Bluffton council learned that two parcels of land that the village holds title to should be transferred to Bluffton University. That fact was announced at the March 22 Bluffton council meeting.

According to Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator, the first is the parcel where the old water tower was located (behind Founders Hall). The second parcel is where Riley Creek Court complex is located.

Based on recent research by Mitch Kingsley, the Riley Creek Court parcel was deeded to the village as part of the bonding for the construction of the buildings in 1968. There was a 30-year lease involved to allow for the prepayment of the bonds back to the university.

The final payment was made in 1998. Mehaffie said that once the necessary paperwork is located and generated, he recommends the council transfers the two parcels back to Bluffton University.

In addition, paperwork is underway to finalize two transfers involving the village and the McClellan Family Investment (Morey's). Prior to the College Avenue improvement project in 2003, the village and the property owner at the time reached an agreement to exchange two small parcels for the purpose of right-of-way for the project. The transfer was never completed and filed.

Bluffton council learned that the village has received two quotes for the Swiss Park storm drainage improvement (phase II) project. Mehaffie said that Don Snyder's bid was $24,859 and J&D Snyder's was $7,190 below it. The village plans to install 48-inch storm sewer drains in that neighborhood.

Tree commission
Bluffton's tree commission will plant a tree in memory of Gene Benroth during its 2010 Arbor Day celebration. The event is at 10 a.m., Saturday, April, 24, at the Benroth Bridge at the Buckeye park. The tree commission will meet March 25 to review what type of planting will take place. The commission was notified that on April 21 it will receive its Tree City USA award.

Spring clean up
The week of May 21-31 is spring clean up week in Bluffton. Two dumpsters will be delivered to the Spring Street recycling center and removed on June 1.