Dayton City Commission Meeting – May 21, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on May 21, 2026, to discuss the first revised appropriation for 2026, approve multiple emergency ordinances and resolutions, receive a presentation on the Student Vision for Dayton and the proposed Children's Cabinet, hold a public hearing on a rezoning for workforce housing, and hear extensive public comment on issues including Flock ALPR cameras, police accountability, and community investment. The meeting featured high community engagement and several commissioner commitments to action.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the May 6, 2026 meeting.
• Board Appointments: Approved appointments to the Environmental Advisory Board, Human Relations Council, Landmark Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Joint Office of Citizen Complaints Ombudsman’s Office (replacing former Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims with Mayor Turner Sloss, effective May 20, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock ALPR Cameras: Multiple speakers (including Yusuf El Zayn, Kathleen Kirsch, Karen Goodall, Lois de Grey, Maddie H., Christina Mendez, and others) called for immediate removal of the cameras, release of full audit logs, and cancellation of the contract. They cited evidence that the city shared data with immigration enforcement despite promises, and argued Flock cannot be trusted. Christina Mendez (Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) stated that "more than 7,100 searches tied to immigration enforcement were conducted using Dayton driver data" and that the immigrant community is in fear. Several speakers noted that cameras are still recording despite a “suspension.”
• City Manager Accountability: Several speakers (Zakia Sankara Jabbar, Talas Gage, Mary Sue Gaminer, Ebony Hastings, Destiny Brown) called for the firing of the city manager, citing lack of transparency, inequitable investment, and failure to inform the public about Flock data sharing. Zakia Sankara Jabbar also criticized a $3,500 allocation to the NAACP, calling it a “slush fund” and questioning the timing relative to the police chief hiring process.
• Police & Community Safety: Brenda Brown described ongoing nuisance activity on Gettysburg Street and lack of police response. Sharon Screech presented data from the Dayton Transparency Portal showing that Black males accounted for 45% of police stops (16,000 stops) vs. 24% for White males (8,800 stops). She also questioned the new police hub near the RTA bus depot. Kevin Keller called for community policing. Victor Pate Sr. discussed the city manager structure and need for real democracy.
• Tasty Bird Market Fire: Alex Gonzalez (resident behind the burned market) criticized slow cleanup, poor communication, and potential health hazards (asbestos, lead, rotting food). He asked for site testing.
• Noise Pollution: Aaron Ship described noise from police firing range, trains, and vehicles, citing health effects.
• Other: Eli Cox (age 8) asked for safe parks and pools. Jerry Bowling announced a rededication ceremony for the North Dayton Patriots Memorial. Paul Kerrigan provided data on speeding on Pershing Boulevard.

Discussion Items

• First Revised Appropriation (2026): Abby Patel Jones, Director of Management and Budget, presented a $1.59 billion appropriation, an increase of $83.1 million from the original. Key adjustments included:

  • General fund: $5,000 for fire department training grant, $47,500 for parking lease at 417 Webster Street, $92,000 for police substation lease, $360,000 for holding costs of the former Key Bank Tower (10 W. Second St.), $30,000 for audit of Flock camera data logs, and a $529,500 decrease in non-departmental funds.
  • Special projects: $192,900 for a golf simulator and maintenance building renovation at Community Golf Course (self-sustaining fund).
  • Preschool Promise: $1.1 million re-encumbered from unspent 2025 funds (annual allocation unchanged at $4.3 million).
  • Special revenue: $806,100 for snow removal overtime, street lighting, and continuum of care funding (HUD award).
  • Enterprise funds: $365,800 for aviation operating, $78.8 million for All Ohio Future Grant (airport infrastructure), $925,000 for sewer generators.
  • Internal service funds: $205,000 for health clinic services, $553,000 for workers’ compensation, $30,000 for gym equipment at police West Patrol station.
  • Commissioners questioned the golf simulator (Fairchild expressed concern about margin and youth support) and the Key Bank holding costs (Joseph asked about future leasing plans). City Manager Parlett explained the golf fund is self-sustaining and the building costs are based on past trends.

• Student Vision for Dayton & Children’s Cabinet: Erica Fields (Learn to Earn Dayton) presented a resolution to adopt the Student Vision Master Plan and establish a Children’s Cabinet. The plan, developed with youth input, identifies four priorities: leadership development, mental health and bullying, college/career readiness, and safe neighborhoods. Implementation opportunities include the City Accelerator (Strive Together, Harvard Ed Redesign) starting July 2026, and a Fuse Executive Fellowship (90% funded) to embed a staffer in city government. The resolution was supported by all commissioners, who praised the youth engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

• Public Hearing – Rezoning for Workforce Housing: The Commission held a public hearing on a zoning change from MR5 (mature single-family) to MMF (mature multi-family) with a Plan Development overlay at 40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd (Zion Baptist Church site). The applicant, Magnus Capital Partners, proposes 100–120 workforce housing units (40–80% AMI) in two 4–5 story buildings, preserving the historic church for adaptive reuse. The site plan evolved after community feedback. The Wright Dunbar Land Use Board and City Plan Board both recommended approval unanimously. Commissioner Joseph asked about connections to Sinclair College and potential for removing the levee to improve river access. Commissioner Beckham asked about affordability and childcare. The applicant clarified that the project is intended as workforce housing, but no childcare on site given proximity to another Magnus project. Public hearing had no registered speakers. The Commission then voted to approve the rezoning (emergency ordinance).

• Legislation: Multiple emergency ordinances and resolutions were passed:

  • Ordinance 32185-26: Approving a $78,750,000 grant/loan agreement from the State of Ohio for airport improvements (passed 4-1, with Commissioner Joseph abstaining).
  • Resolution 6929-26: Accepting a $3,527,780 HUD Continuum of Care grant (unanimous).
  • Resolution 6930-26 and 6931-26: Submitting applications for Ohio Airport Improvement Program grants ($750,000 each) (unanimous).
  • Ordinance 32186-26: Consenting to roadway restoration on State Route 4 (unanimous).
  • Ordinances 32187-26 and 32188-26: Granting easements for gas pipeline and roadway access at Dayton International Airport (both passed 4-1, Commissioner Joseph abstaining).
  • Ordinance 32190-26: Rezoning for the workforce housing project (emergency, passed unanimously).

Key Outcomes

• Flock Cameras: Commissioner Beckham stated that the commission is working to remove the cameras and that the police department agreed to place bags over the cameras. Mayor Turner Sloss requested a firm timeline from staff and a public announcement. Commissioner Shaw confirmed unity on removal. The city manager noted that earlier meetings with DPD resulted in a plan to cover cameras. No specific deadline was given, but the mayor asked for a timeline.
• City Manager: No vote on firing, but multiple speakers called for it. Commissioners did not respond directly to the demand.
• Appropriation: The first revised appropriation was approved as part of the consent calendar (city manager’s recommendations).
• Zoning Change: Approved for 40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd, enabling workforce housing development.
• Children’s Cabinet: Resolution passed to adopt the Student Vision Master Plan and pursue implementation through the City Accelerator and Fuse Fellowship.
• Grants Accepted: All airport grants and the HUD Continuum of Care grant were approved.
• Board Appointments: Appointments made to five boards as listed.
• Next Steps: Staff to provide timeline for Flock camera removal and audit log release. City Hall closed May 25 for Memorial Day. The Summer of Peace initiative was announced, with details to follow.