Bellefontaine Council hears about proposals to help with flooding

With the recent torrential rainfall on everyone’s mind, City Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the Bellefontaine Council about a plan to mitigate flooding at its meeting Tuesday night. Bischoff said that he has received several qualification summaries from engineering firms in an attempt to mitigate flooding that has plagued several city neighborhoods over the past few months.

Bischoff explains what the city is doing to address flooding: 

In his report to the council, Mayor David Crissman said that several students from Bellefontaine’s sister city, Suzuka, Japan, visited the city recently and provided the council members with a translated Suzuka Student newspaper, which described their trip and other facts. This was a special visit, as 2026 is the 35th anniversary of the sister city agreement.

Service Safety Director Wes Dodds informed the council that the City Planning Commission recently approved the Troy Road/Lake Avenue development. He said that the Engineer’s office will begin reviewing plans once they are submitted. Dodds also thanked city residents Mark and Jill Butler for their work in restoring the Whispering Pines subdivision sign.

Police Chief Chris Marlow said that the National Night Out held last week went very well. He also said that the Annual K-9 Chicken BBQ is coming up Friday evening, and a few tickets still remain.

Chief Marlow also said that two new officers are set to be sworn in Friday afternoon. The officers will be attending the Ohio State Patrol Academy for training.

Fire Chief Brian Wilson informed the council that the Medic Unit has been pushed back 60 days. Also, Sutphen is still awaiting parts for the ladder truck.

Bellefontaine Code Enforcement Officer Amber Palmer said that she recently submitted five properties for voluntary demolition.

In her report to the council, Finance Committee chairman Kyle Springs said that Ordinance 26-35 covers supplemental appropriations to allocate funds spent during the construction project at Harmon Park.

The council tackled a light legislative agenda:

Ordinances for 1^st Reading

26-35 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations ordinance for purposes of Myeerah and West TIF and declaring an emergency. Three-reading rule waived. Motion to pass on first and final reading. Ordinance adopted.

Full text of the ordinance below.

26-36 – An ordinance changing the zoning classification of 514 Sandusky Ave. from R-2, One and Two Family Residence District, to B-1, Neighborhood Business District, and amending the Zoning Map. Three-reading rule waived. Motion to pass on first and final reading. Ordinance adopted.

Full text of the ordinance below.

Ordinances for 2nd Reading

26-34 B. An ordinance pursuant to section 709.38 of the Ohio Revised Code approving and assenting to the detachment of certain territory owned by Logan County from the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio and declaring an emergency. Motion to pass on second reading only passed.

Ordinances for 3^rd Reading

None.

The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM in council chambers.

ORDINANCE NO. 26-35

AN ORDINANCE MAKING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDING THE PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR PURPOSES OF MYEERAH AND WEST TIF AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO:

SECTION I: That Ordinance No. 26-07 passed March 24, 2026, as amended, providing for permanent appropriations for the City for year 2026, be and the same hereby is, amended as follows:

SECTION II: That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure made necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of said City, provide for its continuous uninterrupted services, and to allow for said appropriations to be made at the earliest possible time; and it shall, therefore, be in force and take effect immediately upon its passage and signature by the Mayor.

ORDINANCE NO. 26-36

AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 514 SANDUSKY AVE. FROM R-2, ONE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT, TO B-1, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP.

WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission did after conducting public hearings thereon, make certain recommendations in writing to City Council that the zoning classification for the lands hereinafter described in the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, said land being located at 514 Sandusky Ave., with a portion of the property being currently zoned B-1, Neighborhood Business District, and with the rear portion of the property be changed from R-2, One and Two Family Residence District, to B-1, Neighborhood Business District; and

WHEREAS, Council did, after proper notice, conduct a public hearing on the question of the change of zoning classification for such lands.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Council of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio:

SECTION I: That Council hereby determines that in the interest of promoting the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the City of Bellefontaine, that the zoning classification 514 Sandusky Ave., should be changed from R-2, One and Two Family Residence District, to B-1, Neighborhood Business District as recommended by the City Planning Commission and that the said real estate as hereinbefore described as said 3514 Sandusky Ave. in the City of Bellefontaine, Lake Township, Logan County, Ohio shall hereafter be zoned with the zoning classification of B-1, Neighborhood Business District. Parcel Number 17-091-11-04-011-000 (514 Sandusky Avenue).

SECTION II: That the official zoning map of the City of Bellefontaine be, and the same hereby is, amended to reflect the establishment of the zoning classification for said lands as herein set forth.

SECTION III: That this Ordinance shall take effect on the earliest period allowed by law.