By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Monday, June 8 regular meeting of the Village of Bluffton council was chaired by Mayor Rich Johnson with all members present. Among the issues discussed were a new downtown sidewalk safety zone, detour changes at the SR 103 roundabout at Navajo Dr., and plans for August 4 National Night Out celebrations. The council packet is here.

SIDEWALK SAFETY ZONE
In the sole item of legislation, the council approved by emergency the establishment of a downtown sidewalk safety zone using multiple decals on the pavement. The signage will emphasize the priority of pedestrian use of the sidewalks and the safe, slow and courteous operation of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and similar mobility devices at speeds not to exceed 5 miles per hour.

The full resolution begins on page 5 of the attached packet.

NEW DETOUR FOR ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTION
Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that the first phase of roundabout construction at State Route 103 and Navajo Dr. is nearing completion. Phase two will involve redoing access to adjacent businesses. Access to Navajo Dr. from the east will reopen and access from the west (Bluffton) will be diverted to State Route 235.

40 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON SR 103 
Following review with ODOT District 1 and Choice One Engineering, the Village has determined that 40 MPH is the lowest supportable speed limit available for State Route 103 between I-75 and County Line Rd. Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn said that the Village will be able to appeal later for a 35 MPH limit, when development becomes denser.

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT
Council approved an application for Cottage Art House Workshops in the alley beside Book Reviews, 123 S. Main, on Saturdays June-Oct 3.

DRINKING WATER REPORT
The 2025 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report is available at Town Hall and is part of the attached packet, page 9. The Village has met all requirements for supplying drinking water. The report details the source of Village water, tests for contamination and EPA guidelines.

SAFETY SERVICES

Fire Department
Chief Jon Kinn noted that the State of Ohio is advertising the need for volunteer firefighters and that if you know anyone who wants to join, to send them his way (419-358-4050, [email protected]).

EMS Department
Assistant Chief Jan Basinger reminded council of the EMS station open house on Saturday, Jun 13 from 12 - 3 p.m.

Police Department
Chief Ryan Burkholder provided Council with the May activity report and a breakdown of the history of traffic radar signs in Bluffton. (Begins packet page 15.)

Lieutenant Matt Oglesbee and Officer Abby Michaels reminded Council members that they are the traditional hot dog cooking crew for the August 4 National Night Out event at the Bluffton Community Pool. Plans include cooking 1,500 hot dogs and fireworks sponsored by Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce members.

NEXT MEETING
The Council will hold a regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22.