By Betsi Werling

The Village of Bluffton council held a regular meeting on Monday, February 9 with Mayor Richard Johnson presiding.

Among reports and legislation, wages for pool employees was raised $ .30 to meet the new minimum wage of $11.00. Police Chief Ryan Burkholder reported that a Blue Envelope initiative will be introduced to foster a safer environment for drivers with autism spectrum disorder.

The 23-page meeting packet is HERE.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

Parks and Recreation
Ben Stahl reported that at a recent meeting, employee compensation and rental costs were discussed. Minimum wage went up by $.30, so the committee has proposed an increase in employee wages. There was also discussion about refunds for pool rental deposits. In the event that the pool has to close for weather-related events, the rentee would receive their deposit back. It was also recommended that deposits and pool rentals increase by $25.00. 

Later in the meeting, the first reading of related legislation was passed.

Streets, Alleys, Lights and Sidewalks
Council member Joe Sehlhorst reported on results from the ONU Capstone project on safety measures and traffic flow. At an upcoming meeting, the committee will provide feedback to the ONU students. In turn, they will continue to prepare recommendations for the Village. 

Pedestrian Pathway Board
Ben Stahl reported that Dave Smith is moving outside of Bluffton and will be stepping down from the Board. The board recently discussed a sidewalk ordinance and a Riley Street Path.

Joint Water Advisory Board
Village administrator Jesse Blackburn reported on a February 4 meeting. There was discussion on the completion of Water Treatment Plant Improvements. When the project concludes, there will be an open house to showcase the updates.

Blanchard River Watershed Partnership
Joe Sehlhorst reported that the organization has awarded Findlay, Ohio a grant for $150,000 to mitigate flooding and create a 5-acre native prairie. The project will include trails, trees and education.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION

Jesse Blackburn reported that the first payment for the SR 103 roundabout project was $76,975.38. The estimated cost of construction for this project will be roughly $1.4 million with 60% reimbursed by Ohio Department of Development, 16% reimbursed by ODOT Office of Jobs and Commerce and the remaining 24% borrowed through Ohio Public Works. 

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that due to the cold temperatures, the Village has been working on frozen water meters. Crews are removing the frozen units, insulating them and then reinstalling them.

MAYOR’S REPORT 

Mayor Johnson presented and council approved two special event permit requests. Ashes to Go will take place on February 18 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. on Cherry street near Main. The annual Good Friday Cross Walk will take place on April 3 between 11:30 a.m.and 12:30 p.m. and require a police escort.

SAFETY SERVICE REPORTS 

Emergency Medical Services
Assistant EMS Chief Jan Basinger reported that Car 100 will be getting new decals. Two new heart monitors have arrived and will be put into service soon. 

Fire Department
Chief Kinn reported on recent equipment maintenance. Truck 107 is fully operational. Truck 106 is being worked on and is offline.

Police Department
Chief Ryan Burkholder reported that the department was awarded $39,479.02 towards the overall cost of body cameras. He also shared that a Blue Envelope campaign will begin in Mid-March. The Blue Envelope initiative fosters a safer environment for drivers with autism spectrum disorder. Envelopes will have a copy of all documents needed for a traffic stop and include additional information that will help an officer understand the specific needs of the driver or passenger. These will be available in the 2nd floor lobby of Town Hall.

Chief Burkholder’s report ended with a presentation about 2025. He noted some of the increase in statistics were due to proper documentation occurring during the nightshift. He said that all officers have exceeded the number of training hours required by the state. Goals for 2026 are to bring body cameras online, as well as an additional cruiser and to continue with community engagement.