Have you started creating a "To-do" list for 2022? The Icon recommends taking some time to make a "Done" list as well. Council member Joe Sehlhorst used his notes to compile the following recap for the Village of Bluffton:
Just a few of many accomplishments mentioned that we all can be proud of.
Thank you all for such hard work, service, and dedication for the benefit of the Village.
NOVEMBER 2021
Federal Infrastructure Bill passes. Ohio expected to be granted $1.1B for water structure improvements. Plus, $1.1B for sewer improvements. To see what Bluffton qualifies for.
2022 Ottawa Water Rate $2.62 per CCF. For 2021, $2.44.
Bluffton Airport – Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) awarded $13k for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitation, janitorial, combatting spread of pathogens, and debt service payments. Bluffton Flying Service has completed the work. Spent monies to rehab airport restrooms and sanitation station.
OCTOBER 2021
Exit 140 I-75 Improvements – J&D Snyder in partnership w/ Bluffton Stone Co. assist Village project for “Welcome” sign. Placed a 24 ton limestone rock, 19’ long (believed largest ever removed from quarry). Masterpiece Signs working on design to present to Bluffton In Bloom.
Bluffton Airport Master Plan in final stage. Initiated in 2016 by Richland Engineering, Bluffton Village, along w/ FAA group.
Health Board: Kathy Luhn, Allen County Public Health Director retires. She was wonderful.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Approved Bluffton Hospital naming sponsorship for Village Park Disc Golf Course for $6,600; 25 year term with option to renew.
Blaze of Lights power supply now provided by our power feed at Presbyterian Alley.
Patterson family presents 13 Star Flag made in 1853 by Margaret Jane Hammond Patterson, former wife of Mayor James Patterson. Flag placed inside the Town Hall display case.
Sump Pump Inspections. Intent of achieving compliant sump pump connections at every building within Bluffton to minimize the amount of clear water (storm and ground) pumped to our Treatment Plant
AUGUST 2021
Pathway Board working to complete an extensive application with the League of American Bicyclists to put Bluffton on the map as a biking community. 450 towns are part of the group.
12 New bike racks installed. Locations include Cherry @Twisted Whisk, Family Dollar, CNB Parking Lot, and Main St. Et Cetera
New addition to the Buckeye Park, Gaga Ball Court. Constructed by Carter Dailey for his Eagle Scout Project.
JULY 2021
PerryProtech to update the connections to all Village locations with the internet and improve cyber security. Cost $8,603.00
Thank You Grob Apprenticeship Program for their work and donation of 4 stainless steel cutouts attached to the bridge on Jefferson St. (SR 103).
Bluffton In Bloom receives $2000 for Village Alley beautification next to Edward Jones.
JUNE 2021
Council passes $99,250 professional services agreement with Wessler Engineering for Wastewater Treatment Plant – Instrumentation and SCADA “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” Improvements.
American Rescue Plan Act. Bluffton to receive $427,796.91. Monies will help assist (Oct):
Projects considered for 2022 include Lawn & Jackson Water Main $390k, SR 103 Sewer Re-routing $309k, Bentley Rd. Realignment $269k, University water main replacement? Other Projects: WTP Communications Upgrade $70k, UV Cabinet Replacement $90k
SumiRiko employees assist the Village with service projects that include painting fire hydrants and preparing tree planting sites.
MAY 2021
Tree Commission West Elm St. Project. Letter mailed to residents within the reconstruction project btw. Spring and Bentley. Asking the residents if they would want a tree, donate, not want a tree, and future planting sites. And stressing the importance for residents to water and care for the trees especially in the beginning months after planting. Goal is to plant 20 or so trees for those that are most excited. Overall, plan calls for 127 possible sites.
Zoning violators can be reported on the Village Website.
Black Swamp Soccer Tournament uses Village Park and CNB Soccer fields for the tournament this year. Usually at Bluffton U. due to Covid-19. Park looked great.
APRIL 2021
Pass Sidewalk Café on Vine St. (Greenhorn Restaurant) permitting outdoor alcohol consumption.
Parks present a plan from Grob employees (Grant and Evan) to install Disc Golf Course at Village Park. Estimated cost $18k; Baskets $7k, $5k concrete pads, $3k signage. Looking into ODNR grants for outdoor recreation. In November, Granted $7,500 from ODNR.
Events happening again…. Thanks to Vaccines and reasonable safety behavior; Memorial Day Parade, Trout Derby, Festival of Wheels, Paint the Street, Church Concert at Riley Creek Mercantile Building.
ODOT invests $21 M towards I-75 highway construction from Beaverdam to Bluffton.
MARCH 2021
Issue discovered with water meter battery life on the newly installed radio transceivers. All units warranty replaced.
Utilities Committee working on Ch. 53 Sewer Regulations
American Rescue Plan Act $350B for States; Over $11B for Ohio (State $5.68B, Counties $5.41B). Bluffton could receive up to $800k.
FEBRUARY 2021
Dominion Gas Main Replacement Project. Replacing 5,296’ along N. Main St from Vine St. to Riley St. and general areas within one block on either side of N. Main St.
Res 6-21 entered into a contract with Underground Utilities, Monroeville for Ph. 2 Jefferson St. Project. Cost $813,882. Our Hillibrand friends rebid the project for $483M.
Watershed “BRWP” and West Central Ohio Land Conservancy to Zoom premiere,
Conservation and Agriculture: Where Land Meets Water. Bluffton, Little Riley Creek Focus.
Learn how farmers and landowners can benefit from conservation practices while improving the water quality and landscapes of Northwest Ohio. Fri, Feb. 26. Senator Brown representative and Congressman Ohio 5th District Bob Latta representative on call.
Electrical Aggregation Program. New rate 4.50 cents per KWh. Old rate 4.89 cents.
JANUARY 2021
Council Meetings go back to Zoom for 2 months per Mitch's request.
2021 Backflow mailings go out. Required by the EPA
2020 Zoning & Building permit summary – Total 80 Permits = $4.47 M; 7 homes = $2.6 M; 6 Commercial/Industrial. = $1.0 M
DECEMBER 2020
2020 FAA CARES Act to fully fund Rehabilitation of Taxiway “C.” Total Cost $1.1M. Typically, Village pays 5%. FAA sponsored. Construction in 2021. Saves Village $55K.
Passed 3rd reading of Ord. 12-2020 Animal Ordinance setting regulations regarding the keeping of animals.
2021 Rate Ottawa water $2.44 per CCF. In 2020, $2.30
