By Paula Scott

The October 10 regular meeting of the Bluffton Council was a snappy affair, over in just about 30 minutes. The reason? There was no legislation on the agenda.

The meeting packet is attached and page numbers for supporting materials are listed below.

After approving the minutes of September 26 (pages 2-3) and payment of village bills (pages 4-5), council heard reports from committees, administration and safety services.

UTILITIES AND FINANCE
Council member Dave Steiner reported that the annual Ottawa water bill adjustment will take effect in January. He also noted that while the village has a policy for assessing property owners for curbs on new streets there is not currently a policy for curb repairs.

STREETS & ALLEYS
Council member Joe Sehlhorst reported on the development of a Complete Streets policy, a project that began in March with Smart Growth America (pages 6-9). The policy has been sent to Council and will now go to Smart Growth America for scoring and feedback. Ultimately the policy will be presented to council for approval in the form of a resolution.

ADMINISTRATION

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported on the following

•  Leaf pickup begins October 24 to provide cleanup before trick or treaters on October 27. The service runs for 4-6 weeks. Residents should create long piles of leaves with no sticks or other debris.
   
• The village has completed 35.6% complete of sump pump reviews. Hopes to be done by end of next year.
   
• Fire Hydrant flushing will end this week or next. Jesse Blackburn commented that workers learned by doing to use a hydrant repair tool saving the village from needing a new $4000 hydrant.

Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn reported (p. 10):

• The village is applying for 0% interest funds for two sections of waterline.
   
• Plans for the Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow community meeting from 3:30-7:00 p.m. on Oct 19 at the Middle School Cafetorium. He noted that the steering committee hoped for a couple hundred participants to attend, as follow up to the July survey. The committee is looking for resident input on topics with direct village influence such as parks and utilities.
   
• Trick or Treat night is 6:00-7:30 on Thursday, October 27.

Mayor Richard Johnson presented (p. 11):

• A Blaze parade road closure request for Saturday, November 26, from Junior Weihrauch, which was approved unanimously.

SAFETY SERVICES

Fire Chief Jon Kinn reported:

• He was given a verbal report of inspection well pumping at the Marathon gas station. Crews were pumping out groundwater not contaminants. Kinn noted there was “no end in sight to testing.”
   
• The Bluffton Fire Department is interested in working with other Allen County fire departments to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program-FEMA radio grant. Current Motorola radios will no longer have technical support in 2024.
   
• Will make presentations to Elementary School, preschools, and day care during Fire Prevention Week.

Police Chief Ryan Burkholder reported:

• This week officers are using MILO firearms simulation training equipment on loan from Owens Community College. 
   
• Applying for a body armor grant. The department was gifted with two collapsible shields that can easily be stored in the cruisers.

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.