Public Meetings - Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton City Commission convened on March 25, 2026, with Mayor Turner Sloss presiding. The meeting included a monthly demolition update, consideration of several grant and service agreements, a public comment period, and the adoption of an informal resolution related to tax incentives. Commissioner Joseph was excused for the meeting. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the March 18, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - The absence of Commissioner Joseph was excused by unanimous vote. - The calendar items were approved as part of the consent agenda, including routine approvals and contracts. Public Comments & Testimony - Paul Kerrigan (1825 Pershing Boulevard) thanked the Commission for installing speed signs and having police presence on Pershing Boulevard. He reported a dramatic reduction in traffic (estimated 40% decrease) and urged continued periodic patrols to maintain the improvement. - Yusuf El Zayn (4906 Umberwood Drive) spoke about the ongoing conflict in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for Dayton to be consistent with its resolutions and to review city economic relationships. He also proposed that Dayton join the Greater Dayton Peace Coalition in holding a peace summit. Discussion Items - Monthly Demolition Update: Director Steve Gondel reported that 20 demolitions occurred in February 2026, all under the ARPA contract, bringing the year-to-date total to 33. No emergency demolitions were needed. The structural nuisance list added 19 properties (14 for blight, 5 for fire). The demolition pipeline included 127 title reports, 88 asbestos surveys, and 16 asbestos remediations. Commissioners asked about fire-damaged properties, the structural nuisance list, the housing condition survey, and coordination with water connection data. Commissioner Shaw requested additional details on fire-damaged properties and mitigation efforts. - City Manager's Recommendations: Several items were highlighted: - B3: A $2 million grant agreement with Center City Residential LLC for 121 residential apartments in the Center City building (part of a $120 million investment). - B5: A $72,500 service agreement with SANVIC Architects to explore reuses for 34 North Main Street, including structural analysis and historic preservation services. - B6: A $5.2 million contract for the East Patrol Division renovations, with a completion date of April 30, 2027. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is included. - B9: An informal resolution accepting the 2026 recommendations of the Tax Incentive Review Council, covering TIF, EZ, and CRA programs. Commissioners discussed the composition of the council, performance metrics, and return on investment. The resolution was later adopted. - Legislation: First reading of Ordinance 32180-26 to abolish the City of Dayton Board of Building Appeals and redirect appeals to the State of Ohio. The action was explained as aligning with state law and reducing city responsibilities. Key Outcomes - Approved: The city manager's recommendations (consent calendar) were approved unanimously. - Adopted: Informal Resolution 1016-26, accepting the 2026 Tax Incentive Review Council recommendations, was adopted unanimously. - No other votes: The first reading ordinance was introduced but not voted on (first reading only). No other votes or directives were recorded. - Directives: Director Gondel agreed to provide additional data on fire-damaged properties, the full structural nuisance list, and mitigation steps. The city manager noted that the tax incentive reports would be uploaded online. The meeting adjourned with a reminder of a subsequent work session.

