Ferry Street News - September, October, November 2023

ing time and hearing all of our town's history from our Queen and King, Barb and Forrest Jacks. Being life-long residents of Dayton, they have witnessed so much and made this Old Timers one to remember for sure.

Our ‘Coffee with the Council’ in early August was a good one. I would like to thank those who came. It was great to hear your concerns, and I have already seen the results. Please continue to reach out to your council.

Please remember as our little ones are back to school, be more alert as you drive.

I have been approached by several residents asking about volunteering for city events. We need volunteers so if you are interested, please visit Dayton’s website and complete the online form. https://www.daytonoregon.gov/ page/city_volunteer_opportunities and someone will be in contact with you.

Espero que hayan tenido un gran verano y se hayan mantenido frescos ya que nosotros hemos tenido un verano caluroso. Me gustaría agradecer al personal de la ciudad y a nuestro administrador municipal por todo el trabajo que han realizado durante algunos de nuestros días más calurosos para garantizar que todos tengan agua.

Tuvimos nuestro evento de tres días "Old Timers Weekend" a finales de julio y me encantó pasar tiempo y escuchar toda la historia de nuestra ciudad de nuestros Queen y King, Barb y Forrest Jacks. Siendo residentes de Dayton de toda la vida, ellos han sido testigos tanto e hizieron de este “Old Timers Weekend” uno para recordar.

Nuestro “Coffee with the Council” a principios de agosto fue bueno. Me gustaría agradecer a los que vinieron. Fue fantástico escuchar sus inquietudes y ya he visto los resultados. Continúe comunicándose con su consejo.

Recuerde que cuando nuestros pequeños regresen a la escuela, esté más alerta mientras conduce.

Varios residentes se acercaron a mí para preguntarme sobre el voluntariado para eventos de la ciudad. Necesitamos voluntarios, así que si está interesado, visite el sitio web de Dayton y complete el formulario en línea. https://www.daytonoregon.gov/page/ city_volunteer_opportunities y alguien se comunicará con usted.

Thank you/Gracias, Mayor Trini Marquez

Photo Credit: John Collins

It has been the busiest year we have ever had. We have run 544 calls from January through the end of July. This is over 150 more than last year at this time. We are on track to go over 900 calls for 2023. With so many calls we could not do it without our volunteers. Some of the volunteers have made over 40 calls a month. Dayton has sent out two crews out on conflagrations so far this summer.

With the upcoming rain we are still in a burn ban. Burning will not open until October, providing we get a significant amount of rain.

We are working on our Hopewell property to upgrade the station there. We are also working on our main station for sleeping quarters.

With school starting please slow down. The kids are excited and are going to be darting across the streets. Flashing red lights on the school bus means STOP. With the days getting shorter remember to use your headlights. You may be able to see the road, but you are not as visible.

Thanks to Kristina Zook we have a new web site. Daytonfiredistrict.org. Watch for updates on department news, upcoming CPR classes and events. We also have a new email address. You can contact us at admin@daytonfiredistrict.org. Thank you, Jeff Crapper for the IT work.

Chief Bret Putnam

Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office

As the days begin to shorten, it’s a sign, it’s time to get ready to go back to school. This fall lets focus on arriving to and from school safely. Whether you walk, ride a bike, skateboard, scooter, arrive in an automobile, or ride the bus there are things you can do to keep safe.

Here are some tips:

• When walking or riding on a bike, scooter, or skateboard, be sure to observe traffic signals, crosswalks, vehicular traffic, and obey the crossing guards.

• Consider walking or riding with family members or groups of friends as you are more visible than walking on your own.

• It is advisable to wear brightly colored clothing, backpacks or accessories as they are easier to see in hours of dawn or dusk.

• Be sure not to be distracted by texting or using a mobile device while walking or riding. Inattention to traffic or crossing guards could be the difference in arriving safely to school.

• When riding a school bus arrive early to the stop, stand about 6 feet from the curb or roadway when waiting for the bus.

• Around the bus Cross in front of the bus, at least 10 feet in front, make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Never walk behind the bus.

Getting on/off the bus Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus. Use the handrail and secure any loose or hanging objects like straps, key lanyards, or drawstrings on a hood.

On the bus stay in your seat keeping your head, arms and papers inside the bus. And always listen to the bus driver.

Equipped with knowledge and applying it in your travels, you have a better chance of arriving to school safely. Have a great and safe school year. Deputy Matt Twitchell

City Manager Update

As autumn starts to show itself in the color of the trees and the cooler morning air, I am amazed at how fast this year has flown by.

