Bellefontaine City Council considers parks levy proposal

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City Building facad

The Bellefontaine City Council convened in a regular session Tuesday, June 27, discussing several key matters including a parks levy proposal and upcoming community outreach events.

Leading the agenda was a proposal put forth by Pat Ellis, president of the Bellefontaine Parks & Recreation District Board, to introduce a .267 percent income tax increase levy on the ballot in November, for the purpose of essential improvements to the city’s parks and pool.

These improvements, as outlined in the park board’s master plan, would enhance the recreational facilities and overall quality of life for residents in Bellefontaine. The proposal has been referred to the finance committee for further consideration.

During the session, Police Chief Chris Marlow presented plans for two community outreach events scheduled for August.

The first event, National Night Out, begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Brown Park, and offers an array of games, delicious food and various engaging activities for all attendees.

The Annual Safety Event is slated for 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in Southview Park. The event will feature the participation of a variety of public service agencies showcasing their equipment, along with bounce houses, games, dunk tanks, and more. The event will also serve as the venue for the BPD’s Annual K9 Chicken Dinner.

Additionally, the council passed the following ordinances and resolutions:

– Resolution 23-29, authorizing the application and acceptance of a community corrections act grant from the State of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the operation of the probation department at the Bellefontaine Municipal Court;

– Resolution 23-30, authorizing the application and acceptance of a VOCA grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office and the execution of all relevant documents;

– Ordinance 23-24, amending section 303.08 of the codified ordinances of the City of Bellefontaine pertaining to impound and storage fees;

– Ordinance 23-31, approving and enacting the 2023 replacement pages to the codified ordinances of the city of Bellefontaine;

– Ordinance 23-32, authorizing the service-safety director and police chief to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bellefontaine City School District for the provision of a seasonal school resource officer;

– Ordinance 23-33, vacating a public east-west alley between lots 1901 and 1934 in Bellefontaine;

– Ordinance 23-34, vacating a public North-South alley between lots 416 and 415 in Bellefontaine.

The next Bellefontaine City Council meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 11 in council chambers.