The Dayton City Commission met on March 18, 2026, in a regular session. The meeting included invocation, approval of previous minutes, consent calendar items, public comments, and closing announcements from commissioners. Commissioner Shaw was excused from the meeting. Key actions included adoption of a resolution for EV charger sites and approval of city manager recommendations. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - City Manager Recommendations: Approved unanimously without discussion. - Second Reading Resolution 6922-26: Resolution authorizing eight addresses in Dayton for acceptance of electric vehicle (EV) chargers was adopted with 4 votes in favor (Mayor Turner Sloss, Commissioners Joseph, Beckham, and Fairchild). Public Comments & Testimony - Tasha Roundtree (representing Wolf Creek Neighborhood Association and cannabis advocate): Expressed frustration over the city's lack of a plan for cannabis revenue and workforce displacement. Noted that by March 19, 2026, over 6,000 Ohioans would lose jobs in the hemp industry with no unemployment eligibility. Criticized the absence of a cannabis coalition or council and a budget for cannabis funds. Also highlighted Wesley Community Center lacking water, phone, and food. Made a follow-up request for a plan. - Yusuf Zane (4906 Umberwood Drive): Urged the commission to take a moral stance against ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran. Referenced Dayton's history as host of the Dayton Peace Accords and a 2020 resolution condemning genocide. Questioned whether Dayton would remain complicit in war or choose peace. - Hilary Lerman (former Miami University history teacher): Compared U.S.-Israel actions to Nazi Germany and genocide, urging the commission to be a moral light. - Tasha Roundtree (again, as neighborhood president): Defended Wolf Creek against accusations of gentrification. Described efforts to address homelessness, improve housing via land bank and Habitat for Humanity, and create small business opportunities. Highlighted first-time homebuyer programs, home rebuild Dayton, and specialized homes for first responders and tradespeople. Key Outcomes - Minutes of March 11, 2026 approved. - City manager recommendations approved (no objections or discussion). - Resolution 6922-26 adopted (4-0, EV charger authorization). - Follow-up directed: City manager to provide a memo to commissioners and the public regarding cannabis-related planning and workforce impact. Commissioner Comments & Announcements - Commissioner Beckham: Thanked the University of Dayton Black Law Students Association (BALSA) and announced the Joseph Sinke Banquet on March 21, 2026. - Commissioner Fairchild: Thanked the Japanese American Citizen League for officer swearing-in; praised city staff for hosting NCAA basketball first-four games; announced a free spring break hub at Greater Dayton Recreation Center (March 30–April 2, 2026) for youth ages 9–17; reminded public of Severe Weather Awareness Week and urged family preparedness for 48 hours. - Commissioner Joseph: Congratulated the Department of Water for receiving the National Environmental Achievement Award from NACWA for the urban agriculture grant program, which has expanded to 41 garden locations across the city, promoting stormwater management and food access. - Mayor Turner Sloss: Led moment of silence for fallen soldiers, including six airmen (three from Ohio); thanked Masjid al-Madina (iftar event), the Arab Social Association, and the Peace Museum for community iftars; thanked staff for NCAA preparations.

City staff and external partners presented a proposal for Dayton's first citizens' assembly to the City Commission. The meeting focused on the concept, process, and topic selection for the assembly, with extensive discussion among commissioners about feasibility, trust, and arms-length governance. No formal votes were taken. Discussion Items - Introduction to Citizens' Assembly: Barb Dosek (Director of Law) and Mike Squire (Community Engagement) introduced the team and partners—including the Kettering Foundation, Ohio State University, Unify America, and the Federation for Innovation and Democracy North America (FIDA)—who will support the assembly. - Process Overview: Marjan Ahasi (FIDA) explained the foundations of a citizens' assembly: a clear mandate, civic lottery (sortition) for representative selection, and a three-phase process (learning, deliberation, proposal writing). A deliberative town hall will follow the assembly to validate recommendations. - Topic Selection: Amy Lee (Ohio State) presented results from a resident survey, a November 2024 ballot initiative on the public hospital, and a focus group of 15 residents who seldom attend city meetings. Three topics emerged: neighborhood blight, youth programming, and the public hospital. The advisory board recommended the public hospital because it is a timely, complex issue where deliberative input could have the most impact, and because the city is legally required to act on it. - Commissioners' Questions and Concerns: - Commissioner Shaw questioned how trust would be built on the hospital topic, given that citizens had little prior knowledge, and noted previous engagement on neighborhoods and youth had not led to concrete action. - Commissioner Joseph raised concerns about the narrowness of the legal options for the hospital (city-run vs. outsourced to a nonprofit) and whether the assembly would feel constrained. - Commissioner Shaw also worried about the city's paid feasibility study for a 300-bed hospital being perceived as biased; she asked how education would be balanced. - Commissioner Timothy stressed the importance of arms-length separation between the city and the assembly, and asked how to ensure authenticity of recommendations. - Commissioner Williams asked about best practices for having city staff (like the law director) on the advisory board, noting potential perception issues. - Partner Responses: The team emphasized that the steering committee includes non-city co-chairs, the learning phase will involve diverse experts and stakeholders (not just the city's report), and the assembly is non-binding but will receive a formal city response. The deliberative town hall after the assembly will help validate findings. - Timeline: The citizens' assembly will meet on five Saturdays from May 2 to June 20, 2026 (May 2, May 16, June 6, June 13, June 20). The deliberative town hall is planned for August or September, with recommendations to the commission later. Key Outcomes - No formal decision was made on the topic; commissioners expressed support for moving forward with the public hospital as the recommended topic, but with reservations about perceived constraints and trust. - The commission acknowledged the value of the process and asked for continued updates. No votes were taken. - Next steps include finalizing the assembly's mandate (remit) and launching the civic lottery to recruit participants.

