Fairfield City Council Regular Meeting – September 28, 2026

The Fairfield City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM, preceded by a Council-Manager Briefing on the Police Department's Flock ALPR technology. The council unanimously adopted seven ordinances (Ordinances 104-26 through 110-26), including approvals for a sidewalk contract on Route 4, a CDBG application, a Cultural Arts Advisory Commission fund, a mutual aid agreement for law enforcement, and two budget amendments. A joint public hearing was held regarding the re-zoning of 6638 Dixie Highway for a 7Brew coffee drive-thru. The meeting recessed to executive session at 7:35 PM and adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Regular Meeting Minutes from September 14, 2026, were approved as written.
• The Mayor called for, and Council approved unanimously (6-0), an Executive Session to discuss employment/appointment of a public employee and the sale of public property.

Public Comments & Testimony

• There were no citizen comments during the public comment period.

Council-Manager Briefing (6:00 PM) – Police Technology

• Chief Maynard presented on the Flock Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system used by the Fairfield Police Department. The briefing detailed the system's 59 strategically placed cameras, its use for real-time alerts (stolen vehicles, Amber Alerts) and retrospective vehicle investigations, and the governance policies controlling data access, retention, and sharing. The system was characterized as a vehicle-identification tool and an investigative lead, not a substitute for traditional investigation.

Joint Public Hearing – 6638 Dixie Highway Re-Zoning

• The Council and Planning Commission opened a joint public hearing at 7:05 PM for a request to rezone 6638 Dixie Highway (the former Frisch's restaurant) from M2 (General Industrial) to C3A (General Business Modified) to facilitate a 7Brew coffee drive-thru.
• Staff Presentation (Planning Manager Lynn): The site has been vacant for two years and is showing blight. The proposal consolidates two existing curb cuts into one, adds landscaping, and includes a 500-square-foot kiosk and a 320-square-foot walk-in cooler. Staff expressed strong support for eliminating the M2 zoning on the Route 4 corridor.
• Applicant (AJ Scott, 7Brew Franchisee): Described the business as predominantly drive-thru (with minimal walk-up service, approximately 1% of sales). He projected an eight-week construction timeline with a target opening in spring 2027. Employee winter weather protocols include 15-minute outdoor rotations, canopy heaters, and provided cold-weather gear.
• Council Questions / Discussion:
  • Councilmember Paullus inquired about the safety of left-hand turns onto southbound Dixie Highway. Development Services Director Kathman stated the combined access point is designed to improve safety, and Public Works Director Mann suggested internal signage to direct customers to the Seward Road exit.
  • Councilmember Brill questioned the choice of C3A zoning over C1. Planning Manager Lynn explained that C1 does not permit drive-throughs (essential for 7Brew), and that a C1 designation on the site could constitute spot zoning given the surrounding C3 corridor.
  • Councilmember Kraft asked about walk-up customers and employee protections against inclement weather.
• Outcome: No public testimony was offered. The second reading of the ordinance was held pending the Planning Commission's written recommendation, scheduled for October 14, 2026.

Council Reports

• Councilmember Besl: Announced the Finance Department received the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for fiscal year 2025.
• Councilmember Pennington: Reminded residents that October is the final month for curbside brush pickup; leaf pickup will begin the first full week of November.
• Councilmember Kraft: Promoted several recent and upcoming Parks & Recreation events, including the Community Art Center opening, Great Miami River cleanup, and Cyclocross event.
• Mayor Meyers: Congratulated Chris Addison on his promotion to Parks & Recreation Director and assigned Councilmember Davidson to oversee Public Utilities until the Council vacancy is filled.

Old Business

• Development Services (Councilmember Brill):
  • Zoning Map Amendment (3rd Reading, Ordinance 104-26): Adopted unanimously (6-0).
  • 6638 Dixie Highway Re-Zoning (2nd Reading): Second reading held pending Planning Commission recommendation.
  • $250,000 Commercial Revitalization Grant (2nd Reading): Ordinance to authorize a grant to the Fairfield Community Foundation for the Fairfield Commercial Revitalization Fund was presented as a second reading.
• Public Works (Councilmember Pennington):
  • ADA Transition Plan & Title VI Plan (2nd Readings): Ordinances to approve and adopt the ADA Transition Plan and Title VI Plan, both dated September 14, 2026, were presented as second readings. No votes were taken.

New Business

The council voted unanimously (6-0) to read all new business items by title only. All following ordinances were adopted unanimously (6-0) after suspending the second and third readings.

• Development Services (Ordinance 105-26): Authorized the City Manager to submit the FY 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for sidewalk construction on Donald Drive and North Gilmore Road. The project is estimated at $211,872 ($135,100 CDBG, $76,772 local match from Northeast Area TIF funds).
• Parks & Recreation (Ordinance 106-26): Authorized the City Manager to establish a restricted fund at the Fairfield Community Foundation for the Cultural Arts Advisory Commission (CAAC) to accept charitable donations for arts programs and facilities.
• Public Safety (Ordinance 107-26): Authorized the City Manager to enter into the Butler County Mutual Aid Agreement for Law Enforcement, declaring an emergency.
• Public Works:
  • Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Plan (1st Reading): The draft plan, funded by a $120,000 planning grant (20% local match), was presented as a first reading. The plan has been open for public comment since August 10, 2026.
  • Route 4 Sidewalk Contract (Ordinance 108-26): Authorized a $219,487 contract with Adleta Construction for approximately 1,750 feet of ADA-compliant sidewalk along the east side of Route 4 between Holden Boulevard and Michael Lane. The project will complete a continuous paved path on at least one side of Route 4 from Bypass 4 to the Hamilton corporation limit.
• Finance & Budget (Councilmember Besl):
  • Ordinance 109-26: Appropriated $269,487 in contractual funds ($219,487 for the Route 4 sidewalk, $50,000 for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations).
  • Ordinance 110-26: Appropriated $143,000 in non-contractual funds ($88,000 for computing equipment, $25,000 for parks building repairs, $30,000 for library repairs).

Key Outcomes

• Seven ordinances were adopted unanimously (6-0): Ordinances 104-26 through 110-26.
• The 7Brew rezoning at 6638 Dixie Highway was referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, with a second council reading scheduled for October 26, 2026.
• The meeting schedule was announced: Next Council-Manager Briefing is October 13 at 6:00 PM, next Regular Meeting is October 26 at 7:00 PM.
• The council recessed to Executive Session at 7:35 PM and the regular meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.