The Bellevue City Council met August 12, 2026, approving the previous meeting’s minutes and the monthly financial report, which included 57 general-fund claims totaling $249,964.02, six capital-improvement claims totaling $117,411.67, and additional claims from the event, Municipal Road Aid, and Parks funds. Council members announced several upcoming community events, including the Bellevue Neighborhood Association’s August 20 happy hour, a family night at Florence Y’alls on August 29, and the September 12 Art in the Park festival. Mayor Charlie Cleves also highlighted the upcoming farmers market, which will feature a children’s reading-buddy activity, and a September 8 senior lunch. The mayor reported on recent meetings with U.S. Representative James Comer and State Senator Shelley Funke, including discussions about the growing number of illegal Airbnb-style short-term rentals in Bellevue and their impact on affordable housing and school enrollment. Cleves also raised concerns about the increasing number of transportation devices using city streets and sidewalks, including e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, bicycles, skateboards and other motorized devices. He said the city is working with police to research existing regulations and potentially develop local rules concerning helmets, age limits, licenses, sidewalk use and where various devices can legally operate. Department reports showed the Fire Department responded to 192 calls during the previous month, including 64 fire calls and 128 EMS calls, while continuing extensive training and its firefighter internship program. The department also responded to a Bellevue structure fire without injuries and assisted neighboring communities with five additional fires. Public Works was recognized for quickly clearing trees and storm debris following recent severe weather. The city also discussed approximately $39,000 in unbudgeted alley work, about $15,000 in needed curb repairs, sidewalk problems and additional street-resurfacing costs. Bellevue recently resurfaced numerous streets and received a $400,000 state LARP grant requiring a $100,000 local match for improvements to Lafayette Avenue. Officials also discussed continuing drainage problems involving Culvert Run and a failed privately owned stormwater pipe, with the city exploring a possible SD1 private-public cost-sharing arrangement. The council heard from Chris Manning of Human Nature, the firm selected to redesign Bellevue Beach Park. Manning outlined a four-to-six-month process involving site documentation, community surveys, development of design alternatives, public feedback and creation of a final plan. The Bellevue Neighborhood Association reported planting 1,296 flowers, recording nearly 2,000 volunteer hours and providing an estimated $61,000 in volunteer value, while also continuing its community garden and litter-cleanup efforts. During new business, council gave first reading to an ordinance concerning medicinal cannabis and approved purchases of a Ford F-350 for Public Services and a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Police Department. Council also established the “Boost Bellevue” matching-grant program for eligible small-business and commercial-property improvements, adopted a severe-weather policy for city-sponsored outdoor events, and approved a license agreement for the Northern Kentucky Connector route. The council authorized up to $65 million in industrial building revenue bonds for the 179 Fairfield Avenue project, which is expected to add approximately 220 multifamily housing units; officials emphasized that the financing is the developer’s responsibility. Finally, council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Marion Arts and Education Center to guide the future development of the Marion Theater. Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI from the meeting transcript and is intended as a concise overview. It may not include every discussion, statement, or action taken during the meeting.
