Fairfield City Council Regular Meeting – September 14, 2026

The Fairfield City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured public comments, the resignation of Mayor Steve Miller, the appointment of a new mayor, and the adoption of several ordinances and resolutions related to economic development, public works, and financial appropriations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donna Davis (5626 Kingsbury) requested Council consider regulations limiting seasonal holiday decorations to 30 days before and after the holiday, citing a neighbor's lost home sale due to excessive decorations. Law Director Walterman explained First Amendment challenges and enforcement difficulties. Development Services Director Kathman noted the city lacks a specific ordinance, though zoning inspectors have attempted personal outreach to the homeowner. Mayor Miller expressed sympathy but indicated the city's hands are tied.
• Michelle Sparto (5500 Southgate Boulevard) expressed concerns about the Income Tax office's organization, communication, and security of personal information, claiming her documents were lost. She requested an independent state audit. City Manager Timmer stated a comprehensive process improvement review is underway but does not pause tax procedures. He noted annual state audits have returned clean results for the past ten years.
• Adrian Rye (701 Symmes Road) opposed the use of Flock cameras, citing Supreme Court rulings on mass surveillance and national reports of officer misuse. Police Chief Maynard reported the city has used 59 cameras since 2023, with strict policies, quarterly audits, no incidents of misuse, and data stored only 30 days. He provided examples of successful investigations. Councilmembers debated privacy versus public safety, ultimately stating they will continue use pending state or federal directives.

Council Reports

• Councilmember Pennington announced the Federal Rail Administration awarded $40 million for the Symmes Road project, thanking staff and Councilmember Paullus.
• Councilmember Kraft reported successful Village Green events (Movie in the Park, Grooving on the Green, Auto Fest) and that the Aquatic Center closed for the 2026 season with approximately 26,000 visitors, an 11% increase over 2025.
• Councilmember Meyers noted the official grand opening of the solar field at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which provides about 70% of the plant's electricity. He reported over $20,000 in savings in the past two weeks alone.

Mayor Resignation and Appointment

• Mayor Steve Miller submitted his resignation effective immediately, citing a loss of passion after nearly 30 years of service. He expressed confidence in Vice Mayor Tim Meyers as his successor.
• Councilmember Paullus moved to appoint Councilmember Meyers as mayor for the unexpired term. The motion carried 6-0 (Meyers abstained). Meyers accepted and immediately appointed Councilmember Pennington as Vice Mayor.
• Law Director Walterman outlined the charter process: Council has 60 days to fill the resulting at-large vacancy. Councilmember Davidson will lead the selection process.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – Development Services (Councilmember Brill): Second reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Map (Section 1130.01(B)(2)) for property at 5145 Pleasant Avenue. A third reading will follow.
• New Business – Development Services (Councilmember Brill):
  • First reading and joint public hearing (September 28, 2026) set for a zoning map amendment for 6638 Dixie Highway (former Frisch's site) to allow commercial redevelopment.
  • First reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Development and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement with NorthPoint Development, LLC for the Butler County Trade Center speculative industrial park on approximately 140 acres of the Jacquemin Farm. The project represents at least $130 million investment and projected $22 million in new payroll. The city will reimburse up to 50% of costs for turn lanes (capped at $350,000 from the Northeast Area TIF Fund). NorthPoint will contribute $250,000 toward intersection improvements at Tylersville and Morris Roads. The ordinance was adopted 7-0 after suspension of readings.
  • First reading of an ordinance authorizing a $250,000 grant to the Fairfield Community Foundation for the Commercial Revitalization Fund, due to demand exceeding initial funding.
• Public Safety (Councilmember Paullus):
  • Simple Motion 26-26: Withdrew Council's objection to the renewal of a liquor permit for JS Sizemore, LLC DBA Cobblestone Tavern (4735-4737 Dixie Highway). Approved 7-0.
  • Simple Motion 27-26: Voted not to request a hearing for a liquor permit application by Everyday Stop LLC (3152 Lighthouse Drive, Suite C1). Approved 7-0.
  • Ordinance 96-26: Declared a 2003 International Heavy Rescue vehicle surplus and authorized donation to the Hamilton Fire Department. Adopted 7-0 after suspension of readings.
• Public Works (Councilmember Pennington):
  • Ordinance 97-26: Authorized application to OPWC Issue 1 for the 2028 Resurfacing Project ($500,000 grant on $1.8 million project covering 36 streets). Adopted 7-0.
  • Ordinance 98-26: Authorized application for River, Groh, Chateau Roundabout Improvements ($1,000,000 grant on $2.1 million project). Adopted 7-0.
  • Ordinance 99-26: Authorized contract with Ohio Heavy Equipment Leasing, LLC (Loveland Excavating) for the Great Miami River Trail Extension (approximately 9,000 feet of 11-foot trail, extending the existing trail by 1.68 miles, completing a loop at Marsh Park). Adopted 7-0.
  • First readings of the ADA Transition Plan and Title VI Plan, both dated September 14, 2026, with public comment open until October 11, 2026.
• Finance & Budget (Councilmember Besl):
  • Ordinance 100-26: Issued $64,881.50 in bonds for sidewalk repair assessments (2.50% interest). Adopted 7-0.
  • Ordinance 101-26: Supplemental appropriation of $35,000 for Recreational Facilities Fund to cover unexpected water usage due to a leak at the Aquatic Center splash pad. Adopted 7-0.
  • Ordinance 102-26: Contractual appropriations of $2,050,000 ($250,000 for CIC Grant; $1,800,000 for Great Miami River Trail Extension). Adopted 7-0.
  • Ordinance 103-26: Non-contractual appropriations of $221,284 for 11 projects including Winton Water Tower access resurfacing, MFA hardware keys, Pleasant Avenue Multiuse Trail engineering, a slope mower, and park equipment. Adopted 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Mayor Steve Miller resigned; Tim Meyers was appointed as Mayor (6-0, Meyers abstained). Debbie Pennington was appointed Vice Mayor.
• All ordinances and simple motions on the agenda were approved, most by 7-0 votes.
• Council approved the NorthPoint Development TIF agreement, several grant applications for public works projects, and multiple appropriations for capital improvements and equipment.
• The meeting recessed to executive session at 8:30 PM and adjourned at 9:00 PM.