An overflow crowd of over 60 people crowded into Bellefontaine city council chambers last night, most speaking in favor of the drag queen that was in the 2022 Hometown Christmas parade in Bellefontaine last year.
Prior to the public comments, the council tackled a light agenda. City Safety/Service Director Wes Dodds informed the council that interviews for the third firefighter that will be hired from the SAFER Grant are wrapping up and a new list of candidates should be put together in the near future. He also said that the Logan County Land Bank has opened bids for the demolition projects that will be moving forward later this year. Once the bids are received, one will be selected and the demolition work will commence.
In anticipation of the winter storm that is headed the city’s way, Dodds informed council and the guests assembled that the city crews will focus on plowing primary streets first and residential streets as they are able.
City Law Director Josh Stolly informed council that there has been an application made to annex property on Ludlow Road near the middle school. He recommended that council set a date for a public hearing for that proposed annexation. The hearing is set for February 28th at 7:00 PM.
Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley told council that the 11th Citizens Police Academy will be held soon. This year, 21 residents are taking the training. He also said that testing for recruits is ongoing, and hopes to have a certified list to hire from in the near future.
One resolution was adopted that would authorize the city to enter into a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with Bellefontaine Hospitality LLC for the proposed hotel near the US 68 and 33 interchange in north Bellefontaine.
After the legislative portion of the meeting, several area residents addressed the council. In total, 17 persons spoke to council, with only one speaking out against the float in the Christmas parade. The 16 that spoke in favor of the float asked the council to refrain from passing legislation that would prevent similar floats in future parades and events.
Council will next meet on Tuesday, February 14th at 7:30 PM.
