City Commission

2162 C ITY COMMISSION | REGULAR MEETING may 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 8:31 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 Turner-Sloss 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, and Turner- Sloss were present. The Clerk of the Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, were also present. Commissioner Joseph made a motion to approve Commissioner Fairchild’s absences. Commissioner Shaw seconded this motion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Joseph seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS Monthly Demolition Update Mr. Steve Gondol, Director of the Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development, provided an update to the City Commission on demolition activity for April 2025 under the Dayton Recovery Plan. During the month, 20 structures were removed—13 funded through the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) ARPA allocation and three using the City’s General Fund—bringing the total number of demolitions for the year to 82. This pace significantly exceeds prior benchmarks, with the City having demolished 208 structures in all of 2024. Additionally, the number of remaining debris piles dropped from 75 in March to 69 in April, reflecting continued progress in post-demolition cleanup. Most demolitions occurred within city limits, though a few properties just over the line in Jefferson Township were addressed through the ODOD contract. These efforts also benefit residents in Dayton's far-west neighborhoods adjacent to those areas. Gondol noted a shift in focus to non-ARPA areas, where ODOD-funded demolitions are accelerating. Ten new nuisance structures were added in April, totaling 36 for the year. While new preparatory work such as title, survey, or remediation, was minimal in April, much of that groundwork had already been completed or is scheduled for May. Several high-profile and complex demolitions characterized the month, including the removal of obsolete playground remnants at Ferguson Park near Dayton Leadership Academy, an abandoned commercial structure on Negley Avenue that had been a major  2163 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 safety concern, and two large church buildings on Salem Avenue. These projects required extended effort and coordination but have resulted in safer, more visible, and more promising sites for future redevelopment, especially the Salem Avenue locations, which are identified for potential multifamily or senior housing in adopted neighborhood plans. Mr. Gondol concluded by stating that even more progress is expected in May and invited commissioners to ask questions. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked Steve Gondol some questions regarding the City’s demolition efforts under the Dayton Recovery Plan. She began by expressing appreciation for the team's work but pointed out a concern with the demolition site at 1060 Salem Avenue, where steps remained after the structure's removal. Mr. Gondol assured her that all remnants, including steps, were cleared and confirmed that contracts now require everything from the sidewalk back to be removed. Commissioner Turner-Sloss inquired about the status of two specific properties: 300 Fernwood and 203 Grove. Gondol explained that 203 Grove, located in Old North Dayton, is a fire-damaged structure with insurance coverage. The department has been in contact with the son of the deceased homeowner, who has been emotional about the process. While staff have been sympathetic, they are now encouraging movement toward demolition, especially since the insurance escrow was received in April. Mr. Gondol noted that the property owner has likely contracted with a vendor, and that while the City usually allows some time for the insurance and fire investigation process (generally 60 to 90 days), they are now urging completion. Regarding 300 Fernwood, Mr. Gondol explained it is currently in the queue for ARPA- funded pile removals and will likely be addressed in July or August after the department wraps up its work under the ODOD demolition contract, expected to conclude in June. Commissioner Turner-Sloss emphasized the importance of addressing long-standing nuisance properties like 300 Fernwood and 1310 West Fairview, which have prompted frequent community complaints. She specifically noted that a portable toilet on the sidewalk at one of the sites is violating city code and must be addressed urgently. Mr. Gondol clarified the challenges of switching between routine demolitions and pile removals, explaining that it involves coordinating multiple vendors and requires batching projects for efficiency and cost savings. Smaller environmental and trucking vendors rely on consistent work, making it difficult to deviate from scheduled demolition runs. Nonetheless, Mr. Gondol committed to pushing Fernwood to the top of the ARPA demolition list once the ODOD work is completed. The City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, added that staff have been directed to manage demolitions equitably across all neighborhoods, even when certain areas are more vocal. She noted that abruptly shifting resources creates unintended consequences for the broader five-year demolition plan and reiterated the urgency and commitment of staff in advancing the plan as efficiently as possible. Commissioner Turner-Sloss acknowledged these complexities and expressed her understanding. She committed to checking back in mid-July or August for updates on several specific properties, including 43 Victor (specifically the garage behind it), 31 Victor, 41 St. Clair, and 128-130 Marathon. She also agreed to provide all relevant addresses to city staff to ensure proper tracking. She concluded by thanking Mr. Gondol and his entire team for their continued efforts. 