On the Corner of Church and Railroad………Frank Goodroe, City Manager

The Easter bunny with rabies

Well it felt like I had rabies for awhile. The few days proceeding Easter holidays, the City sent a number of code enforcement letters to city property owners and tenants. The letters pertained to junk and debris in yards, and junk left curbs. In some instances, a resident left a few furniture items at the curb, with a free sign. Perhaps thinking that someone would want a snow and rain soaked couch or desk.

Our refuse company does not pick up furniture items normally, except during the spring and fall clean up. It is possible to call and request a special pickup, and the refuse company will charge the resident for the pick up. They have a rate schedule for larger items. Residents are welcome to contact the city office, to obtain information regarding special pick ups.

The City Manager wears a dual hat, in serving as the code enforcement officer for the City. It is that role that warning letters, as well as citations are issued for code enforcement problems. Unfortunately, we see a pattern of certain properties having code violations. Though not used often, the city does issue civil citations for violations, with an escalating fine, beginning at $50.00, and increasing to $500.00. The goal in issuing warning letters or citations is compliance with the code. It is pretty basic, comply with the code, be it junk, debris, grass not maintained, side walk not shoveled on a timely basis, and no further letters or citation would be issued.

The process we are now following is to include a photo or photos with notices of code violation. The letters will go to the property owner, which in the case of rental property provides notice to the owner that a problem exists. If we know the name of the tenant, then a letter is sent to them as well. The inclusion of a photo with the notice seems to be quite effective. If you are wondering how code violations are identified, it varies. Citizens will call or visit City Hall to complain; City staff will notice a problem; the Police department will identify a problem, which could include vehicles improperly parked or tags out of date, or dog(s) barking or running loose. This is in addition to regular drive a rounds on my part. No matter how we learn of a potential code violation, it is always followed up on by the Manager. No letter is sent out, without first being personally observed by the Code Enforcement officer.

Just like the Easter bunny, being a rabid rabbit is not a fun role to play anytime of the year. Yet it is a task that needs to be done on a consistent regular basis.

Mayor Exchange

The City will be participating in the Michigan week program again this year. The annual Mayor Exchange program has matched the City with the Village of Paw Paw. Hudson will host Paw Paw village President, Roman Plaszczak and Village officials on Wednesday, May 14^th and we will journey to Paw Paw on May 21^st.

Last year the city participated in an exchange with the Village of Bellevue, after not having an exchange in a several years. We had an excellent response to the program last year, and it was quite educational for each communities leaders.

City Newsletter

In January, 2008 the City introduced a new utility bill and a City newsletter. In the past, utility bills were sent out on a post card on a quarterly basis. The City Council, asked that a newsletter be developed that would be informative to city residents, with limited additional expense, thus the new billing sheet and the newsletter arrive in a number 10 envelope. The April quarterly billing will arrive shortly, and will include a newsletter, which we hope will be informative, and keep residents informed. Angie Hanawalt in our office is serving as the newsletter editor, and has done a fine job.

Food Stamps in Michigan

The State of Michigan is estimated to have a population of 10.7 million residents as of 2007, dropping 30,500 people from a year earlier. For the same time period, the number of residents participating in the Food Stamp program is 1.2 million people, up from 1.1 million in 2006. Based upon these numbers, 1 out of every 8 residents is participating in the food stamp program. The statistics for our border states are equally bleak, with Ohio having 1.1 million participants, which are 1 out of 10 residents in the program. Indiana has a slightly lower participation rate with 587,000. In each case, the number seeking assistance has increased 3-5 % over the prior year. Nationwide, nearly 26.7 million citizens are food stamp recipients.

This is a tragic situation, and the numbers seeking assistance is growing rapidly. The Food stamp program is actually a federal funded program, administered by each state government. Generally, eligibility for food assistance depends on the financial situation of all members in a household. Income limits apply and are based upon the number of family members and the income.

In many cases, families or individuals that participate in the food stamp program are employed on a part time or full time basis. A term that is used is the working poor, those that work, yet their earnings are below the established income levels.

Many that receive food stamps also seek assistance from food banks and social service agencies. The average monthly benefit for a single person is $101.01 and for a household, $226.00. While helpful, these benefit levels are not sufficient for most families on a monthly basis.

Should you have the need or know of a family member that could use assistance, the following online food stamp calculator can be helpful. The calculator is anonymous, and is informational only. You do not have to identify yourself or anyone else, to use the calculator. From this site, you can obtain additional information about the State Food stamp program, eligibility and where and how to apply.

Food stamp calculator, www.foodstamphelp.org

City-Wide Spring Clean up

The annual City spring clean up will be held on Saturday, April 19^th. Allied Waste Disposal will have 5 trucks canvassing the city making curb side pick ups from 8-10 a.m. It is advisable to have items at the curb early Saturday morning or Friday evenings.

Details on the do’s and don’t for the clean up day are posted on the city web site, and notices will be included in the Post Gazette. www.hudsonmich.com

Web Sites

Here are some web sites which may be of interest to you.

