City Commission

2033 CITY COMMISSION REcuLar MEETING sanuary 15 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:03 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. INVOCATION Commissioner Turner-Sloss gave the invocation. MOMENT OF SILENCE A moment of silence was held for Harold “Lefty” Martin, he was a track coach for sixty years. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Mims led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken, and Mayor Mims, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss were present. The Clerk of Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and the City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, were also present. Commissioner Joseph was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 8, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were no communications or petitions. PROCLAMATION Ms. Regina Blackshear read a proclamation about Mentoring Month: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Valley has been creating life-changing mentoring relationships since 1904, fostering aspirations, confidence, healthy behaviors, and educational success. January is recognized as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage mentorship. The City of Dayton acknowledges the positive impact of mentoring on youth, including improved academics, self-esteem, and decision-making. Therefore, Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims Jr. proclaims January 2024 as National Mentoring Month in Dayton. SPECIAL AWARDS There were no special awards. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR There were no additions or deletions to the calendar. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Calendar Items No. 3 The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein highlighted a $100,000 consultant service agreement with TurnKey Environmental Consultants. This contract will support the demolition pipeline by funding residential asbestos surveys and post-abatement verification, which is crucial for the ongoing effort to remove nearly 1,100 structures. 2034 CITY COMMISSION §recutar MEETING sanuary 15 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS The Commissioners had no comments. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizen comments. REPORTS A. Purchase Orders, Agreements, and Contracts: (All contracts are valid until delivery is complete or through December 31* of the current year). 1. Purchase Orders: PUBLIC WORKS Al. Weiffenbach Marble & Tile Company (carpet removal and installation services) $584,485.50 1. (cont’d): WATER B1. Ferguson Waterworks (fire hydrant replacement parts and accessories as needed through 12/31/28) $270,000.00 Service Agreements 2. App Architecture, Inc. —- Contract Modification — Dayton Recovery Plan - first amendment to the design & construction administration services project (20% MBE Participation Goal/21.6 MBE Participation Achieved — Department of Public Works/Facilities Management. $84,065.00 (Thru 12/31/26) 3. Turn-Key Environmental Consultants, Inc. — Service Agreement — fora residential asbestos survey and post-abatement verification services (REBID) (CBDG Funds) — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development/Housing & Inspections. $100,000.00 (Thru 12/31/25) APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Fairchild made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were approved with a 4-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. Commissioner Joseph was absent. LEGISLATION ORDINANCE - FIRST READING Ordinance No. 32138-25- To Vacate The Alley East Of The Dayton Kettering Connector From The North Property Line Of Parcel R721 1393 0015.  2035 CITY COMMISSION _REcuLaRr MEETING sanuary 15 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were six citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. David Woods, 3230 Lakeview Ave- spoke about frustrations about unresolved — issues with a local hospital, alleged discrimination, and lack of accountability. He also advocated for community funding for churches and organizations. 2. Ms. Vanessa Chinn, 3843 Addison Ave- spoke about her concerns about privacy at public meetings, traffic issues on Main Street, poorly placed speed bumps on Gettysburg, and the high cost of renting park spaces in Dayton. She questioned the use of funds for a nonviolence initiative and highlighted the lack of recreational activities for families. Additionally, she criticized Ohio’s dog laws, arguing for fair accountability for pet owners. 3. Ms. Valerie Duncan, 523 Hayden Ave- spoke about her concerns about incomplete snow removal affecting street parking and suggested using 24/7 facilities like police stations as temporary shelters for the homeless during extreme cold. She also highlighted transportation challenges for homeless individuals accessing shelters on Gettysburg. 4. Mr. Kimaru Wa-Tenza, 1200 W Grand Ave- spoke about Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and how his assassination was a conspiracy involving the U.S. government. He referenced a 1999 civil trial where Loyd Jowers and others were found responsible for King's death, criticizing the Justice Department for not prosecuting those found guilty.. 5. Ms. Alexandra Williams, 2125 E Whipp Rd- spoke about the importance of providing 24/7 shelter for the homeless, especially during extreme cold, and urged the city to consider more compassionate actions for the unhoused community. She also advocated for divesting from Israeli companies, suggesting that such a stance would reflect a commitment to human rights. 