Council advances charter‑revision process, members and residents call for public vetting

The chair proposed establishing a charter commission to review and update the city charter, describing a draft structure for a seven‑member commission and saying final changes would go to the ballot. "I am proposing that common council establish a charter ... this would be made up of 7 members," the chair said, and noted that the president of the council would be ex‑officio while all commission members would have voting rights.

Multiple councilmembers and residents pushed back on process and representativeness. One resident (who identified himself as Matt McGee) urged a public hearing and broader vetting: "I believe this is an important issue for the citizens of Hudson. I believe there should be a public hearing on starting up a Commission and there also should be a public hearing on vetting people who will be on it," he said. Other speakers asked that commission membership be geographically and demographically representative and requested more time to identify committee candidates.

The chair acknowledged the concerns, said a revised draft will be circulated and asked for written comments. He also said state law will require a public hearing before any local law is adopted and directed staff to circulate revised language with a timetable for a public hearing and a special meeting that could include attorney presentations. Council and residents agreed to schedule a public hearing within the coming weeks and to circulate materials in advance.