[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6394393,"mediaKeyId","2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d","parentId",2102967,"title","Board approves consent agenda and multiple first-reading ordinances, accepts donations and authorizes administrative actions","audioSeconds",4065,"startMs",2699000,"endMs",6764000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d&start=2699&end=6764","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6394393/Ashland/Boyd-County/Kentucky/Board-approves-consent-agenda-and-multiple-first-reading-ordinances-accepts-donations-and-authorizes-administrative-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394393-666ba29828adac10fa4d7a0ef35ef88b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448231&Signature=DBXbMbKVPYRVyK4TlJx-wA5jkaOvdKZiOA~-NnJCOC4HjUkg9bITS4NmjO1AnhV3I8OmgdQsO~yMzo1~bE0y05Ia4szdcklqf59qlSTkGxlWeAHfxwQky1qUM2bstW~chmuRJcQErK8Ot9Bvug-nqgeHuK2xTBYOecb8AzU2v8e6P5AcklSCKK7uviT1VLANd6HfrU9MyLOOlLVkwAlSENDngTfO9Z~~QpjZVzcbVinaoDS~5xiAG1eQbIwL~Z2Qk6J3gEA3xVz9QSuQDoiHR6WpdMdreivwXD7Mc344Frg8FT5eu5-QGpGH9fiozbUafUFHhNaX9bQLVrd5w2EWRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Ashland, KY ","date","2025-01-11T10:21:48.26Z","article","The Ashland Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda and advanced multiple ordinances and municipal orders during its Jan. 9, 2025 meeting. Most items were taken on first reading or adopted on the consent agenda and were approved by voice vote; the public record shows affirmative voice votes but no roll-call tallies in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution adopting and filing the consent agenda: approved by voice vote (motion recorded as passed). (Referenced in transcript as a resolution moved by Commissioner Wheeler.)

- Ordinance (first reading) repealing Ordinance No. 164, Series 2023, and restoring the effect of KRS 83A.150: motion made and first reading approved by voice vote. (Transcript text: \"an ordinance...repealing ordinance number 164 series of 2023 and restoring the effect of KRS 83 a 150.\")

- Ordinance (first reading) amending Ordinance No. 55, Series 2013, to fix days and times for commission meetings (new schedule: second Tuesday at 5 p.m. and fourth Thursday at noon): motion made and first reading approved by voice vote. The board said it will publicize schedule changes on social media and utility bills.

- Ordinance (first reading) authorizing establishment of a line of credit to borrow operational funds for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025: motion made and first reading approved by voice vote. City manager said goal is to exit the line of credit by late 2025–early 2026.

- Ordinance (first reading) approving Change Order No. 1 with Mechanical Construction Company for the 26th Street Pump Station Rehabilitation Project, increasing the contract by $25,976.90: motion made and first reading approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance (first reading) adopting the Housing Choice Voucher Program utility allowance schedule for the city's Community and Economic Development Division (Section 8): motion made and first reading approved by voice vote. Staff noted the Section 8 program is a high performer.

- Municipal order authorizing the mayor to accept a $2,500 donation to the Ashland Police Department from the Ashland Fraternal Order of Eagles: adopted on the consent agenda by voice vote.

- Municipal order authorizing acceptance of the Our Rescue donation of an electronic detection canine and handler training (K9 Mabel): adopted on the consent agenda by voice vote. The department demonstrated the canine at the meeting.

- Resolution designating Michelle Veach as certifying official for HUD IDIS on behalf of the city of Ashland: adopted on the consent agenda by voice vote.

- Appointment: Mayor recommended Matthew Perkins to the Ashland Urban Renewal Board for a four-year term (Jan. 9, 2025 to Jan. 8, 2029); appointment confirmed by voice vote.

- Ordinance (first reading) amending Ordinance No. 151, Series 2023, which established the Ashland Conference Center Advisory Committee: motion made and first reading approved by voice vote. Board discussed making the mayor a fixed member and rotating commissioners on the committee; the first meeting was said to be scheduled for Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

- Municipal order authorizing mayor and Fire Chief Stephen Alley to execute an agreement with Boyd County EMS regarding medical direction for Ashland Fire Department personnel licensed by the Kentucky Board of EMS: approved on the consent agenda by voice vote; recorded as a routine compliance item with no financial component.

