Dayton City Commission Meeting - July 30, 2025

The Dayton City Commission met on July 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM (presumed) to address routine approvals, a demolition update, a public hearing on zoning code text amendments, and public comments on housing and other issues. The meeting included an invocation by Commissioner Shaw, roll call (Mayor Mims, Commissioner Shaw, Commissioner Turner Sloss present; Commissioner Joseph excused), and approval of minutes and the city manager's recommendations.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The Commission approved the minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting.
• City Manager's Recommendations: Approved as a package, including:
  • Item B3: Award of a CDBG asphalt resurfacing contract (rebid) to pave 14 streets and over 60 alleys, projected completion fall 2025.
  • Item C4: Legal settlement with CenterPoint Energy providing $3.75 million over five years for disadvantaged community energy initiatives, $625,000 for bill payment assistance, and a fee waiver program for qualifying customers.

Presentations

• Monthly Demolition Update (James McDaniel, standing in for Steve Gondo):
  • Total plan demolitions (cumulative): 1,168 (2023: 188; 2024: 208; 2025: 141).
  • 2025 demolitions by funding: 34 ARPA, 9 General Fund, 98 ODOD.
  • June 2025 completed demolitions: 41 structures (ODOD). Fire piles (POWs): reduced from 68 in May to 59 in June (10 removed, 1 added, including 1 emergency demo).
  • Structures added to nuisance list in 2025: 52 (January: 8, February: 9, March: 9, April: 10, May: 16, June: 6; 4 of June's were fire-damaged).
  • No title reports or surveys for June; pipeline projects upcoming (e.g., 715 N Gettysburg, 784 Goodlow, etc.).
  • Commissioner questions focused on location of emergency demo, status of rebid contract, and transition from ODOD to ARPA/CDBG funding.

Public Hearing: Zoning Code Text Amendments

• Ordinance 32154-25 (first reading only): Repeals, amends, and enacts various sections of the zoning code.
• Presentation by Jen Hanauer (Planning Division): Outlined 17 text amendments in three categories:
  1. Administering the code: Clarifying definitions (e.g., middle multifamily, ADUs in historic districts), updating density regulations for suburban multifamily, clarifying height regulations, updating fees/penalties/enforcement.
  2. Keeping code up-to-date: Updating marijuana language per state regulations, telecommunication tower regulations to align with surrounding municipalities, adding food trucks and graffiti definitions.
  3. Planning best practices: Reducing vehicle parking, adding bike/EV parking, adding minor record plan for smaller projects, commercial design standards for pedestrian safety, removing indoor self-storage as permitted use in downtown/mixed-use districts.
• Public Process: Work sessions, lunch-and-learn, plan board unanimously recommended approval.
• Commission Questions: Commissioner Turner Sloss asked about designated areas for graffiti (public art vs. illegal tagging). Zoning Administrator clarified graffiti is unauthorized defacement; murals require permits. Commissioner Fairchild asked about public outreach (FAQ page on city website) and fee changes: fines increased to $1,000/day maximum for commercial, with policy document for graduated enforcement. No difference in policy between residential and commercial.
• Decision: Ordinance received first reading; no vote taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

Seven citizens spoke:

• Mary Elson (109 Mabel Ave, Dayton Tenant Union): Urged full funding of the Access to Counsel pilot program, citing eviction crisis and data that tenants without counsel almost always lose. Highlighted that majority of pilot clients are Black women with children and disabilities.
• David Woods (3230 Late Reality): Complained about alleged misconduct at Kettering Hospital involving his father, requested police investigation, and criticized the Kettering Police Department. No specific city action requested.
• Arlie Forte (729 W Grand Ave): Described living without heat in winter 2023-24, using rent escrow, and feeling ignored by city. Requested a funded housing trust fund for repairs, legal help, and basic protections for seniors. Celebrated 84th birthday next month.
• Destiny Brown (1119 W Second St): Acknowledged recent work session on housing and funding for Welcome Home program, but stressed that renters need enforcement and a funded housing trust fund. Noted that money from the tax levy is available but input was restricted. Cited Columbus access to counsel program returning $4 for every $1 invested.
• Larry Hayden (4028 Indian Run Dr): Described mold, lead paint, and pest infestations in rental units. Called for a funded housing trust fund for urgent repairs, legal support, and tenant relocation. Stated every delay puts more children at risk.
• Darell Lee (1903 E Third St, Apt 19): Shared personal experience of being shot (12 bullets) and criticized open carry and police racial bias. Asked for help with case plan and child custody.
• Flora Hurston (2914 Salem Ave): Business owner who received a liquor license objection from police with only three weeks' notice, no prior incidents. Criticized lack of communication from police and asked the Commission to recommend a better process. Noted she is also a public health nurse and employer of youth workers.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Turner Sloss and others commended the demolition progress and zoning work.
• Commissioner Turner Sloss highlighted housing policy steering committee subcommittees (housing trust fund, historic preservation, data, tenants issue) and requested review of draft legislation for a housing trust fund. Stressed enforcement and resources.
• City Manager Dixie provided context on housing investments: over $20 million in rehab and affordable housing programs, a pilot to hold landlords accountable (criteria under development), and a comprehensive briefing package coming by early August. Noted that 50%+ of residents are renters and that the city lacks ability to enter private properties without documented safety threats.
• Commissioner Fairchild asked about options to withdraw liquor license objections; staff will provide information.
• Commissioner Shaw announced a free girls' basketball program (Her Time to Play) at Laura Recreation Center, starting September 17.
• Commissioners also noted upcoming events: National Night Out (Aug 5), back-to-school events, Art in the City, Stuart Patterson Park cleanup, and resume/clothing assistance at the library.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes from July 23, 2025.
• Approved the city manager's recommendations (as consent calendar).
• First reading only of Ordinance 32154-25 (zoning code text amendments); public hearing held.
• Directive: Staff to provide information on liquor license objection options to Commissioner Fairchild.
• Next Steps: Comprehensive housing briefing package to be delivered to Commission by early August. Commissioner Turner Sloss will follow up on access to counsel pilot data and draft housing trust fund legislation.