Dayton mayor and council discussed meeting at Scotsman

DAYTON - Mayor Roger Trump called the Dayton City Council to order at 6 p.m., October 14, 2025. All council members were present: James Su'euga, Michael Smith, Glenn Hagfeldt, Kyle Anderson, Laura Aukerman, Shannon McMillen, and Joann Patras.

Sheriff Helm reported his department handled 579 total incidents in September, broken down to 103 traffic stops, 29 other traffic calls, 4 DUI investigations, and eight traffic accidents. Helm spoke about the training, including advanced training in drug recognition and driver impairment, completed by some of his deputies. Helm said his office is accepting donations for its Halloween event, such as candy or any other items appropriate to put in the children's goody bags.

Ryan Rundell added to the dispatch numbers by saying that in September, there were three fire calls in the city and five in the county, with 21 EMS calls in the city and 37 in the county. He said the Commissioners have appointed Nicolas Ward as the interim prosecuting attorney effective November 1, 2025. Rundell also said they have approved some speed limit reductions for North Touchet Road based on a safety study.

The Council next delved into its usual administrative items.

A public hearing on the one percent tax levy was held, and council members made clear that it was not a tax increase, but rather a redistribution of collected property taxes. The council also approved Resolution 1576, which authorized the mayor to execute a professional services agreement for website design. The new contract would reduce the cost to the city for web services by about $2,000 annually.

The mayor mentioned the recent town meeting held at the Scotsman and mentioned many of the ideas to improve the community that were suggested during the meeting, such as dirt bike trails, building a performance amphitheater, running dinner trains, and many others.

Public Works Director Ryan Paulson gave an update on the goats being used to remove vegetation along the levee. He reminded residents not to blow leaves and yard waste into the streets; it creates wear and tear on city equipment and is not permitted by the city. Paulson said contractors should begin replacing striping on many streets that are missing road markings.

The council then held a detailed budget discussion. Paulson gave an overview of a proposed Main Street safety action, phase one project, that he is hoping to bring to fruition next summer. He has applied for funding of 2.75 million dollars for the project that will affect Main Street between Cottonwood and Patit Road.

Re-striping of the street could begin next year by WSDOT, and the bulk of the project awaits approval of funds by the Transportation Improvement Board, which meets in late November. Paulson will be reaching out to talk to the citizens most affected by the changes. The plans for the project are available at City Hall.

The mayor closed the regular meeting for an executive session; however, no reason was given to the public. No action was taken after the executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 7:04 PM. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.