- Executive session: the board went into executive session to discuss property acquisition and individual personnel matters. The board reported back that no final action was taken on the personnel matter; for property acquisition the board authorized Commissioner Wheeler to attend negotiations (motion approved by voice vote). The meeting recessed to continue business the following day and scheduled a public work session for Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.

Where votes were recorded verbally the public record contains only voice votes; no roll-call tallies were provided in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ashland City Commissioners Meeting - 1-9-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Jan. 9 meeting the Ashland Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda, first readings of several ordinances, a change order for a pump-station project, routine municipal orders including two donations, HUD administrative designation, appointments, and scheduling changes for commission meetings.","taxTitle","Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky","taxId",71006,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6394395,"Safe Harbor urges continued city support; highlights Harbor Hill, Section 8 vouchers and transit needs",298,2367000,2665000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d&start=2367&end=2665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d/thumbnail_2367000.jpg","/articles/6394395/Ashland/Boyd-County/Kentucky/Safe-Harbor-urges-continued-city-support-highlights-Harbor-Hill-Section-8-vouchers-and-transit-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394395-dd7297d6df655b00f40a306e89cd2efb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448231&Signature=DkeKBonKrfospS~-yulEgZHxD8JKPbRsbq-uWdzf1b1g~ybyCbwrxMKnlvOyJlxioBM7DTV6K7WtTd5eNrZfj9snxCvBDnoKRTuTOrQ8LwlgHBVNeXDPShQVVcvGfLqwj~0ti0nHzvaO7Q-krXSKQNS9uhEqPh63Em2o~jsWF9vW92ebVd1ZQpAcz5wHDWbaA1KShsOueFpdi7d3wgVl58iZ9i3kIWp2zSHg58dMLMvpjWkJwo5wX4QZ6qBEOwJ0m0TQyjS7gaGGKLT0MDm7tWsM03PXKLn0OAIxyfH-Rhu76lGix8cWKvqcElYyR-sIHu08BpLnYnHs2BcLm9lr3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Safe Harbor Executive Director Anne Perkins addressed the Jan. 9 commission to reintroduce the nonprofit's services and request continued municipal support. Perkins said Safe Harbor has operated for 41 years, has provided over 20,000 shelter stays, manages Harbor Hill (a 34-apartment project), and depends on city-provided project-based Section 8 vouchers to subsidize housing for survivors.

Perkins said Safe Harbor manages Harbor Hill after a tax-credit renovation conducted about 15 years ago in partnership with PNC Bank, and that the City of Ashland currently provides 34 project-based Section 8 vouchers for those units. She said Safe Harbor provides about 13,000 bed nights annually, serves roughly 500 women and children (and some men) in shelter, and moves about 100 families per year into housing.

Perkins also told commissioners that transportation access is a critical need: Safe Harbor spends an estimated $5,000–$7,000 annually on bus tokens and had previously worked with city staff to establish a bus stop at the shelter. She said the organization's payroll is about $900,000 annually and asked the commission to continue supporting Harbor Hill and the ongoing Section 8 voucher allocation.