6. Mr. Kevin Keller, 3922 E Third St- spoke about his concerns about traffic safety on East Third Street, delayed snow removal, and the underutilization of the US 35 corridor, suggesting measures like speed cameras, business development, and better snow plowing. He also highlighted the need for improved maintenance of public parks and proposed a public sculpture to celebrate Dayton as the "Gem City." COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein provided an update on the City's cold weather emergency response plan, explaining that the city is currently in "tier one" status, with shelters for the homeless and warming centers open. She emphasized that shelter capacity is adequate, with both the women's and men's shelters well below their maximum capacity, and the city's emergency response team continues to monitor the situation for further needs. COMMENTS BY THE CLERK OF COMMISSION Ms. Regina Blackshear noted that City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20" for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss expressed gratitude to various individuals and groups during the meeting. She acknowledged Ms Dickstein’s update about the emergency response unit available in the region, particularly regarding inclement weather. Commissioner Turner-Sloss also appreciated Miss Williams' advocacy for the unhoused population, emphasizing the importance of support services for them during the winter months. She 2036 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING ganuary 15 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 noted that police and the sheriff's department cannot force anyone into shelters, but outreach teams are working to build relationships and encourage compliance. She highlighted the approval of an operation, which supports outreach services for the unhoused population. Commissioner Turner-Sloss mentioned the decision made by DPS to issue a remote learning day due to extreme weather conditions, although she expressed her displeasure with the decision while understanding the need to protect students from frigid temperatures. Regarding various public concerns, Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Mr. Wa-Tenza for his comments on the 1999 Civil Trial, Miss Duncan for her concerns about street parking during inclement weather, and Miss Chinn for raising issues related to MetroParks fees and speed cushions on Gettysburg. She pointed out that speed cushions on Gettysburg are temporary, with long-term solutions involving street renovations. She also acknowledged concerns about renovations on Main Street and the ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Commissioner Turner-Sloss encouraged community involvement in supporting youth programs, highlighting the opening of a new teen center at the Northwest Recreation Center and the availability of various youth programs and mentoring opportunities. She mentioned ongoing work with the Animal Resource Center to address issues with stray dogs and other animals. She also discussed the potential for mobile speed cameras on East Third Street and encouraged continued discussions about the proposed "Gym City" sculpture project. She noted the upcoming launch of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) free tax preparation program, which will assist individuals and families with incomes under $67,000. Turner-Sloss emphasized the importance of participating in the free tax preparation services and mentioned several community events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including the memorial march and the celebration banquet. Lastly, she reminded homeowners who disagree with their property value assessments that they have until March 31st to file an appeal with the Montgomery County Board of Revisions to potentially lower their property taxes. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild expressed appreciation to Commissioner Turner-Sloss for covering various topics and to the citizens who attended the meeting despite the cold weather. He mentioned looking forward to the upcoming MLK events, including the forecast for cold weather and the Interfaith prayer breakfast on Friday morning. He also highlighted the showing of The 6888 at the Neon Theater on Saturday afternoon. Commissioner Fairchild shared his excitement about welcoming back Rod Kennedy, the former pastor of First Baptist Church, as the keynote speaker for the MLK banquet. He encouraged everyone to attend and reflect on Dr. King's legacy, reminding the community of the importance of democracy, freedom, and self-governance, especially in light of the upcoming presidential inauguration. He also expressed support for addressing the concerns of the unhoused population, urging people to look out for their neighbors during the cold weather. He emphasized that, in the  2037 CITY COMMISSION R£EcuLAR MEETING sanuary 15 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 spirit of Dr. King, individuals can play a role as "first responders" by checking on their neighbors to ensure they are safe, warm, and have the necessary food and water. This, he said, would help foster a sense of community and good neighborliness. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw shared his excitement about the City of Dayton receiving a Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities grant for the Revive 35 planning project. He thanked the staff for their efforts in securing such projects, noting that these types of grants are a regular focus of the transportation and infrastructure committee he advocates for. Commissioner Shaw acknowledged the City's success in obtaining these grants, attributing it to the hard work of the staff and City Management. Additionally, Shaw reminded everyone that Friday is the last day to submit applications for the AFL-CIO Building Trades apprenticeship program and encouraged people to take advantage of the opportunity. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims congratulated Dr. Chrisondra Goodwine and Dr. William Bailey for being elected as President and Vice President of the Dayton School Board. He expressed anticipation for working with them. He then addressed safety concerns in Dayton, mentioning the installation of speed bumps on Gettysburg Avenue. The speed bumps are strategically placed to reduce the opportunity for high-speed driving between bumps, responding to community requests. He also highlighted the design changes to North Main Street as another effort to minimize traffic-related fatalities, also in response to community input. Mims also clarified details about the March event, which will start at the Drew Health Center (a long-standing location) and lead to the bridge. There will be two activities: a conflict resolution and youth engagement session at the Dakota Street Center and a movie showing of The 6888 at the Neon Theater. Finally, the Mayor encouraged participation in the March and reminded everyone to dress warmly, as the weather would be cold. The meeting was adjourned with well-wishes for safety and warmth. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Uf Z ) / +te msy ae 1 MMB l.) iW ack dha / c1ddk of Commission