Six people sit at a long table during a public board or council meeting in a government meeting room, reviewing documents and taking notes. Nameplates, binders, and drinks are arranged on the table, with an American flag in the corner and framed portraits of past officials displayed on the wall behind them.

Bellefontaine City Council Recap – July 28, 2026

City of Bellefontaine

July 29, 2026

Bellefontaine City Council Recap – July 28, 2026

The Bellefontaine City Council met Tuesday evening for its regular session, addressing board appointments, hearing departmental updates, considering legislation, and receiving comments from citizens.

Board and Commission Appointments

Mayor Dave Crissman presented several appointments for Council's consideration.

Council unanimously approved the reappointments of Joe Antram and Sherry Wilkins to the Shade Tree Commission for new three-year terms.

Council also unanimously approved the reappointment of Jacob Schroeder to the Board of Building Appeals for an additional five-year term.

Sister City Anniversary

Mayor Crissman shared that August 7 marks the 35th anniversary of Bellefontaine's Sister City friendship agreement with Suzuka, Japan.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Japanese exchange students will visit Bellefontaine this Thursday. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, the students will introduce themselves, share information about their country and culture, and begin their exchange experience in the United States.

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, Mayor Crissman had custom challenge coins created. Each visiting student and chaperone will receive a commemorative coin, and members of City Council were also presented with one during the meeting.

Community Reinvestment Area Resolution

Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds introduced Justin Spillers of Kristina Bellefontaine LLC, who shared plans for improvements to Deercreek Village Apartments on Kristina Drive as part of a proposed Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax incentive agreement.

Spillers explained that the project would focus on renovating approximately 100 existing apartment units rather than constructing new buildings. He described the goal as making the apartments "like new" while avoiding passing renovation costs on to current tenants.

Council later voted on the resolution to approve the CRA agreement. The measure did not pass.

Fairgrounds Detachment Ordinance

Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 26-34, which would allow property owned by Logan County at the Logan County Fairgrounds to be detached from the City of Bellefontaine and returned to Lake Township at the request of the Logan County Commissioners.

The ordinance was introduced as emergency legislation to expedite the process if ultimately approved but received first reading only.

Police Department Update

Police Chief Chris Marlow updated Council on several department initiatives and upcoming events.

Chief Marlow announced that the department's newest police officer has begun his first week of service, with two additional officers expected to be sworn in by Mayor Crissman in the coming weeks.

Chief Marlow also shared his perspective on the previously tabled Slow moving vehicle ordinance, noting that enforcement would be a lot to manage especially with staffing shortages.

He reminded residents of two upcoming Police Department events:

Fire Department Update

Fire Chief Brian Wilson reported that the department's ladder truck remains at Sutphen for repairs. Additional mechanical issues were discovered during inspection, including fuel injectors, engine cylinders, and other components. While the repairs are covered under warranty, the extended repair timeline leaves the department without a backup ladder truck until repairs are completed.

Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership

Olivia Covey of the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership reported that Pineapple Palooza was a tremendous success, with more than 500 tickets sold and overwhelmingly positive community feedback.

She also reminded Council that the annual Taste of Bellefontaine will be held on Wednesday, August 6.

Communications from Citizens

During the Communications from Citizens portion of the meeting, representatives of the Ohio Nurses Association and nurses from Mary Rutan Hospital addressed Council regarding workplace safety concerns in the hospital's emergency department. Speakers shared several incidents involving violent patient behavior, security concerns, and interactions with law enforcement. The group asked city officials to help facilitate discussions between hospital leadership, law enforcement, prosecutors, and healthcare staff to improve safety for employees, patients, and visitors.

Council President Ben Stahler thanked the speakers for sharing their concerns and reminded those in attendance that City Council is a legislative body and does not oversee the operations of Mary Rutan Hospital. He noted that while Council members share the community's concerns, decisions regarding hospital security fall under the authority of the hospital.

Also speaking during public comments was Barry Clayton of 121 W. Maple Avenue, who addressed the previously tabled golf cart ordinance. Clayton expressed frustration with the current situation and suggested there may be room for compromise. He noted that his golf cart has been inspected by the Logan County Sheriff's Office, is street legal, and is insured. He also raised concerns about children operating electric bicycles on city streets and sidewalks without licenses, permits, helmets, or other safety equipment.

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.