City Commission

2259 CITY COMMISSION REcuLAR MEETING aucust 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:01 p.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 August 13, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS There are none. PRESENTATION AND SPECIAL AWARDS Clerk Blackshear read a Proclamation for Sydney Billingsley: Whereas, we, the neighbors, family, and friends of Sydney Billingsley, our postal worker, acknowledge the exemplary deed of heroism she displayed on June 8, 2025, by helping to save the life of Antonio, one of the customers she delivers to; and Whereas, Sydney Billingsley took immediate action by calling 911 and administering first aid to multiple gunshot wounds sustained by Antonio, demonstrating compassion, bravery, and genuine care for all human beings regardless of creed, color, or zip code; and Whereas, her selfless actions, which were later reported by WDTN, remind us that there are still good people among us who step forward in times of crisis; Now, therefore, I, Jeffrey J. Mims Jr., Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio, do hereby proclaim August 20, 2025, as “Sydney Billingsley Day” in Dayton, Ohio, in recognition of her heroic actions and service to the community. Signed, Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims Jr. With the Seal of the City of Dayton On June 8, 2025, Ms. Billingsley was delivering mail when she heard cries for help from a man who had been shot eight times. Drawing on her first aid training, she immediately called 911 and applied pressure to multiple wounds, keeping him stable until paramedics arrived. Thanks to her quick response, the man survived and is now in rehabilitation. 2260 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING aucust 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Reverend Daria Dillard Stone, along with neighbors and family members, shared the gravity of the moment. Reverend Stone noted that one of the bullets from the shooting had entered her own home, missing her head by mere minutes. She emphasized that Ms. Billingsley could have chosen to walk away, but instead acted selflessly, showing that compassion and courage still thrive in the community. Neighbors who previously only knew Ms. Billingsley as “the mail lady” spoke about how this event revealed her deep humanity and commitment to others. The Commission highlighted that surviving such an ordeal carries a sense of purpose for the victim, while Ms. Billingsley’s intervention exemplifies the best of citizenship. The meeting closed with Commissioners and officials coming down from the dais to personally thank her with hugs and handshakes, underscoring the city’s appreciation for her life-saving actions. CLERK OF COMMISSION COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Ms. Blackshear requested the addition of legislation items to the agenda. First, she asked to add legislation related to public hearings at the discretion of the Commission. She also introduced Emergency Resolution No. 6883-25, which declares it necessary to levy a tax more than the 10-mill limitation for the purpose of placing the hospital levy on the ballot. This resolution is being advanced as an emergency measure in accordance with the City of Dayton Charter. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS City Manager Shelley Dickstein reported no additions or deletions to the evening’s calendar and highlighted Items C5 and C6—two $75,000 service agreements with Dayton Public Schools/Dayton Board of Education to support first-responder career tech programs, aimed at diversifying the City’s police and fire departments. She then asked Law Director Barbara Doseck to provide a summary of Emergency Resolution No. 6883- 25 regarding the hospital levy. Law Director Barb Doseck explained the process and urgency surrounding Emergency Resolution 6883-25, which relates to the citizen-initiated petition for a municipal hospital. She reminded commissioners that the original hospital levy proposal had failed on July 23, 2025, with a tied 2-2 vote. However, under the City Charter, citizens were allowed to gather an additional 1,250 new signatures within 20 days to force the issue onto the ballot. The clergy community coalition successfully obtained the required signatures, which means the measure must now be placed before voters. Because the petition involves a property tax levy, state law under Revised Code Chapter 5705 governs the next steps. The resolution of necessity directs the county auditor to prepare a certified estimate of the revenue that would be generated from the proposed levy, which must then be accepted by the Commission. Following that, the Commission must adopt a resolution to proceed, which will be submitted to the Board of Elections to officially place the measure on the November ballot. Ms. Doseck emphasized the urgency, noting that all steps must be completed before the September 3rd certification deadline. She credited her legal staff, John Musto and Alyssa Shriner, for quickly preparing the resolution, and thanked the Board of Elections and county auditor for assisting in the process. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS There were no citizens registered to speak. