City discusses potential public records litigation

DAYTON–The City Council went into executive session immediately at the first meeting of the year on January 9 to discuss the civil lawsuit filed by local resident Theresa Eier against Councilwoman Laura Aukerman and the City of Dayton over alleged violations of public records laws.

The executive session was with the City's lawyer Megan Clark by zoom. Clark was selected to represent the City by the Association of Washington Cities

Eier filed the suit in Walla Walla County Superior Court on November 7, 2023, and alleges Councilwoman Aukerman violated public records laws when she blocked members from a Facebook page, then deleted the page. The attorney requested Aukerman stay for her portion of the discussion, but recuse herself when the conversation changed to the city's part. No decision was made.

During the regular meeting, Katie Roughton asked the council consider putting a vote to de-annex the Columbia County Rural Library District on the next ballot. According to the Revised Code of Washington, Roughton explained, the legislative body of a city can put a resolution on the ballot for voters to vote to annex from the town.

"So, the city decided to annex in 2009 and made an amendment in 2015, the people voted 15 years ago to join," said Roughton. "Out of the current voters, a little over 1,000 are rural and a little over 1,700 are city. So, by the annexation of our library, basically the people of the city don't have a vote." She clarified that this is not to close the library. It would continue to operate with county tax payer funds. The city agreed to consider the information, adding it to the January 23, 2024 workshop agenda.

Zella Powers asked the city to address the homes that have burned and are vacant for many years. She also asked that Public Works Director Ryan Paulson to consider the elderly when plowing by not blocking alleyways and driveways.

In other business, the City Council was updated about a water leak on Second and Clay which has been patched, two recent vandalisms to the cemetery, repairs to the dike walking path, a couple serious animal attacks by pets, and that they are ready and prepared for the snow.

The City is currently going through two audits, the Washington State Audit, and an excise audit, tentatively concluding by the end of January.

It was the first meeting for Mayor Rodger Trump and Councilwoman Joann Patras.