Lisa Barhorst

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda for the current meeting and updates on civil rights cases. Specifically, the Probable Cause Recommendation was approved for HRC Case Nos. 3947H & 3948H concerning Bonner & MVFHC v. Fiamengo & Gem City Real Estate LLC. The Executive Director provided updates, noting appreciation for improved onboarding and material distribution, outlining operational matters such as the dual-track civil rights case processing, support for the Fair Hiring Policy, collaboration with tenant groups, progress toward full staffing, and the need to address the Vice Chair vacancy at a subsequent session.

The primary agenda item addressed Community Appeals Board Case No. #2025-04 concerning Levar Williams, which was dismissed without prejudice due to the Appellant's failure to appear at the scheduled hearing for the second time. Under old business, the Board reviewed the City Commission's response to prior policy recommendations related to Case No. #2025-01 and noted that draft policy recommendations for Case No. #2025-03 would be finalized for submission to the City Commission. New business included a discussion regarding the forthcoming 2025--2026 Annual Commission Report, confirmation of the case-numbering convention, and updates on the appeal process, including recent improvements in distributing PSB findings letters. The Board also held a general discussion addressing concerns about member attendance and recruitment challenges, and discussed the need to enhance public awareness regarding appeal processes and limitations. Finally, members discussed community-police relations, emphasizing the role of relationship-building.

The meeting included a presentation on the January 2026 Demolition Update, noting the removal of thirteen ARPA-funded structures and the addition of eighteen properties to the structural nuisance list due to blight or fire damage. Key discussions involved future demolition projections, lot seeding practices, and coordination for brush removal. The City Manager highlighted several calendar items, including a service agreement for the firefighter wellness program, a construction contract for the Miami Wellfield Expansion Phase Two, authorizing acceptance of a $7.7 million HUD lead hazard reduction grant for abatement efforts, and the purchase and renovation of a warehouse to expand the Dayton's Offsite Clinic (DOC). Legislation adopted included an Emergency Resolution to accept the HUD grant and an Ordinance appropriating funds for 2026 operating and capital expenses. The Commission also adopted two Resolutions declaring intent to vacate specific alleys and streets. Following the regular session, a Work Session was held focusing on the implementation of the Housing Policy, covering subcommittee structures, capital strategy for housing investment, a $20 million fund goal, and pilots for rental energy efficiency and small repairs. Commissioners provided feedback on accountability for negligent owners, the need for public-facing summaries of housing programs, and leveraging rental registration fees.

The meeting agenda included standard opening procedures such as welcoming remarks and roll call to establish a quorum. The primary discussions focused on appeals, specifically Community Appeals Board Case No. #2025-04 concerning Levar Williams, which involved subsequent discussion and votes. Old business addressed pending cases, including Community Appeals Board Case No. #2025-01 (John Campbell) and Case No. #2025-03 (Nicholas Jones), as well as the 2025/2026 Annual Commission Report. New business involved reviewing upcoming appeals.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions focused heavily on a presentation regarding the November 2025 monthly demolition update, noting 18 structures were removed, with four being fire piles funded by ARPA. Commissioners reviewed the status of structural nuisance lists, noting 14 new properties were added in November due to blight or fire. City administration highlighted several calendar items, including an extension for the professional services agreement for school zone traffic safety enforcement cameras and a grant-funded expansion for fixed automated license plate readers (Flock cameras) in five specific neighborhoods. Public comments largely centered on opposition to the Flock camera expansion, citing privacy concerns and cooperation with ICE, while another speaker supported recommendations from a downtown revitalization working group addressing social services and police presence.