Committee appointments — including new panel to decide shelter property’s future — set for Tuesday
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
A wildfire season preparation review and an update on the project to build a new water treatment plant will fill the agenda for the Monday, May 6, Ashland City Council study session, while the Tuesday, May 7, council business meeting will largely feature committee appointments — including the new ad hoc committee to decide the future of the 2200 Ashland St. property.
Ashland Fire & Rescue Chief Ralph Sartain, Ashland Fire Marshal Mark Shay and Emergency Management Coordinator Kelly Burns will jointly present preparations for the coming wildfire season as part of an annual update to Ashland City Council on preparations for fire, reduction of wildfire risk and enacting related Climate Energy Action Plan items, according to meeting materials.
An update to the ongoing water treatment plant project will be presented by Public Works Director Scott Fleury, including the current project’s status, cost estimates and information on utility rate impacts and cost of service, according to meeting materials.
At the City Council business meeting Tuesday, council will hear a special presentation on the work of the ad hoc child care committee and approve appointees to the Housing, Public Arts, Housing and Human Services, and Climate and Environmental Policy Advisory committees.
Councilors will also be asked to vote on Mayor Tonya Graham’s selection of 12 Ashland residents who have volunteered to serve on the ad hoc 2200 Ashland St. committee.
Council will also consider a Playwright Walk Initiative to “celebrate playwrights by placing plaques along city sidewalks that contain quotes from a variety of playwrights,” according to meeting materials. The finance department will also present to council a request to reestablish the Municipal Audit Commission. The commission was disbanded during the pandemic due to lack of members, according to meeting materials.
The meetings will be held at council chamber, 1175 E Main St. The study session Monday will begin at 5:30 p.m., while the Tuesday business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Both meetings can be attended in person or watched remotely through Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (Charter Communications) or live streamed via rvtv.sou.edu select RVTV Prime.
Public testimony will be accepted and can be delivered either via Zoom, in person, or as written comment. To sign up for public comment, fill out the public testimony form.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
