Council rejects Daynet sale bids, adjusts commercial fee schedule and tables marketing plan

The Dayton City Council considered proposals for the sale of Daynet and voted to reject all bids and continue municipal operation of the system. City staff said four proposals were received; the council’s formal motion to reject all bids passed by voice vote.

During public comment, Randy Meechey, identified himself as a long-time local technology-business owner and said he was speaking in part as a representative for Highline. Meechey said he believed Highline had attempted to comply with the City's RFP and that "all the cards were on the table" during the public process; he urged transparency about any late or last-minute bid activity and said Highline had invested in regional broadband efforts. Meechey described Highline as having pursued funding and investments for the area, and said he was present to answer council questions.

Following the bid rejection, council considered changes to the Daynet master fee schedule. Staff recommended removing contract provisions for a commercial customer; the council moved to approve Ordinance O2025-8, amending the master fee schedule related to Daynet fees for commercial customers, and the ordinance passed by voice vote.

Finally, the council considered a resolution on marketing strategies and proposals for Daynet; the mayor asked whether the council wanted to proceed or table the item. A councilmember moved to table the marketing-resolution item and the motion passed; the council left marketing strategy work for a later meeting.

The council recorded the motions by voice vote and adjourned after completing these items.