City Council to get operations overview, program update at public study session

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news

Ashland City Council’s Monday evening study session will focus on the new shelter at 2200 Ashland St. 

The meeting will include 15 minutes of time for public comment, a City Council discussion, an “operations overview” presentation and a presentation from the city’s possible contractor to run shelter operations — Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA), according to the meeting agenda. 

The council discussion portion will focus on finding goals and priorities for the shelter and will touch on topics of concern like safety, garbage and providing pathways for housing, according to meeting materials. 

In a text message, Graham encouraged Ashland residents and neighbors of 2200 Ashland St. to participate in Monday night’s discussion. She also stated the city is committed to developing services for unhoused neighbors while creating benefits for the wider neighborhood. 

“This study session is one of many discussions the council will have now, and in the future, to figure out the best way to meet both of those goals,” she wrote. 

Public testimony will be accepted for agenda items in addition to the allotted public comment period, according to the agenda. 

The meeting will be held at Ashland City Council chamber, 1175 East Main St., Ashland at 5:30 p.m. The meeting can also be watched on Channel 9 (or 180), streamed online at rvtv.sou.edu (RVTV Prime), and posted online at bit.ly/coavideos the day after the meeting. 

In order to participate in the public comment period or speak to an agenda item, complete a public testimony form. 

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].