Public Meetings - Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton City Commission convened on September 3, 2026, addressing a range of topics including a moment of silence for a deceased Haitian student, a semi-annual report from the Independent Accountability Auditor (IAA) on police complaints, public testimony on the proposed New Community Authority (NCA), and first readings of three resolutions, including one dedicating $1 million of general fund revenue to neighborhood development. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2026 meeting, with noted corrections. - City Manager’s Recommendations: The commission unanimously approved the city manager’s recommendations, which included several grant agreements for community development block grants and resolutions related to the NCA. Public Comments & Testimony On Calendar Items (6 speakers): - Sharon Screech (515 West Grand Avenue): Opposed the NCA, arguing it will impose a surcharge on downtown businesses and residents, disproportionately affecting low-income workers. She criticized the commission’s division and lack of trustworthiness. - Alec Johnson (3206 Linden Avenue): Opposed the NCA as a tool that centralizes power and risks burdening workers and customers. Proposed the Miami Valley Community Wealth Initiative as an alternative focused on import replacement and local ownership. - Lynn Lamance (1061 Bertram Avenue): Opposed the NCA, noting neglect of neighborhood business districts and raising concerns about gentrification. She also pressed for progress on a public hospital and maternity health services for Black women. - Ebony Hastings (1238 Wabash Avenue): Opposed the NCA and raised broader issues including the need for a forensic audit of city contracts, a housing trust fund, police vehicle abuse, and the city’s contract with Zen City (based in Tel Aviv). She also highlighted discrepancies in Daybreak numbers. - Rodney Stark (4526 Alfred Drive): Called the NCA a “Ponzi scheme,” arguing it will not benefit neighborhoods until bonds are paid. He criticized the use of ARPA funds and pointed to high unemployment and poverty rates in Dayton. - Talus Gage (1921 Gettysburg): Urged commissioners to focus on one street/block at a time for community improvement and expressed frustration with unmet communication from an unnamed official. On Legislation (11 speakers): - Talus Gage (again): Repeated his call for focused neighborhood work and threatened to campaign against three unnamed commissioners in the next election. - Sharon Screech (again): Asked for a timing dial instead of verbal time warnings. Criticized the commission for ignoring working-class residents and questioned who benefits from the NCA surcharge. - Bishop Jerome McCorey (1461 Cornell): Advocated for a strong mayor form of government via a charter change, arguing it would improve accountability and give the mayor a direct mandate. - Alec Johnson (again): The Miami Valley Community Wealth Initiative offers a practical alternative to NCA. Stated that public power should produce public wealth, not private accumulation. - Yusuf El Zayn (4906 Amberwood Drive): Condemned the death of Pierre Damas Bell (a Haitian student wearing an ICE ankle monitor) as a result of governmental hate and indifference. Also referenced violence in Lebanon and Gaza, urging the commission to reject indifference. - Lynn Lamance (again): Questioned the pause on the home repair loan program, board membership requirements (non-residents on HRC board), and asked for public access to IAA complaint details and patterns of officer behavior. - Ebony Hastings (again): Demanded real power for the IAA (full video review) and joint oversight with the county. Criticized police accountability in recent deaths (Brian Moody, Reginald Thomas) and called for more resources for recreation centers and pools. - Ryan Klein (1360 Cornell Drive): Described dangerous traffic conditions at Cornell and Catalpa, citing crashes and pedestrian injuries. Asked for physical barriers before a fatality occurs. - Rodney Stark (again): Criticized city management of ARPA funds, cited the city’s debt from Port Authority, and called for more oversight. Said “one trick pony downtown isn’t working” and called for new leadership. - Kevin Keller (3922 East 3rd Street): Raised traffic safety concerns on East Third Street hill, referencing near-fatal crashes. Criticized lack of action and the rule against citizens having water in chambers while commissioners do. - William Hookstedon (1216 Cornell Road): Supported Mr. Klein’s comments, noting he was hit while walking his dog 13 months ago, suffering three broken ribs. Discussion Items - IAA Semi-Annual Report (Presenter: Ms. Brown, Frost Brown Todd): - Reviewed citizen complaints against Dayton Police from Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026. Total of 70 originating incidents, with 23 citizen complaints and 60 specific allegations. - Complaints were 55% unfounded, 23% exonerated, 17% sustained (increase from previous 10% average), 3% not sustained, one in progress. - Sustained complaints (10) stemmed from three incidents involving three officers: oral reprimands for one officer (two incidents), written reprimands and no-work-together directive for two officers (eight allegations including discourtesy, missed court, insubordination). - IAA recommended revising the de-escalation policy to emphasize broader use (not just potentially violent encounters), address officer conduct that escalates situations, and clarify expectations. Policy review committee will meet within 30 days to consider changes. - Commissioners asked about follow-up, training (ICAT training planned for early next year), and how discrepancies in findings are handled. - New Community Authority (NCA) Resolutions (First Reading): - Resolution 6949-26: Declares the City of Dayton New Community Authority and District (renamed from “Citywide” due to confusion with Citywide Development Corporation) conducive to public safety and welfare. - Resolution 6950-26: Adds certain parcels to the district. - Resolution 6951-26 (added by Mayor): Supports dedicating $1 million of associated general fund revenue to fund and promote neighborhood development across the city. - Commissioners expressed support for the $1M resolution as a commitment to balance downtown development with neighborhood investment. Mayor Turner Sloss noted the NCA is a pilot; if it works, it will continue. - City Manager’s Comments: Updated that two police officers injured during an arrest of a domestic violence suspect were released from the hospital and are doing well. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - City manager’s recommendations approved unanimously. - First reading of three resolutions (6949, 6950, 6951) occurred; no vote taken on adoption – they will come back for second reading. - $1 million neighborhood development commitment formally introduced via resolution 6951-26, with commissioners pledging to work on strategies for neighborhood corridors. - IAA policy recommendation will be reviewed by the policy review committee within 30 days; Chief Henderson noted ICAT training will be rolled out department-wide early 2027. - Traffic safety will be investigated at Cornell/Catalpa and East Third Street; data collection and engineering evaluation promised. - Home repair loan program confirmed as reopened (the pause lifted). - Public education on strong mayor vs. city manager government suggested by Commissioner Fairchild. - Next meeting will be after Labor Day; City Hall closed September 7, 2026.

