Council returns to an American tradition

DAYTON-The Dayton City Council opened the October 11 meeting in with an American tradition, citing the Pledge of Allegiance. The new practice was suggested by Council member Laura Aukerman and approved by Council during the September meeting. The board addressed the flood mitigation of the Touchet River in town; was updated on the wastewater treatment project; approved broadband franchise agreement; advised of the progress made on the fishing pond; heard a report on the Sheriff's department and other city business.

County Commissioner Ryan Rundell reported for the Sheriff's Department, and fielded questions and comments from Councilmembers Dain Nysoe and Teeny McMunn. Mayor Zac Weatherford provided a brief update about the Wastewater Treatment Project. The Broadband Franchise agreement was approved. Public Works Director reported about the work on the fishing pond at the City Park. The City Staff held a Customer Appreciation BBQ event on October 11, and it was decided that councilmembers will be regular attendees of the monthly Cup of Joe meetings sponsored by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

The board heard from Dayton resident Whitney Dunn concerning the lack of information and progress on flood mitigation in the Touchet River in town. The mayor indicated he has had little success connecting with the Corps of Engineers. subject was addressed later in the meeting when Council decided after discussion to join with the County to invite representatives to come to Dayton to review the situation first-hand and listen to the obstacles of trying to work with multiple agencies for permitting the removal of sediment in the river. County Commissioner Ryan Rundell also added that because the County has been without a permanent Engineer since February, the Flood Control Zone District has been unfunded and uninsured. As a result, grant money awarded to the District from the Department of Ecology was returned. However, now that Grant Morgan will be the permanent County Engineer beginning November 1, flood mitigation can be addressed, and the grant funding will be re-applied for.

An update was given about the Wastewater Treatment Project from Mayor Weatherford. He said they are negotiating a draft agreement with property owners for purchase of land for the project and is hopeful it will be ready to be presented to Council next month. He assured Aukerman when she asked that the price will be in the price range Council agreed to in executive session. If an agreement can be reached, then property assessments will begin before the purchase if the property is deemed suitable. In the meantime, the multi-agency meetings for the project continue monthly.

Council authorized a franchise agreement with the Port of Columbia for the Broadband Project. Councilman Jim Su'euga suggested the public be informed of updates on the timeline of the project. Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson affirmed she is planning to hold public meetings.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson provided information about work that was done on the fishing pond at the City Park. Because the pond was leaking heavily into the Touchet River, they excavated it. Some of the dirt that was removed was then used to help fill the swimming pool. Dan Culley, Mark Schuck and Councilman Kyle Anderson helped with this removal as a service to the community. Paulson said that once excavated, they lined the west side of the pool with a liner to prevent drainage. Weatherford affirmed that it takes a team effort to maintain a good asset.

Rundell reported for the Sheriff's Department to say that multiple grants have been awarded for equipment and deputies have continued to be present on the school grounds daily for added security. Councilman Dain Nysoe pointed out that the interlocal agreement between the City and County specifies that it is the obligation of the Sheriff to provide his own report. The mayor corrected him that the contract states the sheriff, or his representative can give the report. Nysoe also questioned the information provided by Sheriff Joe Helm at one of the candidates' forums where he said that they are not providing coverage around the clock as required by the contract. Councilmember Teeny McMunn added her concerns regarding the expired Narcan used by the Department and asked whether he was able to check into the costs of transporting prisoners to be housed in other jails. Rundell responded that he would pass on their questions and concerns to Sheriff Helm.

Earlier that day, the city staff held a Customer Appreciation BBQ which offered a hotdog lunch with chips and a cookie where they serve about 100 hotdogs. In addition, Council discussed that a few members should attend the monthly Chamber sponsored Cup of Joe meetings. The next one is October 25 at 7:30 a.m. at Vikki's Sweet Shoppe.