The Bellbrook City Council on Nov. 10 approved Resolution 2025‑R‑21 authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Doyle Hughes Development to disinter and reinter human remains from a site known as the Feedwire Farm (commonly referred to in the record as the Houston Cemetery) to the city‑owned Pioneer Cemetery at 3851 Upper Bellbrook Road, at no cost to the city.

Councilwoman Forrest Greenwood read the resolution recitals, which state the original site may contain the marked grave of John Houston Jr. (d. July 13, 1883) and unknown human remains, funerary objects and cultural items. The resolution and attached agreement place responsibility for all costs, permits, coordination, professional oversight, and required documentation on the developer; the developer must comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and the rules of the Ohio Department of Commerce (Division of Cemeteries) and the Ohio Department of Health.

Multiple residents urged greater transparency and more outreach to descendants. Jen Leclair told council that "the history of this issue, however, has been anything but transparent" and asked specific questions about what prompted the filing and how families were notified. Jody Martin, speaking as a descendant‑involved family member, said relatives had been working to identify graves and told council she believed there were about "93 unmarked graves" and roughly "242 graves in that cemetery," and she urged LiDAR and careful identification before any work proceeds.

City Manager Rob Schomer and council members emphasized that the probate court must approve any disinterment and that the city’s approval would allow Pioneer Cemetery to be listed as the reinterment location in the probate filing; no movement of remains can occur without probate authorization. Schomer said the city would provide reasonable oversight and inspection and would require written certification from the developer upon completion that all work complied with applicable laws and professional standards. The agreement also includes an indemnification clause: the developer will defend and hold the city harmless for claims related to the reinterment.

After discussion and questions from the public about timing, surveys and alternatives, council moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025‑R‑21. Several council members noted the vote does not authorize disinterment itself or otherwise change probate procedures: it confirms the city's willingness to accept reinterment at Pioneer Cemetery if probate and regulatory steps are satisfied and if the developer meets the agreement terms.

Council members urged descendants and interested parties to submit letters to probate for the court’s consideration and said the city would forward public comments to probate officials when appropriate. No timeline for probate action was provided at the meeting.