City Commission

2139 CITY COMMISSION R£cuULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, May 7, 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 Joseph led the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Mims led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken, and Mayor Mims and Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss were present. The Clerk of the Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 30, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS Clerk of Commission, Ms. Blackshear, invited Deputy Director and Assistant Chief of Police, Mr. Eric Henderson, to the podium to receive a proclamation in honor of Police Week. Ms. Blackshear read the proclamation as follows: Whereas, the Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week; and Whereas, the members of the Dayton Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the residents and visitors of the City of Dayton; and Whereas, it is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, protecting them against violence and disorder, and defending the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and Whereas, the men and women of the Dayton Police Department unceasingly provide a vital public service; and Whereas, let each of us take time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the 31 Dayton police officers who gave their lives in service to our city, and all those officers nationwide who have done the same. Let us keep their families, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers; and 2140 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Whereas, the City Commission of Dayton calls upon all citizens of the City of Dayton, and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations, to observe the week of May 11th through May 17th, 2025, as Police Week, with appropriate ceremonies and observances to commemorate law enforcement officers—past and present—who, through faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered dedicated service to their communities and, in doing so, have established for themselves an enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens; Now, therefore, I, Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11-17, 2025, as: Police Week in the City of Dayton, and encourage all residents to join in honoring the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers. Signed, Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. City of Dayton, Ohio Assistant Chief Eric Henderson thanked the Mayor and City Commission for the Police Week proclamation on behalf of Chief Afzal and the Dayton Police Department. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, especially considering officers’ ongoing challenges. He acknowledged the 31 Dayton officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and referenced the recent death of Deputy Larry Henderson in Hamilton County as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face. He emphasized that community support during Police Week is deeply appreciated. Mayor Mims thanked the police for their service and reflected on the recent regional memorial honoring fallen officers. He noted the emotional tributes from families and acknowledged that this week also celebrates teachers, recognizing both groups' value to the community. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR Ms. Blackshear requested the addition of legislation related to the public hearing, pending the commission’s direction. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Item No. Three The City Manager introduced a $7.9 million construction contract with Ohio Irrigation Law Sprinkler System Inc., doing business as Oheil Site Solutions, for phase one work at the Kettering Field Sports Complex. The contract was awarded as the lowest and best bid out of two. Funding will come from geo debt and 2022 Kettering Field improvement funds. Mr. Stephan Marcellus, Director of Recreation, expressed excitement about finally reaching this point in the lengthy improvement process. He introduced Jeff Bonecutter and James Link from Passero Associates, who have been working closely with the City’s Department of Recreation to develop the project. Mr. Bonecutter thanked the Commission and briefly outlined Passero Associates’ role in the project. He emphasized the collaborative effort with the City over the past several months to refine the design and ensure it aligns with the City’s budget constraints. The goal is to deliver much-needed and high-quality upgrades to the Kettering Field Sports Complex. He noted that James  2141 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING MAY 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Link, the project manager and architect, would provide highlights of the proposed improvements. Mr. Link provided an overview of the proposed improvements at the Kettering Field Sports Complex. He highlighted key features of the site, which include softball fields, a baseball diamond, a maintenance building, parking lots, and a synthetic turf field. He explained that one of the major upgrades involves infrastructure and facilities, including a sidewalk running through the middle of the site to allow for uninterrupted pedestrian access. There will be two asphalt parking lots, and a new 30,000-square-foot administration and restroom building will be added. For the athletic upgrades, five turf infields will be improved, and six pickleball courts and two multi-purpose grass fields will be added. The site will also receive LED lighting upgrades, including improvements to the existing five-plex softball diamonds, new lighting for the parking lots, the pickleball courts, and Centennial Field, which currently lacks lighting. Mr. Link also presented an overhead view comparing the existing layout with the proposed changes, showing a central pedestrian core and how all the new elements will be organized around it. The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions. Commissioner Fairchild expressed excitement about the Kettering Field upgrades, sharing his connection to the field from his high school baseball days. He highlighted the much-needed improvements and how the additions will enhance the area, especially near Centennial Field. He thanked the team