The Dayton City Commission met on August 26, 2026, at 14:43 UTC. The meeting opened with an invocation by Commissioner Shaw, a moment of silence for Lieutenant Johnson of the Dayton Fire Department, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call showed Mayor Turner Sloss, Commissioners Shaw, Fairchild, and Beckham present; Commissioner Joseph was excused by motion. The minutes of the August 19, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Demolition Update - Steve Rondell, Director of Planning, Neighborhood, and Development, presented the monthly demolition update for July 2026. - In July, 18 demolitions were completed (14 using ARPA funds, 1 general fund, 3 Ohio Department of Development funds). To date, 139 demolitions have been completed: 84 ARPA, 1 general fund, 52 ODOD, 2 CDBG. - 42% of planned demolitions for the year are completed, about 58% of the year elapsed. - Demolitions occurred in eight neighborhoods: Westwood (2), Residence Park (2), and others. Heavy activity in Miami Chapel (7), Santa Clara (5). - 12 new properties added to the structural nuisance list (7 houses, 4 garages, 1 commercial); 5 due to blight, 7 due to fire. Total now 101 structures (84 houses, 17 garages). - Pipeline: 29 properties went out for asbestos remediation. - ARPA-funded demolitions: 84 of 120 completed; must be finished by October 15, 2026. ODOD: 52 of 70 completed. CDBG demolitions (60-80) planned for Westwood and Burkhart neighborhoods after ARPA is done. - Commissioner Fairchild asked about total nuisance list (1,600), a citizen complaint about a property bought at sheriff's auction, and steps to prevent future issues. Staff working on resolution. - Commissioner Shaw raised concerns about: (1) Salem Avenue demolition (Buckeye cleaners) – active court case with Ohio EPA; staff directed to secure the site. (2) Santa Clara Business District demolition – to be considered in 2027 budget; caution tape and debris need attention. (3) Old bus barn (J. McGee) – bricks and debris remain; second phase remediation needed, coordination with Public Works. (4) Trees at Bryn Mawr and Oxford corner – overgrowth leading to dumping and encampments; director to coordinate with Public Works. 2026 Dayton Survey Presentation - Roma Yengo from the Office of Management and Budget presented the annual Dayton survey. - 13,000 surveys will be mailed starting next week using a randomized address-based sampling method. Vendor: ETC Institute (fifth year). Surveys are anonymous; expected 1,300 responses. - Residents returning surveys are entered into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card. Translation services available via a phone line. - The survey will remain open through November 2026; final report and dashboard expected in Q1 2027. - Commissioner Shaw confirmed survey results inform policy and budget direction. Information will be posted on the city website. Legislation - Second reading of Ordinance 32204-26: levying special assessments for special energy improvement projects in cooperation with the Dayton Regional Energy Special Improvement District. Passed 4-0 (Commissioner Joseph absent). Public Comments & Testimony On Calendar Items (5 speakers): - Alec Johnson (Hearthstone, DSA): Argued for import replacement and community wealth building, urging the city to support the Miami Valley Community Wealth Initiative. Cited spending on out-of-town insurance and called for a study to measure economic leakage. - Rodney Stark (45417): Clarified previous comments; thanked police/fire for response at cousin's residence; criticized city settlements and urged finishing processes; called out the clerk for lack of response to emails. - Dory Chamel (P.O. Box 16050): Questioned taxpayer funding for a settlement ($56,365.62) and a forensic video voucher ($7,042); expressed concern about unsolved homicide of KYD; questioned outsourced city jobs. - Paul Kerrigan (1525 Pershing): Asked about cost of a generator (item C4) and noted market price vs. $86,329; later commented on rental property neglect and money leaving Dayton. - Ebony Hastings (1238 Wabash): Demanded total public cost of Sierra Nevada project, promised jobs/payroll, and return on investment; criticized lack of transparency and trash cleanup. On General Comments (6 speakers): - Alec Johnson: Criticized capitalism and dysfunction; called for economic democracy, socialization, and abolition of capitalism; urged shifting power to workers and cooperatives. - Rodney Stark: Accused commissioners and clerk of not responding to emails; called for removal of the clerk; said the commission is in shambles. - Dory Chamel: Questioned a $3,500 payment to the NAACP; alleged hush money. - Paul Kerrigan: Thanked city for addressing speeding on his street (made a difference); again raised rental property disinvestment; said wealth is leaving Dayton. - Sharon Screech (515 West Grand): Expressed anger and disappointment over neglected neighborhoods, lack of trust, and perception that residents are not listened to; called for new city manager leadership; alleged targeting of a resident with bicycle tickets; demanded investigation. - Ebony Hastings: Criticized symbolic health care resolutions vs. lack of a public hospital plan; asked for specific partnerships (Cleveland Clinic, CareSource); demanded removal of Flock cameras citing Oshkosh example; called for retraining police in de-escalation; urged local business spending. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of August 19, 2026 meeting (unanimous). - Passed Ordinance 32204-26 (special energy improvements) with 4 votes. - Approved city manager's recommendations (consent calendar) with no opposition. - Commissioner Shaw directed staff to secure demolition sites (Salem Avenue, Santa Clara, J. McGee bus barn) and coordinate with Public Works on tree removal. - The 2026 Dayton Survey will be mailed starting August 27, with results presented in Q1 2027. - Mayor noted that the city is working on health care access (possibly a birthing center partnership) but cannot build a full hospital due to budget constraints and statutory limits. - Several commissioners responded to public comments, affirming their commitment to transparency and responsiveness. Next Steps - Staff will provide data on SOSI intern demographics and tracking (requested by Commissioner Shaw). - Mayor will work with administration on the hospital board appointments and potential partnerships. - Tax incentive review council reports (covering Sierra Nevada and other projects) are available on the city website; a link will be verified. - The Don't Be a Litterbug campaign was relaunched to address illegal dumping and blight; mayor called for shared accountability.

