Dayton City Council meeting update

DAYTON — Mayor Roger Trump called the Dayton City Council meeting to order at 6 p.m. on January 14, 2025. Trump and council members James Su’euga, Joann Patras, Michael Smith, and Shannon McMillen attended the meeting at Dayton City Hall. Kyle Anderson was not present, and Laura Aukerman joined the meeting later.

Sheriff Helm reported 565 incidents in December, consisting of 134 traffic stops, 23 other traffic calls, one DUI investigation, and 16 traffic accidents. Helm reminded everyone to drive appropriately, considering the winter weather.

Helm also announced the retirement of Deputy Lee Brown on December 31, 2024, after serving 32 years in law enforcement. Helm is seeking to fill two vacant positions.

Columbia County Commissioner Ryan Rundell informed the council that the county must now have a separate coroner position rather than have the prosecutor fill that position. He said the county arranged with Macy Lindley to fill the position. He said the computers at the county’s Department of Licensing will be offline for maintenance on February 14, 2025, and no tabs or licensing will be processed on that day.

The council appointed Matt Zanger to the Historic Preservation Commission as part of the consent agenda. Zanger’s term expires on December 1, 2028.

The council considered appointing a mayor pro-tem to act as mayor in his absence. A permanent appointment was deferred until the full council was present, and Smith was appointed to the interim position.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson said the city was regrading and graveling the alleyway between the Historic Depot and Main Street. He will pave the alley when funds become available.

Paulson said he was working with the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) to ameliorate some of the problems with the Otta Seal project by resealing with 3/8” gravel to make a smoother road surface. The project would focus on a prioritized list of streets. The plans for the project have not been finalized.

The meeting adjourned just after 7 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6 p.m.