Development News for Fairborn, Ohio

Fairborn City Council Awards Commercial Solid Waste Services Contract to Rumpke

The Fairborn City Council considered Resolution 28-26, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Rumpke of Ohio Inc. for commercial solid waste removal, recycling, and disposal services. The current contract, held by Rumpke since 1995, ends on June 30th. This service is mandatory for commercial properties and all apartment buildings with four or more units. The city solicited bids, receiving two proposals from Rumpke Waste and Recycling of Ohio and Waste Management of Ohio. The approved contract is a five-and-a-half-year term, effective July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2029, aligning the commercial contract timeline with the upcoming residential contract renewal. The bid included weekly bulk pickup and solid/recycling dumpster service. Hand collection service is also included for apartment buildings that opt out of dumpsters. Rumpke's bid was recommended due to competitive pricing, especially regarding hand service per pool charge, despite some initial confusion on Waste Management's recycling rate. A resident inquired about the availability of recycling bins in apartment buildings, and it was clarified that while Rumpke offers recycling services, providing recycling dumpsters is not mandated for property owners. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Fairborn to Reapply for State REDD Grant for Downtown Workforce Housing Project

The Fairborn City Council discussed Resolution 27-26, authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding through the Ohio Department of Development's Residential Economic Development District (REDD) grant program for fiscal year 2027. This follows a previous unsuccessful application for fiscal year 2026 (Resolution 1-26). The city plans to resubmit a largely unchanged application, with updated supporting documents and letters of support to strengthen it. The REDD grant program supports workforce housing near major economic development projects. Eligible locations must be within 20 miles of such projects, making all city parcels eligible due to proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Approximately $10 million is available for FY2027, with applications open until June 15th, minimum $250,000, and maximum $2.5 million. The proposed project involves a multifamily development at 526 Legion Lane by Zinc and Barker Development Company, featuring 104 market-rate units on 2.13 acres. Funds will be used for site readiness and administrative costs. Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to apply for up to $2.5 million. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the grant opportunity, noting its potential to spur downtown redevelopment. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Fairborn City Council Updates Rules for City Manager Evaluations and Council Censure Procedures

The Fairborn City Council reviewed and approved Resolution 26-26, which amends two sections of the Rules of Council Handbook: Section 5 (City Manager Annual Performance Evaluation) and Section 12 (Censure and Discipline). Section 5 now includes a subsection detailing the process and timeline for the city manager's annual performance evaluation, starting with soliciting input from department directors in September, council review in executive session in November, and final review by the mayor and HR director. Section 12 is updated to formalize the censure and discipline process into a two-meeting procedure, emphasizing due process for the individual facing censure. This includes a formal written intention, placement on the agenda, introduction, hearing, deliberation over two meetings, and a roll call vote, clarifying that censure does not allow council to remove a member. The City Manager presented these changes, highlighting their role in formalizing processes and ensuring due diligence. Staff recommended approval, and the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Fairborn Council Discusses Community Events, Safety Initiatives, and First Responder Appreciation

During the Fairborn City Council meeting, council members and the City Manager highlighted several community events and initiatives. The City Manager acknowledged personnel milestones, celebrating years of service for employees in municipal court, police, streets, IT, water/sewer, and fire departments. 'Community Movie Night' at Central Park featuring 'Zootopia' was deemed a success. 'Safety City,' a program for incoming first graders, began, with two sessions this week and two next, and has a waiting list for 2027, indicating potential expansion. Council members praised the milestone recipients and Safety City. They also emphasized community safety, advising residents to watch for children and motorcycles, stay hydrated, and be kind to neighbors, especially those affected by recent storms. Several upcoming events were announced: a Pride event on June 13th and Juneteenth on June 19th. The Mayor reminded residents about grass-cutting requirements and the availability of a tool lending closet, and announced free Friday concerts on June 12th and 26th at Community Park. The Mayor also expressed gratitude to first responders for their work on recent water rescues and structure fires, noting the absence of fatalities. The council also discussed the city's 250th anniversary events, the upcoming 4th of July parade (encouraging participation), and the increasing prevalence of scooters and motorbikes used by children without helmets. The Honor Flight program and 'Breakfast with the Mayors' events were also mentioned, with an evening session planned for June 29th.