• Energy aggregation renewal
• Visioning open house Oct. 19
• SR 103 easement negotiations
• Hydrant flushing and water main replacement
• Bentley Rd. crosswalk improvements
• Police Dept. incident statistics
The first Village of Bluffton regular council meeting of the fall began with a lengthy presentation from a representative of Toledo-based Palmer Energy Company, which negotiates large-scale energy aggregation deals. Palmer groups together Ohio entities like cities, towns, and counties to solicit cheaper utility rates. After a referendum about a decade ago, Bluffton voters agreed to join an electric aggregation deal. That deal is up for renewal and Council was informed that gas aggregation can be added, if we are willing to place the question on an upcoming ballot again.
If passed, all Bluffton ratepayers would become part of the program, but anyone can opt out at any time. Council asked for more details so that planning can begin as soon as possible. Several comments were made in favor of the proposal, citing the volatile trends of natural gas prices.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Next came a couple brief Committee reports. Joe Sehlhorst called attention to the upcoming "Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow" open house, set for October 19. This will be a drop-in event at the middle school, where residents are invited to provide feedback on topics generated by a July survey.