Michigan Notable Books

Each year the Library of Michigan establishes a list of Michigan Notable Books. The listing is to encourage reading in general, and specifically identify books written by Michigan Authors. Books that have a Michigan locations or characters may be included on the Notable Book listing.

The Michigan state library has been sponsoring this program since 1996 to encourage readership by Michigan residents.

www.michigan.gov/notablebooks

Property Tax Information

This site is part of the State of Michigan web site, and is for the State Treasurer. The site includes a video, explaining state taxes, and property taxes. You can also access a property tax estimator, which will help you calculate property taxes for a given property, and allows you to make comparisons, with properties of the same value, and what your taxes would be if you lived in a given City, Township or Village. You can also, make a comparison of tax rates within Lenawee or Hillsdale Counties.

www.Michigan.gov/treasury

https://treas-secure.state.mi.us/ptestimator/PTEstimator.asp

This is an occasional column written by Hudson City Manager, Frank Goodroe.

On the Corner of Church and Railroad……………….Frank Goodroe, City Manager

____________________________________________________________________

A Gazette editorial from 1861 reads no more lots available…

In the 1860’s, the Hudson Cemetery Society was faced with a problem. The cemetery had only two or three lots remaining to be sold at the old Protestant Cemetery, commonly known as the Old Cemetery, which was located in a portion of the site of present day Webster Park. During early 1860’s, the Cemetery Society debated the need for additional land for a new cemetery, or to somehow expand the existing site.

In 1867, the Hudson Village Council on behalf of the Cemetery Society acquired 15 acres of land located upon the farm of Samuel Pittenger. The land was located on the north-west corner of the Pittenger farm, at the terminus of High Street. The land was purchased at a cost of $125.00 per acre and totaled $1,875. The acreage on a hill was located at a high point in town, and would become known as the “New Cemetery” and would be named Maple Grove Cemetery. High Street which was located at the top of a hill, no longer exists on any City of Hudson maps, but I believe that street and drive were created through the former Pittenger farm land, and becoming N. Maple Grove. Maple Tree’s lined the street and boulevard. Newspaper accounts appear to be in conflict on some information concerning the property purchase. One claims the Village/City purchased 20 acres, another claims that 15 acres was acquired. It was interesting to note that initially, lots in the new cemetery were sold at $10.00 a lot and $7.00 for ½ lot. A short time later, the cost of lot’s was raised to $12.00.

One article describes the newly acquired land as an “attractive, and pleasant resort; accessible at all seasons, over a good road, and far enough away to avoid collision with other uses, and near enough for an easy walk. In some newspaper accounts, the new cemetery would be described as “the City of the Dead”.

For many years, the cemetery sextons had to hold caskets in storage prior to burial during the winter months when it was not possible to dig in the frozen ground. In 1881, voters approved the building of a receiving vault, at a cost of $1,000, and this was completed around 1884, the structure measuring 16 x 16 feet with 14 inch walls. The vault designed by Adrian Architect, C.F. Matthes, is ornamental in style, and served as a receiving vault for many years. The vault remains today, but is now used for storage, though retains its distinctive style.

In 1906, the City acquired the old Spencer farm, consisting of 36 acres, which included a barn and farm house, which was remodeled and housed the cemetery sexton. The property cost $3,600.00 and was paid from the cemetery fund. The barn located on the farm land was sold to a George Lydamore, who moved it from the property.

In the 1920’s the three bedroom cemetery farm house was remodeled and used for many years to house the cemetery sexton, and the first City Manager hired in the mid 1950’s. Newspaper accounts indicated that into the 1970’s the cemetery sexton, and then a Chief of Police occupied the house. The home is now rented to a private party.

In 1926, the records show that the number of lots to care for had increased to 1,300 in the new cemetery and that 5,000 people were buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery at that time.

Gradually over the years, additional acreage was acquired, to insure that land would be available for the further growth of the cemetery. Land such as where the Will Carleton park is located today, was acquired and intended to be used in the future for cemetery expansion, should the need arise.

A review of the history of Maple Grove, and the old cemetery once located where Webster Park sits today is fascinating. In the old cemetery, those interned were from the late 1830’s, and through the civil war era of the 1860’s. These graves and headstone would eventually be moved to the new cemetery in the 1940’s. Today, no markers remain at the site of the old cemetery, land which is now part of Webster Park. At the Maple Grove Cemetery, the headstones from the old cemetery were located in a small area near the receiving vault building. Many of the headstones that were re-interned, the markers have deteriorated with age, and the wording on many of the markers is no longer legible.

The earliest recorded burial in Maple Grove Cemetery was that of Phebe Lane, wife of Beriah Lane, founder of Lanesville, which eventually became Hudson, on May 23, 1839 at the age of 35. Most likely, Mrs. Lane was buried elsewhere, and then re-interned to Maple Grove after it opened in 1867.

