City Council

City of Trotwood 3035 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 937.837.7771 www.trotwood.org Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, January 8, 2024 6:30 PM Executive Session at 6:00 PM Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center 4000 Lake Center Drive, Trotwood, Ohio 45426 City Council Mayor Yvette F. Page Council Member Tyna R. Brown, Ward 4 Council Member Bettye L. Gales, Ward 1 Council Member (Vacant), Ward 2 Council Member Charles Ron Vaughn, Ward 3 Council Member Rhonda C. Finley, At Large Council Member Denise Moore, At Large Clerk of Council Kara B. Landis City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 I. Call to Order Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Invocation Mayor Page gave the Invocation. III. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Page led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Clerk Landis took Roll Call. Present: 6 - Council Member Bettye L. Gales, Council Member Denise Moore, Council Member Rhonda C. Finley, Council Member Charles Ron Vaughn, Council Member Tyna R. Brown and Mayor Yvette F. Page STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Quincy Pope, Clerk of Council Kara Landis, Assistant Law Director Ben Mazer, Deputy City Manager Stephanie Kellum, 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, Income Tax Supervisor Sue Bowman, Marketing Coordinator Charles Wheeler, Code Enforcement Supervisor Max Fuller, TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing, and Assistant to the City Manager Cheryl Wheeler. VISITORS PRESENT: Yoonmee Hampson, Larry Bryant, Cathy Davis, Harold Davis, Wanda Lander, Angela Battle, Jannetta Jones, Colleen Vollmer, Janet Foote, Steve Foote, Eugene Crase, Vickie Crase, Herbert Marshall, Richard Eldridge, William Smith, K. Merchant-Parrish, JoAnne Orihood, Steve Johnson, Bee Johnson, Tom Grady, and Janice Chinn. V. Approve the Agenda Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve the Agenda. A Motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council Member Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 VI. Executive Session SR24-03 The Trotwood City Council will move into Executive Session pursuant to Section 121.22(G)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code for the purpose of discussing the appointment of a public official. Mayor Page requested a Motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Section 121.22(G)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code. A Motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council Member Vaughn, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page VII. Adjourn Executive Session Mayor Page requested a Motion to adjourn the Executive Session. A Motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council Member Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 VIII. 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. Mr. Norman Scearce of 5636 Westcreek Drive shared that prior to the last election, he received a call from the Dayton Daily Newspaper telling him that his opponents wanted them to run a story about assessments owed by his church, assessments that were acquired when they purchased it from Mt. Olive. Mr. Scearce explained that this conversation caused him to revisit discussions he had with the City back in 2016. He stated that in February 2014, the building was purchased after years of vacancy and dilapidation. Further, in April 2016, he approached City Manager Pope with the possibility of mitigating the assessments from when the building was vacant in exchange for him investing in the building, saving the City $274,000, which was the cost for demolition. Mr. Scearce shared details of a letter received from City Manager Pope indicating the City was committed to working with him to mitigate the amounts assessed by the City (weeds, mowing, curb, gutter, etc.) as they are the only assessments the City could mitigate. Mr. Scearce shared that after receiving this letter, he addressed City Manager Pope with hopes that the City would honor the agreement. He stated that the City reneged on the agreement. Mr. Scearce explained that he is here today to see if the City is open to renegotiating the agreement to mitigate the assessments. He added that prior to the tornado, they invested half a million dollars and after the tornado, they invested another half a million dollars. He further stated that should the City mitigate or forgive all of the assessments, the total amount would still not exceed the $274,000 the City saved by not having to demolish the building. He adding that this is not just between Church and State, this was a business deal that is no different that the incentives given to Gordon Food Service, Storage USA, Gated Properties, etc. Mr. Scearce believes that no one was investing in Trotwood until he did so, and, his investment created jobs and offers services to residents. Mr. Scearce feels it is in the City's best interest to continue negotiations mitigating these assessments. Mayor Page thanked Mr. Scearce and commented that the matter would be taken under advisement. Mr. William Smith of 7617 Springdawn Drive asked City Council to consider honoring veterans like him by hanging military banners along the main thoroughfares, similar to many surrounding communities. Mayor Page thanked Mr. Smith for his service and explained that there are certain protocols that must be followed before committing to something like this so the City will do their research and consider his suggestion. Mr. Smith also asked about having RTA extend their routes to other areas within the City. Mayor Page shared that the City does not oversee RTA; however, she will learn how to best make such suggestions. Mr. Herbert Marshall of 151 Tapestry Lane encouraged City Council and the audience to participate in the many programs offered through Goodwill Easterseals in Trotwood. Mr. Marshall also expressed