Cleves Service Department Projects in the Village | | |
The Village Service Department has another busy schedule of projects during the week of September 8- 12, 2025.
Today and tomorrow, we will be cutting the grass at the Cleves Community Park. Additionally, we will empty the garbage cans from last week's events. In North Finley Alley (400 block), we will be cutting back tree limbs and other overgrowth.
On Wednesday and Thursday, we will rent a pavement roller to start and hopefully complete pothole repair on an alley off Mt. Nebo and Carter Street. We will also try to get back to the alley at 400 N. Finley to fix the potholes there, too.
On Friday, we will be working in the business district and trimming the Village right-of-ways and residents' right-of-ways on East State Rd. that have not been maintained.
| | Village Council Meeting - Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | | |
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Cleves Village Council will hold its third and final reading of three significant ordinances that could shape the future of the Village. These proposals, if adopted, will enhance transparency, improve law enforcement capabilities, and address public safety concerns.
1. Codified Ordinances for the Village of Cleves
The first ordinance proposes the formal adoption of the Codified Ordinances for the Village. Once approved, these ordinances will be made publicly accessible on the Village website. Residents will be able to search by topic, making it easier to understand local laws and regulations. This move marks a significant step toward greater transparency and civic engagement, enabling every citizen to stay informed and engaged.
2. Designation of the Cleves Police Department as a Criminal Justice Enforcement Agency
The second ordinance seeks to officially recognize the Cleves Police Department as a “Criminal Justice Enforcement Agency.” If passed, this designation will enable the department to operate RCIC (Regional Crime Information Center), LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System), and Bureau of Motor Vehicles terminals.
This upgrade will empower the Cleves Police Department to enforce local ordinances that the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department currently cannot. For example, the department will be able to tow inoperable vehicles parked on streets or in residential yards—an issue that has long affected neighborhood aesthetics and safety. The annual cost of operating the Cleves Police Department is approximately $60,000, a modest investment for increased autonomy and enforcement capabilities.
3. Open Burning Ordinance
The third ordinance addresses open burning within the Village. This proposal aims to regulate and restrict open burning to ensure public safety and protect the environment. Details of this ordinance have been shared in previous editions of This Week in the Village, and residents are encouraged to review them before the meeting.
Public Participation Encouraged
The agenda for Wednesday night’s meeting is being finalized today and will be published for public review tomorrow afternoon. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or follow updates online to stay informed and voice their opinions.
Chuck Birkholtz, Mayor
| | The following videos are provided for our residents who have been unable to attend or watch our Council Meetings. The two videos are from the Special Council Meeting Public Comment Sessions held on August 20 and 27. Both videos are comments about re-establishing the Cleves Police Department as a Criminal Justice Enforcement Agency. Simply click on the arrow in each video to begin watching. | | Village Administrator Habig Announces Safety Measures | | Protecting Residents: Formalizing a Process to Limit Unwanted Solicitation | | |
The Village of Cleves is taking important steps to protect residents from unwanted solicitation, scams, and potential identity theft by formalizing a process that regulates door-to-door sales. These efforts are not only about safety and privacy—they are about giving residents peace of mind and control over who is allowed to approach their homes.
Why the Process Is Being Formalized
Door-to-door solicitation is not inherently illegal, but when it goes unregulated, it opens the door (literally) to potential fraud, scams, and privacy violations. As such, the Village is implementing a more formal process to:
- Ensure that only legitimate, background-checked salespeople are allowed to solicit within the Village.
- Give residents a clear way to opt out of any door-to-door sales activity by registering on the Village’s official No Knock List.
- Prevent unlicensed and illegal solicitation by requiring a visible Village-issued decal for approved vendors.
| |
The Role of Decals and Licensing
Some residents have asked why the decals shown in last week's article—which remains in this edition—are not provided for free. The answer is simple: the decals are part of a standardized system that helps both residents and solicitors understand and comply with Village rules.
These decals are not just stickers—they are part of an official process that includes:
- A $40 licensing fee for all solicitors.
- A background check to ensure the safety and legitimacy of those going door-to-door.
- Issuance of a visible decal to show they are approved by the Village.
Without a license and a decal, a solicitor is operating illegally and should not be on your property.
Can Residents Use Their Own Signs?
Yes, residents are free to post their own “No Soliciting” or “No Knock” signs. However, only those who register with the Village will have their addresses included on the official No Knock List, which is regularly updated and provided to all licensed solicitors. This adds an extra layer of protection and ensures compliance.
How to Report Unlicensed Solicitors
If someone comes to your door and does not display a Village-issued decal, or if you believe they are operating without a license, please report them immediately. Contact Village Administrator Justin Habig at:
justin.habig@villageofcleves.us
By working together and following this process, we can protect the integrity of our community and the privacy of our residents. We thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to making Cleves a safe and respectful place to live.
| | Cleves Village Website Services | |
Online Forms & "No Knock" Program Now Live
We are excited to share that after months of behind-the-scenes work, the Village is rolling out new online services designed to make life easier for our residents. This effort is part of a larger, ongoing initiative to modernize our operations and provide the community with the efficient, convenient service it deserves.
Our Administrator, Mr. Habig, together with our web designer, have worked diligently to make it possible for residents and businesses to access and submit forms electronically. We are pleased to announce that you can now complete Vendor Permit Applications, Solicitor Permit Applications, and our much-anticipated "No Knock" Application online.
The "No Knock" program allows residents who enroll to prohibit solicitors and peddlers from approaching their homes. Participants will receive a sticker through the application process to be prominently displayed, making clear that door-to-door sales and solicitations are not permitted.
This is an important step in continuing to enhance Village services; additional online options will follow soon.
Please view the picture below. It is from our Village Website. Once you are on the site, find the government's pull-down menu, and you will see forms. Click on Forms, and you will have the ability to submit your application. After the form is submitted electronically, the $10 fee must be paid at the Municipal Building.
NO SOLICITORS "No Knock" APPLICATION
Village of Cleves
This form must be submitted to the Village of Cleves Municipal Office, located at 101 N. Miami Ave.
Cleves, OH 45002
Office: 513.941.1212
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
| | Online Forms & Property Maintenance and or Zoning Code Complaints | | |
The Village of Cleves is proud to announce a new tool to help keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Code Enforcement Officer Ed Lindenschmidt, Village Administrator Justin Habig, and our dedicated web developer, residents can now easily report property maintenance violations directly through a new online form.
This form is available on the Village website, alongside the full Property Maintenance Ordinance and our Zoning Manual—so you can stay informed and empowered.
Whether it’s overgrown weeds, junk accumulation, inoperable cars, or other concerns, your voice matters. Help us maintain the charm and integrity of Cleves by reporting issues in your area. Just go to our website at the bottom of this page, locate SERVICES, click on it, and look for Zoning, and you will have access to the page below.
| | Visit our Website below, which is an active link, and clicking on it will take you to the Village's website. | | | | |