for their efforts. Mayor Mims and Commissioner Shaw joked about their past playing days at the field. Commissioner Shaw expressed excitement about the improvements, hoping it would attract softball tournaments back to Kettering Field. Commissioner Joseph suggested organizing an old-timers’ team for the new turf. Mayor Mims mentioned the upcoming Little League kickoff event and confirmed the softball hall of fame would be preserved in its current location. All expressed gratitude for the work done on the project. Emergency Ordinance No. 32145-25 The City Manager introduced an ordinance to purchase properties at 101 South St. Clair and 118 East 4th Street for redevelopment. The goal is to relocate the CBD police facility to improve public safety and support economic development. Major Paul Saunders will provide more details on the project. Major Paul Saunders presented an update on the city's infrastructure plans and improvements. He mentioned that the police department's newest building was from 1991, and the Salem Avenue District houses the current CBD. The new West Patrol facility is under construction at Third and Abbey and is set for completion in March 2026. He also discussed the East Patrol, noting that its location is currently in poor condition, but plans are underway to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility, including forensics and wellness programs. The Wayne Avenue location will remain in use for the Community Services Division. Regarding the Central Business District (CBD), Saunders explained that the department had long been interested in moving downtown but faced challenges due to building codes. A feasibility study led to the identification of a property at 101 St. Clair and 184th Street, an old diner and steam plant that are in significant disrepair. The city negotiated the purchase of the property for $1.4 million, which is 2142 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 $100,000 less than the asking price. The property will be demolished and rebuilt for police use. Major Saunders emphasized the strategic value of a downtown location, noting that the police staff downtown not just based on calls for service but for visibility. The goal is to ensure public safety in an area vital to the city's economy. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were eight citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. Chris Kershner, 8 N. Main St- spoke about the importance of increasing safety and security in downtown Dayton for local businesses. He urged the city to prioritize a stronger police presence, including a new downtown station, to improve safety and confidence. He commended the city for its efforts and called for swift action to support downtown’s growth and vitality. 2. Mr. Evan Lavioe, 1040 Harvard Blvd- spoke about his strong opposition to the city purchasing 118 East Fourth Street and 101 St. Clair Street for a new police station. He said that the city already owns suitable land and that spending $1.4 million for the properties, plus additional costs for demolition, is wasteful. He criticized the current property owners for neglecting the sites, unpaid taxes, and the potential reward they would receive. He also emphasized the importance of preserving historic buildings and suggested using tax foreclosure to address the properties. 3. Mr. Joe Dierkers, 22 LaBelle St- spoke about his opposition to the city's plan to buy property for a downtown police station, questioning the urgency and cost, and suggesting alternative sites that wouldn’t require demolition. 4. Mr. Kegan Sickels, 1517 Burroughs Dr- spoke about his opposition to the city’s plan to buy the downtown property for a police station, raising concerns about the lack of transparency on plans for the old Salem Avenue station, noting prior commercial interest in the site, and urging the city to pass a vacant property ordinance to hold negligent property owners accountable. 5. Mr. Ryan Kline, 1360 Cornell Dr- spoke about his support of the city’s $1.4 million purchase and demolition of the old diner and powerhouse buildings to build a new downtown police station, arguing that public safety should take priority over preserving deteriorated or unremarkable historic buildings. 6. Ms. Mary Sue Gmeiner, 1418 Arbor Ave- spoke about her opposition to the city's proposed $1.4 million purchase of downtown parcels for a new police station. She said that the city is prioritizing downtown over neighborhoods, criticized the plan as an authoritarian approach to safety that ignores root causes like poverty, and questioned why public funds are being used to effectively bail out a delinquent property owner. She urged the commission to vote no on the proposal. 7. Mr. Ethan Kocjan, 57 Mound St- spoke about supporting the idea of building a new downtown police station, especially given recent safety concerns at the RTA stop and library. However, he expressed concerns about the lack of community input in the planning process and criticized the decision to pay $1.4 million to a neglectful, absentee property owner. He warned that this could set a precedent that rewards bad behavior from speculators and urged the city to involve the public and be more fiscally responsible. 8. Mr. Steve Stanley, 615 Oakwood Ave- spoke about the business’s support of the emergency ordinance to purchase property for a downtown police station. Representing several major downtown stakeholders—including Stratacache, the Windsor Companies, Woodard Development, and CareSource—he  2143 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 emphasized that there is strong backing from the downtown business and residential community. He said that the matter is urgent and should not be delayed, stressing that downtown is its own neighborhood with significant residential and small business presence. He praised the city manager and police staff for acting quickly to secure the property and warned that delaying or exploring other options likely wouldn’t yield better results. REPORTS A. Purchase Orders, Agreements, and Contracts: (All contracts are valid until delivery is complete or through December 31* of the current year). Purchase Orders: PUBLIC WORKS A1. Palmer Trucks, Inc. dba Kenworth of Dayton (vehicle parts