Dayton City Commission Meeting Summary – January 8, 2026

The Dayton City Commission convened on January 8, 2026, marking the start of the new term with a focus on public safety initiatives, surveillance technology oversight, and downtown revitalization. The meeting featured the approval of demolition updates, public testimony regarding the expansion of ALPR surveillance cameras and proposed downtown safety measures, and significant debate over a potential resolution regarding the U.S. conflict in Venezuela. While several items proceeded to approval, the commission committed to further reviewing surveillance ordinances and data security protocols in response to citizen concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals were facilitated, including the monthly demolition update presentation by Mr. Steve Gondel.
• The minutes for the December 31, 2025, meeting and the January 5, 2026, special meeting were approved unanimously.
• Contract modifications for Ultimate Inc. (traffic safety enforcement system extension) and the Flock Group Inc. (grant-funded expansion of automated license plate readers) were presented for approval.
• Development agreement clarification regarding debt proceeds for the "On Main" development project was noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

Flock Cameras and Surveillance Privacy:

• Opposition: Multiple speakers (Spencer Glazier, Caroline Dickey, Joseph Abrams, Joyce Propes McAlpine, Mallory Fowler, Melissa Bertolo, Moss Dickey, Hillary Lerman, Yusuf El Zayn, Kevin Keller, Ebony Hastings) expressed deep concern or full opposition to the expansion of Flock cameras. They cited risks of data access by ICE, potential misuse by third parties, lack of end-to-end encryption, and the chilling effect on civil liberties, particularly for marginalized communities and immigrants.
• Support/Defense: The Dayton Police Department (Chief Afsall, Major Hall) and some community members defended the system. Major Hall noted that all targeted neighborhoods consented to the cameras via safety plans and that the data is used for high-profile incidents like missing persons and violent crimes. Chief Afsall affirmed that the city does not share data with federal agencies and that the data is retained for only 30 days unless used as evidence.
• Data Security Clarification: Commissioner Fairchild noted that Ohio recently passed a law making ALPR data non-public record (effective October 2025). The Police Department confirmed they utilize AWS security and have system stipulations prohibiting searches for immigration or reproductive rights. Commissioner Joseph suggested formalizing a process to track data usage.

Downtown Safety Working Group:

• Support: Regina Holman (representing the Downtown Dayton Working Group) presented recommendations for strengthening downtown safety through police presence and enforcement, citing collaboration among business and political leaders.
• Criticism: Speakers including Joseph Abrams, Ebony Hastings, Yusuf El Zayn, and Moss Dickey opposed the working group. They argued the group lacked citizen input, relied on a perceived "crisis" in a safe downtown, and diverted attention from root causes of citywide violence in residential neighborhoods (West-East Dayton). They called for transparency and a citywide safety strategy rather than a downtown-centric model.

Resolution on Venezuela:

• Strong Support: Speakers (Caleb Kennedy, Ben Williams, Party for Socialism and Liberation representatives, Fazila Pasha, Ethan Vandenberg, Mary Sue Gaminer) urged the commission to pass a resolution opposing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, characterizing it as an illegal war driven by oil interests and imperialism.
• Commission Response: Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Fairchild expressed a desire to review precedents regarding international conflicts. Commissioner Joseph stated the commission stands firmly on the side of peace, dialogue, and self-determination, though no immediate vote was taken on the resolution itself.

Other Public Comments:

• Home Safety: Kevin Keller expressed disapproval of state laws allowing residents to fire guns on their property.
• Community Engagement: Mary Sue Gaminer invited residents to join the Police Reform Committee's community engagement efforts.
• Violence Reduction: Greg West promoted a "Fire Point Initiative" to combat violence through community pledges.

Discussion Items

Demolition Update:

• Mr. Steve Gondel reported that 18 structures were removed in November 2025 (14 routine, 4 piles), funded by ARPA. The city has removed 264 properties in 2025. Four fire piles were removed, and none were added. The team focused on the Southern Dayton View, West, and Northwest neighborhoods. Commissioner Fairchild expressed appreciation that the number of fire piles is dwindling.

ALPR Expansion and Ordinance Review:

• Extensive discussion occurred regarding the expansion of ALPR cameras. Commissioners Fairchild and Joseph led the charge to review the existing surveillance ordinance and ensure data security, noting that the environment has changed since the 2023 adoption.
• Commissioner Joseph proposed formalizing an audit process to track data access and ensuring the public understands the limitations of the 30-day data retention rule.
• Commissioner Shaw clarified that downtown Dayton is currently the safest neighborhood and that the working group aimed to address a perception issue to encourage economic investment, rather than responding to an actual crime epidemic.

Budget and Contract Reviews:

• Commissioner Ebony Hastings called for an immediate review and potential suspension of the City Manager's $50,000 contract approval authority pending an independent audit of past spending.
• The Commission acknowledged requests for audits on data usage and contract compliance, with Chief Afsall agreeing to coordinate with the commission on what information is retrievable from the 30-day retention window.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition: Staff thanked for the November update; no motion required, acknowledgment only.
• Flock Camera Expansion: The commission approved the city manager's recommendation to proceed with the grant-funded expansion of ALPR cameras, contingent upon the commission initiating a review of the surveillance ordinance and data security protocols. Commissioners Fairchild and Joseph were tasked with leading a collective review.
• Downtown Safety Working Group: The commission accepted the introduction of documents from the Downtown Safety Working Group into the record. A motion to approve the resolution addressing the commitment to protecting downtown Dayton is scheduled for the next meeting (Second Reading).
• Legislation Passed:
  • Emergency Resolution 6913-26 (Objecting to liquor permit for Dayton Downtown BP) was declared an emergency and passed for immediate passage.
  • Resolution 6914-26 (Addressing commitment to protecting downtown Dayton) passed (Second Reading).
  • Ordinance 32175-25 (Appropriating property for Kiwi Street Safety Improvement Project) passed (First Reading).
  • Resolution 6910-25 and 6911-25 (Property and alley vacation matters for Kiwi Street project) passed (Second Reading).
• Reappointments: Seven members (Hunt Brown, Bonnie Kling, Carolyn Rice, Ed Dixon, Tony Ricciuto, Thomas Siafa, Lori Sims-Park) were unanimously reappointed to the Dayton Sister City Committee for a term ending December 31, 2028.
• Next Steps:
  • Commissioner Fairchild requested the addition of supporting documents for the downtown working group to the next week's agenda.
  • The commission requested a public hearing date for the budget.
  • An audit of contracts under $50,000 requested by Ms. Hastings is proceeding.
  • The commission will continue deliberations on the Venezuela resolution during future meetings.