The Dayton City Commission met on June 11, 2026, to discuss and act on several items, including a controversial janitorial services contract for the Dayton International Airport, contracts for homeless outreach and housing, and a hazardous tree removal contract. The meeting also featured public comments on a wide range of topics, including police surveillance, community disinvestment, recreation centers, and neighborhood concerns.
On Airport Janitorial Services & Union: Several speakers, including Mr. McAllister, Ebony Hastings, Talus Gage, and Sharon Screech, expressed support for the union (AFSME) and opposed outsourcing the cleaning work. They argued that the $163,000 could be used to hire more city employees, increase wages, or fund community needs like recreation centers. Speakers also raised concerns about potential retaliation against Mr. Smith for speaking out.
On Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) / Surveillance: Mary Sue Ga Minor and Joseph Abrams criticized the city's use of Flock cameras, citing unauthorized data sharing with outside entities, the need for an investigation, and concerns about Fourth Amendment violations. They called for cancellation of the contract and removal of the cameras. The mayor confirmed the city is in the process of identifying a firm to review the audit logs and expressed support for an investigation.
On Community Disinvestment and Police Presence: Multiple speakers (Ebony Hastings, Nyla Tucker, Kenya Akbar, Talus Gage) highlighted lack of recreation centers, inadequate police response times, and disproportionate policing in West Dayton. They called for more investment in youth programs, community centers, and economic development.
On Neighborhood Concerns: Ronnie Tingle reported the demolition of a property she had recently acquired, alleging lack of proper notification. Sharon Screech provided a list of nuisance properties with debris piles. Dory Tremail raised safety concerns about traffic calming measures at Salem and Philadelphia.
On Peace Summit and Global Issues: Yusuf El Zayn advocated for including youth from Dayton's sister cities (including Salfeed, Palestine and Sarajevo) in the proposed peace summit, connecting local peace efforts to global issues, particularly Gaza and South Lebanon.
Other Announcements: Promotional announcements for Juneteenth events, Westwood block party, community love days, World Cup watch parties, air show, autism 5K, Old North Dayton Flag Day event, Sunny Start event, Grafton Hill Home and Garden Auto Show, and Y Laggers cleanups.
The dates and city commission meeting will now come to order. Would you all please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance? This evening's invocation will be given by Commissioner Fairchild. Thank you. Um retired employee uh Keith Stiebler. Stever. Stever, thank you. After he served the city for 35 years. Uh he passed away. And so we have a moment of silence in recognition of his uh service to the city, but also uh for comfort for his family. Oh holy one, breathe your spirit upon us. Prepare us as a gardener prepares the soil. Make us ready to receive your wisdom and guidance so that we yield beautiful fruit, create a city rich with opportunity, and an abundance of love, peace, and justice. Amen. Amen. One nation under God. Liberty and justice for all. Ms. McClendon, may we please have a roll call this evening? Mayor Turner Sloss. Aye. Commissioners Joseph. I. Shaw. Aye. Fairchild. Aye. Beckham. Aye. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the June 3rd, 2026 meeting? So moved, John. Second the motion, Your Honor. It has been properly moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the June 3rd, 2026 meeting. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Any abstentions? Ms. McClendon, are there any communications or petitions this evening? There are none, Your Honor. Thank you, Ms. McClendon. Are there any additions, deletions, or comments to the calendar this evening? There are none, Your Honor. Thank you. Ms. Dixteen, are there any additions, deletions, or comments to the calendar? Welcome back. Thank you. You're welcome.