and repair services) $150,000.00 Department of Public Works TOTAL: $150,000.00 Service Agreements 1. Level One, LLC, a Doxim Company — Contract Modification — first renewal and second amendment to continue to provide electronic bill presentment and payment processing services (EBP), including E-billing, online payments through Paydaytonwater.com, debit/credit card, E-check processing, and retail cash payment locations — Department of Finance/Utility Billing and Meter Reading. $1,176,000.00 (Thru 5/19/27) B. Construction Contracts: 2. Ohio Irrigation Law Sprinkler System Inc. dba Oheil Site Solutions —- Award of Contract — for the Kettering Field Sport Complex Phase 1 Rebid (20% MBE Participation Goal/19.5% MBE Participation Achieved) — Department of Recreation/Sports. $7,990,120.00 (Thru 12/31/27) COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Fairchild requested that the legislation be pulled, citing a need for more time to review it, which he said was his privilege as a commissioner. However, there was confusion about whether the commission's rules allowed this request since the deadline to pull legislation was typically Tuesday at noon, and the request was made after that time. The Mayor pointed out that the rules stated the deadline, but there was confusion about whether these rules were strict or flexible. Some Commissioners expressed their concerns that these were guidelines rather than hard rules, and that in urgent circumstances, rules could be waived by a vote. Commissioner Fairchild, however, emphasized the importance of the rules should be followed and asked for clarification from the law department on the consequences of not adhering to the commission's adopted rules. Commissioner Shaw offered a motion to move forward with the legislation and 2144 CITY COMMISSION _REcuLaR MEETING may 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Joseph seconded the motion. It was decided by the Commission, they would ask Major Saunders questions before voting on the legislation. Major Saunders begins by expressing excitement about the project, acknowledging its significance for the city. He notes that the effort to establish a police presence in the urban core has been ongoing for a long time, dating back even before 2023 when he became more directly involved in the project. He emphasizes the importance of modernizing facilities across the city and working alongside his counterpart, Andrew Marks, to improve infrastructure, including forensics and district facilities. While the downtown site is a key piece of the plan, it is complicated by the city's economic development efforts and other factors, such as the need for a cement bunker to accommodate existing locations. Saunders describes how site selection was a lengthy process, guided by economic development and thorough evaluations. Commissioner Turner-Sloss follows up by asking about the community engagement process, specifically why the same approach for the West District wasn’t adopted in terms of public input and feedback. Major Saunders responds by acknowledging that community engagement was indeed a part of the process, particularly in the West District. However, he clarifies that downtown poses unique challenges, including the scarcity of available locations and balancing the police presence with economic development. He explains that the stigma surrounding police stations might influence public perception but insists that community engagement is ongoing and that they are actively working to involve the public. Major Saunders also defends the idea of a police station in the downtown area, arguing that the stigma associated with the term is not universally shared and that many community members see the presence of a police hub as a positive development. He stressed that while there may be differing opinions, transparency in their efforts has been a priority, and they will continue to engage with the public throughout the process. Commissioner Turner-Sloss inquires about the high price of $1.4 million, given that the property has back taxes. She questions why other options, such as utilizing the vacant property ordinance or the land bank, haven't been explored to reduce costs. Major Saunders and Attorney Saxton explain that while there are indeed tools available, such as foreclosure and eminent domain, these options come with challenges, including competition with private entities and potential resistance from property owners. He clarifies that the land bank and other tools, like deed in lieu of foreclosure, could have been options, but such processes require cooperation from the property owner, which in this case, hasn't been forthcoming. Saunders emphasizes that downtown properties often come with unreasonable price expectations, complicating negotiations. Despite this, the municipality has worked hard to explore every avenue to secure the property, even if the ideal price was not achieved. Further, Major Saunders acknowledges the ongoing work with the county on the vacant property ordinance and provides an update on its development, noting that it has been a priority but is still in progress. He also addresses the feasibility study that had been conducted, but notes that it was confidential and not shared with the commission or the public. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asks for a copy of the study, and Major Saunders agrees to provide it. Finally, he offers additional context about the property acquisition process, explaining that multiple offers were made, but it wasn’t until months later that they received a response from the property owner. He highlights the urgency of securing the property, which further illustrates the municipality’s efforts to move forward with the project.  