Minutes 8-26-25
KETTERING CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 26, 2025
The Council of the City of Kettering, Ohio, met in regular session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Kettering Government Center South Building, 3600 Shroyer Road. Mayor Lehner presided and the Clerk of Council, Amy J. Hayslip, recorded. This meeting was telecast live on the cable access channel and streamed live at mvcc.net.
Council Members Present: Lehner, Fisher, Sullivan, Scott, Duvall and Suddith
Council Members Absent:
Total Members Present: Six (6)
Mayor Lehner led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation.
Mayor Lehner introduced the Miami Valley Communications Council TV Operator Evan Russell. She thanked him for his assistance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 12, 2025 – Council Meeting & Workshop Minutes
Mrs. Fisher reported that she reviewed the above minutes and moved the minutes be approved. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion and there being six (6) yea votes, and no (0) nay votes for the August 12, 2025 Council Meeting & Workshop minutes the motion was declared carried followed by a roll call vote.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS, APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Special Presentation
Montgomery County Recorder’s Office: Ms. Kate Baker, Programs Coordinator, gave the presentation on the programs available at the Recorder’s Office.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mr. Ryan Homsi, City Planner gave the presentation. A public hearing was heard on Planning Commission Case No. PC 25-008 regarding modifications to almost every chapter of the Zoning Code. The main objectives are to broaden options for code compliance with various code sections, remove requirements and lay groundwork for future rezonings of Economic Development Overlays (EDOs).
Chapter 1133 – District Classifications Created – create Neighborhood Business (NB) District.
Chapter 1135 – Zoning Districts & Permitted Uses: Add the Neighborhood Business (NB); add “short term rentals” to the permitted uses table; add additional light industrial (fabrications/industrial crafts, product assembly to the B (Business) Zoning District.
Chapter 1137 – Standards for Specific Uses: Adds the requirements applicable to short term rentals; Modifies the requirements for daycare centers to be more consistent with the State of Ohio and local development objectives; Relocates the masonry wall screening requirement for certain uses when adjoining residential uses from this chapter to the landscaping & bufferyard chapter; Eliminates the 10-acre minimum lot size for hospital uses.
Chapter 1139 – Accessory Structures & Uses – Permits “sheds” on residential properties to be slightly larger (from 100 sq. ft. up to 144 sq. ft.), before such structures are subject to stricter architectural requirements; Permits “uncovered porches” on residential properties.
Chapter 1141 – Development Pattern Districts – Reduces the front yard setback requirement for the Suburban Business (SB) Pattern District from 35’ down to 25’; Permits existing principal structures in the Suburban Center (SC) Pattern District to be considered conforming with regards to side and rear yard setbacks, even if such structures violate today’s setback requirements.
Chapter 1143 – Site & Environmental Standards – Adjusts the “modification of standards” section for access management to be based more on engineering reviews rather than arbitrary zoning requirements; Modifies which lighting standards must be brought into compliance (light trespass, fixture type, and maximum lighting levels vs. all of today’s standards) for sites with non-conforming lighting when additions and new uses (after abandonment) are being established.
Chapter 1145 – Parking & Loading – Permits up to 1 additional front yard parking space in instances where driveways are being widened toward the nearest side lot line (maximum driveway sizes remain the same). Permits the addition of up to 2 front-yard parking spaces in instances where garages are converted into living spaces (maximum driveway sizes remain the same).
Chapter 1147 – Landscaping & Bufferyards – Adds the previously-mentioned masonry wall requirement for certain uses to this chapter and adds another option for meeting this requirement; Creates an exemption from parking lot screening requirements in cases where an industrial use adjoins another industrial use; Permits chain link fences to be located in the side yard areas of industrial uses; Adds another option for meeting the dumpster enclosure requirement for multi-family and non-residential uses.
Chapter 1149 – Architecture – Permits the caps & bases for industrial uses in certain pattern districts to be comprised of only material and/or color changes; Creates an exemption that would permit metal building additions to be constructed onto existing metal buildings provided certain standards are met.
Chapter 1151 – Signs – Increases the allowable building sign area for single-tenant properties in the Business (B) and Business Park (BP) Zoning Districts; Allows temporary sign permits to be valid for the entire year rather than requiring a separate permit to be acquired for every 30-day period for which the sign is to be installed; Requires that non-conforming signs be removed from properties when the principal structure is demolished.
Chapter 1153 – Procedures & Enforcement – Sets a timeframe for when staff may expire zoning permit applications (180 days after the request for revision(s) is sent to the applicant by the permit reviewer);Makes the notification & service requirements for notices of violation consistent with the property maintenance code.
Chapter 1155 – Nonconformities – Modification of Standards for Non-Conforming Sites – Expands the portions of the code where the Zoning Administrator may approve modifications to the minimum standards; to include: light pole heights and dumpster enclosure locations.
Chapter 1159 – Rules of Interpretation & Definitions – Adds the following definitions: Automobile Detailing Establishment; Automobile Washing Establishment; Discount Store; Accessory Dwelling Unit; Grocery Store; Short Term Rental (STR); Short Term Rental Guest; Small Box Discount Store.
Planning Commission held Public Hearings on July 21, 2025 and August 4, 2025.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested amendments to the Zoning Code. Mr. Homsi asked City Council if they had any questions.
Mayor Lehner then concluded the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON LEGISLATION
ORDINANCES IN SECOND READING
AN ORDINANCE
NO: 4431-25
BY: MRS. FISHER AND MR. SULLIVAN
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4254-15 TO EXTEND THE PERIOD DURING WHICH PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY WILL BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND EXEMPT FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXATION, THE OWNERS THEREOF WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES, EXPANDING THE LIST OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE PAID FOR WITH SUCH SERVICE PAYMENTS, AND PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF A PORTION OF THOSE SERVICE PAYMENTS RECEIVED TO THE KETTERING CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mrs. Fisher read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion.
