The Weekly Digest

What happened.Recreation Director Calvin Lewis reported summer camp began July 7 with 165 campers enrolled, ages 5 to 13. The six-week session added before-and-after care for the first time this year, with eight families signed up. Projected revenue from registration, extended care, and swim lessons totals $9,625.

Why it matters.Before-and-after care is new, a response to working families needing coverage beyond camp hours. The extension runs 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., expected to bring in $3,500 of the total revenue. Three households remain on the waitlist; slots open if registered campers do not attend the first week.

Where it’s headed.Camp runs through mid-August. A bike rodeo is scheduled for July 9 at Glenwood, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with road safety skills and a group ride.

What happened.Police shared data from a two-week speed study on the 800 block of Warren Street. Nearly 50,000 vehicles traveled eastbound between June 3 and June 17, with an average speed of 17 mph. Over 6,500 vehicles exceeded the posted 25 mph limit. The busiest hours were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why it matters.The study was installed after residents raised speeding concerns. The westbound count appeared lower (22,400 vehicles over 12 days, average 19 mph) but likely reflects equipment downtime during the period. Chief Franklin said the department will post full reports with breakdowns by speed range publicly. Officers generally use 30 mph as the threshold for issuing tickets in 25 mph zones.

Where it’s headed.Full speed study reports will be posted publicly.

What happened.The city has borrowed $2.3 million in bond anticipation notes to cover cash flow for the Ferry Street Bridge and downtown revitalization projects, both fully state-funded. Treasurer Heather Campbell reported the city has spent $2.1 million out of pocket so far, including $1 million in interest, while waiting for reimbursements. One downtown revitalization payment took 23 months to arrive.

Why it matters.State grants are meant to carry no city cost, but reimbursement delays force the city to borrow and pay interest. The delay turns a free project into a costly one. Campbell said some Ferry Street Bridge delays were caused by slow grant submissions, not just state processing. Projected costs through 2027 could bring total out-of-pocket expenses to $2.4 million. The 2026 borrowing is expected to be the last round for these projects, with debt service declining in 2028 once they close out.

Where it’s headed.The city expects one more round of borrowing in 2027 before both projects are fully reimbursed and closed.

What happened.Columbia County incorrectly collected its 5% lodging tax on short-term rentals within Hudson through an agreement with Airbnb. The county lacks authority to charge that tax inside city limits. Treasurer Campbell notified the county immediately. Airbnb was supposed to exclude Hudson addresses using a geographic file but has not completed the fix.

Why it matters.The county and Airbnb are redoing their agreement to exclude the city. An open question remains about how money already collected gets returned to operators and their customers. Hudson collects its own lodging tax, currently at $688,000 last year, above the budgeted $575,000.

Where it’s headed.The county and Airbnb are working to correct the agreement and determine how collected funds will be returned.

What happened.The Public Works Board chose 11 parcels for 2026 sidewalk repair, targeting municipal buildings and ADA-compliant connections between State and Union. The list includes alternates in case bids come in under budget. The board approved all 12 sidewalk credit applications and finalized the 2026 assessment file for county submission by July 1. Total assessment is $315,000, up from $308,000 last year.

Why it matters.The parcels include North Fifth between Columbia and Warren, North Fifth across from the library, South Third near the Boys and Girls Club, both sides of Fifth between State and Columbia, and North Sixth between State and Prospect. Tyler Kritzman, the commissioner of public works, said the $300,000 annual revenue requires prioritizing the worst sidewalks and ADA compliance rather than replacing entire blocks at once. A resident raised concerns about contractor quality, citing cracking in Vosburgh's 2025 work at Sixth and State and other locations, and questioned whether anyone will oversee contractors daily. Board chair Gary said the project manager and staff are accountable but daily on-site presence is not standard practice.

Where it’s headed.A public bid package will be issued in July. The work list will be announced publicly after Common Council approves the budget expenditure.

What happened.The Safety Committee scheduled a community bike and e-scooter safety event for July 9 at Oakdale Lake, organized with Berkshire Bike and Board. Council President Margaret Morris asked the committee to consider ordinances covering age limits, helmets, and safety rules for e-bikes and e-scooters. Two police sergeants attended e-bike training in June. The department plans to educate families and potentially confiscate scooters from repeat offenders rather than ticket children directly.

Why it matters.Current city code requires helmets for bicycles but does not mention e-bikes or e-scooters. State law prohibits children under 16 from riding electric scooters or non-pedal-assisted e-bikes. The committee discussed starting with education and outreach before enforcement. Chief Franklin will reach out to the school superintendent to send email blasts to parents. Councilmember Dominic Merante suggested pulling over all riders without helmets to educate them; Claire Cousin proposed a community-led infographic and town hall before enforcement begins. The committee also debated the Crown Scooters vendor permit arrangement, with Henry Haddad raising concerns that the business does not conform to city code on signage, insurance, and age restrictions. Morris clarified that a contract structure would better protect the city and allow terms such as banning repeat violators from renting again.

Where it’s headed.Safety event at Oakdale Lake, Thursday, July 9. The legal committee will draft ordinances for e-bikes and e-scooters.

What happened.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 department ran its first cardiac arrest call under the new protocol Thursday night. It was a reversal and worked smoothly with Hudson Police Department and the SWAT emergency medical team.

Why it matters.The fire department announced in earlier meetings it would begin first response to cardiac arrest calls within the next month or two, pending CPR recertification. The June call was the first test of the new protocol. The new fire truck passed final inspection July 11 and is expected for delivery mid-July after tools are mounted at the dealer.

Where it’s headed.The new fire truck will be delivered mid-July. A National Night Out event is scheduled for August 4 at the waterfront.