Dayton City Commission Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Dayton City Commission convened on February 4, 2026, with proceedings continuing into February 5. The meeting included a proclamation, approval of several infrastructure contracts, a public hearing on a mosque expansion, public comments on a traffic safety project and property redevelopment, and recognition of the city's Bloomberg What Works Cities Silver Certification. Key actions included extending a moratorium on group homes and advancing a zoning change for a place of worship.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 28, 2026 meeting.
• City Manager's Recommendations: The commission approved a package of items including:
  • Service agreement modification with App Architecture Inc. for renovations to the East District Patrol operations.
  • Lease agreement with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority for a temporary police substation (12,032 sq ft at $7.45/sq ft) at the transportation hub on Main Street, expected operational by March 1, 2026. This substation will house the C pod currently on Salem Avenue and support downtown safety and homeless outreach efforts.
  • Award of contract to Becker Construction for Fire Station 15 renovations ($1.6 million, completion by October 2026).
  • Award of contract to JL Cook General Contractors for Belmont Pool renovations ($1.7 million, funded through CDBG, completion by September 2026). This was the third bid after previous estimates exceeded budget; locker room improvements were removed from scope.
  • Award of contract to LJ DeWis Company for Philadelphia Drive traffic calming between West Riverview and Salem Avenue, including bike lanes and curb extensions (completion by July 31, 2026). The design includes on-street parking on a segment between Oxford and Riverview to address community concerns.
• Emergency Resolution 6916-26: Extended the temporary moratorium on applications for group homes for an additional 180 days (to August 3, 2026) to allow staff to complete work on a citywide cap and other zoning recommendations. The moratorium affects all group homes, but a citywide cap can only apply to foster care facilities. The resolution passed as an emergency (unanimous voice vote on first and second readings).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anthony Lamont (811 Dunbar Street): Expressed a desire to revive the Paul Lawrence Dunbar property, which he owns and has $550,000 in back taxes. He requested more time from the city and assistance contacting the Montgomery County Treasurer's Office, stating he aims to use his own resources to restore the property and lead redevelopment in the area. The mayor advised him to speak with the county treasurer's office and the city's planning department.
• Willie Morris (President, Wayne Avenue Traffic Safety Coalition): Requested three actions from the commission: (1) include the full Wayne Avenue safety design (north of Kiwi Street) in the March ODOT safety funding application; (2) install temporary measures like a pedestrian crossing at Park Drive and Pierce Street; and (3) provide a clear construction start date. He cited the death of neighbor Jennifer Johnson in 2022 and ongoing collisions.
• Laura Estandia (228 Park Drive): Also from the coalition, she stated that after two years of collaboration with city engineers, the safety study design is ready but the section north of Kiwi Street was excluded due to the revived US 35 planning grant. She urged the city not to wait, as federal implementation funding for Reconnecting Communities is uncertain, and asked the commission to include the full design in the March application.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Osmangazi Mosque Expansion: The commission held a public hearing on a rezoning and plan development request for 1.48 acres at 1508 Valley Street. The proposal would rezone 1.036 acres from I-1 Light Industrial to ER4 Single Family and establish Plan Development 194 to expand the existing mosque with a new prayer hall. Key features include a parking agreement with a nearby truck terminal (30 total spaces, 7 on-site) and building orientation to accommodate prayer direction. The Northeast Land Use Board and City Plan Board both unanimously recommended approval. No public comments were received. The commission moved to first reading of Ordinance 32176-26 to implement the zoning change; no final vote was taken.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification: City Manager Dixtein announced that Dayton achieved Silver Certification in the What Works Cities program, recognizing the city's use of data for policy and operations. Abby Patel Jones presented the certification, noting that 22 of 43 criteria were met (51% achievement rate). The site visit in October 2025 included tours of the Real-Time Crime Center, Planning Neighborhoods and Development, Public Works, and Fire Department. The city plans to pursue Gold certification. A proclamation declaring February 4, 2026 as What Works Cities Recognition Day was read.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: All city manager's recommendations (contract awards, lease, moratorium extension) by voice vote.
• Passed as Emergency: Resolution 6916-26 extending the group home moratorium to August 3, 2026 (unanimous).
• First Reading Only: Ordinance 32176-26 for the Osmangazi Mosque rezoning and plan development; no final action.
• Proclamations Issued: February 4, 2026 proclaimed as Emily Mindenhall Day and as What Works Cities Recognition Day.
• Future Action: City manager committed to providing a detailed briefing on the Wayne Avenue traffic safety project and follow-up with the coalition. The commission will receive updates on the Wayne Avenue safety design before the March funding deadline.