Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds informed the Bellefontaine Council that the annual Hot Summer Nights Cruise-in will return for its 26th year during Tuesday night’s meeting. Director Dodds said his office recently received the permit request from the Top of Ohio Cruisers, putting to rest fears that the event may not happen. The event, held annually on the second Saturday in August, will begin with a parade downtown and conclude at the fairgrounds for the show and judging.
Mayor David Crissman said that he received the resignation of Zoning Appeals Board member Brian Osterfield. Mayor Crissman recommended that his term be filled by real estate agent Tori-Ann Bailey. The council approved the recommendation.
In his report, Service-Safety Director Dodds gave special recognition to the City Street and Water Departments for their efforts over the last few days. Dodds said that the Water Department responded to several water main breaks, most recently on East Columbus Avenue. The Street Department has been replacing several crumbling sections of curbing in the city-owned lot on South Detroit Avenue and trimming trees in the area.
Director Dodds also thanked Code Enforcement Officer Amber Palmer for her work with the city app that notifies opted-in residents about service disruptions.
Police Chief Chris Marlow told the council that the new cruisers that the department ordered should be built in early June. Once built, they will go to a local dealer for outfitting with additional equipment. Chief Marlow said the process is moving much more quickly than expected.
Chief Marlow also said that the recent lateral transfer to the department is slated for training soon and should be ready to go in June. He also expects the other candidate to start training in July.
In his report, Fire Chief Brian Wilson said that a new firefighter was recently sworn in and is finishing his firefighter training before beginning his EMT training. He also said that he will go pick up the new engine from Sutphen on Friday.
City Parks Superintendent Rick Reed informed the council that the pool has been patched and is scheduled to be filled later this week, weather permitting. He said the tentative opening date is May 23, weather permitting.
During the legislative portion of the meeting, several pieces of legislation were given various readings:
Ordinances for 1st Reading
26-22 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations Ordinance for purposes of capital equipment at Myeerah. Motion to pass on first reading only passed.
R26-23 – A resolution authorizing the City of Bellefontaine to participate in an Ohio Department of Transportation Asphalt Concrete project at State Route 47 and authorizing the Service-Safety Director to execute all documents relevant to this project. Motion to adopt passed. Resolution adopted.
Ordinances for 2nd Reading
26-20 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director and Mayor, on behalf of the City of Bellefontaine, to sell that certain city-owned real estate known as the Armory pursuant to Section 721.28 of the Revised Code. Council member Easton voted no. Motion to pass on second reading only passed.
26-21 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations Ordinance for purposes of revolving loan housing incidentals and West TIF construction. Motion to waive the three-reading rule passed. Motion to pass on second reading only passed. Ordinance adopted.
Ordinances for 3rd Reading
26-15 – An ordinance making Supplemental Appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations Ordinance for purposes of Capital Equipment-Recreation Improvement. Motion to adopt passed. Ordinance adopted.
26-17- An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into a contract with the selected contractor and/or bidders for the 2026 Citywide Street Resurfacing Project. 2026-01R. Motion to adopt passed. Ordinance adopted.
26-18 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the 2026 Street Painting & Striping Project. 2026-2R in the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Motion to adopt passed. Ordinance adopted.
