Craig Kiley

The council meeting addressed several legislative items including an ordinance to repeal Chapter 229 of the Codified Ordinances and an ordinance to establish the zoning district for a specific area of the city. Additionally, the council considered an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and Director of Public Service to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Project.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on legislative actions, including the establishment of a Capital Projects Fund named Land Development Improvement Fund 450 to track funds for future land acquisition and development, particularly in anticipation of state housing development funds. Another ordinance authorized a contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1386, AFL-CIO, detailing a three-year contract with specific wage increases for 2026 and 2027, and adjusting the firefighter readiness bonus payment structure. Council members also commented on current events such as ongoing activity at the Pump House project, recent police department promotions, snow removal concerns, and pothole repairs being addressed aggressively. The Mayor provided updates regarding salt supply challenges due to previous mild winters and requested that business owners clear sidewalks. Additionally, plans for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 14th were announced.

The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from the previous February 17th session. Key discussions involved an ordinance authorizing the purchase of real property located near the Arthur Street School to address its deteriorating condition, with the Land Bank Board agreeing to share the cost following the city's acquisition. Another significant item was an ordinance approving the contract with Simson Construction Services, Inc. for the design and construction of a new 14,500 square foot Ashland Public Transit Facility on city-owned property at Third and Union, utilizing substantial federal and state grant funding. Finally, a public hearing was conducted regarding the proposed vacation of certain undeveloped alleys, specifically the alley at Electric and Buck, with property owners present expressing support for the vacation, which would then lead to consideration by the Board of Revision of Assessments.

The agenda for the regular session included the approval of the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting. Key discussion items centered on ordinances concerning the purchase of real property, authorizing a contract with Simonson Construction Services, Inc. for the Ashland Public Transit Facility via the design-build method, and vacating certain alleys and a street located within the city. A significant item involved adopting the permanent appropriations measure for the calendar year ending December 31, 2026. Public hearings were scheduled for the alley vacations and the proposed 2026 appropriations.

The regular session addressed several legislative items and new business. Key legislation included the authorization to contract for the replacement of a collapsed, century-old storm sewer line in the new Pump House District, costing approximately $285,537. Another ordinance authorized the sale of ten acres of land in the Industrial Park to Meptagon (an Israeli-based company that acquired BCU Electric) for a new manufacturing facility, expecting job growth from 35 to 150-200 employees. The council also accepted an easement and dedication for a water distribution main related to the Montgomery Meadows Private Road Subdivision development. New business included approving two liquor permit applications without a hearing. In financial matters, the Finance Director noted the city received the Auditor of State's distinction for good reporting for the third consecutive year and provided an update on the pending 2026 permanent appropriations. Council comments covered issues regarding property owners not clearing snow from sidewalks and celebrated a staff member starting a new role with the judicial system. The Mayor announced plans for the St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 14th and preliminary details for the America's 250th Birthday Bash Parade scheduled for July 4, 2026.