The Dayton City Commission met on March 11, 2026, with Mayor Turner Sloss presiding and Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Fairchild present. Commissioner Beckham was excused. The meeting included a presentation on the semi-annual independent accountability audit report, discussion of a building safety issue at 21-29 West First Street, passage of legislation, and public comments from three citizens. Consent Calendar - Motion to excuse the absence of Commissioner Beckham was approved unanimously. - Minutes of the March 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - The city manager's recommendations were approved by voice vote (all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Darell Lee (1903 Easter Street, Dayton) expressed frustration with Montgomery County Children's Services, alleging unfair treatment and lack of a second chance for parents, and asked why the state does not help him reunite with his children. - Yusuf Al Zayn (4906 Amberwood Drive, Dayton) urged the commission to issue a peace communique, citing Dayton's legacy from the 1995 peace accords and recent reports of weapon components from the Dayton region used in a strike on a girls' school in Iran. He argued the city should be remembered for peace, not war. - Kimaru Watenza (1200 West Grand Avenue, Dayton) asked for a plan from the Dayton Police to protect residents from lawless ICE agents, referencing the Fourth Amendment and the supremacy clause. He stated that federal and state laws against kidnapping do not conflict, so local police can act. Discussion Items - Independent Accountability Audit (IAA) Report – Ms. Jasmine Jones presented the first semi-annual report of 2026, covering activities from the second half of 2025. Key data: 30 originating events and 116 specific alleged complaints for all of 2025; 18 originating events and 64 complaints in the second half. Dispositions: 58% unfounded, 34% exonerated, 3% sustained (2 complaints), 5% other. The IAA reviewed unfounded complaints and found 32 of 37 were correctly unfounded; two were under review due to video access issues. Sustained complaints were investigated within 90 days with appropriate discipline. Two officer-involved shootings occurred in the second half of 2025. The IAA had no formal recommendations but is working on action items from previous reports. Commissioners praised the downward trend in complaints and collaboration with the mediation center. Commissioner Joseph noted improved outreach and processes. Commissioner Fairchild asked about trends and sustained rates over longer periods. The report was received favorably. - Building Safety at 21-29 West First Street – Deputy City Manager Parlett introduced Director of Planning, Neighborhoods and Development Steve Gondel to provide context on enforcement actions affecting tenants. Gondel detailed the timeline: a fire on February 12 revealed structural deficiencies; the city posted a public nuisance order on February 23; met with owner Paul Hutchins on February 25; temporary barricades erected March 3; owner retained a structural engineering firm. The building has exposed rebar, falling concrete, and masonry issues. The bookstore may reopen soon after scaffolding is erected; the salon will need longer repairs. The city conducted a sweep of downtown buildings in August 2025 and identified several with issues, working with owners proactively. Commissioners asked about ongoing communication and whether the owner has submitted the engineering report; the report is not yet submitted but will accompany the building permit application. Legislation - First Reading Resolution 6922-26 – Authorizing acceptance of properties at eight addresses for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Introduced. - Second Reading Ordinance 32179-26 – Vacating an alley south of St. Charles Avenue. Passed 4-0 (Mayor Turner Sloss, Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, Fairchild in favor). - Second Reading Resolution 6920-26 – Authorizing application for a $4 million EPA grant for upgrades to the Dayton Water Quality Laboratory. Passed 4-0. - Second Reading Resolution 6921-26 – Honorarily naming Madison Street between First and Third Streets as Amy C. Walbridge Way for two years. Passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - Approved excusal of Commissioner Beckham, minutes, and city manager's recommendations. - Passed three pieces of legislation (ordinance and two resolutions) unanimously. - The IAA report was received; no formal recommendations were made, but staff will continue to improve complaint processes. - The building at 21-29 West First Street remains under active remediation; the owner is expected to submit a structural engineering report and apply for permits. Tenants are being supported by the Downtown Dayton Partnership. - The commission acknowledged public comments and indicated follow-up on ICE protection plans and a potential peace communique.

