Dayton City Commission Meeting – September 9, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on September 9, 2026, at 3:20 PM UTC to consider a range of items including the adoption of the Age-Friendly Dayton Action Plan, the creation of a New Community Authority (NCA) for downtown development, a $1 million neighborhood development fund, and a zoning amendment for Ruskin Elementary School. The meeting included a presentation, public comments, and unanimous votes on several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the September 2, 2026 regular meeting and the June 29, 2026 executive session were approved by voice vote with no opposition.

Presentation – Age-Friendly Dayton Action Plan

• Presenter: Ellen Seiser, City Planning Division.
• Details: The plan, developed under the AARP Livable Communities framework, was based on a survey of over 3,000 residents aged 55 and older. Key findings: 55% of respondents said Dayton is age-friendly, 23% were unsure. Top priorities identified were housing (affordable, flexible options), information access (better communication about events), and access to healthy food. A steering committee (Age-Friendly Accelerators) added themes of safety, intergenerational programs, workforce participation, and transportation. The plan is designed as a living document with evaluation every 2–3 years.
• Outcome: Commissioners praised the work and noted its alignment with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan. The plan was approved via first reading resolution.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Calendar Items:

• Rodney Stark (4526 Alfred Drive): Questioned the $1 million neighborhood fund, asking who the mayor had to fight for it. Criticized the NCA and the number of economic development entities. Expressed frustration with lack of progress in neighborhoods.
• Ebony Hastings (1238 Wabash Avenue): Challenged the $549,900 change order for the Belmont Pool locker room project (32% increase from $1.7M to ~$2.25M). Asked why structural issues were not discovered earlier and demanded transparency. Criticized the city for forcing residents into lawsuits to get accountability.
• Alec Johnson (3206 Lyndon Avenue): Opposed the NCA, citing economic risks from global oil supply disruptions and potential hotel revenue shortfalls. Argued the city should publish a stress test and binding loss allocation terms before proceeding.
• Jacob Hewitt: Called to the podium but no statement recorded.

During General Public Comments:

• Rodney Stark: Continued criticism of police reform implementation, noting the IAA report and nine police shootings (three deaths). Called for re-engagement of the use of force committee. Accused commissioners of having “blood on their hands.”
• Ebony Hastings: Argued $1 million is insufficient compared to downtown investment. Questioned accountability of existing development authorities (e.g., Port Authority default of $24.6 million). Demanded a “report card” for development entities. Criticized the city’s silence on recent gun violence (Maple Lawn Drive shootings).
• Darrell Lee (1903 East Third Street): Spoke on fathers’ rights and children’s services, asking why parents are not given second chances. Stated he was not a criminal and questioned why he cannot see his daughters.
• Mary Sue Geminer (1418 Arbor Avenue): Praised the IAA report but called for measurable progress on de-escalation policies. Noted the 2025 use of force report is not on the website. Emphasized need for frequent training to build a culture of professionalism.
• Alec Johnson: Proposed a strong mayor form of government with nine district council members, citing Toledo as a model. Announced plans for public hearings and a potential petition drive to place the charter amendment on the ballot.
• Paula Walford (4917 Webster Street): Founder of the Narrow Path Program, requested support for transitional housing and mentorship for women. Asked the city to partner in helping women achieve self-sufficiency.

Discussion Items

• New Community Authority (NCA): Second reading resolutions 6949-26 and 6950-26 to establish the NCA and add parcels. Mayor Turner Soss noted the $1 million neighborhood fund was a compromise to ensure no reduction in other neighborhood funding. Commissioner Joseph clarified the fund will complement CDBG and general fund dollars.
• Belmont Pool Change Order: Commissioner Joseph acknowledged valid questions from Ms. Hastings. City Manager Dixteen explained that additional corrosion was discovered after demolition, requiring more extensive treatment to extend foundation life (approximately 25 years).
• Ruskin Elementary PD Amendment: First reading of ordinance 3205-26 to amend PD 125, adding a parcel to permanently serve as a public space and gateway to the school. The Southeast Land Use Board and Plan Board recommended approval. No public speakers. Final vote scheduled for next meeting.
• Use of Force Committee: Commissioner Beckham clarified the committee was not disbanded but had not met under the current commission. Commissioner Fairchild supported revisiting its structure and scope, noting the IAA reviews complaints, not all use-of-force incidents. Mayor requested follow-up on the 2025 use of force report and de-escalation policy updates from Chief Henderson (expected within a month).

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Adopted (all 5-0):
  • Resolution 6949-26: Declaring the City of Dayton New Community Authority conducive to public welfare and defining boundaries.
  • Resolution 6950-26: Consenting to add certain parcels to the NCA district.
  • Resolution 6951-26: Supporting dedication of $1 million of general fund revenue for neighborhood development.
• First Reading: Ordinance 3205-26 (Ruskin Elementary PD amendment) introduced; final vote at next meeting.
• Correction: Mayor noted a prior inaccurate statement about the Dayton Home Repair Network: applications are being accepted but funding is paused pending commission action.
• Next Steps: A work session immediately following on Miami Valley Community Action Partnership. Commissioners committed to follow up on IAA recommendations, the 2025 use of force report, and a potential forum on government structure.