Bellefontaine council hears annexation for 143‑acre tract, approves multiple ordinances including new police and firefighter positions

Bellefontaine City Council opened a special hearing on an annexation petition for 143.138 acres at the intersection of County Road 11 and Township Road 216 and then, in its regular meeting, approved multiple ordinances including authorization to seek qualifications for a facilities master plan and the creation of nine firefighter/paramedic and nine police officer positions.

The hearing on the annexation began with the city noting that although the petition had been filed as R‑3 (multifamily), the Planning Commission recommended R‑1 (single‑family). City staff said a petitioner seeking R‑3 after a Planning Commission R‑1 recommendation would need a council supermajority to override that recommendation; staff also said a corrected public notice was sent after the initial printing. Mark Barrick, representing Saks Real Estate and the applicant, told the council, "We are perfectly fine with R 1," and said the applicant would not challenge the Planning Commission recommendation.

Neighbors who live along Township Road 216 urged caution. Steve Hager said motorists routinely exceed 60 mph on the road and asked what the city's plan is to address traffic and safety if substantial housing is added. Darlene Rolfe described repeated accidents and fatalities near the stretch,…