City Commission

2150 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8:30 a.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 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 May 7, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS There were none. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR There were none. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Ms. Dickstein noted a wording change to the lead abatement resolution at the request of the internal auditor. She clarified that the update does not alter the $2.5 million funding amount and confirmed that updated versions of the emergency resolution were distributed. Ms. Dickstein highlighted several key items on the morning’s calendar. She first noted Item 4, a $65,000 contract modification with Outdoor Enterprise LLC to continue ongoing improvements at Gettysburg Park. She reminded the Commission that the park had been inactive for many years and that, in response to neighborhood interest and Commission support, the City has been working to restore it to active use by adding amenities. She then referenced Item 6, a $1.7 million contract award for the 2025 Thoroughfare Asphalt Resurfacing Program, emphasizing the continued investment in street infrastructure. Lastly, she addressed Item 10, a purchase agreement to convey 72 parcels to the Montgomery County Land Bank for redevelopment. She invited Tony Kroeger to provide a brief presentation on that item.  2151 CITY COMMISSION _8®GULAR MEETING MAY 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Land Bank Presentation Mr. Tony Kroeger provided an overview of the 72 parcels to be transferred to the Montgomery County Land Bank. Although the purchase agreement is for only $10, the total value of the lots exceeds $50,000, necessitating City Commission approval. He emphasized that this is a beneficial transaction, as the properties will be used for publicly valuable purposes, including new housing developments under Ohio’s Welcome Home program. These efforts will have both economic and land-use impacts, particularly in the Madden Hills and Fairview neighborhoods where the parcels are located. Mr. Kroeger noted that transferring the lots will save the City over $300,000 in maintenance costs over the next decade. Many of the Fairview parcels were previously part of the Neighborhood Improvement Program and were cleared of blighted structures through land bank efforts. The Land Bank will determine the most appropriate use for each lot, whether for new construction, side yards, or green space. He highlighted that several of the parcels in both neighborhoods are contiguous and ideal for redevelopment. Mr. Kroeger concluded by introducing Emmy Fabich from the Montgomery County Land Bank to provide further details. Ms. Fabich highlighted that the Land Bank has secured nearly $7 million in funding from the Ohio Department of Development to support new single-family housing development. This project represents a full-circle moment, converting previously demolished lots into sites for new homes. While the 72 parcels in Madden Hills and Fairview are included in phase one of the development, the full project will span 17 Dayton neighborhoods, with 40 new houses planned 10 each in Madden Hills, Fairview, Dayton View Triangle, and Wolf Creek. Additionally, 24 existing structures across the city will be renovated using grant funds. The goal of the grant program is to increase homeownership, particularly among income-eligible residents at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). The Land Bank is placing special emphasis on assisting first- time homebuyers or those who have not owned a home in the past three years. This initiative will help retain local workforce residents and strengthen Dayton neighborhoods. With an aggressive timeline, all homes must be built by May 2026. Groundbreaking occurred ceremonially last week, with actual construction expected to begin this spring pending permits. Two contractors have been selected for the build across both phases. Ms. Fabich emphasized the long-term goal of restoring market confidence in neighborhoods that have not seen new construction in decades, while also ensuring community input and collaboration on home designs and placements. She concluded by welcoming any questions. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked several clarifying and thoughtful questions during a presentation by Ms. Fabich and Mr. Kroeger regarding the Welcome Home program. She began by requesting that all commissioners be included in future invitations to program events like ribbon cuttings. Turner-Sloss congratulated the team on receiving the largest award in the state and inquired about their partnerships with organizations like the Home Ownership Center and Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Fabich confirmed formal agreements with these partners to support first-time homebuyers, including those not yet credit ready. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked whether interested buyers were already in the queue, and Ms. Fabich noted that four applications had been submitted, with a larger marketing push planned through community partners and neighborhood groups. She also requested a closer look at the project timeline and sought clarification about whether the 24 renovations and 40 new builds were listed online. Ms. Fabich explained that both sets of homes would be listed on their website, with full details for the renovations, which are all vacant properties obtained through purchase or tax foreclosure. 2152 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked whether there was any financial support for current homeowners needing repairs; Mr. Kroeger explained that while this grant only applies to vacant properties, referrals are made to the Dayton Home Repair Network. She confirmed the builders involved—Ohio Regional Constructors and Centerstone Homes— and emphasized the importance of clear communication with neighborhood residents. While written endorsements from neighborhoods hadn’t been collected, Mr. Kroeger assured her that extensive engagement had occurred and that documentation such as meeting invites existed. Commissioner Turner-Sloss also asked about property sale prices and was told the maximum sale price is $180,000 due to grant restrictions. She raised concerns about inflation and construction costs, which Mr. Kroeger said are being managed through contractor agreements. Finally, she inquired about communication with adjacent property owners and those maintaining nearby lots. Mr. Kroeger confirmed that outreach has already begun in Madden Hills and Fairview through door-knocking and neighborhood association communication, with similar efforts planned for Dayton View Triangle and Wolf Creek. Commissioner Turner-Sloss encouraged the team to attend the upcoming Fairview Neighborhood Association meeting to further engage residents and provide updates. Commissioner Fairchild thanked staff for their work, calling it long overdue and exciting. He asked about the project’s economics, noting the $180,000 price point, and whether the Land Bank is losing money. Staff confirmed the project relies on state support and that the Land Bank is prepared to take a loss to make it happen. He asked about home sizes and was told they range from about 1,350 to 1,450 square feet. Fairchild compared this to his larger home in the Dayton View Triangle, questioning market feasibility. Staff said $180,000 is a long-term goal and hopes the new homes will boost neighborhood values. Commissioner Fairchild inquired about community engagement, which has started in Wolf Creek and is expanding with partners in Dayton View Triangle. He also asked if these homes are market rate or subsidized. Staff explained they are market-rate homes aimed at the “missing middle” workforce, with possible use of housing vouchers but not traditional subsidized housing. Lastly, Commissioner Fairchild raised concerns about architectural fit, referencing a past Habitat build that didn’t match neighborhood style. Ms. Fabich assured that builders are required to align designs with each neighborhood’s character. He appreciated the strategic efforts to place homes where they will support long-term stability. Commissioner Shaw said his colleagues had already asked and answered all his questions. He thanked the team for the great partnership, expressing optimism about how the program is already transforming neighborhoods. He said he has great hope for the future and believes this is exactly how the program was meant to work. Commissioner Joseph expressed his thanks, acknowledging that the staff and the organization deserve a lot of credit. He noted that this project is the result of over a decade of planning, mentioning that some of the lots involved had houses demolished as far back as 2009 or 2010. He called it a long road to get to this point and described the effort as a long-held dream to replace blighted houses with new housing. He praised the team's tenacity and the organization's work.  2153 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Mayor Mims expressed excitement about the work done over the past decade by the team, colleagues, and staff. He said this effort puts the city in a strong position and acknowledged that the team was well-prepared to answer the many questions raised, as these issues have been ongoing concerns for years. He thanked everyone for their contributions and comments. Ordinance 32146-25 Miss Dickstein highlighted that the first reading of the revised appropriation ordinance number 32146-25 is on the calendar. She explained that appropriations grant budget authority for pre-approved items, as departments don’t have full authority once the budget is passed. This approach helps maintain control and adapt to changing budget needs. She then invited Abby Patel-Jones, Director of Management and Budget, to review the revised appropriation. The revised appropriation increases the overall budget by $22.5 million, which is a 2.3% increase over the original budget. Starting with the general fund, there is a net increase of $2.8 million. This increase mainly supports NATO-related personnel and contractual costs across departments like fire, police, public works, and others funded by the state