Commissioners thanked Perkins and acknowledged Safe Harbor as a long-standing local partner; the board later approved an ordinance adopting the housing choice voucher program utility allowance schedule and a separate municipal resolution designating a certifying official for HUD systems (items on the consent agenda).","Safe Harbor, a domestic violence service provider, briefed the commission on 41 years of operations, management of Harbor Hill apartments and reliance on city-provided project-based Section 8 vouchers and transit access; director requested continued support including preservation of bus service on election days.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6394398,"Residents urge open process on proposed Ashland Conference Center, warn Paramount Theater could be harmed",1141,2005000,3146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d&start=2005&end=3146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d/thumbnail_2005000.jpg","/articles/6394398/Ashland/Boyd-County/Kentucky/Residents-urge-open-process-on-proposed-Ashland-Conference-Center-warn-Paramount-Theater-could-be-harmed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394398-8f198886c388187455bf9ff6310a0343/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448231&Signature=RVHFCuwLD3Om2NJB1CE5YWpsHy5nsJbsX~Y6YVErg~gc9Kt6XRn5Id96bR6Kd6~~2HnaJJhWEYQM3UaTJB7H5re~bfwavm~gy63nu~5NINNOWt2WUPm7nvjLVgRXI9C-Y1Sw4Ve-9-6wx4ghK7eqbKceGSODNpyegnTwK2TsqPYigTr2wfiipGlviqpwm5QQzDMsBp41jAn4sVDsLQGu7ZNNCMlxJr25G7a4LcfTtw3CjAS99E~rNfD4Sc54mx8RTNsk6r~ZnS3HoGxI2JYdziOj3tXFg~~XGjpTgxCtFK3PziWbPBAAVuExOCLjpGKSUyg1ee-qKiQy2osPOkCbow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the Jan. 9 public comment period to press the commission for greater transparency on the proposed Ashland Conference Center and to raise concerns that the project could harm the Paramount Arts Center's programming.

Roger Hall, of 4919 Robin Hood Drive, told commissioners he believes the proposed conference center “is going to put the Paramount out of business” and said the project has not been handled in open meetings. “Let's not...do this in no open meeting,” Hall said, urging commissioners to consider siting the conference center elsewhere or to expand public deliberation.

The mayor responded that the commission will provide public notice on future open meetings related to the project. The board later moved an ordinance amending the advisory committee for the conference center (first reading) and discussed scheduling the advisory committee's first meeting on Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m.; members said it would be an open meeting if the board so directed.

During public comment Suzanne Barker Griffith, who identified herself as residing on Houston Avenue and active in regional planning work, praised Ashland's comprehensive plan and urged the commission to review and use its five-year update cycle; she also requested continued free busing on election days. The board acknowledged those requests and said it would publicize meeting times and work to increase accessibility.","Public commenters told the commission that the Ashland Conference Center proposal has lacked open meetings and could negatively affect the Paramount Arts Center; the board noted future open meetings on the topic.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6394400,"Ashland Police promote four officers; department unveils electronic storage detection canine 'Mabel'",1682,1682000,3364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d&start=1682&end=3364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6394400/Ashland/Boyd-County/Kentucky/Ashland-Police-promote-four-officers-department-unveils-electronic-storage-detection-canine-Mabel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394400-d97866e2c5ac08059542cb35de5983df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448232&Signature=fKINS5Rh4RZpzku6v6NPs4Y~WjRKrv~eG3q4~a3d4ZUB9zdNdYK8jqlT66rjayenCnE-3RyHftVodA3AVTp6uh1txI6nMNzz9E5seQy2gGq2bjZkxsu82pC3s1VC9AdssfDCJBqbB~NExnQfesBeFpvIHSLZNb~H3kq2gGXNK9OFEyF~Ru~isUQjK4Y1mQRb5rluWVOqGQvwl0dPMl~NCTow-X5h7QmtFO3zm6bdzRkk8M~9fNCSNXMJIcrVXHR9lxw6hofOUVcz~CZfIE4bVO~RNjyaBWU98QLrMc9xUVkLlf2p8C8vXe8TtBy368oC9~xLNjG0f2Lc98c6b3PAMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashland Police Department promoted four officers and introduced an electronic storage detection canine called Mabel at the Jan. 9 Board of Commissioners meeting. The department said the promotions and the donation aim to strengthen investigations of crimes that rely on digital evidence.

Chief representatives announced promotions to sergeant and lieutenant ranks and promoted Eric Taylor to major and field operations division commander. The department administered an oath of honor to the promoted officers in a public ceremony. The police also introduced Mabel — an ESD canine trained to detect hidden electronic storage such as micro SD cards and concealed hard drives. The department demonstrated Mabel locating a concealed micro SD card, a false-book hard drive, and a disguised SD card inside a can during the meeting.

