City Commission

2181 CITY COMMISSION _ recurar MEETING _sune 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 8:33 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 June 4, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There were none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS Proclamation Mayor Mims invited Berta Velilla to the podium to receive a proclamation in support of the work being done by the Miami Valley Child Development Center. Clerk of Commission, Ms. Blackshear read the proclamation as follows. Whereas, for 60 years, Miami Valley Child Development Center has been part of the national Head Start network, providing free and low-cost early learning and childcare to children from age 6 weeks to five years; and Whereas, Miami Valley Child Development Center employs highly trained teachers who work holistically with each child and family through a balanced approach of parent involvement, health, nutrition, social competency, literacy, and numeracy development to ensure that children will be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten; and Whereas, the Miami Valley Child Development Center supports families by utilizing family support specialists, home visitors, and coaches who partner with families by linking them with programs and services in the community, ensuring that parents and caregivers get the help they need for their children and themselves; and 2182 CITY COMMISSION _R=GULAR MEETING JUNE 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Whereas, the Miami Valley Child Development Center serves nearly 3,000 children in the Miami Valley who are experiencing poverty, by offering critical support to the children’s families to help break the cycle of poverty; Now, therefore, I, Jeffrey J. Mims Jr., Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio, do hereby proclaim June 2025 as: Miami Valley Child Development Center Month in the City of Dayton, Ohio. Signed, Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. City of Dayton, Ohio Berta Velilla thanks the city for its recognition and emphasizes that early childhood education, especially in the first five years, has a powerful, lifelong impact. She notes that investing early yields strong returns and is proud that MVCDC contributes to this vital work. Mayor Mims thanked her for her commitment and ongoing service to the Dayton community. Annual Surveillance Report Major Jason Hall presented the Dayton Police Department’s Annual Surveillance Report. He began by announcing his upcoming promotion. Currently serving as East Division Patrol Commander, he will soon transition into a new role overseeing Support Services. He emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and civil liberties through the responsible use of surveillance technology. One key update was the discontinuation of Fusus technology in 2024. Originally provided at no cost by the Attorney General’s office, it was replaced by Flock OS, a similar system from a different vendor. The public safety camera system, which began in 2013 with 25 donated cameras from the University of Dayton, was expanded in 2024. These cameras proved critical during a shooting incident near the RTA hub on November 11. They helped officers find a discarded weapon and identify the suspect, showing their usefulness in crime response. The body-worn camera program, launched in 2021 through a partnership with Axon Enterprises, continues to be fully implemented. All officers involved in enforcement activities wear cameras. Footage is shared with prosecutors, public defenders, and the public through records requests. In 2024, there were 14 training memorandums, and 2 oral reprimands issued to officers for failing to activate their body cameras properly. There were no cases of misuse or improper data access. The program cost $365,377 in 2024, which included enhancements such as auto transcription, redaction, and mapping features. Mobile Vehicle Recorders (MVRs) are in-car cameras that work alongside body cameras to document officer interactions. Also provided by Axon, these systems were used in criminal investigations, officer-involved shootings, and internal reviews. The total cost for 2024 was $334,331, including software upgrades like those for body cameras. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), mounted on police vehicles and at fixed sites, help identify vehicles involved in crimes. They also assist with time-sensitive alerts like Amber or Silver Alerts. In 2024, 72 fixed ALPRs were in operation at a cost of  2183 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING sung 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 $188,250, funded in part by federal grants. They were used in hundreds of cases involving stolen vehicles and violent offenders. Transparency links to both the Flock and Axon systems are available on the city’s police transparency portal. These links offer data and policy details for public review. Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) are increasingly important tools for the department. Used in situations such as bomb threats, SWAT operations, missing persons cases, and crime scene reconstructions, they provide valuable aerial views and real-time information. In 2024, drones were used 370 times, mostly to support patrol officers in building searches and area scans. The department currently owns 16 drone systems. Maintenance and repair costs for the year totaled $22,337.48. One notable example occurred in July 2024, when officers responded to an armed suicidal person at Wentworth and Salem. A drone helped locate the individual, confirm he had a weapon, and guide officers safely into the scene. He was taken into custody without incident, thanks in large part to the situational awareness provided by drone support. Major Hall then transitioned to the department’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) technology. This system integrates all surveillance tools covered in the report, including live video and sensor feeds, into one platform. It boosts situational awareness and investigative capabilities for officers and first responders during critical incidents. Flock OS, which replaced the Fusus system, is the backbone of the RTCC's video integration. It continues to unify various data sources. Unlike the no cost Fusus program, Flock now costs $49,736 annually. Business participation in this program is voluntary, but the department has seen increasing interest from private entities. Investigators have already used RTCC tools in several cases throughout 2024. Major Hall concluded the presentation by opening the floor for questions, reaffirming the department’s commitment to safety, transparency, and responsible use of surveillance technology. Commissioner Turner-Sloss began by thanking Major Hall for his presentation and congratulating him on what she presumed was a promotion. Major Hall clarified that it was a lateral move into a new opportunity. Commissioner Turner-Sloss congratulated him, noting his strong performance in the role. She asked where the public could access the full surveillance report. Major Hall wasn’t certain, so Major Saunders stepped up to clarify that the report is available via a link on the department’s website. Commissioner Turner-Sloss then asked about the department’s increased reliance on technology, given staffing shortages in law enforcement nationally. She inquired about the level of training and experience required to operate the various technological tools now in use. Major Hall agreed that departments are turning to technology as a “force multiplier” to enhance both service and safety. He explained that every piece of technology has an associated policy and that officers undergo the necessary training to use them. For instance, drone operators complete a dedicated training course and operate within a part-time specialized unit. Access to any system is regulated similarly to other law enforcement databases. Commissioner Turner-Sloss specifically asked whether annual training is required for aerial surveillance. Major Hall deferred to Major Saunders, who confirmed that drone operators must complete at least 16 hours of flight training annually. 2184 CITY COMMISSION | REcuLaR MEETING _ gune 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Turner-Sloss then noted that Major Hall had referenced one incident during his presentation and said she hoped the full report would contain more detailed data, such as statistics that reflect how effective these tools have been in reducing criminal activity. She also asked about the safeguards in place to ensure civil liberties are protected in the use of these technologies. Major Hall emphasized that privacy is a major concern. Officers operate under strict policies, and every platform includes detailed audit trails. For example, body-worn camera use is routinely inspected and audited, with corrective actions taken if policy is not followed. He noted that while most footage is retained for 30 days, audit logs are kept indefinitely, ensuring transparency. Major Hall added that the report includes several vignettes describing successful uses of the technology and said that data collected over time will better reflect their impact. Major Saunders stepped in again to clarify that no single technology can be expected to reduce crime by a specific percentage. However, he emphasized that the department has seen a measurable impact in crime prevention and response, especially in areas like downtown, thanks to public safety cameras and other layered tools. He noted that as officers are trained, usage of systems like Flock has increased dramatically, leading to more effective investigations. He also shared that the department continually evaluates technology for effectiveness, pointing to the previous discontinuation of ShotSpotter as an example. It wasn’t due to the technology itself, he said, but rather to staffing limitations and cost- benefit concerns at the time. Commissioner Turner-Sloss closed by reiterating the importance of evaluating both manpower and financial investment when deploying new systems. She thanked Major Hall and Major Saunders for their detailed responses. Commissioner Fairchild thanked the presenters for their balanced and thoughtful discussion, emphasizing his appreciation for the sober tone of the conversation, particularly around civil rights and technological effectiveness. He reiterated his concern about whether investments in surveillance technology the best use of limited city resources are. Commissioner Fairchild asked the City Manager for an update on the ordinance requiring annual reporting on surveillance technology, noting that it had been over a year since it was discussed. He then