City Council

City of Trotwood 3035 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 937.837.7771 www.trotwood.org Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, January 3, 2022 6:30 PM Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center 4000 Lake Center Drive, Trotwood, Ohio 45426 City Council Mayor Mary A. McDonald Vice Mayor Tyna R. Brown Council Member Charles Ron Vaughn Council Member Rhonda C. Finley Council Member Robert L. Kelley, Jr. Council Member Yvette Page Council Member Bettye L. Gales Clerk of Council Kara B. Landis City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 I. Call to Order Mayor McDonald called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Invocation Elder Mitchell gave the Invocation. III. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McDonald led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Clerk Landis took Roll Call. Present: 7 - Mayor Mary A. McDonald, Councilmember Rhonda C. Finley, Councilmember Robert L. Kelley Jr., Councilmember Yvette Page, Vice Mayor Tyna R. Brown, Councilmember Bettye L. Gales and Councilmember Charles Ron Vaughn Staff Members Present: City Manager Quincy Pope, Clerk of Council Kara Landis, Law Director Steve McHugh, Deputy City Manager Stephanie Kellum, Finance Director Chris Peeples, Assistant Finance Director Julie Kilbarger, Police Chief Erik Wilson, Deputy Police Chief Mark Ecton, Fire Chief Rick Haacke, Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Barnett, Fire Marshal Jeffrey Hilvers, TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing, Income Tax Supervisor Sue Bowman, Parks and Recreation Program Director Ciara Lewis, and Assistant to the City Manager Cheryl Wheeler. Visitors Present: Aaron Lumpkin, Steve and Janet Foote, India Brookshire, Tasha Roundtree, Doug Combs, Sharron Williams, Angela Battle, Denise Moore, Anissa Lumpkin, John Lumpkin, Hortense Lumpkin, Winfield Gibson, Juan Aguilar, Ed Mucha, Wanda Page, Sean Freeman, Sheila Crane, Adam Blake, David Bills, Paul Amegatcher, Anita Schmaltz, Robert Balserak, and Janice Chinn. V. Approve the Agenda Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve the Agenda. A Motion was made by Councilmember Finley to approve an amended Agenda, moving the Council Comments after Old and New Business, before the Mayor's comments. Councilmember Page seconded the Motion and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page Abstain: 1- Mayor McDonald City of Trotwood Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 VI. VISITORS AND COMMUNICATIONS: To comment on any topic not on the Meeting Agenda, please fill out a Speaker Form and return it to the Clerk of Council BEFORE the start of the meeting. When called upon, proceed to the microphone, state your name and address, and proceed with your comments. You will have three (3) minutes to speak. Ms. Tasha Roundtree discussed the decriminalization of marijuana in the City of Trotwood. Ms. Roundtree shared that the state of Ohio released over 1,400 licenses with a price tag of $5,000. She explained that this would not bring marijuana dispensaries or businesses, it simply takes away the penalty for those who are patients. If someone who is a legal patient is pulled over in Trotwood and cited for possession of marijuana, that person could be unable to secure any federal housing. Ms. Roundtree finished by sharing that if the business of marijuana is not what the City wants, at least look at making the people safe by decriminalizing marijuana. Ms. Anita Schmaltz of 24 Pleasant Avenue stated that she saw the article about the Elevate to Trotwood project in the Dayton Daily Newspaper and shared that she has worked in housing related non-profits and has advocated for affordable housing; she recognizes the importance of decent, safe, affordable housing. She stated that there's a number of conversations about the importance of affordable housing and placing those properties close to things like grocery stores, well-resourced schools, and jobs. She also stressed the importance of ensuring the limited government resources are being used in the way that they're intended and realizes it is a hard to obtain a balance. Ms. Schmaltz explained that her reason for addressing Council today is to comment about the fact that the meeting on the 28th of December, at the end of the year in-between Christmas and the New Year when people are not paying a lot of attention, and the request to pass the legislation as an emergency, really limits public participation, which is one of the few ways constituents can come before Council and make an impact. While she understands the developers desire to secure tax credits, a zoning change is going to be in place regardless if they receive the funds. Further, to waive a public hearing requirement where public participation is significant makes her wonder about the developer, or City staff and their needs, and to make sure they have the necessary resources to meet deadlines in order to allow citizens to participate. In closing, Ms. Schmaltz commented that whatever the reason is, she believes it is cause for Council and staff to consider the importance of input from the public. Mr. Robert Balserak, owner of 358 North Union Road, shared that he and his wife have spent a great deal of time and effort cleaning up the property since they purchased it in 2012. He explained that there have been five accidents within about a 40-foot radius of the entry to their driveway. The first accident took out the reflective warning markers so it's very dark when you get to that section of the road. Mr. Balserak's ask is for Council to consider restoring the markers near the entry to his driveway along the edge of the front part of his property in order to minimize the accidents. Ms. Janice Chinn spoke in response to what she called Councilman Kelley's attack and slander of the Progressive Citizens of Trotwood, a PAC Committee which she facilitates. Ms. Chinn read a portion of her written statement, discussing non-partisan politics and issues with the Charter Review City of Trotwood Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 Commission and the Compensation Board. Mayor McDonald advised Ms. Chinn that her time to speak had expired and Ms. Chinn requested that her written statement be made part of the record; therefore, it will be kept on file with the approved minutes. VII. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS: Each Council Member will have three (3) minutes to speak about topics relating to the City of Trotwood that are not on the Meeting Agenda. Per the approved amended Agenda, Comments by Council Members were moved to after Old and New Business, before the Mayor's comments. VIII. Special Presentations and Recognitions PR01-22 Recognition: 2021 Outdoor Holiday Light Contest Winners Recognized by Mayor Mary McDonald Mayor McDonald presented the winners of the Outdoor Holiday Light Contest with a certificate and a cash award. Winners were as follows: First Place: Kelly Cokes Second Place: Angela Battle Third Place: Jim Hayden PR02-22 Recognition: Retirement of Doug Combs, Firefighter/Paramedic with the Trotwood Fire and Rescue Department Recognized by Fire Chief Richard Haacke Attachments: PR02-22 Biography of Doug Combs Chief Richard Haacke, members of the Trotwood Fire Department, and Council recognized Doug Combs, a firefighter/paramedic retiring from the City of Trotwood. IX. Open Nominations for Office of Vice-Mayor Prior to opening the nominations for Vice Mayor, Vice Mayor Brown asked Law Director McHugh to clarify to Council if the Charter contains any provisions about consecutive terms as Vice Mayor. Law Director McHugh stated that in looking at Section 3.7 of the City Charter, there is no provision that prohibits the Vice Mayor from serving consecutive terms. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to open nominations for Vice Mayor. A Motion was made by Councilmember Vaughn, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page City of Trotwood Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 Vice Mayor Brown nominated herself, Tyna Brown. Councilmember Finley nominated Councilmember Yvette Page. Councilmember Gales nominated Councilmember Ron Vaughn. X. Close Nominations for Office of Vice-Mayor Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to close the nominations for Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Councilmember Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page City of Trotwood Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 XI. Elect Vice-Mayor Clerk Landis passed out the ballots and Law Director McHugh explained the voting process; Council Members will complete a ballot, to include the Council Member's name and the name of the person they are voting for. Clerk Landis will collect the ballots and read each one, stating the Council Member's name, who they voted for; then confirm with the Council Member that the ballot is their ballot and it was read correctly. The Council Member who receives a majority of Council's votes will be appointed as Vice Mayor. Should there be a tie or no one receives four votes, the process will be repeated until a majority vote is reached. Clerk Landis collected the ballots and read the votes: Councilmember Page voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Vaughn voted for Councilmember Vaughn Vice Mayor Brown voted for Vice Mayor Brown Mayor McDonald voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Gales voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Finley voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Kelley voted for Councilmember Page Each member confirmed their ballot and vote after it was read by Clerk Landis. This election resulted in a tally of three votes for Councilmember Page; three votes for Councilmember Vaughn; and one vote for Vice Mayor Brown. Clerk Landis passed out a second ballot. Clerk Landis collected the ballots and read the votes: Councilmember Page voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Vaughn voted for Councilmember Vaughn Vice Mayor Brown voted for Vice Mayor Brown Mayor McDonald voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Gales voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Finley voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Kelley voted for Councilmember Page Each member confirmed their ballot and vote after it was read by Clerk Landis. This election resulted in a tally of three votes for Councilmember Page; three votes for Councilmember Vaughn; and one vote for Vice Mayor Brown. Clerk Landis passed out a third ballot. Clerk Landis collected the ballots and read the votes: Councilmember Page voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Vaughn voted for Councilmember Vaughn Vice Mayor Brown voted for Vice Mayor Brown Mayor McDonald voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Gales voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Finley voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Kelley voted for Councilmember Page Each member confirmed their ballot and vote after it was read by Clerk Landis. This election resulted in a tally of three votes for Councilmember Page; three votes for Councilmember Vaughn; and one vote for Vice Mayor Brown. Clerk Landis passed out a fourth ballot. City of Trotwood Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 