Bluffton council deferred its historic town hall mural project to the Bluffton sesquicentennial committee on Monday.

At the time that the town hall renovation project was completed Oscar Velasquez, Bluffton artist, approached the council with the suggestion that he create a historic mural to be placed inside the town hall. The mural would more than likely be placed in the lobby area of the third floor.

No action was taken at the time of the original discussion, however council indicated an interest in seeing that the project go forward.

On Monday, Dick McGarrity, council's representative to the cultural affairs committee, brought the mural back to the council table. Velasquez also attended the meeting.

Velasquez requested council assist with the project by contributing from $1,000 to $1,500 toward the mural, indicating that others in the community would also provide monetary donations toward the work. He had estimated the mural to cost approximately $5,000.

After a discussion, council decided to turn the mural project over to the sesquicentennial committee. The sesquicentennial committee has proposed that the mural project be opened to any artist. All proposals submitted would be reviewed and one work would be selected.

On Monday, council stipulated that it would not commit village funds toward the project at this time. However, persons interested in making tax-deductible monetary donations to the project may do so by contacting the village.

In other council action, the park and recreation board is studying a plan to convert the former baby pool portion of the community swimming pool into a "splash zone." The baby pool area has been out of commission for a few years.

Council's March meeting schedule:
March 14 - utilities committee, 7 p.m.
March 14 - council, 8 p.m.
March 28 - council, 8 p.m.