Commission approves three‑year, $2.6M airport marketing agreement and several city contracts

The Dayton City Commission approved a package of city manager recommendations that included a three‑year service agreement with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce to support air‑service development and marketing at Dayton International Airport.

Deputy Director of Aviation Dan Zank told commissioners the 2025 agreement expired that day and warned a postponement would create a gap that could delay active negotiations with potential airlines. "The gap would be a delay in potential economic vitality for the region," Zank said, urging the commission not to leave a gap in service. Melissa Patsialves, the airport’s marketing and air services manager, said a $300,000 amendment made in December was a one‑time transitional fee to bridge vendors: "We will need those dollars to help transition between two different advertising firms who will help us manage the website, manage those air service booking platforms," Patsialves said.

Commissioners pressed staff for annual reports and metrics on the Chamber contract; staff said the Chamber provides quarterly advisory engagement and annual reports that can be shared with the commission. Several commissioners expressed skepticism about the size of the increase but also noted the airport’s role in regional economic development and the risk of interrupting ongoing negotiations.

Other calendar items the commission approved include:

• A management services contract with Premise Health Employer Solutions to continue operation and expand services at the city’s off‑site clinic (plans include expanded on‑site physical therapy, mental‑health and pharmacy services).

• A $1.3 million contract for railroad signal upgrades at crossings on Gettysburg and Little Richmond Road, funded by the Ohio Development Rail Commission (staff said this is not city funding).

• A contract with Safe Built Ohio to supplement building plan review and inspection services to reduce review times; staff said small projects are now reviewed within a week and larger projects are under 30 days with the new arrangement, and a 14‑day target is expected by the first quarter.

• A continuation of an off‑duty police agreement with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority that yields roughly $168,000 in revenue and maintains security at the downtown transit hub.

Staff said the three‑year, $2.6 million Chamber agreement averages about $577,000 per year historically but includes one‑time website and transition costs this cycle. Commissioners approved the city manager’s recommendations by motion; staff will provide requested annual reports and additional contract detail to commissioners as follow up.