The Dayton City Commission met on August 20, 2026, with Mayor Shanice Turner Sloss presiding, Commissioners Joseph, Fairchild, and Beckham present, and Commissioner Shaw excused. The meeting opened with invocation, pledge, roll call, approval of minutes, and excused absence. The commission reviewed city manager recommendations, heard public testimony, passed legislation including an emergency zoning amendment and a resolution urging protection of health care and food access, and received a special presentation on the Academy for Thriving Communities. Consent Calendar - Motion to excuse the absence of Commissioner Shaw passed unanimously. - Minutes of the August 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony First Round – Calendar Items (8 speakers) - Ebony Hastings criticized the $567,952 consultant contract for a health insurance opt-out program that only enrolled three participants, calling for transparency on budget shortfalls and downtown investment disparities. She demanded a Cargill transition plan and dollar-for-dollar neighborhood investment. - Rodney Stark opposed tax abatements that he said shortfall Dayton Public Schools, citing a three million dollar deficit, and criticized a proposed hotel utilization tax. - Sandra Lewis (Amos BWHI Dayton) thanked the commission for the health care resolution, noting over 100,000 Montgomery County residents could be affected by federal cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. - India Moore supported the health care resolution, sharing her personal experience with Medicaid. - Alexis Renner (Inspired by Dayton, Black Women's Health Initiative) asked for a unanimous yes vote on the resolution. - Lynn Lamance raised concerns about housing code enforcement, including lack of translated yard standards, auto repair violations, and warning notices lingering for years. - Talas Gage spoke critically of the Woe Dogs lease at $407/month for five years, calling it unfair to residents. - Tara Fox Williams (Amos BWHI) thanked Commissioner Joseph and community partners for bringing the resolution forward. Second Round – General Public Comments (23 speakers) - Aaron Ship praised the Westwood Project and Academy for Thriving Communities for addressing litter, blight, and health hazards. - Ebony Hastings returned to discuss the Cargill transition plan, ARPA spending, and police station funding versus neighborhood needs. She demanded a Tamir Rice resolution and equal investment. - Rodney Stark criticized federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, blaming local representatives. - Hillary Lerman connected Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to the military-industrial complex and overseas conflicts. - Ebony Woodfork shared her positive experience with the Academy for Thriving Communities. - Yusuf El Zayn asked about city compliance with anti-child labor ordinances and whether they apply to companies tied to governments found responsible for genocide. - Serenity Jett, a youth participant, spoke about litter and safety issues in her neighborhood. - Yvonne Carrington urged the commission to address poverty directly, calling it the root of many problems. - India Moore questioned whether the commission truly cares, citing speed camera signage, the city manager selection process, flock camera transparency, and code enforcement failures. - Stephanie Cardew detailed an unsolved shooting of her son and three other unsolved homicides in her family, asking for police accountability. - Alec Johnson criticized capitalist exploitation and proposed worker-owned cooperatives, such as a West Dayton housing cooperative. - Joyce Probst McAlpine requested an independent investigation into the flock camera data sharing scandal, noting no word on the investigation three and a half months after the commission committed to one. - Mary Sue Gaminer discussed errors in ALPR technology and concerns about future surveillance expansion. - Kathleen Kirsch (ABLE) asked each commissioner to commit to an independent flock camera investigation. - Melissa Bertolo called for an independent investigation to determine who knew about improper data sharing and when, and to cancel the flock contract. - Lynn Lamance criticized the dysfunction of the commission, city manager performance, and lack of progress on public safety and code enforcement. - Sharon Screech demanded plain-language explanations of agenda items like the triple-net lease, and criticized the city manager's salary. - Talas Gage questioned the use of $500,000+ for the Gateway shelter and complained about police harassment and jaywalking tickets. - Raquel Lowe criticized the city manager's $321,206 salary while homelessness persists. - Paul Manning shared his experience of a hit-and-run and police mishandling of his case. - V. Molnar (reading ACLU of Ohio statement) urged permanent suspension and removal of flock cameras, calling them mass surveillance. - Kelvin Hatter spoke about tenant retaliation at Park Lane Apartments and called for mold and anti-retaliation ordinances. - Elizer Kotepuri described difficulties with a nuisance property he purchased, despite being willing to fix it up. Discussion Items City Manager Recommendations - Item 2: Contract for health insurance opt-out consultant ($567,952). City Manager Dixtein clarified that the program is paid from restricted health care funds and saves money: three employees saved $400,000; projected 11-13 new enrollments could save $1 million. - Item 3: Service agreement with Dayton Public Schools for a firefighter EMT to train students. Commissioner Fairchild highlighted the opportunity to grow future firefighters. - Item 4: Triple-net lease with Woe Dogs LLC at 200 E. Fifth Street for $24,400 over five years ($407/month). City Manager explained the tenant is investing nearly $200,000 in improvements and is responsible for all maintenance, utilities, and exterior upkeep. - Item B1: Purchase of five commercial mowers for vacant lot maintenance. - The commission voted unanimously to approve the entire city manager recommendation package. Special Presentation - D. Wooding (Westwood Wright CDC) and Fabrizio June (Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission) presented the Academy for Thriving Communities, a seven-month program engaging 45 residents on environmental justice. The "Litterbug" campaign was rebooted, and a Neighborhood Environment Action Team (NEET) will continue efforts. Video testimony from participant Rakia Woods was shown. Commissioners thanked participants and expressed support. Flock Camera Independent Investigation - Multiple speakers demanded an independent investigation into the police department's data sharing violations. Mayor Turner Sloss confirmed support for an independent investigation, stating the city received