The Bellefontaine City Council approved the first reading of a new ordinance that would restrict the size of vehicles that can legally park in downtown Bellefontaine in its regular meeting on Tuesday night. If adopted, the ordinance would impose limitations on vehicles that can legally park in the angled spots in the downtown area.
If approved, the ordinance would read as follows:
“351.05 MANNER OF ANGLE PARKING
(a) Upon streets where angle parking is permitted, no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway as is indicated by appropriate signs or markings.
(b) On Main Street, beginning at Watson Way and continuing south on Main Street until Auburn Avenue, and on Columbus Avenue, beginning at Main Street and continuing west until Elm Street, no person shall park or stand a vehicle in a parking space so that any part of such vehicle occupies more than one such space or protrudes beyond the markings designating such space.
(c) No person shall park or stand a vehicle over any curb or upon any portion of sidewalk to comply with this ordinance.”
Currently, the ordinance reads as follows:
351.05 MANNER OF ANGLE PARKING.
(a) Upon streets where angle parking is permitted, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway as is indicated by appropriate signs or markings.
The ordinance received its first of three required readings.
In his report to the council, Mayor David Crissman asked that the council would approve the reappointment of two individuals to the City Shade Tree Commission, both of whose terms have expired. He recommended Deb Baker and Cathy Dinovo for another three-year term each. The council approved the recommendations.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds informed the council that several street paving projects are underway throughout the city. Dodds said the projects should be completed in the next few weeks.
He also expressed his appreciation to the City Street Department for the work they completed to resolve erosion problems in the Stonebridge Condominium neighborhood. The crew, along with City Engineer Jim Bischoff’s office, was able to come up with a plan and repair the erosion.
Police Chief Chris Marlow updated the council on his department, telling them that the new cruiser has been outfitted and is in service. Also, the recently hired officer is currently taking his training, as is the recently hired dispatcher. He also expects the recent applicants to take their physical agility test in the near future.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson advised the council that Engine 22 was recently sent away for repairs and is back in service. However, the issue is still happening. In addition, Engine 21 needs to have transmission work, but he feels that the problems with Engine 22 are more critical. Wilson said several applicants are scheduled for their physicals in the near future.
Parks Department Superintendent Kris Myers reminded the council that the annual Ring of Lights is scheduled for this coming Saturday. He expects approximately 1,500 people to visit the park that evening. He also encouraged the council to pass the proposed ordinance that would allow the Hoffman Pool project to continue.
Several ordinances and resolutions were presented during the legislative portion of the meeting.
First reading:
- 25-68 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinance for purposes of engineering, revolving loan, and insurance claims. Passed on first reading only.
- 25-69 – An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director and/or Parks Superintendent to seek proposals and/or advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the Hoffman pool design and construction supervision. Three reading rule waived. Ordinance adopted.
Parks Superintendent Myers talks about what this means for the Hoffman Pool project:
- 25-71 – An ordinance amending certain section 351.05 manner of angle parking of the codified ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Passed on first reading only.
- R25-70 – A resolution establishing new expense accounts for downtown improvements, West TIF and Main Street TIF. Resolution adopted.
- R25-72 – A resolution authorizing the city of Bellefontaine to order the Logan County Auditor to remove an additional tax lien on certain real estate taxes. Resolution adopted.
Second Reading:
- 25-67 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinance for purposes of Auditor, City Hall, Tax, Water, and Wastewater departments. Passed on second reading only.
Council President Zeb Wagner informed the council that there will be a public hearing for zoning and/or annexation matters on November 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM in council chambers.
The next meeting of the Bellfontaine City Council will be Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM in council chambers.
