EMS Chief job posted, Lima/Allen Building Dept. agreement begins January 1, “2 Decembers” on water bills

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Council held a regular meeting on December 9, which was conducted by Mayor Rich Johnson with all members present.

BILLS
Prior to Council approving the payment of bills, Council member Ben Stahl asked for information on the  results of the audit of water meter reading and billing by Raybern Utility Solutions ($8,156). Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that no individual reason for water losses was identified but that losses have gone from 38% to 15%. 

JOINT PERSONNEL AND SAFETY SERVICES
Council member Phill Talavinia reported on the committee meeting, noting that once applications are submitted they will begin interviewing for the new position of full-time EMS Chief. (The position is posted on www.bluffton-ohio.com/employment/ )

CONTINUES ▶︎

LEGISLATION
Council unanimously approved an ordinance to establish the Lima Building Department (a.k.a. Lima/Allen County Building Department) as the Village authority beginning January 1, 2025. Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn noted that the Hancock County Health Dept. will cover plumbing inspections and that Wood County will continue to serve as backup.

Council also approved resolutions to accept new water rates from the Village of Ottawa (affecting the cost to the village, not the rate being charged to Bluffton customers) and temporary appropriations for 2025.

ADMINISTRATION
Jesse Blackburn reported that because November ended on a Saturday, water meter readings occurred on December 2. This will create “2 Decembers” and no November on the usage charts provided on Village utility bills.

He also provided a project summary for American Rescue Plan Act funding which totalled $427K and has been applied to five water quality projects listed on the attached report.

Bryan Lloyd reported on current projects including the start of leak repairs on the east water tower this week. Pocono Drive should be reopened this week following utility improvements.

FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Jon Kinn reported that the MARCS radio system will become obsolete on July 1, 2025 when authentication will no longer function. He noted that the Village has had 84 MARCS radios, which was far too many. The Village will need to order more Kenwood radios, which will be in high demand by all agencies. 

EMS
Council approved Chief Jan Basinger’s request to hire two new squad members, Jessica Armstrong and Eric Wilkins. He reported that residents Victoria Gershutz and Natalie Powell will begin EMT training at Apollo in January. A donation from the Lima Fraternal Order of Eagles will fund an AED for Southgate Lanes.

The council meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.