four proposals and is reviewing them, with a goal of presenting recommendations to the commission soon. Commissioner Fairchild expressed support and suggested putting options in an informal resolution. Commissioner Beckham also supported it and said the process has begun. Other Discussion Topics - Commissioner Beckham raised concerns about nuisance properties ending up on the treasurer's foreclosure lists, asking for a process to prevent that. He also supported proposed mold and anti-retaliation ordinances from ABLE, urging the commission to work on rental protections. - The mayor provided updates: the Cargill transition plan has not been received; the city is in constant contact. The Tamir Rice legislation (novelty gun lighter prohibition act) is under law department review and may be ready next week. - The mayor addressed jaywalking enforcement, asking for public education and warnings before ticketing. - Hospital board appointments: the mayor stated she will appoint the board as per the voter-approved ordinance, and said a public hearing is not required but the board could oversee a nonprofit operator. Legislation - Emergency Ordinance 32203-26: Amending the zoning code (Section 150.130.7). Passed 4-0. - Second Reading Ordinance 32200-26: Vacating an alley east of South Main Street. Passed 4-0. - Second Reading Ordinance 32201-26: Appropriating property for the Smithville Road Reconstruction Project. Passed 4-0. - Second Reading Ordinance 3202-26: Appropriating property for the Salem Avenue Reconstruction Project (Phase 5). Passed 4-0. - Informal Resolution 1017-26: Urging action to protect health care and food access for Dayton residents. Adopted 4-0. - First Reading of Ordinance 32204-26: Levying special assessments for energy improvement projects was introduced (no vote taken). Key Outcomes - Excused absence of Commissioner Shaw; minutes approved. - City manager recommendations approved unanimously. - Emergency zoning ordinance and all second-reading ordinances passed 4-0. - Informal resolution on health care and food access adopted 4-0. - Independent investigation into flock camera data sharing remains a priority; proposals under review. - Commission committed to follow up on specific citizen complaints (e.g., Stephanie Cardew’s investigation, nuisance property issues, code enforcement). - Mayor will move forward with hospital board appointments and continue work on the Tamir Rice resolution. - Commissioner Beckham directed staff to review nuisance properties on foreclosure lists and consider mold/anti-retaliation ordinances. - A jaywalking education campaign and warning policy will be explored.

On August 20, 2026, the Dayton City Commission received a presentation from the Dayton Home Repair Network (DHRN) highlighting completed work in 2025 and 2026, data on service demand, and a strategic plan to address the urgent home repair needs of city residents. Presenters Eileen Hall (Executive Director, Dayton Energy Collaborative) and Amanda Harrelson (Neighbor Care Director, Rebuilding Together Dayton) emphasized the collaborative nature of the network and the critical partnership with the City of Dayton. Discussion Items - Presentation Overview: Hall and Harrelson explained that DHRN is a coalition of organizations providing critical home repairs, weatherization, and energy efficiency to income-qualifying residents in the Dayton region. The network operates through a clearinghouse at Dayton Energy Collaborative, which received City funding to staff an intake team. From 2025 to 2026, monthly clients served increased from 40 to 147, which the presenters characterized as an 11% increase (noting potential transcription discrepancy). - Service and Funding Statistics: In 2025, the network helped 368 households with over $7 million invested; through July 2026, about $3.7 million has been spent on repairs. Approximately 95% of households served are within Dayton city limits. Funding comes from 34 different sources (federal, state, local, philanthropic, corporate). - Waitlist and Urgent Needs Strategy: The network consolidated partner waitlists, identifying approximately 2,000 households across the region and 1,200 within Dayton’s qualified census tracts. Using an urgent needs policy (six criteria including lack of functional plumbing, electricity, etc.), partners prioritized households with the longest wait times and urgent needs. Fifty-seven households have already been committed for repairs, with a projected total of 184 urgent needs out of the 1,200. The goal is to address all urgent needs by the end of 2028 with current funding. - Project Examples: Presenters showed before-and-after photos of three homes. One home with four children and a history of lead hazards received extensive exterior and interior repairs totaling $90,000 through coordinated funding. A second home underwent a total cleanup and restoration of bathroom, kitchen, and electrical/plumbing, costing over $50,000. A third project involved Liberty High School construction pathway students building an accessibility ramp and replacing a roof for safe access. - Commissioner Feedback and Questions: - Commissioner Beckham praised the network and requested annual progress updates, and noted the valuable partnership with Liberty High School. - Commissioner Justin commended the collaborative effort and suggested exploring data integration between DHRN and City data to map overlapping needs. Hall and Harrelson agreed that a mapping exercise could be useful, noting that such sharing is already underway. - The Mayor (or another commissioner) asked about homeowner insurance challenges; Hall described insurance denials based on property condition and efforts to connect residents with high-risk insurance or the Ohio Fair Plan. A question about sustainability of repairs led to discussion of limited case management funding and the reliance on established relationships. The average cost per house was reported as $15,000 per partner. The commissioner also requested pamphlets for distribution; the presenters provided the Dayton Energy Collaborative phone number (937-369-0610) and noted high call volume with returned calls within three business days. Key Outcomes - The City Commission expressed strong support for the network and its strategic approach. - The City and DHRN will continue exploring data sharing and mapping to align priorities. - The presenters invited commissioners to attend the second annual DHRN event on September 11, 2026, at the Dayton Metro Library. - No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. Note: The transcript contains a potential inconsistency when stating the monthly client increase as an "11% increase" while the actual numbers (40 to 147) suggest a much larger rise; this discrepancy is recorded as stated in the meeting.

