Dayton City Council approved road work, inclusion on Parks and Rec proposal

DAYTON- The Dayton City Council held its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on May 10, 2023. Mayor Zac Weatherford and Council Members Teeny McMunn, James Su’euga, Laura Aukerman, Kyle Anderson, Dain Nysoe, Shannon McMillen, and Tiger Dieu were present at Dayton City Hall.

Belinda Larsen from the Chamber of Commerce gave an update on chamber activities. She reminded the council that Dayton Days is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend and All Wheels Weekend will be in June.

Sheriff Helm reported that two deputies graduated from the state’s police academy and are completing their field training. The academy’s staff and fellow cadets selected Deputy Daniel Wagner to receive the Patrol Partner Award. He was chosen as the cadet most wanted to assist on a call due to his demeanor, ability, and skill.

Helm said a Search and Rescue Academy will be held May 9-21, 2023, at Lewis and Clark Park. Citizens interested in participating may contact the Sheriff’s Office. He said the Sheriff’s Office received a Yamaha side-by-side from Main Street Motorsports in Lewiston, Idaho, to replace the utility vehicle donated last year. Main Street Motorsports plans to replace the side-by-side annually at no cost to the county.

Helm said the Sheriff’s Office has nine patrol deputies and three administrative staff.

County Commissioner Ryan Rundell said the county is working to find a building inspector to replace Clint Atteberry after his sudden passing. Rundell said Atteberry’s would be big shoes to fill.

The council considered Resolution 1509 to approve including the City of Dayton in the Proposed Park and Recreation District. Su’euga requested reassurance that the district would provide adequate and consistent funding for the swimming pool operations and maintenance. Aukerman moved the Resolution to be adopted. It was approved, with Su’euga abstaining and Nysoe voting no.

The council also approved Resolution 1510, which authorizes the sale of surplus city property, and Resolution 1511, awarding a contract to Humbert Asphalt, Inc., for improvements to Third Street, J Street, Pearson Street, and Main Street.

To support the same road project, the council approved Resolutions 1512 and 1513 for Anderson Perry to provide engineering support. The scope of the roadwork will depend on additional funding since bids for the project exceed the city’s budget.

The council discussed a meeting with government staff and regulatory agencies concerning flood mitigation on the Touchet River. The May 25, 2023, meeting will be on-site and include an inspection walk along the river.

Nysoe requested action on the vacant positions on the City’s Affordable Housing Committee. He specifically highlighted the need for more apartments.

Su’euga said he saw a big puddle on Main Street during the last big rainstorm and witnessed a resident clearing detritus from the storm sewer grates with a shovel to drain the water. Su’euga said he had been impressed and revealed the citizen he saw working on the street was Mayor Weatherford.

The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 13, 2023.