The City of Nelsonville would like to remind the public of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K run and walk, Sunday, April 27, 2025, between the hours of 7:00AM and 1:00PM. The Nelsonville Public Square will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking starting at 5:00AM, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Vehicles remaining parked on the public square after 5:00AM are subject to be towed at the owner’s expense.

Tunnel to Towers 5K participants will be on streets throughout Nelsonville. Additionally, many spectators are expected in the city. Drive with caution throughout Nelsonville and watch out for pedestrians. A video of the route can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XfpW3dlwbT0.  Please use alternate routes and avoid these areas.

The City has directed the City Attorney, Jonathan Robe to provide them a clarification of law as to City Council Member qualifications regarding a felony conviction. A more complete report will be presented at the regular Council meeting scheduled for April 28, 2025.  Any specific questions the public would like Council to direct to the City Attorney regarding this matter should be submitted by 1:00PM, Monday, April 28, 2025, meeting to the Council clerk at councilclerk@cityofnelsonville.com.

Nelsonville City Charter Section 4.02 sets forth the qualifications for a Member of Nelsonville City Council.  A principal qualification is that a Member be a “qualified elector.”  Failure to be or remain a “qualified elector” subjects a Member to a removal vote.

 R.C. 2961.01(A)(1) provides that a felony conviction “under the laws of this or any other state or the United States” isn’t competent to be an elector or to hold an office of honor, trust or profit.  But under R.C. 2961.01(A)(2), such incompetency to be an elector doesn’t apply to one who is “released under a non-jail community control sanction.”  A person who is subject to only community control remains competent to be an elector.

 R.C. 2961.02 provides that one convicted of a disqualifying offense is prohibited from serving as a public official or employee.  But the disqualifying offenses are expressly limited to felony theft or a felony involving fraud, deceit or theft.

 Nelsonville City Charter Section 11.08(B)(3) provides City Council may remove a Member for “conviction of a felony.”  But Section 11.08(B)(3) only applies to a felony conviction occurring while someone is in office; it doesn’t apply to a felony conviction occurring prior to assuming office.

The City of Nelsonville announces that all City offices will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of good Friday and the Easter holiday weekend. City offices will re-open for business on Monday, April 21, 2025, for regular business hours.