At the August 12, 2026 work session, Dayton city commissioners received a staff presentation on the first nine months of the new civil citation and warning program. Staff and law department representatives outlined compliance data, lessons learned, and proposed amendments to expand the ordinance to structural and zoning violations. Staff Presentation and Data - Department of Planning and Neighborhoods Development Director Steve Gonnell introduced the update; housing inspections and law department staff presented. - Civil process: complaints may come from citizens, inspectors, or other city departments; a warning notice allows 10 days for compliance; if uncorrected, a civil citation is issued; fines double if unpaid after 30 days; recipients may contest in writing and request an administrative hearing. - Hearing outcomes: 98 hearings were scheduled, 72 people paid after attending, and about 73.5% achieved compliance after participating in a hearing. - Most common violations included failure to maintain residential properties, sanitation for residential/non-residential/commercial properties, waste container placement/removal, overhanging trees, and grass/trash removal. - From July 2025 to March 2026, staff issued 795 criminal citations (about 82% compliance), 1,158 cases were abated/corrected, and 578 were pending escalated civil citations. Warnings alone achieved about 41% compliance. - Total cases: 2,981; 1,825 remained unpaid and unabated. Overall compliance was about 26–27%; residential failure-to-maintain compliance was about 25%; non-residential/commercial compliance was about 28%. - LLC/business-owned properties: approximately 1,734 civil citations were issued, 314 abated, about 18% compliance. Commercial/non-residential properties: 381 citations issued, 47 escalated, about 21% compliance. - Staff reported about 37,985 paid citations (1,900 escalated) and about 213,200 unpaid citations (33,000 escalated). Delinquent fees were referred to Montgomery County’s treasurer for property-tax assessment. - Compliance tools include educational brochures, warning notices, criminal citations through Dayton Municipal Court, disclosure of outstanding citations during property transfers, and neighborhood engagement. Proposed Ordinance Amendments - John Musto of the Law Department explained the program was created because the criminal process was slow and difficult to apply to businesses, LLCs, and out-of-state property owners. The first year focused on cosmetic violations to refine the process. - Proposed changes: add structural and zoning code violations; replace the five-level fine structure with a single fine level to allow software automation and greater discretion for inspectors/hearing officers; require a stated reason when requesting a hearing; make landlords jointly and severally responsible for violations, closing a loophole that shifted responsibility to tenants; and allow electronic signatures and third-party software processing. - Musto stated the goal is compliance, not revenue. Discussion - One commissioner asked if adding zoning would allow enforcement against auto-repair businesses in residential areas; Musto confirmed it would add a faster administrative enforcement path. - Commissioner Beckham praised the streamlining and accountability, requested slides be provided in future work sessions, and said she looked forward to voting yes on the ordinance. - A commissioner asked for total citations; staff reported 27,827 total citations for the period, with 1,734 LLC citations. - A commissioner asked about outdoor storage (e.g., cars, boxes, appliances, furniture); staff said it would be included in the zoning expansion and can already be enforced as failure to maintain property. - A commissioner suggested complementing the program with rental registration; Musto noted state-level legal uncertainties about municipal rental registries and said the auditor’s office registry is used as a point-of-contact tool. The mayor and staff noted a housing task force subcommittee is examining rental registry and accountability strategies. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken at the work session. - Staff will bring the proposed ordinance amendments to the commission for approval. - Staff were asked to provide the presentation slides in future work sessions. - A housing task force subcommittee update on rental registry/accountability was requested.

