Bluffton council hired two full-time police officers on Monday. With the new officers the department now had eight full-time officers, according to Rick Skilliter, police chief.
The two are Hope Hannah and Abigail Michael. Hannah has six years part-time experience with the Bluffton department. Michel has worked part-time for one year with the department.
They officially join the force on Jan. 5, 2014. Their pay is $13 an hour. Other members of the department are Matt Oglesbee and Ryan Burkholder, both sergeants, Tyler Hostettler, Chad Cupples, Lonny Kent and Skilliter.
Several students teacher assignments will be acted upon at Monday’s November school board meeting, according to Greg Denecker, superintendent.
Those include the following Ohio Northern University students from Jan. 21 through May 2:
• Kayle Gorenfio, with Dave Sycks
• Spencer Genson with Kevin King,
• Blade Tacket with Pamela Riffle
• Tony Rader with Scott Huff
• Hillard Crawford with Jackie Bourassa
The Village of Bluffton’s insurance committee will be meeting Friday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. in the Bluffton town hall, according to Nancy Kindle, village fiscal officer.
Preparations for 2014 are underway by the Bluffton council.
On Monday several ordinances will be considered that relate to next year.
• One is a pay ordinance.
• Another is an amended version of a previously passed sidewalk ordinance. The amended version changes the dates originally required for residents on the east side of the village to have sidewalks installed.
• A third is an ordinance establishing regulations for mowing and maintenance of properties.
A five-year fiscal forecast will be presented to the Bluffton school board on Monday, October Bluffton school board meeting. The forecast, a state requirement, covers 2014 to 2020.
Monday's board agenda is in an attachment at the bottom of this story.
Several contracts will be acted upon. In addition, upon board approval, Emily Goldsberry will be named to a seven-year term on the Bluffton Public Library board. The open spot is from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2020.
Bluffton's semi-annual hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin at the end of October, according to Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator.
The fall flushing takes a little longer than the spring flushing due to the need to pump
down the hydrants after flushing to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
