Bellefontaine City Council Addresses Flood Mitigation, Development and Community Projects
The Bellefontaine City Council met Tuesday evening with a light legislative agenda while receiving updates on flooding mitigation efforts, community events, public safety, development and several ongoing city projects.
Celebrating 35 Years of Sister-City Partnership
Mayor David Crissman spoke about the recent visit of students from Bellefontaine’s sister city, Suzuka, Japan.
The visit was particularly meaningful as the City of Bellefontaine and Suzuka are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their sister-city relationship. The anniversary was observed on August 7.
The visiting students provided City Council members with a translated copy of the Suzuka Student newspaper, which included information about their trip and their experiences in Bellefontaine.
Mayor Crissman expressed his appreciation for the students’ visit and the opportunity to spend time with them during their stay.
Development and Community Events
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds reported that the Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Detrick property earlier Tuesday. The City Engineer’s office will begin reviewing the plans once they are formally submitted.
Dodds also highlighted the success of the 26th annual Hot Summer Nights event, which drew more than 400 entries despite rainy conditions. He thanked everyone who helped make the event successful.
Dodds specifically recognized Bellefontaine residents Mark and Jill Butler for their work restoring the sign at the Whispering Pines subdivision.
“The City of Bellefontaine appreciates the time and incredible work they put into restoring the sign and bringing it back to life,” Dodds said.
Police and Fire Department Updates
Police Chief Chris Marlow reported that last week’s National Night Out was a success, with a strong turnout from the community and favorable weather during the event.
The Bellefontaine Police Department’s annual K-9 Chicken BBQ fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, with a limited number of tickets still available.
Chief Marlow also announced that two new police officers will be sworn in Friday afternoon by Mayor Crissman. The new officers will attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy for their training.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson reported that delivery of the City’s new medic unit has been delayed approximately 60 days. He also said Sutphen is still awaiting parts needed for the City’s ladder truck.
City Working to Address Localized Flooding
With recent heavy rainfall bringing renewed attention to flooding concerns throughout Bellefontaine, City Engineer Jim Bischoff provided an update on the City’s efforts to identify and address areas experiencing localized flooding.
Following a significant rainfall event several weeks ago, the City invited residents to report areas where they experienced flooding or other concerns. The information collected has been incorporated into the City’s GIS mapping system to help identify areas of concern, or “hot zones,” throughout the community.
Bischoff said the City has identified approximately five to eight areas for further investigation. Over the past three weeks, the City requested statements of qualifications from engineering consulting firms interested in performing modeling and developing potential countermeasures for the identified areas.
The City received six statements of qualifications and will evaluate those submissions over the next one to two weeks. The goal is to select a firm and then request a specific scope of work and fee proposal.
Bischoff explained that the City expects the work to be completed in phases, prioritizing areas based on factors such as the number of complaints received and the severity of the flooding.
One of the first areas being considered is the eastern edge of the city, where existing development and stormwater infrastructure will be evaluated. Another area of concern is near the railroad tracks along East and West Columbus Avenue.
Once selected, the engineering firm will spend a few months collecting and analyzing information, including survey data, to develop a model of the affected areas and identify potential countermeasures. The resulting information can then be used to guide future improvements and potentially serve as the foundation for additional phases of work throughout the City.
Bischoff also reported that the City continues to work through the Ohio Plan and expects to review Phase 5 this week.
Parks, Airport and Other City Updates
The Parks Department reported that this is the final week of operation for Hoffman Pool before demolition begins as part of the project to construct a new pool. The planned grand opening for the new pool is May 17, 2027.
Ben Vollrath also addressed Council regarding the recent announcement of an $850 million investment in Springfield for a major aircraft manufacturing plant. He discussed the potential opportunities such an investment could create for the region and noted the potential role Bellefontaine Municipal Airport and the surrounding industrial/manufacturing district could play as the regional economy continues to develop.
The Rules Committee will meet Friday, August 14, at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss proposed legislation concerning slow-moving vehicles, commonly referred to as the “golf cart ordinance.”
Citizen Comments
During communications from citizens, Howard Traul addressed Council regarding the proposed detachment of a parcel associated with the Logan County Fairgrounds.
Traul encouraged the City to explore providing residents along Washington Avenue with some type of screening or buffer between their properties and the fairgrounds, such as trees or other landscaping.
Dodds said the issue has been part of ongoing conversations. Law Director Josh Stolly clarified that while the City can discuss the possibility with the County, the City cannot require Logan County to install a tree or landscaping buffer on County property. Such improvements would have to be undertaken voluntarily by the County as a good-neighbor measure.
Council Approves Two Ordinances
Council approved Ordinance 26-35 on first and final reading. The ordinance makes supplemental appropriations and amends the City’s 2026 permanent appropriations for the Myeerah and West TIF funds.
The ordinance increases the Myeerah salaries and wages appropriation from $6,000 to $6,700 and the associated Medicare appropriation from $90 to $100. It also establishes a $550,000 construction appropriation for the West TIF.
Council also approved Ordinance 26-36 on first and final reading, changing the zoning classification of 514 Sandusky Avenue from R-2, One and Two Family Residence District, to B-1, Neighborhood Business District, and amending the City’s official zoning map accordingly.
Ordinance 26-34 B, concerning the detachment of certain territory owned by Logan County from the City of Bellefontaine, received approval on second reading only and will continue through the legislative process.
There were no ordinances presented for third reading.
The next regular meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.