Survey seeks community input on City's future direction

DAYTON-A Community survey is available for those interested in providing input about what citizens want in their community and the City Council Board will review that information at the end of April.

Mayor Zac Weatherford said it will help the City determine financial decisions in the future. "The purpose of the survey is the help the City in the future make financial decisions based on what the community wants as a whole," said Weatherford.

Citizens can go to the City of Dayton website, click on "Take our Community Services Satisfaction Survey" then find the link to click for the survey.

The City Council appointed Fred Crowe as the new Councilman at a special meeting on March 25, to fill the open board position left by Matt Wiens in January. Crowe made his first official board meeting at the recent regular City Council meeting April 14.

Councilman Crowe took a position on the newly formed Transportation Committee and provided a report at his first official Council meeting, "I am trying to put a meeting together for next week so that we can push along any changes to the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) so the staff can get that ready to go to the State," he said.

Mayor Weatherford commented on the recent contract signed between the City of Dayton with Columbia County for Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and Dispatch to say that the Finance Committee is meeting to discuss options for increasing revenue or making cuts to cover the increased payment of $612,500 the City now has to pay the County. Council Member Delphine Bailey, who is on the Finance Committee, said they have plans to present their ideas to the Council for feedback and hear any other ideas.

County Commissioner Ryan Rundell told the Council the County is looking to set a date for the first-quarter meeting as per the contract with the City. He also informed them of the recent approval of the county-wide ordinance that will make known possession of controlled substances unlawful, and in which the City is included unless it chooses to opt out. The County is waiting on the City's response on both matters.

Sheriff Joe Helm offered his perspective about the need for the new ordinance to keep on top of controlled-substance possession. "That continues to be our biggest issue in our county and within our city," Sheriff Helm said. "We feel that is what drives much of our crime. It leads to burglaries. It leads to violence. It leads to domestic violence...Not only does it address the possession charge that the State ruled unconstitutional, it also addresses the issue of marijuana possession and use for people under the age of 21.

"That is tending to become a larger problem here in our community especially in our high school kids and our teens," Helm said. "There were a lot concerns with how we were going to combat this, but thanks to the County and Dale [Slack] and those who participated, I really do appreciate it because now it allows us as law enforcement to actually hold people accountable for that part of their action that leads to a lot of our crime."

Helm also told of the Zoom event on April 21 at 6 p.m., coordinated by Chelsey Eaton at Public Health, called "Hidden in Plain Sight." The event is being offered through the Coalition for Youth and Families whose mission is "to increase community awareness of youth substance abuse and mental health and take action to encourage and support a safe school environment, family involvement, responsible student choices, and community commitment," she said. To attend, visit http://www.coalitionforyouthandfamilies.org.

Vicki Zoller, representing the Friends of the Dayton Community Pool, provided a brief update on progress towards providing a pool for local residents. In reference to pursuing grants for the project, Zoller said "what we are asking for is money for a feasibility study, which I think we need in terms of moving forward looking at what the community really wants. Whether we want to just start with a pool rather than starting with a whole community center, early childhood education." Zoller said the study can cost between $50,000-60,000. She inquired as to what the City is thinking in regards to the pool.

"The City has put out an electronic survey and there are some questions on there about the pool," Mayor Weatherford responded. "That survey is still open until the end of the month and then we will review those results and make decisions with those results."

Weatherford pointed out having the feasibility study will potentially help with being awarded grant money for the project. Zoller added when looking long-term, once complete, the project would need a plan in place for the ongoing costs and maintenance, one where it is not a burden on the taxpayers. One benefit of a doing a project bigger than just a pool, would be the grant money available for programs offered.

The Dayton Chamber reported during another portion of the public-comment period that they have moved into their new office at 202 East Main Street. Interim Chamber Manager Brianna Wood and Chamber Board member Bette Lou Crothers presented for approval the Dayton Days parade route which was authorized by the Council. Crothers also spoke of plans to hold All-Wheels Weekend while keeping safety measures in place and working with Public Health.