By Andy Chappell-Dick
The sun was still shining at 7 p.m. as Mayor Rich Johnson called to order Council's first meeting of spring, which would touch on many spring-like topics like paving roads, mowing grass and observing rivers. After an embedded public hearing, Bob Fett's Chestnut Lane development was given full Council approval to proceed to the next planning stage.
STREES, ALLEY, LIGHTS, SIDEWALKS
Joe Sehlhorst and Jerry Cupples reported they had met briefly to deal with three issues brought by citizens involving drainage and sidewalks. The committee worked with the citizens and Village administration to ensure that the concerns were addressed.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Ben Stahl and Mitch Kingsley bragged that their meeting was even shorter, as it was not a meeting but a photo opportunity at the new Village Park Disc Golf Course with representatives of Bluffton Hospital, which had donated in support of the project.
ORDINANCE
Mitch Kingsley and Joe Sehlhorst staked the claim to the shortest meeting of all, since they had only met briefly on Zoom to check in about the ongoing formation of a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. They hope to recommend a full committee at the first meeting in April for Mayor Johnson to appoint, with work commencing immediately.
OTHER
Joe Sehlhorst reported for the Blanchard River Watershed Project, a conservation group that watches over a large area that includes all the waterways in and around Bluffton. The BRWP has a new phone app that allows residents to participate in monitoring our rivers through sending messages and even posting pictures.
LEGISLATION
Mayor Johnson then led Council through the legislative portion, in which three resolutions were considered. The swimming pool wage bill passed its second reading; authorization for seeking bids on Lawn and Jackson water main work passed its first reading; and authorization for seeking bids on SR 103 sanitary sewer work also passed its first reading.
PUBLIC HEARING
The clock interrupted voting on legislation, as a Public Hearing had been scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. to consider the Chestnut Lane development, a grouping of ten duplexes proposed for a plot of land off Sunset Drive, just south of Bluffton University's Buildings and Grounds department.
Bob Fett, the developer, and a few residents were present and were given a chance to weigh in. Council's task was to consider a recommendation from the Planning Commission, which had, in a series of earlier meetings including Public Hearings, worked with all parties involved to come to a plan that meets the requirements of the law and respect the concerns of neighbors.
After discussion, which included a few questions from the public, Council closed the Public Hearing and voted 6-0 to accept the recommendation and approve this stage of the development. Fett's job now is to develop full construction drawings which will flesh out numerous details and to appear again before Council in another Public Hearing.
ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Perhaps the most interesting part of every council meeting is the Administration Report, presented by Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn and his assistant Bryan Lloyd.
The new "Sanitary Compliance" project sounds a little intimidating because it requires a Village employee to enter every residence in town. Rest easy, they're looking for only one thing: to make sure that if you have a sump pump, that it does NOT discharge into the sanitary sewer. This is a serious matter, as our sewer plant cannot be expected to process storm water or ground water like it processes waste water; it's an EPA requirement.
Homes found to be out of compliance will be given time to correct the drain. Homeowners who don't respond to the letters requesting an appointment may be fined if they persist past a third notice.
Blackburn then said there actually is one more thing the inspector will look for: making sure the incoming waterline is not made of lead. This is a serious EPA project receiving tremendous resources lately, since lead service lines can have a devastating effect on human health, particularly in children. Bluffton has worked hard for decades to remove lead pipes whenever they're found, and Blackburn has confidence that very few remain. It's critical that the last of them be found.
Continuing his report, Blackburn reminded Council that applications are still being accepted for summer swimming pool employment. There is also still one opening for a seasonal mower.
Residents might have noticed new street signs going up across town. Council declared the old signs surplus, which allows them to be purchased as souvenirs. Residents may contact Blackburn or Mayor Johnson to be put on a list to buy your choice of signs for $10 apiece. Limits will be imposed if demand merits.
Streets that will be paved this summer include Richland Drive (Bentley to Shannon), Hillcrest Drive, Crystal Place, Hunters Run, Polo Drive, Bentley Road (north from Elm), and Spring Street (Riley to Snider).
Administrator Blackburn touched on numerous other topics; readers should note that this summary is a selective accounting. Those interested should consult the meeting minutes which are available at Town Hall and in an attachment to this article. True enthusiasts should join this reporter in person at the meetings.