Dayton Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Dr. Lawrence and his team presented the district's transformation plan under the Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) initiative to city commissioners and officials. The presentation highlighted progress toward wall-to-wall career academies, improved graduation rates, expanded access to Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit courses, and strong community partnerships. City leaders expressed unanimous support and offered to assist in implementation. Presentation Highlights - DPS aims for 100% of students to earn credentials and be college/career ready one year after graduation. - Data showed higher engagement and achievement in schools with career-tech pathways; Meadowdale's graduation rate rose from 55% to 67% after adding pathways. - Only one high school offered AP courses before 2022; now all high schools offer AP, honors, and College Credit Plus. In 2023-24, 41% of students participated in work-based learning; 60% so far in 2024-25. - DPS contracted with Ford NGL after seeing Akron's success (all high schools have pathways, all schools above 90% graduation rate). - A community-developed “Portrait of a Graduate” identifies essential skills (work ethic, integrity, etc.) taught pre-K–12. - DPS moved from a 3-star to a 4.5-star district rating on the Ohio report card. - Curriculum audit (ABLE) recommended stronger academic core, expanded pathways, and dual credit opportunities. Discussion and Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Schumer called the presentation “impressive” and noted the connectivity across business and community. He offered to be an advocate and stated this changes the narrative about DPS. - Commissioner Shaw asked how DPS tracks graduates long-term. Dr. Lawrence responded that the Lumina Foundation tracks graduates six years out, and the Ford NGL model requires an annual steering committee report with metrics. - Commissioner (unnamed) praised the public safety and water department pathways already in place and offered continued help. - Mayor (presumed) expressed enthusiasm, noting the W.S. McIntosh scholarship program and the importance of preparing students for professional environments. - Dr. Lawrence and Ms. Minor thanked the city for past support and asked partners to “advocate, advise, and assist.” - Aaron (Chief of College and Career Readiness) noted that a partnership handbook is being created to sustain collaboration. Key Outcomes - City officials expressed unanimous support for the DPS transformation and committed to ongoing partnership. - DPS will establish a steering committee of regional leaders to provide accountability and produce annual reports on metrics including graduate tracking. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a work session for information and collaboration.

The Dayton City Commission met on March 5, 2026, to conduct routine business, including approving minutes and ordinances, appointing members to the Dayton Sister City Committee, and hearing public comments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed presentation by Deputy City Manager Shea Lofton on the use of the city manager's increased spending authority ($50,000), which had been raised from $10,000 in 2024. Multiple residents spoke, urging greater transparency, a formal performance evaluation for the city manager, and the passage of a resolution condemning U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran. The commission also honorarily renamed a section of Madison Street after the late Amy C. Walbridge. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the February 25, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - City Manager's Recommendations: Approved unanimously (voice vote). - Legislation (Second Reading): Emergency ordinance 32178-26 authorizing the purchase of real estate (parcels R72-00806-0001, R72-0806-0002, R720806-0003, and R72-00806-0009) passed with four votes in favor (Mayor Turner Sloss, Commissioners Joseph and Beckham) and one abstention (Commissioner Shaw). - First Readings: Ordinance 32179-26 (vacating an alley south of St. Charles Avenue), Resolution 6920-26 (authorizing up to $4 million in EPA grants for water quality upgrades), and Resolution 6921-26 (honorarily naming Madison Street between First and Third Streets as Amy C. Walbridge Way for two years) were introduced. - Board Appointments: Kathleen Caffrey and Aldean Fafulovich were appointed to the Dayton Sister City Committee for a term ending December 31, 2028 (vote: unanimous voice vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Logan Martinez (Greater Dayton Peace Coalition) urged the commission to pass a resolution condemning U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela and Iran, arguing that Dayton has a history of speaking out for peace (e.g., anti-apartheid resolution). He stated the attacks are "making war" and called for the release of President Maduro. - Christina Cowan (Attorney, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality / ABLE) called for increased transparency regarding contracts approved under the city manager's $50,000 spending