By Paula Pyzik Scott

The June 23 meeting of the Bluffton Council included no legislation and brought councilors up to date on committee and administration activity. Of special note was the closure of the Village shuffleboard courts to the general public due to vandalism and a request by Mayor Rich Johnson that residents using the brush dump drive close to the pile before unloading.

The meeting agenda and packet are HERE.

COMMITTEES
Streets, Alleys, Lights and Sidewalks - Committee member Joe Sehlhorst reported on a meeting with Bluffton Meadows Condos. A portion of the private drive has deteriorated where a patch was made following repairs for a water leak. Consideration of the matter will continue.

Insurance - Committee member Jerry Cupples presented information on insurance cost increases which are due in part to “more employees and more land.” Council approved the proposal from Webb Insurance.

Parks and Recreation - Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn reported on behalf of the committee about a meeting with the Bluffton Soccer Club to discuss shelter house plans. He noted that the club’s fundraising grand total for Legacy Park is currently at $300K. 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION
Blackburn reported that the Bluffton Community Pool opened on June 21 following extensive repairs and that the pool is still losing a little more water than expected.

The Village shuffleboard courts near Spring St. have been closed to the general public due to bike and skateboard damage. Blackburn explained that the courts will be open for club members only. Surveillance cameras are being considered for the courts and the Community Pool.

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that 14 loads of brush were collected following last week’s storms. Cleanup at the parks was beginning on June 24.

Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel pointed out that  a new statement of cash from revenue and expense would be part of the council packet starting with this meeting.

SAFETY SERVICES
Fire Department - Chief Jon Kinn issued a reminder that Fireworks laws now allow use on July 3-4-5 as well as the weekends before and after the 4th of July holiday. He noted that the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association are fighting House Bill 335 which would hurt fire department funding, especially for townships. Kinn reported that renovations at the Fire Station are complete except for some wet paint.

Police Department - Chief Ryan Burkholder reported that there were no charges pending following the June 14 incident in which a dog threatened a woman and child, and was shot and killed by an off duty deputy near SR 103. He commented that the May 2025 activity summary in the meeting packet was a typical month. Burkholder noted that even he received scam texts about unpaid tickets from the BMV and that residents should just delete them.

EMS Department - Chief Noah Babcock reported that the installation of kitchen facilities at the EMS station are scheduled for August.