Informal conversations set for May 14, July 12 and Sept. 25 at city park properties
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
The city of Ashland has released the dates for its ongoing “Coffee & Conversation” events from spring to autumn.
A selection of city leadership staff and city councilors will be present at three events to be held from May to September in city parks, according to a release from the city. The events have no agenda but instead encourage casual conversation with city leadership, according to the release.
The spring event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, at North Mountain Park Nature Center. Councilors Bob Kaplan and Gina DuQuenne and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Jim Lewis plan to be present, as well as staff members Interim City Manager Sabrina Cotta, Public Works Director Scott Fleury, Finance Director Mariane Berry, Emergency Management Coordinator Kelly Burns and Interim Parks & Recreation Director Leslie Eldridge.
The coffee klatches give attendees a chance to ask questions about current topics of interest such as the water treatment plant and Ashland city parks, said Dorinda Cottle, communications officer for the city of Ashland. Subsequent releases prior to each meeting will list the staff in attendance for future events, she said. City Councilors have already been scheduled to give each councilor a chance to attend the events while avoiding having a quorum present, which would mandate Oregon Public Meeting law rules for taking minutes, having an agenda and other formalities.
The summer event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 12, at Enders Shelter in Lithia Park on Winburn Way near the Butler Memorial Bandshell. Councilors Paula Hyatt, Jeff Dahle with Mayor Tonya Graham are expected to attend.
The autumn event will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Railroad Park on A Street between 6th and 8th streets. Councilors Eric Hansen and Dylan Bloom plan to be present.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
