Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON–Mayor Zac Weatherford and city staff met with Anderson•Perry and the city attorney about the proposed property for the Waste Water Treatment Plant, currently working through county zoning and land-use issues and hope to have an agreement in the next month with the property owner to present to Council. The monthly interagency meeting had been held earlier that day to discuss progress on the project.

Two resolutions were presented and approved by Council. One was to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with Basin Disposal, Inc, which includes an increase from the previous agreement for fuel surcharge. This would in effect raise the bill for city residents from $30 to $34 every two months.

The other resolution was to acknowledge the intent of property owners Mitch and Kathleen Mathews residing on the 1500 block of South Fifth Street to annex what is being called the “Jasper Pines Property” into the city limits, and for the circulation of a 60% annexation petition for the purpose.

The property owners were present at the meeting and explained by annexing the portion of the property that is outside of the city limits, they can then separate the parcel and re-plat the land for development. A consultant from AHBL, Inc, the planning firm the city contracts with further explained that this pathway to annexation is the most common and clarified that the portion of property lies within the Urban Growth Area.

Additionally, a city ordinance was presented and approved to amend the municipal code for domestic violence protection order statutes. County Attorney Dale Slack was present to explain that because the code was not up to date, they could not enforce it. The update was not substantial as it was only a re-codification, but all codes must match State RCWs. He suggested all codes be reviewed and updated annually by the City Attorney.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson gave a series of updates. He spoke about a rise in substantial vandalism and destruction of city property including the public bathrooms, and the Sheriff’s department has agreed to regularly check and lock the restrooms. He mentioned he has received numerous questions and complaints about the streetlights turning purple and explained it is due to a manufacturer defect that they turn color. A contractor will soon be changing the defected bulbs out.

Also, code enforcement letters are being sent out for property violations, including those that are fire hazards. He added that as many 9 out of 10 dogs in the city are unlicensed. The overgrown and messy trees on Main Street were also discussed and Paulson will be working with an arborist to determine which trees need to be removed. The mayor added that the city has grant money from Transportation Improvement Program for the Main Street sidewalks that needs to be utilized before a deadline, but they want to make sure the trees are addressed first.

Sheriff Joe Helm reported there was good turnout for the National Night Out on August 2, and he expressed appreciation for all who participated. He praised Richard Finch who was selected as Sheriff for the Day and for his participation in the various activities. Helm said the department is soliciting application for volunteers for the crime watch Posse Program and for the Search and Rescue Team. Training will be provided for both.

Also, firearms safety classes will be offered for community members. Helm also addressed the increase in traffic stops as reflected on the incident reports to say that many in the community are supportive of the efforts, but some are concerned there are too many stops. He clarified that the stops are following the department’s proactive approach to safety and allows the officers to prevent drugs and crime including the apprehension of fugitives and the recovery of stolen property.