The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—Last week’s city council meeting agenda was so packed that the City Administrator Trina Cole, suggested holding council meetings twice a month, instead of just once a month.

On the council’s agenda were five committee reports, various commission reports, nine ordinances and resolutions, public testimony about animal nuisance codes, a public right of way hearing, and a public hearing about prohibiting medical marijuana cooperatives in the city.

At the meeting Briana Fulbright, Events Coordinator for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, reported on third quarter activities and expenditures for the chamber regarding tourism.

There was a bigger turnout for Dayton on Tour than last year, with retailers reporting better profits and foot traffic over last year’s event. The Boldman House had 126 visitors, which is close to their record, according to her report.

“This is far better than we thought,” Fulbright said.

Fulbright said that the chamber has been working on a survey to fine-tune marketing efforts and help businesses understand their out-of-town customers. There were 1,043 respondents to the survey, results of which should be available in two to three months. The survey results will help with the chamber’s marketing efforts, Fulbright said.

Fulbright said the Alder Family Dental Business After Hours event in September drew around fifty people.

“That went really well,” she said.

The next event for the chamber will be the awards banquet on Nov. 10, in the Pavilion at the County Fairgrounds, according to Councilwoman Kathy Berg.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Dayton resident Carol Anderson spoke to the council about some animal nuisance issues in her neighborhood, and asked for an increase in animal control education. She said the current system is not working as well as it could be.

The Dog Park Committee is preparing to present their plan to the council in November, according to Planning Director Karen Scharer.

Also, it has been a record year for building permits in the city, which are at 71, Sharer said.

“Total valuation is $4.8 million. Take away the hospital and Seneca we are still at $800,000. Last year it was $400,000,” Scharer said. “It tells you there’s a lot of work on building permits,” she added.

Councilwoman Christine Broughton said the Park Commission Board should be dissolved, due to a lack of public participation. “We can’t get anybody to sign up for it, be involved in it,” Broughton said.

An ordinance for that will be brought before council in the near future, Cole said.

Code Compliance Officer Clint Atteberry said he is currently working on RV compliance, and he has sent out around 20 letters this month, to start with.

Jim Costello, at the Public Works Department, said that installing pea gravel at the city park is almost finished. Costello said a prison crew is working on the river channel and cutting trees.

Cole said the Finance Committee has been working on the preliminary draft budget, and it will be made available for council members to finalize after the next budget meeting.

Mayor Craig George reported that the city is waiting to hear from the county about who they will provide to the city for prosecuting services. A list of contract names is being submitted to the county by their attorney, he said.

The city council took action on the following ordinances and resolutions:

Public Hearing – Amending Ordinance No. 1864 and Title II, prohibiting medical marijuana cooperatives and amending marijuana definitions pursuant to RCW 36.70A.390, Chapter 69.50 RCW and Chapter 69.51A RCW.

The Planning Director explained that the ordinance’s focus on marijuana cooperatives allowed for qualified patients. She said the state amended the law, revising some terminology taking out provisions relative to collective gardens for medical patients

As of July, the terminology refers to cooperatives, which could involve as many as four people growing at a residence, and having up to sixty plants. The municipal city code would need to be updated to reflect the new language, Scharer said.

The city has previously approved a ban on collective gardens, and the sale of medical marijuana, and recreational marijuana, Scharer added.

The Planning Commission is asking the city council if there has been a change of heart regarding the sale of marijuana in the city, Scharer said. Scharer pointed out that there are many unanswered questions about allowing marijuana to be retailed in the city, including costs for education and law enforcement.

Councilman Zac Weatherford said the ordinance is not set in stone, and that he believes medical marijuana patients can use it in the county. Scharer responded that she believes the county may have updated their code to allow cooperatives.

Code Compliance Officer Clint Atteberry pointed to nuisance problems around marijuana due to the odor, as well as issues around theft.

Councilman Dain Nysoe asked if the ordinance bans cooperatives, and Scharer said yes. Currently there is allowed use, but the ordinance would eliminate that, she said.

Approved: Authorize Ordinance No. 1901, amending Ordinance No. 1864 and Title II, with Nysoe and Broughton dissenting.

Public hearing – vacating public right of way (a portion of East Tremont Street generally located between South Fifth Street and South Sixth Street).

Approved: Ordinance No. 1900, vacating public right of way

Approved: Authorize Ordinance No. 1902, amending the fee provisions for certain sections of the Dayton Municipal Code, and repealing certain sections of said code that are in conflict with fee provisions of other sections of the Dayton Municipal Code.

Approved: Authorize Resolution No. 1290, repealing resolution numbers 1245, 1236, 982, 971, 941, 889, 813, 768, and 750 and approving a Master Fee Schedule, and other matters relating thereto.

Approved: Authorize Resolution No. 1291, approving inter local agreement with Washington Cities Risk Management Service Agency, and its members.

Approved: Authorize contract with Financial Consulting Solutions Group, Inc. for City of Dayton Water and Sewer Financial Health Plan, not to exceed $24,835.

Approved: Authorize to amend the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement between the city and Hubert and Lois Russell removing title insurance requirements.

Approved: Authorize agreement between the city and Association of Washington Cities for drug and alcohol consortium services.