Dayton Council approve land deal for waste management

DAYTON — Mayor Roger Trump called the Dayton City Council to order at 6 p.m. on February 11, 2025. Trump, council members James Su’euga, Joann Patras, Michael Smith, Laura Aukerman, Kyle Anderson, and Shannon McMillen were present.

During the public comment period, Dayton resident Theresa Eier spoke about the recall petition she intends to file against Columbia County Sheriff Helm. Eier also discussed her litigation against Columbia County for “withholding records and a lack of transparency.” Eier said there were 600 documents withheld for 600 days, with intent. She said her motivation was not financial but to bring transparency and accountability to the Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Joe Helm reported 522 law enforcement incidents in January, of which 373 occurred within the city. In addition, there were 79 traffic stops, including 40 in the city. He acknowledged the Bluewood Ski Patrol for their work, including helping the Sheriff’s Department to safely locate a lost skier the previous weekend.

After approving the consent agenda, the council began candidate interviews for the council’s vacant position #3 seat. The three candidates were Dave Harvey, Glenn Hagfeldt, and Katherine Roughton.

The city council went into its first executive session to evaluate the candidates and selected Glenn Hagfeldt after returning to the regular meeting.

The council approved resolution 1559, which authorized the mayor to sign the Public Works Board Pre-Construction Funding Agreement for a 5-year term for the new wastewater treatment project.

The council passed resolution 1560 to give the mayor authority to contract Anderson Perry & Associates for assistance with the South 4th Street overlay project.

Resolution 1561 was approved, amending the 2018 Dayton personnel policies and procedures and the credit and purchase card policy.

Resolution 1562 authorized the mayor to declare support and adopt the Columbia Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The council went into a second executive session to discuss a potential real estate acquisition for the wastewater treatment project.

The council approved Resolution 1563 after returning from the executive session. The resolution authorizes the city to enter into a purchase agreement with landowner Marjory L. Krueger for a portion of a parcel south of Highway 12. The city will use the land for the new wastewater treatment plant and approved the fair market value of $1,120,00.

The council reviewed the liquor license for Dayton Gas, previously PFI, and renewed it without objection.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson said the city received a grant of approximately $250,000 to remedy rough street surfaces caused by the Otta Seal project.

The city planned a workshop to discuss the interlocal contract between Dayton and Columbia County for emergency services.

In the final public comment period, Theresa Eier reiterated her concern about the sheriff’s department and its lack of checks and balances. She said their policy manual needs an overhaul.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6 p.m.