Dayton City Commission Meeting – May 7, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on May 7, 2026, with Mayor Turner Sloss presiding and Commissioners Joseph, Shaw, and Beckham present; Commissioner Fairchild was excused. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for community members, followed by proclamations honoring Peace Officers Memorial Week and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. A monthly demolition update was presented, and the bulk of the meeting was consumed by public testimony and commissioner comments regarding the recently revealed unauthorized sharing of automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with immigration enforcement agencies.

Consent Calendar

• Absence of Commissioner Fairchild excused unanimously.
• Minutes of the April 22, 2026 meeting approved unanimously.
• Proclamations adopted: National Police Week (May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day) and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (May 2-3, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zakia Sankara Jabbar questioned whether calendar item #12 was revenue to the city or a payment, expressing concern about the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. She also called for the city manager's firing, stating over 200 residents have signed a petition.
• Tara Campbell urged the commission to establish a conflict transformation contract to build trust and create a real pathway for community dialogue.
• Julio Mateo detailed a pattern of DPD misrepresenting ALPR data use, noting that despite repeated warnings, the commission expanded the technology. He demanded an independent investigation, release of audit logs, and removal of cameras.
• Joseph Abrams stated that multiple people should be held accountable for the flock camera data breach, not just one person. He criticized the city manager, DPD command, and the law department.
• Ebony Hastings called for the city manager's immediate termination, not administrative leave, citing a lack of transparency and years of unaddressed concerns.
• Joyce Probst McAlpine recounted requesting an ALPR audit since January, which was never performed. She demanded removal of cameras, cancellation of the flock contract, and a public hearing under oath.
• Sharon Screech questioned the city manager's salary ($284,000) and lack of performance evaluations while residents struggle.
• Kenya Akbar shared her personal experience of police brutality, calling for the city manager's firing and an end to police violence.
• Kathleen Kirsch (ABLE attorney) highlighted the impact on immigrant families, noting ICE arrests coincided with the data sharing. She demanded audit logs, a sworn hearing, and immediate cessation of ALPR cameras.
• Ivy Young (Clergy Community Coalition) alleged the city manager undermined community initiatives and repeated calls for her termination.
• Re Molnar and Miranda Hallett framed the data breach as a form of abuse and authoritarianism, demanding camera removal and full transparency.
• Dory Chism questioned RTA funding for a police station and police response times.
• Paula Humphrey raised concerns about residential zoning violations from auto repair shops in Northwest Dayton.
• Multiple other speakers (Blanca Weinberg, Kevin, Yusuf Elzane, Vanita Kelly, Kathleen Galt, Stephen Ware, Mary Sue Ga minor, Cheyenne Myrick, Tim Devon, Melissa Bertolo, Talis Gage, Stephen Mohammed) also testified on flock cameras, public trust, policing, and neighborhood conditions.

Discussion Items

• Demolition Update (Steve Gondel): 21 demolitions in March (12 ARPA, 9 ODOD); 54 demolitions year-to-date (16% of goal). 24 piles remain. Year-to-date highlights: Santa Clara (11), Southern Dayton View (23). 5 structures added to nuisance list (2 fire, 3 blight). 45 of 120 ARPA-funded demos completed. Commissioner Joseph requested a future report on sustainment after ARPA funds end. Mayor praised the work and noted a recent mayor's walk.
• City Manager's Calendar Highlights: Amy Dixtein presented $3.3 million in home repair/energy efficiency grants (AES Ohio funding) to County Corp, Habitat for Humanity, and Rebuilding Together Dayton, serving over 400 low-income households. She also noted a $11.4 million water lab expansion (Archon Builders), a demolition contract, and a $78.75 million state grant/loan for airport aerospace campus (largest economic development in airport history).
• Legislation: First reading of emergency ordinance 32185-26 ($78.75 million grant/loan) was pulled after Commissioner Joseph abstained, lacking four votes. Second readings of ordinances 32183-26 (alley vacation), 32184-26 (Inner East Community Reinvestment Area), and resolution 6928-26 (alley vacation) all passed 4-0.
• Flock Camera Data Breach: The commission and public extensively discussed the revelation that DPD allowed 7,100 data searches tied to immigration enforcement, violating policy. Speakers noted the department discovered it in October 2025 but did not disclose until April 2026. Commissioners expressed anger and disappointment.

Key Outcomes

• Flock Camera Response: The commission agreed to: (1) pursue an independent audit of all ALPR data sharing, (2) remove all flock cameras, (3) release all audit logs dating back to 2020, (4) hold a public hearing with sworn testimony, and (5) conduct community outreach, beginning with ABLE and Welcome Dayton. Mayor stated the investigation's results will be reported directly to the commission.
• City Manager Direction: Commissioners called for re-examination of all data-sharing policies and compliance mechanisms. Multiple speakers demanded her termination, but the commission did not take that action.
• Next Meeting: The May 13, 2026 meeting is canceled due to lack of quorum. The next regular meeting is Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. Commissioner Fairchild will hold a separate town hall on ALPRs.
• Public Engagement: Mayor committed to a public safety town hall on May 30, 2026 and urged continued community participation.