City Council

City of Trotwood 3035 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 937.837.7771 www.trotwood.org Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, July 1, 2024 6:30 PM Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center 4000 Lake Center Drive, Trotwood, Ohio 45426 City Council Mayor Yvette F. Page Vice Mayor Tyna R. Brown, Ward 4 Council Member Bettye L. Gales, Ward 1 Council Member Martha H. Clark, 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 July 1, 2024 I. Call to Order Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Clerk Landis took Roll Call and advised that Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn were unable to attend the meeting and respectfully requested an excused absence. Present: 5 - Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Yvette F. Page Excused: 2 - Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Quincy Pope, Clerk of Council Kara Landis, Assistant Law Director Chris Conard, Deputy City Manager Stephanie Kellum, Finance Director Chris Peeples, Assistant Finance Director Julie Kilbarger, Tax Supervisor Sue Bowman, Fire Chief Rick Haacke, Deputy Fire Chief Chad McInturff, Police Chief Erik Wilson, Planning and Zoning Administrator Tyler Hauck, Operations Supervisor Johnny McCluskey, Code Enforcement Supervisor Max Fuller, Code Enforcement Officer Seth Charlton, TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing, TCIC Project Manager Derek Williams, and Marketing Coordinator Charles Wheeler. VISITORS PRESENT: Estella Crews, Dominic Flemingson, Valerie Arnold, Larry White, Melanie White, Elveria Brown Goolsby, Yoonmee Hampson, Tom Grady, Karla Merchant-Parrish, Robyn Ladson, JoAnne Orihood, Monica Smoot, James Smoot, Teresa Wendell, Paula Crest, Daleray Sample, Khalid Karriem, and Marie Battle. III. Invocation Mayor Page gave the Invocation. IV. Pledge of Allegiance Led by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Mayor Page announced that the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Commander Jerry Ferris and the Department of Ohio Military Order of the Purple Heart Honor Guard. City of Trotwood Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 V. Ceremony and Proclamation PR24-24 Military Order of the Purple Heart Attachments: PR24-24 PRESS RELEASE - Purple Heart City Following the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, Commander Ferris explained the Purple Heart decoration and what it means to be a Purple Heart City. He then accepted a Proclamation from Mayor Page and presented the City with a plaque recognizing the City of Trotwood as a Purple Heart City. The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps. VI. Approve the Agenda Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve the Agenda. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Council Member Gales, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn City of Trotwood Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 VII. 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. Ms. Estella Crews, 4434 Redonda Lane, came before Council to say "Thank You" for addressing her complaint brought forward last month in regards to barnyard animals in her neighborhood. Specifically, she thanked City Manager Pope and Code Enforcement for contacting her the morning after the meeting and for handling the matter so expeditiously. Mr. Domonic Flemingson, Sergeant at Arms with American Legion Post 613 located at 27 Meadows Drive, congratulated the City on becoming a Purple Heart City. He then asked for the City to consider resurfacing the road in front of their building and to replace the stop sign, which is currently white, not red. Further, he shared that they would like to dedicate the northwest corner of Meadows Drive to a recently fallen comrade who was active in many local organizations. Lastly, on behalf of Post 613, he expressed interest in partnering with the City to support veterans, youth, and Americanism. Ms. Valerie Arnold, 5699 Hillary Street, explained that she sent an e-mail to Code Enforcement last Friday regarding barking and howling dogs. She shared that she feels helpless with this issue. She was told by the Police Department to contact their non-emergency number. She explained that she provided several recordings so they could hear the noise so she doesn't understand why she has to wait for the police. Mr. Larry White, 981 North Snyder Road, stated that he has spoken with City Manager and Deputy City Manager about wifi service and he was told by Goodwill Easterseals that the federal government was providing money to cities who do not have wifi service. He was also told June 1 that activity was to take place, but nothing has occurred to date. He expressed that living in an area without wifi service is a hazard and he would like some answers. Further, he advised Council that trash service did not run the week of Juneteenth, even though it was to be a modified schedule. Ms. Melanie White, 981 North Snyder Road, shared that she would like to see more progress within the City and she would like a better understanding as to what is being done to bring businesses back. She sees that home ownership is on the rise, but she would like to know what the plan is for Consumer Square; what used to be the Salem Mall; and what used to be K-Mart. She commented that it is very disheartening to see surrounding cities grow while Trotwood sits stagnant. She added that she is invested in the City and would like to involve more of her generation in hopes of promoting more growth. City of Trotwood Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 VIII. Special Presentations PR23-24 Electronic Waste Week and Shred Day Charles Wheeler, Marketing Coordinator Parks and Recreation Department Marketing Coordinator Charles Wheeler shared details about the upcoming Electronic Waste Week and Shred Day. PR25-24 Trotwood Community Market Charles Wheeler, Marketing Coordinator Parks and Recreation Department Marketing Coordinator Charles Wheeler shared details about the upcoming Trotwood Community Market. IX. Consent Agenda Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Council Member Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn SR24-18 Minutes from the June 3, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting. Attachments: 2024-06-03 DRAFT Meeting Minutes The meeting minutes were approved and will be filed according to the City's Retention Schedule. SR24-19 Minutes from the June 18, 2024 Special City Council Meeting. Attachments: 2024-06-18 DRAFT Meeting Minutes The meeting minutes were approved and will be filed