County vehicle surplus, water billing discussed at city council

DAYTON­—Mayor Roger Trump called the Dayton City Council meeting to order at 6 p.m. on April 8, 2025. Trump, council members James Su’euga, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Laura Aukerman, Glenn Hagfeldt, and Shannon McMillen were present at city hall. City Council member Joann Patras did not attend.

In public comment, Michael Brady Patton told the council that he moved to Dayton three to four years ago after retiring from the pharmaceutical and medical device field. He spoke about his water bill, saying there was no water usage data from December through March, and his April bill was the same as last year’s. Patton thought the water and sewer bills were too high for the average Dayton resident. He suggested that the council consider ways to reduce costs, including cutting Sheriff’s Department services.

Greg Skiffington conveyed concerns about the lack of traffic enforcement, mostly on Main Street. He said he witnessed near-accidents caused by excessive passing and inattention from sightseers on Main Street. He said it made it necessary for cars to move past the stop line on cross streets to see if it was clear to cross or turn onto Main Street.

“There’s going to be an accident, and it’s going to be fatal,” said Skiffington.

Sheriff Joe Helm reported that his department responded to 384 incidents in the city out of 553 in March. There were 116 traffic stops, 23 other traffic calls, and seven traffic accidents. The sheriff’s office will participate at the Columbia County Prevention and Wellness Fair at Flower Mill Park on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

County Commissioner Marty Hall said the county would soon have surplus vehicles available, including a 2007 Ford Expedition and several 2010 – 2014 Ford Explorers.

The council confirmed Kris Takemura’s appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.

The Complete Streets Project will resume on 4th Street. Trump said the city would notify affected residents when dates are confirmed. He said the city was looking at installing some solar-powered flashing pedestrian warning signs.

The city completed its purchase of 51.66 acres as part of the wastewater treatment project.

The council discussed ways the water and sewer bill could be modified to be more informative for customers.

Hagfeldt spoke about the Dayton School District’s Key Communicator and scholarship programs. He said students would receive scholarships in a separate ceremony from the graduation ceremony on June 5, 2025, at the Fairground Pavilion.

The council announced the Second Annual Fishing Derby at the city’s fishing pond will be held on April 23, 2025. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will bring around 100 fishing poles and bait for the kids.

The council meeting adjourned just after 7 p.m.; the next meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.