2145 CITY COMMISSION ~ REcuLAR MEETING may 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Fairchild raised a series of important questions regarding the safety concerns in downtown and the proposed property purchase. He acknowledged that the concerns of the business community about downtown safety were valid, especially considering recent headlines about crime in the Dayton Daily News. He emphasized the urgency of addressing both the actual safety issues and the perception of safety. In his inquiry, he sought clarification on what immediate steps were being taken to address these issues, especially as the community had expressed a need for action. Commissioner Fairchild also highlighted that despite the potential long-term benefits of acquiring the property, the issue of downtown safety needed immediate attention. Major Paul Saunders responded by detailing the extensive measures already in place to improve safety in downtown Dayton. He mentioned significant investments in technology, including the installation of additional public safety cameras and license plate readers. He pointed out that the tech team, along with city electricians, had been working diligently to expand the surveillance infrastructure, including a real-time crime center. Additionally, Major Saunders explained that officers were being deployed strategically, with some officers riding bicycles downtown to maintain a visible presence, regardless of the weather. He also mentioned a $35,000 investment in a Polaris ATV, which would be clearly marked to ensure visibility and convey a strong presence of law enforcement. These efforts, Major Saunders noted, were already yielding results, as detectives and officers were making significant arrests, including gun-related offenses. He stressed that the impact of a small crime downtown could have a disproportionate effect on the community and the economy, underlining the importance of maintaining a strong police presence. Commissioner Fairchild, while recognizing these efforts, expressed his concern that the business community might not be fully aware of these actions, and he emphasized the need for clear communication about what was being done. He also acknowledged that while these measures were essential for improving the immediate safety and perception of safety, the long-term issue of the proposed property purchase still needed further consideration. Major Saunders concluded by assuring Commissioner Fairchild that the city's leadership was fully committed to addressing the safety concerns and would continue to engage with the business community to ensure that the steps being taken were well understood and supported. Commissioner Shaw expressed strong support for the initiative, stressing its importance for downtown's economic development, which is crucial for funding the rest of the city. He emphasized the need to move forward quickly and efficiently, showing his commitment to the project. Commissioner Joseph thanked the Mayor and Commissioners, acknowledging the success of the West Pod outreach, despite initial challenges. He asked if a similar approach would be taken for community outreach on the design of the current project. Major Paul Saunders assured that community engagement is always part of their projects, especially when the changes are permanent. He guaranteed that outreach would be handled thoroughly and effectively, regardless of who is leading the project. Mayor Mims asked Major Saunders about the future of 248 Salem Avenue. Major Saunders explained that while the building is in good condition, the city doesn’t plan to leave it vacant. He highlighted that there are options to develop the site in the future, but for now, it’s not a priority since the focus is on projects like the West Patrol and Helena. 2146 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING MAY 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 He assured that the building’s potential would be explored over time, but emphasized the importance of maintaining other locations like Wayne Avenue due to its commercial viability. Major Saunders also reassured that the city has no intention of letting 248 Salem become an empty structure. APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were approved with a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, and Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. LEGISLATION EMERGENCY ORDINANCE - FIRST AND SECOND READING No. 32145-25 - Authorizing the Purchase of Collective Parcels of Real Property at 101 South St. Clair Street and 118 East Fourth Street, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio 45402 for the Purpose of Building a New Police Station, and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Ordinance No. 32145-25 be adopted. Commissioner Joseph made the motion for the immediate passage of Emergency Ordinance No. 32145-25. Commissioner Shaw seconded this motion. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 4-1 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner- Sloss. Commissioner Fairchild voted no. The Ordinance was adopted. Commissioner Turner-Sloss would like the record to show that she supports the downtown station hub but stresses that the same urgency should apply to neighborhood safety, like at Cornell Meat King. She will support the legislation with the expectation of full community involvement in the process. EMERGENCY RESOLUTION — FIRST AND SECOND READING No. 6864-25- Objecting to the Issuance of Liquor Permit No. 6092144, Money Making Music LLC DBA Money Making Music LLC, 1600 S. Broadway St., Dayton, Ohio 45417, and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6864-25 be adopted. Commissioner Turner-Sloss made the motion for the immediate passage of Emergency Resolution No. 6864-25. Commissioner Joseph seconded this motion. 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. No. 6865-25- Approving the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners' Appointment of a Member to the Board of Directors of the Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority, and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6865-25 be adopted. Commissioner Joseph made the motion for the immediate passage of Emergency Resolution No. 6865-25. Commissioner Shaw seconded this motion. 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.  2147 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING may 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 ORDINANCE — SECOND READING No. 32144-25 - Amending The Official Zoning Map To Change The Zoning Of Approximately 21.21 Acres At The End Of West River Road From General Industrial (I- 2) To Open Space (OS). 