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– The Social Equity and Racial Justice committee again asked for a Diversity Equity and Inclusion officer. I previously thought that position could be combined with an HR person however, considering the disturbing racial threats to OSF staff and our city’s inability or unwillingness to engage with those threats early on, I am in favor of a full time city DEI officer.

– Travel Ashland has completely stepped up their game with social media and varying promotional angles. I hope the council and city stay engaged with Travel Ashland on a more regular basis.

– The 5G ordinance is being rewritten. I have no problem adding transparency and aesthetic requirements to the large number of boxes that may soon be coming throughout town.

– Resolution to restructure Parks hierarchy under the city manager before the ballot ordinance is voted on. What a poorly considered way to discuss this problematic issue.

-the Community budget survey came in and was found to be inconclusive. Any future city surveys should be performed by a different team.

– 20 year Sewer Master plan. These huge master plans come up regularly and it’s a smorgasbord of public works projects. From this the Public Works Department picks the next 2 years of projects and then they still have to get any fee increases approved. Seems like they lack anticipated start dates for each project so I’d like more clarity on that at this stage of the process.

– Councilor Hyatt had a great idea. With all the different Master Plans, new fee increase are projected for every single project. She proposed that in total, all utilities fees together should never rise above 10% of the average Ashland income. Seems like an excellent idea!

– 20 year Storm Water Master plan… see above.

– Ordinance 15-210 was going to be explained by the city manager with charts and graphs and… when he was done I think most people were more confused. And when confused – people tend to vote no. Which is too bad because a YES vote will fix a number of big problems.

– Like all art, the “Crystallizing our Call” sculpture had detractors but the artist Micah BlackLight is a force of nature and proved how important his piece is for African Americans and the entire Ashland community.

– Splitting city committees into three different levels will ultimately be more efficient once the dust settles.

– We have got to pursue with greater urgency the timeline and the cost of upgrading our TAP water line from Medford.

– The retirement of the present Planning Department director presents an exciting opportunity for some new blood and a fresh perspective in there.

– While I don’t agree with many 5G assertions, that conversation needs to be allowed to continue.

– A 20 year master plan for all sewer improvements is inherently going to be overly general. A new prioritization list of projects needs to be part of all master plans.

– The TAP line is essential for the future of Ashland’s drinking water supply. We just need some cost estimates so we can better prepare for them.

– Spending more on just the design for the water treatment plant is a waste of money. We do not need a new water treatment plant, we need to maximize our water storage capability at Reeder Reservoir.

– The Stormwater Master Plan has the same issues as the sewer line master plan. Large, general, unprioritized projects over 20 years with large rate increases is disrespectful to citizens and rate payers.

– The Say Their Names memorial art installation inspired by the T-shirt fence in Railroad Park is long overdue. “Crystalizing our Call” has been approved as that installation by the overwhelming majority of those involved in this process. The fact that so many in the community felt it necessary to speak to The Council about new delays proves that there are unfortunate elements in town using bureaucracy to insult members of our Arts and BIPOC community.

– The committee restructuring process proposed to save staff time and city money should move forward even if not perfect. After that we need to better clarify the responsibilities and expectations of each committee.

– The Planning Department is trying to step up it’s game over at Crowman Mill but they just aren’t tough enough. I’m aftraid that the present owner and future developer are going to continue to run circles around them.

– Without first hand knowledge of the contract negotiations I hesitate to comment too much however, as a dues paying Union member, the city needs to stop giving non-union members the same deal as union member. You shouldn’t get something for nothing – you gotta pay your dues.

– The 5G discussion gets highjacked by the EMF sensitive community so often I fear that other elements are getting ignored. The city can’t outlaw 5G antennas so the ordinance they are writing is attempting to manage locations, numbers, & aesthetics. We all need a better understanding of what the new electronic antenna grid is going to look like.

– Travel Ashland last year was asked for more data showing results of their marketing and advertising plan on tourism. They didn’t understand that idea then and I still don’t think they get it. Is the $446K they get each year finding new tourists, or are there better ways to spend $446K?

– The purchase of an new fire engine for $700K using available emergency funds was fine. But let’s be clear, we need to follow a serious plan and schedule for the replacement of all city vehicles so that we can stay on budget. Just saying “But it’s fire related” can’t override all other city plans.

– The Crowman Mill property (east of Toleman Creek around Mistletoe Road) was supposed to have a development plan with a variety of options for housing and enterprise zones. After this meeting I have serious doubts about this area being developed anytime in the near future. I also have serious concerns about the effectiveness of our Planning Department leadership.

– The ordinance going to the ballot with 25% going to Parks, 74% going to the City, and sunsetting in the year 2035 seemed like a good compromise.

– I am very happy that the City Manager is signing a 5 year agreement with Medford for access to the TAP water supply. I hope to clarify what the expected minimum and maximum yearly use and expense will be.

– Also very happy that no restrictive psilocybin ordinance was place on the ballot. I expect that therapy centers will be safe, uniquely beneficially for a variety of patients, and an economic benefit to our city and region.

– I support the final version of the Food and Beverage tax ordinance giving 25% of revenue to Parks, 73% to The City, and 2% for administration. The “sunset year” of 2040 is a long way off and I am confident that if issues arise, like they did this year, a new ballot measure can be brought to the citizens.

– I like the idea of moving Parks employees under the supervision of the City Manager. I will campaign in favor of that.

– I’m “okay” with the either/or referendum on the ballot with a choice of 100% Food and Beverage tax to Parks vs. 25% Parks-75% city. I will campaign in favor of 25% Parks – 75% City.

– I believe that Councilor Graham’s accusations of The Mayor were misleading, disrespectful, and absolutely inappropriate for a City Council Business Meeting.

Jim