By Betsi Werling

Village of Bluffton Council met on Monday, April 27 with Mayor Rich Johnson conducting the meeting. During the session, Council heard a presentation from Ohio Northern engineering students on two ways to improve stormwater control. A resolution was introduced to allow painting of the Bluffton University name and logo on the Village's east water tower.

PUBLIC COMMENT 
ONU students Kolten Berner, Preston Ray, Kaelen Howard, Kyle Endsley and Katelyn Wagner, with their supervising professor David Johnstone, presented their Capstone project focused on Flood Control and Nutrient Reduction for the Village of Bluffton. 

The students looked for ways to hold stormwater and allow it to recede more slowly. Their main focus was to consider a 13-acre detention pond, which would be 6.5 feet deep and able to hold stormwater for 36 hours. This allows downstream communities time to prepare for the water influx. 

Another option presented was a 2-stage ditch on either side of Riley Creek to allow for more room in the creek for the water that currently floods the Riley. They also looked at adding flowers and plants that would reduce pollutants in water. The students shared that there are a variety of grants available for these types of projects from the Ohio EPA and FEMA. 

Also during public comment, Council Member Liz Gordon-Hancock shared that a resident wanted to thank the Police Department for moving a speed indicator to College Avenue to help slow cars. 

TREE COMMISSION
Council member Ben Stahl reported for the Tree Commission. An Arbor Day celebration was held on April 25 at Shannon Cemetery. A Princeton Elm tree was planted at the ceremony. 

BLUFFTON IN BLOOM
Mayor Johnson reported for the Bluffton in Bloom committee. For Vine Street updates, the board received bench grants. Depending on how parking is created, they will add benches. Potential projects for the alley by DeMarco Wealth Management included resurfacing the alley and creating a mural. 

ZONING
Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Llloyd reported on the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. The board has approved a conditional use permit for a second dwelling on a 2-acre parcel at 199 Huber Street. The Board also approved Stratton Auto's request to use a detention pond for runoff from a gravel parking lot.

PARKS AND RECREATION
Ben Stahl reported on the Parks and Recreation committee with Amy Byers of the Bluffton Family YMCA about a partnership to create outdoor pickleball courts. Byers will take the proposal to the YMCA Board on May 29.

LEGISLATION
Council passed the first reading of Resolution No. 10-2026, allowing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Bluffton University for the display of the Bluffton University Name and Logo on the Village’s East Water Tower. One Council member abstained from voting due to a relationship with the University. 

Council passed the first reading of Resolution No. 11-2026, which would authorize the Village Administrator to apply for funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Nature Grant Program for the construction of a public pickleball complex. 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported on two road projects. Elm Street improvements are nearing completion. He said the Village is awaiting asphalt installation. He noted that there will be parking on the north side of the street. 

SR 103 Roundabout at Navajo Dr. work has completed stamp and flat work. Crews are grading ditches and are also awaiting asphalt.

Hydrant flushing has been was completed. A water main leak was repaired and one hydrant needs replacing.

Letters have been sent to property owners who need to mow their lawns. If not completed, the Village will mow the properties and assess owners $200. 

The list of Bluffton Pool Staff for 2026 was presented to Council and approved for hiring.

Bryan Lloyd received his Ohio EPA Class 3 Operator for water reclamation certification. MAYORS REPORT
Two special event permits were approved by Council. From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on May 22, there will be a food truck in front of Citizens Naitonal Bank for the WKXA Community Day. On May 23, the Bluffton High School Leo Club will host a 5K Run/Walk from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

SAFETY SERVICES
Police Chief Ryan Burkholder reported for the EMS department. On June 13 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. there will be an Open House at the EMS Building for the community. Council approved a request to hire two part-time EMS crew members.

On behalf of the Bluffton Police Department, Lieutenant Matt Oglesbee requested and received approval to hold National Night Out on August 4. The motion included pool use and free pool admission.

The public portion of the meeting ended when Council entered an Executive Session with no further action to take place.

NEXT MEETING
7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026.