The Dayton City Commission met on August 12, 2026, with Mayor Turner Slaus presiding and Commissioners Fairchild, Shaw, and Beckham present (Commissioner Joseph absent). The meeting included a legal settlement with AES (Dayton Power and Light) that reduced rate increases, a public hearing on refining zoning civil penalties, board appointments, and extensive public comment on issues including the city manager’s performance, the proposed New Community Authority (NCA), police practices, and housing conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 5, 2026 – Approved unanimously. - City Manager’s Recommendations – Approved 4-0. Key highlight: Item 4 – legal intervention with AES Dayton Power and Light. The settlement reduced AES’s rate increase from over 3% to an average annual 1%, continued the Disadvantaged Community Initiative with $2 million per year for six years for weatherization and bill payment assistance, supported solar development at Dayton International Airport, maintained waivers for water and aviation rates, and established customer protections requiring new large data centers to bear their own infrastructure costs. The settlement was unopposed by all interveners. - First Reading Ordinances (3220-26, 3201-26, 32202-26) – Introduced for alley vacation and property appropriations for construction projects. - Second Reading Resolutions (6947-26, 6948-26) – Approved grant applications for public capital improvements ($3,390,870) and EPA grant for Wolf Creek Trunks Sanitary Liners Installation ($1,255,295). Both adopted 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony On Calendar Items: - Zakya Sankara Jabbar – Expressed distrust in the city manager, criticized the lack of community benefits from downtown development, and questioned the timeline for the NCA. Called for a new city manager. - Rodney Stark – Opposed collecting unpaid fines from struggling citizens, criticized the proposed NCA as an additional tax, and accused the commission of ignoring community needs. On Public Hearing (Zoning Amendment): No citizens registered to speak. General Public Comments (8 speakers): - Zakya Sankara Jabbar (again) – Questioned Commissioner Beckham’s change in stance after election, accused the commission of catering to the wealthy, and called for a new social contract. - Mary Sue Gaminer – Thanked city employees for responsiveness (traffic calming, park repairs) but criticized lack of updates on Flock camera investigation and tenant rights. Disagreed with statements at the joint meeting about police and downtown vision. - Jeffrey Peterson – Supported Flock cameras, citing their effectiveness and transparency in Springfield; urged the city to reactivate them. - Kenya Akbar – Connected police brutality to historical slavery and the 13th Amendment, accused the commission of complicity in systemic racism. - Alexander Stone – Detailed neglect by Peak Ten property management (Park Lane Building), including unaddressed maintenance requests and locked fire doors. - Sharon Screech – Confirmed Alexander Stone’s complaints about Peak Ten, recounted a fire escape door being locked. Called for firing the city manager, citing insubordination and pay raises. - Alec Johnson – Using the Massey Austerity Scoring Index, rated the proposed NCA 6.9/10 (moving in wrong direction). Called for binding public benefit standards, resident power, anti-displacement protections, and a two-reading process before creating the NCA. - Rodney Stark (again) – Called the NCA a “Ponzi scheme,” cited $1 billion in tax incentives, and criticized the joint meeting as a “mob” assembled by Congressman Mike Turner. Stated that crime rhetoric leads to police violence. Discussion Items - AES Settlement (Item 4) – Meg Maloney, Sustainability Manager, detailed the negotiated rate reduction, $2M/year for home repair (serving 900+ low-income households on waitlist), data center cost protections, solar project at airport, and rate waivers for public infrastructure. Commissioners praised the team and noted Dayton was the only city to intervene. - Zoning Code Text Amendment (Public Hearing) – Tony Kroger, Planning Division Manager, presented a refinement to enable collection of civil penalties for zoning violations (primarily for commercial violators). The amendment adds specific language for assessing unpaid penalties as taxes, giving stronger enforcement teeth. Commission asked clarifying questions and expressed support. - NCA Timeline – City Manager Dixtein stated the NCA legislation (declaration and board appointments) would be finalized by end of week and brought to commission. Commissioner Fairchild expressed hope for two readings even if emergency ordinance. - Rental Registration – Mayor discussed revisiting rental registration to address issues with multifamily properties like Peak Ten, noting legislation already drafted in law department. Key Outcomes - City Manager’s Recommendations Approved (4-0). - Resolutions 6947-26 and 6948-26 Adopted (4-0). - Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment Closed – Commission moved forward; first reading of emergency ordinance to amend zoning code. - Board Appointments: - Reappointed Nicole Miller and Marlon Aldrich to the Human Relations Council (HRC) Board (terms ending August 31, 2029). - Appointed Cameron Anderson and Sabrina Chump to HRC Board (same term). - No Action on NCA – It was not on the agenda; timeline discussed. - Commissioner Fairchild’s Statement – Addressed prior conflict with Commissioner Shaw over alleged lies and commission dysfunction. - Announcements: City of Dayton named one of the Best Workplaces in Ohio for 2025 (only government employer over 200 recognized). Daybreak received $270,000 Lowe’s grant. Dayton African American Cultural Festival and Porchfest upcoming. Next Steps - NCA final legislation to be presented to commission by end of week; likely to be an emergency ordinance with two readings. - Selection of firm for audit/investigation into Flock cameras and other matters to proceed. - Rental registration legislation to be revisited. Meeting adjourned at approximately 12:00 PM (transcript ends).

The Dayton City Commission convened on August 6, 2026, for a regular meeting that included a monthly demolition update, debate over the proposed New Community Authority (NCA) for a downtown hotel, and extensive public testimony on tenant retaliation, affordable housing, and governance transparency. Multiple votes were taken, including approval of an emergency airport easement ordinance and the city manager's recommendations. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 22, 2026 meeting (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony Fifteen residents addressed the commission. Key themes included: - Tenant Rights and Retaliation: Sarah Linhart, Moss Dickey, Alexander Stone, and attorney Christy Ortiz detailed retaliation by Peak Ten Management at Parkland Apartments against tenants forming a union, including non-renewal of leases and restricted common areas. Ortiz proposed a city anti-retaliation ordinance and a mold ordinance modeled after policies in Columbus and Cincinnati. - New Community Authority (NCA): Ebony Hastings and Janet Michaelis questioned the emergency designation for the NCA, noting the public hearing lacked a quorum and the process limited public input. Hastings asked for a clear accounting of the existing NCA at the Dayton Arcade. Michaelis argued the NCA does not meet the legal definition of an emergency and cited that national convention attendance remains below 2019 levels. - Gaza Ceasefire: Yusuf Elzane and Dominic Stratton urged the commission to take a stance on the conflict in Gaza, referencing the city's 2020 procurement resolution on human rights. Stratton requested a ceasefire resolution on the next