Dayton council approves traffic changes, authorizes equipment purchases and sets fines for unsafe property

The Town of Dayton Town Council met July 16, 2024, and took several actions including adopting a revised traffic-schedule ordinance, approving municipal financial dockets, authorizing contract signatures, and voting to levy a conditional fine on an unsafe property.

Town Attorney Alicia Albertson introduced Ordinance 2024-17, “Salary And Compensation For Non-Elected Employees for 2024,” and the council conducted multiple procedural motions on the measure. Members first moved to suspend the rules and read the ordinance by title; that motion passed on roll call. The council then voted to suspend rules and adopt the ordinance on first and second reading (roll-call vote recorded in the minutes as 4–1). A separate subsequent motion “to adopt Ordinance 2024-17 on first reading” was recorded with a 3–2 roll call. The minutes record each roll-call result; the sequence of procedural motions and votes is recorded in the meeting minutes as presented to the council.

Albertson also presented Ordinance 2024-18, “An Ordinance Amending The Traffic Schedules To Establish Revised Traffic Schedules,” following a traffic study on Dayton Road. The council voted unanimously to suspend rules, read the ordinance by title and adopt it on first and second reading.

On finance matters, the council approved the June 2024 Allowance Docket for $25,315.05 and accepted the claims docket dated July 16, 2024, for $146,001.06 after roll-call votes. Councilmembers also approved routine reports including the June Appropriation Report, Bank Reconciliation, Fund Report and Revenue Report, and they approved meeting minutes from June 18, 2024.

Clerk-Treasurer Bridget Cadwallader discussed the closeout of the 2023 Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) and INDOT ERC certification required for CCMG paperwork. The council authorized Cadwallader to sign CCMG documents as the ERC-certified official. She also announced dates for the 2025 budget process: a budget public hearing on Sept. 17, 2024, and a budget-adoption hearing on Oct. 15, 2024. Cadwallader presented the Baker Farms Phase Three contract and the council authorized Board President Marc Buhrmester to sign that contract.

Cadwallader provided estimated town costs for the CCMG street list and noted that including Hine Drive significantly increases the town’s share. Council discussed removing Hine Drive from the CCMG list; they voted to pass the street list without Hine Drive. The minutes record a referenced town cost figure of $176,000 if Hine Drive were excluded from the list as stated during the meeting.

Town Manager Nate reported on ongoing maintenance: crack sealing, police-station landscaping expected to finish by week’s end, a repaired roof showing no leaks so far, a clay valve at the meter house repaired by BL Anderson, and completion of Dayton Road signage. The council approved buying fencing for the community center from Midwest Rentals for $540 (motion carried with one dissenting vote).

Police Chief Scott presented Resolution 2024-19 to accept transfer of a Taser X26P device and related equipment from Tippecanoe County; the council approved the resolution unanimously. Scott also received authorization to spend up to $1,400 to purchase and upgrade a laptop and power supply for a squad car. He reported one police vehicle has been stripped and will be sold via GovDeals.net, which the town is registered to use.

On enforcement matters, the council discussed unsafe structures at 304 Dayton Road and 549 Hine Drive. Attorney Alicia Albertson explained enforcement options and potential fines. Councilmember Leah Copas moved to fine the Hine Drive property owner $1,250 if required repairs are not completed by Aug. 6, 2024, with a payment deadline of Aug. 20, 2024; that motion passed 4–1 (Councilmember Carla Snodgrass opposed). The council directed that a letter be sent to notify the owner and Buhrmester said he would inspect the properties to verify compliance.

During public comment, Vickie Beavers of Main Street asked whether the MS4 coordinator position covers commercial properties as well as residential; Buhrmester clarified the role applies to both. Beavers also asked about CCMG certification and the Delaware Street pit; Cadwallader and Buhrmester provided explanations.

Councilmember Leah Copas said she is organizing a fall festival to be discussed at next month’s meeting. Buhrmester adjourned the meeting.

Votes at a glance: the minutes record roll-call outcomes for motions taken at the July 16 meeting, including adoption motions on Ordinance 2024-17 (procedural votes recorded as 4–1 and 3–2 in separate motions), unanimous adoption of Ordinance 2024-18, unanimous approval of the Allowance Docket ($25,315.05) and acceptance of the Claims Docket ($146,001.06), unanimous approval of Resolution 2024-19 (Taser transfer), authorization to purchase squad equipment up to $1,400, authorization to purchase fencing for $540 (4–1), and a 4–1 vote to levy a conditional $1,250 fine on the Hine Drive property owner if repairs are not completed by Aug. 6.

Next steps noted in the meeting minutes include the Sept. 17 budget public hearing and the Oct. 15 budget adoption hearing, follow-up inspections on the unsafe properties, and a future discussion of a fall festival.