Clerk Landis then collected the ballots and read the votes: Councilmember Page voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Vaughn voted for Councilmember Vaughn Vice Mayor Brown voted for Councilmember Page Mayor McDonald voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Gales voted for Councilmember Vaughn Councilmember Finley voted for Councilmember Page Councilmember Kelley voted for Councilmember Page Each member confirmed their ballot and vote after it was read by Clerk Landis. This election resulted in a tally of four votes for Councilmember Page and three votes for Councilmember Vaughn. Councilmember Page received the majority of Council's votes and will be appointed as the Vice Mayor for a period of two years. XII. Consent Agenda Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Gales made a Motion, seconded by Councilmember Page, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page SR22-04 Approval of the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes from December 6, 2021. Attachments: 2021-12-06 DRAFT Meeting Minutes This Staff Report was filed. R22-01 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR GRANTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO OPWC, EDGE, CDBG, ODNR, AND OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE GRANTS IN SUPPORT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER VARIOUS PROJECTS FOR THE YEAR 2022 IN THE CITY OF TROTWOOD, STATE OF OHIO. Attachments: R22-01 This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda City of Trotwood Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 R22-04 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR THE PLACEMENT OF 31.522 ACRES OF LAND, PARCEL NOS. H33 02105 0010 and H33 02105 0055, OWNED BY JEROLYN AND BOYD HASTINGS, IN AN AGRICULTURAL TAX DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FARMLAND PRESERVATION ACT, SECTION 929.02 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE. Attachments: R22-04 R22-04 Attachment This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. R22-05 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR THE PLACEMENT OF 4.0920 ACRES OF LAND, PARCEL NOS. H33 02309 0082 AND H33 02309 0083, OWNED BY TERRY AND DEBORAH HOHENBRINK, IN AN AGRICULTURAL TAX DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FARMLAND PRESERVATION ACT, SECTION 929.02 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE. Attachments: R22-05 R22-05 Attachment This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. R22-06 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS-INVESTMENT DIVISION, INC. HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO TROTWOOD CITIZENS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS DUE TO COVID-19. Attachments: R22-06 R22-06 Attachment This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. City of Trotwood Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 XIII. Resolutions Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to add Yvette Page's name to Resolution No. R22-02. Councilmember Kelley, Jr. made a Motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye (7): Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Vaughn, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley, Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Page, and Vice Mayor Brown R22-02 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING A VICE-MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TROTWOOD, STATE OF OHIO, FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JANUARY 3, 2022 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023. Attachments: R22-02 R22-02 Oath of Office Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve R22-02. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, Jr., and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page Mayor McDonald invited Council to join her while she administered the Vice Mayor Oath to Yvette Page. R22-03 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THREE PUBLIC PLACES TO POST PUBLICATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10-8 “PUBLICATION” OF THE TROTWOOD CITY CHARTER. Attachments: R22-03 City Manager Pope reviewed Section 10-8, the new section of the City Charter that requires Council to name three public places to post notices; those three places being the Government Center, the Library, and the Post Office. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve R22-03. Councilmember Gales made a Motion, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, Jr., and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page City of Trotwood Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 R22-07 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE A FULLY EQUIPPED 2022 MEDIC UNIT (MEDIX MODEL TYPE 1-AD 170-MSV II) THROUGH PENN CARE AT STATE CONTRACT PRICING, SCHEDULE NO. 800932, BY UTILIZING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $203,041.00. Attachments: R22-07 City Manager Pope shared that the Trotwood Fire and Rescue Department is looking to purchase a new medic unit for which capital funds were appropriated in the 2022 budget. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve R22-07. A Motion was made by Councilmember Vaughn, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page XIV. Staff Reports SR22-01 Trotwood City Council 2022 Representatives on Boards and Commissions Attachments: SR22-01 Boards and Commissions Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve SR22-01. A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Brown, seconded by Councilmember Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Councilmember Page SR22-02 Liquor Permit Request to transfer ownership from R & R Takhar Operations Inc. to Zaina Operations Three Inc., at the same location of 4051 Salem Avenue, Trotwood, Ohio 45426. Attachments: 2021-12-20 Notice 4051 Salem Avenue Police Chief Wilson advised Council that this is a request to transfer a liquor permit and there are no contributing factors to object to or oppose the request. Therefore, he recommended the request be approved with no comment. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve SR22-02. Councilmember Gales made a Motion, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, Jr., and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Page, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilmember Gales and Councilmember Vaughn City of Trotwood Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 XV. Discussion Items SR22-03 Discuss Section 3-5 “Compensation” of the Trotwood City Charter as approved by voters in November 2021. Mayor McDonald asked Law Director McHugh to review the changes approved by voters regarding the compensation of Council, Section 3-5 of the Charter. Law Director McHugh provided a handout (attached) for Council detailing a timeline for compensation and he explained the expectations for each year as depicted on his document. Councilmember Finley asked if the Compensation Board could recommend not only an increase in compensation, but also a decrease, or no change. Law Director McHugh agreed and reminded her that Council would have to approve any recommendation from the Board before it would go into effect. Councilmember Gales asked about the Compensation Board going away after 2025. Law Director McHugh advised that was incorrect; the Board will be seated every 5 years beginning in 2025. Mayor McDonald asked if the members of the Compensation Board remain the same or if they change. Law Director McHugh explained that Council will appoint members prior to each session. Mayor McDonald commented that unlike the previous Compensation Board, the approved changes do not require members to represent a certain classification. Law Director McHugh agreed. City of Trotwood Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 XVI. Old and New Business Mayor McDonald explained that there were some citizens who didn't complete a Speaker Form, but indicated on the Sign-In Sheet that they wanted to make a public comment. Ms. Hortense Lumpkin wanted to congratulate her sister for the hard work she does, as well as all of Council. Mr. Winfield Gibson wanted to discuss his development, Elevate at Trotwood, and shared that they have reached out to different community stakeholders; they gave them information on the project and answered any questions they had. Mr. Gibson apologized for the short timeline, yet doesn't feel his failure should hold the project back and doesn't feel it should be a reason to not move forward. Ms. Wanda Page asked if the low-income apartments are going to be built near Hara Arena. Mayor McDonald clarified it is not low-income housing and shared this is a misstatement about the project that needs to be corrected. Ms. Page further stated that she does not want low-income housing because she doesn't want her property value to fall. Mayor McDonald explained that not supporting low-income housing is a violation of fair housing and a developer could sue the City because of such bias. She explained that while Council is going through some things within itself, each Council Member wants the best for the City. Mayor McDonald reiterated this is workforce housing for people who have jobs. Ms. Page asked why the community doesn't have a grocery store. Mayor McDonald spoke about raising the median income in order to attract these types of businesses. Mr. Adam Blake addressed Council, advising he is the Vice President of Housing for County Corp., who has been investing in affordable housing for at least 40 years. County Corp. is the non-profit partner for the Elevate at Trotwood project. Mr. Blake explained that County Corp. currently has three single family homes under construction for the Pathways project for homeownership; these are for families that lived in Trotwood and were displaced by the tornadoes. He expressed the importance of workforce housing in the community and the unique factor in this project is having a local committed 40-year non-profit organization partnering to make it successful. County Corp. also has the Homeownership Center, which provides services to residents of the facilities so they can invest in homeownership in the community. Mr. Paul Amegatcher stated that his company owns the land that is being looked at for this development. Mr. Amegatcher reminded Council that this project would be a win for the City and bring in $24 million. The City has experienced a lot of losses over the last 15 years and the City needs some wins and not approving this project is essentially closing the doors for other developers who would like to invest in the City of Trotwood. Mayor McDonald reminded Council that the only way this matter can be brought back is for one of the Council Members from the prevailing vote to make a Motion. City of Trotwood Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 a. City Manager: Please visit the City of Trotwood's website at www.trotwood.org for updated information and events in our City. City Manager Pope commented that he looks forward to serving the Council and the Community in the upcoming year. City of Trotwood Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 Comments by Council Members Councilmember Page first thanked God for what He has done for Trotwood; in the past, present, and future. She also thanked the constituents in Ward 2 and for having faith in her