authority, and for a formal performance evaluation of the city manager by an independent third party. She argued that "silence can be interpreted as opposition." - Yusef Hazin spoke about the human cost of war globally and locally, linking billions spent on military action to local needs like housing, healthcare, and food insecurity. - Destiny Brown echoed calls for transparency and an independent evaluation, noting that Commissioner Fairchild and Mayor Sloss have expressed support, while Commissioner Shaw and Joseph were silent. She asked for a clear stance from Commissioner Beckham. - Alice Wood (domestic violence survivor) also requested an independent third-party facilitator for the city manager's evaluation and that all contracts be made publicly visible. - Azale Fitz (student, social welfare policy class) recommended funding for arts and art therapy programs in schools and corrections to address underlying causes of crime, citing recidivism rates dropping from 60% to 3% with art-based rehabilitation. - Kevin Moore urged the city to repurpose the building at 14 Gettysburg Ave. into a veteran center, incubator, or community anchor, calling it a cost-effective opportunity and a "soldier being left behind." - Sue Sutton (Greater Dayton Peace Coalition) read a letter asking the commission to adopt a resolution condemning the U.S. kidnapping of President Maduro and calling for diplomatic de-escalation. - Hilary Lerman also spoke in support of the peace resolution, citing the bombing of a school in Iran and the broader pattern of war. - Bishop Richard Cox (Clergy Community Coalition) demanded immediate, public evaluation of the city manager and disclosure of minority contracts: "Cut us in or cut it out." - Kiana Bickham (Committee Village) supported independent evaluation and public disclosure of all manager-approved contracts. - Rochelle Hewlin raised safety concerns about snow removal at bus stops near Ponitz High School on Edwin C. Moses Blvd, the condition of the Northwest Shopping Center parking lot, and potholes on Gettysburg and Little Richmond Road. Discussion Items - Amy C. Walbridge Way Renaming: City Manager Dixtein introduced Resolution 6921-26 to rename a section of Madison Street after Amy C. Walbridge, a longtime city employee who passed away nearly a year ago. Commissioners Beckham, Fairchild, Shaw, Joseph, and Mayor Sloss each gave personal tributes, highlighting her collaboration, community building, and impact on Dayton. - City Manager's Spending Authority: Deputy City Manager Shea Lofton presented an analysis of 223 contracts approved under the new $50,000 spending authority from May 2024 to September 2025. Key data: total value $3.4 million, median $10,000, average $15,000; 179 unique vendors; 80% under $25,000. No contracts were for pet projects; all fell within commission-approved priorities (Justice, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Governance). Oversight layers include competitive bidding (for contracts over $2,500), finance director certification, law department review, anti-splitting rules, annual audits, and bond rating agency scrutiny. Lofton concluded that the data does not support any impropriety. - Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Fairchild noted that his request was for transparency, not suspicion, and asked how professional (non-bid) services are handled. Lofton clarified that while not all professional services are bid out, they follow appropriate procurement criteria. Commissioners Joseph, Beckham, Shaw, and Mayor Sloss praised the report's thoroughness, affirmed the policy as a best practice, and requested a regular reporting cadence (e.g., quarterly) and posting the data on the city website. The system upgrade (ERP) was noted to improve future reporting. Key Outcomes - Approved: Resolution 6921-26 (Amy C. Walbridge Way) passed on first reading. - Approved: Emergency ordinance 32178-26 (real estate purchase) passed (4-1-0, Shaw abstaining). - Approved: Board appointments to Dayton Sister City Committee (unanimous). - No Formal Action: The commission did not vote on a peace resolution regarding Venezuela or Iran. However, Commissioner Joseph suggested exploring a model resolution that could be adaptable, and Commissioner Fairchild indicated the commission is considering the idea. - No Formal Action on City Manager Evaluation: Instead, Commissioner Fairchild clarified that the commission did complete an evaluation of the city manager in December 2025 for fiscal years 2022–2024 (not for 2025). He and other commissioners acknowledged the need for more structured, regular evaluations with clear expectations, and that the process is under review. - Next Steps: The city manager's office was asked to establish a regular cadence (e.g., quarterly) for reporting contracts over $50,000 (or all manager-approved contracts) and to post this data on the city website. The commission committed to improving communication about future evaluations. - Recognition: The commission acknowledged and thanked the many residents who spoke, promising to follow up on specific concerns (e.g., snow removal at Ponitz High School, Northwest Shopping Center conditions, potholes).

