Meeting
THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 7:00 PM
1.
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Commission was called to order by President Rue in the City Forum of City Hall.  
2.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Krystal Brown, David Estrop, Bridget Houston, Tracey Tackett, Rob Rue
Commissioners Absent: None
3.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Rue requested a moment of silence for all domestic violence victims, and who then led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, commissioners approved the minutes of the April 15 and April 16, 2025, Commission Retreat, and minutes of April 22, 2025, Work Session, Public Hearings and Regular Meeting as presented.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
5.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
014-25    Mr. Rue announced procedures for participation in the public comment period. 

Ms. Beth Donahue expressed her concerns about the work session information provided, asked for openness and transparency, and stated cities can be compared as Ohio law is the same for all. 

Ms. Melissa Rexroth spoke on domestic violence, the courts and her experiences of being a domestic violence victim.  

Ms. Glenda Bailey provided an overview of the number and types of driving court cases on specific dates stating simulator training does not work. 

Ms. Diana Daniels spoke on divisiveness and politics, immigrants and inquired if there is a firm grip on the number of immigrants in the City.

Mr. Jimmy Steward spoke on domestic violence cases and the number and types of charges over a period of months. 

Ms. Marceeta Jeffrey inquired as to when Yellow Springs Street will be completed. 

Mr. Wes Babian stated many issues in Springfield are shared with other cities and counties across the mid-west, thanked the educational leaders for their devotion and commitment to students and families, and spoke about the accountability of Springfield citizens. 

Mr. Kevin Bowshier inquired of the case dismissal rate for years 2023 -2024 for domestic violence cases and those offenders who have a lifetime history of domestic violence.  Mr. Bowshier spoke on re-offender cases and new laws effective in Ohio with regard to strangulation.  

Ms. Melissa Skinner spoke on domestic violence cases and expressed her sympathies.  Ms. Skinner inquired of the renovation of a home in the city stating she called the building department, city manager’s office, and inspections office and stated her dissatisfaction with a response from the the inspector’s office.  
6.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
013-25     Mr. Rue spoke on the domestic information presented during the work session and public comment period, explained the importance of gaining information from the public advocacy groups on domestic violence, and stated the people working the cases are working very hard on a very large issue.  Mr. Rue stated the work session was for the commission to learn more about this issue and hear from the experts in the county. 

Mrs. Tackett stated she has spent time with Ms. Donahue and brought experts to the table to learn and stated she was interested in hearing from the courts.  Mrs. Tackett brought light to May being Mental Health Awareness month, provided information on resources available, and encouraged residents to visit mhscc.org for information and daytonchildrens.org for resources at Children’s Hospital. 

City Manager Heck stated Yellow Springs Street is slated to be finished the first week of June and noted asphalt plants opened later than normal this year and stated asphalt work should be starting this week.  

Mr. Rue asked if there is to be another layer of asphalt applied to South Fountain Avenue and Mr. Heck stated yes. 

Dr. Estrop inquired about manholes on Saint Paris Pike and why not all were finished to grade level. Service Director Moore stated three manholes belong to AT&T and it is their responsibility to match the other manholes.  

Mrs. Houston inquired about the Bechtle Ave sidewalks project, the funding breakdown and inquired if the funds specifically need to be used on that project. Mr. Moore provided the breakdown of funding for the project and where the funds are coming from noting there are certain funds that cannot be used for most projects and must be used to encourage other modes of transportation, for example;  walking, biking, and the city must prove the project will improve air quality or congestion. 

Dr. Estrop read a statement concerning the 5-year Consolidated Plan process and what the planning process entails providing the information on upcoming steps involving community input which will be collected beginning May 6 through June 14, 2025 followed by a draft plan posted for public review and comment for 30 days. A copy of the full statement is on file with the City Clerk’s office.

Mrs. Brown stated her concerns about citizen comments and the feeling of threats being portrayed during the public comment period. 

