City Commission

2209 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING guty 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, July 9, 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 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 July 2, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There are none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS There were none. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE CALENDAR Ms. Shelley Dickstein noted there were no changes to the calendar but highlighted Item 2, a two-year service agreement with Space Creator LLC, and Resolution No. 6874-25. Space Creator LLC Law Director Barb Doseck and Fire Chief Mike Rice presented an update on the City’s organizational culture work tied to a two-year service agreement with Space Creator LLC. Over the past year, departments engaged in a citywide effort to define and align around a shared culture framework focused on four core values: trust and transparency, growth and development, excellence and accountability, and balance and well-being. They highlighted training sessions, cross-department collaboration, and a culture video shown at the all-staff meeting to illustrate the city’s commitment to improving employee experience. Survey results showed strong support: 82% of staff felt positive about the City’s cultural direction, and 84% rated the all-staff meeting effective. The new $116,000 contract will expand this work with department-specific implementation, supervisor workshops, assessments, and continued leadership support. Ohio Department of Public Safety Grant Ms. Shelley Dickstein highlighted Resolution No. 6874-25, which authorizes the City of Dayton to accept a $399,996 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. She invited Major Jason Hall to give a brief presentation on how the grant funds will potentially be used. 2210 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING _ guLy 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Major Jason Hall, newly appointed Support Services Commander for the Dayton Police Department, presented the department’s plan to utilize a $399,996 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The City received the second-largest award in the state to support a two-year pilot program focused on reducing violent crime through expanded technology. The department plans to take a layered, data-driven approach that builds on existing tools like the Real-Time Crime Center and license plate readers. Proposed uses for the first year include: e $150,000 for a Drone as First Responder program e $105,000 for gunshot detection technology e Expansion of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by 27 units e Funding a full-time ballistic analysis technician (NIBIN) The drone program is modeled after successful efforts in cities like Chula Vista, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ, and aims to improve emergency response efficiency, especially in non- critical calls like "person down" reports. The gunshot detection technology would be 50% less expensive than ShotSpotter, which the city previously discontinued due to cost and staffing limitations. Major Hall emphasized that all technology deployments will follow Dayton’s surveillance ordinance, including community engagement, policy development, and impact assessments. If elements of the plan are not approved through local protocols, the city may request a grant modification. He concluded by affirming the department’s belief that this technology package will improve public safety outcomes through faster response times, enhanced investigations, and better inter-agency collaboration. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizens registered to speak. 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: MUNICIPAL COURT A1. Business Information Systems (purchase and installation of software for the Annotation Presentation System) $55,511.63 PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND DEVELOPMENT Bl. Xpex LLC (building plan examination services as needed through 12/31/25) $45,000.00 PUBLIC WORKS C1. Henderson Products, Inc. (salt brine maker and storage tank installation) $101,534.86 WATER D1. A-C Equipment Services Corp. (new gear set, drive, and related items for the lime reclamation facility) $794,500.00  2211 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING _suty 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 D2. Allied Builders, Inc. (fencing products, services, and related items as needed through 12/31/25) $80,000.00 D3. Process Controls Corporation (forty-four (44) pressure transmitters) $74,580.88 -Departments of Municipal Court, Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development, Public Works, and Water $1,151,127.37 Service Agreements 2. Space Creator, LLC — Service Agreement — first renewal to improve the City’s organizational culture to create a more productive, inclusive, and engaging workplace — Department of Law/Civil. $116,000.00 (Thru 07/31/27) COMMISSIONER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked several questions related to the City’s culture initiative and the violent crime reduction grant. Regarding the culture work, she inquired about the role of the Human Resources Department and was told by City Manager Shelley Dickstein that HR is actively involved but that Law Director Barb Doseck and Fire Chief Mike Rice were chosen to lead the presentation due to their specific departmental efforts. Ms. Doseck explained her department used surveys to identify priorities and implemented specialized training, while Chief Rice shared that he is conducting 360-degree interviews across ranks in the fire department to improve employee experience. Commissioner Turner-Sloss also asked about how assessment metrics would be gathered and used, and it was clarified that Space Creator LLC would lead that process, with results shared citywide. She emphasized the importance of connecting this work to broader retention and development efforts. On the crime reduction grant, Commissioner