Dayton City Commission Meeting – October 7, 2026

The Dayton City Commission met on October 7, 2026, with Mayor Turner Sloss absent. The meeting covered routine approvals, legislation, and extensive public comment on the delayed appointment of a public hospital governing board, the city's sister city relationship with Holon, Israel, and other community concerns. Commissioners discussed the hospital board, the re-establishment of the Use of Force Committee, tree planting contracts, and the city manager search. Several emergency resolutions were passed, but a key hospital-related levy authorization was pulled due to a commissioner's recusal.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved the minutes of the September 30, 2026 meeting.
• Approved the city manager’s recommendations, which included a $125,000 grant agreement with the YWCA for security and accessibility improvements at domestic violence and supportive housing units, two tree planting contracts (C1 and C2) totaling over $300,000 each funded by ARPA and a federal grant, and a contract with Red Tilley for a city manager search that includes optional public meetings and a facilitated public meeting with finalists.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yusuf El Zayn (4906 Amberwood Drive) urged the Commission to set a date to appoint the public hospital board, noting that 58% of voters approved the levy in November 2025. He argued that the board should be formed before judging funding insufficient.
• Rodney Stark (4526 Alfred Drive) accused the Commission of ignoring citizens’ requests on the hospital, Flock cameras, and de-escalation. He claimed the city borrowed $100 million for a nonprofit (CareSource) through the Port Authority with a no-recourse clause.
• Alec Johnson (3206 Lyndon Avenue) requested Mayor Turner Sloss begin appointing the 11-member hospital governing board within 30 days, as specified in the voter-approved ordinance. He emphasized the board’s broad composition and West Dayton’s needs.
• Mary Sue Gaminer (1418 Arbor Avenue) affirmed the Commission’s rejection of a liquor license at 3000 Wayne Avenue, questioned the bidding process for tree contracts, sought clarity on the city manager search contract language, and urged appointment of the hospital board.
• Lynn Lamance (1061 Bertram Avenue) opposed any second ballot on the hospital, supported the mayor’s board appointment, questioned the city manager search contract, and criticized the blighted appearance of the Fairview YMCA and lack of tree maintenance.

(Additional public comments during the later open comment period)

• Yusuf El Zayn (4906 Amberwood Drive) spoke on the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, condemning the subsequent violence in Gaza and calling on the Commission to break the silence and use their voice for peace.
• Debbie Chess (140 East Monument, Gem City Market board member) urged commissioners to personally shop at Gem City Market and commit $25 per week to support the West Dayton community-owned cooperative, the only source of fresh meat and produce within three miles.
• Rodney Stark returned, criticizing the delay in addressing the Roseville Rec Center pool, demanding target dates for the Use of Force Committee, and calling for transparency on the investigation of Reginald Thomas and the shooting of a 16-year-old.
• Yvonne Currington (retired registered nurse) described the health care crisis after Good Samaritan’s closure, including high maternal and fetal mortality, and pleaded for the public hospital to serve people of color with dignity.
• Stephen Ware (3033 Beaver Avenue) listed numerous deficiencies in Dayton’s bike lanes, including debris, cracks, and lack of protection, arguing that disuse is a result of poor design and maintenance.
• Ivy Young (323 West Hillcrest Avenue) demanded movement on the public hospital, criticizing Premier Health’s abandonment of the northwest side and noting the $135 million addition to Miami Valley Hospital.
• Nancy Keel (309 Hacker Road) opposed a second ballot initiative, stating the law department’s “doom and gloom” presentation and the city-funded Citizens’ Assembly are roadblocks. She asked commissioners to pledge to abandon a second ballot and enforce the existing law.
• Charlene Bayless (2422 South Patterson Boulevard) noted the vote tally (9,632 for, 6,871 against) and argued no additional ballot is needed—the board should work with partners to implement the hospital.
• Margaret Merle (26 Mercer Avenue) described problems with the zoning department regarding a variance for 18 Mercer Avenue, stating the builder did not follow setback requirements and that a variance application was never submitted. She asked how it happened and what can be done.
• Alec Johnson returned, requesting a transparent pause in the sister city relationship with Holon, Israel, due to ongoing genocide in Gaza. He submitted a public records request and asked for no new spending or expansion until the records are reviewed.
• Mary Sue Gaminer returned, urging an investigation into Flock cameras, cancellation of the Flock contract, and suspension of ties to Israel, including the sister city relationship, until genocide stops.
• Brenda Brown (3816 Netco) thanked the Commission for helping clear a nuisance on her corner, but now asked for help with trash and overgrowth at Dayton Metropolitan parking lot.
• Lynn Lamance returned, criticizing unresponsiveness to Dayton Delivers app reports, praising Ken Jackson, opposing Premier Health’s involvement in the hospital board, and providing a list of overgrown vacant properties on West Fairview Avenue.
• Dominic Stratton (7504 Mount Whitney Street) accused Israel of knowing about the October 7 attacks in advance and funding Hamas, and argued that U.S. taxpayer money funds genocide. He demanded the Commission take a public stance against genocide.
• Greg West (1323 Kingsley Avenue) announced a free community event on Friday at 1936 North Main Street, featuring a clothes giveaway, health fair, and gun violence reduction efforts.
• Sharon Screech (515 West Grant) asked about a curfew for teenagers, citing an earlier announcement by the police chief. She also raised fire safety concerns at her building, which is not wheelchair accessible, and criticized Premier Health and Dayton Public Schools.