agenda. - Demolition and Gentrification: Kenya Akbar and Ebony Hastings argued the demolition program accelerates gentrification, advocating for redirecting funds to rehabilitate grade 3 and 4 homes and selling them to owner-occupants for $1. - Other: Jerry Bowling thanked staff for a memorial event. Rick Dawson requested renaming McCage Park to Dwight Anderson Park. L Strong expressed concerns about a group home and psychiatric facility near her home despite a moratorium. Discussion Items - Demolition Update (June 2026): Steve Gondel reported 24 demolitions completed in June, 121 year-to-date (36% of 334 planned). Five emergency demolitions occurred, all fire-related. Sixty-eight structures were added to the nuisance list (89 total year-to-date). Discussion included fire tactics at a recent structure fire; Fire Chief French explained the use of a tactical burn due to structural instability. Commissioner Beckham asked about fire versus structural fails; the Mayor inquired about pile removal timelines and owner notification processes. - City Manager's Recommendations: Mr. Parlett presented emergency ordinance 32199-26 for an airport easement purchase to meet an ODOT funding deadline. Citizens Hastings and Stark criticized the repeated use of emergency procedures and lack of transparency. The commission voted to approve all recommendations. - Board Appointments: The reappointments of Nicole Miller and Marlon Aldridge to the Human Relations Council were tabled after Commissioner Fairchild requested further discussion. - NCA Debate: In closing remarks, Commissioner Fairchild provided background on the convention center's history (previously a "dump") and questioned the need for a new hotel given high downtown office vacancy. Commissioner Shaw defended the NCA as an economic development tool and criticized commission dysfunction. The Mayor acknowledged trust issues and proposed codifying a $1 million commitment to neighborhood development as part of the NCA. - Tenant Protection Legislation: Commissioner Beckham and the Mayor expressed support for exploring anti-retaliation and mold ordinances. The Mayor invited the tenant union and attorney Ortiz to meet with staff to develop next steps. - Investigation of ALPR Audit Logs: Commissioner Fairchild called for a full investigation into whether the city violated its own policy on auditing license plate reader logs. The Mayor affirmed support for such an investigation. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approved minutes of July 22, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved city manager's recommendations (unanimous). - Passed emergency ordinance 32199-26 (airport easement) with 4 in favor (Commissioner Joseph absent). - Directives: - The Mayor will propose a resolution to formalize $1 million in neighborhood development funds tied to the NCA. - Staff to investigate the group home situation on Hopeland Street (noted by Mr. Gondel). - The Mayor and Commissioner Fairchild committed to advancing tenant anti-retaliation and mold ordinances. - Commissioner Fairchild raised the need for an investigation into ALPR audit logs; the Mayor concurred. - Next Steps: - NCA public hearing input to be compiled and posted on the city website. - Rental pilot program for home repairs launched through the Dayton Energy Collaborative. - Registration for the World Soccer Games (August 2026) is open via the city website.

At the quarterly finance committee briefing on August 6, 2026, city finance staff presented mid-year financial updates for the general fund, water and sanitary funds, and aviation fund. The briefing covered revenue and expenditure trends, economic indicators, and capital project status. No formal votes were taken; the committee received the reports and asked clarifying questions. Discussion Items - General Fund: - Total revenues were $3.7 million (3.3%) below the year-to-date budget, but $1 million (0.8%) above June 2025. Income tax, comprising 71% of total revenue, was essentially flat year-over-year, with withholdings up 2.2% but offset by declines in business profits and higher refunds. - Notable revenue growth: local government fund up 138% (due to resolution of traffic enforcement camera obligation), other intergovernmental up 67% (including $1.7 million from adult-use cannabis tax), fines and forfeits up 52% (photo enforcement with new vendor). - Expenditures: personnel costs were $1.8 million below budget but $5.4 million (6.9%) above 2025, driven by wage increases and filled positions. Contracts and materials were $2 million (8.1%) above 2025, largely due to utility payments after resolving billing errors. - The city expects to end 2026 with a balanced budget using $5–6 million of reserves, down from the originally planned $10.6 million. - Employment in the Dayton MSA reached a new peak of 400,800 jobs in June 2026, up 2.1% from pre-pandemic peak. Unemployment in Dayton dropped to 4.7% from 6.2% a year earlier, though up from 3.7% in May 2026. - DRP (Disaster Recovery Program) update: $91.1 million awarded out of $102 million, with $79.4 million spent. Three projects remain in the improving neighborhood category: Longfellow Midtown housing ($1.5M), Fairview pool house demolition (bid delayed), and MBE compliance tool (in development). - Water and Sanitary Funds: - Water fund: Revenues up $2.5 million (7.4%) over 2025, but below budget due to billing timing. Expenses up $2.3 million (7.2%), with contracts and materials up 32.3% due to utility payments. The fund did not use cash reserves. - Sanitary fund: Revenues up $161,000 (small increase) over 2025, with city customer revenues up 7.1% but other jurisdictions down 9.5% due to bill timing. Expenses up 7.2%, offset by capital equipment timing. No cash reserves used. - Both funds did not fully realize the planned 9.5% rate increase due to accounting adjustments. The RNG (renewable natural gas) project revenue is stabilizing; 2026 figures are considered the baseline. - A commissioner asked about the potential revenue impact from the Cardio plant closure. The water director estimated a 10–15% impact on city customer revenue and 6–8% of total water fund revenue. Staff will provide exact numbers. - Aviation Fund: - Enplanements were down 4.9% (16,000 passengers) compared to 2025, due to a harsh winter, higher fuel prices, and the January government shutdown. - Despite lower enplanements, total revenue was up $150,000 (3.5%) due to increased landing fees from a new tracking service (PlanePass) and higher concession revenue from the new Tailwinds operator. - Non-airline revenue was down $341,000 (3.1%) due to a one-time rental car settlement in 2025. Parking revenue increased 0.4% after rate increases on May 1, 2026. - Expenses increased $885,000 (12.4%) largely due to utility payments, higher management contracts, and professional services. Capital project costs were down 98% due to timing. - Positive developments: Breeze Airways will start service to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Sarasota (via Baltimore) in October 2026. The airport received a $100 million federal grant for apron rehabilitation. A new hangar is being built for Higher Ground Helicopter. The airport’s bond rating was upgraded from B+ to A-. - A commissioner asked about pushback on tracking general aviation aircraft. The aviation director noted national opposition but stated no decrease in traffic or collections so far. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken; the finance committee received the reports and staff will follow up on information requests (job growth sectors, Cardio plant revenue impact, DRP project details). - The committee acknowledged the continued financial monitoring needed, particularly regarding flat income tax growth, inflation, and utility costs.