inquired about a term he had heard: “the Big Boy”, which staff clarified might be a misheard reference to larger unmanned aerial systems (UAS), specifically the Matrice drone, which, though larger than typical models, is still relatively modest in size. Commissioner Fairchild raised concerns about reports from residents regarding drones flying over neighborhoods and cited an instance in West Dayton, expressing interest in understanding who is operating them. Staff noted that while various private entities use drones, there’s no indication of coordinated surveillance activity beyond official operations, and they emphasized the FAA’s role in regulating drone use. Commissioner Fairchild suggested that the city might need to play a more active role in addressing drone-related safety and regulatory issues, especially near sensitive areas like hospitals. Staff responded that federal rules already require anti- collision systems in drones and that most regulatory efforts are happening at the manufacturing level. Commissioner Fairchild then asked for clarification on the differences between the city’s former video platform, Fusus, and the current system, Flock OS. Staff explained that while both serve similar functions, integrating public safety, in-car, body-worn, and shared private video feeds, Flock OS was more affordable and user-friendly and offered seamless integration with other Flock tools already in use, such as license plate readers. He also asked about how UAS deployments are tracked. Staff said each use is logged by supervisors and tracked within specialized units for inclusion in the annual surveillance  2185 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING suneE 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 report. When Commissioner Fairchild asked for usage data from 2023 and 2024, staff offered to follow up with exact numbers but estimated 370 uses in 2024. Finally, Commissioner Fairchild asked about the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), and staff explained it is a centralized location that integrates various data streams, calls for service, video footage, and license plate data to improve responsiveness and case development. While the RTCC doesn’t replace any existing systems, it consolidates functions for efficiency and has already led to successful arrests and prosecutions. Commissioner Fairchild closed by expressing appreciation for the information and value of the RTCC. Commissioner Shaw began by acknowledging that his colleagues had already covered much of the discussion on the topic. He expressed strong support for the technology being discussed, referring to it as a “force multiplier” and a beneficial tool for the community. In response to the earlier conversation about drone regulation, Commissioner Shaw shared that his federal transportation committee is currently working on policy recommendations for the FAA specifically related to municipal concerns around drone usage. He noted that more detailed recommendations would be presented during the committee’s summer meeting the following month, with formalized recommendations expected by their November meeting. Commissioner Joseph expressed his appreciation for the report and the work done by the team, stating that this kind of transparency and public discussion was exactly what he had envisioned when the initiative was created. He emphasized the importance of having an annual report and mandated public discussion about surveillance technologies, a practice he noted is rare among cities. Commissioner Joseph stressed that the primary intent behind implementing these technologies is to catch criminals while ensuring proper oversight and transparency. He encouraged continued engagement through public dialogue and urged residents to review the annual surveillance report, which is available on the City of Dayton's police website. He highlighted that the report includes additional details on data protection, training, and access protocols. Commissioner Joseph closed by reaffirming his interest in technology and his pride in being part of a team committed to responsible and transparent use of these tools. Mayor Mims began by echoing Commissioner Joseph’s comments, commending the continued progress the city has made over the years in using technology to better protect its residents. He referenced a personal anecdote involving drone-based food delivery from the Dublin Pub, humorously recounting how the first drone-delivered fish and chips sandwich landed too abruptly, damaging the food but not affecting the taste, while the second attempt was successful. Mayor Mims noted that the FAA had approved this type of operation, and he acknowledged the ongoing development of drone-related innovations. He also pointed out that federal transportation agencies are implementing safeguards to restrict unauthorized drones from entering certain airspaces. In closing, he thanked city staff for their informative responses and affirmed the value of the thoughtful questions posed by his fellow commissioners. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR There were none. DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Item No. Four, Five, Six, and Seven Ms. Dickstein noted that her only highlight from the calendar items pertains to items 4 through 7, which involve the city’s annual Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax-sharing payments. These payments are 2186 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING guneE 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 directed to school districts and other entities located within or around the Dayton International Airport footprint. Ms. Dickstein emphasized that since 2020, the area surrounding the airport has seen approximately $400 million in investment and the creation of nearly 2,500 jobs. She framed this as an exciting development tied to one of Dayton’s key assets and stated that the payments being authorized reflect the city’s obligations under the CRA and TIF agreements to ensure that relevant taxing authorities receive their appropriate share. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizens registered to speak. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Joseph expressed his appreciation to the city manager for the installation of 20 new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers. He acknowledged that funding was secured to support this initiative and described the development as “awesome,” thanking the city manager for the effort. 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. Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. (one 2024 Ford F-550 4x4 Diesel Horton Ambulance) $338,000.00 A2. Global Emergency Vehicles, Inc. (one 2016 Ford F-450 Type 1 Ambulance Osage and one 2014 Ford F-450 Type 1 Ambulance Osage with refurbished power loaders) $219,200.00 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY B1. Dell Marketing LP (Dell computers/laptops to replace computers/laptops that will no longer be able to receive updates) $172,680.50 WATER C1. Crown Personnel Service, Inc. (temporary staffing services as needed through 12/31/28) $250,000.00 -Departments of Fire, Information Technology, and Water. $979,880.50 Service Agreements 2. Mechanical Services and Design Inc. — Contract Modification — change order for the installation of twenty (20) additional Level 2 EV charging units at city facilities -City Manager’s Office/Sustainability. $229,585.00 (Thru 07/01/26)  2187 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 C. Revenue to the City: 3. Montgomery County Juvenile Court — Service Agreement — to provide mediation services to youth and families referred by the Court, including both non-adjudicated youth referred by the Intervention Center and adjudicated youth referred for victim/offender mediation — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods and Development/Mediation Center. $170,000.00 (Thru 06/30/26) E. Other — Contributions, Etc.: 4. Butler Township — Other — Annual Airport TIF Tax Sharing Payment — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development/Development. $325,234.84 (Thru 12/31/25) 5. Miami Valley Career Technology Center — Other - Annual Airport TIF Tax Sharing Payment — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development/Development. $20,920.20 (Thru 12/31/25) 6. Vandalia-Butler City Schools — Other — Annual Airport CRA Tax Sharing Payment- Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development/Development. $1,056,884.51 (Thru 12/31/25) 7. Vandalia-Butler City Schools — Other — Annual Airport TIF Tax Sharing Payment — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development/Development. $335,694.94 (Thru 12/31/25) 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 ORDINANCE -— FIRST READING No. 32148-25- To Vacate the Alley East of North Terry Street from East Third Street to the Alley North of East Third Street. 2188 CITY COMMISSION — R&GULAR MEETING JUNE 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 RESOLUTION — SECOND READING No. 6873-25- Authorizing the City Manager, or Her Designee, to Apply for, Accept, and Execute Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Funding Agreements Administered by the State of Ohio on Behalf of the City of Dayton, Ohio for: (1) 36” Raw Water Main within the Miami Wellfield, Phase 2 - Construction; (2) Miami Wellfield Recharge Lagoon Expansion, Phase 1 —Construction; (3) Advanced PFAS Treatment @ Ottawa WTP, CMAR Management — Design; (4) Advanced PFAS Treatment @ Ottawa WTP, CMAR - Preconstruction Services — Design; (5) Central Water Quality Lab Expansion — Construction; (6) Miami WTP Basins, CMAR —Construction; (7) Advanced PFAS Treatment @ Ottawa WTP, CMAR — Construction; (8) Additional 6-8 Production Wells @ Miami Wellfield — Construction; (9) 36” Raw Water Main within Miami Wellfield, Phase 3 — Construction; (10) Miami Wellfield Recharge Lagoon Expansion, Phase 2 — Construction; (11) 48” Raw Water Interconnect between Miami Wellfield and Ottawa WTP, Phase 2 — Construction; and (12) Lead Service Line Compliance, Phase 3 — Planning & Design. 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. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were two citizens registered to speak. 1. Ms. Nicole Stargel, 1117 Broadmoor Drive- spoke about her concern about the city's lack of consistent support and investment in the Oregon District, contrasting it with the strong response during the NATO visit. She called for a stable, community-based police presence and urged city leaders to match the daily commitment shown by local businesses and residents. 2. Mr. Darelle Lee, 1903 E 3rd St- spoke about the use of body cameras during his arrest and called out broader government failures in law enforcement, housing, and child welfare accountability. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager, Ms. Dickstein clarified that the Oregon District is designated as a fixed post with increased police presence during peak times, particularly on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, including bar closing hours. However, she acknowledged that if a significant incident occurs in another entertainment district, such as the Fire Blocks, officers may be temporarily redirected to respond. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss expressed appreciation to City Manager Ms. Dickstein for clarifying police staffing and public safety in the Oregon District, particularly during peak times, and raised concerns about the construction-like appearance of current traffic barriers, asking whether more creative, visually appropriate solutions were being considered. Ms. Dickstein responded that conversations are underway with the Oregon District Business Association to determine a consensus direction. Commissioner Turner-Sloss also asked whether district businesses were notified in advance of the increased security presence during NATO; Ms. Dickstein noted there were  2189 CITY COMMISSION REcuLaR MEETING _ sung 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 meetings and outreach efforts, but acknowledged international security teams may have added unanticipated elements that weren’t fully communicated. Commissioner Turner-Sloss went on to praise Dayton Public Schools, the Recreation and Youth Services Department, and Dayton Metro Library for offering valuable summer programming like tennis camp and Urban Adventures. She highlighted her family’s positive experience at the REC Your Hood event, gave early congratulations to the upcoming police academy graduates, and applauded the Victory Project and community leaders for their participation in Mayor Mims’ neighborhood tour. She closed by recognizing the success and popularity of The Silos, commending them as a vibrant space that’s attracting strong community interest. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild raised concerns about the construction-style signage used to close off parts of the Oregon District, noting it doesn’t communicate that businesses remain open, and the area is meant for pedestrian enjoyment; Ms. Dickstein acknowledged ongoing discussions with the Oregon District Business Association, noting internal disagreements and efforts to mediate. Commissioner Fairchild requested regular updates on progress and asked if the Mediation Center had been involved, which Ms. Dickstein confirmed. Commissioner Fairchild also asked for guidance from the Dayton Police on how the city might manage interactions with federalized National Guard or military forces considering recent events in L.A., especially to ensure protection of constitutional rights and the city’s de-escalation principles. Ms. Dickstein replied that planning is underway in coordination with regional stakeholders. Commissioner Fairchild expressed appreciation to the police for maintaining safety during the Pride event, acknowledged the effort to protect both citizens and visiting NATO delegates, and celebrated the opening of the Arcade and the promise of its new vendors and community space. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw highlighted the Downtown Dayton Summer Passport program, encouraging residents to visit 16 of over 70 participating businesses by September 12 to earn a prize pack, and promoted Sinclair's Automotive Summer Camp for youth ages 12— 15, offering hands-on experience in auto care and repair. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph invited the public to attend Welcome Dayton’s World Refugee Day celebration on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the downtown main library featuring music, dance, a fashion show, children's activities, cultural displays, and a refugee speaker panel, and also announced Walnut Hills' "Recycle into Summer" event on Saturday, June 28 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Omar Park Methodist Church parking lot, where residents can responsibly recycle items like batteries, electronics, Styrofoam, used oil, and tires. 2190 CITY COMMISSION _ REcuLAR MEETING _ gune 11 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Mayor Mims Mayor Mims closed the meeting by highlighting several community events and opportunities, beginning with a reminder about the youth golf clinic led by Coach Willear and Steve Jo of the Miami Valley Golf Association, in partnership with the Central State University golf team; he encouraged interested families to call 937-554-0390 for more information. He also expressed gratitude for the city’s participation in Pride Week, commending the City Manager and staff for their visible support. Mayor Mims also promoted the For Dayton By Dayton music festival happening June 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as the Arts Arcade and Wellness activities featuring local vendors. He encouraged residents to attend the Dayton Seafood Fest at the Brightside Event Center on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. He concluded the meeting with his signature message: “Love and peace for all and hatred for none.” ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:51 a.m.