Sueuga appointed to City Council post

DAYTON–City Council appointed Jim Sueuga to the Position No. 2 vacancy; heard Wastewater Treatment Project (WWTP) updates; presentations for a Columbia County Metropolitan Parks District, and Shoreline Master Program for Southeastern Washington at the meeting July 13.

The Council appointed Jim Sueuga, one of three applicants interviewed for the vacancy of Position No. 2, an opening created when Misty Yost resigned last month to accept the position of Deputy City Clerk. He applied because he thought he could provide service to the community. When asked what the top priorities were for the city, Sueuga said the Wastewater Treatment Project (WWTP), working to find a solution for childcare, working towards getting a community pool again, supporting the schools and others in the community all while being a good steward of resources. The other applicants were Robin Fitch and Misty Jones.

The decision followed a 20-minute executive session, with only Laura Aukerman dissenting.

Mayor Zac Weatherford updated the Council that a letter was submitted to the Department of Ecology requesting an extension on the WWTP. The Department confirmed the receipt of the letter and the city waiting for a response. He provided news about the potential property for the project. "We are working with Anderson Perry and the city attorney to get the agreement drawn up move forward...We'll also be working with the county planner. We'll have to file for a new conditional-use permit on that...We're also working with the Department of Ecology on the loan side, hoping to get the land purchase and the design rolled into one loan."

Dianne McKinley presented information about forming a Metropolitan Parks District. She proposed a resolution be drafted for council approval to move forward by placing the District on the November ballot as has been requested by the County.

The mayor told Council he would hold a special meeting later in the month for the purpose of presenting a resolution for approval.

The purpose of the district would be to qualify for grants to fund the construction of another pool. The operations and maintenance of the pool would be funded through special annual levies to be voted on by residents of the district in the amounts of $0.25 which would provide $250,000 or $0.75 which would provide $750,000 annually. The funds would cover other park and recreational needs and hearings would be held for the public to have input on how funds are spent. McKinley said assessments of the cost to build a pool exactly like the one that closed would be $6 million. Community meetings will be held to ascertain what is wanted for another pool.

The Southeastern Washington Shoreline Master Plan was reviewed by presenters from Anchor QEA and White Bluffs Consulting. The updated plan will be completed in a year with the goal of providing greater efficiency for balancing environmental needs and water access.

Chamber of Commerce Manager Belinda Larson provided a brief report about recent events and activities including the Chamber Banquet, Dayton Days, All Wheels, and Alumni Weekends, as well as supporting local organizations and efforts to bring back horse racing, for a childcare facility and for the golf course irrigation project. The mayor commented to say, "I thought All Wheels Weekend was fantastic this year. I'm glad to see that we're kind of out of that COVID era."