The City of Dayton held two public hearings on July 29, 2026, regarding the proposed establishment of a citywide New Community Authority (NCA). The meetings were informational only, with no formal action taken due to a lack of quorum. The first hearing addressed the petition to establish the NCA; the second addressed the addition of parcels for the convention district hotel. City staff presented the NCA mechanism, and multiple residents and business representatives offered testimony expressing both concerns and conditional support. Presentations First Hearing – Citywide NCA Presentation City development coordinator Cole Hetman explained that an NCA is a public-private partnership under Ohio Revised Code 349, used to finance street, sidewalk, parks, and community facility improvements. Participation is voluntary; property owners must sign a declaration agreeing to community development charges. The NCA boundary does not need to be continuous and can include parcels citywide. Charges are recorded at the county level and stay with the parcel upon sale. Hetman emphasized the tool’s flexibility: charges can be based on assessed valuation, business revenue, food and beverage, or a parcel fee, negotiated per project. The NCA board will be appointed by the city manager and city commission collectively. The city manager would initially nominate three development members, and the commission three citizen members. Hetman noted the NCA could issue bonds but said no bond financing is currently planned. The initial addition would be parcels from the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority (MCCFA) for the convention center hotel. Second Hearing – Convention District Addition Presentation Pam Plagman of the MCCFA presented the need for a headquarters hotel attached to the Dayton Convention Center. She cited $700 million in prior district improvements, and two market studies showing 80% of meeting planners require an adjacent national-brand hotel. The proposed Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel would generate an estimated $25 million in regional economic impact. She noted a $17 million funding gap, which the NCA would help bridge. Concord Hospitality’s Carl Renn confirmed that 73% of the hotel’s investment comes from private sources, but the NCA financing tool is critical to close the gap. John Oney, CEO of Destination Dayton, added that without the hotel, Dayton is at a competitive disadvantage for large conventions. Public Comments & Testimony First Hearing Speakers - Mary Sue Gaminer (1418 Arbor Avenue) expressed appreciation for the clearer presentation but raised two concerns: first, that staff time spent on the NCA could have been directed to neighborhood needs like tenant protections and affordable housing; second, that there are no guarantees the NCA will redirect general fund dollars to neighborhoods. She asked for a guarantee that any revenue downtown would be matched by equivalent spending in neighborhoods. - Cinda (speaker name not fully clear) criticized the governance structure, arguing that the city manager should not act as the developer and that the commission, not the manager, should appoint all board members. She noted that other Ohio cities (Beaver Creek, Huber Heights, London, South Bloomfield) have their council appoint the board. She called for five things: (1) show the NCA’s CDC assets and data on downtown tax breaks, (2) remove the city manager from the board, (3) let the commission appoint all board members, (4) disclose costs to parcel residents, and (5) delay the vote until a quorum is present. - Alex Johnson (3206 Linden Avenue) thanked the mayor and submitted ten questions. He outlined five commitments he wants in the public record: (1) regular public reporting on finances and outcomes, (2) geographically balanced investment with a visible path for West Dayton, (3) strong labor standards (local hiring, apprenticeships, prevailing wages), (4) anti-displacement protections, and (5) continuing public oversight. He said he would support the proposal if these commitments are met. - Rodney Stark (4526 Alfred Drive) alleged that the NCA was created to address a pre-known $17 million funding gap for the hotel, citing a June 5, 2024 FAQ. He criticized the city for leasing the former Crown Plaza property to MCCFA for $1 per year for 40 years, totaling $40 over the contract. He argued that MCCFA already collects a 3% hotel/motel tax countywide and that Dayton gives it 100% of its lodging fees. He expressed distrust, stating that the NCA is primarily for the hotel and that corporations get subsidies while neighborhoods lack basic services. - Sarah Campbell (2224 Chamberlain Avenue) emphasized the lack of transparency and public involvement from the inception of the NCA process. She noted that the city manager mentioned $1 million in development funding for neighborhoods but asked for specifics: which neighborhoods, how priorities are set, and whether residents will have a meaningful voice. She also called for true community representation on the NCA board. Second Hearing Speakers - Rodney Stark spoke again, reiterating his opposition. He argued the NCA is designed to fund the hotel’s $17 million gap, and warned that if hotel underperforms, the city could be liable for $77 million. He said hotels often degrade after five years, citing the example of the nearby “Vitality” property. He stated that despite promises of neighborhood benefits, he has seen no dollars directed to his community. - Asha Parson (605 East Fifth Street, President of Oregon District Business Association Board) expressed thanks for the MCCFA’s collaboration with the Oregon District and support for the NCA and the hotel project. She noted that the association is strengthening its structure and identifying priorities, and that the MCCFA has committed to working alongside the business community. Key Outcomes - No formal votes, resolutions, or decisions were made due to the lack of a quorum. The hearings were informational only. - The city commission is expected to consider a resolution to establish the NCA at a future meeting with a quorum present. - If established, the commission and city manager will appoint the NCA board, and the first parcels (from MCCFA) will be added to the NCA, enabling the convention hotel financing. - Several public speakers demanded amendments to the governance structure, enhanced transparency, and explicit commitments to neighborhood investment before they would support the proposal.