Discussion Items

• Public Hospital Board: Commissioner Beckham stated he awaits the mayor’s nominations and will support them. Commissioner Shaw expressed support for the mayor’s process. Commissioner Joseph noted he told the mayor he looks forward to appointments. Commissioner Fairchild recused herself from item 6962-26 (hospital levy authorization) after the Ohio Ethics Commission ruled she has a conflict due to her appointment at Dayton Children’s Hospital. She indicated she cannot participate in identifying or voting on board members.
• Use of Force Committee: Commissioner Beckham reported that the committee had expired and his office will open an application period to re-appoint members with required expertise. He promised to provide target dates.
• Tree Planting Contracts: City Manager Dix Teen explained that contracts C1 and C2 resulted from a competitive bid process; low bids were awarded. Trees are planted in public rights-of-way and parks at no cost to homeowners. Residents can sign up at DaytonOhio.gov/freestreetrees. A tree inventory is 85% complete and will prioritize future planting.
• City Manager Search Contract: Commissioner Fairchild noted the contract with Red Tilley includes community input at the beginning and with finalists. She expressed urgency due to the timeline and thanked colleagues for expediting the contract.
• Item 6962-26 (Hospital Levy): The item was pulled from legislation because Commissioner Fairchild recused herself, leaving only four votes available. Emergency passage requires four affirmative votes, but with her recusal only four commissioners could vote, and a 4-0 vote would pass? Actually, staff noted it needs to pass by the end of the month, so they will schedule a meeting with all eligible commissioners present. The item was pulled from the current agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Approved emergency resolution 6958-26 (Ohio Traffic Safety Office grant, $70,955.14) by a vote of 4-0.
• Approved emergency resolution 6959-26 (Ohio Traffic Safety Office grant, $249,977) by a vote of 4-0.
• Approved emergency resolution 6960-26 (objecting to liquor permit for 3000 Wayne Avenue) by a vote of 4-0.
• Approved emergency resolution 6961-26 (objecting to liquor permit for 1228 Wilmington Avenue, Bruce’s Country Saloon) by a vote of 4-0.
• Approved emergency resolution 6963-26 (accepting a $110,510 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant with $11,051 match) by a vote of 4-0.
• Gave first reading to ordinance 3218-26 (amending civil citation sections of the city code).
• Approved resolution 6956-26 (grant applications to Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for Transportation Improvement Program) by a vote of 4-0.
• Approved informal resolution 1019-26 (promoting the Peace Ambassadors Program through Black Brothers and Sisters Involvement) by a vote of 4-0.
• Item 6962-26 (authorizing levy for public hospital) was pulled because Commissioner Fairchild recused herself. The item will be brought back when at least four eligible commissioners can vote, before the end of the month.