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 adopted. RESOLUTION — FIRST READING No. 6866-25- Authorizing the City Manager to Accept H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grant-Equipment from The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for an Amount of Seventy-Three Thousand Three Hundred Seventeen Dollars and Zero Cents ($73,317.00). No. 6867-25- Amending Resolution No. 6236-17. PUBLIC HEARING The public hearing was about rezoning 704 Salem Avenue from residential to transitional for potential office use. Planner Elizabeth Dakan explained the change aligns with neighborhood plans and had unanimous support from the land use board and plan board. One neighbor opposed it via email but gave no details and didn’t attend meetings. Commissioners decided to move forward with the Public Hearing. Case Number PLN2025-000034 Will Be Ordinance No. 32146-25 - Amending The Official Zoning Map To Change The Zoning Of Approximately 0.124 Acres At 704-710 Salem Avenue From Mature Single Family Residential To Transitional CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were three citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. Hilary Lerman, 249 Wyoming St- spoke about his opposition NATO, criticizing the organization as war-mongering and responsible for conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. He also objected to the public money being spent on the event, arguing it should be used to help residents in need. Lastly, he raised concerns about potential arrests of peaceful protestors and asked for clarity on where civil disobedience would be legally permitted. 2. Mr. Khalid Karriem, 5199 Little Richmond Rd- spoke about ongoing flooding on his property caused by a city-owned stormwater easement, which has damaged his belongings and killed his poultry. He expressed frustration with the city's lack of accountability and refusal to maintain the catch basin. He also criticized the neglect of Black neighborhoods in Dayton compared to the well-kept downtown area, calling it a failure of leadership and investment. 3. Ms. Maggie Burk, 1200 Epworth Ave- spoke about her opposition to the $1.4 million downtown police station purchase, criticizing the lack of community input and the short notice given before the decision. She found the tone of some city representatives disappointing and questioned why funds weren't being directed toward youth-led spaces instead. She emphasized the importance of including young people in decisions that impact them, especially when the city claims to prioritize youth engagement. 2148 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager explained that the City of Dayton did not invite NATO, nor did it have a choice in its arrival; the city was simply informed that NATO would be coming. She emphasized that most of the funding related to NATO, including for workshops and security, came from federal sources, the state, and local sponsors. The only city money spent involved capital improvements, such as upgrades to Main and Third Streets, that were already in motion and simply accelerated for this event. She noted that these enhancements will benefit the community long after NATO leaves. She also addressed concerns about limited access downtown, explaining that the hard barriers in the NATO village are there for safety reasons, but people are still allowed to walk through most of the area. While some venues are off-limits, general access is not restricted. The city also supports peaceful protest and has designated a specific area near the delegates that allows for demonstrations to be both visible and safe, which aligns with legal precedent. Finally, she responded to a resident’s concern about flooding on Little Richmond Road and expressed a commitment to follow up with the water department to see if more could be done to help mitigate the issue. COMMENTS BY THE CLERK OF COMMISSION Ms. Blackshear announced that the City Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14th has been canceled because the commission will be traveling to Washington, D.C. She also noted that the May 21st meeting, which normally takes place at 6:00 p.m., has been rescheduled to a morning session starting at 8:30 a.m. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss congratulated the 2024 B Fire Recruit Class for their diversity, noting the first two African American female graduates. She stressed the need for better public engagement and transparency in city decisions, particularly regarding the Dayton Police Department's central services location. She also called for urgent action to clean up the Cornell Meat King site and other neglected properties like 203 Grove and 300 Fernwood. She thanked community members for their input and emphasized the importance of keeping residents informed throughout the process. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild echoed appreciation for citizens' participation in the deliberative process and thanked Miss Dickstein for addressing First Amendment rights concerning NATO. He also clarified that civil disobedience is illegal by nature, meant to highlight unjust laws through intentional lawbreaking, and emphasized its educational value. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph suggested switching from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers for Air Quality Awareness Week, sharing his positive experience with the electric model. He also announced the Sinclair Fine Art Graduating Class Portfolio Exhibition at Sinclair Art Galleries, open until 6 PM on May 8th, with free admission.  2149 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 7 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Mayor Mims The Mayor announced several community events and updates, including a Mother's Day Brunch at the Northwest Rec Center on May 8th, summer daycare programs starting June 3rd at the Lohrey and Northwest Rec Centers, and a networking event for business leaders at The Hub in downtown Dayton on May 8th at 5 PM. The Mayor also congratulated the Dayton Water Department for hosting 400 students from Dayton Public Schools for a career day at UD Arena, where students learned about various careers. The Mayor concluded with a message of love and unity, stating, "love, peace for all, and hatred for none." ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Clerk gf\Commission