The bridge project is progressing and soon the temporary bridge will be in to support the water and sewer mainlines to allow the removal of the suspension component and the replacement of the 220 feet mid-span. I have worked on this project (along with the Council and other staff members) for five years and look forward to seeing Dayton residents riding their bikes or walking their dogs across the footbridge again. Reconnecting Alderman Park and Kreder Road with the downtown will be wonderful.

We completed the overlay of 7th Street, and parts of 9th Street and Church Street this summer with a $250,000 Small Cities Allotment Grant through the Oregon Department of Transportation. We were able to complete this project in time to be able to apply for another grant cycle. Hopefully we will receive this grant and will reconstruct 8th Street between Ferry and Ash next summer.

The sidewalk project from 6-8th and 9th to Flower is officially completed. I’d like to thank all of our residents living on the route for your patience and understanding during construction.

Old Timer’s Weekend

We have a new City Recorder who you may know very well as she is a lifelong Dayton resident. Rocio Vargas started the beginning of September and we are all excited about her joining our team. Additionally, we are excited about having a bilingual staff member again who can assist our Spanish speaking residents.

Events coming up include our annual Halloween Party which we will have at the Community Center this year from 3-5 pm. Free laser tag downstairs and food, tricks and treats upstairs for everyone. We hope you will bring your littles and join us for an afternoon of fun before your night festivities! In November, we will have a new event on November 10-11th. A two day craft and vendor faire at the Community Center. Then later in the month will be the Christmas Tree Lighting in Courthouse Square Park. The second weekend in December will be the Breakfast with Santa and Bazaar at the Community Center. For more event information, please see our website at www.daytonoregon.gov.

I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or concerns. Please email me at rroaden@daytonoregon.gov or call me at City Hall at 503-864-2221.

Old Timer’s Weekend kicked off the last Friday night in July with a concert featuring the band Lil’Queenie celebrating a 50’s themed celebration. But the highlight of the evening was the coronation ceremony of 2023 King and Queen Forrest and Barbara Jacks.

The Jacks are long-time residents of the community, having spent nearly their entire lives here in Dayton. They remain avid “Pirate” supporters, and they continue to stay involved as parents of three boys, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

As for being king and queen, the Jacks are honored to be recognized.

“You used to have to be at least 80 years old to be king and queen, said. “But if we’re going to be king and queen, it might as well be this year.

A city-sponsored Pancake Breakfast fundraiser kicked off Saturday festivities at Palmer Creek Lodge raising funds for the newly created Dayton Fireworks Committee. A parade down Ferry Street and up and around Church followed with music and vendor booths on display at the park.

The weekend concluded with the Old Timers Sunday BBQ sponsored by the Dayton Fire District that brought generations of families together, and the VFW holding “court” with their outdoor bingo event that afternoon.

All in all, it was a successful weekend of fun, family, and celebration.

Economic Development & Tourism

As your newly hired Director of Economic Development and Tourism, the first thing I wanted to pursue was creating a questionnaire that would gauge community opinion about growth topics. Even before accepting this role in Dayton, I was aware of its historical Courthouse Square and its importance and potential to city residents.

With more than fifty percent of surrounding properties either vacant or underutilized, it was obviously apparent the need for development of these assets. My research helped me to better understand the dynamics and issues facing property development, and the need to connect the city with ownership to move things forward.

Soon construction will commence on the historic buildings sometimes referred to as the Merchant Block buildings. Recently gutted and prepped for renovation, seismic upgrades will first be made before both exterior and interior improvements are made. The result will be a small-scale boutique hotel with 12 rooms and as many as four ground floor opportunities for food and beverage and retail establishments. A complementary brick-faced building will be attached to the back of the former Dayton Bank building to serve as the lobby and elevator to upstairs lodging.

This first step in redevelopment will have a major impact on the square. What has been empty will come to life bringing new commerce to the district and additional opportunities for area citizens.

The questionnaire you have hopefully received or had access to

ask some important questions about the direction of development in Dayton. It asks about what you like and dislike about your city, how you feel about growth, what type of growth you would like to embrace (if any), what types of businesses you are most interested in, your feelings and wishes for our commercial district including acceptable building height and potential activities and enhancements. Your input will help drive decision making by city staff, your elected officials, and potential developers.

We have created a number of ways to access the questionnaire including through direct email with a link to the survey site, through messaging included with your utility bill, through the city’s app, social media blasts and in hard form at city hall. We encourage as many of you as possible to complete the questionnaire and lend your voice to the discussion.

I truly believe the future is bright for Dayton. How it looks is dependent upon your participation and input.