This work session provided an update on the implementation of the Dayton Housing Policy, adopted in 2023 following an 18-month planning process that produced 42 action recommendations. City staff and partners reported on progress, 2026 work plans, new programs, and financing tools. Commissioners expressed support and raised questions about specific recommendations, data tracking, and community engagement. Key Initiatives & Accomplishments - Housing Policy Adoption & Implementation: The steering committee was formed in 2021 and presented 42 action strategies. Since adoption, about one-third of the recommendations have been addressed. - Zoning Code Updates (2025): Regulations were revised to manage residential densities, height caps, transitions near single-family neighborhoods, and to add accessory dwelling unit provisions. - Pre‑Approved Infill Housing Plans: Staff studied models from South Bend, IN and the Greater Ohio Policy Center to create a library of pre‑approved plans that will fast-track single-family infill development. - Land Bank Transfer: 72 properties were transferred to the land bank last year for infill housing. - Kinship Village & Strategic Site Development: Example of targeted investment tied to neighborhood plans. - Housing Investment Fund (CDFI): CityWide became a CDFI in 2015. In 2021–22, $2.2 million was raised for affordable housing preservation. New projects include saving 100 Century Homes (affordable units that were at risk), preserving CJ McLennan Manor senior housing, and building Miami Chapel replacement housing for DeSoto Bass residents. A $20 million fund target was set, aiming to produce about 1,000 units over several years. A pitch deck and investor prospectus have been created; 25–30 financial institutions and individuals are being approached. - Issue Six “Dollar in Your Neighborhood” Program: A pilot launched in December 2025, offering forgivable loans up to $30,000 for homeowners earning 80–120% of AMI. The pilot targets Fairview, Madden Hills, Wolf Creek, and Baden View Triangle neighborhoods. Applications will open in the second or third week of March via outdoor hangers. Expecting 20 homes initially; $30,000 loan can fund a $45,000 project with a 2:1 match, forgiven over five years. - Rental Housing Energy Efficiency Pilot (“Bluebird”): A pilot for tenant-occupied rental homes, funded by an AES utility settlement. Will cover small repairs and weatherization on about 10 homes. Requires landlord and tenant buy-in, with at least two years of tenant protections. Applications expected summer 2026, repairs in early 2027. - Data & Accountability: Staff are building a housing data portal, establishing affordability baselines, and integrating KPIs into annual reporting. - Subcommittee Structure: Five subcommittees were established for 2026: Data Management, Capital Strategy, Market Conditions, Outreach & Education, and Tenant Groups. The rental housing subcommittee is chaired by Marty, focusing on short-term rental registration, student housing around UD, and the energy efficiency pilot. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were provided during this work session. Discussion Items - Commissioner Comments: All commissioners expressed appreciation for the work and progress. Commissioner Beck raised questions about vacant property registration/fees, working with the county treasurer on property tax enforcement, ensuring aging homeowners can age in place, and requested a one-page program summary for the public. - Commissioner Burchild: Asked for data dashboards, tenure trends (especially young families leaving), and updates on the “purpose‑built” neighborhood concept in Fairview. Noted the need to prevent loss of affordable units when subsidy periods expire. Suggested volunteer efforts (e.g., Rebuilding Together) could supplement repair programs. - Commissioner M: Asked about the rental housing subcommittee’s work, pointed to rental registration fees as a potential funding source for repairs/assistance, and advocated for the creation of a comprehensive housing trust fund to package all programs. Stressed the need for diverse voices (e.g., Dayton Tenants Union, ABLE) and ensuring the school district’s unhoused student population is considered. Questioned partner capacity for the Issue Six program but was assured that the Dayton Energy Collaborative will handle screening and County Corp will manage construction. - Mayor: Echoed kudos, requested a deeper dive later, and asked for a second update mid-year. Key Outcomes - Staff agreed to provide a two‑page summary of programs for commissioners to use in the community. - Commissioners requested mid‑year (third quarter) updates in addition to the annual review. Staff indicated they would provide a briefing memo for the third quarter and continue the annual work session cycle. - Staff committed to expanding subcommittee membership to include groups like the Dayton Tenants Union (DTU) and ABLE. - A press release and FAQ regarding the Issue Six pilot will be distributed later on February 25, 2026. - Staff will provide a list of subcommittee members to commissioners. - The administration emphasized that the steering committee is an implementation group under the city manager’s direction, not a public body, to allow confidential discussions about real estate development. The commission will continue to set policy direction and funding. - No formal votes were taken; this was a work session.

