2023 budget approved, new firefighter hired, public events approved

The July 11 regular meeting of the Village of Bluffton Council had quorum with council members Joe Sehlhorst and Phill Talavinia absent.

Following the approval of minutes from two prior meetings and bill payments, Mayor Richard Johnson asked for committee reports. (Packet with minutes and supporting materials.)

COMMITTEES
The Finance Committee met on July 7 to review the budget prepared by Fiscal Officer Kevin Nichols. Council member Dave Steiner noted that there was very little change made to the budget by the committee. Council approved the budget unanimously.

The Utilities Committee also met on July 7 to review the $2.49M budget for capital projects, some of which depend on federal funding that is not yet granted. The village will be applying for principal forgiveness.

ADMINISTRATION

Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow
Village administrator Jesse Blackburn reported that the Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow survey has received 410 responses. He encouraged all present to “Share with your social circle.” Once survey is completed, the village will assess what it reveals.

2020 Census data on poplation
Commenting on a State of the Village presentation made to Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce members in June, Blackburn noted that the village’s non-student population grew by 7% between 2010 and 2020. He explained that the village would have to add 285 housing units before become a city, which requires having a charter.

Complete Streets
Blackburn set up an information table at the July 9 Bluffton Farmers Market to share information about street safety projects, which now have the title of Complete Streets.

A survey is being developed to help residents give feedback on street conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, known as a walk audit.

Employee Assistance Program
Blackburn recommended that elected officials be added to the benefit program for employees and volunteers. The item was tabled until all council members could be present and the appropriate motion is determined (e.g., effective for the next term of office, not the current one).

Region Planning TIP (Transportation Improvement Program)
Thirteen transportation projects were listed for planning purposes including the $6.34M reconstruction of Jefferson St. from the railroad tracks to the west side of Citizens Parkway including curbs, gutters, drainage, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and sidewalks. The planning process insures that needs are identified to assist in funding applications.

ZONING MEETING
The June 28 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing for conditional use at 152 W. Riley St. had “zeo attendance.” The repurposing of an existing building as a residence was approved. ODNR-FEMA has been contacted for feedback on the property adjacent to Riley Creek.

MAYOR
Mayor Johnson presented multiple requests for special events. Three were approved unanimously and the fourth was tabled.

October 15, 2022 - Bluffton University Homecoming

• Request traffic control and close Bentley Rd
• Seven food truck vendors lists
• 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

July 19, 2022 - Greenhorn Restaurant private event

• Request to close Vine St. from Main to alley
• Alcohol to be served; Village event approval needed for application to state liquor control
• 6:00-10:00 p.m.

August 6, 2022 - Greenhorn Restaurant private event

• Request to close Vine St. from Main to alley
• Alcohol to be served pending state approval
• DJ to play music; 11 p.m. requested by village for amplified music shut off time; uncertain if there is an established regulation; nuisance complaints can be submitted at any time of day
• 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

August 20, 2022 - Greenhorn public event

• Request to close Vine St. from Main to alley
• Alcohol to be served pending state approval
• Music, street food, local vendors and artists, dancing
• 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

August 12, 2023 - St. John’s UCC 150th anniversary

• Tabled until next meeting

SAFETY SERVICES
EMS Chief Jan Basinger recommended hiring certified firefighter and paramedic Keith Hohenbrink for both Fire and EMS departments, which was approved unanimously.

Basinger noted that an EMS grant based on seatbelt fines will be a fraction of the normally $7K received for training and equipment.

There were no police or fire department reports.

MEETING DATES

New meetings scheduled:

Streets, Alleys, Lights and Sidewalks: July 13 at 5:45 p.m., Regarding the structure outside of Luke’s, 133 N. Main.

Streets, Alleys, Lights and Sidewalks - July 21 at 5:30 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT
The Icon requested a report on fireworks in the village over the 4th of July weekend. EMS chief Jan Basinger commented he witnessed large fireworks being set off in the middle of Jackson Street on July 2.

NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Johnson noted that a committee is being established for developing a memorial for Officer Dominic Francis.

The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.