By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Council met on Monday, April 13 with Mayor Rich Johnson presiding. Ohio Northern Engineering students made a presentation on potential traffic and streetscape improvements. Topics under discussion included the adoption of Bluffton Police Department body cameras and the development of public pickleball courts. A scheduled AEP power outage for parts of Bluffton on Saturday, April 18, is expected to occur from about 3:00-8:00 a.m.

TRAFFIC AND STREETSCAPE RECOMMENDATIONS
Ohio Northern University Engineering students Nathan Wion, Ian Phillips, Chase Werling, and Jacob Marjak presented Capstone project recommendations for traffic and streetscape Improvements for the following areas: 

Main and College intersection
The main suggestion was to create a raised crosswalk with a gradual slope. ODOT suggests a 5% grade slope. The ONU students spoke of the challenges and advantages of this traffic-calming measure. While the raised crosswalk would be a challenge for semi-trucks and plows, it would slow down motor vehicles  and make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Jackson St. school area
Recommendations focused on ways to improve traffic flow for student drop-off and pick-up at the Elementary and Middle School areas. Widening the street and creating larger designated parking spots was proposed. A raised crosswalk to reduce the speed of motor vehicles was also suggested.

Vine Street parking and weekend closure 
Recommendations were made to facilitate weekend and temporary closure of Vine St. for events and activities. Recommendations included installing removable bollards and creating diagonal parking spots. Vine St. would remain open on weekdays.

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Council member Phil Talavania reported on the March 31 Personnel Committee meeting. The police department has received body cameras and is finalizing its policy for public requests for video footage. They hope to present the policy at the April 27 meeting and begin using the cameras in May.

Council member Ben Stahl reported on the March 30 Tree Commission meeting. The State Tree Commission provided a Princeton Elm to be planted on Arbor Day. To celebrate America 250, they will also plant a White Oak. 

Stahl also reported on the April 9 Parks and Recreation meeting. A pickleball community group is campaigning for a pickleball court in Bluffton. The plan calls for four pickleball courts at a cost of $110K - $150K. Funding and location are under discussion.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION 

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd made a friendly reminder for Village residents that they should maintain a lawn height below 7”. He urged mowers to avoid blowing grass on roads because it is dangerous for bicycles and motorcycles. 

Bi-annual Hydrant Flushing began on April 13 and should last 2 weeks. If residents notice discolored water, they should run an outside tap to clear it up. 

The Village will be working on sanitary sewer cleaning and upgrading several manholes. No start date has been determined. 

An AEP outage that will affect areas around the laundromat on Main St. and moving towards Polished, as well as near Bluffton University and Mennonite Memorial Home. The work is expected to begin at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 and last approximately 4 to 5 hours.

The Board of Building and Zoning Appeals will meet to discuss a conditional use for 199 Huber Street. A demolition is expected and will need to be brought up to code. 

LEGISLATION 
Resolution No 08-2026 was approved by emergency, authorizing the Village Administrator to advertise for public bids for SR 103 Southeast water main loop replacement project. 

Resolution No 09-2026 had its 2nd reading and was approved by emergency. This resolution authorizes the Village Administrator to enter into a master services agreement with Butler, Fairman, and Suefert, INC (BF&S) to serve as the airport engineers.

MAYOR'S REPORT 

Council approved two event permits. The Memorial Day Parade will be on May 25. It will begin at Town Hall and end at the Grove Cemetery. The Bluffton Lions Stacks and Crafts will be held on May 16 at the Middle School. The adjacent streets will be closed for vendors.

SAFETY SERVICES 

Fire Chief Jon Kinn reported that a second company will be providing estimates for new gear. The current gear has lasted 15 years, and the department would like the same gear life. 

EMS Chief Noah Babcock reported that several EMS staff members will be undergoing Advanced Life Support training. They have seen an increased need for this certification. 

Police Chief Ryan Burkholder reported on a scam that tells people they have 48 hours to pay to keep their license from being suspended. If you receive any emails or calls about this, it is a scam and you should report it to the Bluffton Police Department. 

Officer Tyler Hostetler has been selected as the 2nd District Representative for The Ohio Crime Prevention Association (OCPA), serving Northwest Ohio counties including Allen and Hancock.

NEXT MEETING
7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27 on the 3rd Floor of Town Hall.