The Dayton City Commission met on February 25, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. (ET) with all five commissioners present. The meeting included a demolition update, approval of city manager's recommendations, passage of legislation, and two public comments. Key actions included accepting a $7.75 million federal lead hazard reduction grant and purchasing a property for the employee health clinic expansion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Approved the minutes of the February 18, 2026, meeting (unanimous). - City Manager's Recommendations: Approved as a block (unanimous): - Item 3: St. Vincent Health, Wellness, and Preventative Care Institute service agreement ($85,000) for firefighter fitness program. - Item 5: Outdoor Enterprise LLC contract for Miami Wellfield Expansion Phase 2 (base bid plus alternates, total $5.6 million). - Item 7: Lead hazard reduction and healthy homes grant from HUD ($7,750,000). - Item 32178-26: Purchase of former children's site property for employee clinic expansion ($2.5 million, funded from claims administration reserves). Commissioner Fairchild recused herself on this item due to a conflict of interest. Public Comments & Testimony - Rose Loungebury (222 Wonderly Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio) introduced herself as a candidate for Ohio State Representative in the 36th District. She expressed support for strong public schools and opposition to the Universal Ed Choice Voucher Program, and called for state support for local government funding and home rule. She requested a meeting with commissioners. - Peggy DeVoice (1310 Willowdale Avenue, Kettering, Ohio) presented the Tech Lab program, which provides digital skills training for adults with developmental disabilities. She sought partnership with the city on digital equity and inclusion initiatives. Discussion Items - Monthly Demolition Update: Steve Gondol, Director of Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development, reported 13 ARPA-funded demolitions completed in January 2026 despite significant snowfall. No emergency demolitions occurred. Eighteen properties were added to the structural nuisance list (10 blight, 8 fire damage). The year's demolition targets are approximately: 120 ARPA, 70–75 ODOD, and 60–80 CDBG demolitions. The remaining balance from the 2022 goal of 1,168 demolitions is 334. Commissioners inquired about vegetation management, boarding contracts, and follow-up in specific neighborhoods (Westwood, Oxford, Miami Valley Boulevard). Mr. Gondol committed to provide updates. Key Outcomes - Resolution 6919-26 (Emergency): Authorized acceptance of a $7,750,000 HUD lead hazard reduction grant. Declared emergency (vote: 5-0); passed second reading (vote: 5-0). - Ordinance 32178-26 (Emergency): Authorized purchase of real estate (parcels R72-00806-001, -002, -003, -009) for employee health clinic expansion. Declared emergency (vote: 4-0-1, with Fairchild abstaining); second reading rolls show 5 ayes, but clerk recorded one abstention; final passage unclear. Ordinance passed. - Resolution 6917-26: Declared intention to vacate an alley south of Xenia Avenue (unanimous). - Resolution 6918-26: Declared intention to vacate Vicksburg Street from Maywood Avenue to Maywood Avenue (unanimous). - Other: Commissioners made announcements about Black History Month events, the Adapt Dayton zoning code survey, library resources, and scholarship deadlines.

