The Bellefontaine Council approved an ordinance that adopts planning and zoning regulations for solar energy systems that may come to the City of Bellefontaine in their bi-weekly meeting on Tuesday night. The legislation was passed by the minimum number of votes required, with council members James, Springs, and Aler voting against it.
Council member Kyle Springs said he was concerned about environmental damage in the event the solar farm goes defunct. “I would have liked to see us go deeper into who would take responsibility,” if there was a problem with future solar farms, Springs said.
In other council action, Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds praised the efforts of the Bellefontaine Fire and Police Departments, as the city experienced two structure fires and a car fire Monday. He reported to the council that one Bellefontaine firefighter and one Zanesfield firefighter received injuries, but both were released and cleared to go back to work.
Police Chief Chris Marlow informed the council that the department’s new candidate has passed preliminary examinations and is scheduled to have a physical soon. He also reminded the council that the Annual Downtown Business Appreciation Cookout is coming up. The event, long sponsored by the Police Department, will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the fountain in front of the courthouse.
Bellefontaine Fire Chief Brian Wilson also praised the efforts of his department and the Police Department during the day on Monday. He also said that Firefighters Searcy and Downing have completed the second week of their training. He is also planning on interviewing potential candidates in early June.
Logan County Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Madison Stotler invited the council members to attend the events in Bellefontaine the next two weeks. Stotler discusses the major event in downtown Bellefontaine, Pineapple Palooza, coming up Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM until midnight:
For ticket information for Pineapple Palooza, click here.
Turning to the legislative portion of the meeting, two ordinances were given their first reading, and one resolution was adopted:
- Ordinance 25-32: An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the permanent appropriations ordinances for the purpose of parks. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
- Ordinance 25-33: An ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to grant power of attorney to Priority Power Management, LLC., for electric aggregation services. Motion made to waive the required three-reading rule approved. Ordinance adopted. Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds explains why the ordinance was needed:
- Resolution 25-34: A resolution authorizing the Service-Safety Director and/or the Tax Commissioner to withdraw from that certain agreement for participation in a regional Council of Governments. Resolution adopted.
Two ordinances were given their second reading:
- 25-28: An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for Municipal Court Prosecutor coverage. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-31: An ordinance accepting application for annexation of certain territory/real estate to the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, containing 200.827 acres owned by Duff Quarry, Inc., located in Lake Township adjacent to the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, establishing zoning classification therefore, and amending the zoning map. Passed on second reading only, councilmembers Springs and Aler voting NO.
Three ordinances were adopted:
- 25-24: An ordinance amending certain provisions of Chapter 925 Sewers of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
- 25-25: An ordinance amending certain provisions of Chapter 923 Water of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
- 25-26: An ordinance approving and adopting planning and zoning regulations regarding Solar Energy Systems for the City of Bellefontaine to be codified as Chapter 1166 of the Codified Ordinances of said city. Adopted, councilmembers James, Springs, and Aler voting NO.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
