Ashland approves CDBG grants, demolition and sidewalk contracts; commissioner seeks more contract detail

The Ashland Board of City Commissioners approved multiple consent-agenda items during the Jan. 8 meeting, including Community Development Block Grant subrecipient agreements and contracts for demolition and sidewalk work, while a commissioner urged more transparency around contract details and payment history.

On first reading the board approved an agreement with Neighbors Helping Neighbors to receive $300,000 in CDBG funds for a roof replacement at 2516 Carter Avenue and an agreement with Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky to receive $660,000 in CDBG funds for roof work on Building 2. The board also moved and approved two demolition contracts with Lights Enterprises Inc.; the packet lists one demolition contract at $12,450 and other amounts referenced in the packet.

Council considered repealing a prior contract with Cosby Construction LLC for sidewalk replacement phase 3 (previously listed at $280,716) and approving a new contract with Lighty Construction (contractor name in packet: Lighty construction or contracting LLC) for phase 3 in the amount listed as $327,512.60. Commissioners discussed why the Cosby contract was not completed (bond/timing issues) and confirmed that funds from last year remain available to complete the work. Staff said a new contract will be executed with the next qualified bidder.

Commissioner Martin pressed staff for more information about the consent-agenda contracts, noting the packet lists 11 contracts and payments in the materials. “I would like to see a little more information being provided, than just putting them on the consent agenda and approving a payment of an invoice that’s been submitted,” he said, asking for start dates, completion timeframes and a brief scope summary to accompany future consent items.

The board also approved a first reading adopting updated procurement regulations (January 2026) and other consent items. One consent item (item Q on page 8) was removed from the consent agenda by motion and tabled for later consideration.

The housing choice voucher program payment-standards ordinance read at the meeting received no motion and therefore did not proceed. Several of the items approved at first reading will return for final action as required by ordinance procedures.