Community Open House

https://ashlandcountywi.gov/comprehensive_planning_committee#

Hello to Ashland County residents,

The County’s Planning Committee is offering opportunities for the public to review the draft of the County’s comprehensive plan for citizens’ input. The committee has been revising its plan developed in 2016, and now needs residents to weigh in on the draft objectives and actions section before the plan is finalized on December 15.

What’s a comprehensive plan? A comprehensive plan describes a community’s long-term vision. It provides an overview of past trends, existing conditions, and anticipated changes over a 20-

year planning horizon. It examines the many parts of the community, how they function together, and the community’s role in the region.

UW Extension-Ashland County and the County’s zoning department employees are planning the only open house scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at the Morse Town Hall in Mellen on 402 Second Avenue, Mellen from 5:30 (free supper starts) to 8:00 PM. It’s free and open to all.

We’ve made it fun and interactive with:

*** Almost three dozen donated gifts from Ashland County businesses, farms, and restaurants—we’ll hold a free raffle at the end of the meeting

*** Free supper cooked by a local restaurant and desserts

*** Fun facts about your county and quiz questions to test your knowledge of where you live

***Plenty of time to tell us what you want and don’t want in your county in the next 10 years

Agenda

5:30 PM–a free supper from Copper Ridge restaurant will be served

6:00 PM—”What’s this planning thing all about and why should you care?”–Emily Boucher, Northwest Regional Planning Commission

6:10 PM–“What’s Working in Ashland County?” Short presentations by local people who are helping the county meet its goals and objectives

Natural Resources—MaryJo Gingras, County Land and Water Department

Agriculture–Tim Mika, owner Moonlight Meadows Farm, Marengo

Cultural and Intergovernmental Collaboration—Ryan Thimm, Glidden Area Development Corp

Facilities—Jenny Thewis, Legion Memorial Library, Mellen

Transportation—Matt Erickson, Ashland County Highway Department and Andrew Kundel, JFK International Airport

Housing—Denise Lutz, Ashland County Housing Authority (invited)

Emergency Management—Christina Dzwonkowski, County EM department

7:00 PM–“What do YOU want in your county?” Public comments on planning maps, highlights, and action steps

7:30 PM– Summary and next steps in the review process; send final comments by December 10 to extensioninfo@ashlandcountywi.gov

7:45 PM–Prize drawings: Many thanks to almost three dozen local businesses in Ashland County that donated so many generous gifts!

8:00 PM–Safe travels!

We heartily invite you to a fun gathering of local residents to share community partner and employee success stories and give your comments about life in Ashland County—don’t miss it!

A separate public comment period is scheduled during the October 27 County Board meeting in the Courthouse, 201 W. Main, Ashland, at 9:00 AM. Open to all.