Dayton City Commission Meeting - March 11, 2026

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.