NATO grant. Another major increase of $615,000 within the $680,000 rise in public works covers higher real estate tax assessments from the Miami Valley Conservancy District for flood protection system maintenance and capital improvements. Other increases include funding for the 30th anniversary of the peace accord, clerk of court office upgrades, homelessness initiatives, police facility upgrades, and grant cash matches. These are partly funded by a $78,000 reduction in the general fund contingency and internal departmental transfers. Moving on to special projects, the budget rises by $3.6 million. The biggest adjustments include $2.6 million added to the development fund: $2 million for Centre City building improvements and $600,000 to support 2025 economic development projects aimed at creating jobs and expanding the tax base. Additionally, $650,000 is allocated to a new housing program supported by Issue Six. Other funds in this category support community golf capital investments, the Levitt Pavilion, the AMP music series, and continued budget authority for the violence disruption program. These increases are funded by available cash balances in their respective funds, including the self-sustaining golf fund. The special revenue funds see a $1.1 million increase, funded by available cash or dedicated grants. This includes spending on deicing and snow removal for 2025 winter operations, sustainability initiatives, thoroughfare resurfacing, and street light repairs. Key highlights include a $250,000 increase in the West Dayton Development Fund supporting local development initiatives like the TAPY program and assistance to Exoberger LLC in the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood. HUD funding rises by $5.5 million, aligned with the annual action plan, including $2.5 million for a new lead hazard reduction grant. Also, $4 million is budgeted for the Right Factory earmark, and $350,000 for an EDGE grant supporting local business Bright Distributors. The general capital fund increases by $3.1 million, funded through transportation grants, operating transfers, and available cash balances. These funds cover improvements such as the Main and Third Streetscape project, 34 North Main safety enhancements, West Stewart Street upgrades, community golf capital investments (including a new mower and fencing), police facility improvements, and a citywide computer refresh project. Aviation operating and capital funds combined increase by $1.7 million. The operating fund increases by $1.5 million due to higher property taxes, marketing expenses, utilities, 2154 CITY COMMISSION — REcuLAR MEETING May 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 facility and equipment maintenance, and temporary staffing. The capital fund increases by $234,500 to cover an ODOT grant cash match, transferred from the operating fund. Lastly, the fleet management and home service fund increase by $225,000 to fund ventilation system upgrades in the fleet garage. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked if the revised appropriation details would be on the city’s dashboard. Ms. Patel-Jones confirmed that a detailed spreadsheet is available on the city’s website. Commissioner Turner-Sloss then clarified that the homeless initiative funding isn’t from the Continuum of Care award, but for an outreach worker. Commissioner Fairchild also wanted to clarify that the homeless initiative that they were discussing was in the planning department. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There was one citizen registered to speak. 1. Ms. Lynn LaMance, 1061 Bertram Ave- spoke about ongoing blight in her neighborhood, especially near Ravenwood and Rugby streets. She expressed concern that the Phoenix project hasn’t addressed all vacant or blighted properties in Fairview. She also noted a lack of police visibility and community resources amid population growth. 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. Step CG LLC (installation and configuration of traffic signal cabinet switches) $305,974.33 1. (cont'd): A2. Gem City Tools dba Dayton Tool Crib (tractor and mower parts, supplies and related items as needed through 12/31/25) $55,000.00 A3. Truck Country of Indiana, Inc. (two Western Star 47X set back axle trucks) $262,170.00 A4. McCluskey Chevrolet, Inc. (2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS) $58,055.00 WATER Bl. McCluskey Chevrolet, Inc. (2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS) $59,050.00 B2. Fluid Quip KS LLC (grit conveyors and related items) $126,960.00 B3. The Belting Company of Cincinnati dba CBT Company (trickling filter parts and related items as needed through 07/01/25) $69,261.16 B4. Integrated Power Services LLC (pump station motor refurbishments)  2155 CITY COMMISSION _ recutar MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 $95,232.00 B5. Kendall Electric, Inc. (electrical parts, supplies and related items as needed through 12/31/25) $100,000.00 B6. Process Controls Corporation (forty-four (44) Sierra InnovaMass 2418 Vortex Meters) $156,186.80 B7. White Allen Chevrolet, Inc. (2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD) $69,100.00 -Department of Public Works & Water. TOTAL: $1,356,989.29 Service Agreements 2s Com Net Incorporated — Service Agreement — lit fiber 100G Ethernet connection between the Dayton International Airport and City of Dayton City Hall — Department of IT/Information Technology. $91,850.00 (Thru 05/30/32) Graybar Electric Company Inc. — Contract Modification — decorative string lights in the Private Fair Island and concrete pavement repairs — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $135,400.00 (Thru 11/30/26) Outdoor Enterprise LLC — Contract Modification — Gettysburg Park Amenities Upgrade and Sidewalk Installation Re-bid 2 (25% HUD Section 3 Worker Labor Hours & 5% Targeted Worker Labor Hours) — Federal CDBG Funds — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $65,266.01 (Thru 12/31/25) B. Award of Contract: 5. CJ Hughes Construction Co., Inc. — Award of Contract — 36 Inch Raw Water Main Within the Miami Well Field — Phase 2 (8% SBE Participation Goal/10.28% SBE Participation Achieved) — Department of Water/Water Supply and Treatment. $4,454,998.90 (Thru 12/31/27) John R. Jurgensen Co. — Award of Contract — 2025 Thoroughfare Asphalt Resurfacing (10% MBE Participation Goal/10% MBE Participation Achieved) — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $1,762,372.59 (Thru 12/31/27) Peterson Construction Co. — Award of Contract — Miami Well Field Expansion Phase 1 Rebid (5% MBE Participation Goal/9.02% MBE Achieved) — Department of Water/Water Supply & Treatment. $10,512,700.00 (Thru 12/31/27) 2156 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 8. R.B. Jergens Contractors, Inc. — Award of Contract — Mad River Wellfield Conversion Dam Improvements (8% MBE Participation Goal/18.06% MBE Participation Achieved) — Department of Water/Water Supply & Treatment. $4,409,819.34 (Thru 06/30/27) C. Revenue to the City: 9. East End Neighborhood Development Corporation — Special Use Permit — to beautify 16’x20’ portion of north-south alley terminating at 405 Xenia Avenue — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $320.00 10. Montgomery County Land Reutilization Corporation — Purchase Agreement — Sale of 72 Vacant Parcels to the Montgomery County Landbank — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development/Planning. $10.00 (Thru 12/31/25) E. Other — Contributions, Etc.: 11. Friends Service Company INC — Payment of Voucher — for the labor of breakdown, relocation, and reinstallation of office furniture for four offices — Planning, Neighborhoods & Development Director. $4,045.00 (Thru 06/30/25) 12. Learn to Earn Dayton — Payment of Voucher — for services rendered from January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 — Clerk of Commission. $25,000.00 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Ms. Dickstein and staff for their community engagement efforts, especially regarding park renovations and land bank parcels. She asked for a timeline on Residents Park and requested follow-up on additional questions about the proposed police station, including the sales agreement and feasibility study. She emphasized the need for clear public communication on the site selection and encouraged rethinking the terminology from “station” to “hub” to reflect community-oriented policing. Commissioner Fairchild and Joseph mentioned that they both have prior engagements at 10 am and will have to dismiss themselves from the meeting early. Commissioner Joseph acknowledged and thanked the administration for purchasing new EV Blazers, expressing appreciation for their hard work and efforts. 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.  2157 CITY COMMISSION _R&GULAR MEETING May 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 LEGISLATION EMERGENCY RESOLUTION — FIRST AND SECOND READING No. 6868-25- Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Lead Hazard Control Reduction Capacity Building Grant From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") for a Total Amount of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,500,000.00) on Behalf of the City of Dayton; and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6868-25 be adopted. Commissioner Fairchild made the motion for the immediate passage of Emergency Resolution No. 6868-25. 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. No. 6869-25- Approving the Submission of a Grant Application; Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for the Fiscal Year 2025 NatureWorks Grant from the State of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the City of Dayton, and Declaring an Emergency. The question being shall Emergency Resolution No. 6869-25 be adopted. Commissioner Turner-Sloss made the motion for the immediate passage of Emergency Resolution No. 6869-25. 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. ORDINANCE —-FIRST READING No. 32146-25 - Amending the City's Appropriations for the Year 2025. RESOLUTION — SECOND 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). 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. 6867-25- Amending Resolution No. 6236-17. 