Notion of annexation of west end brought up–again

DAYTON-Dayton City Council heard from Council person Laura Aukerman about expanding city limits into Urban Growth Area (UGA); held a public hearing for the annual extension of the six-year Transportation Improvement Program on July 11; updates on the Wastewater Treatment Project; and other City business at the meeting July 11.

Aukerman brought up the idea to plan a workshop to discuss the possibility of expanding the city limits into the urban growth area (UGA) to increase the tax base. Mayor Zac Weatherford explained that there has been preliminary talk about this for the west end of town. Residents opposed the consideration and will petition to halt the annexation discussion. He expressed the importance of residents understanding the implications of annexation. Aukerman acknowledged how there could be concerns.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson presented to Council the six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2023-2028. He told council members the program is required by the State and is fluid much a like a comprehensive plan where city projects are listed for council to work towards. Having the plan also helps for budgeting and to secure funding for the projects. Some of the projects are for ongoing maintenance. The State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) provides guidance, bid packages and maps on local road conditions to work from for forming the plan.

Weatherford said that the city also works to build up reserves to pay for projects. He specified that portions of the South Third Street Project at J Street and Pearson Street are being paid for with ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) that the City allocated for it. On North Third Street the City had to take out a $1 million loan for the water and sewer work and the pedestrian bridge portion of the project. The actual street portion required 90% and 95% matches on grants from TIB to help cover the $4.5 million project. The Council adopted the Transportation Improvement Program unanimously.

There has been a request to the Port of Columbia for the use of the railroad right-of-way for running the mainline to the new wastewater treatment facility. During the monthly Port meeting, Weatherford along with Paulson approached the Board to make the request. The Port Commissioners were in support of the use of it for that purpose. It will also contain the fiber line for the Touchet Valley Broadband Project, and see no conflict of use. Jake Hollopeter from Anderson Perry who is heading up the design, showed maps of the path it would take along the railway until it reaches the project site where it would then cross over to the south side to connect to the treatment facility.

The City will move forward to work with the Commission to obtain official approval for use of the right-of-way. Weatherford told Council the property owners will harvest on the WWTP site in the next month, then they are free proceed on the project.

In other City business Paulson said in his Public Works reported some complaints about firework litter left on streets, attaching fireworks to street signs, as well as trees and light poles on Main Street, from residents and suggested to Council adding verbiage to the city codes to address them.

Third Street Project is well underway. The south portion will be completed before school starts at the end of August. He also informed Council of a few issues have come up. One of three wells providing water to the city is down and it is a situation they are closely monitoring. At present, the two wells appear to be able to produce an adequate supply, but they are having it looked at as soon as possible. The other issue is the underground water system in the cemetery is in a dilapidated state and lines are regularly breaking and leaking. He is considering pursuing a grant from Sherwood Trust to hire someone to replace the system. Mayor Weatherford thought next year's budget could absorb some of the cost as well.

City Planner Clark Posey read from Title 12 from the existing code that restricts the posting of signs to city property or those posted on private property which pose a threat to safety such as causing an obstruction. The signs can be removed and a $250 fine can be issued. He added they plan to enforce this code and another city code requiring property owners to trim back trees that are hanging low over streets and sidewalks or obstructing signs around town.