The Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session Tuesday evening in council chambers.
At the top of the agenda, Wes Dodds, Saftey Service Director, officially introduced the Bellefontaine Police Department’s Chief, Chris Marlow. Marlow has been the interim chief since April 7th and will officially be read the oath of office in a ceremony on Friday, June 23rd at 1 PM in council chambers. Marlow speaks about some changes he is already making within the police department to help with morale:
Dodds went on to commend the Bellefontaine Police and Fire Departments for their recent aid in busy town events. Monday night there was a water main break, and Dodds applauded the crews for working through the night to get the repair made.
City Law Director Josh Stolly informed the council that at the next meeting there would be several alley vacations and grand application requests, and to prepare for a large agenda.
Police Chief Marlow informed the council that all officers are now equipped with body cameras. This is a new development as the PD was recently awarded a grant for the purchase of enough cameras for all officers.
Kris Meyers, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, reported that all repairs to the Hoffman Pool, including a new heater and slide pump have been installed. The pool has been closed for the last two days due to unseasonably cool temperatures.
Ben Vollrath from Economic Development talked about the LoCo Gap Year program and said that by the end of the month, they hope to have a 5th participant so that this year could be the pilot year for the program.
The council went on to approve an ordinance for second reading: 23-24- An ordinance amending section 303.08 of the codified ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine regarding impound and storage fees.
The council went on to approve and adopt on second reading: 23-26 & 23-27- An ordinance amending the service workers pay ordinance to include the water service foreman and declaring an emergency and an ordinance authorizing the creation of the water service foreman as a position for the water department and further authorizing the hiring of said position.
Councilman Reser raised a concern to the council about a School Resource Officer position agreement between the city, retired BPD Officer Allen Huffman, and the Bellefontaine City School District. President Wagner referred the matter to the finance committee and to the city administration. The finance committee consists of Councilwoman Baker and Councilmen Aler and Springs.
The next Bellefontaine City Council Meeting is set for June 27th at 7:30 PM in council chambers.
