By Andy Chappell-Dick
It is possible that as many Bluffton residents pass Monday evenings scrolling through the offerings of streaming services and cable TV, they are missing one of the most compelling and consequential reality shows, now well into its second century of seasons. Every second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m., a revolving cast of characters gathers in front of a live audience to deliberate and make decisions that keep this town operating smoothly. It plays like a courtroom procedural with flashes of drama and comedy. At the end of each episode, audience members get to stand up and leave a review. No ticket is required for entry.
On March 14, Mayor Rich Johnson convened the meeting and ushered the six Council members through a quick approval of the last meeting's minutes and paying of the Village's bills.
COMMITTEES
Reporting for the Ordinance Committee, Mitch Kingsley informed Council that updates to the Village's zoning regulations will be needed in the wake of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) changes to the floodplain map. The Village oversees how the floodplain is handled, but local rules need to be approved by FEMA.
Ben Stahl and Joe Sehlhorst spoke for the Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Board. While one new board member, Jenny Pilarowski, has been named, three others have stated they'll soon be resigning: Dick Ramseyer, Laura Voth, and Dima Snyder.
This board has overseen numerous projects since its formation in 2009; with several more in the works or in the planning stage, new members are needed. Bluffton's Complete Streets Committee, a separate group, will explore how pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of moving can be safely incorporated into Bluffton's existing streets, most of which are designed for cars only. Having a dedicated committee will be helpful in securing outside funding for these projects.
LEGISLATION
Council passed the first reading of a resolution that sets fees and wages at the Bluffton Community Pool. Daily admission will remain unchanged at $4; family season passes increase slightly to $160 (resident) and $200 (non-resident.) Most other fees and wages also are increasing marginally. Pool revenue does not cover the costs of this Village-owned facility; the consensus is that fees should remain as affordable as possible to users.
Council also passed, by emergency, a resolution concerning this summer's street resurfacing. Once again, the Village will contract with Bluffton Stone Company and Bluffton Paving, Inc. to perform the work. Exact plans will be finalized soon.
REPORTS
Mayor Johnson then requested reports from the Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn and Assistant Administrator Bryan Lloyd. Jesse led by praising the staff of the Public Works Department as extremely competent and versatile workers. Much is asked of the Village crew, often behind the scenes or in bad weather or at the bottom of a ditch, and they accomplish many tasks efficiently.
Lloyd reported that the waterline replacement on the University campus is now complete; this summer waterline will be replaced on Lawn Avenue and Jackson Street. Another project, the reconstruction of the Bentley Road/South Main Street intersection, is now delayed until Spring 2023. Final scheduling of these sorts of infrastructure projects can be fluid based on timetables of the various funding sources and how separate projects overlap or intersect. For example, in 2023 ODOT will be repaving State Route 103 through the Village, including Main Street.
Lloyd continued the report by calling attention to the replacement of street signs taking place throughout the Village. New white signs with black lettering are much easier to read at night, and have a more traditional look.
Blackburn concluded by stating that for local income tax filers, Bluffton will once again follow the schedule set by the state. He reminded the room that all persons either living in the Village or earning money in the Village--18 years of age or older--must file a Village Income Tax Return even if they owe no tax. This is not a new requirement, and all present seemed to agree that it is only fair given the quality of services and infrastructure we enjoy in the Village.
The meeting was adjourned without public comment.