News stories from the 1800’s and the early 1900’s tell the story and the history of Maple Grove Cemetery, and the pride that the community, and its sextons had for the cemetery. That pride remains today. Phil Goodlock “P-Nut” takes great pride in the care and maintenance of the Maple Grove Cemetery, a place known to some as “God’s Acres”.

Hospice – 20^th Lights of Love tree lighting

On Sunday, December 2^nd the 20^th Annual Lights of Love Tree lighting ceremony was held at the Hudson Community Center, in remembrance of those that have been served by the Hospice of Lenawee, their families, and the many dedicated hospice volunteers.

Outdoors, near the front of the Center, along Main Street, those gathered surrounded the tree on a very windy and rainy night were nearly 130 hospice volunteers, family members of those served by hospice, and members of the Hudson Cantata group. Local Girl Scout leader, Mary Tanner, and her senior troop members, tried their hardest to keep the flames glowing on the candles surrounding the tree, but that was not to be.

Gerri Monahan and son Charlie, as well as other family members of Bud Monahan lit the tree in remembrance of her husband, and their father Bud Monahan.

Following brief comments, a moment of remembrance, along with songs of the season, those gathered reassembled into the warmth and light of the center.

Elton (Van) VandeZande began the evening program with emotion in his voice, as he remembered the first program 20 years ago, and the premature loss of a dear friend that remains fresh in his mind and weighs on his heart after all of these years. Time was devoted to remember the many in the Hudson area that have died, and were served by Hospice of Lenawee. In the quiet of the room, (Van) VandeZande announced a name; heads would nod no doubt in remembrance of family members, and of the dedicated and caring hospice volunteers.

This was my first occasion to hear and see the Hudson Cantata Choir perform under the direction of choral director Cindy Wolf. I would estimate that about 70 of the over 120 musicians and choir members were in attendance. John Enerson served as the narrator, in introducing each music selection. Lori Lancaster performed a solo in a hearty and strong soprano, and the Cantata was accompanied by pianist Jan Rickard.

The Hudson Cantata will be performing this weekend, on December 7, 8, and Sunday afternoon on December 9^th. I certainly look forward to attending a full performance.

The lights of love treeing lighting was planned, and coordinated by Mary and Bud Enerson, Jean Ann and David Berlin, and Kari Evans. Numerous others took an active role in insuring that the program would be a respectful remembrance of those that have passed, and would prove to be a memorable evening. Following the brief musical presentation by the Hudson Cantata, food and warm refreshments were served to all that attended. Our moderator, (Van) VandeZande nicely pointed out to me, that while having the piano at the center was appreciated, it is badly in need of tuning.

Hospice volunteers and the Hospice of Lenawee have been touching the lives of many in the great Hudson area for many years. At times, the emotions were very near the surface for many in the room, as this was a time of reflection of those that have been lost, and the grieving process that is unique for each person. This was an occasion of coming together for those that were touched by the loss of a loved one, at the most vulnerable stage in life, and how Hospice volunteers eased the process and the journey.

The Lights of Love tree lighting program provided an evening of remembrance which was respectful, dignified, and spirit filled. 

Cleaning Up the Muss

If you find reading about the civil war era, military life, and Hudson in the 1860’s, then a newly published book is for you, titled Cleaning up the Muss. The Civil War letter of Surgeon David P. Chamberlin, M.D. written by Marty Bertera, and Hazel Pray Monahan will make for interesting reading. The book is available at the Hudson Museum, in hard cover or paperback.

The book contains letters written by Dr. Chamberlin, sent to the Hudson Gazette newspaper on a monthly basis during the early Civil War years of 1860’s. Each letter chronicles life of the soldier’s in the 4^th Michigan Infantry, primitive medical care, and is descriptive of their surroundings, and the 4^th early involvement in the war. I would recommend this book highly to those that have an interest in history, and especially Civil war history.

On the Corner of Church and Railroad…………Frank Goodroe, City Manager

Hillcrest 8-3111

Recently I got my hands on a map of Hudson from 1955. The Citywide survey and guide was a joint effort of the industrial committee of the Kiwanis club, Hudson booster club, and the Jaycees. At that time the City population was estimated at 3,000 and growing.

Looking at the map at first is a bit disorientating, due to the amount of change that has occurred in our community over the past 50 plus years. The locations of the schools, hospital, small businesses, and local industry are totally changed. Manufacturing facilities totaled 14 plants within the city, producing $17,000,000 worth of products annually. The city boundaries would change over the next 30 years, as the city annexed land for growth and development. In the 1970’s land was annexed to build the Sunrise meadows subdivision; land where the former Rowley Lumber yard was located now where Hager Industries is today, would be annexed in late 1979 from Hudson Township. In the 1980’s a large 100 plus acre farm was acquired by the city to develop the city industrial park as a suitable location for new industries and manufacturing sites.

