The face of Bluffton village government changed on May 19. And its change is not yet complete.

During the first council session following the “flooding” of the town hall, Mitch Kingsley, council president, announced his resignation as council president. He, however, did not resign from council and plans to retain his seat until later this year when he will resign.

Kingsley read a statement explaining the reasons for his resignation. His statement follows:

"Resignation as President Pro Tem of Bluffton Village Council  May 19, 2014
I have planned to resign from my Village Council employment for a selfish reason. I want to preserve an opportunity to be covered under Ohio Public Employee Retirement System health care. The OPERS rules are changing after this year and actually doubling the period of service required to vest in their health care system.
My concern right now is that whatever step I take not make for a patchwork transition in the Mayoral office. My resignation from council will take place sometime later this year. But we will need someone to step into the mayor’s role prior to that happening.
Therefore, I am hereby resigning as Village Council President, effective immediately. 
- Mitchell Kingsley

Following a discussion of how to proceed in naming a council president, council moved and approved the appointment of Judy Augsburger to that position.

Dennis Gallant, Bluffton’s mayor, who previously announced that he would resign from his position this summer, informed council to expect his resignation at the June 2 meeting. His resignation is due to his acceptance of a new job that requires his family’s relocation to Sandusky.

When the mayor (Dennis Gallant) resigns, council president (Judy Augsburger) becomes mayor. That leaves one council vacancy (Judy Augsburger’s seat).

Council has 30 days to appoint a replacement for Augsburger. Should council not act in those 30 days Augsburger, as mayor, may make the appointment.

Council has several ways that it can appointment a new council member:
1 – It may make an appointment immediately following a vacancy by a voice vote.
2 – It may make an appointment after interviewing persons who indicate an interest joining council.

No decision was made on Monday as to which way it will chose a replacement for Augsburger. However, Kingsley, stated that it is his intention to request council to elect Dave Steiner to Augsburger's vacant seat.

Steiner was previously on council. His term expired on Dec. 31.

Concerning Kingsley’s resignation as council president but not from council, Roger Warren told Kingsley, “I see no use for you now being on the council. Since you’ve resigned as council president now, why wouldn’t you resign from council? What is your purpose for staying on council?”

Kingsley replied: “I appreciate your comment. I don’t have any answer.”

Joe Sehlhorst and Everett Collier came to Kingsley’s defense, stating Kingsley is a valuable resource to council and that by resigning as council president and knowing his intention of eventually resigning from council that gives the council an opportunity for time to chose his replacement.

Sidewalk ordinance

Council also approved the third reading of a sidewalk ordinance. In summary, it calls for continued property owner repair of current sidewalks in need of replacing. It also states council will act to pay for sidewalks in areas of the village needing “connecting.”

The entire ordinance will be posted soon on The Icon.