The Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session Tuesday night and faced a light agenda.
In his report, Mayor Dave Crissman recommended three individuals to the council for the Tax Incentive Review Council: Wes Dodds, Kyle Springs, and Zeb Wagner. The council voted to approve the recommendation.
Service Safety Director Wes Dodds praised Bellefontaine Code Enforcement Officer Amber Palmer in his report. Dodds said she has processed several properties for demolition and is processing several more. Dodds expects Palmer to remain busy as the weather turns warmer. He also advised the council that there has been a change in how utility bills are printed and sent out.
Dodds said that the city-owned machine that printed and folded the utility bills quit working in February, and it was learned that fixing the machine is cost-prohibitive. His office has contracted with an outside company to print and mail bills to residents, which is cheaper than what it costs the city to print and mail the documents. He urged residents who have issues with their bill to contact the utilities office as soon as possible. Dodds also mentioned that the new company will feature email billing to city residents if they choose.
Police Chief Chris Marlow informed the council that interviews for the open patrol officer position are happening. He expects to have a qualified candidate to fill the position after the interviews. Chief Marlow talks about the patrol officer interview process:
Chief Marlow also updated the council on the status of the open sergeant’s position:
Bellefontaine Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the council that his office has issued 50 single-family construction permits thus far this year, shattering last year’s number. Bischoff said that he expects several more permits to be issued this year.
In the legislative portion of the meeting, two resolutions were adopted, and one ordinance was given its first reading:
- Resolution 25-12 – A resolution establishing a new fund, establishing new revenue and expense accounts, which would collect and disburse monies from hotels and motels. Resolution adopted.
- Resolution 25-13 – A resolution in support of the city of Bellefontaine permitting certain improvements in the public right of way located at 233 S. Main St. (Maxwell Event Center), in the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Resolution adopted.
- Ordinance 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. First reading.
Two ordinances were given their third and final readings and adopted:
- Ordinance 25-08, an ordinance that would allow for appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Passed.
- Ordinance 25-10, an ordinance that would change the zoning classification of 300 N. Park Street from R-2, 1- and 2-family residence district to R-3, Multi-family residence district. Passed.
Council President Zeb Wagner announced two upcoming Public Hearings to discuss proposed annexations into the city. According to Wagner, the Planning Commission recently recommended both property annexations be made as R-1 Residential. The Public Hearings will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM.
The Bellefontaine City Council will next meet on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
