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.