Darin Ratermann

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call. Key discussions included public comments from residents regarding issues with hawk attacks on their chickens, prompting consideration for allowing protective measures like a rooster or turkey, or exploring options such as external fencing or variances to local code. The board also introduced Council Bill Number 2026-1, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a development agreement for Forest Park 3 with Corey Meyers Development LLC. This involved the city accepting easements secured by the developer from adjacent property owners (JJ LLC and SGD LLC) to facilitate the construction of a future service road.

The meeting agenda for the Board of Aldermen included several key items. A public hearing was scheduled regarding a potential city-wide ban on certain classifications of electric-powered bikes and other modes of transportation in specific areas of Ashland. Legislative discussions involved three Council Bills: one for extending the city limits through annexation of unincorporated area (Council Bill No. 2025-41), one for rezoning two parcels from A-1 to R-1 zoning (Council Bill No. 2025-42), and one approving the Founders Ridge Final Plat 2 (Council Bill No. 2025-43). New business involved authorizing the purchase of a truck for the sewer department (Resolution No. 2025-61) and authorizing the purchase of a replacement submersible pump for the North East Regional Lift Station (Resolution No. 2025-62). The session was also scheduled to include a vote to enter a Closed Session to discuss legal actions or employee matters.

The agenda for the Board of Aldermen meeting on February 3, 2026, included Old Business concerning Ordinance No. 1538 regarding the extension of corporate City Limits through annexation and Ordinance No. 1539 related to changing the zoning of two parcels from A-1 to R-1. New Business focused on Resolution No. 2026-5, authorizing the purchase of a sewer inspection push camera for the sewer department. Various reports were scheduled, including those from the Mayor, City Administrator, City Attorney, Public Works Director, Water Supervisor, and the Board of Aldermen. The agenda also included a closed session to discuss legal actions or privileged communications.

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025, focuses on a public hearing regarding a variance request submitted by David and Kathy Murray concerning the paving requirements for a gravel driveway leading to a rear accessory structure at 16280 S. Old Hwy 63. The variance seeks to waive the code requirement for permanent, dust-free concrete or asphaltic concrete surfacing. The supporting documents detail staff analysis indicating that the request fails to meet the criteria for granting a variance, as the condition is not unique and the application of the code does not constitute an unnecessary hardship. The discussion from the previous meeting involved considering alternatives such as asphalt millings, pavers, or chip sealing.

The Board of Aldermen meeting agenda included several key items. Scheduled public comment involved a request to allow one rooster or male turkey. Introduction and first reading items covered ordinances authorizing the Mayor to execute a development agreement for Forest Park 3, accepting easements for right-of-way purposes, and authorizing an addendum to a contract with M & M Landscaping and Construction, LLC dba MMLC, LLC. Old Business included discussion of the addendum to the MMLC contract. New Business included a resolution for the creation and direction of the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee. The agenda also listed various departmental reports and a vote to enter closed session for legal matters.