City Commission passes $12M bond
May 28—ASHLAND — The Ashland City Commission unanimously voted to pass a $12.75 million bond for infrastructure improvements, with the request of one commissioner to write down in detail just how the bond will be used.
In a commission meeting with lively discussion about a proposed nuisance ordinance (more on that in an upcoming edition) and a change to zoning ordinances to allow for tattoo parlors in downtown, it was easy to forget the bond, or other city business for that matter.
The bond, which passed on first reading earlier this week, would be used to pay off the remaining $3.35 million still owed on the police station, contribute more than $3 million toward sidewalks and parks improvements and put money towards the tear-down of the G.B. Johnson building to make way for a convention center that's been on the docket for the better part of a decade.
The bond would save the city about $800,000, according to the finance department.
Prior to casting the vote on the second reading, Commissioner Josh Blanton said he'd like to have more details on how the bond will fund infrastructure improvements, particularly sidewalks and paving.
Commissioner Amanda Clark replied that the details "will be fleshed out" in budget work sessions, which are expected to begin next month.
Mayor Matthew B. Perkins said the capital projects committee, which looks at projects exceeding a certain dollar amount, can also get to work on just where the bond could be used.
Commissioners Cheryl Spriggs and Marty Gute said they hoped to use the funds for parks improvements.
Here are some other actions and announcements taken by the Ashland City Commission:
-Passed unanimously on first reading the addition of small cell phone towers to the city. City Manager Mike Graese said the towers will pave the way for 5G capability in the city. According to Madison Lowery, who is with the engineering firm contracted with AT&T to install the towers, they will be small and will be mounted to existing utility infrastructure. Once getting through the permitting process, Lowery anticipates having them up in the coming year.
-Unanimously appointed Kim Jenkins to the Park Board, Jim Kettel to the Cemetery Board and Leslie Vincent to the Tennis Commission.
-Approved second reading on renewing a contract with Blue Cross/ Blue Shield for administering the city's health insurance. The renewal would be a $1,836 decrease from $60,849 in the 2020-21 fiscal year to $59,058 in the upcoming fiscal year.
-Gute reported the block party on for the Carol Jackson Unity Center last Saturday was a success.
-Clark said Firken Fest tickets have gone on sale, available at www.beerfest.com.
-Blanton said the Paramount has a good lineup for the FoxFire Festival in September.
-Perkins said Wednesday's event to commemorate the naming of Steve Gilmore Way was a success and thanked Senior Adviser Rocky Adkins for showing up to the event. In a departure from past meetings, Perkins made no proclamation for the week, the day or the month.
-Graese said the pool is opening Saturday and reminded the public about free dump day at Rumpke on June 5 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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