By Paula Pyzik Scott

The September 22 meeting of the Bluffton Council was chaired by President Jerry Cupples in the absence of Mayor Rich Johnson. The council agenda including bills paid is attached HERE.

Pandora council member Paul Burkholder and Bluffton council candidate Liz Gordon-Hancock were in attendance at the meeting.

REPORTS
Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for two required off-street parking spots for a property at 126 N. Jackson St., where a building previously used for a business office is being converted to a single apartment. There will be three residential units on the property and four off-street parking spaces. 

ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn reported that the driveway to new soccer fields at Legacy Park will be paved in the coming weeks so that it will be ready for the spring youth soccer season.

The village received a request to install a Little Free Library in the tree lawn at 554 S. Main St. Council asked that the Village attorney draft an agreement detailing the property owner’s responsibilities.

It was announced that Bluffton Trick or Treat night is Thursday, October 30 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

A new Village of Bluffton entrance sign on State Route 103 will be installed starting this week. The design uses a synthetic rock replica of the large natural stone on Bentley Rd. at I-75. 

Hydrant flushing will begin this week and take about two weeks. The schedule is earlier than usual because trees are starting to drop their leaves.

SAFETY SERVICES
Bluffton EMS will be providing a free First on the Scene training course on October 18 from 9 a.m.-noon. To sign up, email [email protected] or call 419-358-2066, ext. 293. A first responders training course is scheduled for October 25-26 with details to be announced.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Bluffton resident Joe Shriner inquired if the Village had ever pursued an official, marked business route from the Bentley Rd. exit on I-75 to the SR 103 exit.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Council approved the closure of portions of Jackson and Franklin streets for the Bluffton Craft Show to be held during Bluffton Fall Festival on September 27.

The next meeting of the Bluffton Council is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13.