Bluffton council on Nov. 9 took the first steps to renew its dispatch communication contract with Allen County.

Council okayed the first reading of legislation to issue a contract for the work to the sheriff's office. If approved, the contract will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013. The cost to the village will be $31,878 per year.

In other council action, Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator, reported that Miller Cable Co. is completing the installation of the streetlights on Main Street.

"They should be functioning this weekend (Nov. 13-14)," said Mehaffie. Up to now the lights have blinked on the red cycle.

Mehaffie told council that the sub-contractors to the streetscape project who performed paver installation have some additional work to complete before the village is satisfied with the final project.

"There are still some outstanding issues related to the installation of the pavers surrounding the water meter pits and the pole foundations," he said.

In addition, Mehaffie told council that the entire length of the project needs to be re-sanded and tamped. Some of the street's low areas need raised. Some of the high areas need lowered.

Mehaffie added that the sign contractor installed the poles and mast-arms at Jefferson Street and installed the remaining signage for the project on Nov. 6.

He explained that the traffic lights at the intersections would be on four-way flashing red until the construction crews are completed with their work. This is in an effort to maintain a safe work area.

The village administrator told council that "cross traffic does not stop" signs have been ordered for the College Avenue intersection. Those will be installed soon.

In related news, Mehaffie reminded council that the Ohio Department of Transportation will resurface State Route 103 in the spring of next year.

That project involves a 1 1/4 inch grind and asphalt paving of State Route 103 from the north bound exit ramp on Bentley Road, north through the village to the County Line Road. The project excludes the limits of the streetscape project.

In addition, the project will involve paving from the northbound exit ramp (Jefferson Street) east to State Route 698.

Council calendar
Nov. 23 - Council, 8 p.m.
Dec. 16 - Village employee appreciation dinner, 6 p.m.