The high school was located on the block of Washington, and Pleasant Streets, houses are located their now. Lincoln grade school was located at Hill and Wood, near Main Street. A church is now located on that site. The first Thorn Hospital was located on Grove Street, which today is used as a multi-unit apartment building. In the 1960’s Thorn Hospital would build a new hospital building and move to Cross Street. A portion of Webster Park appears to be the site of what was the historic old cemetery, prior to the cemetery being relocated to N. Maple Grove.

While the buildings along Main Street, have maintained their historic appearance, the businesses within are almost entirely different. Downtown in the 50’s included several, drug stores, bars, retail clothing, and goods stores. Businesses such as Coscarelli’s located at 306 W. Main had a restaurant on the main floor, an apartment on the second floor, and a large open area on the third floor, used for dances, catered meals, and card games.

This building was recently acquired through tax sales by the Downtown Development Authority and is in the process of being renovated. Another Main Street location was the home of H.C. Blanks, Jeweler “at the sign of the Big Clock”, which houses the Pro-Shop today. This is an especially interesting building, since it contains the inner workings of the large clock on Main Street. In the basement of the building at 309 W. Main are the original clock works for the clock, and it is maintained and wound weekly by the City DPW staff. Klee Pharmacy was located at 301 W. Main Street, which will shortly house a co-assignment shop, and Decker and Sons Agency, with the slogan “representing 19 leading stock insurance companies” was located at 121 S. Market. The Hudson Hotel was situated at Railroad and Church street, now the location of City Hall, a former brick Fire Station and Council meeting hall was located across the street in the City parking lot area, next to the former Sleutelberg family home at 120 N. Church street.

Another map of the downtown area from the 1970’s showed the transition from retail to service orientated businesses along Main Street. During this time period, the Hudson Post-Gazette was located at 315 W. Main Street, where Bill’s Barber shop is today.

Yet when looking at these maps, one is struck by how many of the names and locations of businesses have changed. So the next time, we hear things never change around here, we can be reminded by what the Hudson area look like in the 1950’s and the 1970’s .

What about Hillcrest 8-3111, well for you newcomers, that was the former telephone exchange for Hudson, and 8-3111 was the number for Onweller’s Rexall Drug store located in the 200 block of Main Street, which eventually became a Hallmark store, and is now an antique store. Mr. Onweller’s store served as a kind of satellite City Hall, since he served many years as the Mayor of Hudson.

Barbering in Hudson

In mentioning the location of Bill’s barber shop on Main Street brings me to my next topic. Usually every other Saturday, I find my way to 315 W. Main Street at Bill’s barber shop. The chair barely gets warm, by the time Jim Taylor finishes with me. See being hair impaired, the only hair that really grows is my eye brows, and around the ears. Bill’s barbering chair dates back to the early 50’s and perhaps even before then. The chair has been recovered a few times, but provides comfortable seating.

In many communities, the local barber shop serves as a gathering spot for the men in the community. It is where the stages of life from being a boy to manhood can be marked. That first haircut, with a nervous Mom and Dad hovering around a squirming child, or that time that Dad, or Granddad takes you for a cut and some man talk. These shops have a certain type of leather chair for customer seating, usually the walls are covered with hunting, auto and sports pictures, some large calendars promoting auto repair tools, and a scantily clad women, cigar and cigarette smoke would surround you, and the reading material would include magazine such as Mechanics Illustrated, Boy’s Life, and a few Hunting, and Handyman magazines. Oh yes, can’t forget the smells, those being the various hair creams, wax, shaving cream, and hair tonic, that only the barber knows about.

Local barber, Jim Taylor got his start in barbering working as an apprentice barber for Louis Murdoch back in 1966. Mr. Murdoch had his barbershop at 111 N. Church Street, and at a later date Dr. Kunkle had his dental practice located there for many years, and is now occupied by the Reflections photo lab. Jim got his barber’s training at the Lemarr Barber College in Detroit located along Woodward Avenue. He attended the 9-month training program, and then a 2 year apprenticeship, completed in Hudson. Jim Taylor was a Hudson boy, growing up around Grove Street, and attended Hudson schools.

In the mid 1960’s, Jim Taylor was one of at least 8 barbers in town, and worked with Bill Ransom, who eventually bought the barber shop from Mr. Murdoch. Around 1973, Bill Ransom moved the shop to its present location at 315 W. Main St and renamed it Bill’s barber shop. Bill’s started out with 3 barbers including Jim Taylor, one beautician, and a shoe shine boy or girl.

Back in 1966, the tools of the trade were still pretty basic, not the variety of clippers, shears, and cutting tools available today. For a time in the 60’s and 70’s many barbers used Clipper vacuum’s, these clippers, removed the hair as quickly as it was cut. I remember these clippers being rather noisy, and were no doubt heavy and awkward for the barber to use. At some point in the 1980’s the vacuum’s went out of favor, and newer, sharper, smaller, and lighter clippers came into use.

In talking to Jim, we discussed the changes in hairstyle over the years. Apparently when long hair on youth and men became fashionable, many barbers refused to learn how to cut long hair, and in some cases, opted to retire. The longer styles very fashionable in the mid 60’s and the 70’s were no doubt popularized by musical groups such as the Beatles. Styles like the flat top have never really fallen out of style, as many men still prefer them. Though styles like the Mohawk have seen their day, though are occasional requested by a certain few?

