At its July 24 meeting the Board of City Commissioners approved multiple Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded demolition contracts and authorized first readings of several subrecipient operating grants.

The commission voted to adopt ordinances contracting with Lights Enterprises Inc. for demolition and debris removal at 1407 Acres Street ($5,900) and with Tri State Construction for demolition at 3169 Central Avenue ($4,800), both to be paid from CDBG funds. A second reading and final adoption was recorded for the 1407 Acres Street item.

An ordinance to contract with Lights Enterprises for demolition of 1933 Central Avenue, proposed at $9,200 from the general fund, was moved but held at the request of the purchaser’s representative, who said the sale was under contract and awaiting a document from PNC Bank. The purchaser’s representative, Michael Quady, told the commission the buyer and their attorney expect the outstanding document within a week or two and asked the commission to delay final action; the commission agreed to hold the item.

On first reading the commission approved agreements to make CDBG operating grants to local organizations: Ashland Community Kitchen ($15,000), Ashland Senior Center/Board County Council on Aging ($15,000), Community Assistance Referral Service (CARES) ($15,000), First United Methodist Church ($5,000), Hillcrest Bruce Mission ($15,000) and Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky ($10,000). The ordinances were introduced for first reading and approvals were recorded as first-reading actions.

Commissioners did not debate the program awards in detail during the meeting; each item was moved and recorded under the consent or ordinance sections of the agenda.