Council gifts drone, Ford Explorer to fire department 

by Judy Stringer 

Dec. 17 city council meeting 

Christmas came right on time for the fire department as Hudson City Council approved two items from the department’s wish list. 

Council gave a thumbs up to the purchase of an all-wheel drive, fully equipped 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptor from Montrose Ford, in an amount not to exceed $71,000, and a tethered, autonomous, pilotless, continuous use drone, at a total cost not to exceed $49,010. 

According to the meeting agenda, the SUV is part of the fire department’s 2025 budget. Meanwhile, fire officials have been evaluating drones for two years, according to the resolution, and have determined this particular technology “with a combination live visual optic and thermal imaging platform” is the best option for its purposes. 

Both items were part of a consent agenda, which council passed 7-0. Also on that list was a resolution authorizing the city to purchase a 12.1-acre parcel located just north of the Ohio Turnpike on Stow Road for a sale price of $350,000. The city has 60 days to close on the property, but can abandon the deal if it chooses. 

Under legislation, council approved a resolution accepting the city manager’s recommendation not to implement the city’s Growth Management Allocation System, used to keep annual population growth at or below 1.5%. According to a memo attached to the legislation, the city saw limited new home construction and a modest annual population growth of .4% from 2010-2020. 

Council also passed a job creation grant agreement with Charter Communications. The broadband service provider is relocating regional operations to an existing facility at 280 Executive Parkway West. Charter Communications anticipates investing $6.3 million in the building and will maintain an anticipated minimum payroll of $14 million at the facility within three years in exchange for a 50% income tax credit for 10 years.