Dayton town council adopts ARP appropriation, approves fire contract and offers town manager job to Kurt Delzer

The Town of Dayton Town Council met Sept. 17 and adopted an ordinance to allow additional American Rescue Plan (ARP) appropriations, approved routine financial dockets and contracts, and voted to extend an offer for the town manager position.

Clerk-Treasurer Bridget Cadwallader read Ordinance 2024-20, "An Ordinance For Additional Appropriation." Marc Buhrmester moved to suspend the rules and adopt on first and second reading; Steve Schuhle seconded and the ordinance was adopted by roll call vote 4-0. The ordinance was the principal legislative action of the evening and clears the way for the town to allocate ARP funds as outlined in the ordinance text.

The council approved routine financial actions that accompanied the meeting. On motions by Marc Buhrmester with second by Steve Schuhle the council approved the Aug. 1–31 Allowance Docket in the amount of $36,270.24 and the September Claims Docket in the amount of $143,720.21; both passed by roll call vote 4-0. The council also approved August financial reports (appropriation, bank reconciliation, fund and revenue reports) and several sets of minutes (Aug. 7 special meeting; Sept. 4 executive session; Aug. 20 utility board meeting; Aug. 20 regular town board meeting).

Clerk-Treasurer Cadwallader presented the 2025 fire contract, totaling $36,465.00. Marc Buhrmester moved to accept the contract and Steve Schuhle seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Cadwallader also requested a $300 allocation for Halloween decorations and candy for an Oct. 31 gazebo event; that request was approved 4-0.

Public-works items were addressed. Steve Schuhle reviewed bids to crack-seal, resurface and stripe the police department parking lot and other town-hall areas and moved to proceed with Bright Lines; Marc Buhrmester seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Rocky Richards moved to accept a $2,500 bid to install handrails at town hall; Steve Schuhle seconded and that motion also passed unanimously. Councilmember Marc Buhrmester reported on meter-pit and stormwater curb damage in Baker Farms, fall-dumpster scheduling for Oct. 12, seasonal banners, and that he and staff are following up on a fence at the sanitary meter house.

Town Marshal Robert Taylor raised concerns about panhandling and public-safety issues, referencing an ordinance West Lafayette adopted and the relevant state statute. The council asked Town Attorney Alicia Albertson to review West Lafayette's ordinance and draft language suitable for Dayton for future consideration.

On personnel, Marc Buhrmester moved to extend an offer to Kurt Delzer for the Town Manager position at an annual salary of $52,000 with a $500 monthly healthcare stipend and a $25 monthly cell-phone stipend; Steve Schuhle seconded. The roll call was Carla Snodgrass abstain, Marc Buhrmester yes, Rocky Richards yes, Steve Schuhle yes; the motion carried.

There were no public comments. Councilmember Rocky Richards suggested consulting an architect about the community center. The meeting was then adjourned by Marc Buhrmester.

Votes at a glance: - Lease for outside vendors (food trucks): motion by Steve Schuhle, second Marc Buhrmester; roll call Carla yes, Marc yes, Rocky no, Steve yes — outcome: approved (3-1). - Ordinance 2024-20 (additional ARP appropriation): motion to suspend rules and adopt by Marc Buhrmester; outcome: adopted (4-0). - Allowance Docket Aug. 1–31, 2024, $36,270.24: approved (4-0). - Claims Docket Sept., $143,720.21: approved (4-0). - 2025 fire contract, $36,465.00: approved (4-0). - $300 for Halloween decorations/candy: approved (4-0). - Bright Lines contract for crack seal/stripe: approved (4-0). - Handrails bid $2,500: approved (4-0). - Offer to Town Manager Kurt Delzer ($52,000; $500 health stipend; $25 cell stipend): motion carried (Carla abstain; 3 yes).

What’s next: Attorney Alicia Albertson will draft panhandling ordinance language for future discussion. The council will proceed with awarded public-works contracts and administrative follow-ups noted in the clerk-treasurer’s report.

Sources: Town of Dayton Town Council minutes, Sept. 17, 2024 (meeting record).