The Bellefontaine City Council reviewed a revised ordinance that would allow low- and under-speed vehicles on certain city streets at its Tuesday night meeting. Rules Committee Chairperson Jenna James said that the ordinance, as presented to the council, reflects changes and additions that align it with state definitions and current ordinances.
The ‘Golf Cart Ordinance,’ as it has come to be known, and an ordinance amending current Ordinance 509.11, which covers sound amplification devices, returned to the agenda after being allowed to die in July after being tabled earlier this summer.
Mayor David Crissman asked the council to approve his recommendation for Joanne Ritter to be reappointed for another 3-year term to the Shade Tree Commission. Ritter, a long-time member of the commission, is facing the expiration of her term in the next few weeks. The council approved the extension.
In his report to the council, Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds encouraged the council to adopt a resolution that was before it that puts a 12-month moratorium on data centers coming to the city. Dodds said that, to his knowledge, no applications for data centers have been filed, but he recommended that the council adopt this resolution to give it time to consider any future applications.
He also reminded the council that the 1/2% Sales Tax renewal on the ballot in November is vital to the city’s street resurfacing and bridge work. In the five years the tax has been collected, there have been numerous projects that the city has been able to get completed.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson updated the council on the issues with the new ladder truck. He said the engine work has been completed, but the ladder is now in Urbana for transmission work. In addition, the department’s newer engine had to be towed to Columbus for work on the engine. SSD Dodds spoke up and said that the city still has adequate fire service available. The engine that was taken out of service with the acquisition of the new engine has been put back in service.
Dodds also said that he has spoken with the manufacturer of the engine and ladder truck and expressed his anger that these issues are occurring with new vehicles. He said he expects these matters to be resolved soon.
The council then considered several pieces of legislation:
Resolutions
R26-47 – A resolution authorizing the Mayor and/or Service-Safety Director to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Program(S) and to execute contracts as required. Resolution adopted.
R26-48 – A resolution authorizing the City of Bellefontaine to order the Logan County Auditor to remove an additional tax lien on certain real estate taxes as stated herein. Resolution adopted.
R26-49 – A resolution imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment, conversion of other structures or buildings into a data center, including the development and construction of any building, structure, use, or change of use that would allow data centers for a period of TWELVE (12) months from the effective date of this Ordinance to allow the city administration and city council time to review applicable federal codes, Ohio statutes, codes, and regulations along with the city’s Codified Ordinances relative to such activity. Resolution adopted.
Ordinances for 1st Reading
26-51 – An ordinance establishing Section 331.46 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, authorizing Low-Speed, Under-Speed Utility Vehicles and Mini-Trucks within said city. Motion to pass on first reading only passed. Council members Reser, Easton, and Lile voted no.
26-51 – An ordinance amending and restating Section 509.11, Sound Amplifying Devices and Loud Noises of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Motion to pass on first reading only passed.
Ordinances for 2nd Reading
26-45 – An ordinance to approve, adopt, and enact the 2026 Replacement Pages to the Codified Ordinances. Motion to pass on second reading only passed.
26-46 – An ordinance amending the pay rate for Bellefontaine City School District Seasonal School Resource Officer. Motion to pass on second reading only passed.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM in council chambers. The meeting is open to the public.
