Fairfield City Council approves $375,000 development grant, amends environmental commission rules and authorizes FEMA grant application

Fairfield City Council convened June 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fairfield Municipal Building. The council heard presentations from the mayor’s youth commission and a local nonprofit, approved several ordinances including a $375,000 grant to the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), and authorized the city manager to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The meeting opened with roll call and a motion to excuse Council member Brill, which the presiding officer announced as carried. The mayor’s youth commission presented a year-in-review, highlighting monthly departmental visits, a National League of Cities trip to Salt Lake City, student HR projects and community events; the presenters thanked staff leader Mitch Rodis and Mayor Miller for support. "We're very, very excited about it," a youth commissioner said of next year's plans. The council applauded the students' work.

Brenda Davenport, speaking for Community Crafters, described a volunteer-run crafting program that donates proceeds to local charities and runs a "reading with friends" activity that gives books and crafts to children. Davenport invited council members and staff to read at the program's July 20 event. Mayor (presiding officer) volunteered "myself, all the council, and all staff" to participate.

In council business the council heard a public hearing notice that two copies of the proposed 2027 tax budget are on file at the Clerk of Council office and that the budget is available for public inspection. On consent and old-business items the council approved the minutes of May 26, 2026, and adopted an ordinance accepting public improvements and releasing maintenance and performance bonds for Emerald Lake Section 4, High Point Court.

Under new business the council voted to read new-business items by title only, then considered several ordinances across departments. The council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 170 of the codified ordinances to remove the minimum-membership requirement for the environmental commission while leaving the maximum membership at 12. The body also affirmed designation of the CIC of Fairfield as the city's development agency and authorized a $375,000 grant to the CIC, funded from the Transformative Economic Development Fund and the Downtown Development Fund.

On public safety the council authorized the city manager to submit an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application to FEMA to buy additional personal protective equipment; the ordinance states FEMA would fund 90% of the project if awarded, with the city responsible for the remaining 10%.

Finance and budget items included ordinances for appropriations: contractual appropriations totaling $375,000 (a development services project) and non-contractual appropriations totaling $120,966 for development services, public utilities, fire, and parks and recreation. Council member Bezel moved to suspend further readings and the council adopted a resolution to adopt the 2027 tax budget for submission to the Butler County auditor and made related amendments to the 2026 estimated appropriations.

Council reports included a follow-up on resident concerns with the income tax department; the mayor and city manager will schedule a council-manager briefing in July for a fuller presentation. Council member Myers reported that a restoration company will renovate about 20% of the city's fire hydrants; crews will prime and then apply a final yellow coat and the hydrants will remain in service during work. Myers also urged staff to consider online Q&A or social-media outreach for the public open house on the proposed roundabout, to improve communication.

The meeting concluded after the clerk announced upcoming meeting dates (July 13 and September 14) and the council moved to adjourn. No executive session was requested.