Dayton City Commission Meeting - March 18, 2026
Dayton City Commission Meeting - March 18, 2026
The Dayton City Commission met on March 18, 2026, in a regular session. The meeting included invocation, approval of previous minutes, consent calendar items, public comments, and closing announcements from commissioners. Commissioner Shaw was excused from the meeting. Key actions included adoption of a resolution for EV charger sites and approval of city manager recommendations.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
- City Manager Recommendations: Approved unanimously without discussion.
- Second Reading Resolution 6922-26: Resolution authorizing eight addresses in Dayton for acceptance of electric vehicle (EV) chargers was adopted with 4 votes in favor (Mayor Turner Sloss, Commissioners Joseph, Beckham, and Fairchild).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tasha Roundtree (representing Wolf Creek Neighborhood Association and cannabis advocate): Expressed frustration over the city's lack of a plan for cannabis revenue and workforce displacement. Noted that by March 19, 2026, over 6,000 Ohioans would lose jobs in the hemp industry with no unemployment eligibility. Criticized the absence of a cannabis coalition or council and a budget for cannabis funds. Also highlighted Wesley Community Center lacking water, phone, and food. Made a follow-up request for a plan.
- Yusuf Zane (4906 Umberwood Drive): Urged the commission to take a moral stance against ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran. Referenced Dayton's history as host of the Dayton Peace Accords and a 2020 resolution condemning genocide. Questioned whether Dayton would remain complicit in war or choose peace.
- Hilary Lerman (former Miami University history teacher): Compared U.S.-Israel actions to Nazi Germany and genocide, urging the commission to be a moral light.
- Tasha Roundtree (again, as neighborhood president): Defended Wolf Creek against accusations of gentrification. Described efforts to address homelessness, improve housing via land bank and Habitat for Humanity, and create small business opportunities. Highlighted first-time homebuyer programs, home rebuild Dayton, and specialized homes for first responders and tradespeople.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes of March 11, 2026 approved.
- City manager recommendations approved (no objections or discussion).
- Resolution 6922-26 adopted (4-0, EV charger authorization).
- Follow-up directed: City manager to provide a memo to commissioners and the public regarding cannabis-related planning and workforce impact.
Commissioner Comments & Announcements
- Commissioner Beckham: Thanked the University of Dayton Black Law Students Association (BALSA) and announced the Joseph Sinke Banquet on March 21, 2026.
- Commissioner Fairchild: Thanked the Japanese American Citizen League for officer swearing-in; praised city staff for hosting NCAA basketball first-four games; announced a free spring break hub at Greater Dayton Recreation Center (March 30–April 2, 2026) for youth ages 9–17; reminded public of Severe Weather Awareness Week and urged family preparedness for 48 hours.
- Commissioner Joseph: Congratulated the Department of Water for receiving the National Environmental Achievement Award from NACWA for the urban agriculture grant program, which has expanded to 41 garden locations across the city, promoting stormwater management and food access.
- Mayor Turner Sloss: Led moment of silence for fallen soldiers, including six airmen (three from Ohio); thanked Masjid al-Madina (iftar event), the Arab Social Association, and the Peace Museum for community iftars; thanked staff for NCAA preparations.
Meeting Transcript
The Dayton City Commission meeting will now come to order. Would you all please rise for invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance? This evening, the invocation will be given by Commissioner Fairchild. Oh gracious one, in a world that feels out of control. Remind us of your providence. Commit us to your will. Remind us the power of love is greater than the power of violence. Make us ambassadors of your love. Instruments of your peace. Instill in us your compassion. Make us mindful of those who are fragile and those that are vulnerable. May they find in us generous friends. Guide us now. Maybe we may we be wise in our decisions and tender in our actions so that we create a Dayton where everyone is seen. There are opportunities for all, and our community is just and vibrant. Amen. Amen. And which it stands. One nation. Ms. Black Share, may we please have a roll call? Mayor Turner Sloss. Aye. Commissioner Joseph. Aye. Fairchild. Beckham. Aye. May I have a motion to excuse the absence of Commissioner Shaw, please? So moved, Your Honor. Second the motion, Your Honor. It has been properly moved and seconded to excuse the absence of Commissioner Shaw. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Miss Black, excuse me. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting, please? So moved, Your Honor. Second the motion, Your Honor. It has been properly moved and seconded to approve the minutes for the March 11th, 2026 meeting. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Miss Blackshare, are there any communications or petitions this evening? There are none, Your Honor. And we have no presentations this evening. Miss Blackshare, are there any additions, deletions, or comments to the calendar? I have none, Your Honor. Thank you, Miss Black Share. Miss Dixtean, are there any additions, deletions, or comments to the calendar this evening?
openpublica.com