2164 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING May 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR The Clerk of Commission, Regina Blackshear, provided clarification regarding a clerical error involving ordinance numbering. She explained that after last week's meeting, it was brought to her attention that ordinance number 32146-25, originally assigned to legislation related to a public hearing held on May 7, was also mistakenly used for the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s 2025 appropriations. Following consultation with the Law Department and in order to maintain a clear legislative record, calendar item number 19 on the current agenda will now use ordinance number 32147-25 for the second reading of the appropriation ordinance. Blackshear emphasized that the content of the ordinance remains unchanged, and the issue was purely clerical. The only correction being made is the ordinance number. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS The City Manager, Ms. Shelley Dickstein, provided several updates and highlights from the morning’s City Commission agenda, focusing on significant investments and community development efforts across Dayton. Item Number 2 She began by highlighting item number 2, a service agreement with the East Dayton Neighborhood Development Corporation. This $80,000 grant will support the construction of Ruskin Commons, a new park located along Xenia Avenue and Ambrose Court in the Twin Towers neighborhood. The park aligns with the Twin Towers Master Plan, and the neighborhood group will own and maintain the space, which will expand accessible green areas for the community. Items Numbers 7 and 13 Items 7 and 13 pertain to major developments involving Sierra Nevada Corporation at the Dayton International Airport. Item 7 allocates $2 million in aviation capital funding toward a new aircraft ramp as part of a $6.5 million infrastructure project necessary to accommodate larger aircraft, such as 747s, for their expanding campus. Item 13 involves a $3 million development agreement supporting the construction of hangars three and four. This project represents a $94 million investment and is expected to create 200 new jobs. Funding includes $1.2 million from the City’s development fund, $1 million from Montgomery County EDGE funds, and $800,000 from the Miami Township JEDD. Representatives from Sierra Nevada were present to show their support for the project. Items Numbers 9 and 10 Continuing with airport-related investments, Ms. Dickstein noted two additional contracts. Item 9 is a $10.4 million construction contract with TK Airport Solutions to replace passenger boarding bridges at Dayton International Airport. Although the lowest bidder was disqualified for proposing refurbished equipment, TK Airport offered the next lowest and best bid for new equipment that will enhance efficiency and passenger experience. Item 10 is a contract with ZSR Contracting and Restoration, valued at nearly $1 million, for essential structural improvements to the airport parking garage. This includes floor, ceiling, and expansion joint repairs, mirroring similar work underway at City Hall’s garage. These airport projects represent a combined $11.5 million investment in aviation capital. Item Number 12 Ms. Dickstein then discussed item 12, a development agreement with IMT Properties. This follows a previous land sale to BombBright for the southern portion of Welcome  2165 CITY COMMISSION _ R&GULAR MEETING May 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Park, where the company also contributed $115,000 to the Dayton Bikeyard. IMT is now investing in a 50,000-square-foot expansion for warehouse, meeting space, and loading docks. The $600,000 project is supported by $250,000 from the City’s development fund and $350,000 from Montgomery County EDGE. Resolution Number 6870-25 Presentation Finally, Dickstein introduced resolution number 6870-25, which is the first reading for the adoption of the Westwood Neighborhood Plan. She invited Ellen Sizer from the Planning Department to give a brief presentation and overview of the long-anticipated plan. Ellen Sizer from the Department of Planning provided an overview of the Westwood Neighborhood Plan, which was introduced for adoption at the City Commission meeting. She began by outlining the geographic boundaries of Westwood, noting Kilmer Street to the east, Gettysburg Avenue to the west, Wesley Park to the north, and West Third Street as the southern boundary. Ms. Sizer explained that the planning process began in 2022 with a grant from the Montgomery County Land Bank, matched by the Westwood Wright CDC. The neighborhood then contracted with Urban Fast Forward to lead the planning effort. Over the course of the process, extensive community engagement took place, including collaboration between neighborhood leadership, residents, and city planning staff. PLA staff also worked to revise and clarify the plan, not to change its substance, but to ensure it was as accessible and aligned with community goals as possible. The plan is organized into several key focus areas. Four major themes emerged from community input: gateway improvements, streetscape enhancements, housing stability, and public space activation. One notable infrastructure project highlighted in the plan is the reimagining of the Hoover and Westwood intersection, which aims to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety and experience. Another priority is enhancing Gettysburg Park, where improvements are already underway; the plan proposes further revitalization to better serve community needs. Housing was a central focus of the plan, with three major objectives: preserving long- term homeownership, promoting energy-efficient and sustainable practices, and stabilizing property values. Ms. Sizer concluded by outlining the Commission's options: concur with the Plan Board’s recommendation to adopt, remand the case, or deny it. She invited commissioners to ask any questions about the proposal. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked Ms. Ellen Sizer if there was any formal correspondence from the Westwood Neighborhood Association supporting the proposed Westwood Neighborhood Plan. Ms. Sizer confirmed that, in addition to broad community engagement, the City received a letter of support from the Westwood Wright CDC and the Westwood Neighborhood Association, as well as a petition signed by approximately 30 residents in favor of the plan. She offered to provide copies of the documentation if needed. Commissioner Turner-Sloss acknowledged the known community support but emphasized the importance of formally noting that written support was received. Commissioner Shaw then added that he had reviewed the plan documentation and found it to be very thorough, expressing his appreciation for Ms. Sizer's work. 2166 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING MAY 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There was one citizen registered to speak. 1. Ms. Cindy Gettig, 3214 Old Springfield Rd- spoke about her appreciation for the City of Dayton’s continued partnership in their airport development projects. She noted that the collaboration has been critical to Sierra Nevada’s growth in the region, particularly at Dayton International Airport. She also provided a quick update, mentioning that concrete is currently being poured for the new ramp infrastructure, which is progressing well. 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. ARX Perimeters LLC (fencing and barricade rental) $59,861.00 WATER B1. Bulk Transit Corp (bulk pebble lime hauling as needed through 12/31/25) $1,147,500.00 B2. Day-Con Supplies LLC (first aid and safety supplies as needed through 12/31/25) $40,000.00 -Departm ents of Public Works and Water. TOTAL: $1,247,361.00 Service Agreements 2. App Architecture, Inc. — Contract Modification — Dayton Recovery Plan — Facility Renovations & HVAC Improvements Phase 1 Design & Construction Administration Services Third Amendment — Department of Public Works/Facilities Management. $34,160.00 (Thru 07/01/26) Black & Veatch Corporation — Contract Modification — Professional Engineering Consulting Services for Planning the City’s Lead Service Compliance Program Third Amendment — Department of Water/Water Engineering. $288,526.00 (Thru 06/30/26) Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. — Contract Modification — Miami WTP Lime Softening Basin Mechanical Replacement First Amendment — Department of Water/Water Supply and Treatment. $124,807.00 (Thru 12/31/26) LCPtracker, Inc. — Contract Modification — to monitor State and Federal Prevailing Wage rates — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $27,014.96 (Thru 06/01/26)  2167 CITY COMMISSION _ REcuLAR MEETING may 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 6. Optica Consulting, Inc. — Contract Modification — second renewal of technology consulting services agreement — Department of Police Support Services. $362,976.00 (Thru 06/30/26) 7. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton — Contract Modification — for landscaping— Department of Management & Budget. $145,500.00 (Thru 12/31/26) COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Turner-Sloss raised a question regarding calendar item number 18, which involves a zoning change proposal to reclassify a property from mature single-family residential to transitional. She asked whether there was any specific information about the intended business use for the site. The Planning Manager, Tony Kroeger, was called up to respond. He explained that the specific business use has not been determined at this time. However, the property owner is interested in potentially establishing an office or home-based office use. The goal is to find a use that fits within the residential character of the area while also taking advantage of the property's location along Salem Avenue, which can be a difficult area for sustaining single-family residential use. Mr. Kroeger noted that the proposed zoning change is consistent with the adopted Salem Avenue Corridor Plan, which supports a mix of uses. He stated that the change would give the property owner more flexibility and is not in conflict with the City's broader plans for the corridor. Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Mr. Kroeger and City Manager Dickstein and had no further questions. APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports, excluding Items 7 and 13. Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were approved with a 4-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, and Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports of Items 7 and 13 only. Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were approved with a 3-0-1 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, and Commissioner Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. Commissioner Joseph abstained. LEGISLATION EMERGENCY RESOLUTION — SECOND READING No. 6863-25 - Authorizing The Submission Of Grant Application And Authorizing The Acceptance Of A Grant Award From Montgomery County Solid Waste District In The Amount Of $15,720.94 On Behalf Of The City Of Dayton. 2168 CITY COMMISSION —R®&GULAR MEETING May 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 4-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. The Resolution was adopted. ORDINANCE -SECOND READING 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 MR5 To Transitional T. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 4-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. The Ordinance was adopted. No. 32146-25 - Amending the City's Appropriations for the Year 2025. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 4-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. The Ordinance was adopted. RESOLUTION — FIRST READING No. 6870-25 - Authorizing the City Manager, or Her Designee, to Apply for, Accept, and Execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City of Dayton, Ohio, and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the refinancing of the 2015 Water Revenue Bond, the Proceeds of which Were Used for the Purpose of Paying the Costs of Various Improvements to the Water System. No. 6871-25 - Authorizing the City Manager, or Her Designee, to Apply for, Accept, and Execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City of Dayton, Ohio, and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the Refinancing of the 2015 Sewer Revenue Bond, the Proceeds of which Were Used for the Purpose of Paying the Costs of Various Improvements to the Sewer System. No. 6872-25 - Concurring With The Adoption Of The Westwood Neighborhood Plan. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were nine citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. David Woods, 3230 Lakeview Ave- spoke about his frustration and grief over not being informed by hospital staff about his father's death, alleging medical misconduct and legal violations, and stating he is pursuing a lawsuit. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, provided closing comments, beginning with her appreciation for City staff following the successful execution of the NATO event. She noted that planning began 9—10 months in advance and commended the Dayton Police and Fire Departments for creating a thorough safety and security plan, as well as Public Works for their essential support in setting up and servicing NATO Village. She also highlighted how Public Works accelerated streetscape projects, originally set to span several years, so that 90% of the work was completed ahead of the event. Ms. Dickstein thanked private and institutional sponsors for their contributions, stating that without their  2169 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING May 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 support, the event’s success wouldn’t have been possible. She shared that delegates and NATO staff were highly impressed with their experience in Dayton. She concluded her remarks by announcing a final NATO-related event, the upcoming Concert for Peace featuring the Sarajevo and Dayton Philharmonics. Ms. Dickstein recognized the Finance Director, Kena Brown. Dickstein invited Ms. Brown forward to announce that the City of Dayton received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and reporting. Brown credited her team, city departments, and external partner Julian & Grube for their work, noting the process spans five to six months annually. The award marks the 42nd consecutive year Dayton has received this recognition. The commission congratulated Ms. Brown and her team for their consistent excellence. This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., there will be a community celebration downtown organized by the Downtown Dayton Partnership to showcase recent investments made ahead of the NATO event. The celebration will feature art wraps, sculptures, food trucks, and summer kickoff activities. She also reminded everyone about the inaugural First Friday event at the North Arcade on June 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring 15 local vendors, live music, and food. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked City staff for their work during the NATO weekend and recognized the community’s participation, including peaceful protests. She highlighted the upcoming Rec Your Hood summer event series starting June 7 in Old North Dayton and encouraged volunteer support. She expressed appreciation for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s investments at the airport, congratulated Finance Director Kina Brown and her team on their 42nd GFOA award, and emphasized the need for equity in demolition efforts, particularly in historically disinvested West and Northwest Dayton neighborhoods. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw thanked City staff for their hard work during the NATO weekend, noting he saw many out in the field and appreciated their efforts to make Dayton shine. He also thanked Mayor Mims for representing the city and praised Commissioner Joseph for his diplomatic skills and engagement with delegates. Commissioner Shaw acknowledged the physical demands of the event and expressed gratitude for everyone's dedication. He also recognized the Chamber of Commerce for their leadership and noted the long-term value of the investments made during the event. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph expressed deep appreciation for City staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly over the NATO weekend, including during odd hours and the holiday. He emphasized that Dayton successfully created the conditions for meaningful diplomatic dialogue, helping to promote peace, a distinction not every city can claim. He praised the friendliness and professionalism of Dayton’s residents, officers, and volunteers, which delegates consistently noted. 2170 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING ay 28 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Joseph also thanked all partner organizations, including Congressman Turner, UD, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, and the Chamber of Commerce. He encouraged the public to attend the Concert for Peace at the Schuster Center on Thursday night, featuring the combined Sarajevo and Dayton Philharmonic orchestras, with tickets available for $12. Finally, he announced the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition's community mobilization event on Saturday, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the IUE-CWA Hall, which will include breakout sessions, interpreters, and family-friendly activities. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims concluded the meeting by echoing his fellow commissioners’ appreciation for the efforts surrounding the NATO event. He suggested compiling and publicly thanking all event sponsors for their support. Reflecting on his experiences attending various functions and hearing global discussions on war, peace, and veterans' sacrifices, he emphasized the importance of valuing every individual and using one's talents to uplift others. He also shared a personal update, announcing that he would miss the upcoming Concert for Peace due to family commitments. He proudly noted that two of his grandsons are graduating, one from Columbia University in New York and the other from high school in Connecticut, who will go on to play soccer at Howard University. As a former soccer coach, he expressed immense pride and joy in their achievements, closing with a warm reminder for everyone to enjoy life and the upcoming weekend events. 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 9:30 a.m. w= Ray 1) adn