Turner-Sloss congratulated DPD on receiving nearly $400,000, the second-highest grant awarded in the state. She asked about second-year funding for the program, and both Major Jason Hall and City Manager Ms. Dickstein confirmed it would come from the Photo Enforcement Fund, which is expected to have over $1 million available by 2026. She also asked about implementation timelines and public engagement. Major Hall confirmed all plans would follow the City’s surveillance ordinance, with public meetings, a transparency portal, and commission review in September. She raised concerns about the public being able to distinguish police drones from private ones and the potential for confusion or fear. Major Hall explained that while the drones fly too high for visual ID, their activity will be documented and available through a public portal. He clarified that the drones will be used only for high-priority incidents and not for general surveillance, with formal policies to be presented to the commission. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild thanked Major Jason Hall for his presentation and noted he had heard positive feedback from a recent tour of the Real-Time Crime Center. He requested a tour himself, which Major Hall welcomed. Commissioner Fairchild shared a personal experience in London, highlighting the responsiveness of surveillance systems, and asked if the impact report for the drone program would be available before the upcoming vote. Major Hall clarified that while implementation steps would begin immediately, 2212 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING _ suty 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 deployment would not start until the surveillance ordinance process was complete, and the impact report would be ready by September, not before the next vote. Commissioner Fairchild also inquired about the timeline for the Real-Time Crime Center’s impact report, which Major Hall said he would follow up on. Commissioner Fairchild raised safety concerns about increasing drone use, referencing a near-accident in Texas involving a drone and a rescue helicopter. Major Hall acknowledged those concerns and explained that the drone program includes built-in redundancies and radar technology to avoid interference with manned aircraft and to comply with FAA safety standards. On the topic of workplace culture, Commissioner Fairchild asked whether citizen board and commission volunteers were included in the City’s internal culture work. Ms. Shelley Dickstein responded that the initiative currently focuses on the City’s 1,800 employees, including the staff who support those boards, but that expanding the program to include citizen volunteers could be considered in the future once the internal framework is firmly in place. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw expressed strong support for the violent crime reduction initiative and commended Major Jason Hall and the City administration for securing the nearly $400,000 state grant. He emphasized the importance of pursuing external funding for tools like drones and surveillance technology, calling them “force multipliers” that enhance public safety without additional strain on local budgets. Shaw asked which city received the top grant award and, although Major Hall couldn’t recall at the moment, they agreed to follow up later. Commissioner Shaw praised early successes of the Real-Time Crime Center, particularly its role in identifying and intervening in a drug transaction downtown. He highlighted its potential to help reduce crime near the Dayton Arcade and emphasized the value of a layered, multifaceted approach to crime prevention. Commissioner Shaw also referenced his work on a state-level committee that will be meeting in Columbus to discuss FAA safety regulations for drone use and public airspace. Finally, he asked about the drone program’s altitude capabilities and was told the system will fly up to 400 feet, thanks to radar technology, allowing for high-altitude, low-noise, and less intrusive surveillance. Commissioner Shaw closed by saying he looks forward to future updates on the program’s impact. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph expressed support for the City's focus on organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of employees feeling heard and valued. He also praised Dayton’s surveillance ordinance, noting it's one of the few in the country with civilian oversight and annual review. He thanked staff and leadership for their commitment to transparency and accountability, especially as new technologies are introduced. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims thanked Major Hall and his colleagues for their work and echoed appreciation for the detailed questions raised by the Commission. He recalled observing the Real-Time Crime Center in action during the NATO event in Dayton, highlighting its effectiveness in keeping both international visitors and residents safe. The mayor also reflected on past discussions with Ohio’s governor and fellow large-city mayors, where he emphasized the need for state investment in public safety to support economic  2213 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING suLy 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 development and workforce opportunities. He stressed that reducing gun violence is crucial for protecting the state’s investment in job growth and community stability. Mayor Mims then asked for a clearer explanation of NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Information Network), a component of the proposed crime reduction strategy. Major Hall explained that NIBIN is like fingerprinting for firearms, allowing law enforcement to match shell casings from different crime scenes to the same weapon, and ideally, to a suspect. He emphasized that the quicker evidence is processed, the sooner investigators can make connections and intervene. The grant includes funding for a full- time NIBIN analyst to support this work and improve investigative efficiency. 