The Bellefontaine City Council approved a 12-month moratorium on data center development, revisited a proposed golf cart ordinance, and received updates on fire department equipment repairs and planned stormwater improvements during its Tuesday evening meeting.
Council members also approved several resolutions and continued discussions on proposed ordinance changes affecting vehicle use on city streets and noise regulations.
Administrative Reports
Mayor David Crissman recommended reappointing Joanne Ritter to the Shade Tree Commission for another three-year term. Ritter’s current term is set to expire in the coming weeks.
Council approved the reappointment, allowing Ritter to continue serving on the commission and contributing to the city’s tree management efforts.
Service-Safety Director, Wes Dodds, voiced strong opposition to the proposed golf cart ordinance and reminded council members of the importance of the city’s 0.5% sales tax renewal, which will appear on the November ballot.
Dodds noted that revenue from the tax has helped fund projects over the past five years, including street resurfacing and bridge work. The renewal would continue supporting city infrastructure and maintenance efforts.
Council Revisits Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance
The proposed ordinance authorizing low-speed and under-speed vehicles, including golf carts, on certain city streets returned to the council agenda.
Rules Committee Chair, Jenna James, explained that revisions had been made to align the proposal with state definitions and existing city ordinances. During the citizen communication portion of the meeting, two residents spoke in favor of the proposal.
The ordinance advanced on first reading, with further consideration to come.
Council Approves 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
Council approved Resolution R26-49, establishing a 12-month moratorium on the establishment or development of data centers within Bellefontaine.
The temporary moratorium will give city officials time to review applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and local ordinances before considering potential data center proposals.
Dodds told council members that, to his knowledge, the city has not received any data center applications. However, he recommended approving the moratorium to allow time for research and to better understand the potential implications of such developments should a proposal arise.
He also invited council members to visit a data center in Hilliard as part of the city’s efforts to learn more about the facilities and the issues involved in evaluating them.
Council members also considered proposed amendments to Ordinance 509.11, which governs sound-amplification devices and excessive noise.
Fire Department Addresses Equipment Repairs
Fire Chief Brian Wilson provided an update on maintenance issues affecting the department’s newer emergency vehicles.
Work on the engine of the new ladder truck has been completed, but the vehicle is now in Urbana for transmission repairs. The department’s newer fire engine has also experienced a Cummins engine-related problem and was sent for repairs.
Dodds assured council members that adequate fire service remains available while the vehicles are being repaired. The engine that was taken out of service when the newer engine was acquired has been returned to service to help maintain coverage.
Dodds said he has been in contact with the manufacturer and Cummins regarding the issues. He expressed disappointment that newly acquired emergency vehicles are experiencing mechanical problems and said the situation is unacceptable. He is continuing to work with the companies involved to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
The department has also welcomed a new employee, Zach Perigo, who brings 13 years of firefighting experience and 10 years of experience as a paramedic to the team.
Stormwater Improvements Planned for State Route 179
Council received an engineering update on Resolution R26-47, which authorizes an application for state funding to support infrastructure improvements, including a proposed stormwater project along State Route 179.
When asked whether the project would also include widening the roadway, the city engineer clarified that the current application covers stormwater infrastructure only. Road widening could potentially be incorporated into a separate or combined project in the future.
Resolutions Approved
Council approved three resolutions during the meeting:
R26-47: A resolution authorizing the Mayor and/or Service-Safety Director to prepare and submit an application for funding through Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Programs and execute the required contracts.
R26-48: A resolution authorizing the City to direct the Logan County Auditor to remove an additional tax lien on certain real estate taxes, as specified in the resolution.
R26-49: A resolution imposing a 12-month moratorium on data center development to allow time for regulatory and ordinance review.
Ordinances Under Consideration
First reading
26-51: An ordinance establishing Section 331.46 of the Codified Ordinances to authorize low-speed and under-speed utility vehicles and mini-trucks within the city.
26-51: An ordinance amending Section 509.11 regarding sound-amplification devices and loud noises.
Both proposals advanced on first reading only.
Second reading
26-45: An ordinance to approve the 2026 replacement pages for the City’s Codified Ordinances. The measure advanced on second reading.
26-46: An ordinance amending the pay rate for the Bellefontaine City School District’s seasonal School Resource Officer. The measure advanced on second reading.
Next Council Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.