The Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session Tuesday night, with several ordinances being read. Prior to the legislative portion of the meeting, Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman proposed that the council approve four individuals to various city commissions:
- Kelly Douglas-Bader – Shade Tree Commission for a 3-year term
- Brian Osterfeld – Board of Zoning Appeals for a 5-year term
- Heather Feasel – Board of Tax Review for a 2-year term
- Daniel Branson – Civil Service Commission for a 3-year term
All those proposed by the mayor were confirmed.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds thanked city crews for attempting to remediate flooding experienced by two city neighborhoods after the recent heavy rains. Dodds said the crews were able to clean out some of the retention ponds, and he hopes that dry weather will allow them to go back and complete the job.
Dodds also told the council that the Summit Street water line repairs have been made, and the paving of areas where water main breaks occurred over the winter have all been repaved. He also thanked the 50 volunteers who spent time in the downtown area cleaning up and preparing the planters for flowers.
Police Chief Chris Marlow updated the council on the ongoing interviewing process for the department. He said that a few of the candidates are having background searches completed, and the process is moving forward. He also said that the new truck that was ordered in 2024 hit the street today, and the new SUV cruiser is expected to be delivered this week and will be outfitted for service by this summer.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson advised the council that representatives from Motorola and Mock Alert did a site visit today to explore where various monitors and computers will be placed for the new alert system that the council approved. He also said that a new firefighter candidate will be offered the position by this weekend.
Several ordinances were given their first reading:
- 25-23 – An ordinance approving the Maris Park Phase IV subdivision dedication plat containing 10.786 acres in Jefferson Township. Motion to suspend the three-reading rule passed. Ordinance adopted.
- 25-24 – An ordinance amending certain provisions of Chapter 925 – Sewers of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Passed on first reading only.
- 25-25 – An ordinance amending certain provisions of Chapter 923 – Water of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Council member Nick Davis read into the record a change to clarify the location to purchase water meters. Passed on first reading only.
- 25-26 – An ordinance approving and adopting planning and zoning regulations regarding solar energy systems for the City of Bellefontaine to be codified as Chapter 1166 of the Codified Ordinances of said city. Council members Aler, James, and Springs voted no. Passed on first reading only.
Several ordinances were given their second reading:
- 25-15 – An ordinance authorizing the service-safety director to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into contract for the Harding Street Waterline improvements, project 2024-04W. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-16 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into contract for the Malone Avenue Waterline improvements, project 2024-03. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-17 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to advertise for bids and enter into contract for the 2025 street painting & striping project No. 2025-2R and declaring an emergency in the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-18 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into contract with the selected contractor and/or bidders for the Columbus Avenue and Powell Avenue Storm improvement project No. 2025-2ST. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-19 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into contract with the selected contractor and/or bidders for the 2025 citywide street resurfacing project No. 2025-01R. Passed on second reading only.
One ordinance was adopted after receiving its third and final reading:
- 25-14 – An ordinance vacating that certain east-west public alley between lot 1584 on the north and lot 1585 on the south in the City of Bellefontaine, Lake Township, Logan County, Ohio.
Bellefontaine Council Clerk Bonnie Campbell informed the council that one request for a new liquor license was received from A Robbins Nest Antiques & Gifts, 112 South Main Street, Bellefontaine. There were no objections.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM in council chambers.
