Police to provide free training to local establishments (Audio included)

Sep 24, 2013 10:37 PM

Mike Vetorino

Bellefontaine City Council met for the second and final time for September Tuesday night. The light agenda was highlighted by Police Chief Brandon Standley’s response to a citizen’s complaint about a city bar at the September 10th meeting.

Mrs. Sandra Enderle was concerned about the rumored illegal activities at Moore’s Café on South Detroit Street. Through the Ohio Investigative Unit, the department will begin, sometime this winter, free training to those establishments that possess liquor licenses.

The goal is to help prevent these establishments from allowing illegal activity to occur at their place of business. Learning to recognize fake IDs would be an example of a topic of discussion.

Standley updated council on the status of Officer Andrew Kennedy. Kennedy is being trained to be the new DARE officer. Standley would prefer that Kennedy, once trained, spend most of his time presenting educational programs in the schools. However, the department is still plagued with staffing issues. Kennedy’s services, for at least the time being, will be to work some in the schools and some on the job.

Standley discusses Moore's Cafe.

Mayor Brannon indicated that the bike trail extension project continues in a positive way on a couple of fronts. Bids for the construction of two bridges in Champaign County will begin October 18th. The amount needed to fund the project is now under $50,000. Brannon hopes to raise $300,000.

Brannon indicated that on Monday, September 30th at 8:30 in the morning, Showto Iwamoto, a Rakugo Performer, will be in the city building to meet with local residents and provide a brief demonstration. He is scheduled for a longer presentation at Benjamin Logan High School later that day.

Brannon updates on the bike trail extension.

Service-Safety Director Jim Holycross reminded council that ODOT will begin road grinding at a couple of locations on Wednesday. He also indicated that the traffic signal at East Brown and Allison has been removed.

Councilman Allen Hadley shared his experiences with council about his recent trip to Japan on behalf of the city and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. He had the opportunity to meet with several business leaders and promote the opportunities available in Bellefontaine and Logan County.

Two ordinances were adopted. On second and final reading, a resolution was passed to allow real estate tax rates to be certified and sent to the county auditor. Auditor Jack Reser indicated that this is a standard, yearly practice.

On third and final reading, an ordinance was passed to accept a grant of $80,000 for a construction project on West Williams Avenue next summer.

Council will next meet on October 8th at 7:30 p.m.