Dayton City Commission Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on April 22, 2026, to issue proclamations honoring Donald Bush and retiring Clerk Regina Blackshear, receive updates on the Dayton Citizens Assembly, and address several legislative items including a liquor permit objection for Reserve on Third. Public comment featured calls to fire the city manager and concerns about ICE enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting.
• Approved city manager's calendar recommendations, including a $600,000 service agreement with Entrée Consulting Services for ERP implementation, a CDBG asphalt resurfacing program covering neighborhoods including Linden Heights, Midtown, University Park, South Park, Wright View, Westwood, Edgemont, Inner East, Old North Dayton, Riverdale, and Roosevelt, and expansion of the Inner East Community Reinvestment Area to a 15-year, 100% property tax abatement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaron Parrott (co-owner, Reserve on Third, 452 East Third Street): Described over $1.5 million in downtown investments, including the club's status as Ohio's number one selling tequila establishment. Asked for collaboration and fairness, expressing openness to a good neighbor agreement to resolve issues while continuing operations.
• Greg West (representing community initiatives): Announced an informational meeting on April 30, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at 925 North Main Street. Challenged commissioners to donate to his youth baseball game program, which has taken over 200 youth to Dayton Dragons games over three years.
• Kia Sankara Jabbar (2426 Jerome Avenue): Called for firing City Manager Dixie, alleging neglect of neighborhoods, concentration of power, and that only Mayor Sloss and Commissioner Fairchild work for the community. Invited Commissioner Beckham to meet with the Dayton Local Organizing Committee.
• Talice Gage: Echoed the call to fire the city manager, stating "two on two with one deciding factor."
• Kimaru Watenza (1200 West Grand Street Avenue): Asked what the police department's plan is to protect Dayton residents from ICE warrantless seizures under the Fourth Amendment, noting driver's licenses are not proof of citizenship and requesting a non-rhetorical answer.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Recognized Donald Bush with "Donald Bush Day" for his leadership as FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association chapter president and recipient of the 2026 National Leadership Achievement Award. Recognized Regina Blackshear with "Regina D. Blackshear Day" on her retirement after 17 years of service, including as Clerk of Commission since March 17, 2021.
• University of Dayton Presentation: Savalis Kidd thanked the city police for partnership ensuring a safe St. Patrick's Day celebration, calling the collaboration "absolutely superb."
• Dayton Citizens Assembly (Dayton Deliberates): Co-chair Michelle Riley provided updates: delegates will be randomly selected from 30,000 mailings by Ohio State University's IDEA institute; the assembly runs from June 6 to August 1, 2026, with topic being West Dayton Public Hospital. A learning committee will review materials separately from the advisory committee. Mayor Sloss questioned the transparency of the advisory committee selection process; city engagement director Mike Squire explained it was an informal, organic process including city staff and partners. Commissioners expressed support and asked for future presentations in writing.
• Liquor Permit Objection – Reserve on Third: City manager noted the business is open to a good neighbor agreement. Law department's Alyssa Schreiner explained the objection process: a hearing is set after objection, business operates normally until a decision, and the city can withdraw the objection if an agreement is reached. Commissioner Fairchild asked for a review of the process to allow earlier mediation.
• Police Chief Hiring Process: City manager Dixie defended the selection of Chief Eric Henderson, highlighting his 27 years with DPD, community roots, graduate certificates, and cost savings of $75,000–$100,000 versus an external search. Commissioner Fairchild criticized the process as lacking transparency, while Commissioners Shaw, Joseph, and Beckham supported the hire. Mayor Sloss acknowledged Henderson's qualifications but stated the stakeholder panel of 11 selected solely by the city manager was not robust public engagement.

Key Outcomes

• Emergency Resolution 6926-26 (Objection to liquor permit renewal for Reserve on Third): Adopted 5-0. City will pursue a good neighbor agreement; if reached, objection may be withdrawn.
• Emergency Resolution 6927-26 (Temporary 180-day moratorium on data center permits): Adopted 5-0.
• First Readings: Ordinance 32183-26 (vacate alley south of Xenia Avenue from Fillmore to Steele), Ordinance 32184-26 (establish Inner East Community Reinvestment Area), Resolution 6928-26 (vacate alley east of South Main Street).
• City Manager Recommendations: Approved unanimously, including the $600,000 ERP consulting contract, CDBG paving program, and CRA district expansion.
• Next Meeting: Canceled for April 29, 2026, due to lack of quorum.