Wastewater treatment plant making progress

DAYTON–The City Council heard an update on the Wastewater Treatment Project (WWTP), and discussion on the possible dissolution of the county library district. Key updates were provided by Public Works Director Ryan Paulson and Councilmember Teeny McMunn for the Chamber.

Mayor Zac Weatherford informed Council the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is moving forward. Two ground monitoring wells have been installed to draw the required samples. The geo-technical tests will test ground filtration rates and soil composition.

The stakeholder meetings continue monthly, and the first advisory committee meeting was held. Those on the committee are from the county planning commission, neighbors living adjacent to the WWTP proposed property, city staff, and County Commissioner Ryan Rundell. Jake Hollopeter from Anderson Perry presented some conceptual design drawings, and the committee discussed the entire project. A project review to look for solutions to potential problems before applying for the conditional use permit.

The city contracted with SCJ Alliance to work on the planning portion of the project and the conditional use permit. A series of three open houses is planned with the first focused on presenting information to be held at City Hall on September 26 at 5:30 p.m., a second for public comment held at Saint Joseph's Parish Hall on October 17 at 5:30 p.m., and the final meeting will be announced.

The mayor heard comments and took questions about the library dissolution. Weatherford stated the city would receive the building, the book collection at the time of the annexation, the furnishings, historical documents, and certain funding. Other resources would go to the State. He said the city does not have the means to run the library or staff and they may have to get creative about how to provide services.

Council Member Laura Aukerman later responded to the earlier comments about the library and expressed that "porn" should not be publicly pushed on minors. She pointed out the sections in the annexation agreement between the city and the county and the difference stated in city withdrawing (section 2.3) and the county district being dissolved (section 2.4). "I want it said on the record, however how disgusted I am that we have a group who has chosen to sue an individual in this town," said Aukerman. "Don't sue the person. Sue the RCW; sue the people who write the RCW. That would be the State...."It's unfortunate that it's come to this point, Aukerman continued. "It doesn't matter my personal beliefs–they don't matter. I believe in the power of the vote. It's sad that in our community, we feel the need to treat each other the way we are. It's sad that we can attack individuals who believe they are following their rights and following an RCW, and by doing that, we're removing the right for our people to vote, and that, that's the saddest of it all," said Aukerman. "I would like to think that the city as per 2.4 does have the opportunity to run a library. I'm not saying we have the money to do so or the personnel. I'm just saying it's clearly written." Aukerman continued, that despite differences and the problem of taxation without representation in the current RCW, people still need to treat each other with respect.

Councilman Jim Sueuga pointed out the library district was formed because the city could not afford to run the library. He agreed that people are not treating each other well, but that it is hard for people to know what to believe. He acknowledged community standards and said the current interim director is taking care of the issues. He is not in support of dissolving the library district when it is a valuable resource.

Columbia County resident Elise Severe said she agreed with Aukerman about taxation without representation.

In other city business, Public Works Director Paulson reported most of the South Third Street Project is complete. The north portion of the project continues with water and sewer work, as well as the sidewalks and curbs. They are preparing the road to be rebuilt.

The well pump motor will cost nearly $50k to repair but is less than one-fifth of the cost to replace. It was determined the 650-foot well was drilled crooked which caused the issues with the part. Paulson suggested the city set aside money in case the part cannot be repaired again in the future.

Paulson reported that during the storm on August 29 a lightning strike to a tree in the cemetery traveled through a line in the irrigation system and on to electric board to the upper shop resulting in irreparable damage to the system. An insurance claim has been submitted and the system and the shop will be reviewed by professionals.

The concrete has been removed around several trees on Main Street and all but four that will be replaced have had new concrete poured around them.

Mayoral candidate Roger Trump also questioned about cost for the waste removal of refrigerators and made comment about the Russian Thistles in the parking lots around the soccer fields. Paulson answered they are working on getting permission from the landowner to treat the weeds.

Teeny McMunn reported for the Chamber that October 7 will be the Historic Homes Tour and the Fall Family Festival.