By Betsi Werling

The Village of Bluffton Council met on Monday, March 23 with Mayor Rich Johnson presiding. The meeting packet is attached HERE.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn announced that the Village has been awarded $500,000 towards Phase 3 of Legacy Park. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has provided the award through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

This will allow for the development of asphalt parking, trails and a playground. 

Blackburn said that shelter house funding is still being sought, but with the Soccer Board's collaboration, the shelter house should become a reality.

JOINT STREETS, ALLEYS, LIGHTS & SIDEWALK WITH PATHWAY BOARD
Council member Joe Sehlhorst reported on three potential projects. A North option is a detached bike and pedestrian pathway with trees from Bentley Rd. to Hunters Run, then an attached pathway from Hunters Run to Spring Street. The estimated cost is $486,954.

A South option is to create a 5-foot pathway along Riley Street to Buckeye Park. The estimated cost for this project would be $570,509. 

The third option is a North Main streetscape improvements project. This would continue lighting from Jefferson Street to Snider Road. For this project, the committee would like to enlist Choice One to create some specifics with estimated costs. The Choice One engineering fee is $97,975. 

The committee suggests holding a public meeting in September to discuss the three options with residents and gather feedback. 

ZONING AND BUILDING APPEALS
Council member Tom Downey reported on three zoning projects. Stratton Auto would like to create a stone parking lot for staging and unloading vehicles. The committee tabled this decision until more information is gathered. They need to know if the detention pond at the new location can handle runoff from an additional stone parking lot. 

Council approved two zoning applications,) a variance for a residential outbuilding and an addition to the Youth for Christ building.

AIRPORT COMMISSION
Downey also reported on interviewing a new engineering firm to work on updates to the Bluffton Airport. Several updates needed to bring the airport up to FAA code will cost a few million dollars. This firm has done projects at nearby airports, including Lima and Wapakoneta. They have 55 inspectors and 3 grant administrators. 

MAYOR’S REPORT
Council approved special event requests presented by Mayor Johnson. 1861 Wine Lounge will continue food truck events during the summer and fall. SumiRiko will hold a Community Easter Egg hunt on April 11 and the America 250 is organizing a 4th of July Parade on Main Street. 

SAFETY SERVICES
Fire Chief Jon Kinn reported that with repair completed on Engine 106, the Fire Department has a full fleet in the station. During the first 3 months of 2026, the department has made over 60 runs. 

Kinn reminded the council that the Village is currently under a burn ban from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No burning should occur during the months of March, April, May, October and November during these hours. Conditions are currently very dry; fires have the potential to get out of hand. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency sets these regulations.

Lieutenant Matt Oglesbee reported for the Bluffton Police Department. New cameras are now in service in Bluffton cruisers. Body cameras are being tested and are not yet in service.

LEGISLATION 

Council passed the following ordinances and resolutions:

Ordinance No. 02-2026 2nd reading by emergency - An ordinance approving the annual appropriations for the 2026 Fiscal Year for the Village of Bluffton.

Resolution No. 05-2026 A resolution establishing pay bases for the wages and salaries of certain Village employees.

Resolution No. 06-2026 1st reading by emergency, accepting a bid and authorizing the Village Administrator to enter into a contract with the Bluffton Stone Company/Bluffton Paving Inc. for the 2026 construction year 

Resolution No. 07-2026 by emergency, authorizing the Village Administrator to enter into an agreement with Choice One Engineering for services related to the N. Main St. reconstruction project.

Resolution No. 08-2026, 1st reading authorizing the Village Administrator to advertise for Public Bids for SR 103 southeast water main loop replacement.

NEXT MEETING
Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of Town Hall.