Ashland meetings: Police vehicles, sidewalk project on agenda; utility charge ordinance up next
Ashland's Board of Aldermen and Parks & Recreation Board held three meetings in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. What follows is based on the agendas posted for each meeting — not confirmed outcomes.
Board of Aldermen — July 7
The agenda for the July 7 regular meeting listed several items for discussion and potential action:
- Purchase of two Dodge Police Pursuit Durango vehicles.
- An engineering services contract with Great River Engineering for TAP-9901 sidewalk and pedestrian crossings.
- Purchase of an 84-inch diameter metal culvert for E. Loy Martin Road repairs.
- An ordinance to amend city meeting procedures.
- An ordinance regarding Main Street parking changes.
- Appointment of Tony Ash as Ward One Alderman.
The agenda also included discussion of wastewater facility updates and potential parking changes on Main Street. No vote tallies, dollar amounts, or outcomes are available because minutes have not been published.
Parks & Recreation Board — July 13
The Park Board agenda listed three items:
- Naming of the dog park.
- Special event fee schedule.
- Upcoming events discussion.
No details on proposed names, fee amounts, or event dates appear in the agenda. Minutes have not been published.
Board of Aldermen — July 15 (Special Meeting)
The Board scheduled a special meeting to discuss a goal-setting retreat and strategic planning session with senior management consultant Scot Wrighton of LeaderGov.
The agenda also included a vote to enter closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 610.021(3) to discuss personnel matters involving hiring, firing, discipline, or promotion. The agenda stated that any actions taken during the closed session would be reported before adjournment. No report of those actions is available in the data provided.
Coming up — July 21
The Board of Aldermen is scheduled to meet July 21. The agenda includes:
- **Council Bill No. 2026-32**: An ordinance regarding property owner responsibility for delinquent utility charges. This item would determine whether landlords or property owners are held responsible for unpaid utility bills at their properties.
- **Resolution 2026-31**: A proposal from Vance Brothers, LLC for pavement preservation.
- **Resolution 2026-32**: Naming the dog park area in Ashland Community Park as "Tuff Memorial Park."
- **Ordinance No. 1566**: An amendment to Chapter 2 regarding meetings and procedures.
- **Ordinance No. 1567**: Authorization for the Mayor to sign an MPUA Mutual Aid Agreement.
The utility charge ordinance is the item most likely to affect residents directly, as it could shift financial responsibility for unpaid utility bills. The pavement preservation resolution and the dog park naming are also on the agenda.
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*Note: All three recent meetings listed above are marked "agenda only (minutes not yet published)" in the city's records. This roundup reflects what was scheduled for discussion or action, not what was decided. Residents can check the City of Ashland's official website for published minutes, which will confirm any votes, dollar amounts, and outcomes.*