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Mayor Mims asked a clarifying question to make sure the process was clear for voters. He asked if the purpose of the resolution of necessity was essentially to let the auditor  CITY COMMISSION pxcurar MEETING aucusr 20-2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 determine how much money the levy would cost taxpayers if it passed. Law Director Doseck confirmed this, explaining that the auditor must certify the estimated property tax revenue, so voters understand the financial impact of approving the levy. She added that while the mayor was correct, there are also additional technical steps required: once the auditor certifies the estimate, the commission must accept it and then pass a resolution to proceed, which is what ultimately sends the measure to the Board of Elections for placement on the ballot. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked for clarification on the estimated tax impact of the proposed hospital levy. Law Director Doseck explained that the exact amount will come from the county auditor’s certified report, but the City’s rough estimate is about $2 million annually at full collection. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked when the hospital levy resolution was prepared. Law Director Doseck said it was drafted yesterday after the Board of Elections confirmed new petition signatures, and shared with commissioners today following review by the county auditor and Board of Elections. She also asked about a Dayton Recovery Plan contract modification. City Manager Dickstein clarified that no new funding was involved; Five Rivers Health Centers shifted from building a new community center to renovating an existing space due to rising costs, with an extension of the project timeline. 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: WATER Al. McCluskey Chevrolet, Inc. (two 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV) $78,310.00 A2. Phillips Companies (sand, gravel, crushed stone and related materials as needed through 12/31/2025) $50,000.00 A3. CHWR, Inc. dba CHW Mechanical Services (heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) preventative maintenance and repairs) $5,000.00 A4. Ohio Machinery Co. dba Ohio CAT (utility asphalt paving and compactor with standard equipment, GPS product link, and warranty) $53,397.00 -Department of Water. Total: $186,707.00 Service Agreements 2. Enrollment Management Services, LLC — Service Agreement — development and administration of a new opt-out program for the City of Dayton’s approximately 1900 full-time and part-time employees — Department of Human Resources. $425,964.00 (Thru 06/20/26) 2262 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AucuST 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 3. Five Rivers Health Centers — Contract Modification — for design, planning, engineering, construction, land acquisition, equipment, furniture/fixtures, etc. to create a multi-purpose community center — Department of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development Director. $N/A (Thru 12/31/26) 4. Ohio Department of Transportation — Grant Agreement - Federal Local-Let Project Agreement — Amendment NO. 001 for Ludlow Street Urban Paving — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $214,800.00 C. Revenue to the City: 5. Dayton Public Schools — Service Agreement — allowing a DFD firefighter to serve as a Fire/EMS Instructor during the 2025-2026 academic school year — Department of Fire/Emergency Services. $75,000.00 (Thru 07/31/26) 6. Dayton Board of Education — Service Agreement — allowing a Dayton Police Department officer to serve as a Police Instructor during the 2025-2026 academic school year — Department of Police/Community Services. $75,000.00 (Thru 07/31/26) 7. Relay Express, Inc. — Lease Agreement — First Lease Renewal Agreement for Warehouse Building & Office Space — Department of Aviation/Airport Administration & Finance. $165,000.00 (Thru 05/31/30) 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 Emergency Resolution — First & Second Reading No. 6881-25 - Authorizing a First Amendment to the 2017 Amended and Restated Miami Township-Dayton Joint Economic Development District Contract and Related Ancillary Actions, and Declaring an Emergency. Commissioner Joseph made the motion to approve Emergency Resolution No. 6881- 25. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Emergency Resolution No. 6881-25 was unanimously approved. The Emergency Resolution was adopted.  2263 CITY COMMISSION REcuLAR MEETING aAucust 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Resolution — First Reading No. 6882-25 - Approving the Submission of Grant Applications to the District 4 (Montgomery County, Ohio) Public Works Commission Integrating Committee; Authorizing the Acceptance of Grant Awards from the State of Ohio Public Works Commission for the State Issue 1 Program for Public Capital Infrastructure Improvements in an Amount Not to Exceed Three Million Eight Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars and Zero Cents ($3,889,286.00) on Behalf of the City of Dayton. Resolutions — Second Reading No. 6879-25 - Declaring the Intention to Appropriate Real Property Interests in Parcels 98 T and 117 T in Connection with the Salem Avenue Reconstruction Phase 4 Project. A roll call vote was taken, resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Resolution was adopted. No. 6880-25 - Declaring the Intention to Appropriate Real Property Interests in Parcels 13 SH and 25 T in Connection with the Findlay Street Reconstruction Project. 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. Informal Resolution No. 1014-25 - Supporting and Protecting the Neighborhood Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid Offices. Commissioner Joseph made the motion to approve Informal Resolution No. 1014- 25. Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, resulting in a 5-0 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner-Sloss. The Informal Resolution No. 1014-25 was unanimously approved. The Resolution was adopted. Added Emergency Resolution — First & Second Reading No. 6883-25 — Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10-Mill Limitation For The Purpose Of Placing The Hospital Levy On The Ballot. This Resolution Is Being Advanced As An Emergency Measure In Accordance With The City Of Dayton Charter. Commissioner Shaw made the motion to approve Emergency Resolution No. 6883- 25. Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, resulting in a 4-0-1 vote. Voting in the affirmative were Mayor Mims, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Turner-Sloss. Commissioner Fairchild abstained. The Emergency Resolution No. 6883-25 was unanimously approved. The Emergency Resolution was adopted. 2264 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AucusT 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 PUBLIC HEARINGS Linden Location Jennifer Hanauer from the planning department presented a zoning map amendment for a proposed Flying Ace car wash at 2922 Linden Avenue, a former Rite Aid in the Linden Heights district. The site is zoned Eclectic Neighborhood Commercial (ENC), which does not typically allow car washes because of their noise and traffic impact. Express Wash Concepts is seeking a planned development overlay to adaptively reuse the existing building, with cars queuing on the south side, moving through kiosks, and accessing both indoor and outdoor vacuums. Ms. Hanauer explained that while the corridor has long been commercial and auto oriented, its proximity to single-family homes raises concerns. Staff recommended conditions such as preserving landscaping, reducing traffic hazards by closing one curb cut, limiting lot coverage to 65%, replacing pylon signs with monument signs, and requiring a six-foot masonry wall to buffer sound. Residents and the Southeast Land Use Board voiced concerns about noise and safety but supported redevelopment of the long- vacant property, preferring a non-alcohol business. After review, both the Land Use Board and the City Plan Board unanimously recommended approval, citing the significant private investment and the opportunity to revitalize a key commercial corridor. Gerald McDonald, attorney for the applicant, spoke on behalf of ExpressWash Concepts regarding the proposed Flying Ace Car Wash at 2922 Linden Avenue. He emphasized that the project represents a $3—4 million investment in the site, which he noted few other businesses would be willing to make. Mr. McDonald stressed the company’s strong reputation for maintaining its properties and reiterated that while the zoning district is technically neighborhood commercial, the location itself is not pedestrian-oriented. He explained that the company plans to incorporate landscaping along the entire frontage on Linden Avenue, remove one curb cut to improve traffic flow, and add additional greenery around the site. While willing to construct a masonry wall if required, he expressed a preference for landscaping over hard surfaces to make the site more attractive and less dominated by concrete and asphalt. On traffic, Mr. McDonald said that if a study is required, the company will comply with its recommendations. He also addressed signage, stating that previous reviews indicated support for keeping the existing pylon signs, but acknowledged the commission’s authority should it decide otherwise. He closed by asking the commission to consider the project favorably, noting that a company officer was present to answer operational questions. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked about the history of the company’s operations, wanting to know where their longest-standing locations were. The attorney deferred to Joe Bertucci, who explained that their first major conversion was about eight years ago, and their earliest project in Pittsburgh has been operating for around four years. He emphasized that the company has been in the car wash business exclusively since 2008, now running 123 locations across five states, including twelve Flying Ace sites in Dayton. He stressed that they focus on high standards, customer service, and community involvement, noting they’ve often been voted “best car wash” in their markets. Commissioner Turner-Sloss then inquired about job creation, asking what hourly wages the 12—15 local positions would pay. Mr. Bertucci admitted he didn’t want to provide an inaccurate figure on the record but said wages were competitive, highly incentivized, and offered room for advancement. She also raised concerns about noise and traffic impacts, given the site’s proximity to residential neighborhoods. In response, the applicant described potential design changes, including eliminating an exit to reduce noise, shifting  2265 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20 2025 Barrett Brothers T1505087LD entrances, and adding a masonry wall with landscaping as a buffer. He emphasized the company’s willingness to work with neighbors, highlighting that they see themselves not just as operators but as community partners who support local charities and hire locally. Commissioner Fairchild confirmed that the project would keep the existing building and asked if approving the plan that night would finalize all details. Staff explained that the project would return to the Plan Board for final approval, where specifics would be addressed. Commissioner Fairchild also raised concerns about noise, asking about decibel levels and comparisons to code standards. The applicant explained that blower noise peaks around 80 feet before dropping and that the project would meet Dayton’s noise limits, with landscaping and a wall added for buffering. Hours of operation were noted as 7 a.m.