Despite several city residents speaking in favor of allowing dispensaries in Bellefontaine, the city council voted to enact an ordinance that would allow them to prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana in the legislative portion of their meeting Tuesday night. With council members John Aler and Jenna James absent, only council member Mackenzie Fitzpatick voted no.
Before the legislative portion of the meeting, Mayor Dave Crissman told the council that the City Planning Commission met that afternoon and discussed the proposed annexation of several parcels of land adjacent to the city. Mayor Crissman expressed optimism over the city’s direction.
In his report, Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds echoed Crissman’s optimism, stating that several single-family residence zoning permits have been issued thus far, smashing previous years’ totals. He also informed the council that city crews and departments are beginning to shift from winter to spring projects.
Police Chief Chris Marlow updated the council on the status of one of the two new hires. He said that patrolman Anthony Carothers has completed his training and is on his own, while patrolman Maguire Stratton is expected to be finished in a few weeks. He also informed the council that one of the new patrol vehicles has been sent to be outfitted, and he expects the vehicle to be placed in service in a few weeks.
Chief Marlow also said that interviews for the open patrolman’s position will happen soon, and the filling of the open sergeant’s position will happen in the next few months.
City Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the council that his office has issued 41 new single-family zoning permits thus far this year. He said that this is far and above the 37 permits his office issued last year. Bischoff speaks about the big increase in permits:
In her report, Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership Event Coordinator Maddie Stotler said that the downtown will be hosting several events in the coming months. She said she expects that activity will pick up as the weather gets nicer.
In the legislative portion of the meeting, one resolution was adopted:
- R25-11, a resolution declaring the council’s intention to provide services to 46.376 acres of land in Lake Township, which is currently owned by Levan Investments, LLC. Resolution adopted.
Two ordinances were given their second reading:
- 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 on second reading only.
- 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 on second reading only.
One ordinance was given its third and final reading:
- 25-04, an ordinance by the Bellefontaine City Council exercising the city’s right under Ohio Revised Code Section 3780.25 to prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana within the municipal corporation by enacting Chapter 731 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine to prohibit all adult-use cannabis operators within the municipal corporation. Council members Reser, Springs, Davis, and Baker voted yes; Council member Fitzpatrick voted no. Ordinance passed.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
