Announcement of a site for the city’s Independence Day fireworks display along with development activity and infrastructure projects, were among the topics discussed during the Tuesday, March 10 Bellefontaine City Council meeting.
Mayor Dave Crissman said the city’s fireworks display, its first in several years, will take place July 3 at Blue Jacket Park. The event is being organized as part of local celebrations leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Crissman said he recently met with the fireworks company contracted for the display, which recommended Blue Jacket Park as the best location. While the site has been selected, the mayor said city officials will hold additional meetings with departments to coordinate logistics and traffic planning for the event.
Council also approved the reappointment of Jared Dowdy to the Shade Tree Commission, where he will serve another three-year term.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds reported that the recent freeze-thaw cycle has created a significant number of potholes across the city. City crews are working to fill the holes with cold-patch material, he said, although repairs have slowed because the city’s DuraPatcher machine is currently out of service and awaiting repairs.
Dodds also recognized longtime city employee Bob Barkley after a resident praised him for going above and beyond to assist with moving a large rock from a roadway back onto private property.
Police Chief Chris Marlow reported that the Civil Service Commission has certified a list of five candidates eligible for possible hiring with the police department. Background and criminal history checks are now underway as the hiring process continues.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson said equipment is being installed on the department’s new fire engine and that he expects the vehicle to be placed into service soon. Wilson also reported the Civil Service Commission has certified 13 candidates for potential future openings within the fire department.
City Engineer Jim Bischoff told council the Planning Commission recently granted preliminary approval for an 85-lot expansion of the Liberty Landing subdivision near the intersection of Lake Avenue and Ludlow Road. Developers must now complete engineering plans and submit a final plat before the proposal returns to council for additional review.
Bischoff also updated council on several sidewalk improvement projects planned on the city’s west side aimed at improving pedestrian access to parks and neighborhoods. In addition, the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved sidewalk construction along Allison Road between Omaha Road and Dushane Road, with roughly 60 percent of the project funded through state grants.
Members of council’s parks committee reported on several park projects and community initiatives. Work continues at Harmon Park, while electrical upgrades are underway at several other city parks. The parks board is also exploring improvements to concession availability at athletic facilities through the possible purchase of equipment and the use of volunteers.
Logan County Chamber of Commerce President Ben Vollrath told council the Columbus Region — which includes Logan County — was recently ranked among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the nation for economic development per capita. The region placed No. 7 in the Tier 1 category for 2025 in rankings compiled by Site Selection magazine, marking the 14th consecutive year it has appeared in the top 10.
Legislative action included:
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R26-10 — Resolution authorizing the Bellefontaine Municipal Court clerk to contract with the Ohio Attorney General for the collection of delinquent court debts. Adopted.
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26-11 — Ordinance accepting an annexation application for 2.494 acres owned by Gary L. Alexander Jr. in Jefferson Township adjacent to the city. Passed on first reading.
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26-07 — Ordinance establishing permanent appropriations for city expenses for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. Passed on second reading.
The next meeting of Bellefontaine City Council is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, in council chambers.
