Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance submitted prior to first reading

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The April 22 regular meeting of the Village of Bluffton Council was just 30 minutes, time enough to touch on a wide variety of topics of community interest. There was no legislation at the meeting.

In the Ordinance Committee report, council was given proposed Ordinance 13.11.10 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (pages 7-12 in the attached packet) which addresses “a housing crisis, with home prices and rents unaffordable for families and households of middle and moderate income.” If approved, the ordinance would allow for “legal accessory dwelling units on lots in single-family zones and in other zoning districts.”

Council member Mitch Kingsley announced that the ordinance would receive its first reading at the next regular session.

In other committee reports, Streets and Alleys member Joe Sehlhorst noted that Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn met with some 20 residents of Hunters Run regarding curb conditions and repaving. He also told council that parking will be marked at the intersection of Bentley Rd at Main St. to slow down traffic. 

In the Administration report (attached), Blackburn reviewed budgeted repairs and painting for both water towers, asset management and contingency plans for the water treatment plant, and upcoming storm sewer repairs on Lawn Ave.

Mayor Rich Johnson presented public event permits for the May-October Bluffton Farmers Market and the June 14 Festival of Wheels, which council approved unanimously. 

In the lone Safety Services report, EMS Chief Jan Basinger was given permission to purchase an AED for the Community Pool. Basinger will also be updating AEDs in Bluffton Police Department patrol cars starting with the two oldest.

The next regular session of council will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13.