City of Ashland

The board meeting included a proclamation designating June as Celebrate Diversity Month. Commissioners discussed local events, including the success of the First Friday event and mural unveiling, while also raising concerns regarding rising fuel prices and their impact on budget planning. The City Manager provided updates on infrastructure projects, including the SCADA system progress and parking garage preparations, as well as personnel hiring efforts. A representative from Cares presented an update on the utilization of community development funding to assist local families with housing and utility stability. Additionally, the board approved professional engineering services for the Daw Street Rehabilitation Project, adopted the Transit Asset Management Plan, renewed various employee insurance contracts, and amended the city's loading zone ordinance.

The board meeting featured several proclamations, including the designation of National Police Week, Building Safety Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. The commissioners discussed the efforts of law enforcement and code enforcement staff, provided updates on park renovations such as the inclusive playground and ballfield upgrades, and noted upcoming tourism events like the Broadway Nights summer series and Burger Week. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding the importance of adherence to proper government procedures and the commissioners' engagement with the community.

The commission reviewed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on project allocations and staffing requirements. Discussions included potential funding for federal matching grants to support airline services and budget lines for city improvements such as paving, sidewalks, recycling, demolitions, and beautification. The board held an extensive discussion regarding the proposed creation of a new asset manager position, evaluating its role in establishing citywide inventory controls, equipment lifecycle management, and operational accountability. Additionally, the commissioners deliberated on the addition of four police personnel and a call center administrator, while clarifying the current status of an unfunded facilities manager position.

The meeting included reports on local city projects such as the completion of a sensory garden in Central Park, ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and the lifting of an agreed order at the water treatment plant. Economic development efforts and infrastructure updates, including building demolitions, were discussed. A presentation was given on the potential for an archaeological heritage trail in Boyd and Greenup counties to boost tourism and economic growth by highlighting Native American mounds.

The commission approved the second reading and final adoption of several ordinances, including standard operating procedures for the fire department, a memorandum with the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs for FEMA reimbursement, regulations concerning mobile food vendors, amendments to the city police agreement, a security camera installation contract for city parks, noise ordinance updates, special event regulations, and a job description for the Director of Public Services.