Mr. Gantt, Economic Development Manager gave a brief description of the ordinance.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the ordinance was duly adopted.
RESOLUTIONS
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11323-25
BY: MR. SULLIVAN AND MR. SCOTT
TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER JYL HALL AND TO DECLARE HER COUNCIL SEAT VACANT
Mr. Sullivan read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mr. Scott seconded the motion.
Mr. Greeson, City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11324-25
BY: MR. SCOTT AND MS. DUVALL
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A COST PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO FOR ROADWAY RESURFACING IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MURIEL, HOBART AND BEAVERTON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Mr. Scott read the above resolution and moved for approval. Ms. Duvall seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11325-25
BY: MS. DUVALL AND MR. SUDDITH
DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF REPAIRING SIDEWALKS, CURBS, AND DRIVE APPROACHES AS PART OF THE EAST WHIPP ROAD IMPROVEMENT 2026 PROJECT (PROJECT NUMBER 02-128G)
Ms. Duvall read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mr. Suddith seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11326-25
BY: MR. SUDDITH AND MRS. FISHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A LITTER PREVENTION GRANT FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Mr. Suddith read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mrs. Fisher seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11327-25
BY: MRS. FISHER AND MR. SULLIVAN
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A DISTRICT INCENTIVE GRANT FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Mrs. Fisher read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11328-25
BY: MR. SULLIVAN AND MR. SCOTT
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO USE COMPETITIVE BARGAINING AND NEGOTIATED QUOTES TO CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT USED TO MAINTAIN THE BEAVERTOWN CEMETERY
Mr. Sullivan read the above resolution and moved for approval. Mr. Scott seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
A RESOLUTION
NO: 11329-25
BY: MR. SCOTT AND MS. DUVALL
TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF KETTERING, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025
Mr. Scott read the above resolution and moved for approval. Ms. Duvall seconded the motion.
Mr. Greeson, City Manager gave a brief description of the resolution.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the resolution duly adopted.
AN ORDINANCE
BY: MS. DUVALL
TO ENACT SECTION 606.27 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES REGARDING FAILURE TO COMPLY
Ms. Duvall read the above ordinance.
Mr. Hamer, Law Director gave a brief description of the ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE
BY: MR. SUDDITH
REPEALING CHAPTER 705 OF PART SEVEN OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KETTERING
Mr. Suddith read the above ordinance.
Mr. Hamer, Law Director gave a brief description of the ordinance.
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
NO: 4432-25
BY: MRS. FISHER AND MR. SULLIVAN
TO APPROPRIATE PROJECT PARCELS 7-WD AND 7-T OF THE MARSHALL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CITY PROJECT NUMBER 02-120I, ODOT MOT-MARSHALL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, PID 116891); AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Mrs. Fisher read the above ordinance and moved for approval. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion.
Mr. Bergstresser, Assistant City Manager gave a brief description of the ordinance.
The following votes were recorded: Mrs. Fisher, Yea; Mr. Sullivan, Yea; Mr. Scott, Yea; Ms. Duvall, Yea; Mr. Suddith, Yea; Mayor Lehner, Yea. There being six (6) Yea votes and no (0) Nay votes, the motion was declared carried and the ordinance duly adopted.
CERTIFICATIONS AND PETITIONS
MANAGER’S REPORT/COMMUNITY UPDATE
Mr. Greeson, City Manager updated Council on upcoming and community events.
- Good neighbor award nominations are being accepted until August 31.
- Administrative Offices will be closed on September 1 in observance of Labor Day. Rumpke trash service will be delayed by one day the week of September 1.
- Holiday at Home 2025 – Going Country events held on August 29, 30 and 31st.
- Future Focus: Kettering – open house on Thursday, September 11 from 6 to 8 pm at the Lathrem Senior Center.
- Blood pressure clinic dates through September.
- EcoFEST 2025 – “The Change Begins With Us”: September 20 from 11:00-3:00 at Lincoln Park Civic Commons.
- Shred Day & Recycling Event, October 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, new location at 950 Forrer Blvd.
OTHER BUSINESS NOT ON WRITTEN AGENDA
Audience Participation (5 Minute Limit per Speaker)
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice Mayor Fisher reported:
- Looking forward to Labor Day weekend and seeing residents shopping local and at the Holiday at Home parade.
Mr. Sullivan reported:
- Since our last meeting we have begun another school year.
- His goal this year is to attend a game or match of each type of high school athletic event at home. Fairmont Athletics has a new app that shows all of the current athletic schedules.
- He hopes to see residents at Holiday at Home.
Mr. Scott reported:
- Holiday at Home has been an event since 1959.
- September 2nd is a monumental day with it marking the 80th anniversary of the cessation of activities of World War II.
Ms. Duvall had no report.
Mr. Suddith reported:
- Commended Dawn Kirchner Sustainability Manager for her accomplishments in the eight months that she has been in that position. Dawn has changed the City of Kettering as an organization and their impact on the environment and our community.
- He is the Council representative for Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and wants to reiterate the need for public comment at the September 11 event at the CIL Senior Center.
Mayor Lehner reported:
- She is looking forward to the events at Holiday at Home and encouraged attendance at the Flag Ceremony on Friday, August 29 at Noon in front of the Barnes building. This ceremony honors our veterans and our first responders.
There being no further business to come before this meeting of the Kettering City Council; Mayor Lehner adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:38 p.m.
ATTEST:
______________________________
PEGGY LEHNER, MAYOR
Amy J. Hayslip
Clerk of Council