City Commission

2044 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:01 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 Shaw gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Mims led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken, and Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss were present. The Clerk of the Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and the City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 22, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Ms. Blackshear received initiative petitions from the Clergy Community Coalition on January 23, 2025, requesting the construction of a public hospital in West Dayton. She submitted the petitions to the Montgomery County Board of Elections for validation, as required by the City Charter. The Charter also mandates that she present the petitions to the commission the following Wednesday, which she is doing today. Additionally, she must schedule a public hearing within 14 days of receiving the petitions. Accordingly, the public hearing is set for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS Monthly Demolition Update Mr. Steve Gondol, Director of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development, presented the monthly demolition update, marking the last report of the 2024 calendar year. In December, 13 demolitions were completed, with 11 funded by ARPA and two through Ohio’s ODOD program. This brought the total demolitions for the year to 208, surpassing the goal of 188 to stay on track for the 2026 deadline. Despite progress, the City faced ongoing challenges with demolition debris piles; although four were removed in December, three new ones were added, leaving 87 in total. Emergency demolitions continued due to structural instability, often caused by fires, while planned demolitions remained focused on ARPA-designated areas and extended to other neighborhoods through ODOD funding.  2045 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING January 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 will be demolished, as effort are being made to rehabilitate viable structures. The department also processed 428 title reports, conducted 163 asbestos surveys, and completed 83 remediation efforts to prepare buildings for demolition. Several high- profile demolitions in December included properties in the Huffman Historic District, where collaboration with the Landmarks Commission deemed certain buildings beyond repair. Another notable case|was the removal of a blighted commercial structure in a residential neighborhood, paving the way for new homes through the Welcome Home Ohio program. Looking ahead to 2025, the ¢ity has already contracted 247 demolitions, primarily concentrated in Southern Dayton View, Santa Clara, Westwood, and Roosevelt, alongside 50 contracted debris removals and 104 additional ODOD-funded demolitions. With a total of 401 demolitions planned for the year and nearly all ARPA funds encumbered, the departmentlis fully staffed and prepared for an extensive workload. With 36 months completed and 24 remaining in the ARPA-funded demolition initiative, significant progress has beer made, expanding efforts beyond initial focus areas to address broader community needs. Commissioner Turner-Sloss praised the demolition update, calling it a favorite briefing, and requested an electronic ¢opy of the presentation. Commissioner Fairchild and|Mr. Gondol discussed the City’s demolition efforts, noting that the workload will double in 2025, with a projected 400 demolitions compared to 208 in 2024. Mr. Gondol clarified that some projects may extend into 2026 due to funding timelines. They also addressed the addition of 450 properties to the nuisance list and the need to reassess numbers in 2025. Commissioner Fairchild inquired about integrating demolition data with the comprehensive housing survey, but Mr. Gondol explained that while the two efforts inform jeach other, they are managed separately. Commissioner Shaw thanked Mr. Gondol and his team for their hard work and community outreach, especi ally in the cold, noting the neighbors' appreciation. Commissioner Joseph thanked Steve for the impressive demolition numbers, expressing confidence in the team's ability to handle the challenge. He praised their work and asked Steve to convey thanks to his staff, noting the city's improvement. Mayor UNCF Luncheon Mr. Scott Hamilton, Area Development Director for the UNCF, gave an update on the upcoming Mayor UNCF Luncheon, emphasizing the impact of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in| Ohio, particularly Central State and Wilberforce College. He highlighted that Wilberforce was the first HBCU in the country and shared that the total economic impact of these two universities in the Dayton area amounts to $124 million. Hamilton also noted|the significant job creation and nearly $1 billion in lifetime earnings for graduates. He thanked the Mayor and others for their support and invited everyone to the sold-out event at Sinclair College, where Olympic legend Edwin Moses would speak. Commissioner Turner-Sloss, a graduate of Fisk University, thanked Mr. Hamilton for visiting and providing comments and support for the UNCF, as well as expressing gratitude to Mr. Beckham for his support. 2046 CITY COMMISSION _ recutar MEETING sanuary 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Fairchild expressed his pleasure in meeting Mr. Hamilton in person and mentioned looking forward to attending the luncheon, emphasizing the importance of supporting HBCUs and their students. Commissioner Shaw, a Howard University graduate, expressed appreciation for Mr. Hamilton's visit and the work he does, emphasizing that the mind is a terrible thing to waste and a great thing to invest in. Commissioner Joseph thanked Mr. Hamilton for his work, acknowledging that the results of an HBCU education speak for themselves as for majority of the Commission are HBCU graduates and expressing appreciation for his efforts. The Mayor added one more point, mentioning Central State University, where he graduated from, and will be representing tomorrow. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR There were no additions or deletions to the calendar. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Calendar Item B2 Ms. Shelley Dickstein highlighted a $300,000 contract with L.J. DeWeese Company for improvements at Residence Park, including upgrades to park shelters, utilities, and sidewalks. The contract was a rebid due to an overestimate in the first process, but the new bid is the lowest and best, allowing work to begin early this year. Emergency Resolution No. 6846-25 Ms. Shelley Dickstein highlighted this Emergency Resolution, which extends a temporary moratorium on group homes. This extension gives the city six more months to complete engagement with stakeholders and regional conversations to bring forward a well-informed recommendation. Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Ms. Dickstein for the updates, particularly the legislation extending the temporary moratorium on group homes. She requested to be included in the regional and local conversations regarding the issue and the recommendations from outside counsel. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild asked if the Residence Park upgrades would be completed by National Night Out in August. Tom Richie from Public Works explained that while there are many improvements planned, including a restroom and sidewalks, the goal is to have everything finished earlier in the year, ideally by August, to coincide with the event. