DAYTON—The Dayton City Council decided to table a request from PocketiNet, of College Place, for a franchise agreement with the city to install fiberoptic line north of Main St, between Front St. and 2nd St, and the ability to expand in the future.

During the public hearing Mayor Craig George read letters of support for local businessman David Klingenstein, owner of Touchet Valley TV, whose family has been in business in Dayton since 1953 and who is providing local cable and internet service. Klingenstein told the council he plans to build out on both sides of Main St. in the spring of 2019.

Mayor Craig George said he will consult with the city attorney about whether PocketiNet’s request can be denied, or not, and the city will return its decision at the next council meeting on Jan. 9, or at a special meeting before then.

Kathy Berg said interviews will begin soon for the open administrative assistant position in the Chamber of Commerce.

Public Works Director Jim Costello said there is a residence on S 4th St. with a collapsed sewer line, and the city crew is working to get it cleaned out. Also, power poles and LED lights are currently being replaced in the city, said Mayor George.

Planning Director Meagan Bailey discussed Code Compliance and produced a substantial list of vehicles in the right of way. She said the majority are RVs parked on the city streets. Recent amendments to the Code are helping the planning department address violations, said Bailey.

Bailey said the Planning Department Staff and the Planning Commission have developed a slogan campaign for the City of Dayton. A list of eight with a write-in option will be included in utility bills in January.

The council authorized:

An amendment regarding legal services between the city and the law firm Menke Jackson Beyer LLP for an increase in the hourly rate of pay.

The formal establishment of City Hall Office hours: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., except for holidays.

A 2018 update of the Cooperative Park Master Plan in conjunction with Columbia County and the Port of Columbia. There were no major changes to it, said Planning Director Meagan Bailey.

Interfund transfers in support of the 2018 Budget. Delphine Bailey said this was just some basic housekeeping.

The City of Dayton Investment policy, which is for internal controls for auditing purposes.

The Mayor to sign a letter requesting the Columbia County Planning Department to conduct fire safety inspections of all vacant buildings within the Downtown Commercial Zone.

Dain Nysoe said Main Street buildings should be useful, business-generating facilities. There could be a penalty for noncompliance.

A Lodging Excise Tax Agreement between the City and Dayton Chamber of Commerce for 2019.

The city is retaining $4,450 plus 10% of the remaining balance over the total amount accrued through 2019 to cover miscellaneous items, said Mayor George.