leadership and ability. She prays over decisions and votes with a clear conscious. Councilmember Page thanked Council, Clerk Landis, City Manager Pope, and Deputy City Manager Kellum; as well as Chief Wilson and Chief Haacke. She thanked Ciara Lewis for her service to the City, especially during the tornado; she wished her well in her next endeavor. Councilmember Kelley, Jr. commented about the Charter Amendments; he was for the amendments and so was 70% of Trotwood. In regards to the No vote, several people at the polls were very confused about the campaign to vote NO and the reason why and no one could answer their questions. In regards to the affordable housing project, his concern was the process in giving it to Council at the 11th hour. Further, he does not feel that the community was properly vetted and would still like a comprehensive survey to be conducted. Councilmember Vaughn stated that it was difficult for him to explain exactly how he was feeling because of the controversy heard tonight. He shared that he believes the Charter Amendments should have been separate issues and not one so that the public could read and vote on each issue separately to better understand what was being voted for or against. There were parts that Councilmember Vaughn supported and some that he didn't and he believes it was too confusing. Councilmember Vaughn shared that he was starting his sixth term as an elected official and proud to be a Councilmember. He commented that people with a different point of view can overcome some of the division within the community and he hopes those on Council are seated for the right reasons. He shared that he lives in the Trotwood community because he chooses to. He then thanked the community and employees of the City and reminded others to never dismiss the value of every employee at every level, they are the backbone of the City. Councilmember Finley thanked all the citizens who spoke during the meeting and assured citizens she will continue to do her due diligence to be sure they are properly served. She explained that she looks forward to having opportunities to learn more about the development project. Councilmember Finley congratulated firefighter Combs on his 42 years of service and shared that she believes that speaks volumes about the community. She went on to congratulate the beautification winners for investing in the community. Councilmember Finley reminded citizens that Council's decisions are not taken lightly and she reaches out to the community to be sure to understand what they want. She plans to continue serving and leading with excellence, integrity, and respect for others. Councilmember Finley ended by instructing anyone wanting to speak to her personally to contact Clerk Landis. Vice Mayor Brown thanked the community for her second election. She believes each Council Member is a leader and represents residents with sincerity. In 2022, Vice Mayor Brown would like Council to work collectively as each member has a different skill set that works well together; however divided, the community falls apart. She went on to say that there are some that use different people to speak for them, yet Council speaks for you and Council City of Trotwood Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 3, 2022 must be held accountable for what they say and do. Council must evoke the vision for the City with complete transparency; she asks for that and gives that and believes the citizens deserve that. Vice Mayor Brown reiterated the she gives her all and she hopes the community knows that. Councilmember Gales would like to thank Ward 1 for putting her back in office. She expressed that she would like to see more citizens involved in the school. Councilmember Gales agrees with everything Vice Mayor Brown stated and shared how much she loves serving the City. She is very excited about everything going on in Trotwood and feels the community is doing great. b. Mayor: To schedule an appointment with the Mayor, please contact the Clerk of Council at 937-854-7212, between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mayor McDonald reiterated that the City of Trotwood is on the move because of individuals who have done a lot of work, but who you don't always see. She explained that when she came to Council they were looking at about 20 years of disinvestment and everything was moving out of the community. Mayor McDonald asked that Council be thinking about how to make the community a place where developers want to come, where people want to invest. As a group, Council must stick together for the development of this City; it should be about the business of Trotwood. As one unit, Council should be sharing information and trust City staff. Mayor McDonald also encouraged Council Members to take advantage of National League of City education. She shared that she believes they must remain the leaders of the community instead of looking like a divided body. Mayor McDonald encourage citizens to attend Council meetings and become educated about the community; to not rely on rumor. Mayor McDonald shared that she is looking forward to working with Vice Mayor Page. She thanked Councilwoman Brown for serving as Vice Mayor for the last two years and Councilman Vaughn for being willing to take the nomination. She reminded those with questions about the Elevate to Trotwood project to talk with the developer as this was a $24 million that the community shouldn't have lost. c. Clerk of Council: Announcements There were no announcements. XVII. Adjourn Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Gales made a Motion and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. City of Trotwood Page 14