The Bellefontaine City Council addressed a variety of community issues during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, including a proposed ordinance allowing golf carts on city streets, ongoing flood mitigation efforts, police staffing challenges, and several upcoming summer events.
Up for first reading was an ordinance that would permit golf carts, mini-trucks, and certain low-speed utility vehicles to operate within city limits. The measure advanced despite opposition from Council Members Wes Easton and Mick Lile, who cast the only dissenting votes. Former Bellefontaine Law Director Howard Traul also spoke during public comments, expressing concerns about allowing golf carts on city streets.
Mayor David Crissman opened his report by thanking Parks Superintendent Rick Reed for coordinating activities for the city's upcoming Fourth of July celebration. Among the featured attractions will be a dunk tank, where both Mayor Crissman and Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds have agreed to take a turn. The mayor also encouraged council members to participate in the festivities.
Dodds requested that the council's July meeting begin at 6:45 p.m. to accommodate the final presentation of Bellefontaine's Master Plan, which will outline future development goals and priorities for the city.
The service-safety director also highlighted a new online flood reporting tool now available to residents. The system allows citizens to report flooding issues and view areas experiencing problems throughout the city. Officials hope the information collected will help identify trouble spots and guide future flood mitigation projects.
Residents can access the flood reporting dashboard here:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/bae62e6c2bae467a98d93aade7bde3bc
Dodds further updated council members on efforts related to the planned closure of Community Markets on North Main Street. He recently contacted Fresh Encounter, the grocery store's parent company, seeking information about the factors that led to the closure. City officials hope the insights gained will assist in attracting another grocery retailer to the location and maintaining access to food services for area residents.
Police Chief Chris Marlow provided an update on staffing within the Bellefontaine Police Department. He reported that one dispatcher recently submitted her resignation and another is retiring, creating immediate vacancies. However, the department has already extended offers to two candidates who are currently progressing through the hiring process.
Marlow also noted that several officer retirements are expected in the coming years. To prepare for those departures, the department currently has two officers completing field training, another recruit awaiting swearing-in, and two additional candidates preparing to attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy.
Downtown Events Coordinator Olivia Covey reminded council members of several upcoming community events. The annual Sidewalk Sales will take place July 10-12, featuring special promotions, giveaways, and prize drawings from participating businesses. Pineapple Palooza, which was rescheduled due to weather concerns earlier this month, is now set for July 25. The popular Taste of Bellefontaine event will follow on August 8.
Council members also considered several pieces of legislation during the meeting.
Legislation for First Reading:
• R26-30 – A resolution authorizing and directing the Police Chief of the City of Bellefontaine to apply for and accept a 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase replacement Tasers. Resolution adopted.
• 26-31 – An ordinance establishing Section 331.46 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine, Ohio, authorizing low-speed and under-speed utility vehicles and mini-trucks within the city. Council Members Easton and Lile voted no. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
Ordinances for Second Reading:
• 26-28 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations Ordinance for parks-related purposes. Ordinance passed on second reading only.