The Dayton City Commission met on February 19, 2026, to consider a range of items including a grant agreement for a food pantry renovation, the first step in a major PFOS treatment project, a new electronic plan review system, a development agreement for downtown job retention, and the first reading of the 2026 budget appropriation ordinance. Commissioners also heard public comments on topics including neighborhood traffic safety, hate speech, and public hospital funding. Administrative Actions - The Commission excused the absence of Mayor Turner Sloss (motion approved unanimously). - The minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting were approved (motion approved unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Bowling (McCookville Neighborhood Association and Bear Valley Pike/Valley Crest CAG) expressed full support for the grant agreement with Northeast Church's Emergency Center, noting the history of the building at 1404 Webster Street in Claridge Park and its importance to the community. He highlighted that the Superfund process for the Dayton Thermal Products site began 19 years ago. - Greg West (1320 Kingsley Ave) solicited support for the fourth annual "Days with the Dragons" program, which has taken over 250 youth to Dayton Dragons games. He asked commissioners and the public to donate tickets. - Yusuf Al Zayn (4906 Umberwood Dr) called on the Commission to speak out against hate and bigotry, referencing dehumanizing remarks by U.S. Representative Randy Fine and recent racist incidents. He urged local officials to reject divisive rhetoric. - Paul Kerrigan (1525 Pershing Blvd) thanked the city for installing two traffic indicators on Pershing Boulevard, saying they have already slowed traffic and improved safety. - Kathleen Gallup (5066 Safeway Dr) thanked voters for passing Issue 9 (public hospital) and asked the City Attorney to explain how individuals can donate to the hospital fund. She also urged comedian Dave Chappelle to contribute. - Kevin Keller (3922 East Third St) requested more trash cans on East Third Street, better snow plowing methods, and support for a gem sculpture project to commemorate the city's anniversary. He also noted the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Awards. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: The City Manager highlighted several items on the calendar: - Item 2: Grant agreement with Northeast Church's Emergency Center Inc. for renovation of the city-owned building at 1404 Webster Street, supporting the food pantry in Claridge Park. - Item 4: Contract modification for the PFOS treatment project – a $22 million first step in a $300 million capital improvement. This is a construction management at risk project with Shook Construction; a notice to proceed is expected around November 2026 after OEPA approval. - Item 7: Award of contract to e-Plan Inc. for an electronic document review system to digitize the plan review process. The system is expected to be operational by the end of Q2 2026. - Development Agreement for Hornstein Nicholson Blumenthal: A performance-based agreement to retain 47 full-time jobs and create 10 new high-wage jobs in downtown Dayton, with incentives tied to new income tax generation. - First reading of the 2026 budget appropriation ordinance (ordinance 3217-26) for $1.5 billion. Director of Management & Budget Abby Patel Jones presented details: the increase from the temporary budget is $473.6 million, largely driven by $466 million in carryover balances, primarily capital funds. The PFAS project contributed to a $131.4 million increase in carryover over the prior year. Substantive changes total $7.6 million, including adjustments for special revenue, water and sewer debt payments, workers' compensation, and firefighter physical exams. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Shaw asked about the process for reappropriations throughout the year, noting it is a dynamic process with hundreds of funds. Director Jones confirmed the flexibility. Key Outcomes - The Commission voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve the city manager's recommendations, including the grant agreement, contract modification, e-plan contract, and development agreement. - First reading was given to: - Ordinance 3217-26 (2026 appropriation of funds) - Resolution 6917-26 (vacation of alley south of Xenia Avenue) - Resolution 6918-26 (vacation of Vicksford Street) - These items will be subject to a second reading and final vote at a future meeting. Commissioner Closing Remarks and Announcements - Commissioner Beckham recognized citizens who spoke, announced a panel on "Why Leadership in Local Politics Matters" (Feb 20 at UD Fitz Center), Keep Montgomery County Beautiful beautification grants (up to $1,000, deadline March 6), and paid tribute to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson. - Commissioner Fairchild thanked speakers, noted plans to improve snow removal coordination, and announced a Black History Month book signing event at COZ Book Nook (Feb 22), Dayton Art Institute tour, and scholarship opportunities from the Dayton Foundation (deadline March 6). She wished everyone a holy observance for Ramadan and Lent. - Commissioner Shaw announced that registration for AirCamp is open (937-304-5264) and recognized civil rights leader William Sumter McIntosh. - Mayor Turner Sloss (via Assistant) announced the new Climate Resilience Fund (up to $40,000 annually for community projects, applications open April 30) and thanked departing staffer Cam Anderson for his service.