Dayton council approves Resolution 2026-13 to use simplified lease process for billboard site; public bids set for June

The Dayton Town Council on April 21 approved Resolution 2026-13 to pursue a simplified public-notice leasing process for the parcel occupied by a billboard, rather than the standard two-appraisal method.

Town Attorney Eric Burns told the council they have two legal options for leasing the ground that supports the billboard: obtain two appraisals and take the average before soliciting bids, or adopt a finding under state law that the double-appraisal method is not practical and instead publish a public notice inviting proposals. "The alternate method, which is allowed by the State Statute, allows the Council to make a finding that says it is not practical to use the first double appraisal method and that you wish to use the simpler method," Burns said.

Council President Marc Buhrmester moved to suspend the rules and pass Resolution 2026-13 on first reading; Steve Schuhle seconded the motion, and a roll-call vote was recorded as four in favor and none opposed. The council directed that a notice be published stating that bids must be returned by June 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with bid openings to take place at the June 16, 2026 Town Council meeting. Steve Schuhle was named the town's point person to receive proposals and develop a recommendation for the council.

Burns also briefed the council on negotiation procedures for real estate, saying an executive session could be used for private negotiations and that "you are not allowed to tell one bidder what another bidder has said until everything is over" to avoid giving any proposer an advantage.

The council paired the lease action with routine financial approvals. Marc Buhrmester moved and the council approved the March 2026 Allowance Docket ($23,569.08), the Claims Docket ($193,666.64), and four financial reports for February 2026. The council also approved an additional 20 hours for employee Mark Harlow for time worked while Town Manager Kurt Delzer was on vacation.

The council scheduled a Special Meeting for Tuesday, April 28, at 6:00 p.m. to interview three Clerk-Treasurer applicants, with Janet Alexander of Local Government Services assisting and the Town Marshal conducting background checks on the candidates ahead of the meeting.

In other business, the Area Plan Representative briefed the council on Ordinance 2026-12 Amendment #125, which would allow residential uses where commercial spaces currently predominate in CBW Zone 3; the representative said the amendment "has no impact on the Town of Dayton," and the council moved to table consideration of the amendment. Police business included a report that a contact at the Tipton County Health Department provided an AED valued at about $1,500 so the department could equip squad cars.

The council adjourned at the end of the meeting. No public comments were recorded.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2026-13 (use Indiana Code alternative method for billboard lease): Motion to suspend rules and pass on first reading — Mover: Marc Buhrmester; Second: Steve Schuhle; Vote: 4-0, approved.

- Allowance Docket (March 2026, $23,569.08): Mover: Marc Buhrmester; Second: Steve Schuhle; Vote: 4-0, approved.

- Additional 20 hours for Mark Harlow: Mover: Marc Buhrmester; Second: Mike Harris; Vote: 4-0, approved.

- Claims Docket ($193,666.64): Mover: Marc Buhrmester; Second: Steve Schuhle; Vote: 4-0, approved.

- Financial reports (Feb 2026 appropriations, bank reconciliation, fund and revenue reports): Mover: Marc Buhrmester; Second: Steve Schuhle; Vote: 4-0, approved.

- Ordinance 2026-12 Amendment #125: Motion by Steve Schuhle to table; outcome: tabled.

What happens next: The town will publish the public notice for the billboard lease RFP, accept bids through June 10, 2026, and consider opening proposals at the June 16 Town Council meeting. The council will hold a Special Meeting on April 28 to interview Clerk-Treasurer applicants.