Dr. Estrop commended Ohio Legislators for passing a Bill to address the electric rates in Ohio to revoke all charges associated with House Bill 6.  Dr. Estrop also spoke on Federal and State funding cuts and the impact on the community, noting the food pantry canceled contracts with local farmers to provide fresh produce, and noted the youth gun violence grant has been cut by $1.24 million.
7.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE(S)
The following legislation was read by title only for the first time and requires presentation at a second regular meeting before vote on passage.
328-24Vacating the first alley north of Thrasher Street from Woodbine Avenue east to the first intersecting north-south alley.
101-25Vacating the second alley north of Thrasher Street from Woodbine Avenue west to the first north-south alley; vacating the first north-south alley west of Woodbine Avenue between the first and second alleys north of Thrasher Street; and vacating the first alley north of Thrasher Street starting approximately 118 feet west from Woodbine Avenue and continuing west for 92 feet to the first north-south alley west of Woodbine Avenue.
120-25Authorizing a contribution to Springfield Promise Neighborhood in the amount of $1,000.00 to support the Southside in Bloom Garden Tour 2025.
Dr. Estrop stated he would be abstaining on this vote due to a conflict of interest.
121-25Amending Ordinance No. 91-90, passed March 12, 1991, and commonly known as the Codified Ordinances of The City of Springfield, Ohio, by amending certain provisions of the Traffic and General Offenses Code.
122-25Confirming and approving the acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed from Runout, LLC to transfer 0.032 acres of right-of-way in the vicinity of 1248 Perry Street to the City of Springfield.
123-25Authorizing the purchase of six (6) Ford Police Interceptors of the newest model year available from National Auto Fleet Group, for an amount not to exceed $311,073.54, through Sourcewell, pursuant to the Sourcewell Contract Purchasing Cooperative Program, in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.48 of the Ohio Revised Code.
179-19Authorizing an additional expenditure for the first renewal year of the Billing Services Agreement with Accumed Billing, Inc. for Medical Billing Services and Accounts Receivable Activities, for an amount not to exceed $60,000.00 for a total amount not to exceed $200,000.00, for the period of July 6, 2024 through July 5, 2025; confirming and approving related expenditures incurred from April 6, 2025.
124-25Authorizing the issuance of a purchase order for the purchase of Eight (8) Rotary Vane Pneumatic Actuators and training, from APA, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $278,496.00.
City Manager Heck explained the actuators are on the valves that release sand from the filters and will be replacing actuators put in service in 1958.
115-24Confirming and approving Change Order No. 2 to the contract with Seven Brothers Painting, Inc. for the Elevated Storage Tank Rehabilitation to decrease the contract in an amount not to exceed $57,400.00, for a total amount not to exceed $1,167,762.00; and authorizing the City Manager to execute said Change Order No. 2.
125-25Consenting to repairs on the bridge at the intersection of State Route 4 and Lagonda Avenue, located in the City of Springfield, by the Ohio Department of Transportation (identified as CLA/MOT BH FY26, and further identified by PID No. 116928); providing for the maintenance of the right-of-way; and authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements with the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio necessary to complete the project.
Mr. Heck stated this safety improvement project is for bridge work at the intersection of State Route 4 over Lagonda Avenue. 
126-25Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an LPA Federal Local-LET Project Agreement No. 42373 between the City and the Ohio Department of Transportation to provide the City with eligible costs of up to a maximum sum of $200,000.00 for the CLA SR41-19.21 Safety Improvement Project, PID No. 123513; authorizing an expenditure up to $330,382.00 to be used as matching funds in connection with the agreement to be entered into with the Ohio Department of Transportation; and authorizing the City Manager, Law Director and Finance Director to do all things they deem necessary to implement said agreement.
Mr. Heck stated this project is in the vicinity of Ferncliff Cemetery to provide safety measures consisting of high friction pavement, striping, and barrier work. 
127-25Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Cooperation Agreement with The Springfield City School District Board of Education to assist the City and the Board of Education in creating and maintaining safe and orderly schools; and authorizing the City Manager, Finance Director, Law Director and Chief of Police to do all things necessary and execute all documents they deem necessary to implement the said Agreement and to comply with all relevant local, state and federal legal requirements.
8.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE(S)
The following legislation was presented for a second time:
077-25Ordinance No. 25-126 Amending the Zoning Map of Springfield, Ohio by rezoning 19.64 acres at 2900 East Main Street, Springfield, Ohio from Springfield Township I-2 and City EECPOD, Eastern Edge Corridor Plan Overlay District to CC-2, Community Commercial District with a Commercial Arterial Sign District and EECPOD, Eastern Edge Corridor Plan Overlay District.
Mrs. Brown asked for an explanation of this rezoning.  Mr. Heck stated this request is near the Dollar Tree store on East Main Street noting when the property was originally annexed, it brought with it county zoning.  This request is to rezone the property to city zoning to better align with surrounding properties.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
076-25Ordinance No. 25-127 Amending the Zoning Map of Springfield, Ohio by rezoning 0.294 acres at 317 North Belmont Avenue, Springfield, Ohio from RS-5, Low-Density, Single-Family Residence District to CN-2, Neighborhood Commercial District.
Mr. Rue stated his concerns involving spot zoning in neighborhoods and noted after investigating this case further and finding the zoning for low manufacturing consists of low noise, and nearby property owners in support, he will support this request. 

