OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Dayton City Commission Meeting - February 19, 2026

City Commission — Thursday, February 19, 2026
BodyDayton, Ohio
SessionCity Commission
DateThursday, February 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 50:29

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Dayton City Commission meeting will now come to order.

0:08

Would you please rise to the invocation?

0:09

Remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:12

Commissioner Shaw is giving us indication tonight.

0:15

Dear Lord, help us pray together so that when your will is known, we may do it together.

0:21

That when crises occur, we may face them together.

0:36

In the liberty and justice for all.

0:47

Mayor Turner Slaus.

0:49

Commissioners Joseph.

0:51

Shaw.

0:53

Beckham.

0:55

Thank you.

0:55

May I have a motion to excuse the absence of Mayor Turner Slaus.

0:58

So moved, John.

0:59

Second the motion, Your Honor.

1:00

Thank you.

1:01

It's been properly moved and seconded to excuse the absence of Mayor Turner Sloss.

1:04

All in favor say aye.

1:05

Aye.

1:06

All opposed say no.

1:08

May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the February 11th, 2026 meeting?

1:13

So moved.

1:14

Second motion, Your Honor.

1:15

Thank you.

1:22

Aye.

1:22

All opposed say no.

1:24

All right.

1:24

Ms.

1:25

Black Sure, are there any communications or petitions?

1:27

There are none, Your Honor.

1:28

Great.

1:29

I see there are no presentations this evening.

1:31

Ms.

1:31

Blackshire, any additions, deletions, or comments on the calendar?

1:35

I have none, Your Honor.

1:36

Great.

1:36

Ms.

1:36

Dixtein, any additions, deletions or comments this evening?

1:39

Your Honor, this evening I have no additions or deletions to the calendar.

1:44

I do have a few items I would like to highlight.

1:47

Item number two is a grant agreement with Northeast Church's Emergency Center Inc.

1:54

This is grant funding for the renovation of the city owned building located at 1404 Webster.

2:03

It is currently owned by the city, but soon not going to be owned by the city.

2:07

We're getting ready to convey it.

2:08

This is in the Claridge Park.

2:10

You recall there was a lot of engagement and conversation around what to do with Claridge Park and some of the and the facility that's there.

2:28

And the reason that we are going to be conveying this property is so that the food pantry can continue to operate out of there for the community.

2:54

So we're excited about bringing that forward.

2:57

Item number four is a contract modification.

3:02

This is the first step of many that will uh establish the early work package for the comprehensive project to advance our PFOS treatment project.

3:19

And this is a construction management at risk project with shook construction.

3:28

So you we will not see any real work or a notice to proceed until later this year, about November, because we are still obtaining OEPA approval and the uh guaranteed maximum price for this project that has to come along with it.

3:47

So the but this one ensures that funding is in place as we move through those um steps so that they can move right into design and they can keep the project moving and it won't be delayed waiting for more activity.

4:01

So this is a 22 million dollar item, and as you know, the the PFOS treatment um improvement is a $300 million uh improved capital improvement.

4:13

So just wanted to make sure that you are aware that that is this is the very first step of something of many things to come because of its size.

4:22

Um item number seven is an exciting award of contract.

4:27

This is um e-plan inc to get us to that electronic document review system that we've talked about to go hand in hand with our permitting so that we can um go faster and bring transparency to that process.

4:44

So why this is important?

4:46

Um the digital moving us to digital brings our plan review process fully online and instead of paper plans back and forth and emails and and it will all occur digitally.

5:00

It's better for our residents and businesses because they can upload their building plans from anywhere from home in their slippers if they want.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement██████████████████18%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Youth Programs████████████12%
Technology and Innovation█████████9%
Economic Development████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Procedural████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Dayton City Commission Meeting - February 19, 2026

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.

Meeting Transcript

Dayton City Commission meeting will now come to order. Would you please rise to the invocation? Remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Shaw is giving us indication tonight. Dear Lord, help us pray together so that when your will is known, we may do it together. That when crises occur, we may face them together. In the liberty and justice for all. Mayor Turner Slaus. Commissioners Joseph. Shaw. Beckham. Thank you. May I have a motion to excuse the absence of Mayor Turner Slaus. So moved, John. Second the motion, Your Honor. Thank you. It's been properly moved and seconded to excuse the absence of Mayor Turner Sloss. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the February 11th, 2026 meeting? So moved. Second motion, Your Honor. Thank you. Aye. All opposed say no. All right. Ms. Black Sure, are there any communications or petitions? There are none, Your Honor. Great. I see there are no presentations this evening. Ms. Blackshire, any additions, deletions, or comments on the calendar? I have none, Your Honor. Great. Ms. Dixtein, any additions, deletions or comments this evening? Your Honor, this evening I have no additions or deletions to the calendar. I do have a few items I would like to highlight. Item number two is a grant agreement with Northeast Church's Emergency Center Inc. This is grant funding for the renovation of the city owned building located at 1404 Webster. It is currently owned by the city, but soon not going to be owned by the city. We're getting ready to convey it. This is in the Claridge Park. You recall there was a lot of engagement and conversation around what to do with Claridge Park and some of the and the facility that's there. And the reason that we are going to be conveying this property is so that the food pantry can continue to operate out of there for the community. So we're excited about bringing that forward. Item number four is a contract modification. This is the first step of many that will uh establish the early work package for the comprehensive project to advance our PFOS treatment project.

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