The Bellefontaine City Council met Tuesday evening, Aug. 25, with a full agenda that included legislation, department updates and public comments on recent flooding, golf carts, the Detrick property and other community concerns.
City Staff Recognized at Annual Appreciation Picnic
Mayor David Crissman reported on the City's third annual Employee Appreciation Picnic, held Aug. 14.
Crissman said he started the event after becoming mayor and hopes the tradition continues. The picnic gives employees from different city departments an opportunity to spend time together and build relationships with colleagues they may not regularly work with as part of their daily duties.
City Responds to August Flooding
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds devoted much of his report to the significant rainfall and flooding experienced throughout the community in August.
Dodds acknowledged the impact the flooding had on residents and thanked city employees who worked through the night responding to the emergency. He specifically recognized Jeremy Levan, City Engineer Jim Bischoff and others for their work, communication and willingness to respond to residents.
Dodds also thanked Logan County resident Larry Park for allowing the City to use portions of his farm fields to help move water away from the Michigan Avenue area.
While the failure of a key pump station has brought significant attention to the Michigan Avenue area, Dodds emphasized that residents in other parts of the community affected by flooding should not feel their concerns are being overlooked.
“Each area that flooded has its own facts,” Dodds said, explaining that the City will evaluate each location based on its individual circumstances rather than treating every flooding issue as the same problem.
The City has created a dedicated webpage containing information about the August 2026 flooding. The page is accessible from the top of the City's website and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Dodds encouraged residents who experienced flooding or have questions about the City's response to contact him directly. He said he will personally follow up with residents to make sure their concerns are addressed.
The City also plans to purchase a pump that can be kept available for future emergency situations.
Dodds reported that six firms have submitted flood mitigation plans to the City. The proposals are being evaluated, and one firm is expected to be selected to work with the City on developing a plan to address future flooding.
Two Tabled Ordinances Die
Council also addressed two ordinances that had been tabled in July.
Ordinance 26-31 would have established regulations allowing low-speed, under-speed utility vehicles and mini-trucks, including golf carts, to operate within the City. Ordinance 26-32 would have amended city regulations concerning sound amplification devices and loud noises.
Both ordinances had been tabled to allow for additional research and public input.
City Law Director Josh Stolly explained that Council Rule 11 requires a tabled ordinance to return before council after 30 days. Because neither ordinance had come out of committee, Stolly said council could take no action and allow the legislation to die.
No motions were made to pass either ordinance on second reading, and both ordinances died.
Several residents spoke in favor of allowing golf carts within the City. Others raised concerns about different types of slow-moving vehicles, including e-bikes operating on sidewalks.
Dodds also shared his opposition to the proposed golf cart legislation. He encouraged council members to consider two questions when evaluating an ordinance: What problem is it intended to solve, and will it solve more problems than it creates?
City Approves Supplemental Appropriations for Health Insurance
City Auditor Fred Brentlinger presented Ordinance 26-37, a supplemental appropriations ordinance related to group insurance.
Brentlinger said approximately $305,000 in additional appropriations are needed to address a shortfall in city employee health insurance payments resulting from a miscommunication between the Auditor's Office and Human Resources Department.
Council approved the ordinance on first reading only.
Brentlinger also said discussions about the City's 2027 budget will take place before the next City Council meeting.
Police Department Reports on Fundraiser, Hiring
Police Chief Chris Marlow reported that the City's recent Chicken BBQ raised nearly $10,000 for the department's K-9 program. Marlow thanked residents who purchased dinners and supported the fundraiser.
The department is continuing its hiring process. Three interviews have been completed, with three additional interviews scheduled. Marlow said the department is developing a plan to fill positions as they become available.
A lieutenant is expected to retire in February 2027. Marlow said the resulting changes within the department will create a series of openings as officers move into available positions.
Marlow also reported that school resource officers have returned to local schools and that two long-awaited police cruisers are expected to arrive this week.
Fire, Code Enforcement and Other Department Updates
The Fire Department reported that the City's ladder truck remains out of service while awaiting parts. Plans for a new medic unit and station alert system remain on hold.
Code Enforcement reported that voluntary demolitions have begun. The property at 621 Jay St. has been demolished, and work is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning at 131 W. Chillicothe Ave. Demolition of 208 and 212 S. Detroit Ave. will follow.
The Logan County Landbank is accepting applications for future voluntary demolition projects. The City has submitted five properties, while Logan County has submitted two additional properties located within Bellefontaine.
Property owners interested in the voluntary demolition program are encouraged to contact the City's Code Enforcement Officer. The county's application deadline is Sept. 7. To give the City enough time to compile the required documentation, city applications should be submitted by Sept. 3.
Residents Raise Flooding and Other Concerns
Several residents addressed council during the Communication from Citizens portion of the meeting.
Flooding was a major topic, with residents discussing concerns in multiple areas, including Michigan Street, South Madriver Street and the west end of Bellefontaine. Issues raised included stormwater, sewage entering residences and water coming from the railroad track during periods of heavy rainfall.
Kevin McKnight raised concerns about retention ponds and the amount of water discharged into creeks when the ponds are pumped.
Several residents thanked the City, Mayor Crissman and Dodds for their response to the recent flooding. Park also spoke about his experience working with the City and expressed appreciation for the administration's communication and efforts to find solutions during the emergency.
Other residents spoke about the proposed golf cart ordinance, with several supporting the idea of allowing golf carts within the City. Concerns were also raised about e-bikes and other slow-moving vehicles operating on sidewalks.
Derrick Kimes addressed council regarding the City's use of Flock technology.
Mackenzie Fitzpatrick thanked Dodds and the City for maintaining communication during and after the flooding. Fitzpatrick also said she regrets voting in favor of the Detrick property while serving as a council member and raised additional concerns about golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles.
Karen Ornet spoke on behalf of her father, whose farm property abuts the Detrick property. She expressed concerns about potential changes resulting from development of the property and said nearby residents value the farmland and open space surrounding their homes.
Miranda Warren also addressed council regarding her campaign for Logan County judge and discussed her experience and accomplishments.
Additional Legislation
Council considered several other pieces of legislation during the meeting.
Resolution R26-39, authorizing the extension of public sewer and city water lines outside the City's corporation line to serve approximately 7.5 acres owned by Heath S. Allen, trustee, was adopted. The property is located adjacent to the City along State Route 540 and is planned for use as a house of worship. If requested, the property owner will pay the cost of the utility extension.
Ordinance 26-38, concerning the pay rate for the Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center Seasonal School Resource Officer, was presented on first reading. Stolly recommended allowing the ordinance to die so adjustments could be made. No motion was made to pass the ordinance, and it died.
Ordinance 26-34, approving and assenting to the detachment of certain territory owned by Logan County from the City of Bellefontaine, passed third and final reading and was adopted.
During discussion of the detachment, Commissioner Yoder explained that the area abutting Washington Avenue properties is intended to be used as a primitive campground and/or overflow parking during the one week of the Logan County Fair each year. Outside of the fair, the property would remain vacant land in its current condition.
Dodds also reported that discussions have taken place regarding the Fairgrounds ordinances. He said the County intends to be a “good neighbor” to Washington Avenue residents, including through the installation of temporary and/or permanent screening to address concerns.
The next Utility Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 8:30 a.m.
City Council will meet again on September 8th in Council Chambers at 7:30pm.