City Commission

2336 CITY COMMISSION _ REGULAR MEETING — octoBER 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 CITY COMMISSION MEETING On Wednesday, October 29, 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 Shaw, Fairchild, and Turner- Sloss were present. The Clerk of Commission, Ms. Regina Blackshear, and City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, were also present. Commissioner Shaw made a motion to excuse Commissioner Joseph’s absence. Commissioner Fairchild seconded this motion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 22, 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, presented the Dayton Recovery Plan Demolition update for September 2025. He reported that 30 structures were removed during the month, 27 funded by ARPA and 3 by general funds, bringing the year’s total demolitions to 220, consistent with the City’s progress goals. Crews also reduced the number of remaining debris piles from 46 to 38, focusing current cleanup work in the Negley and Riverview areas after completing efforts in Santa Clara and Riverdale. Two emergency demolitions were completed in September at 160 Parkwood and 3305 East Fifth. Most demolition activity took place in the southern Dayton View and Santa Clara neighborhoods, while additional cleanup was done in Springfield and Burkhardt. Twelve properties were newly added to the structural nuisance list, seven due to fire damage and five due to blight or neglect. Mr. Gondol highlighted significant progress in asbestos remediation and preparation for upcoming demolitions. He also showcased several key projects, including the Buckeye Cleaners site on Salem Avenue, completed in coordination with the EPA and Water Department, along with removals at 111 Rosedale, 1738 Howe, and 1615 Tacoma, all of which addressed long-standing community concerns. He concluded by noting positive feedback from neighborhood leaders who have observed tangible improvements and collaboration between city departments in revitalizing these areas. Commissioner Turner-Sloss asked about the 2934 Salem Avenue (Buckeye Cleaners) site, noting safety concerns and its unfinished appearance. Mr. Gondol explained that the  2337 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING _ octoper 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 EPA directed demolition to stop at the concrete base due to possible chemical contamination and ongoing legal matters with the owner’s estate. She requested follow- up on funding, timelines, and possible improvements to the site’s aesthetics. Turner-Sloss also thanked the department for their work at 300 Fernwood Avenue, relaying positive neighborhood feedback, and asked for updates on 21 Fernwood and cleanup at 1738 Howe Avenue, where debris remains. Mr. Gondol added that bricks from the Howe site were repurposed for repairs at the Dunbar Museum. Commissioner Fairchild expressed concern about possible increases in fire-related demolitions during colder months, and Mr. Gondol said coordination with partners would continue. Fairchild also asked about the housing condition survey, which Mr. Gondol said is launching soon with a new app for staff. He praised the department’s progress, especially the demolition of the RTA bus barn and Buckeye Cleaners, calling both major neighborhood improvements. CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS ON CALENDAR ITEMS Ms. Shelley Dickstein highlighted two key legislative items: Ordinance No. 32163-25 and Resolution No. 6897-25, which support the annual budget recommendations. She noted that the City’s budget process aligns priorities, resources, and performance outcomes, emphasizing continued investment in housing, demolition, blight remediation, public safety, neighborhood conditions, and youth development. She then invited Abbie Patel-Jones to provide a high-level briefing on the proposed budget. Budget Presentation Ms. Abbie Patel-Jones, Director of Management and Budget, presented an overview of the City of Dayton’s proposed 2026 operating budget, totaling $518.9 million, a 3.9% increase from 2025. She explained that the budget process connects community input and Commission priorities with performance data to ensure resources are directed toward the City’s most critical needs. Major investments include $12.1 million for youth programs such as Preschool Promise and recreation activities, $1.3 million for violence reduction and mediation, and $500,000 to improve the permitting process. The budget also allocates $10.1 million for demolition and blight removal, $1.9 million for vacant property reuse, and $18 million for housing initiatives, supporting projects across low- income, affordable, and market-rate categories. In addition, $3.6 million is dedicated to homelessness prevention through ESG and Continuum of Care programs. The Fire Department and Police Department budgets are set at $53.7 million and $71.1 million, respectively, maintaining service levels and supporting new recruit classes. To balance the budget, the City will use $15 million in one-time funds, including ARPA interest, reserves, and tornado recovery funds, alongside targeted departmental cost reductions. Ms. Patel-Jones concluded by outlining the budget adoption timeline, with public notice scheduled for January 11, 2026, publication on February 8, Commission readings on February 18 and February 25, and final implementation on March 27, 2026. The Mayor mentioned that a presentation had been held last week to allow commissioners to hear detailed updates from various departments. He then asked Ms. Patel-Jones to highlight the upcoming dates for community input opportunities. Ms. Patel-Jones responded that the public notice would be published in the Dayton Daily News on Sunday, January 11, and the appropriation notice would appear in the Dayton Daily News on February 8. Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked Ms. Patel-Jones for the detailed overview, noting that it covered a lot of information and highlighted various commitments, priorities, and 2338 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 29 2025 COD REPRO 333-4043 the process itself. She asked for clarification regarding the $9.6 million remaining under housing investments. Ms. Patel-Jones explained that this amount represents the total of all Dayton Recovery Plan, funded projects listed on the slide and that this work would continue into 2026. Commissioner Fairchild expressed appreciation for the presentation and the prior update sent in the commission packets, which aligned commissioner input with the budget. She asked about the timing of the public hearing, initially assuming it would coincide with the first reading on February 18. Ms. Patel-Jones clarified that the public notice of the hearing would be published in the newspaper on January 11, the appropriation notices on February 8, and that the public hearing itself would indeed take place on February 18, coinciding with the first reading. Commissioner Shaw also thanked Ms. Patel-Jones, acknowledging the significant work involved and expressing appreciation for the clarity and effort of her and her staff. REPORTS 1. Purchase Orders: WATER Al. Avalon Technologies, Inc. (Dell Compellent SC5020 Storage Area Network (SAN) maintenance renewal as needed through 9/3/27) $82,136.17 A2. Moody’s of Dayton (eight submersible vertical well pump motors as needed through 12/31/28) $1,319,360.00 -Department of Water. Total: $1,401,496.17 Service Agreement: 2. John R. Jurgensen Co. — Contract Modification — 2025 thoroughfare asphalt resurfacing of Third Street from Robert Drive to Jefferson Street (10% MBE Participation Goal/10% MBE Participation Achieved). — Department of Public Works/Civil Engineering. $325,000.00 (Thru 12/31/27) B. Construction Contract: 3. Milcon Concrete Inc. — Award of Contract — for extension of water, sewer, and natural gas utilities at Dayton Wright Brothers Airport—- Department of Aviation/AP Admin & Finance. $1,187,412.00 (Thru 06/30/27) APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Commissioner Shaw a made the motion to approve the City Manager’s Reports. Commissioner Fairchild seconded the motion. The City Manager’s Reports were unanimously approved.  — 2339 CITY COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING OcTOBER 29 2025 Barrett Brothers T1505087LD LEGISLATION Ordinances — First Reading No. 32163-25 - Providing Temporary Appropriations for the Ordinary Operating and Capital Expenses of the City of Dayton Pending Passage of the Year 2026 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. No. 32164-25 - Authorizing the City Manager to Participate with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the MOT West Third Street Safety IMP Project. Resolution — First Reading No. 6897-25 - Approving the City Manager’s 2026 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget Recommendations, Authorizing the Necessary Implementation Actions. No. 6898-25 - Approving the Joint Submission with the City of Huber Heights of a Grant Application and Authorizing the Acceptance of Grant Awards from the Ohio Department of Transportation under the Transportation Improvement Program for State Fiscal Year 2031. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were seven citizens registered to speak. 1. Ms. Tasha Roundtree, 301 Paul L. Dunbar St- spoke about her concerns about development being halted in Wolf Creek. 2. Ms. Kathleen Galt, 5066 Safeway Dr- spoke in support of issue 9. 3. Ms. Nancy Kiehl, 309 Hacker Rd- spoke in support of issue 9. 4. Mr. Bishop Richard Cox, 1453 Liscum Dr- spoke in support of issue 9. 5. Ms. Moss Dickey, Dayton Resident- spoke in support of Safe Haven Resolution. Mr. Alexander Stone, NA- spoke in support of Safe Haven Resolution NO Mr. Rodney Stark, 4526 Alfred Dr- spoke about deteriorating neighborhood property, noting lack of response and policy obstacles. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER Ms. Dickstein reported that she met with Ria Megnin regarding the LGBTQ+ Safe Haven Resolution, discussing the ongoing law department review and additional gap analysis requested by Commissioner Joseph. She reaffirmed the City’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community and emphasized the goal of ensuring any action taken is well- suited to Dayton’s legal framework. She also acknowledged Mr. Starks’ earlier concerns about neglected private properties, explaining that state law limits the City’s authority until a property is officially declared a nuisance. COMMENTS BY THE CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Turner-Sloss Commissioner Turner-Sloss thanked staff and residents for their participation, highlighting ongoing efforts related to the Safe Haven Resolution, tree canopy program, and river cleanup. She acknowledged community feedback, including Mr. Starks’ concerns about property upkeep, and announced upcoming “Bites and Benefits” insurance seminars for seniors. She concluded by commending the Recreation and Youth Services Department for a successful Fall Festival.  2340 CITY COMMISSION _ REcuLAR MEETING _ octoBEr 29 2025 Barrett Brothers T1505087LD Commissioner Fairchild Commissioner Fairchild thanked residents for their engagement and discussed next steps for communication with ABLE representatives regarding the Safe Haven Resolution. He expressed appreciation for city staff and community members involved in the Fall Harvest event and the Grafton Hills Pumpkin Glow, offering safety reminders for Beggars Night. He also encouraged early voting participation and closed with reflections on All Saints Day, honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to the community. Commissioner Shaw Commissioner Shaw congratulated the Dayton Boys & Girls Club on a successful Spark event and praised CEO Crystal Allen for her nationally recognized leadership. He also announced upcoming Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission meetings on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, encouraging residents to participate and share input on future regional transportation initiatives. Mayor Mims Mayor Mims congratulated Commissioner Shaw on receiving the McGuire Foundation Minority Business Award and wished Ms. Blackshear a happy birthday. He addressed concerns about the federal government shutdown’s impact on families, announcing a coordination meeting with community and faith organizations to support affected residents. He highlighted the new Kinship Housing project in Old North Dayton, soon to be named in honor of Don Vermillion, and celebrated the dedication of the Michael and Debbie Carter Center at Sinclair Community College. The Mayor also mentioned recent community events, the upcoming Veterans Day pancake breakfast for city employees, and the success of the NAACP awards banquet, emphasizing collaboration to address local and national challenges. 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 7:34 p.m.