in June. The office is hiring a full-time code officer and has no applicants yet.
Key points
- 27 building permit applications reviewed and issued; 10 municipal search letters; two certificates of occupancy; six certificates of compliance
- 21 construction inspections, four housing inspections, three demolition permits, eight orders to remedy violations
- $24,243 in revenue for June, described as a light month
- The office is looking to hire a full-time code enforcement officer; no applicants yet
Chicken Coops and Roosters
Zachos reported complaints about roosters, rats from chicken coops, and requested the committee review the chicken ordinance. Current code allows up to five chickens with no roosters on properties approved by the planning board; Zachos made contact with one home today about an illegal rooster.
Key points
- Complaints about chickens, roosters, and rats from chicken coops
- Current code allows up to five chickens, no roosters, on properties with planning board approval and a $500 fee
- Zachos contacted one property owner today about an illegal rooster; they said they would remove it within two days
- Every three years, code enforcement inspects over 400 multi-family and mixed-use buildings for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, fire alarms, blocked egresses, and housekeeping issues
- Council President Morris said she does not recall any discussion of rats during the 2024 chicken ordinance update and asked Zachos to email the relevant code section to the legal committee for review
Legal committee will review the chicken code (Section 70-17) and consider adding provisions about rodent control.
Signage on Utility Poles
Haddad raised the issue of signs posted on street poles and utility infrastructure, which violates city code prohibiting posting on city property. Zachos said the poles are owned by National Grid, not the city, making enforcement difficult.
Key points
- City code prohibits posting bills or advertisements on city property including street lamps and utility poles
- Haddad said signs obstruct vision, especially at Third and St. Mary's on Allen Street
- Zachos said the poles are owned by National Grid, not the city, and he cannot enforce against signs on private property
- Committee discussed whether the city could ask National Grid to remove the poles if they are no longer active
Rental Inspection Cycle
Dominic Merante asked whether Hudson has a transition-of-tenancy inspection program like Philmont. Zachos clarified that Hudson inspects all multi-family and mixed-use properties on a three-year cycle, checking smoke detectors, fire equipment, and life safety issues regardless of tenant turnover.
Key points
- Merante asked whether rentals are inspected when tenants leave, as in Philmont
- Zachos said Hudson inspects over 400 multi-family (three units or more) and mixed-use properties every three years
- Inspections check smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, fire alarms, blocked egresses, and housekeeping hazards
- Buildings are added to the inspection list when they register as multi-family or change occupancy; code enforcement tracks all properties by address and unit count
- Smoke detectors must be 10-year models moving forward; CO detectors required if any gas-powered equipment is in the building; hardwired detectors required depending on the building's age and construction code in effect at the time
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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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