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw had no comments.  2047 CITY COMMISSION REcULAR MEETING ganuary 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph expressed gratitude for the Residence Park contract, noting that those who walk around the park, including everyone on the commission, appreciate the improvements as the park is in need of repairs. CITIZENS’? COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizen comments. APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports. Commissioner Turner-Sloss 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 Resolution — First and Second Reading No. 6847-25 Extending a Temporary Moratorium, Not to Exceed One Hundred Eighty (180) Days, on the Acceptance and Processing of Applications for Zoning, Occupancy, Conditional Use and/or Building Permit Approvals for Residential Facilities, Also Known As 'Group Homes' within the City of Dayton, Ohio, and Declaring an Emergency. Commissioner Fairchild moved that this being an emergency measure for the immediate consideration of the Resolution. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion was passed with a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6846-25 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 Resolution — First Reading No. 6846-25 Authorizing the Acceptance of Grant Award from the State of Ohio, Department of Public Safety, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, in the amount of One Hundred Five Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($105,000.00) on Behalf of the City of Dayton. Resolution — Second Reading No. 6845-25 Declaring the Intention of the Commission to Vacate Hickory Street from the Western Terminus to Alberta Street The question being shall Resolution No. 6845-25 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 Resolution was adopted. 2048 CITY COMMISSION recutar MEETING sanuary 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were three citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. Kevin Keller, 3922 E 3" St - spoke about three topics: he inquired about the restoration of the Wright Brothers' first factory, advocating for volunteer involvement and turning it into a museum to honor Dayton's aviation history; he raised concerns about dangerous speeding on East Third Street, suggesting speed bumps and cameras to improve safety; and he proposed the idea of placing large, aviation-themed "Dayton Gems" around the city, similar to sculptures in other cities, to promote Dayton's heritage and attract attention to key landmarks. 2. Ms. Jennifer Evans, 702 Troy St- spoke about the property at 203 Grove, noting that the garage was boarded up, and the police had declared it a nuisance. She hoped the garage and fire pile would be demolished together. She also thanked Commissioner Turner-Sloss for helping with the removal of an abandoned vehicle and requested action on delayed demolitions at 1815 Warner and 207 Alton. Ms. Evans appreciated the city's efforts and pledged to continue monitoring the situation. 3. Mr. David Woods, 3230 Lakeview Ave- spoke about his intention to sue the city of Kettering for $13 million, citing mistreatment by Kettering Hospital and police, including blocking his access to his father as his medical power of attorney and mishandling evidence. 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: FIRE Al. Fire Service, Inc. (one 2024 Fouts FB-94 Top Mount Pumper Engine) $733,635.00 1. (cont’d): INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY B1. CDW Government, Inc. (VMware Cloud Foundation license as needed through 12/31/28) -Depts. of Fire and Information Technology. $352,032.00 TOTAL: $1,085,667.00 B. Contracts: 1. L.J. DeWeese Co., Inc. — Award of Contract — Residence Park Amenities Upgrade and Sidewalk Installation Rebid (25% HUD Section 3 Worker Labor Hours & 5% Targeted Worker Labor Hours Participation Goal/25% HUD Section 3 Worker labor Hours & 5% Targeted Worker Labor Hours Participation Achieved) (Federal CBDG Funds) — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $293,197.50 (Thru 06/30/27)  2049 CITY COMMISSION _recutar MEETING sanuary 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 2. SP Plus Corporation — Award of Contract — management for airport parking facilities shuttle bus operations, and additional services at the Jams M. Cox Dayton International Airport — Department of Aviation/Airport Administration & Finance. $9,126,213.00 (Thru 12/31/26) COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER Ms. Shelley Dickstein provided an update on the Wright Brothers’ first factory, stating that a full report is expected by the end of the first quarter of the year, after delays due to vendor availability and stabilizing the structure. She confirmed ongoing discussions with the National Park Service about potential redevelopment. Additionally, she highlighted that $2 million was allocated for fire pile removals, with 87 fire piles still to be addressed, and clarified that the city demolishes entire structures, including garages, not leaving them behind. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss briefly thanked Mr. Keller for raising his concerns, particularly about speeding on Smithfield, and mentioned that the city is addressing those concerns. She acknowledged Ms. Evans' update on demolition and fire pile removal efforts, promising to continue monitoring the situation. She also wished Mr. Woods the best in seeking legal counsel for his concerns. Commissioner Turner-Sloss highlighted the Neighborhood Leadership Institute's open applications and the upcoming Black Unity Conference at Sinclair Community College on February Ist, which will focus on the Civil Rights Movement. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild had no comments. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw encouraged everyone to support local restaurants during Winter Restaurant Week from January 26 to February 2. He emphasized the importance of utilizing these businesses to ensure they stay in the community and highlighted the need for such amenities in Dayton. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph shared that the Human Race Theater is showing A Distinct Society from February 4th to 16th, a play about family separation at the US-Canada border. The February 4th showing is a pay-what-you-can night, with proceeds supporting the Dayton Food Bank and Catholic Social Services' Refugee Resettlement program. On February 9th, there will be a post-show discussion led by Janette Horwitz from Welcome Dayton. He encouraged everyone to attend, especially on those dates. 2050 CITY COMMISSION _ recurar MEETING ganuary 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Mayor Mims Mayor Mims thanked Dayton Public Schools and the Ford Foundation for their recent work with the community and young people, focusing on developing ideas and concepts to support the next generation of learners. He acknowledged the collaboration among teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. He also highlighted the increasing number of jobs being created in Dayton and the programs designed to help young people step into those opportunities. He concluded by expressing gratitude to Board President Goodwine and Superintendent Lawrence for their efforts, and ended the meeting with a message of peace and love. Mayor Mims closed with a message of love and peace for all and hatred for none before adjourning the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m. of Commission