Mayor Dave Crissman informed the Bellefontaine City Council that Blue Jacket Park will be the site of the fireworks show to honor America’s 250th Birthday on July 3 of this year. In his report, Crissman said he met with the contracted fireworks company, which recommended Blue Jacket as the site for the fireworks.
Crissman said that several meetings will be held to work out the logistics of the event, but the site has been set.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds told the council that with the recent thawing, several potholes have cropped up. He said city crews are working to fill the potholes, but are hampered because the DuraPatcher machine needs repair.
Police Chief Chris Marlow told the council that the Civil Service Commission has certified the five candidates, and background and criminal history checks are underway.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson updated the council on the status of the city’s new engine. He said new equipment is being installed, and he hopes to have the engine in service soon. He also said that he was notified that the Civil Service Commission has certified the list of 13 candidates for future openings, and those candidates will be evaluated as openings arise.
City Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the council that the City Planning Commission recently met and gave preliminary approval to an 85-lot addition to Liberty Landing at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Ludlow Roads. When the developers come up with the plat map, it will go back to the Planning Commission for approval, and then, onto the council for their consideration.
He also updated the council on sidewalk projects on the west side of the city to provide residents much needed sidewalks. He also said that the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved sidewalk installation on Allison Road from Omaha Road to Dushane Road. He said 60% of that work will be paid for by State grants.
Chamber of Commerce President Ben Vollrath informed the council that he was recently notified that the Columbus Region, of which Logan County is a member, was selected as one of the top 10 metropolitan areas per capita for economic development.
He said the region moved up one place to No. 7 in the Tier 1 category for 2025. The selection by Site Selection magazine marks the 14th year the region has been in the top 10 in the nation. Vollrath said that the region announced the third-most economic development projects in the nation in 2025, which contributed to the high ranking.
From the press release: “These results reflect a diversified economy, strong regional collaboration, and a disciplined strategy that continues to elevate Columbus among the nation’s top-performing metros. With 14 consecutive years of national recognition in Tier 1 rankings, the Columbus Region remains one of the country’s most consistent engines of economic growth.”
In the legislative portion of the meeting, a handful of ordinances were given various readings.
For first reading:
- R26-10 – A resolution authorizing the Clerk of the Bellefontaine Municipal Court to contract with the Ohio Attorney General for the collection of delinquent debts owed to the Bellefontaine Municipal Court. Resolution adopted.
- 26-11 – 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, and amending the zoning map. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
For second reading:
- 26-07 – An ordinance making permanent appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Ordinance passed on second reading only.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, at 7:30 PM in council chambers.
