Dayton City Commission Meeting - September 30, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on September 30, 2026, with Mayor Turner Sloss presiding. Commissioners Shaw, Fairchild, and Beckham were present; Commissioner Joseph was excused. The meeting included a demolition update, discussion of bond ordinances, a splash pad contract award, and public testimony from eight residents. All bond-related legislation passed unanimously with four votes in favor.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission voted to excuse the absence of Commissioner Joseph (motion by Shaw, second by Beckham; all aye).
• The Commission approved the minutes of the September 23, 2026 meeting (motion by Fairchild, second by Beckham; all aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rodney Stark (4526 Alfred Drive): Expressed anger that recent bond borrowing does not address West Dayton issues, citing fire piles, infant mortality, asthma, and sewage backups. Stated the West Side is treated as a landfill and called for a state of emergency.
• Alec Johnson (3206 Lyndon Avenue): Argued that borrowing bonds disproportionately burdens workers who already generate wealth. Requested plain-language debt statements, published rate effects for sewer bonds, and prevailing wage/local hiring standards. Also urged passage of the Dayton Civil Liberties legislative package to prevent political policing.
• Robert Huggins: Complained about lack of police responsiveness after a break-in and alleged drug use by a city employee. Called for better law enforcement and civic engagement.
• James Mitchell (242 South Conover Street): Requested demolition of 246 Conover Street, a property he gutted and invested in but was taken back by the city; it has since collapsed and poses a nuisance.
• Kevin Keller (3922 East Third Street): Raised safety concerns about newly installed curbs for bike lanes downtown (no reflective markings), poor lane alignment on East Third Street, and urged better communication on city projects. Expressed support for splash pad at Washington Park.
• Sharon Screech (515 West Grand Avenue): Commended the mayor's flight plan for selecting a diverse advisory group. Also alleged that the Dayton Police Department targets individuals who speak at commission meetings, citing a jaywalking ticket given to Mr. Gage in the Oregon District.
• Talus Gage (1921 South Gettysburg): Described receiving multiple tickets and police harassment. Questioned why speakers must provide addresses and requested information on acquiring vacant lots and buildings for community use.
• Kyle Jones (Westwood): Thanked the mayor for listening but criticized maintenance of city-owned properties, mismanagement of funds for bike lane projects, and lack of investment in West Dayton.

Discussion Items

• Monthly Demolition Update (August 2026): James McDaniel reported 12 demolitions completed (45% of 2026 target), 8 ARPA-funded, 2 general fund, 2 CDBG. Eight fire piles removed, 22 structures added to the nuisance list (15 houses, 4 garages, 3 commercials). Pipeline: 145 title reports completed, 3 asbestos surveys, 17 post-asbestos inspections. Commissioners noted slow pace and inquired about fire pile strategy; City Manager confirmed a multi-department effort on arson investigation.
• Splash Pad Renovations (Item B4): City Manager announced an award to OurCon Builders Ltd. for $3.4 million (ARPA-funded). Eight splash pads impacted: six renovated, one relocated at Washington Park, one new at Belmont Park near Laura Rec Center. The project was re-bid without a PLA, reducing cost by $2 million.
• Bond Discussion: City Manager explained bonding capacity, conservative management, and that bonds are repaid through property taxes and revenue sources. Commissioner Fairchild asked about scoring for splash pad locations; City Manager noted Nordale ranked seventh and will provide criteria again.
• Fire Piles and Pool Recertification: City Manager noted that the city cannot remove structures after a fire without going through a state-mandated process. The pool at GDRC is awaiting state recertification, expected by next summer.
• Aesthetics and Overgrowth: Commissioner Shaw raised concerns about overgrown vegetation and litter; called for improved citywide maintenance.

Key Outcomes

• Legislation Approved (all by 4-0 votes):
  • Emergency Ordinance 32210-26: $5,800,000 bonds for motor vehicles and fire equipment.
  • Emergency Ordinance 32211-26: $8,925,000 bonds for public facility improvements (HVAC, elevator, roof).
  • Emergency Ordinance 32212-26: $2,040,000 bonds for street improvements (resurfacing, sidewalks, bike lanes).
  • Emergency Ordinance 32213-26: $4,785,000 bonds for outdoor public facilities.
  • Emergency Ordinance 32214-26: $2,440,000 bonds for refunding 2015 airport-related bonds at lower interest.
  • Emergency Ordinance 32215-26: $6,625,000 bonds for refunding 2016 improvement bonds.
  • Emergency Ordinance 32216-26: $4,815,000 bonds for refunding 2018 refunding/improvement bonds.
  • Emergency Ordinance 32217-26: $24,365,000 sewer system revenue bonds for utility improvements.
  • Resolution 6955-26: Authorized application for water pollution control loan from Ohio EPA for Broadway Pump Station assessment.
• Directives and Next Steps:
  • City Manager to provide a report on 246 Conover Street (nuisance list status and demolition timeline).
  • Engineering to inspect reflective markings on downtown bike lane curbs per Mr. Keller's concerns.
  • Administration to continue efforts on fire pile removal and arson investigation.
  • Voter registration deadline reiterated: October 5, 2026; early voting begins October 6. Resource fair at Ruskin Elementary on October 3.
  • Commission encouraged to develop strategies to address blight and city aesthetics.