The Bellefontaine City Council met Tuesday evening in council chambers as thunderstorms moved through the area, hearing updates from city officials on development, infrastructure, and public safety.
During the meeting, Mayor Dave Crissman announced that Joe Daniels, who serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals, has a term set to expire on April 26.
Crissman recommended Daniels for reappointment to another five-year term, which was approved by council.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds provided seasonal updates, noting that spring cleanup efforts are now underway across the city.
He said street maintenance and repair projects have begun and reminded residents that increased outdoor activity comes with the need for extra caution.
“People are out and about,” Dodds said, urging drivers to watch for children on bicycles, as well as pedestrians and runners.
He also highlighted ongoing improvements at Harmon Park, calling the project “exciting to watch” as work continues.
Dodds also announced that the city’s strategic plan—referred to as the “Ohio Plan”—will be presented for public review at the next council meeting on April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the city’s future.
Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow reported that the department has ordered three new police cruisers, expected to enter production in June and potentially be in service by early fall.
He also noted that 15 new body armor units have been ordered to replace expiring equipment.
City Engineer Jim Bischoff provided updates on several infrastructure projects.
Street resurfacing is expected to begin soon, with an estimated cost between $600,000 and $700,000.
Street painting and striping work is also planned at approximately $80,000.
Bischoff also announced a planned sidewalk extension along Brown Avenue, funded through the Ohio Department of Transportation along with federal dollars.
The project is expected to go out for bid soon and begin within the next three months.
In development news, Bischoff said a 126-acre parcel along State Route 540—located just past the Love’s Travel Stops—has been presented to the Planning Commission.
Early plans for the site include around 300 single-family homes and more than 200 multi-family units.
The proposal remains in the early stages and is expected to come before council in the coming months for further consideration.
During public comment, Valerie Davis, a Champaign County resident, raised concerns regarding transportation issues in Logan County.
While her comments were permitted, she attempted to direct remarks toward a specific council member, which was not permitted.
Council President Ben Stahler reminded her that the city does not have authority or voting power over any county transportation services.
During the legislative portion of the meeting, the following action was taken:
Ordinances for first reading:
- 26-15 a. An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinance for purposes of capital equipment, recreation improvement, and declaring an emergency. (First reading ONLY, passed by a 100% vote.)
- R26-16 b. A resolution authorizing the Service-Safety Director and/or Police Chief to apply for and accept a $3,500 grant award from Kemba Financial Credit Union. (Adopted by a 100% vote.)
- 26-17 c. 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 2026 Citywide Street Resurfacing Project No. 2026-01r and declaring an emergency. (First reading ONLY, passed by a 100% vote.)
- 26-18 d. An ordinance authorizing the service-safety director to advertise for bids and enter into contract for the 2026 Street Painting & Striping Project No. 2026-2r and declaring an emergency in the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. (First reading ONLY, passed by a 100% vote.)
- R26-19 e. A resolution authorizing the City of Bellefontaine to participate in an Ohio Department of Transportation Brown Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project 2024-01m and authorizing the Service-Safety Director and/or Engineer to execute all documents relevant to the program services. (Adopted by a 100% vote.)
Ordinances for second reading:
- 26-13 a. An ordinance authorizing and granting to Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc., its successors and assigns, a gas franchise in the City of Bellefontaine, State of Ohio, for a period of twenty-five (25) years, automatically renewing for additional periods of five (5) years. (Second reading ONLY, passed by a 100% vote.)
- 26-14 b. An ordinance vacating a portion of that certain north-south public alley between lots 2781-2786 on the west and lots 792-2796 and that certain 0.173-acre tract owned by Logan County Metropolitan Housing Authority on the East in the city of Bellefontaine, Lake Township, Logan County, Ohio. (Second reading ONLY, passed by a 100% vote.)
Ordinances for 3rd reading
- 26-11 b. An ordinance accepting application for annexation of certain territory/ real estate to the city of Bellefontaine, Ohio, containing 2.494 acres, owned by Gary L. Alexander, Jr., located in Jefferson Township adjacent to the city, establishing zoning classification, amending the zoning map, and declaring an emergency. (Adopted by a 100% vote.)
The meeting concluded with council entering executive session to discuss the potential purchase or sale of real estate.