Dave Rucklos, Tourism and Economic Development Director Dave can be reached at City Hall via email at drucklos@daytonoregon.gov.

Dayton School District Superintendent Update

DearDayton,

IamthrilledtointroducemyselfasthenewSuperintendentofSchools.FromthemomentIarrivedformyfirstinterviewlastspringIhavebeenstruckbythewarmsenseofcommunityand thedeeppridethatrunsthroughtheveinsofDayton.Itisanhonortoserveyou.

Astheschoolyearquicklyapproaches,thereisapalpablebuzzofexcitementonourcampuses. Ourbuildingleaders,custodialteam,andsecretarieshavebeenbusilyworkingtogetreadyforthereturnofstudents. Ourcoachesareoutonourfieldsandcourtswithourathleteskickingofftheirfallseasons.ThenewCareer TechnicalEducationbuilding(thefinalprojectofthe2019schoolbond)isbeginningtotakeshape.WelloverahundredstudentsrepresentedDaytonattheYamhillCountyFairtakinghomerecord-breakingearningsfromtheir monthsofhardwork.Soonourteachersandsupportstaffwillbebackintheirclassroomsreviewingtheirrosters andpreparingtheirlessonsforthefirstdaysofschool. Thereissomethingaboutthestartofeachschoolyearthat bringswithitarenewedsenseofhope.

Iamafirmbelieverthat schoolsaretheheartofthecommunity.ThisfeelsespeciallytrueinDayton.Iamsoinspired bythelevelofsupportthecitizensofthistowngivetotheirstudents. Itisoftensaidthatittakesavillagetoraise children.Thissentimenthasneverbeenmoretruethanitisintoday’sworld.Ourstudentshavebeenthroughso muchoverthesepasthandfulofyears,andtheyneedusmorethanever. Astheirvillage,wehavearesponsibilityto helpthemembraceaneweraofhopebycomingtogethertorallyaroundthemunitedandstrongerthanever.Wedo thatwhenweshowuptotheirevents.Wedothatbycelebratingtheirwins,nomatterhowsmall.Wedothatbyencouragingthemthroughtheirlosses.Wedothatbymodelingproductivecivildiscourseinourinteractionsinperson andonline.Wedothatbybeingrespectful,engagedneighbors,patrons,andcitizensregardlessofourvaryingviews. Afterall,schoolsaremicrocosmsoftheirtowns,andthesearetheingredientsofwhichgreattownsaremade.

OverthisnextyearIplantoimmersemyselfingettingtoknowthestudents,staff,andcommunitymembersofDayton.Youcancountonmetoleadauthentically,transparentlyandtoleanmoreonoursharedhumanitythanonmy titleaswedothisincrediblyimportantworktogether.Daytonhasalwaysbeenknownasaplacewherepeopletake prideintheirworkandtheircommunity,andIamcommittedtocontinuingthatlegacy.

Ilookforwardtogettingtoknoweachandeveryoneofyou.Yourinput,ideas,andcollaborationwillbeinvaluableas wechartourcoursethisyearandtheyearstocome.

Withexcitementandgratitude,

AmyFast,Ed.D Superintendent DaytonSchoolDistrict

Council Corner by Councilor Andrew Hildebrandt

Hello friends! Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for allowing me to serve as one of your current City Council members.

I have met many of you over my last few years of living in Dayton, and for those I have not met I look forward to meeting you soon. Though still a newer resident of our fantastic city, I am astounded every day with how great our community is. Whether it’s the Fire Department BBQ, listening to music at the park during Dayton Friday Nights, or seeing neighbors at one of our local businesses, I am constantly impressed with how welcoming and collaborative our home is.

At my workplace in the local wine industry, I recently took my employees through an exercise of identifying a “Group vs. Team”. The goal of this exercise was to identify our own strengths and weaknesses, what makes us a group of individuals with our own goals vs. a unified cohesive team, and how to work towards a common goal of excellence not just in our industry, but as a unit. One aspect of our city that has stuck with me since moving here is that our community is, in so many ways, a team. Neighbors collaborating to find lost animals, solve traffic challenges, support the community through the Food Pantry, come together and participate in multiple parades throughout the year, the list goes on. Every day there is a network of support evident throughout our hometown. I am incredibly proud to be part of this community – and this team.

To do my part in helping our team continue towards excellence, my goal is to support our city to the best of my ability

in the role of City Councilor. And if you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out, I am always available to listen and to help.

Now, my personal favorite part of the paper each week growing up were the games pages in the back of each newspaper - crosswords and word searches were my personal favorite. The below crossword puzzle all has to do with Dayton history, past and present. Some are straightforward, while others are more difficult. The answers will be at the back of the newspaper – have fun!

