City Commission

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 6:05 p.m., the Dayton City Commission met in regular session in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mims called the meeting to order. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken, and Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner- Sloss were present. The Clerk of Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and the City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, were also present. INVOCATION Commissioner Tuner-Sloss gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Mims led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 29, 2023, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were no communications or petitions. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR The Clerk of Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, requested the addition of Ordinance No. 32076-23- Establishing the Expenditure of the Revenue from the Proposed Municipal Income Tax Levy, Issue #TBD and Resolution No. 6772-23- Providing for the Allocation of Approximately Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($450,000.00) of Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant Funds Each Year in support of Housing Activities in the City of Dayton. SPECIAL AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS There were no special awards or presentations. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Calendar Item No. 4. Five Rivers MetroParks – Other The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, said the contribution agreement will leverage additional funds from Five Rivers MetroParks and Miami Conservancy District to design and link four riverfront parks. Ordinance No. 32076-23- Establishing the Expenditure of the Revenue from the Proposed Municipal Income Tax Levy, Issue #TBD. The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein said the ordinance will link the income tax renewal budget. She said the revenue is projected to be $15M and directing $10M for road repair, vacant lot improvements, park and safety enhancements, $4.3M to Preschool Promise, and $650K for housing from the General Fund. Commissioner Turner-Sloss said the comments on the legislation were heartfelt. She said the phone calls, emails, and text messages that she is receiving from people who are in desperate need of housing, especially with Section 8 vouchers need to be elevated in priority and funding. Commissioner Turner-Sloss said she would vote in support of the legislation with the caveat that there would be a commitment from her colleagues and administration to find additional funding. Ms. Dickstein said they are trying to maximize housing opportunities. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked for one member of the Dayton Tenants Rights Union to be extended an invitation to be part of the steering committee. Ms. Dickstein said she would have staff investigate that request. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked for conversations to continue with the leadership of the Dayton Firefighters Local 136 and the City Manager as it relates to staffing level commitments. Ms. Dickstein said she has a call into Mr. Robinson; however, she said it is important to note in 2016 they were talking about new revenue, and in 2023 there is no new revenue. Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked residents for their comments on calendar items. Commissioner Fairchild said one of the neighborhood presidents said the fact they are putting housing into the renewal demonstrates that housing is a priority. He said housing is a key block to neighborhood development and revitalization and in some cases stabilization. Commissioner Fairchild thanked residents for their comments on calendar items. Commissioner Shaw said he is excited to have the unified vote to get to the hard work of getting the issue passed for the good of the community. He said it has been a difficult process because of the difficult choices they make with limited funding. Commissioner Joseph said he is looking forward to doing good things with the funding but first, they must win the election. Mayor Mims said they would like to put more funding in all departments; however, they don’t have it to do. Emergency Resolution No. 6772-23- Providing for the Allocation of Approximately Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($450,000.00) of Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant Funds Each Year in support of Housing Activities in the City of Dayton. The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, said the resolution allocates $450K from discretionary funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs. REPORTS 1. Purchase Orders, Agreements and Contracts: (All contracts are valid until delivery is complete or through December 31st of the current year). FINANCE  A1. Craftmasters Van & Truck Accessories, Inc. dba Craftmasters (miscellaneous accessories for five (5) new 2024 GMC Sierra) $24,520.00 -Department of Finance. Total: $24,520.00 E. Other – Contributions, etc.: 2. Benevate, Inc. dba Neighborly Software – Payment of Voucher – for an invoice for annual licensing and subscription of fees for access to Neighborly Software (Neighborly) – Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development/Development (HUD Programs). $12,600.00 3. National Community Development Association – Payment of Voucher – for registration fees associated with the 2023 NCDA Summer Conference – Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development/Development (HUD Programs). $2,975.00 4. Five Rivers MetroParks – Other- for a contribution agreement for consultant planning services for the future implementation of a riverwalk near the Great Miami River in the greater downtown area - Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development/Planning. $13,900.00 (Thru 12/31/24) CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Citizens’ comments on calendar items were received from the following: 1. Ms. Erica Fields, 34 W. McPherson St.- spoke in support of Issue 9. 2. Ms. Viridis Green, 3925 E. Third St spoke about housing issues and in support of Issue 9. 3. Mr. Darryl Smith, 2920 Germantown St. - spoke in support of Issue 9. 4. Ms. Dianne Adkinson, 3330 Martel Dr. – spoke in support of Issue 9 and housing issues. 5. Mr. Joseph Abrams, 117 Park Dr. – spoke in opposition to Issue 9 if the resolution for the cease-fire of the Israel and Hamas war is not adopted. 6. Mr. Julio Mateo, 215 Ice Ave.- spoke about funds for housing and Issue 9. 7. Mr. Kraig Robinson, 145 Warren St. – spoke in support of the tax renewals. 8. Ms. Stephanie Van Hoose, 365 Grassy Creek Way - spoke about funds for housing and Issue 9. 9. Ms. Valerie Duncan, 523 Haden Ave. - spoke about funds for housing and Issue 9. 