By Betsi Werling

The following Bluffton Village Council meeting was held on Monday, August 10, 2026. Mayor Richard Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

SAFETY SERVICES, PERSONNEL AND FINANCE
Phill Talavania reported a future change in the EMS work schedule. The department currently operates on the California Swing Shift Model, a 9-day work cycle where staff members alternate 24 hours on and 24 hours off for 5 consecutive days, then are off for a consecutive 96 hours. Chief Babcock requested that the EMS staff move to a work cycle of 48 hours on duty and 96 hours off duty. He said that after individual meetings with all his staff, this change was well received. This change was approved and will take effect in January 2027. 

LEGISLATION
Ordinance No. 03-2026 was approved by way of emergency and allows for additional funding for the Benroth Bridge Fund and the replacement of equipment that was previously appropriated in the budget cycle. The quote for the work to be completed on the Benroth foot bridge at Buckeye Park came in over $5,000 more than what was allocated. The quote for equipment replacement exceeds $10,000 for the purchase of a new mower.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Jesse Blackburn reported that Gerding Contracting, LLC from Ft. Jennings was awarded the contract to complete the GROB Water Loop Project. This project will begin in Fall of 2026. 

The Village intends to submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission for Phase 1 of the North Main Reconstruction Project. Recent funding from OPWC has been a zero percent interest loan. Therefore, the Village could be looking at a loan of $888,191, obligating the Village to pay $44,409 annually for 20 years. The maximum loan period could be 30 years if the Useful Life of a Project is determined by the Design Engineer on the application for funding. Estimated start date is July 2027.

MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Richard Johnson reported that there has been some feedback on the e-bike decals on downtown sidewalks not being effective. Chief Burkholders and others will be discussing future ordinances. 

Council approved a request to close a portion of Main Street for the Bluffton Fall Festival on September 26, 2026.

SAFETY SERVICES
EMS Chief Noah Babcock reported that the department is holding several joint training sessions, the first being with the athletic departments at Bluffton University and Bluffton High School.