Bluffton council voted 5-1 (Dick McGarrity voting no) giving the mayor authority to sign a petition in the village's behalf to support a land annexation involving the North Dixie Highway area, south of the corporation limits. This action took place at the Sept. 27 council meeting.

The village owns land in the area being petitioned for annexation into the village and is therefore allowed one vote in the matter. Should 51 percent of the property owners sign such a petition and bring it before council, and then council would act on the petition.

Village, township and county officials met with interested property owners on Sept. 22. The meeting presented information to property owners involving a proposed water and sewer project, recent and upcoming changes to the State of Ohio's rules on septic systems, and the procedures and requirements for the proposed annexation.

Property owners have 60 days to sign the annexation petition if they chose to do so. If, after 60 days, there is not a majority of property owners seeking annexation, the proposed annexation, as presented and surveyed, will not move forward.

Persons attending the Sept. 22 meeting were informed that if a simple majority (51 percent or higher) signs the annexation petition, the village would move the process forward and present the petition to the Allen County Commissioners for their consideration.

Hydrant flushing
It was reported at meeting that during the first week of October the village service department will begin its semi-annual flushing of the water distribution system.

According to Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator, water customers may experience lower than normal water pressure and discolored water during the flushing in their neighborhood.

It was also reported that residents in the South Lawn Avenue and Grove Street neighborhood have experienced orange and brown water influenced by iron. Mehaffie said that the service department is attempting to isolate the area and flush those lines in an attempt to remove the iron.

Spring Street bridge
Mehaffie informed council that the trusses to the Spring Street bridge are anticipated to arrive. Once they are in place the project should move quickly.

The following council-related meetings were announced on Sept. 27.

Sept. 28 - Tree Commission, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 - Finance committee, for 2011 budget, 11 a.m.

Oct. 4 - Personnel committee, for wage ordinance, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 - Pathway board, noon, Common Grounds

Oct. 11 - Council, 8 p.m.