By Paula Pyzik Scott

Rooster nuisances did not return to Bluffton Council discussions at the regular meeting of September 9. Topics addressed included the most recent draft of proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning, the opportunity to fill in gaps during the fall tree planting program and ways to better utilize Bluffton Airport.

PUBLIC FORUM
During the public forum segment, Bluffton resident Ben Hill posed specific questions about the proposed ADU ordinance. Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn fielded most of his questions, including those on separate utility services, setbacks, parking, lease terms, registration and the definition of “stakeholder.” Ordinance committee members Joe Sehlhorst and Mitch Kingsley welcomed Hill’s questions and noted that a public hearing will be scheduled. They noted that work is currently focused on unit registration requirements.

PARKS AND RECREATION
Council member Ben Stahl reported on collaboration with the Allen County Department of Public Health, which purchased two new benches for Buckeye Park. There have been 22 responses to a health department survey, which will be publicized with QR codes at the park. Next steps  include opportunities for community engagement around the Village to get more feedback on playground equipment needs.

TREE COMMISSION
Stahl also reported on the August Tree Commission meeting. He discovered that commission president Becky Ahmed has been watering new trees and needs some help. The group is taking input on a fall planting plan that is focused on filling in gaps. Some dying trees are being removed at the entrance of Village Park and new plans for this location are being considered. (Minutes in packet.)

AIRPORT COMMISSION
No minutes were taken for the August 28 meeting of the Airport Commission. Blackburn reported that the $1M taxi lane rehabilitation project is partly funded. Finalizing this plan includes selecting an engineer for work during the next 3-5 years. A $250K ODOT grant has been used to improve taxiway lighting. Mayor Rich Johnson noted there is interest in building more hangar space and that the group is discussing how this huge asset could be better utilized.

LEGISLATION
Council passed all legislation unanimously:

Third and final reading of Resolution 19-2024 - Adopting an Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan
Second reading of Resolution 21-2024 - Allen County Budget Commission Amounts and Rates
Second reading of Resolution 22-2024 - Hancock County Budget Commission Apportionment Method
First reading of Resolution 24-2024 - Revision of portions of the personnel manual relating to sick leave conversion at retirement
First reading of Resolution 25-2024 - Contract with Hohenbrink Excavating for storm infrastructure at the Bluffton Soccer Complex

ADMINISTRATION
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn reported that the Village installed the pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the Main St. crosswalk near Vine. Mayor Johnson expects Bluffton Senior Center visitors to use the flashers much more often than students use the existing RRFBs near the high school and public library.

This week, materials will arrive for the construction of a roundabout at SR 103 and Pocono Drive near GROB. The construction date is not yet set.

NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of council is at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23.