Upon entering Bill’s barber shop it feels like the olden days. In the display windows, is a collection of straight edge razors, and scissors, on the other side is a shoe shine case and stool, and the various brushes and shoe waxes, and the various tools used by previous shoe shine boys. It has been several years, since regular shoe shine services were available at Bill’s. In Hudson and, certainly elsewhere many future barbers and stylists got their start shining shoes and sweeping up hair, as they learned the business.

In 1969, I held my first job on the day I turned 16 as a mail boy at Michigan National bank in downtown Flint, a job I’d hold for nearly 4 years. The bank was a rather formal environment, located in the Mott Foundation building. I mention this to relate my first adult type of barbering experience. Located on the 7^th floor, was an executive barber shop. They used the vacuum clippers, and magic fingers, to give a scalp massage, and relax stressed out shoulder muscles. This was a time before we learned about stress of course. Next is the hot shave cream and straight edge razor to finish cleaning around the ears and neckline. To a 16 year old, making $1.25 an hour, those magic fingers and hot shave cream seemed adult like and mighty important, and the $5.00 price well worth it. I wanted to see how an executive was treated. In the sub basement of the building, where the mailroom was located, I didn’t get to see very many bank executives very often.

It has been many years, since I visited a barber that even knows how to use a straight edge razor, hot shave cream, let alone offer a scalp massage. The only time I saw a straight edge razor was in old western movies. This past January, my first time in the chair at Bill’s Barbershop, I got my first hot shave in over 30 years. Following the shave, out comes the Jeris hair tonic/antiseptic, which burns a bit and tingles some, and then to job some talc around the collar. All of which you won’t be getting at Great Clips.

Recently, a long time customer brought into Bill’s a small collection of various barbering tonics. In the empty station from where Jim works is a display of tonics, such as Lucky Tiger-3 purpose hair tonic, and Hask hair and scalp treatment, and Jeris Hair tonic, and no doubt some of the waxes and hair creams once required to style flat tops, and longer hair.

As is often the case, a local barber gets an earful, and now as the sole barber in town, Jim Taylor hears a lot. On most Saturday’s at Bill’s barber shop, customers will be coming in for a fast clip, and a whole lot of talk. On the tables are a variety of sports and hunting magazines, Newspapers, and plenty of talk. The topics will vary, perhaps about local and collegiate sports, game scores, who is sick, who needs a job, and even City business such as progress on the street construction, and water and sewer bills. You will find Jim Taylor in the thick of things, as he cuts and talks, and a few tall tails are no doubt told.

Now in my middle years, it takes just a brief time to trim my hair, but it is rather neat to observe children and youth, as they experience the barber shop. Jim will ask if it’s cut short enough, and how about the neckline. Sons and fathers still tend not to agree with the specifics of hair length. Often times you will hear the youth and the parent negotiating on those points.

In talking with Jim Taylor, I asked about his using a straight edge razor, and how that seems to be rarity in the barbering business. He believes that it is more common in larger communities. He indicated that he still has the vacuum clippers, but they are no longer used. And then I ask about the magic fingers massager………oh that’s in the backroom and still works. I’d say it’s about time to get that device out and help work on those stress constricted shoulders.

So as not to forget, the barber pole outside the shop is still in place. That’s how we tell that Bill’s barbershop is open and ready for clipping.

Thrillers Book Club

A book club for adults interested in reading mysteries and other fiction will begin on Thursday, November 15^th, 7-8:30 p.m. at Lydia’s Book’s Store, located at 114 North Market. The meeting will start immediately following the chamber Christmas parade. The store has a wonderful reading area, which makes for a very comfortable meeting space. The book club will meet on the third Thursday of each month.

At the first meeting on October 18^th. thirty one people attended, to hear Miriam Winter read from her book, titled, Trains-A hidden Childhood. The Author responded to questions about her experience as a child or 8 years old, in war time Poland.

Club meeting dates and book selections for the remainder of 2007 are as follows:

November 15^{th. :} A Perfect Evil, Alex Kava

December 20^th: Hard Row, Margaret Maron

The Hudson Public Library will have each of these books available for check out. In addition, Books will be available for purchase at Lydia’s Books; their number is 781-6021. The Book club is a community activity, and there is no cost to participate. Do join us.

This is an occasional column written by Hudson City Manager, Frank Goodroe.

On the Corner of Church and Railroad…………Frank Goodroe, City Manager

Long time city employee recognized

On October 4^th Phil (P-Nut) Goodlock began his 31^st year working for the City of Hudson. Today, P-Nut is the city’s Department of Public Works Superintendent. He is the longest serving city employee now, but in 1976, p-nut began as a CETA employee at a rate of $2.50 an hour, working through a temporary federal grant funded position at the DPW. In the 1970’s, the federal government, faced with high unemployment and a mounting energy crisis, started the CETA program, to fund employment and training opportunities in government and the non-profit sector. In many instances, these temporary CETA jobs, became permanent, at least that was the intent of the Carter era program.