according to the City's Retention Schedule. R24-47 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL TO CANCEL THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024. THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024. Attachments: R24-47 This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 R24-48 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A CITY-SPONSORED ELECTRONIC WASTE WEEK AND SHRED DAY EVENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF COMBATTING IDENTITY THEFT THROUGH THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC AND PRINTED MATERIALS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000.00). Attachments: R24-48 This Resolution was approved. R24-54 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A CITY-SPONSORED COMMUNITY MARKET, WHICH SERVES A VALID PUBLIC PURPOSE OF PROMOTING STRONG COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WITH EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($300.00). Attachments: R24-54 This Resolution was approved. R24-55 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AUDITOR TO REMOVE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED AGAINST A PARCEL OF PROPERTY FOR THE CITY’S CUTTING, REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDS, VEGETATION AND/OR GRASS FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE. Attachments: R24-55 R24-55 Exhibit A This Resolution was approved. City of Trotwood Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 X. Resolutions R24-49 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A GRANT THROUGH THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, IF AWARDED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING GEAR DRYERS FOR THE TROTWOOD FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT. Attachments: R24-49 Fire Chief Rick Haacke shared that this Resolution will allow the Fire and Rescue Department to accept grant funds, if awarded. He explained that recipients are typically announced in August when Council is on vacation so this pre-approval would eliminate any delays. He shared that the grant funds will be used to purchase gear dryers as part of their on-going initiative to combat cancer as the dryers help the thermal stability of their PPE, ensuring the maximum life of the equipment. Chief Haacke added that the new fire truck in the parking lot was the result of a purchase with grant funds from this same program. Mayor Page request a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-49. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Council Member Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn City of Trotwood Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 R24-50 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FROM THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION, IF AWARDED, FOR PHASE ONE OF THE EPPINGTON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT. Attachments: R24-50 R24-50 Map Deputy City Manager Stephanie Kellum was excited to share details of grant funds awarded to complete the Eppington Water Main Replacement Project. She explained that the project will be completed in four phases and this is phase one. Operations Supervisor Johnny McCluskey added that they are already working on the application for phase two. Council Member Finley asked if the infrastructure improvements will include resurfacing the road. Deputy City Manager Kellum explained that paving will occur after the project is completed and that it is not part of this project. Council Member Finley then asked about the timeline to complete the work. Deputy City Manager Kellum explained that the project will be completed this year, pending any delays - not including the resurfacing. Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-50. Council Member Finley made a Motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn R24-51 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FROM THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION, IF AWARDED, FOR PHASE ONE OF THE MACMILLAN WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT. Attachments: R24-51 R24-51 Map Deputy City Manager Kellum explained that this project is similar to Resolution No. R24-50, but for work on Macmillan. She added that this project will be completed in two phases, with this being phase one. Operations Supervisor McCluskey added that because there is certain criteria to be eligible for these grant funds, they first review what needs meet the criteria, then determine what eligible projects to include in the grant application. Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-51. Council Member Moore made a Motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 4- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page City of Trotwood Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn Abstain: 1- Council Member Finley R24-52 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA ABATEMENT AGREEMENT WITH GATED PROPERTIES GLOBAL V, LLC FOR A ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR A PERIOD OF FIFTEEN (15) YEARS. Attachments: R24-52 R24-52 Exhibit A City Manager Quincy Pope introduced this legislation by explaining that this new Italian-based business will bring 250 jobs to the City. He added that combined with the other recent new business, there will be a total of 500 new jobs in the Industrial Park, which should help drive the necessary dollars to attract retails businesses. TCIC Executive Director Chad Downing announced that Westrafo is coming to Trotwood and that they recognize the City for its available resources. He added that this is truly a community win, then explained that Trotwood Madison Schools and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) support this agreement, which was a necessary tool in order to compete against other communities who already had tax abatements on their available sites. Director Downing explained that because of the income tax to be generated, this offsets the property taxes that would have been collected and added that when the agreement expires in 15 years, it cannot be extended. Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-52. Vice Mayor Brown made a Motion, seconded by Council Member Finley, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn City of Trotwood Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 R24-53 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH GATED PROPERTIES GLOBAL V, LLC, THE TROTWOOD-MADISON BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND THE MIAMI VALLEY CAREER TECHNOLOGY CENTER SCHOOL BOARD TO PROVIDE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR TROTWOOD-MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS. Attachments: R24-53 R24-53 Exhibit A TCIC Executive Director Downing explained that this agreement will fund interns so to create opportunities for students, similar to the agreement with Beontag (FKA Technicote). Intern placements are reserved for Trotwood Madison students and MVCTC students, with preference to those from Trotwood. He stated that per the agreement, if no interns are placed, the company will donate $2,000.00 per internship to Trotwood Madison Schools in support of other initiatives. Director Downing shared that both schools are in support of this agreement, noting both schools have formally approved the agreement. Council Member Finley asked if the internships are full-time. Director Downing advised that these are part-time paid internships at a rate of minimum wage or higher. Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-53. Council Member Moore made a Motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn City of Trotwood Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 R24-56 A RESOLUTION BY THE TROTWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH WESTRAFO AMERICA, LLC TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS INTO A NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY TO BE LOCATED AT 6214 WOLF CREEK PIKE IN THE CITY OF TROTWOOD, OHIO. Attachments: R24-56 R24-56 Exhibit A TCIC Executive Director Downing stated that this agreement with Westrafo is a tool that the City has used with other businesses, and it serves to contribute back and improve the success of the business. He added that the agreement is designed so that the business benefits by doing more and creating more jobs because it calculates a percentage of their payroll's withholding, to which the City gives back from a non-tax revenue sources. Director Downing shared that this type of agreement allows a business to grow as they need, which in turn benefits the City. Mayor Page requested a Motion to approve Resolution No. R24-56. Council Member Moore made a Motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, and the Motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Council Member Gales, Council Member Moore, Council Member Finley, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Page Excused: 2- Council Member Clark and Council Member Vaughn XI. Old and New Business There was no old or new business presented. XII. Comments A. Clerk of Council: Announcements Clerk Landis announced that City Council will be on vacation during the month of August and that the next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd due to the Labor Day holiday on the first Monday of September. Clerk Landis also introduced Monica Steed, the City's part-time Deputy Clerk of Council. City of Trotwood Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 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. Vice Mayor Brown thanked Charles Wheeler, staff, and volunteers for organizing an amazing concert last Saturday evening. She recognized that it was not just about a national recording artist, but about the community engagement as many people attended, regardless of the rain. She was excited to witness many residents come out and enjoy their time together as a community. Vice Mayor Brown added that the community is growing together and that information about events is posted on various mediums (Facebook, City website, newspaper, etc.) Council Member Moore echoed Vice Mayor Brown's comments about the concert and expressed that it was an amazing event and that she is looking forward to the upcoming concerts. She then recognized Charles Wheeler for a great job. Council Member Gales commented that the young man recently killed was a Trotwood-Madison student. She then shared that she attended the NBC-LEO conference in Chicago and they presented on affordable housing, which included a booklet that she has found to be a great resource. She explained that one of the innovative ideas they discussed was putting housing in warehouses so that it is affordable, and from what she learned, it seems to be successful. Council Member Gales ended by thanking TCIC Executive Director Downing for his work on the agreements that incentivized the new business to come to Trotwood. After City Manager spoke, Council Member Moore asked if the new fire truck was available for viewing. Chief Haacke shared that the truck is no longer in the parking lot, but that arrangements can be made so that it is available at a time convenient for Council. City of Trotwood Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final July 1, 2024 C. City Manager City Manager Pope thanked Council for supporting events like the concert that was held this past weekend and that it will only get bigger and better. He also discussed Consumer Square, stating that the City does not own the development and that previously the City initiated litigation, but the owner then filed for bankruptcy and the development was sold at an auction. City Manager Pope said that he advised the new owner that the City will not tolerate non-compliance and that they will continue with the same actions. In regards to the complaint about the barking dog, City Manager Pope clarified that the police are to be called because this is an intrusion on a person's peace and that is a violation of the City's noise ordinance; not to be confused with code enforcement. He instructed Ms. Arnold to see the police chief after the meeting to discuss her signing a formal complaint, which could result in her going to court; or, she could possibly take further legal action due to the interruption of her fulfillment and joy. City Manager Pope then addressed Mr. Flemingson and his concerns with the road near the American Legion, stating he would stop by to view the area and discuss possible resolutions. City Manager Pope reminded everyone that his door is always open and that they have a common goal as he wants the same things for this community as other residents do because he also lives here. D. Mayor Mayor Page shared that she is proud to now be a Purple Heart City. She also discussed the Community Movie Night, in addition to the recent concert, and added that there were no incidents at either event. She reiterated that Trotwood is safe. Mayor Page emphasized that you can come to the Government Center to speak with her, the City Manager, or the Clerk, and that Council Members are always available. XIII. Adjourn Mayor Page adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. City of Trotwood Page 12