# Ashland City Council - October 20, 2026

At its October 20, 2026 business meeting, the Ashland City Council approved a contract with Control Systems NW LLC, not to exceed $460,088, for Phase 2 of the water treatment plant’s PLC and HMI upgrade. The system was described as essential to plant operations, with replacement parts difficult to obtain; staff said the work fits within existing water-fund appropriations. The larger water treatment plant project was out to bid, with bids expected to close November 5 and a possible award coming to council November 17; staff cited an approximately $65 million construction estimate. The city manager also reported that an RFP was open for winter severe-weather shelter use of the building at 2200 Ashland Street, with no selection or award reported. For the Lithia Pavilion project, council approved Parks Commission’s recommendation for Phase 1 and authorized continued donation-agreement negotiations and land-use and building-permit applications. The project is currently expected to be privately funded, but the city attorney called for final approved plans, a guaranteed maximum price, and funding plus a 20% contingency before construction, noting the estimate had increased by about $700,000; no construction contract was awarded.

Council renewed the parks and recreation fee, with a motion to remove its sunset provision failing; the adopted resolution retains the existing sunset arrangement. Council also allocated $250 from its budget for event insurance for the Kwanzaa celebration. Discussion of City Hall repairs raised potential capital costs, seismic assessment, and funding sources, but no spending authorization was made; staff was asked to report back around mid-February 2027 with further information and a project timeline. Resolution 2026-26 on financial policies was tabled until December 1, with a November 30 study session scheduled.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Sources
- [Ashland City Council - October 20, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk1NsNxxGVc) - City of Ashland Oregon