By Betsi Werling

Bluffton Village Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 27, with Mayor Richard Johnson presiding. Among discussions and actions was a $1.2M reconstruction project on N. Main St. and the introduction of the SeeMyLegacy online community engagement platform.

NORTH MAIN ST. RECONSTRUCTION
The first Phase of the N. Main St Reconstruction project is expected to begin this month. Ohio Public Works Commission funding will be sought to cover some of the expected cost. It is projected to be approximately $1,184,254. 

This project will reconstruct the roadway and provide new road markings and signage, a crosswalk entry to Legacy Park on Snider Rd, new curbing, new stormwater lines and two bridge reconstructions. The work will be coordinated by the Allen County Engineer.

SEE MY LEGACY
The Village has a contract with SeeMyLegacy, an online platform that allows community organizations to advertise events, organize volunteer activities, complete event registrations, and raise funds, among other uses. (Sample Marietta, Ohio). The cost is less than $2,000 annually.

SR 103 SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION
The speed limit will be reduced from 45 to 40 m.p.h. Jefferson St/State Route 103 from County Line Road to the Southbound exits for I-75. A big factor in reducing the speed limit is the increased presence of pedestrians. Future development along this corridor may allow an even lower speed limit of 35 m.p.h. 

GROVE RD. IMPROVEMENTS
The Grove Road Project is expected to begin very soon. The project includes walkways to the entrances of Motter Metro Park and Maple Grove Cemetery.

WILLOW RIDGE EXPANSION
The Planning Commission is expected to meet and discuss an expansion of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio’s Willow Ridge property. 

GROB WATER LOOP
Resolution No. 18-2026 was approved by Emergency, which accepted a bid and authorized the Mayor and Village Administrator to enter into a contract with Gerding Contracting, LLC for the GROB Water Loop Project.  This project will cost approximately $320,892.48 and begin sometime in late fall 2026. 

PERSONNEL
Phil Talavania reported for the Personnel Committee. Council approved the recommendation of Shane Jenkins as a part-time police officer position at a starting rate of $22.50 per hour.

SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
Council approved special event permits for two activities on August 8:

Dominic Francis Memorial Run line-up and registration will occur from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Main and Elm streets.

Bluffton History Day will include activities in downtown Bluffton from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Coordinated by the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society, History Day will include presentations at three locations and a scavenger hunt. From noon to 1:00 p.m., individuals can request to be locked up in John Dillinger’s cell. To be released, participants need to raise funds for the creation of a Bluffton historical museum.

Council also approved a permit for Bluffton High School senior football players to paint the College Ave. bridge beginning at 5:45 p.m. on August 12. 

SAFETY SERVICES 

Fire Department - Chief Jon Kinn reported that next Wednesday there will be a fitting for new gear. The fireworks permit was approved for National Night Out on August 4. Steve Hardesty has submitted his resignation after 40 years of service with the Fire Department, which was accepted by council.

Police Department - Chief Ryan Burkholder reported the new cruiser has arrived and will be on display at National Night Out (August 4).

NEXT MEETING
Council will hold a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10.

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