City officials told the audience that Our Rescue (presented in the meeting as the donor organization previously known as Operation Underground Railroad) provided the canine and training. The department said the handler is Detective C.C. Porter and that the dog and handler completed more than two weeks of training before returning to Ashland in mid-November.

Separately on the consent agenda the commission adopted a municipal order authorizing the mayor to accept the donation of the ESD canine and the handler training. The resolution was approved by voice vote; the public minutes record an affirmative voice vote without a roll-call tally. Police officials said the ESD canine is only one of 172 in the world and one of approximately 110 deployed through the donor organization to law-enforcement partners.

Chiefs and presenters described the canine as a tool for investigations of child exploitation, homicides and other crimes where small concealed storage devices are commonly used as evidence. The department said the unit will augment a recently built digital forensics lab.","The Ashland Police Department promoted four officers and introduced an electronic storage detection (ESD) canine donated through Our Rescue. The board accepted the donation by municipal order during the meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":46,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6394402,"Ashland mayor, four commissioners sworn in; DJ Reimer elected mayor pro tem",6379,385000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d&start=385&end=6764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2102967-256d2cd7e98ddcc1bf4d2a53cce97e1d/thumbnail_385000.jpg","/articles/6394402/Ashland/Boyd-County/Kentucky/Ashland-mayor-four-commissioners-sworn-in-DJ-Reimer-elected-mayor-pro-tem","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394402-65a872f755a77ae49274560df3555476/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448232&Signature=XFXCev4cd0DLCClmgAURZzW~Xw8Fy4G3jk4JjPyAKy2xb6YhTfNoioXVW9uqtZu0yEScTWG2cY9iEL3Nj8ujqfQlTaJnkNou0404IywuJ6pmMVUuTEzCfax8uprzoRBcGpKRXD6L-ZGjjJspWbuR~Be7lIIdlw-JCAYduGawxlYNLz8dxnKrH21Sms50Ye3FjypQHohCctLlMC7WZXXTSc~Jm~ujMpnmv3HFyli5wDc~~IuBe2B60XblSWnWpVUmqR~8nLiRtHmhGgudm49uZfLWi4mXHKpHUAypANQoNXMGu3mEwbWJ8faqdyK4GS9w8NXgGcolGiSxdzyvmVQVRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Charles and four city commissioners were sworn into office at the Ashland Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 9, 2025, beginning the city's new two-year term. A local judge administered oaths to the mayor and commissioners before the board moved into regular business.

The mayor — identified in the meeting as Mayor Charles — outlined priorities including economic development, public transparency and oversight of a major wastewater treatment plant project, saying the commission would seek public input and “make sound business decisions” with taxpayer dollars. Mayor Charles also said he plans a State of the City address in late spring or early summer and intends to reintroduce “Walk With the Mayor” events to gather neighborhood input.

Commissioners offered brief remarks after the oath. Commissioner Steve Jett, who was congratulated on the oath, expressed appreciation for the support he received during the election. Commissioner DJ Reimer thanked voters and said his door will “always be open.” Interim City Manager Tony Grubb was introduced and said he was “excited to serve in this new role.”

During the meeting the board held a voice vote to elect Commissioner DJ Reimer as mayor pro tem. The motion passed on a voice vote with an affirmative response; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public minutes. The board also announced a public work session scheduled for Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.

The meeting proceeded to other business and later recessed to continue certain items the following day.","Mayor Charles and newly elected commissioners were sworn in Jan. 9; officials pledged open meetings and signaled priorities including economic development, wastewater work and increased public outreach. The commission elected Commissioner DJ Reimer as mayor pro tem by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consent agenda and multiple first-reading ordinances, accepts donations and authorizes administrative actions

Safe Harbor urges continued city support; highlights Harbor Hill, Section 8 vouchers and transit needs

Residents urge open process on proposed Ashland Conference Center, warn Paramount Theater could be harmed

Ashland Police promote four officers; department unveils electronic storage detection canine 'Mabel'

Ashland mayor, four commissioners sworn in; DJ Reimer elected mayor pro tem