Today, Phil Goodlock fills many shoes in his job as DPW Superintendent, including being the cemetery sexton. Overseeing the water system, the cemetery, parks, streets, sidewalk, snow removal, lawn maintenance. To name just a few duties. He is a ready resource in terms of our water and sewer distribution system and literally where people are buried.

The work day begins in the early mornings for our DPW chief…………you can find him most mornings, including weekends at the DPW garage around 5:00 am, preparing for the workday, and deciding on job assignments for his top drawer crew of DPW co-workers………..that’s correct co-workers, P-Nut Goodlock is a hands on manager, just as his predecessor Sheldon Peltier was hands on. Sheldon taught him well.

On Tuesday, October 9^th. Members of the city council and city staff gathered for a lunch to recognize P-Nut for his years of service. The City of Hudson and the community are very fortunate to have a person of Phil Goodlock’s dedication and devotion to work on its city staff. 

Election Day-Importance of voting

Early in our educational process we are taught that responsible citizens exercise the right to vote.

On Tuesday, November 6^th municipal elections will be held in Hudson, and most cities in Michigan. In our case, four of seven council positions are on the ballot.

Allow me to relate a story, a true one in this case, that demonstrates the importance of each vote.

The year is 1983, and November elections are being held throughout Michigan in most cities and townships. In a small community north of Flint, city residents are following the campaign for Mayor and Alderman Positions (council members). For Mayor it is a rematch, between the two year incumbent Mayor, and his predecessor, a former Mayor that had served for 12 years, prior to being defeated two years prior, by a youthful 27 year old.

At the time in that city, the position of Mayor was by direct at large election by the people, and not from amongst the alderman (council member). In November, 1981, the Mayor race consisted of a 12 year office holder, and a young former school board member. The race was hot and continious, and the turn out would prove to be the largest in that city’s history. At the end of the day on November 3, 1981, a new Mayor was elected in a 36 vote squeaker.

Two years later in 1983, the same names would appear on the ballot for the Mayor’s office, and the race would be hard fought. This election proved to be much different, the candidates, ended the election in a 388-388 tie vote. The outcome of the election would be full of uncertainty. According to that City charter, the Mayor and Alderman would take office 6 days later, yet who that person would be was yet to be determined.

A tie vote followed a recount and legal challenge. In the 1980’s counties were just beginning to introduce computerized elections, with a mainframe computer reading the ballot cards. In this case, the election outcome was in technical dispute, due to some ballot irregularities.

In Michigan at the time, and perhaps still today, an election that results in a tie vote, is decided by a coin toss. Yes, a game of chance would determine the election outcome. The same process that would be used for a Mayor, State Representative or Governor. The outcome would be up to a game of chance. It should be noted, that the Michigan State lottery, had just recently started.

Following that November Election Day, with the outcome in dispute, tensions in the small city were high. Citizens would tell the candidates that they meant to vote or forgot to vote, or thought the incumbent Mayor would be a shoo in and their vote was not necessary.

The election attracted considerable attention, some due to the tie, and some as a result of the ages of the two candidates, one a 55 year old former 6 terms Mayor, and the early 20 year old incumbent Mayor. The media loved the story, pointing out the importance of the individual vote and how that one vote can count. The tie election was picked up in newspapers throughout the country, and even network news.

On November 17, 1983, News crews from Detroit and surrounding cities would cover the “flip”. The situation was somewhat unique, and a fairly new morning show, Good Morning America, decided to cover the flip live. An ABC news crew spent the morning filming the incumbent Mayor making his early morning rounds. This was an election outcome that attracted considerable attention, for what would normally be a low profile elected position.

The 17^th was to be decision day, the “flip” would happen at the Genesee County Courthouse, and the County Clerk, would be responsible for the process. At the appointed time, supporters for both candidates gathered at the County Courthouse, with plenty of radio and television crews present to record the event. The process would be two-fold. A coin toss would determine, who would be first to draw a slip of paper from a small gray box, one which said “elected” and one “not elected” on two slips of paper, written in neat script.

The County Clerk explained the process that would be followed. A coin toss would determine who would draw a slip of paper from the box first. Heads would be the incumbent Mayor and tails would be for the opponent.

The County Clerk readied the shiny new quarter, and then tossed it. It came down heads. The incumbent Mayor then would draw first from the box. His attorney, drew for him, and pulled a small folded white paper, which contained the words “Not Elected”.

So live on Good Morning America and that evenings network news on ABC and NBC, people witnessed democracy in action and the value of the individual vote.

At a future date, the youthful Mayor, would come to hold various County state and federal offices, including the position of Chief Deputy County Clerk, which included responsibility for county wide election administration. The winner of the drawing would serve as Mayor for many years, and in 2006, at the age of 79 would become the City Administrator. In January, 2007, that formerly youthful Mayor would become your middle aged City Manager in Hudson, and still preaching the importance of each vote.

