City Council

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 27, 2026 Bellevue City Council met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer was offered by Council Clerk, Mrs. Soper. Council Members present: MR. BAKER, MR. DANIEL, MR. HILL, MR. MORRISON, MS. MUNIZ, and MR. SHEPHERD. Mr. Wynbissinger was excused. The minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 13, 2026, were presented for approval. A motion was made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes as written. It was seconded by Ms. Muniz. The minutes are approved as written. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: Mayor Strecker stated that Mr. Brugnone and he met with members of the Red Cross where they discussed what the Red Cross provides during disaster responses, how they communicate with local leaders to assess community needs, and how to enhance community preparedness. Safety-Service Director, Mr. Brugnone, stated that the paving portion is done on the Route 18 Project. They were striping and working on crosswalks today. Some boulevard work needs to be done. The sidewalks that were torn up are being repaired and should be wrapping up soon. For the Route 20 Project, the bike trail is in, the two outer lanes are completed, and this week they will be working on the intersections. He has had some complaints about what is happening in the Brinker area. A new water line is being worked on and then they will continue with Brinker Street. He gave a shout out to everyone who spent so much time planning and helping with the Celebrate America 250 festivities last weekend and thanks for everyone who attended. Mother Nature cooperated and the celebrations were very well received by the families who attended. He appreciated everyone who supported the events. Auditor, Mr. Smith, requested a Budget & Finance Committee meeting on Monday, August 10, at 7:15 p.m., just prior to the regular City Council meeting, to discuss the final budget proposal. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mr. Shepherd stated that he is aware that some business owners and potential business owners are having a difficult time opening and operating businesses in Bellevue. It sounds like they are having a difficult time getting the buildings inspected and approved. He would like to see what could be done to help. That way, we are using our old buildings and revitalizing the City. Mr. Daniel stated that they are using an inspector from Fremont. He has talked with several potential business owners stating that the inspector comes in and nitpicks. One person had to close on Exchange Street because of all the red tape. Page 1 of 4  Mr. Morrison stated that his family really enjoyed the Celebrate America 250 festivities. He wanted to thank everyone who spent their time preparing for it and carrying it out. He received a lot of feedback from citizens who really had a great time. Mr. Baker agreed that the celebrations this weekend were very well received. People can’t imagine all the work that goes into a production of this size. The Holiday House and the group that supports it deserve all the thanks they get. He also heard a lot of comments about the fireworks. Everyone thought they were great. There is some revitalization going on in the City. John Miller is doing a great job with the painting, stucco and structures he has been working on. He agrees with Mr. Shepherd that we need to give businesses an incentive to revitalize old buildings to make the downtown area more inviting. Then more businesses could survive and do well. Ms. Muniz gave kudos to everyone who helped and participated in the Celebrate America 250 celebration. They did a great job. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Baker stated that a Budget & Finance Committee meeting was held tonight at 7:10 p.m. to discuss Ordinances No. 17-26 and 18-26. It was decided to take Ordinance No. 17-26 out of Committee and add it to tonight’s agenda by motion. Mr. Baker made a motion to add Ordinance No. 17-26 to tonight’s agenda. It was seconded by Mr. Daniel. A vote was taken and passed by a vote of 6-0. Ordinance No. 17-26 is added to tonight’s agenda. Auditor, Mr. Smith, scheduled a Budget & Finance Committee meeting for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:15 p.m., to further discuss amending the permanent appropriations, and Ordinance No. 18-26. Mr. Shepherd stated that on behalf of the Streets & Sidewalks Committee, he noted that there has been an increase in inspections being done and letters going out to citizens regarding repairs that are needed on sidewalks, particularly on Sinclair Street. He would like to explore the option of having an allowance for property owners to make a case that damage to the sidewalk was caused by a tree in the boulevard. They should have the City help pay for the repairs. Also, he would like to investigate a program to add the costs of repairing the sidewalks to property taxes if a citizen cannot pay outright for it. This is something we can look into, and if there is an interest, a Streets & Sidewalks Committee meeting can be scheduled in the future for discussion. CITIZEN COMMENTS: Patti Gray, 252 Gunther Street, stated that anyone who missed being at Central Park on Friday missed a fantastic Celebrate America 250 celebration. There were wonderful things provided for families and especially for children. She was monitoring at a first aid station when a little girl came up and saw the bounce houses and was so excited and enthusiastic. Big kudos to Page 2 of 4 Marianne, Charles and Mayor Strecker. It had to take an enormous amount of time to get everything in place for such a great celebration. Marianne Daniel, 129 Countryview Drive, stated that the Holiday House hosted the Celebrate America 250 celebration last weekend. Friday afternoon cupcakes were delivered to the residents and staff of all four of Bellevue’s care centers. Everyone living in and working in the care facilities could be a part of the celebration. During the opening ceremony, the Little Leaguers were congratulated for being the 50/70 Ohio State District 2 baseball champion. When the water slides were opened, the boys participated and had a great time. We were blessed for the fourth year in a row with great weather. The park was packed and everyone seemed to have had a great time. Mr. Baker stepped into his role as Train Engineer, handing out fun things to the many children waiting in line for a train ride. Saturday evening the Recreation Department hosted the fireworks at Robert Peters Park. It was enjoyed by all. Sunday morning was the 1K and 10K races. The Holiday House couldn’t take on this big event without all the volunteers including City Council members. They are extremely grateful for Council’s continued support. President Smith thanked Mrs. Daniel for all her work planning and facilitating the fun events. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: President Smith stated that Councilman, Mr. Wynbissinger, is excused tonight. He thanked everyone who gave their time and helped with the festivities this weekend. Thank God for the good weather and no injuries. He turned the time over to Law Director, Mr. Leal, for tonight’s legislation. LEGISLATION: Ordinance No. 17-26 was given its first reading: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND FOR THE BOARD OF CONTROL TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS FOR THE TR 302 (COPP ROAD) AND KREGLOW DRIVE WATER MAIN (NORTH OF US 20) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion was made by Mr. Baker to suspend the rules and give Ordinance No. 17-26 its second and third readings by title only and as an emergency. It was seconded by Mr. Hill. A vote was taken and passed by a vote of 6-0. Ordinance No. 17-26 was given its second and third readings by title only: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND FOR THE BOARD OF CONTROL TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS FOR THE TR 302 (COPP ROAD) AND KREGLOW DRIVE WATER MAIN (NORTH OF US 20) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Page 3 of 4  A motion was made by Mr. Baker to adopt Ordinance No. 17-26 and as an emergency. It was seconded by Mr. Hill. A vote was taken and passed by a vote of 6-0. CLOSING REMARKS: Safety-Service Director, Mr. Brugnone, thanked Council for passing Ordinance No. 17- 26. He stated they will start the process tomorrow. ADJOURNMENT: President Smith thanked everyone for attending and requested a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Baker. It was seconded by Mr. Daniel. Everyone was in favor. Respectfully submitted, _________________________________ _____________________________________ Ronald Smith Rhonda R. Soper President of Council City Council Clerk Page 4 of 4