—8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.—8 p.m. on Sundays, with reduced winter hours. Commissioner Shaw noted that while the $3.5 million investment was significant, the city’s main interest was the payroll and related income tax revenue. He asked about projected payroll for the site. The applicant responded that the business would employ between 13 and 16 people, with at least three staff on site always. These employees would be full-time and year-round, not seasonal. While the applicant did not have the exact payroll figures on hand, he said they had been discussed in a prior meeting and could be in his notes. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked how many machine-operated car washes currently exist in Dayton, and Ms. Hanauer will provide that as she gets the information. She also spoke about noise and suggested exploring a community benefits or good neighbor agreement. Ms. Hanauer noted noise generally stays within city code limits but can be affected by customer behavior, such as blasting music. The applicant said signage against loud music could be added, staff are trained to address it, and policies discourage loitering to minimize disturbances. The Commission advanced legislation on Zoning Case No. PLN2025-0000182, which will be introduced as Ordinance No. 32156-25. The ordinance proposes amending the official zoning map to establish Planned Development 191 for approximately 1.8 acres at 2922 Linden Avenue. The measure received its first reading only at this meeting. Wilmington Location Ms. Hanauer presented the proposal for a Flying Ace Car Wash at 1158 Wilmington Avenue, a site currently occupied by a Rite Aid within Planned Development 087. That plan development would be replaced with a new one to accommodate the car wash. The site is zoned Eclectic Neighborhood Commercial (ENC) and borders residential areas in Belmont to the north and east, with Patterson Park to the west and Bright & Straighter Square to the south. The 1.55-acre site is slightly smaller than the earlier Lynen Avenue proposal but follows a similar layout, with cars entering from Wilmington, queuing on the south side, moving through kiosks, entering the wash on the east side, and exiting on the west. Customers could then access outdoor vacuums or re-enter the building for indoor vacuums. The existing ATM would be removed. Like the other location, the plan calls for updated monument signage, preservation of green space, and a six-foot masonry wall to buffer the site from adjacent homes, a wall that had been required but never built under the current PD. Because this application included both a plan development and a final plan review, the applicant provided additional materials, including renderings, stormwater and lighting plans, and a traffic study. The study confirmed concerns about 2266 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING aAucustT 20 2025 Barrett Brothers T1505087LD traffic at Patterson Road, suggesting that a left-turn lane may be needed regardless of this project. Public feedback was much stronger for this site than the Linden Avenue case. Neighbors expressed concerns about noise, traffic, property values, and safety, particularly residents of the nearby Lakewood apartments, who rely heavily on pedestrian access to services in Bright & Straighter Square. Several residents also wished for a community-oriented amenity rather than a car wash. Supporters, including the Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council and the Patterson Park Civic Association, highlighted the benefits of reinvesting in a long-vacant building, improving landscaping, and removing dead trees. The Southeast Land Use Board ultimately recommended approval by a slim margin, emphasizing the value of redevelopment. However, the Plan Board unanimously recommended denial, citing the intensity of placing a car-centric business in a pedestrian- heavy corridor. Because of this denial, the Commission must now decide whether to proceed with a first reading for approval (requiring four votes), decline to advance the legislation (which would end the application), or remand the case back to the Plan Board for further review (requiring three votes). Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked Attorney Gerald McDonald and operator Joe Bertucci why both car wash sites were being advanced at the same time, instead of waiting to see how the first location addressed concerns such as noise, traffic, and pedestrian safety. Mr. McDonald explained that the Wilmington Avenue site had been in process since last year and was the original proposal, with neighborhood meetings and planning board reviews already completed. The second site on Linden Avenue arose later, but the timing caused both to appear before the Commission together. Mr. Bertucci added that repurposing vacant Rite Aid buildings into car washes preserves property values, prevents long-term vacancies, and can be developed quickly into safe, well-managed sites. He argued that car washes generate less traffic than previous uses and are not seasonal operations. He also said they were open to further adjustments to reduce sound impacts and emphasized that redevelopment would be preferable to leaving the buildings vacant. Commissioner Fairchild asked McDonald about noise impacts from the proposed car wash. McDonald provided a handout with sound readings, showing ambient noise already averaged 72 dB. He explained that vacuums generate about 38 dB at 30 feet, with the nearest house 243 feet away, so they won’t add noise. The main concern is the blower, which produces the soundest, but he said it may be possible to reconfigure the site, so the blower does not face the closest house. Mr. McDonald noted the property has long been commercial and neighbors have dealt with nuisances before. He argued the car wash would bring a $4 million investment, robust landscaping, safer site design, and better traffic flow with a turn lane. He emphasized that neighborhood groups like Shroyer Park and Belmont support the project, even if nearby residents have concerns. He urged approval, saying this plan offers a controlled, well-designed use rather than another bar or discount store, and would transform a blighted property into something beneficial for the area. Commissioner Joseph, who lives nearby, acknowledged neighborhood concerns but emphasized that many surrounding neighborhood associations support the car wash project. He explained that the choice is not between the car wash and an ideal development, but between the car wash and less desirable potential uses. He noted the benefits of landscaping, sound walls, and site design that could help with noise concerns. While acknowledging pedestrian traffic, he argued the corridor is largely car-oriented and improvements like removing curb cuts and maintaining wide sidewalks would help.  2267 CITY COMMISSION _recutar MEETING aucust 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 Commissioner Joseph concluded that although a car wash is not the ideal use, it is a better option than leaving the property vacant and at risk of blight, and he commended the operator for engaging with neighbors. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were two citizens registered to speak. I. Mr. Richard Stevens, 925 Colwick Dr- spoke against the proposed car wash near his sister’s home on Colwick Drive and emphasized that his sister chose the area for peace and safety, and a commercial car wash would undermine that. Mr. Ramon Leibold, 913 Colwick Dr- spoke in opposition to the car wash, citing excessive traffic (up to 100 cars an hour), noise from dryers and vacuums, and the street’s inability to handle the volume, arguing it would severely disrupt the quiet residential character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Joseph moved to remand the zoning case back to the Plan Board, with Commissioner Turner-Sloss seconding. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were fifteen citizens registered to speak. ie Mr. Joshua Hastings, 303 Triangle Ave (Oakwood)- spoke about adopting the Safe Haven resolution, sharing their personal experience at a trans rights rally and stressing the urgent need to support vulnerable community members facing a mental health crisis. Ms. Ria Megnin, 2104 King Ave- spoke in support of the Safe Haven resolution, urging the Commission to protect the LGBTQ community from widespread discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and education. B. Williams, 1331 Cherry Hill Ave (Miamisburg)- spoke in support of adopting the Safe Haven resolution, warning that hostile state legislation harms LGBTQ+ people. Mr. Jordan Ostrum, 210 Wayne Ave- spoke about anti-trans legislation mirrors early stages of genocide and urged Dayton’s leaders to act now by adopting the Safe Haven resolution. Ms. E Hudson, 120 W Second St- spoke on behalf of a community collective, urging the Commission to adopt the Safe Haven resolution. Mr. Youssef Elzein, 4906 Amberwood Dr- spoke in support of the Safe Haven resolution, linking it to broader struggles against oppression by highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mr. Alec Johnson, 4822 Hassan Cir- spoke about Dayton and Montgomery County’s leadership rejecting ICE’s 287(g) program and protecting immigrants, the school board resisting federal pressure, and the need for the Commission to adopt the Safe Haven. Ms. Moss Dickey, 116 N Johanna Dr (Centerville)- spoke about her journey of coming out as a transwoman and how access to supportive healthcare in Dayton allowed her to live with dignity, and in support of adopting the safe haven resolution. Ms. Lynn LaMance- 1061 Bertram Ave- spoke about ongoing drug activity in the Fairview neighborhood, concerns that Phoenix Police funded to provide supplemental community policing are not visible or effective. 10. Ms. Annette Gibson-Strong, 437 Hopeland St- spoke about her concerns about the closure of the 115 rehab center after previously fighting against its 2268 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Aucust 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 development, saying the state now appears to have taken the property back under questionable circumstances. 11 Mr. Ethan Vandenberg, 8317 Washington Village Dr (Centerville)- spoke in support of the Safe Haven resolution, emphasizing Dayton’s tradition of resilience and solidarity. 12. Mr. Darrelle Lee, 1903 E Third St- spoke about his experience of being shot multiple times, criticized the shooter’s prison sentence as too short, and spoke about fathers’ rights, his inability to see his children. 