Thrillers Book Club

A book club for adults interested in reading mysteries and other fiction will begin on Thursday, October, 18^th, 7-8:30 pm at Lydia’s Book’s Store, located at 114 North Market. The bookstore was formerly named Hartman Books. The store has a wonderful reading area, which will make for a very comfortable meeting space. The book club will meet on the third Thursday of each month

Club meeting dates and book selections for the remainder of 2007 are as follows:

October 18^th. : Trains- A Hidden Childhood, Miriam Winter

November 15^{th. :} A Perfect Evil, Alex Kava

December 20^th: Hard Row, Margaret Maron

The Hudson Public Library will have each of these books available for check out. In addition, Books will be available for purchase at Lydia’s Books; their number is 781-6021. The Book Club is a community activity, and there is no cost to participate. Do join us.

This is an occasional column written by Hudson City Manager, Frank Goodroe.

On the Corner of Church and Railroad…………Frank Goodroe, City Manager

Hudson Food Pantry

The pantry has been seeing more families and individuals in need of food assistance. Food items and personal care items are always in short supply at the pantry, and often times it becomes necessary for pantry volunteers to cutback on what each family is allocated.

This week, October 1-7, the Bob’s Market House store will be holding its annual Spartan brand canned goods sale, and on Monday, October 8^th is customer appreciation day, beginning at 6am. While doing your own grocery shopping, this is an excellent opportunity to purchase items for the food pantry. The pantry is always in short supply of canned goods, such as vegetables and fruit; staples like sugar and flour; personal care products like shampoo, soap, detergent; paper products like tissue and toilet paper. Meat products like hot dogs, luncheon meats, and burger that can be frozen.

To make it fairly easy, when making purchases at Bob’s Market House, tell the cashier that your purchase is for the Hudson Food Pantry, and they will package the items up for you and deliver them to the pantry for you. Of course, you are welcome to deliver donations to the pantry yourself. The Pantry is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 11-1. The Pantry is operated by the Hudson Area Ministerial Association and is located on Mechanic Street and St. Giles, across from Sacred Heart Church. 

City Wide Fall Clean Up

The second clean up for 2007 is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 13^th. This is an excellent opportunity to dispose of items that are not normally able to be disposed of during the regular weekly refuse collection.

Water Tower

This past Friday, September 28^th. The City held a ground breaking for a new 500,000 gallon elevated water tower to be built at the Hudson Industrial Park. Construction is expected to begin in November, and will take about 400 days to complete. The construction of the tower was made possible thru a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The State grant award is for up to $1,000,000 with a local match of $300,000. The funding will be used to build the water tower, extend the street, and some signage. The industrial park is overseen by the Local Development Finance Authority; Ron McCreary serves as the chairman of the Authority.

The new tower will be in addition to the existing 200,000 gallon water tower, located near Webster Park. The current water storage capacity under serves the City, so with the additional water capacity it will boost water pressure city wide, add needed capacity for current and future development, and insure sufficient water reserves in the event of an emergency, such as a major fire within the city.

The impetus for seeking the funding and securing the state grant was the decision by Hi-Lex Controls to add a major addition to its Hudson facility and a large number of new permanent jobs. In the fall of 2006, Hi-Lex began construction of an addition of 69,604 square feet of space, to its existing 140,000 sq ft building. Included will be the acquisition of nearly $16,000,000 in new equipment.

Beginning in February, 2008, Hi-Lex will start adding to its workforce, with the addition of 162 permanent new jobs. This is in addition to the current staff of 178 hourly and salaried associates. South Central Michigan Works will handle the employment process for Hi-Lex. Their website is www.scmw.org and their telephone number is (517) 437-3381. Hi-Lex Controls will not be accepting applications at the facility, only through South Central Michigan Works.

Hi-Lex Corporation began in Japan in 1946, and established its first presence in the US in 1975. Today, Hi-Lex has 29 factories and design facilities world wide, with a growing workforce of 7,300 employees. The company is the world’s largest auto control cable suppliers and the second largest window regulator suppliers to the auto industry. In the Hudson facility they build window regulators for Jeep and Chrysler. In addition to Hudson, Hi-Lex has Michigan based facilities in Battle Creek, Rochester Hills, and Litchfield.

The need for the additional water capacity and water pressure, was identified a number of years ago, and of added concern with the addition of Hi-Lex, and future new industrial businesses that will locate in the Industrial Park, or elsewhere in Hudson.

In, 2006 my predecessor Bruce VanWieren and City Clerk Kim Murphy sought the grant funding through the State of Michigan. They were assisted in this project development by the Lenawee County Chamber for Economic Development. The Chamber plays a very active role in economic development throughout the County and has played a significant role in attracting new industry to the Industrial park.

The Hudson Industrial Park is 155 acres of land, located on the southeast corner of Munson Highway and M-34. The land was originally purchased by the City in 1986 from the Reed Smith Living Trust. The park consists of 5 and 10 acre parcels to house industrial businesses in the city.