Dr. Estrop noted the willingness of the owner to work with neighbors is positive and as long as the neighbors are happy, the commission is happy.  

Mr. Heck stated a conditional use permit must be obtained for the actual use of the facility. 

Mr. Rue inquired about the proposed use and Mr. Heck stated manufacturing of food production parts.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
108-25Ordinance No. 25-128 Authorizing a contribution to the Springfield Foundation in the amount of $50,000.00, toward the Future IQ Community Action Plan Project.
Mr. Heck explained the project as being a collaboration of community partners and the State with a focus on marketing the Springfield community.  

Mrs Tackett inquired about the State’s contribution to the project and Mr. Heck replied the State’s contribution is $100,000.
On Motion of Mrs. Houston, seconded by Mrs. Tackett, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
110-25Ordinance No. 25-129 Authorizing the rental of employee uniforms, mops, mats, and towels from Cintas Corporation #2, for an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 for the three-year period, through the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, pursuant to Ohio's Cooperative Purchasing Act in accordance with the provisions of Section 125.04 of the Ohio Revised Code.
On Motion of Mrs. Tackett, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
111-25Ordinance No. 25-130 Authorizing the purchase of one HV507 SFA Truck of the newest model year available for an amount not to exceed $99,854.17, for use by the Sewer Department, from Rush Truck Centers, through the Ohio Department of Transportation Cooperative Purchasing Program in accordance with the provisions of Section 5513.01(B) of the Ohio Revised Code.
Dr. Estrop inquired of this item and the next asking if these purchases are International trucks and Mr. Heck confirmed. 
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
112-25Ordinance No. 25-131 Authorizing the purchase of one HV507 SFA Truck of the newest model year available for an amount not to exceed $99,854.17, for use by the Street Department, from Rush Truck Centers, through the Ohio Department of Transportation Cooperative Purchasing Program in accordance with the provisions of Section 5513.01(B) of the Ohio Revised Code.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Tackett, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
230-24Ordinance No. 25-132 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 1 to the contract with Gary Gilbert, Jr. dba Gilbert’s Lawn Service for nuisance abatement services as needed by the City, to increase the contract in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00 for a total amount not to exceed $90,000.00.
Dr. Estrop asked for an explanation of this contract and the next on the agenda.  Mr. Heck explained the contracts are issued to various contractors and work is awarded based on vendor availability.  This contract and the next will be increased and those with less work will be decreased. 
On Motion of Mrs. Tackett, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
231-24Ordinance No. 25-133 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 1 to the contract with OMAC Hauling, Inc. for nuisance abatement services as needed by the City, to increase the contract in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00 for a total amount not to exceed $90,000.00.
On Motion of Mrs. Tackett, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
113-25Ordinance No. 25-134 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for demolition services with Tony Smith dba Tony Smith Wrecking & Trucking, for a period of one year with an option to renew for an additional one-year period, for an amount not to exceed $400,000.00 for the initial one-year term.
Dr. Estrop asked how many structure demolitions will be covered by this contract.  Mr. Heck stated approximately 40 blighted homes and accessory structures depending on asbestos found and other factors on the site.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
166-23Ordinance No. 25-135 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 1 to the Contract for the Planning and Zoning Code Update project with ZoneCo, LLC, to increase the contract in an amount not to exceed $7,500.00 for a total amount not to exceed $168,405.00, and to extend the completion date to July 1, 2025; and confirming and approving related expenditures incurred from March 1, 2025.
Mr. Heck noted there was extra work involved to complete the new zoning code and implementation process causing this increase and time extension.
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Tackett, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
9.
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE(S)
The following emergency legislation was presented for the first time:
005-25Ordinance No. 25-136 Providing for Supplemental Appropriations within various funds, and declaring an emergency therein. 
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
006-25Ordinance No. 25-137 Confirming purchases and the obtaining of services for the City and providing for payments therefor; and declaring an emergency therein.