his appreciation for LaVar GLover, Director of Operations at the West Campus, for his leadership. City of Trotwood Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 IX. Special Presentations and Recognitions PR01-24 2023 Outdoor Holiday Light Contest Winners Attachments: PR01-24 Presentation Marketing Coordinator Charles Wheeler presented the winners of the 2023 Outdoor Holiday Light Contest and shared that the contest was sponsored by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Premier Health, and the City. First Place was awarded to Kailey Brown; Second Place was awarded to Vickie Crase; and Third Place was awarded to Cathy Davis. X. Open Nominations for Vice-Mayor Mayor Page requested a Motion to open nominations for the appointment of Vice Mayor. A Motion was made by Council Member Gales, seconded by Council Member Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page Council Member Finley nominated Council Member Brown. There were no other nominations from the floor. XI. Close Nominations for Vice-Mayor Mayor Page requested a Motion to close nominations. A Motion was made by Council Member Vaughn, seconded by Council Member Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page XII. Elect Vice-Mayor Because there was only one nomination, an election was not held. Council Member Brown will be appointed as the Vice Mayor by legislation to be presented later on the Agenda. XIII. Consent Agenda Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A Motion was made by Council Member Brown, seconded by Council Member Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 SR24-01 Minutes from the December 4, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. Attachments: 2023-12-04 DRAFT Meeting Minutes The meeting minutes were approved and will be filed according to the City's Retention Schedule. R24-01 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 2024 IN THE CITY OF TROTWOOD, STATE OF OHIO. Attachments: R24-01 This Resolution was approved. R24-02 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AGAINST CERTAIN PARCELS OF PROPERTY FOR THE CITY’S CUTTING, REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS, VEGETATION AND/OR GRASS FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-02 R24-02 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. R24-03 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF TROTWOOD TO HOST A MEETING FOR THE FIRST SUBURBS CONSORTIUM OF DAYTON, OHIO, TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($750.00). Attachments: R24-03 This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 R24-04 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY-SPONSORED BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXPRESSION 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 FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($450.00). Attachments: R24-04 R24-04 Flyer This Resolution was approved. R24-05 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY-SPONSORED ANNUAL FAMILY REUNION WEEKEND TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00). Attachments: R24-05 This Resolution was approved. R24-06 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A CITY-SPONSORED “TRUNK-OR-TREAT” EVENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000.00). Attachments: R24-06 This Resolution was approved. R24-07 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE “COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT FUTURE SUMMIT: FINAL PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY AND TOOLKIT,” A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS ($700.00). Attachments: R24-07 This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 R24-08 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL REAPPOINTING KAREN HOLLAND TO THE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-08 This Resolution was approved. R24-09 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL REAPPOINTING KAREN BRYANT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-09 This Resolution was approved. R24-10 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING ANGELA COE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-10 This Resolution was approved. R24-11 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL REAPPOINTING STEVE JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-11 This Resolution was approved. R24-12 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING RICHARD ELDRIDGE TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-12 This Resolution was approved. R24-13 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING VALERIE HAMILTON TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-13 This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 R24-14 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING BIANCA MILLER TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-14 This Resolution was approved. R24-15 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING RICHARD ELDRIDGE TO THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE APPEALS BOARD FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-15 This Resolution was approved. R24-16 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING LARRY BRYANT TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-16 This Resolution was approved. R24-17 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING KHALILAH FORTE TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FOR THE CITY OF TROTWOOD. Attachments: R24-17 This Resolution was approved. R24-19 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST A CERTAIN PARCEL OF PROPERTY FOR DELINQUENT CHARGES FOR WATER SERVICE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-19 R24-19 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 R24-20 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST A CERTAIN PARCEL OF PROPERTY FOR DELINQUENT CHARGES FOR SEWER SERVICE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-20 R24-20 