Ashland Councilman Jason Chio Announces Resignation; Ward 2 Applications Due Nov. 20
ASHLAND — Ward 2 Councilman Jason Chio announced during Ashland City Council’s Nov. 3 meeting that he will resign at the end of the year, citing the growing responsibilities of a recent career change.
Chio submitted his resignation to Council President Steve Workman, effective at the end of the day Dec. 31, 2026. Chio represents Ward 2 on the five-member council.
Chio said he has served the public in various capacities for 28 of the past 30 years, including as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, village council member and member of two school boards. He described his five years representing Ashland’s Ward 2 as one of the greatest honors of his life.
“Recently, I’ve undertaken a significant career change that requires an increased level of commitment and responsibility,” Chio said. “After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that the demands of my new profession make it increasingly difficult for me to dedicate the time and attention that the responsibilities of serving on city council deserve.”
Chio said stepping aside would allow someone else to give the position the attention it requires.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my time on council and thankful for the trust and support the residents of Ward 2 have shown me,” he said.
Workman thanked Chio for his service and announced that council will accept applications from Ward 2 residents interested in completing his term.
Applicants must submit a hard-copy letter of interest and résumé to the council clerk at City Hall by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Workman said applications will be distributed to council members for review, allowing time in December to select a replacement. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline.
Residents with questions may contact Workman through the information listed on the city’s website or contact the council clerk.
Council Authorizes Up to $250,000 for Freedom Plaza Work
Council also unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing a contract with Simonson Construction Services Inc. for work at Freedom Plaza on Fourth Street in the Pump House District.
Mayor Matt Miller said Simonson installed the monument and completed concrete, electrical, lighting and other work at the site. The authorization provides for up to $250,000 for the company’s services, including work already completed and potentially additional improvements.
Miller said donations toward the project were approaching $300,000 following another contribution received that day.
Future plans include approximately 40 poles around the perimeter of the one-acre green space behind the monument. The poles would display banners featuring area veterans, with the photographs rotating over time.
Miller cautioned that final costs for the banner poles were still being gathered and that additional authorization could be needed.
Delayed Invoices, Budget Transfers Approved
Council unanimously approved year-end transfers within the city’s existing 2026 appropriations.
Finance Director Larry Paxton said the adjustments move previously appropriated money between budget lines to meet the city’s remaining obligations. Additional transfers may be necessary before year’s end.
Council also approved “then-and-now” certificates for expenditures Paxton estimated totaled between $53,000 and $55,000.
Paxton said several delayed invoices involved products delivered to the police and fire divisions. He attributed those delays to a corporate reorganization at Motorola, saying employees responsible for monitoring the invoices had been let go without replacements taking over those duties.
Some invoices dated to late 2025, he said. Other expenditures involved purchase orders that were not prepared before invoices arrived or costs that changed because of shipping and related charges.
Paxton said he personally contacted the company to review the delayed billing.
Vehicle Sale Approved; Land Sale Tabled
Council approved selling a used Toyota Camry from the police division to the Village of Loudonville for $500.
Miller said the vehicle came from the city’s impound lot rather than being purchased for the police fleet. Ashland no longer needs it, and Loudonville expressed interest in acquiring it.
Council tabled a separate ordinance involving the sale of city-owned land through the Community Improvement Corporation.
Miller said representatives of the prospective buyer requested more time to revisit purchase agreement terms. The parcel borders the Mickey Mart property, and representatives of both projects have discussed possible shared driveway access and stormwater retention arrangements.
Those discussions could affect how much land is needed, Miller said.
Council also approved a resolution accepting tax rates established through the county budget process. Paxton said projected collection amounts were still being determined by the county auditor.
Officials Urge Residents to Keep Leaves Out of Streets
Councilman Dan Lawson urged residents to stop placing leaves in the roadway, saying the piles create hazards for cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers and can clog storm drains.
Lawson described encountering a young e-bike rider who swerved into his path to avoid leaves in the street.
Miller said leaf collection is underway and asked residents to keep leaves on the tree lawn for pickup.
Councilwoman Angela Woodward also raised concerns about young people riding e-bikes and scooters at night without lights.
Miller said he would ask the police chief to repost information about e-bike and scooter rules on the police division’s Facebook page and share it on the city’s page. Questions about specific requirements can be directed to the police chief or law director’s office.
Veterans Breakfast and Holiday Events Announced
Miller reminded residents that the mayor’s annual Veterans Day breakfast will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Eagles Club.
The breakfast is free for veterans throughout Ashland County, and each veteran may bring one guest at no cost. Eagles Club members prepare the meal, with council members traditionally helping serve.
Miller said the gathering has become an opportunity for veterans to visit with one another as well as enjoy breakfast.
The mayor also announced that Candy Cane Trail’s grand opening at Freer Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. He said new additions are planned, including the possibility of a place to ice skate.
Ashland’s downtown Christmas parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, followed by the Christmas tree lighting at approximately 7 p.m.
Council also corrected the date for public hearings on previously discussed alley and right-of-way vacations. Those hearings will take place Dec. 1, rather than Dec. 2.
