City Council

City of Trotwood 3035 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 937.837.7771 www.trotwood.org Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, November 6, 2023 6:30 PM Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center 4000 Lake Center Drive, Trotwood, Ohio 45426 City Council Mayor Mary A. McDonald Vice Mayor Yvette F. Page Council Member Bettye L. Gales Council Member Charles Ron Vaughn Council Member Tyna R. Brown Council Member Rhonda C. Finley Council Member Robert L. Kelley, Jr. Clerk of Council Kara B. Landis City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 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 Bettye L. Gales, Councilmember Tyna R. Brown, Councilmember Charles Ron Vaughn and Vice Mayor Yvette Page STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Pope, Clerk of Council Landis, Deputy City Manager Stephanie Kellum, Assistant Law Director Sarah Sparks, Finance Director Chris Peeples, Assistant Finance Director Julie Kilbarger, Fire Chief Richard Haacke, Deputy Fire Chief Chad McInturff, Police Chief Erik Wilson, Deputy Police Chief Mark Ecton, Planner Max Fuller, TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing, Income Tax Supervisor Sue Bowman, and Assistant to the City Manager Cheryl Wheeler. VISITORS PRESENT: Yoonmee Hampson, Janice Chinn, Roy Hinton III, Tom Grady, Sister Martha Bertke, Sister Mary Garascia, Sister Mary Garke, Frank Gavrilos, Larry Bryant II, Helen Bryant, JoAnne Orihood, Don Steed, Martha Erwin, Delsia Taylor, Bonnie Smith, Valerie Hamilton, Richard Eldrige, David Young, and Anna Gales. V. Approve the Agenda Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve the Agenda. A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Page, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS: To comment on a topic not scheduled for a Public Hearing, 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. There were no public comments. VII. Special Presentations and Recognitions There were no special presentations or recognitions. VIII. Consent Agenda Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A Motion was made by Councilmember Gales, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page SR23-25 Minutes from the October 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. Attachments: 2023-10-02 DRAFT Meeting Minutes The meeting minutes were approved and will be filed according to the City's Retention Schedule. R23-70 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL TO CERTIFY DELINQUENT CHARGES FOR THE CITY’S CUTTING, REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS, VEGETATION AND/OR GRASS TO THE AUDITOR OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO, FOR PLACEMENT ON THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R23-70 R23-70 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. R23-71 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY-SPONSORED 21ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000.00). Attachments: R23-71 This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 R23-72 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW OFFICE OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER TO PROVIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO INDIGENT PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLATIONS OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES FOR THE YEAR 2024, UNDER CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Attachments: R23-72 R23-72 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. R23-73 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY-SPONSORED ANNUAL OUTDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHT CONTEST TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CASH PRIZES TO THE WINNERS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00). Attachments: R23-73 This Resolution was approved. R23-75 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING RHONDA L. SUMLIN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD, STATE OF OHIO, FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF FORMER MEMBER SHARRON A. WILLIAMS. Attachments: R23-75 This Resolution was approved. 23-21 A Motion by the Trotwood City Council to schedule a Public Hearing and to authorize the Law Director to prepare legislation adopting the 2024 Wage Scales for full-time and part-time non-union employees of the City of Trotwood. This Motion was approved and a Public Hearing will be scheduled. 23-22 A Motion by the Trotwood City Council to schedule a Public Hearing and to authorize the Law Director to prepare legislation establishing the annual appropriations for expenses and expenditures of the City of Trotwood for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. This Motion was approved and a Public Hearing will be scheduled. City of Trotwood Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 23-23 A Motion by the Trotwood City Council to schedule a Public Hearing and to authorize the Law Director to prepare legislation amending Ordinance No. OR30-22, the annual appropriations for expenses and expenditures for the City of Trotwood for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. This Motion was approved and a Public Hearing will be scheduled. 23-24 A Motion by the Trotwood City Council to schedule a Public Hearing and to authorize the Law Director to prepare legislation amending Section 1501.04 “Enforcement” of the Trotwood Codes of Ordinances to ensure clearance of fire hydrants when on private property. This Motion was approved and a Public Hearing will be scheduled. IX. Open Public Hearings To comment during a Public Hearing, please fill out a Speaker Form and return it to the Clerk of Council BEFORE the start of the meeting. When instructed, please stand to be sworn in by the Mayor. When the Mayor calls the Ordinance you wish to speak on, you will be asked to step to the microphone, state your name and address, and proceed with your comments. Only comments relating to that specific Ordinance are permissible. You will have three (3) minutes to speak. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to open the Public Hearings. A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Page, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 X. Ordinances OR34-23 AN ORDINANCE BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE CURRENT REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CITY OF TROTWOOD CODES OF ORDINANCES. Attachments: OR34-23 OR34-23 Exhibit A City Manager Pope explained that annually, the City's Codes of Ordinances are updated in order to comply with State law and to incorporate ordinances previously adopted by the City Council. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to adopt Ordinance No. OR34-23. A Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page OR35-23 AN ORDINANCE BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER 184 “INCOME TAX EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016” OF THE TROTWOOD CODES OF ORDINANCES. Attachments: OR35-23 OR35-23 Exhibit A City Manager Pope advised that this Ordinance will update the City's income tax code per House Bill 33 and the State's new budget bill. Tax Administrator Sue Bowman shared that updates include capping the late filing fee at $25 per year, which was previously set at $25 per month for each month late - up to $150 per year, and the first year's fee may be abated. She stated another change is that those under the age of 18 do not need to file a return until the year they turn 18, and the Net Operating Loss will be up to the full amount for five (5) years. Councilmember Finley asked if the changes are a benefit to the citizens. Tax Administrator Bowman confirmed that these changes are a benefit to citizens and added that the City mails letters regarding non-filings after the due date, or the due date of their extension. Tax Administrator Bowman also confirmed that the City offers free filing services, but they prefer residents call to schedule an appointment. Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to adopt Ordinance No. OR35-23. A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Page, seconded by Councilmember Finley,and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 XI. Close Public Hearings Mayor McDonald requested a Motion to close the Public Hearings. A Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 7- Mayor McDonald, Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page XII. Resolutions City of Trotwood Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 R23-74 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH TECHNICOTE, INC. TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS INTO THE NEW INDUSTRIAL SPACE LOCATED AT 6206 WOLF CREEK PIKE IN THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R23-74 R23-74 Exhibit A Prior to the reading of the caption, Mayor McDonald announced that she was recusing herself from Resolution No. R23-74. Mayor McDonald stepped off the Dais and exited the Community Room. Mayor McDonald returned to the Dais after the vote and added that she recused herself because the owner of the building supported her campaign. TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing presented information about Technicote, a company that has committed to occupying the new 200,000 square foot building in the Industrial Park. He explained that due to the significant investment of over $50 million, the City has agreed to an income-tax rebate incentive program similar to the agreement with Gordon Food Services in order to provide support during the onset of their long-term growth. Vice Mayor Page asked for clarification as to the location of Technicote. Director Downing confirmed they will be moving into the new building in the Industrial Park. Vice Mayor Page asked where the company is currently located. Director Downing answered that the company is currently located in Miamisburg and they have other locations throughout the country. Councilmember Finley asked of the 223 jobs, how many will be new jobs. Director Downing announced Technicote will be bringing approximately 70 jobs from Miamsburg and that there will be approximately 163 new jobs. Councilmember Finley then asked what are the requirements for the workforce. Director Downing stated that these will be jobs that current residents can fill and that the company plans to recruit from CTC and other schools, and provide on-the-job training. Director Downing introduced Mr. Frank Gavrilos, President at Technicote. Mr. Gavrilos stated that Technicote has been based in Miamisburg for 43 years and that they have other facilities in Ohio, Indiana, California, and North Carolina. He added that last September, the company was acquired by an international company that wants to expand the business so they started looking for a new home and found the facility in Trotwood. He explained that they are investing over $50 million, which includes the installation of three coding machines and each machine is 180 feet long, 353 feet tall, and 8 feet wide and produces approximately 50,000 - 60,000 tons of paper. In addition, part of their investment is for RFID manufacturing, which is not yet common in the United States. Mr. Gavrilos commented that they will have jobs at all skill levels and they will be educating and training people on skills they can use now and in the future. Councilmember Gales stated that she teaches special needs students who will City of Trotwood Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 most likely not attend college so she appreciates this opportunity for them. Mr. Gavrilos agreed and added that this is a way to give back - he believes this committment is a two-way street. Councilmember Gales shared that this will also be a great opportunity for food trucks. Vice Mayor Page stated that this will be an opportunity for all types of businesses and it is very exciting. Councilmember Finley reitered that the City is here to help as needed. Vice Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R23-74. A Motion was made by Councilmember Vaughn, seconded by Councilmember Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Councilmember Finley, Councilmember Kelley Jr., Councilmember Gales, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Vaughn and Vice Mayor Page Recused: 1- Mayor McDonald XIII. Old and New Business XIV. Comments A. Clerk of Council: Announcements The City of Trotwood is continuing to seek input from residents relating to the Community Communications Strategy Project through a serious of Focus Groups. There are five Focus Groups and each one will drill down into a topic of conversation as identified through the stakeholder survey and during discussions at the Public Launch. Focus Groups will be meeting between November 30th and December 2nd. Please visit the City’s website for more information or contact Cheryl Wheeler, Assistant to the City Manager, at 937.854.7215 or cwheeler@trotwood.org. City of Trotwood Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 B. 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. Councilmember Finley announced that she will not be at the December meeting as she will be traveling out of the country, returning after the first of the year. She thanked everyone for giving her the opportunity to serve for the last eight years and that she has enjoyed working as an elected official. Councilmember Finley shared that the last few years have been especially productive with a new grocery store, the Goodwill Easterseals building, a new library, the new industrial building, new housing, roadway resurfacing, and balanced budgets. She stated that she is very happy with the results of their hard work. Councilmember Finley ended by reminding citizens that tomorrow is election day and that regardless of the outcome, her passion will never go away; winning or losing does not define her, her faith, family, and making a difference in the life of citizens is most important to her. Councilmember Gales reiterated that voting is a right and a privilege so be sure to use your voice and vote. Vice Mayor Page thanked Charles Wheeler (Marketing Coordinator, Recreation Department) for a successful "Trunk or Treat" event and also reminded citizens to exercise their right to vote. Councilmember Vaughn shared that he has been on Council for 22 years and he believes elections should not be about party affiliation, color, class, income, or anything else other than being a servant to the community. He asked citizens to look at where the City has been, where the City is going, and to understand the importance of leadership. Councilmember Brown reiterated that citizens need to vote and welcomed and thanked Technicote. Councilman Kelley reminded everyone to vote, and to vote your heart. He added that there are consequences for the decisions you make. C. City Manager City Manager Pope had no comments. D. Mayor Mayor McDonald reminded citizens that there is a strong interest in things being voted on tomorrow; things that matter to family values and the leadership of the City. She added that she wants to continue the great things happening in the City, things like the announcement this evening, as well as more new things coming soon. Mayor McDonald announced that Gordon Food Services will be holding their grand opening on Tuesday, November 14th and that Trotwood is very much on the move. City of Trotwood Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 6, 2023 XV. Adjourn Mayor McDonald asked for a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice Mayor Page made a Motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. City of Trotwood Page 10