DAYTON–An offer of $65,000 for the vacant lot behind the 100 block of East Main–proposed as the future site of a Dollar General store–was unanimously turned down by the Dayton City Council at its April 12 meeting.

Council also considered how to fund Trail modification and West End beautification; and advised the swimming pool will be filled with dirt.

The Council voted unanimously in favor of the motion to not authorize the land purchase agreement at this time. The motion included Council’s willingness to receive another offer after a current appraisal is done at the developer’s expense.

Another purchase agreement had been presented to the Council for selling the city-owned parking lot behind Dingles of Dayton to Northwest Development, LLC for a proposed $65,000.

Councilwoman Misty Yost notified the other members that she visited the County Assessor’s office to obtain lot sale comparisons and found that if the city sold at the proposed price, it would be $85,000 below market value and asked Council to review.

The question arose as to why the city should sell the lot since it provides overflow parking especially for the larger events, and it also is a place to move snow. The Mayor Zac Weatherford said that if the property were sold, it would put the property on the “tax roll.”

The purpose for the purchase of the property by Northwest Development was not disclosed until asked to which they only answered for a retail business. When prompted later, they then disclosed the retail business was a Dollar General.

Representative Brian Anderson said the lot would allow them to build at a better cost than retrofitting an older building and would also allow for parking. They would offer groceries and goods similar to Walmart, but at a lower cost. Dollar General has opened stores in similar-sized communities.

Councilwoman Laura Aukerman proposed the Council deny the letter of intent until a better offer is produced.

Councilman Dain Nysoe provided some historical perspective to say that last year, the Council at the time showed interest in the offer for the same proposed amount, but requested Northwest pay for an appraisal and then come back with the proposal. He was concerned they are sending a message that new business is not welcome by opposing the agreement, though acknowledged the market values have risen since then and proposed Council would counter the offer for a higher amount.

Councilwomen Marchand Hovrud and Teeny McMunn affirmed they are for welcoming new business and that business attracts business. Nysoe added it would create competition, though other members had concern about the impact on existing businesses.

In other business, an extension of the previous contract was approved with the County for Planning Services for some of the City needs, while utilizing previously approved contractors for larger projects until the city planner position is filled.

Mayor Weatherford informed Council in his report that he and staff met with the Port and Anderson•Perry about the portion of the Touchet Valley Trail plan within the city which includes improvements along Main Street and the Main Street bridge with the addition of a pedestrian bridge. He concluded that the design plans meet the goals of the Main Street Safety Action Plan for pedestrians and bicyclists. He suggested the city pursue funding options available for this portion of the project that would provide new sidewalks and beautify the west end of Main Street.

The City has received several applications for the deputy clerk position that has been vacant for months, and they are planning to interview. The administrator position is still advertised. Public Works Director Ryan Paulson told Council because of safety and liability reasons; they will be filling the old pool with fill dirt. He also announced the retirement of Assistant Director Rob John after 26 years with the City. They are currently advertising to fill two full-time seasonal positions. Paulson also reported the department recently had an episode where they had to repair water line because a resident forgot to call before they dug on their property, and wanted to remind both City and County residents it is required by law to call 811 for underground locates before they dig.