City Commission

2196 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING JUNE 25 2025 Barrett Brothers T1505087LD CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 8:32 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 Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner- Sloss were present. The Clerk of the Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, were also present. Commissioner Fairchild made a motion to excuse Commissioner Joseph from the Commission Meeting. Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconded this motion. The motion was unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 18, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild 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 the City Commission with the May 2025 demolition activity update. During the month, 36 structures were removed—33 funded by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and three using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This brings the total number of demolitions for 2025 to 100, putting the City at 48% of its 2024 demolition total just 41% of the way through the year, signaling strong progress toward annual goals. The City also completed its ODOD-funded demolition contract, which covered 150 structures—104 in Dayton and 46 elsewhere in Montgomery County. Notably, 34 of these demolitions occurred in Trotwood, part of a regional partnership through the Montgomery County Land Bank. Staff met the State’s accelerated June deadline for this project and are now focused on processing the associated paperwork and invoicing. Mr. Gondol expressed pride in his team, vendors, and land bank partners for completing such a large number of demolitions under tight timelines. There were no new fire-damaged properties added in May, a rare milestone. One fire pile was removed, reducing the current total to 68. Because no new fire sites were added, no emergency demo map was generated for the month.  2197 CITY COMMISSION _REcuLaR MEETING sung 25 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Demolition efforts in May focused heavily on Dayton’s far west neighborhoods, including Greenwich Village and Residence Park. As ODOD-funded demolitions wrap up, focus will shift back to ARPA and City-funded work in neighborhoods such as Southern Dayton View and the North Main corridor. Sixteen new nuisance structures were added to the City’s list in May, including eleven buildings from the Riverside Ridge apartment complex, which experienced another fire and ongoing trespassing. The City has taken legal action to compel the property owner to remediate the site. In terms of prep work, 29 asbestos surveys and 10 remediations were completed in May to prepare for future demolitions. These surveys help maintain a steady pipeline of structures ready for removal. Mr. Gondol also noted that staff are preparing a list of potential properties in case unused ODOD funds from other jurisdictions become available. Before-and-after images were shared for several key demolitions, including properties on Redfern Avenue, Everett Drive, and multiple structures on Genesee Avenue. Looking ahead, demolition scheduling will shift back to ARPA and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sites, with plans being finalized in July after the ODOD project is fully closed out. Commissioner Turner-Sloss praised staff for completing the ODOD contract on time and asked when ARPA and CDBG demolition work would resume. Mr. Gondol stated that he plans to meet with staff in late June to process final paperwork and expects work on ARPA and CDBG demolitions to restart in July. She also brought up a question regarding 6063 Kensington, where an unsecured garage has reportedly become a hotspot for illegal activity. Mr. Gondol committed to having staff investigate. Commissioner Fairchild commended the team for meeting the ODOD deadline and asked whether the City is preparing in case additional state demolition funds become available. Mr. Gondol confirmed that staff are already compiling a list of eligible properties. Commissioner Fairchild also asked about the map of demolition sites and how ARPA and CDBG areas are distinguished. Gondol clarified that green areas represent ARPA-funded demolitions and brown areas reflect CDBG-funded neighborhoods such as Westwood, Burkhardt, Springfield, and Arlington. He emphasized that demolitions outside city limits, such as in Trotwood, are not included in the City's official count. Commissioner Fairchild also asked about the overall demolition goal for the year. Mr. Gondol explained that the accelerated ODOD deadline may require adjusting the City’s year-end targets, and that demolitions conducted in 2021 and 2022 under the broader Dayton Recovery Plan will be incorporated into long-term tracking. Commissioner Shaw and Mayor Mims thanked Mr. Gondol and his team for their continued momentum, highlighting the significance of the regional partnerships and progress made toward revitalizing Dayton neighborhoods. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR There were none. 2198 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 25 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 DISCUSSION OF CALENDAR ITEMS Item No. Al & A3 Deputy City Manager Mr. Parlette highlighted two related calendar items concerning electric vehicle infrastructure at Ottawa Yard. Item Al authorizes the purchase of a Level 3 electric vehicle charger, while Item A3 covers the installation of the charger at the same location. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizens registered to speak. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Fairchild expressed appreciation for the EV charger installation (Items A] and A3) as a continued commitment to sustainability. He raised questions regarding Item 2, which extends a contract with Dr. Burrs for executive coaching and consulting services for the Water Department through 2027. He questioned the necessity of seven years of coaching, the contract’s effectiveness, and the high cost—reportedly $385 per hour. In response, Deputy City Manager Joe Parlette and Acting Water Director Keshia Kinney defended the contract. They emphasized Dr. Burrs’ success in breaking down departmental silos, building internal leadership capacity, and preparing staff for supervisory roles amid the industry’s “silver tsunami” of retirements. Ms. Kinney explained the coaching helps staff earn advanced certifications and addresses long-term succession planning. Commissioner Fairchild questioned whether similar coaching was provided in other departments and expressed concern about the cost relative to the services described. He requested that Item 2 be removed from the consent calendar for a separate vote. Commissioner Shaw voiced strong support for the contract extension, describing executive coaching as essential for organizational development and leadership succession. He emphasized that the services had helped the department secure tens of millions in grant funding, calling the $65,000 contract a good investment. Mayor Mims added historical context, explaining that efforts to improve interdepartmental collaboration and customer service began several years ago. He credited internal coaching efforts, including Dr. Burrs’ work, with improved staff relationships and better public-facing service. He echoed support for continuing the contract and recognized its role in strengthening the Water Department's internal operations and leadership pipeline. 