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. R24-21 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST A CERTAIN PARCEL OF PROPERTY FOR DELINQUENT CHARGES FOR STORM DRAINAGE SERVICE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-21 R24-21 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. R24-22 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST A CERTAIN PARCEL OF PROPERTY FOR DELINQUENT CHARGES FOR REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-22 R24-22 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. XIV. Resolutions 24-01 A Motion by the Trotwood City Council adding the name of the Council-elected Vice-Mayor to Resolution No. R24-18. Mayor Page requested a Motion to add Tyna Brown's name to Resolution No. R24-18. A Motion was made by Council Member Vaughn, seconded by Council Member Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 R24-18 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING A VICE-MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TROTWOOD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JANUARY 8, 2024 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025. Attachments: R24-18 Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution R24-18. A Motion was made by Council Member Finley, seconded by Council Member Vaughn, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page Mayor Page administered the Oath of Office to Vice Mayor Tyna R. Brown. XV. Staff Reports SR24-02 Trotwood City Council 2024 Appointments to Boards/Commissions Attachments: SR24-02 Appointments Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Staff Report SR24-02. A Motion was made by Council Member Vaughn, seconded by Council Member Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 6- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Council Member Vaughn, Council Member Brown and Mayor Page XVI. Old and New Business XVII. Comments A. Clerk of Council: Announcements Clerk Landis shared the following announcements: On Wednesday, January 17th, the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center will be in Trotwood so that residents can purchase their 2024 Montgomery County dog license. This event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at the Trotwood Government Center, which is located at 3035 Olive Road. The public is invited to attend the presentation of the Final Strategy of the "Community Communications Project.” The presentation will include the results of the Focus Groups, compiled with the Public Launch and Survey. This event is scheduled for Monday, February 5th beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will be held at the West Campus of Goodwill Easterseals located at 735 East Main Street in Trotwood. City of Trotwood Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 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. Council Member Gales wished everyone a Happy New Year and requested prayers for the Trotwood officer injured earlier in the day. She welcomed Council Member Moore and congratulated Council Member Finley on her reelection and Council Member Brown on being appointed as the new Vice Mayor. Council Member Vaughn expressed that he shares a vision with City Council, staff, and other employees of being a public servant. He knows everyone who comes in wants to do their very best with a clear mind and he is proud that the public opinion of him is that of a servant. Council Member Vaughn expressed that he is excited to continue serving the Trotwood community and will do his very best. Council Member Moore wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked the citizens of Trotwood for their support in electing her as the new Council Member At Large. She congratulated Mayor Page, Vice Mayor Brown, and Council Member Finley. She also thanked Clerk Landis for her orientation and shared that while she is still learning, she is excited to be a part of City Council. Council Member Finley thanked everyone for believing in her and allowing her to continue serving the residents of Trotwood. She also thanked the speakers who made public comments and assured them their issues will be reviewed. Council Member Brown congratulated Mayor Page, Council Member Finley, and Council Member Moore. She also thanked Council for appointing her Vice Mayor. She reminded residents that while Council is elected to serve them, we are all servants and it starts by taking care of your neighborhood. She encouraged residents to call about issues and talk with Council Members - it's the "See Something Say Something" adage - if City Council doesn't know there is a problem, they cannot help. Council Member Brown ended by reiterating that Council works as one body and she is looking forward to this new year. C. City Manager City Manager Pope shared that today a Trotwood police officer was involved in a critical incident that resulted in serious injuries. He stated that the officer is being treated at a local hospital and asked everyone to keep the officer and the department in their prayers. He added that Police Chief Wilson gave a comprehensive press conference earlier in the day. City of Trotwood Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final January 8, 2024 D. Mayor Mayor Page began by sharing that she is working to remove "I" and "Me" from her vocabulary and replace them with "We" and "Us". She reminded residents that the City Manager runs the daily operations of the City and City Council serves as the legislative branch. She credited the previous Council for starting the momentum being experienced in the City and she wants to work collectively to further elevate the City of Trotwood. Mayor Page ended by thanking everyone for trusting her to help lead the City. XVIII. Adjourn Mayor Page requested a Motion to Adjourn the meeting. Council Member Brown made a Motion, Seconded by Council Member Finley, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. City of Trotwood Page 12