The Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session Tuesday night and gave first reading to an ordinance that would permit golf carts to operate within the city limits if the ordinance passes. Two council members, Wes Easton and Mick Lile, voted against the ordinance.
One resident addressed the council and voiced his opposition to the ordinance.
In his report to the council, Mayor David Crissman thanked Parks Superintendent Rick Reed for organizing activities for the upcoming 4th of July festivities. He said that Reed has secured a dunk tank, and he and Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds will spend time in it. He invited council members to take a turn in the tank.
Service-Safety Dodds asked Council President Ben Stahler to move the starting time of the July meeting to 6:45 PM to accommodate the final Master Plan presentation to the council.
Dodds informed the council that city residents can now visit a website to report any flooding they may be experiencing. The website will enable residents to see where flooding is occurring, and the information it provides will aid the flood mitigation plans that will be developed.
The map can be found here.
Dodds also said that he recently reached out to Fresh Encounter, the parent company of Community Markets. He said that he requested information from the company concerning what led to the impending closure of the North Main Street store. Dodds hopes that any insights Fresh Encounter can provide will help the city recruit another grocery chain to occupy the building.
Police Chief Chris Marlow updated the council on manpower issues the department has been working through. He said that he was made aware that two dispatchers were resigning. Marlow said that the department made two offers, and each candidate is working through the hiring process.
Marlow also said the department will face several retirements in the near future. To that end, 2 recent hires are in field training, one candidate will be sworn in soon, and 2 more will leave for the Ohio State Patrol Academy soon.
Chief Marlow talks about the lengthy hiring process:
Downtown Events Coordinator Olivia Covey updated the council on upcoming events. In two weeks, the city will have its annual Sidewalk Sales, with several businesses offering items for drawings. Covey also reminded the council that Pineapple Palooza will be held on July 25 and the annual Taste of Bellefontaine on August 8.
The council then moved to the legislative portion of the meeting:
Legislation for First Reading:
- R26-30 – A resolution authorizing and directing the Police Chief of the City of Bellefontaine to apply for and accept a 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase replacement tasers. Resolution adopted.
- 26-31 – An ordinance establishing Section 331.46 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, authorizing low-speed, under-speed utility vehicles and mini-trucks within said city. Council members Easton and Lile voted no. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
Ordinances for 2nd Reading:
- 26-28 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations ordinance for purposes of parks. Ordinance passed on second reading only.