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 unanimously approved. LEGISLATION ORDINANCE- SECOND READING No. 32149-25 — Authorizing the City Manager, or Her Designee to Apply for, Accept, and Enter into a Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Dayton, Ohio and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the Refinancing of the City of Dayton, Ohio Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2015, the Proceeds of Which Were Used for the Purpose of Paying the Costs of Various Improvements to the Sewer System; Authorizing an Escrow Trust Agreement and Other Documents Relating to the Refinancing of the Series 2015 Bonds, and Declaring an Emergency. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Ordinance was adopted. No. 32150-25 — Authorizing the City Manager, or Her Designee to Apply for, Accept, and Enter into a Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Dayton, Ohio and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the Refinancing of the Proceeds of Which Were Used for the Purpose of Paying Costs of Various Improvements to the Water System; Authorizing the Escrow Trust Agreement and Other Documents Relating to the Refinancing of the Series 2015 Bonds, and Declaring an Emergency. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Ordinance was adopted. RESOLUTION — FIRST READING No. 6874-25 — Authorizing the Acceptance of a Grant Award from the State of Ohio, Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services, in the Amount of Three Hundred Ninety-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Six dollars and Forty Cents ($399,996.40) on Behalf of the City of Dayton. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Mims formally opened the public hearing related to the citizens’ initiative and petition concerning the establishment of a public hospital. 2214 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING guLy 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Law Department Presentation Ms. Alissa Schriner from the Law Department provided an overview of the legal framework for establishing a city hospital and the initiative petition process under Ohio and Dayton law. She explained that the Ohio Revised Code allows a city to levy up to 1 mill of property tax annually to fund a public hospital. The Clergy Community Coalition is using the initiative petition process to propose an ordinance that would implement such a tax in Dayton. The petition was filed on June 25, 2025, and met legal requirements, including the minimum of 1,250 valid voter signatures and the requirement that all signatures be collected within 90 days. Because those criteria were met, the petition advanced to this public hearing. The next steps include the Commission reviewing the Clerk’s report on the petition’s sufficiency, voting on the report, and, if deemed valid, voting on the ordinance itself. Ms. Schriner noted that the Clerk’s report addresses compliance with Section 1106 of the City Code, which governs the petition process. If the petition fails to meet those requirements, Section 1108 prohibits the Commission from considering it. She also acknowledged that the Law Department had been alerted on Monday to possible legal challenges regarding Section 1106 but had not had sufficient time to assess those concerns. She reminded the Commission it has until July 25 to take final action and requested time for rebuttal at the end of the hearing if legal issues are raised. Deputy City Manager Presentation The Deputy City Manager, Joe Parlette, presented findings from an analysis conducted by Woolpert, which outlined six key considerations against the proposed public hospital. He emphasized that the City is not in the business of running hospitals and sought expert input to understand the implications. The report estimated the 40-year cost of a 300-bed public hospital at $21.5 billion, or about $536 million annually, with labor costs alone making up 88% of that total. Initial construction is estimated at $460 million, not including land acquisition or site development. Ongoing maintenance and renewal would cost an additional $1.56 billion. Equipment would also require frequent and costly replacements, with a life cycle cost of $4 million per $1 million invested. Operationally, the hospital would face major challenges, including staff shortages, high turnover, and the need for 3,000 medical personnel, requiring a labor investment of at least $471 million. He added that over half of U.S. hospitals are currently operating at a loss, due to expenses rising faster than Medicare reimbursements. Mr. Parlette concluded that a large public hospital would be inefficient and unsustainable, especially as the healthcare industry continues to shift toward home-based and outpatient care. Instead, he recommended focusing on enhancing existing facilities and investing in preventive and remote care models. Mayor Mims asked Deputy City Manager Joe Parlette how potential federal changes to Medicare and Medicaid might impact the long-term sustainability of a public hospital. Mr. Parlette responded by referencing the City’s experience with emergency medical services (EMS), noting that about 60% of EMS billing relies on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. He explained that the City bills higher than what those programs pay, but has no control over the actual reimbursement rates. Any federal reductions would significantly impact the City’s revenue. Mr. Parlette concluded that a public hospital in  2215 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Dayton would likely face the same financial vulnerability, being heavily reliant on federal reimbursements. Commissioner Turner-Sloss questioned why a 300-bed hospital was used in the cost analysis, noting it may not reflect the Clergy Community Coalition’s actual proposal. Deputy City Manager Parlette said the number likely came from modeling after Good Samaritan Hospital and that the analysis was based on the ordinance language. He added that costs could be scaled down if a smaller facility were proposed. Clergy