Sincerely,

Code Enforcement Corner

How We Enforce Code Complaint Driven or Proactive?

The short answer is, ‘yes’.

If a town or county has a code, someone employed by that government has responsibility for investigating complaints. Dayton has a single employee assigned to this position, so we rely on the community to help us detect possible code violations. Typically, these local laws cover health and safety, overgrown vegetation, outdoor storage, and many other such details.

Dayton’s Code Enforcement Officer serves several roles. He responds to all inquiries about building and issues building permits, as well as backs up other city staff with tasks like answering phone calls, accepting utility payments, and other clerical duties in the office. On occasion, the position also helps with Public Works.

In many places in the U.S., code violations are handled as a civil matter rather than a criminal one. Unless the violation is persistent, severe, and defiant, violations can generally be corrected outside of the court.

Dayton uses a proactive code enforcement to manage the “right of way”. “Right of way” designates public land or property that is held by the government which can be local, county or state controlled. This means that a code enforcement officer drives through the neighborhoods and looks to identify apparent violations of vehicle or property maintenance code in the right of way. They note abandoned, unlicensed, non-working vehicles and work with the owners to resolve the code violation.

Private property code enforcement is complaint driven. After the enforcement officer sends a written notice of violation to the property owner, the property owner will typically have a specified amount of time to correct the violation. If upon reinspection the code enforcement personnel believe that the violation still exists, the property owner is sent a citation and a summons to a municipal or county court. Often these hearings are somewhat informal in tone and will allow both

the code enforcement officer and the property owner to have the chance to explain conditions and circumstances. The judge has sanction options at his or her disposal, generally emphasizing fines and repeated court appearances until the violation is corrected.

Programs for educating homeowners about their responsibilities under the code can help to prevent some of the conflict that arises from complaints. These education campaigns also help neighbors inclined to file concerns to understand their options and the extent to which code enforcement can assist in their situation. General understanding of the code, its application, and enforcement is vital in maintaining the working relationship between government and residents.

Codes do not necessarily address everything that you might find offensive aesthetically. You can appreciate that what you may think is an "old sofa" might be considered a quirky porch chair by your neighbor. In the end, the local codes won't address anything and everything you might find ugly, but they certainly help maintain a basic standard.

In Dayton we approach code enforcement with the belief that all residents will be held to the standards set forth in our municipal code. We work hard to ensure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully throughout the process. Whether a concern is submitted by a member of our community, or the result of the code enforcement officer proactively driving the neighborhoods, our goals are to inform residents and to work towards compliance with our code.

Please reach out to Jason Shirley, our Code Enforcement Officer if you have any questions, or to discuss a concern that you might have. Jason can be reached via email at jshirley@daytonoregon.gov or via phone at 503-864-2221. You may also submit a concern online through our website or through the City of Dayton’s smart phone app.

Sources: useful community development.org

Answers for the crossword puzzle on page 8

Alderman • Blockhouse • Ferry • JoelPalmer

• MaryGilkey • Pirates • Steamboats

• Trini

From Public Works Supervisor

It’s been a busy season for Public Works. Overlays on 7th and 9th Streets are now completed. Work is continuing on the foot bridge, which will reconnect pedestrian access from Ferry Street to Alderman Dog Park. We hope to have this project completed by December. Improvement of the wastewater ponds continues, with the goal of increasing productivity and capacity, thereby maximizing the longevity of the current facilities. For the comfort and convenience of our residents, we are in the process of acquiring and installing a permanent restroom in 11th Street Park. Completion date to be announced. Storm drain basin cleaning will be happening soon in anticipation of the autumn and winter rainfall.

A new transition pen for Alderman Dog Park was recently completed. Pet parents may now bring their dogs into the transition pen, which will allow for unleashing before releasing their pet into either the small dog or regular dog area. We hope this will offer a

greater convenience for owners attempting to direct their pet into a desired pen.

We are pleased to welcome Erick Steadman to the Dayton Public Works team as our new Maintenance Worker. He is assisting us with parks and other general city maintenance.

Summer is coming to a close, and Fall is around the corner. Just a reminder to refrain from blowing leaves and other debris into the streets. Street sweeping is 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month. With your help, we can keep Dayton streets safe and clean.

As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Please contact me at jlindow@daytonoregon.gov.

Advertising in the newsletter does not reflect any direct or implied endorsement by the City of Dayton. The City of Dayton does not, and shall not, discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations The city is an equal opportunity employer.