10. Ms. Tara Campbell, 2224 Chamberlin Ave. – spoke about housing issues and Issue 9. APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Joseph made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were approved with a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. LEGISLATION EMERGENCY ORDINANCE – SECOND READING Emergency Ordinance No. 32072-23-Enacting Section 191 of the Charter of the City of Dayton and Amending Section 36.102.7 of the Revised Code of General Ordinances to Provide for the Extension of an Existing One-Quarter of One Percent Income Tax, and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Ordinance No. 32072-23 be passed. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Ordinance was passed. EMERGENCY RESOLUTION – SECOND READING Emergency Resolution No. 6769-23- Providing for the Submission to the Electors of the City of Dayton of an Ordinance Enacting Section 191 of the City Charter and Section 36.102.7 of the Revised Code of General Ordinances, Establishing the Date of the Election on Said Questions, and Declaring an Emergency The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6769-23 be adopted. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Emergency Resolution was adopted. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING Ordinance No. 32073-23- Appropriating Property Designated as Parcels 15-T, 21-T, 22-T, 36-SH, 36-T, 47-T, 58-T, 74-T, 91-SH, 101-T, 102-T, 109-T, 110-T,111-T, 112-T, 113-T, 117-T, 122-SH, 122-T, 127-SH, 127-TI, 127-T2, 134-SH, 134-T, 137-SH, 137-T, 138-SH, 138-T, 139-SH, and 139-T in Connection with the North Main Street Safety Improvements Project. Ordinance No. 32074-23- Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Grant Award from the Ohio Department of Transportation for an Amount of Two Million Sixty-Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-Nine Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,062,629.00) in Federal Safety Funds. RESOLUTION – FIRST READING Resolution No. 6771-23- Declaring the Intention of the Commission to Vacate Valleycrest Drive from North Property Line of City Lot #74638 to the North Property Line of City Lot #74633. THESE ITEMS WERE ADDED ORDINANCE – FIRST READING Ordinance No. 32076-23- Establishing the Expenditure of the Revenue from the Proposed Municipal Income Tax Levy, Issue #TBD. RESOLUTION – FIRST READING Resolution No. 6772-23- Providing for the Allocation of Approximately Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($450,000.00) of Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant Funds Each Year in support of Housing Activities in the City of Dayton. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS Citizens’ comments were received from the following: 1. Mr. Logan Martinez, 2470 Mehawk Trail Rd. - spoke in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 2. Mr. Alec Johnson, 4822 Hassan Circle - spoke in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 3. Mr. Youssef Elzein, 4906 Amberwood Dr. - spoke in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 4. Ms. Tosha Rountree, 4609 St. James Ave. - spoke about cannabis and social equity in the City of Dayton. 5. Ms. Jazmin Brown, 4809 Hassan Circle - spoke in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 6. Mr. Paul Morana, 121 Huffman Ave. - spoke in opposition to the automated license plate reader services. 7. Ms. Sarah Moore, 5970 Erica Ct. - spoke in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 8. Ms. Sarah Weber, 130 West Second St. - spoke in opposition to the automated license plate reader services. 9. Mr. Joseph Abrams, 117 Park Dr. - spoke about police reform and in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 10. Mr. Julio Mateo, 215 Ice Ave. - spoke about police reform and in support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 11. Mr. Spencer Glazer, 1305 Carlisle Ave. - spoke in opposition to the automated license plate reader services. 12. Dr. Rhea Debussy, 1105 Schrock Road - spoke in opposition to the automated license plate reader services. 13. Ms. Tara Campbell, 2224 Chamberlin Ave. - spoke in opposition to the automated license plate reader services, an open meeting, and support of a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. 14. Mr. Josh Goldman, 2311 Munger Pointe Dr. - spoke about the ODBA expansion “Out on Fifth” program. 11. Ms. Stephanie Van Hoose, 365 Grassy Creek Way - spoke about human rights.  11. Ms. Melissa Bertolo, 1137 Harvard Blvd. – spoke in support of a resolution about the Israel and Hamas war and in opposition to the automated license plate reader services. 12. Mr. Greg West, 1323 Kingsley Ave. – spoke about the “Healing the Community through Media Program with a screening fundraiser “Black Skin” at the Neon movie theatre. COMMENTS BY THE CLERK OF THE COMMISSION The Clerk of Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, had no closing comments. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, had no closing comments. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked citizens and community leaders for their comments at the meeting. Commissioner Turner-Sloss said she wanted to state for the record no one has said they are in opposition to a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the Israel and Hamas war. Commissioner Turner-Sloss said she is in support of a public meeting for citizens to post questions regarding police reform. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked for more information on the moratorium on cannabis. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild encouraged citizens to visit downtown Dayton. He said the Rike’s windows are at the Shuster Center and the Nutcracker starts on Friday, December 8, 2023. Commissioner Fairchild said he continues to pray for peace. He said he prays for the safety of those who live in Israel and Palestine. He said he does not see a clear path to end the cycle of violence except for the hope of building relationships. Commissioner Fairchild said he continues to look for guidance in a world that is not yet on the horizon. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw thanked the partners at Dayton Children's Hospital for the investment in West Dayton of mental health and support services. Commissioner Shaw thanked the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Rail Administration for the Corridor Identification and Development Grant Program which will link Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph thanked Commissioner Shaw for his work on the Corridor Identification and Development Grant Program. Commissioner Joseph thanked Commissioner Fairchild for his thoughts on the Israel and Hamas war. He said it is a difficult situation and he couldn’t have put it any better than he did. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims thanked citizens and community leaders for their attendance at the meeting. He said the issue of the war is hard on him because of being a vet of the Vietnam War. He said the aspect of trying to do the right thing is key to joining people who have hated each other for eons. He said they are trying to figure out the best approach to asking for peace. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. ___________________________________ Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Clerk of Commission