Community Coalition Presentation Dr. Rodney Carter spoke in support of a public hospital on Dayton’s west side, representing the Clergy Community Coalition. He emphasized the ongoing harm caused by the closure of Good Samaritan Hospital and warned of broader consequences from federal cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other safety net programs, which disproportionately affect communities of color. Dr. Carter stressed that hospital closures lead to unnecessary deaths, especially in underserved areas, and noted the City’s past partnerships with hospital networks like Premier Health. Rather than focusing solely on legal or financial arguments, he urged the Commission to consider the spirit of the law, calling for decisions grounded in compassion, empathy, and equity. He closed with a plea for the City to explore meaningful solutions that would restore access to quality healthcare for residents who need it most. Professor Mark Brown, a law professor and attorney representing the Clergy Community Coalition, addressed the legal validity of the city clerk’s report, which recommended invalidating the public hospital petition based on a failure to disclose donors, as required under Section 1106 of the Dayton City Code. Mr. Brown argued that while the clerk’s report is largely accurate, the reliance on 1106 to disqualify the petition is legally flawed. He cited a 2019 Ohio Supreme Court decision (Hasselback), which ruled that a similar financial disclosure requirement under state law (Chapter 735) cannot be used to block a petition from moving forward—violations must be addressed through other legal remedies, not disqualification. He also warned that applying 1106 to block the petition raises serious First Amendment issues, referencing the 2021 U.S. Supreme Court case Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, which imposed "exacting scrutiny" on donor disclosure laws. Brown said Dayton’s universal disclosure rule, which requires naming all donors, even those giving a penny, is constitutionally vulnerable and could be struck down as facially invalid. He urged the Commission to reject the clerk’s report and allow the initiative to proceed to the next phase, either for adoption by the Commission or placement on the ballot, thus avoiding a likely First Amendment challenge. Commissioner Shaw asked why the Clergy Community Coalition did not submit the required donor disclosure form (per Section 1106) with their most recent petition, especially since they had done so in prior submissions. Professor Brown explained that the earlier petitions had different donors and amounts, and each new petition legally requires a new disclosure. However, this time, the Coalition chose not to submit the form because they believe Section 1106 is unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Commissioner Shaw emphasized that other petitioners have been required to comply with this rule and expressed concern about setting a precedent. Mr. Brown acknowledged the concern and noted that his team is in ongoing conversations with the City’s legal department to explore a possible resolution. Commissioner Turner-Sloss questioned the use of Section 1106, noting that citizen-led ballot initiatives are rare in Dayton. Law Director Barb Doseck confirmed this is the first 2216 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 such petition in at least 10 years, and that Section 1106 hasn’t been previously applied in this way during her tenure. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked who advised Clerk Ms. Blackshear in preparing the petition report. Ms. Blackshear said she based it on the City Charter and had it reviewed by the Law Department. Law Director Doseck clarified that while the clerk does not interpret law, she fulfilled her duties properly, and any legal interpretation or guidance falls under the responsibility of the Law Department. Mayor Mims asked about communication with Dr. Brown, and Law Director Barb Doseck confirmed they began discussions Monday and received relevant case law. She said the Law Department needs more time to thoroughly review the legal issues. Mr. Brown clarified he was not criticizing the clerk, acknowledging that most cities and clerks have limited experience with local initiatives. He shared that in his past work on similar petitions across Ohio, legal concerns were usually resolved through collaboration, and he believes the same can happen here. Bishop Cox urged the City Commission to pass the ordinance to advance the public hospital initiative, emphasizing that the petition has met the signature requirement and represents the will of the people. He spoke powerfully from personal experience, sharing that he lives with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities, and requires near-constant care and medical transport. Representing those who are poor, uninsured, underinsured, and disabled, he called for compassion and action from elected leaders, reminding them that many of their constituents are suffering without access to adequate healthcare. He recalled that Good Samaritan Hospital was originally a community-supported public hospital, sustained through citizen fundraising during the Great Depression. He closed by asking the Commission to walk alongside the community and support their efforts to reclaim accessible healthcare. Clerk of Commission The Clerk of Commission formally stated that the petition submitted by the Clergy Community Coalition is invalid due to the failure to file a required statement of receipts and disbursements, as mandated by the Dayton Revised Code of General Ordinances (RCGO) Section 11.06. The Law Department recommended that the Commission close the public hearing and table any final decision on the clerk’s report and the petition until they have had more time to fully research the legality of Section 11.06. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked how much time the Law Department needed to review Section 11.06 and whether the CCC would have to restart the petition process if a legal disagreement remained. Barb Doseck explained that the Commission has until July 25 to make a final decision, with a target date of July 23 for receiving the Law Department’s written recommendation after further consultation with CCC’s attorney, Dr. Brown. Ms. Doseck clarified that no final decisions have been made yet, and the outcome on July 23 will determine next steps. If the Commission decides the petition is invalid, then the CCC may need to restart and collect new signatures, but only after the Commission makes that determination.  2217 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING _guty 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were three citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. William Davis, 7231 Hardwick Place- spoke in support of allowing the public hospital initiative to move forward, highlighting the high cost and poor outcomes of the U.S. healthcare system. He urged the commission to respect the effort put into gathering signatures and not require volunteers to restart the petition process, emphasizing the community's need for accessible, non-profit- driven healthcare in West Dayton. 2. Ms. Nancy Kiehl, 309 Hacker Rd- spoke about the year-and-a-half effort to collect signatures for the West Dayton Public Hospital initiative. She emphasized that the petition drive was about giving voters a choice, and expressed concerns about past decisions related to the closure of Good Samaritan Hospital. She called on the commission to support the initiative and allow it to move forward, while also rallying community members to stay engaged in the process. 3. Ms. Kathleen Gall, 5066 Safeway Dr- spoke about the long-term efforts by community members to save and replace Good Samaritan Hospital, including petition drives, legal actions, and advocacy at the federal and international levels. She urged the City Commission to honor the will of the thousands of residents who signed the ballot initiative by moving it forward, expressing frustration that their efforts have been undermined despite strong public support. Closing the Public Hearing City Manager Ms. Dickstein clarified that the Woolpert Report did not model the proposed 300-bed hospital after either MetroHealth or Good Samaritan Hospital. She explained that while no assumptions were listed for choosing 300 beds, it was likely based on professional expertise. She also noted that even a 50-bed hospital would cost around $50 million due to construction and staffing expenses. Mayor Mims closed the Public Hearing. The City Commission voted to table a final decision on the West Dayton Public Hospital ballot initiative pending a legal review of Section 11.06’s constitutionality. Commissioner Joseph moved and Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion, which passed with four in favor and one abstention (Commissioner Fairchild, due to employment at Dayton Children’s). Commissioner Turner-Sloss emphasized her support for letting voters decide but acknowledged the importance of further legal consultation and appreciated the work of the Clergy Community Coalition, Attorney Brown, and the City’s law department. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were two citizens registered to speak. 1. Mr. Darrelle Lee, 1903 E Third St- spoke about his fears for his safety and the safety of his children in Dayton. He expressed concerns about unequal treatment by law enforcement, challenges faced by Black residents, and called for fair enforcement of laws and better protection for the community. 2. Mr. Steven Sandstorm, Miamisburg Resident- spoke in support of reinstating the City of Dayton's golf tournament, which has a history of over 100 years. He emphasized that it has no cost to the city, is valued by local golfers, and that organizers are ready to run it if given approval. 2218 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING JULY 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER City Manager Shelley Dickstein gave several closing remarks at the end of the meeting. She first responded to Mr. Steven Sandstrom’s public comment regarding the cancellation of Dayton’s longstanding city golf tournament. While she said she was not familiar with the cancellation details, she acknowledged the concern and promised to investigate the issue and provide an update to the commission. She then gave a special thank-you to multiple city departments, including Recreation, Public Works, Fire, and Dayton Police, for their efforts in organizing and managing the recent fireworks show. She noted the positive public feedback and expressed appreciation for the hard work that went into making the event successful. Mike Powell Retirement Her final and most detailed remarks were dedicated to recognizing Mike Powell, Director of the Water Department, who is retiring after 16 years with the City of Dayton, including nine years as department director. Dickstein praised Mr. Powell’s leadership, especially his ability to bring private sector experience into the public realm, which helped develop a strong team and model successful succession planning. She emphasized how his leadership guided the department through challenging times, including the staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dickstein also credited Powell with championing innovation, pointing to projects such as optimizing lime kiln revenue, solar initiatives, and gas recycling efforts, many of which have led to millions of dollars in grant awards and low-interest loans. Following her remarks, Mike Powell delivered a heartfelt farewell. He expressed deep appreciation for Dickstein and city leadership, stating that he always felt trusted and supported. He spoke highly of his team, saying they are second to none in their field, and that he proudly shared their accomplishments with peers across the country. Mr. Powell reflected on his unexpected passion for public water systems, admitting that he enjoyed this chapter of his career even more than his 27 years in the auto industry. He shared a touching story about advice from his mother, who