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
128-25Ordinance No. 25-138 Providing for the transfer of monies among various funds, and declaring an emergency therein.
Finance Director Eviston explained the transfer of monies usually happens earlier in the year, and stated the General Fund enhances other funds such as the Fire Enhancement Fund and Police Levy Fund and supports the Permanent Improvement Fund. Mrs. Eviston explained the delay for the transfer being due to the previous infusion of the ARPA funds. 
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Tackett, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
129-25Ordinance No. 25-139 Confirming and approving the submission of a grant application through the Ohio Department of Transportation (“ODOT”), Office of Aviation in an amount up to $593,393.75 for the rehabilitation of the tie-down ramp at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport; authorizing an expenditure of up to $31,231.25 to be used as local matching funds; authorizing the City Manager, Law Director, Airport Manager and the Director of Finance to do all things necessary for the submission of the application and to comply with all relevant local, state and federal legal requirements; and declaring an emergency therein.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
096-23Ordinance No. 25-140 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 2 to the LPA Federal Local-LET Project Agreement No. 38899 between the City and the Ohio Department of Transportation to increase the amount by $39,142.00, for a total amount not to exceed $1,681,366.00, for the CLA CR333-11.35 Sidewalks aka CLA Bechtle Ave Sidewalk Project, PID No. 118643; authorizing an increased expenditure of up to $47,112.71, for a total amount of $457,667.71, to be used as matching funds in connection with the agreement to be entered into with the Ohio Department of Transportation; and declaring an emergency therein.
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Tackett, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
132-24Ordinance No. 25-141 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into Modification No. 1 to Agreement No. 40899 with Choice One Engineering Corporation for the CLA CR333-11.35 Sidewalks aka CLA Bechtle Ave Sidewalk Project, PID No. 118643, to increase the agreement in an amount of $48,928.00, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $376,707.00, and declaring an emergency therein.
On Motion of Mrs. Tackett, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
130-25Ordinance No. 25-142 Authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept, if awarded, a 2025-2026 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in an amount up to $29,016.13 and a 2025-2026 Impaired Driving Enforcement Program Grant in an amount up to $27,516.13, from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Governor’s Highway Safety Office to reimburse salaries and certain fringe benefits of officers assigned to special overtime projects; authorizing the City Manager, Finance Director, Law Director and Chief of Police to perform all acts and execute all documents they consider necessary to fulfill the City's obligations under said grants and to comply with all relevant local, state and federal legal requirements; and declaring an emergency therein.
Dr. Estrop asked for more information on this grant.  Mr. Heck explained this funding provides for staff to operate such things as OVI checkpoints and expressed the City’s appreciation of the State to support driving enforcement programs. 
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Ordinance was passed.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
10.
NEW ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
The following items were added to the agenda:
075-25 The Second Reading Ordinance amending the Zoning Map of Springfield, Ohio by rezoning 1.5 acres at 430 West Liberty Street has been withdrawn by the applicant and removed from the agenda.
109-25 The Second Reading Ordinance granting to River North Transit, LLC authority, right and privilege to establish, maintain and operate a public transportation system has been removed from the agenda.
131-25Resolution No. 6275 Appointing Andrew Mobley, Sr., to the Community Grant Advisory Board.
Mr. Rue thanked Mr. Mobley for his willingness to serve his community.
On Motion of Dr. Estrop, seconded by Mrs. Brown, the Resolution was adopted
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0
11.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Mrs. Tackett thanked those who voted in the May 6 election.
12.
COMMUNICATIONS
015-25   Community Beautification Committee Correspondence, Minutes, April 3, 2025.

132-25   Commission Statement of City’s 5-year Consolidated Plan efforts.
13.
ADJOURNMENT
On Motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Houston, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Yeas: Mrs. Brown, Dr. Estrop, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Tackett, Mr. Rue                   Yeas 5, Nays 0



 
  President of City Commission's signature
  PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION
   
  Clerk of the City Commission's signature
  CLERK OF THE CITY COMMISSION