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: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE Al. Evocharge, Inc. (Level 3 electric vehicle charging equipment) $247,565.00  2199 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING sune 25 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 FIRE B1. Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. (key fire hose-combat sniper hose includes stamping) $53,226.72 B2. Stryker Medical (three Power Pro Cots and Power Load Systems) $206,479.24 PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND DEVELOPMENT C1. White Allen Chevrolet, Inc. (2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew cab) $52,500.00 WATER D1. WESCO Distribution, Inc. (electrical parts, supplies, and related items as needed through 12/31/25) $145,000.00 D2. DXP Enterprises, Inc. (maintenance, repair, and replacement services as needed through 12/31/25) -Departments of City Manager’s Office, Fire, Planning, Neighborhood, and Development. $766,770.96 Service Agreements 2. Dr. Linda Burrs — Contract Modification — third amendment to continue executive coaching to improve management performance — Department of Water/Director’s Office. $65,000.00 (Thru 12/31/27) 3. Income Power Inc. — Contract Modification — first amendment to install a level three charger at Ottawa Yards — City Manager’s Office/Sustainability. $77,870.00 (Thru 12/31/27) B. Construction Contract: 4. Bladecutters, Inc.- Award of Contract — Ottawa Water Treatment Plant CC Building Demolition (15% MBE Participation Goal/15% MBE Participation Achieved) — Department of Water/Water Supply and Treatment. $107,673.50 (Thru 12/31/27) E. Other — Contributions, Etc.: 3. The Attkisson Law Firm, LLC and Laura Thornhill — Other — for the settlement of moral obligation claim number 2024-113 — Department of Law/Civil. $15,000.00 APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Fairchild made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports, excluding Item No. 2. 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 Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. 2200 CITY COMMISSION R£GULAR MEETING JUNE 25 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports Item No. 2. 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, Commissioners Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. Commissioner Fairchild abstained. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were three citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. David Woods, 3230 Lake View Avenue— Spoke about his father’s death after an incident at Kettering Hospital, citing racism and lack of accountability in Englewood and Kettering. He urged public advocacy and thanked Dayton leaders for being more responsive to the Black community. 2. Mr. Darrell Lee, 1903 E 3" St— Spoke about frustration with systemic injustice and unequal treatment of Black residents, citing inconsistent law enforcement and vowing to advocate for his and his children’s rights. 3. Mr. Dan Burton, 338 Central Avenue— Spoke about an update concerning a condemned Grand Avenue building, citing safety issues, ownership changes, and zoning concerns. He asked the Commission to revisit the issue and honor past community agreements. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER There were none. COMMENTS BY THE CLERK OF THE COMMISSION There were none. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Mr. Gondol, Mr. Daniels, and the city staff for their leadership and presentations. She highlighted the upcoming community cleanup at Stuart Patterson Park on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, with pizza provided afterward. She also shared information about the city’s cooling centers operating during the week’s expected high temperatures, listing the Greater Dayton, Lohrey, and Northwest Recreation Centers with their extended hours. She expressed appreciation to citizens who spoke and requested staff to follow up on planning concerns raised by Mr. Burton regarding 633-635 Grand Avenue. Commissioner Turner-Sloss clarified that questions about the executive coaching contract were part of their fiduciary responsibilities and asked for grace and professionalism when discussing such contracts, recognizing the value of the coaching services. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild thanked city staff and first responders for their dedication during the recent air show, especially considering the extreme heat and the care provided to attendees. He encouraged residents to attend several upcoming community events including MJ: The Musical at the Schuster Center, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion (including Blues Fest), Dayton Dragons baseball games, the fireworks event next Thursday, and Wright-Dunbar Day on Sunday.  2201 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING _gune 25 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw expressed pride in having co-chaired the task force that led the $45 million revitalization of the Dayton Convention Center. He invited the community to the convention center’s open house on Friday, June 27, from 3 to 7 p.m., which will feature a ribbon-cutting, tours, music, and family activities. He encouraged everyone to visit and celebrate this new chapter in downtown Dayton’s development. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims echoed Commissioner Shaw’s praise for the convention center transformation and encouraged attendance at the upcoming open house. He also reflected on the successful air show and the impressive performances by the Thunderbirds. The Mayor shared a personal note about attending MJ: The Musical with his granddaughter for her 17th birthday. 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 9:18 a.m.