told him his job was always to make his boss look good, a principle he said guided him throughout his career. He closed by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the City of Dayton and pride in what the water department had accomplished under his leadership. Commissioner Turner-Sloss praised Mr. Powell’s leadership, innovation, and trust in his team. She highlighted his successful succession planning and asked his family to stand and be recognized, thanking them for sharing him with the city. Commissioner Fairchild told Mr. Powell his mother should be proud, commending him for serving with distinction. He also acknowledged Mr. Powell’s faith and described his leadership as providing not just physical water, but also “living water” through grace and service to the community. Commissioner Shaw thanked Mr. Powell for the opportunity to learn from him and emphasized how Powell had built a strong, prepared team. He appreciated Powell’s foresight in training a successor and described the Water Department as “world-class” thanks to Powell’s leadership. Commissioner Joseph congratulated Mr. Powell and thanked him for his broad contributions, especially in times of crisis and emergencies. He noted Mr. Powell’s focus  2219 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING JULY 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 on sustainability, system security, and future planning, which ensured Dayton’s water system remained reliable and prepared. Mayor Mims added a lighthearted personal memory, recalling how Mr. Powell’s department twice earned United Way fundraising awards, which he celebrated by cooking pancakes for 400 people. Mayor Mims also highlighted Mr. Powell’s success in expanding lime kiln sales, noting Dayton’s national leadership in that area. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss began by expressing appreciation for the success of the Lights in Flight celebration and thanked staff for their hard work. She announced upcoming community events, including a downtown walking tour hosted by Preservation Dayton and the Rec Your Hood event in Five Oaks. She acknowledged and thanked several individuals and groups who participated in the meeting, especially the clergy community coalition for their work on the petition. Reflecting on broader challenges like hospital closures and federal budget cuts, she urged the commission to lead with empathy and innovation, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy by allowing residents to vote on issues that impact them. She supported continued legal review of Section 11.06 and expressed hope that it could be amended or repealed if needed to improve the ballot initiative process. She closed by thanking the law department and community members for their ongoing engagement and dialogue. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild began by thanking the administration and Parks and Recreation staff for a successful July 3rd celebration, sharing that his family and others thoroughly enjoyed the event. While noting that he could not weigh in on the legal substance of the ballot issue due to a conflict of interest, he expressed appreciation for the law department's work and commended the citizens who have been actively engaged in the democratic process. He recognized the efforts of petition circulators who have been out in challenging conditions, saying their work exemplifies democracy in action. He closed by highlighting several upcoming community events, including a food rally at Front Street, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion, and a human rights solidarity rally at the Gem City Market, encouraging residents to participate and support their local community. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw encouraged entrepreneurs and small business owners to attend the upcoming Launchpad event on July 17 at the Hub at the Dayton Arcade, emphasizing its focus on business operations and sustainable growth. He praised the event as a valuable free resource and stressed the importance of supporting the city’s small business community. He also thanked the Clergy Community Coalition for their hard work collecting signatures for the public hospital petition, acknowledging their dedication even though he personally does not believe the initiative is viable or sustainable. He concluded by clarifying that the commission has not yet made a final decision about whether the issue will appear on the ballot. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph announced that nominations are open for the 2025 Food Champions Award, an initiative created by Commissioner Judy Dodge and supported by the Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition. The award honors individuals working to improve food access in the community. Applications are due by Friday, July 11, and can 2220 CITY COMMISSION B£CULAR MEETING JULY 9 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 be submitted online. Awardees will be recognized at a celebration on August 8 at the Second Street Market, marking the start of the local food campaign and Farmers Market Week. He highlighted the importance of food access and encouraged residents to nominate local food leaders. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims thanked his colleagues for their thoughtful comments and congratulated the clergy coalition for successfully gathering petition signatures. He noted that the commission would continue consulting with legal counsel on the matter. He also shared community updates, including the kickoff of the 173rd Montgomery County Fair, highlighting educational exhibits on animals and healthy food. He encouraged residents to attend the Dayton Food Truck Rally on July 11-12, which will feature over 50 food vendors and 100 artists. Finally, he invited families to the Dayton Dragons Classic Movie Night on July 12, where "Toy Story" will be shown at the ballpark with gates opening at 6 PM. 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 11:04 a.m. Attest: i (QW noo Rloucdalvan Clevk of Commission