Ceremonial swearing in of new councilor set for Tuesday’s business meeting

By Paul R. Huard for Ashland News

The Ashland City Council will hear an annual use-of-force report from the city’s police chief and swear in a new council member during a pair of meetings on Monday and Tuesday.

The study session Monday, June 16, begins at 5:30 p.m., and the Tuesday business meeting at 6 p.m. Both meetings are in the Ashland City Council chamber at 1175 E. Main St.

During Monday’s study session, Ashland Police Department Chief Tighe O’Meara will present a use-of-force report that outlines not only episodes when APD officers employed force during police activities, but also crime and clearance rates and an update on enforcement in the enhanced law enforcement area. The report will also include the most recent data from Statistical Transparency of Policing (STOP), as well as data from select city parks and enforcement of the new camping ordinance, according to the online presentation packet.

In addition, Derek Sherrell will be sworn in during a public ceremony Tuesday at the council’s regular business meeting.

In a three-to-one-to-one vote, council members appointed Sherrell on June 3 to the vacant seat on the Ashland City Council. He was one of eight applicants who vied for the position.  

Agendas and the council information packets that outline additional business at both meetings can be viewed and downloaded from the city of Ashland website.

Both meetings can be attended in person or watched remotely through Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (Charter Communications) or livestreamed via rvtv.sou.edu (select RVTV Prime).

Public testimony will be accepted and can be delivered either via Zoom, in person, or as written comment. To sign up for public comment, fill out a public testimony form. 

Email freelance reporter Paul R. Huard at paulrhuard@gmail.com.

June 16: Corrected date Derek Sherrell was appointed to the City Council.