The concept, design and financing of the Industrial park represented forward thinking and a certain level of risk. I like to point out that many cities, villages and townships have industrial parks, and in many instances, they are merely some land and a sign. City leaders and the County chamber wanted to insure that the Hudson site would be developed and attract a more diverse industrial base to the city.

Shortly after land was purchased in 1986.The Hudson Industrial Park had its first industrial customer. Jack Donaldson of Homer Donaldson, and Kaname Kitsuda, Chairman of Kitsuda Engineering attended engineering school at Tri-State University, Angola, Indiana, and were roommates at Tri-State.

Jack Donaldson convinced Mr. Kitsuda that Hudson was the perfect location for a new joint venture between Kitsuda Engineering and Homer Donaldson. The venture would be known as Kecy Products Inc. In May, 1987, ground was broken on a 10 acres parcel on the northwest corner of the Industrial Park, to construct a 16,000 square foot building, with additions built in ensuing years. It took a person with Mr. Donaldson’s vision to see what was possible at the Industrial Park site, and how Hudson was the perfect location for this new venture.

Shortly after breaking ground for the new Kecy Products facility, Malabar Manufacturing was built and in early, 1991, Homer Donaldson moved its plant from McKenzie Street to the Industrial Park.

Throughout the 1990’s additional industry located in the Park, and in 2001, Hi-Lex Controls, decided to build a new 117,000 square feet plant on a 20 acre site in the park.

For the tower groundbreaking the weather cooperated and the geese arrived in mass at a nearby pond. Located on a small hill next to the pond is where the tower will be constructed. You can reach the tower site, by entering on Steger Industrial Drive, off of Munson Hwy. During the winter of 2008, gradually, you will be able to see the tower rise on its pedestal and by the fall of 2008 the tower should be completed.

In attendance were members of the Finance Authority, City Council, County and State officials, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Hi-Lex associates, and a number of the Industrial businesses located in the Park were represented as well. Located near the rear of the gathering, quietly observing was Jack Donaldson. The man with the vision to create Kecy Products and bring industry to Hudson. It is easy to forget that it took vision, creativity and a willingness to take a risk, to make something important happen in this community. With the passage of time, we might forget some of those that were a part of Hudson’s industrial development, and how industry leaders such as Jack Donaldson contributed to that growth and development.

Hudson Thrillers Book Club

A book club for adults interested in reading mysteries and other fiction will begin on Thursday, October, 18^th from 7-8:30 pm at Lydia’s Book Store, located at 114 North Market. The bookstore was formerly named Hartman Books. The store has a wonderful reading area, which will make for a very comfortable meeting space. The book club will meet on the third Thursday of each month

Club meeting dates and book selections for the remainder of 2007 are as follows:

October 18^th. : Trains- A Hidden Childhood, Miriam Winter

November 15^{th. :} A Perfect Evil, Alex Kava

December 20^th: Hard Row, Margaret Maron

The Hudson Public Library will have each of these books available for check out. In addition, books will be available for purchase at Lydia’s Books; their number is 781-6021. The Book Club is a community activity, and there is no cost to participate. Do join us.

This is an occasional column written by Hudson City Manager, Frank Goodroe.

On the Corner of Church and Railroad…………Frank Goodroe, City Manager

Downtown Façade Improvement Program

If it isn’t evident by now to those of you that choose to read this periodic column, I love history and have enjoyed immensely learning about Hudson and the Bean Creek Valley.

Most of Hudson’s downtown buildings consist of buildings built well over a hundred years ago. Some buildings have been modified over the years, and so their age is not readily apparent. In the 1970’s, the downtown district was established as a historic district by the U.S. Department of Interior. Interestingly, the building that houses Karen’s Kafe, located at 314 W. Main is listed on the National Historic Register and the Michigan Historic Register.

During the past few months, Jim Findlay, Hazel Monahan, and Kathy Hepker have generously shared photos and details about our downtown buildings and pictures of how the buildings and store fronts once appeared. I find buildings such as the Phelps building located at 301 W. Main Street; Decker Insurance building located at 305 W. Main Street; the Pro-Shop and clock tower at 309 W. Main Street; and Karen’s Kafe to be especially striking. We have pictures of when these buildings were originally built, how they appeared, and what the various storefronts looked like. It is also fascinating to learn about the various businesses that once occupied their spaces. Many were retail businesses such as drug stores, a movie theater, restaurants, candy and ice cream shop, jewelry store, grocery store and a clothing store to mention just a few examples.

In 2006, MSHDA, a State of Michigan agency created a grant program for building façade improvement in the central business districts for the 1600 plus cities, villages and districts in Michigan. IN 2006, fewer than 20 communities received grant awards to begin the façade improvement. Among those receiving such grants were Morenci, Blissfield, and Reading.

In 2007, MSHDA announced a new round of funding, totaling nearly $2 million dollars for façade improvement in Michigan communities. This year, fewer than 25