City moves closer to property purchase for WWTP

DAYTON–The City Council held an executive session to discuss terms of agreement for the purchase of property for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) during the second meeting this month on November 22. They also reviewed the preliminary 2023 budget and voted on whether to take the 1% increase and funds from new construction.

A public hearing was held for the annexation and zoning of Jasper Pines, and Council heard comment and had discussion about the speed limit signs in the school zone. Mayor Zac Weatherford also reported that he met with Representative Mary Dye (R-9-Pomeroy) and spoke about the obstacles to removing the sediment in the Touchet River.

Council met in executive session to review a purchase agreement for property for the WWTP. Before going into session, the mayor said there would be no action taken or decisions made.

Interim Assessor Tammy Ketterman was present to aid Council in their understanding to make a decision about taking the allowable 1% increase of $4160 over what they received in 2022 from the assessed property tax value, as well as new construction money of about $6000. After some discussion and clarifications from Ketterman, Councilman Dain Nysoe voted to take the 1% increase and Teeny McMunn seconded but it was voted down by the rest of Council. Ultimately, Council approved taking a 0% increase to have less tax burden on residents and to take the new construction funds. A final budget will be presented in December.

A public hearing was held for the annexation and zoning of Jasper Pines, a 0.68-acre parcel along South Fifth Street for the purpose of building affordable housing. No comment was made, and Ordinance No. 1995 was passed unanimously.

Public comments were heard about the signs posted around the school zone and the recent increase in traffic citations. Theresa Eier said she was pulled over by Deputy Payden Teel by the library for going 26 in what she thought was a 25-mph zone. She alleged he issued her a ticket of $237 because of the school zone enhancement. She accused the department of extortion to meet a quota for grant funding. She was told that the speed limit in a school zone is 20-mph twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Lorna Barth, who is a 3rd Street resident, was issued a similar ticket and complained the zone was confusing because the lights on the 20-mph signs only flash at certain times. Another commenter complained about Deputy Teel following her for several blocks to the school zone where he then pulled her over. Mayor Weatherford said he received several written complaints on the matter. He highlighted the importance of the posted 20-mph school zone for the safety of the kids and that the State RCW 46.61.440 regulates the speed.

Eier voiced opposition to the school zone fines when school is not in session. The mayor answered that he believes the speed reduction is warranted no matter the time, but he acknowledged additional signage is needed to be less confusing. The signs are the responsibility of the school, but Weatherford said the Public Safety Committee has already recognized the issue and will work with the school to have it addressed.

Councilmen Kyle Anderson and Jim Sueuga both suggested that deputies warn people first to educate them about the school zone expectations before issuing the costly tickets and suggested communicating about it with the County.

Mayor Weatherford shared that he was able to meet with Representative Dye and discuss with her briefly the obstacles to removing the hazardous sediment in the Touchet River.