The Bellefontaine City Council voted to take advantage of a unique opportunity to purchase a brand-new pumper truck to replace one in the city’s aging fleet.
Before the vote on the new truck, Mayor Dave Crissman informed the council that the 2026 United Way Campaign kicks off this week and asked the council to vote for their favorite pumpkin at a display set up in the council chambers gallery. He also requested that the council waive the three-reading rule and adopt the ordinance that would allow for the purchase of the new fire truck.
Police Chief Chris Marlow reported to the council that the eight individuals recently passed their physical agility test, and he hopes to conduct interviews in the near future.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson updated the council on the department’s three new hires. All three have recently passed their background checks, and their physicals have been completed. Once the results are received, the new firefighters can begin their training.
Fire Chief Wilson talks about the need for the new pumper truck:
City Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the council that an ordinance on the legislative agenda would simplify stormwater drainage regulations. Instead of putting forward three separate ordinances, in cooperation with the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the City Law Director Josh Stolly, the stormwater drainage ordinance would be amended to reflect the new standards set by the State EPA, should the council vote to adopt the ordinance.
Stolly also urged the council to waive the three-reading rule and adopt the changes to the ordinance so his office can submit the new legislation to the EPA for approval.
Several ordinances were read in the legislative portion of the meeting:
First reading:
- 25-73 – An ordinance authorizing and directing the Service-Safety Director and/or Fire Chief to enter into a contract with Heritage Fire Equipment for the purchase of a Sutphen custom pumper. Three-reading rule waived. Ordinance passed on first and final reading.
- 25-74 – An ordinance amending and restating Chapter 927 Storm Water Drainage System of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Three-reading rule waived. Ordinance passed on first and final reading.
Second reading:
- 25-68 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinance for purposes of engineering, revolving loan, and insurance claims. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-71 – An ordinance amending certain section 351.05 manner of angle parking of the codified ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Passed on second reading only.
Third reading:
- 25-67 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinance for purposes of Auditor, City Hall, Tax, Water, and Wastewater Departments. Ordinance adopted.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM in council chambers.
