The Bellefontaine City Council received updates on several City projects during its recent meeting, including plans for the Independence Day fireworks celebration, infrastructure improvements, and upcoming community events.
Mayor Dave Crissman announced that the City’s fireworks display celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday will be held July 3 at Blue Jacket Park.
Crissman told council members he recently met with the fireworks company contracted for the show, which recommended Blue Jacket Park as the best location for the display. While the location has been set, the mayor said several meetings will be held with City departments to coordinate logistics for the event.
In other administrative business, council approved the reappointment of Jared Dowdy to the City’s Shade Tree Commission, where he will serve another three-year term.
Pothole Repairs and City Services
Wes Dodds reported that the recent thaw has caused a significant number of potholes throughout the city.
City crews are working to fill the holes using cold patch material, Dodds said, but repairs are being slowed because the City’s DuraPatcher machine is currently in need of repair.
Dodds also recognized longtime City employee Bob Barkley, who recently received praise from a resident for going above and beyond to assist with moving a large rock from the roadway back onto a property.
Police and Fire Department Updates
Police Chief Chris Marlow told council that the Civil Service Commission has certified a list of five candidates for possible employment with the police department. Background and criminal history checks are now underway as the hiring process continues.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson reported that equipment is currently being installed on the department’s new fire engine and that he hopes the vehicle will be placed into service soon.
Wilson also said the Civil Service Commission has certified a list of 13 candidates for potential future openings in the fire department.
Development and Sidewalk Improvements
City Engineer Jim Bischoff reported that the City’s Planning Commission recently granted preliminary approval to an 85-lot addition to the Liberty Landing subdivision at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Ludlow Road.
Developers will now complete detailed design work and submit a final plat to the Planning Commission before the proposal returns to council for consideration.
Bischoff also updated council on several sidewalk projects planned on the west side of the City to provide safer pedestrian access to parks and neighborhoods.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved sidewalk construction along Allison Road from Omaha Road to Dushane Road. About 60 percent of the project will be funded through state grants, Bischoff said.
Parks Improvements and Community Events
Council’s parks committee also shared several updates about park improvements and community activities.
Work continues at Harmon Park, where ongoing improvements are beginning to take shape. Electrical work is also underway at several parks.
Committee members also discussed plans to improve concession availability at City parks. The parks board is exploring purchasing equipment and using volunteers to operate concession stands during events so that visitors attending baseball, softball, and soccer games will have access to refreshments.
Regional Economic Development
Ben Vollrath, president of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, informed council that the Columbus Region—of which Logan County is a member—was recently ranked among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the nation for economic development per capita.
According to Vollrath, the region moved up to No. 7 in the Tier 1 category for 2025 in rankings compiled by Site Selection magazine. The recognition marks the 14th consecutive year the region has appeared in the top 10.
The region also announced the third-highest number of economic development projects in the country in 2025, helping secure its high ranking.
Legislative Action
Council also considered several items during the legislative portion of the meeting.
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 court. The resolution was adopted.
26-11: An ordinance accepting an annexation application for 2.494 acres of land owned by Gary L. Alexander Jr. in Jefferson Township adjacent to the city. The ordinance passed on first reading only.
Second Reading
26-07: An ordinance establishing permanent appropriations for city expenses and expenditures for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. The ordinance passed on second reading only.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.