Paulson hired as new City's Public Works Director

DAYTON–The City Council met with the new Public Works Director Ryan Paulson, approved the 2022-24 public works employees' union contract; Resolution 1484; and gave a salute to outgoing council members, at the meeting on December 15.

Mayor Zac Weatherword introduced new Public Works Director Ryan Paulson to the City saying he was the best of the three candidates. "Today was his very first day," said Weatherford. "I'm very excited! Just working with him today, I have a really, really good feeling that I made the right choice by hiring him. I'm especially grateful to the committee that helped put input into the decision making."

The mayor presented to Council for approval the 2022-24 union contract representing the City's public works employees. A major change to the contract is establishing three additional pay grades allowing for increased pay at nine, twelve and sixteen years of service. Currently workers reach maximum pay at only five years. The mayor said this change will help retain employees.

The final wording for the portion of the contract about the health savings account plan still needs to be finalized, but Weatherford still asked the Council to approve the contract with the understanding the contribution will be no more than $25. "I think our Public Works employees are absolutely a great asset to our community," said Weatherford. "I work with them every day and they bust their butts for this community. They're out there working in all weather conditions, and they have worked continuously through the last two years of this pandemic. They have been very patient in waiting to get a new contract." The contract was approved under the condition that $25 remains the maximum contribution.

County Planner Dena Martin brought for council's approval Resolution 1484, an interlocal agreement with the County for shoreline planning and master plan updates. This agreement would approve the City of Dayton to join the regional coalition with area cities and counties for which the purpose is to pool funds from Department of Ecology non-match grants and to have consistency in staying in compliance with the Department for development regulations and comprehensive plan updates. Columbia County would serve as the lead agency for grant management. The resolution passed.

Martin worked with the Human Resources Committee to revise the job descriptions for the vacant positions of the City Planner and City Administrator. Changes were made to allow for combinations of education and job experience and now include the salary and benefits. Council approved the changes and the mayor said the positions would be advertised with the new descriptions immediately.

Weatherford expressed gratitude to outgoing councilmembers Michael Paris and Christine Broughton for their years of service, and to interim councilmembers Fred Crowe and Heather Hiebert for their willingness to step in. With that he turned his focus on the new member joining the council in January. "I will be welcoming the new councilmembers at our next regular meeting which will be the second Wednesday in January," said Weatherford. "In the meantime, I plan on reaching out to each councilmember and meeting with them to give them some information, answer questions and let them know where the City is at on different projects."

New councilmembers Tyler Dieu, Laura Aukerman and Teeny McMunn are expected to be sworn in at the meeting on January 11.

Marchand Hovrud previously announced she is unable to take the position because she has moved since she was placed on the ballot. Council will have to seek applicants to interview for appointment to fill her position.