13. Mr. Gilbert Dillard, 5303 Joshua Trail Dr- spoke about the Recovery Alliance of Montgomery County (RAMCO) and its work in community engagement around mental health and substance use. He highlighted that RAMCO hosts free, family-friendly events on the west side with food, games, and resources, where people are connected to treatment and recovery services. 14. Mr. Kevin Keller, 3922 E Third St- spoke about his concerns about reckless speeding and sideswipes in his neighborhood, urged more patrols and street repairs, questioned Dayton Public Schools’ lack of high school busing and ongoing delays around marijuana policy despite voter support, and added that he supports the local car wash in question. 15. Mr. David Woods, 3230 Lakeview Dr- spoke about his father’s treatment and death at Kettering Hospital, which he believes was caused by medical negligence and misconduct. He urged the public to hold individuals and the hospital accountable. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager closed by clarifying a few points: she explained that while she does not personally sit on the Phoenix Next board, she appoints a representative, and confirmed that Premier Health funds community police officers in that area. She noted that staff have tried multiple times to connect with Ms. LaMance about her concerns and will continue working to establish dialogue. On the Safe Haven resolution, she highlighted Dayton’s long track record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, citing its perfect Human Rights Campaign scores and past ordinances such as the 2017 ban on conversion therapy. She added that the Law Department is reviewing the proposed resolution and best practices from other cities before bringing recommendations back to the Commission. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked the City Manager for clarifying the Phoenix Next agreement and asked for follow-up on community concerns, including suspected drug activity on Auburn. She expressed gratitude to the community members who spoke in support of the Safe Haven resolution and noted that internal discussions are underway, with hopes to work alongside the coalition to ensure protection of vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ+ residents. She also responded to several residents’ concerns on issues ranging from speeding to neighborhood needs, highlighted upcoming youth NFL flag football registration, and recognized the success of recent community events such as the African American Cultural Festival and PorchFest, thanking city staff and community partners for their efforts. Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild suggested reviewing whether BladeCutters met the participation goals outlined in their contracts. He recalled the issue of blight and abandoned houses being raised six years ago and encouraged checking if the Ferguson Street properties are on the demolition list. He noted the City’s ARPA-funded plan to remove 1,100 homes,  2269 CITY COMMISSION ®2£6ULAR MEETING 4¥GUST 20 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 and recommended reviewing whether breaking contracts into smaller pieces has helped new contractors win work, and identifying any barriers. He also promoted the upcoming African American Cultural Festival and Porchfest, congratulated students on returning to school, and encouraged the community to support Dayton Public Schools families and ensure a safe school year. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw congratulated City Manager Shelley Dickstein on being named one of the Dayton Business Journal’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business. He highlighted upcoming events for Black Business Month, including the Greater West Dayton Incubator’s business development event on August 21 and the Growing Black Business Symposium on October 23 at the Downtown Library. He noted the importance of supporting small businesses and celebrated the success of the recent cultural festival, commending the organizers for their outstanding work. Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Joseph reflected on the city’s history of protecting LGBTQ+ rights, noting his role in 2007 in adding gender identity and sexual orientation to Dayton’s anti- discrimination ordinance. He emphasized that the protections were intentionally broad, reassured residents that the law department will review them to ensure they remain strong, and affirmed that Dayton is a city for everyone, welcoming and valuing all people regardless of who they love, where they’re from, or what they believe. Mayor Mims The Mayor noted that he met with community representatives a few weeks prior to discuss the same concerns raised at the meeting, emphasizing that the City is already reviewing existing protections to determine if updates are needed. He acknowledged the challenges faced by marginalized groups, thanked residents for speaking up, and welcomed a new community member moving to Dayton. He then highlighted several upcoming events: Sunset at the Market on Thursday, August 21 (5—8 p.m.) with live music and Drive Electric Dayton; and St. Luke Baptist Church’s annual pancake breakfast on Saturday morning (8-10 a.m.), where he’ll serve his “world famous” pancakes as part of a fundraiser for the church’s senior usher board. 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 8:44 p.m. v nee ) advckaas Clerk @fCommission