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. BOARD APPOINTMENTS Commissioner Turner-Sloss moved to appoint Lorka Munoz to the North Central Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. 2158 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Shaw moved to reappoint Jessie Jackson, Brenda Moore, and Zontaye Richardson to the North Central Priority Land Use Board for terms ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Turner-Sloss moved to reappoint Walter Murch and Matt Tepper to the Northeast Priority Land Use Board for terms ending December 31, 2026. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Fairchild moved to reappoint Matthew Cary, Mike Schommer, and Peggy Weaver to the Southeast Priority Land Use Board for terms ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Shaw seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Turner-Sloss moved to appoint Sherri Crowell to the Southeast Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Shaw moved to appoint Stephanie Davis to the West Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Turner-Sloss moved to reappoint Kaamil Slaughter and Ryan Walker to the West Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Shaw moved to appoint Debi Chess and Bethany Ramsey to the Greater Downtown Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Turner-Sloss moved to reappoint Michael King and Barbara Smith to the Greater Downtown Priority Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2026. Commissioner Shaw seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Shaw moved to appoint Kelly Borher to the Environmental Advisory Board for an unexpired term ending November 27, 2026. Commissioner Fairchild seconded. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were nine citizens registered to speak. 1. Ms. Lynn LaMance, 1061 Bertram Ave- spoke about her concerns about the police station hub plan, suggesting the city should do more vetting and involve the planning department. She noted the involvement of Joseph Lucas, a real estate attorney with several property-related issues, and encouraged more careful review in the future. 2. Mr. Andy Altenburg, 148 Telford Ave- spoke about helping street homeless in Montgomery County. He emphasized the need for better city coordination when moving homeless encampments to protect clients’ belongings and housing status. He also noted shelters aren’t always suitable, especially for those with pets or mental health challenges. 3. Mr. John Whitfield, 3804 Calhoun Street- spoke about her concern that clearing homeless encampments disrupts people who are already on the  2159 CITY COMMISSION _REcuLaAR MEETING May 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 county housing waitlist. Sweeps make it harder to find clients, slowing progress and taking outreach workers’ time away from helping new people. 4. Ms. LeAnna Rupp, 48 Edgar Ave- spoke about how clearing encampments breaks the vital connection between homeless individuals and their care, like doctors and mental health support. People lose meds and IDs, making it tough to keep up with their health and housing needs. She described it as “chasing our tails” trying to help. 5. Ms. Jill Bucaro, 1015 Carlisle Ave- spoke about the impact of clearing homeless encampments, urging city leaders to prioritize the needs of vulnerable residents and to focus on people over appearances. She emphasized listening to those affected and called for more thoughtful leadership on housing issues. 6. Ms. Tonja Catron, 7345 Far Hills Ave- spoke about how clearing homeless encampments isn’t solving the problem and is making things worse. She highlighted the lack of affordable housing and treatment resources, stressing the need for long-term solutions that address root causes. She urged the city to focus on providing housing, expanding treatment options, and supporting people’s dignity and well-being. 7. Ms. Kathy Rowels, 114 Green Street- spoke about how homelessness is a public health crisis, not a crime, and urged the city to follow federal best practices for handling encampments. She highlighted the need for collaborative efforts, including giving notice before clearing camps, protecting belongings, and involving crisis responders during sweeps. She stressed prevention and humane treatment to better support the unhoused population. 8. Ms. Heather Wilson, 907 W. Fifth Street- spoke about the challenges caused by forced closures of homeless encampments, highlighting how displacing people disrupts their progress in accessing treatment and housing services. She emphasized the need for continuity of care, as displacement often forces starting over and prolongs homelessness. 9. Ms. Tara Campbell, 2224 Chamberlain Ave- spoke about the need for transparency and community input on homelessness funding. She highlighted concerns about how unhoused people are being treated and called for more respectful, coordinated approaches to support them. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER Ms. Dickstein began by clarifying the process behind acquiring the land for the downtown police station, explaining that multiple city departments, including planning, neighborhoods and development, law, and police, were involved. She emphasized that the process included extensive due diligence, was guided by an outside real estate attorney, and that the sellers’ identities were kept confidential during negotiations. She also explained that paying taxes on the property was required to ensure a clean title for the city. Ms. Dickstein acknowledged that homelessness is a very complex issue. She described how the city of Dayton and many partners have spent over two years collaborating on a homeless solutions plan designed to streamline services, so that individuals experiencing homelessness don’t have to repeatedly tell their stories to multiple agencies. The city has invested tens of millions into shelters, permanent supportive housing, and related services. She also pointed out the challenges in shelter access for certain populations, such as transgender individuals or people with acute mental illness, for whom traditional 2160 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING May 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 communal shelters may not be suitable. To address this, the city is pursuing small home developments and other alternatives that include wraparound support services. Regarding the clearing of homeless encampments, Ms. Dickstein emphasized the importance of coordination and communication with outreach workers to maintain connections to services during these disruptions. She acknowledged that there is still work to be done in improving these processes but stressed the city’s efforts to be compassionate both to unhoused individuals and to other community members who live or operate nearby, who sometimes raise concerns about safety, sanitation, and property rights. Ms. Dickstein stressed that encampments are often on private or city property without permission, making them legally unsanctioned, and that complaints from multiple stakeholders often trigger cleanups. She said the city is trying to balance these competing needs carefully. Finally, she noted the nationwide gap between the rising cost of housing and relatively stagnant wages, which is a key factor underlying homelessness not just in Dayton but across the country. She welcomed suggestions for improving current policies and expressed commitment to ongoing collaboration and transparency, emphasizing that this is an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Ms. Dickstein for the information and asked about the city’s vetting process for the problematic police station property owner. Ms. Dickstein confirmed the city did thorough due diligence, knowing the owner’s difficult history, but chose to proceed because government intervention was necessary to advance development and address downtown blight. Commissioner Turner-Sloss emphasized her commitment to affordable housing as a human right and expressed concern about recent encampment sweeps, requesting a detailed memo on the process to ensure transparency and protect vulnerable populations. She urged ongoing communication and collaboration with housing partners and outreach teams. She acknowledged the challenges of homelessness and the importance of balancing safety for both unhoused individuals and outreach workers. She committed to continuing work in this space and thanked MVHO and community leaders for their efforts. Finally, she congratulated Keshia Kinney on becoming director of the Water Department, recognized recent community events, and looked forward to further conversations with stakeholders. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw thanked Ms. Dickstein for clarifying the complexity of the homelessness issue, emphasizing that it’s a longstanding, national challenge that requires collective effort, with the county playing a key leadership role. He appreciated everyone’s involvement in addressing the issue.  2161 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING may 21 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 He also announced an upcoming Interviewing 101 workshop hosted by Clothes at Work on May 22nd, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Electra C. Doran Library, with registration available on the Dayton Metro Library website. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims highlighted that raising median income and job growth in Dayton over the past decade has helped reduce homelessness, though challenges remain for the jobless and homeless. He emphasized efforts to increase affordable housing and support through organizations like Habitat for Humanity, including helping residents maintain their homes and assisting seniors. He also recognized Reverend Henderson Jr. and Family Church for their commitment to the community by renovating their church rather than relocating. Mayor Mims praised local groups like The Links Inc. for their community work, including donating $30,000 to the Boys and Girls Club and supporting new community spaces. Finally, he shared a light moment about his popular “crown apple ribs” at a recent event and expressed appreciation for The Links’ contributions before closing the meeting. 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 10:17 a.m. Attest: