By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Village of Bluffton Council held a regular meeting on Monday, November 9 with Mayor Rich Johnson presiding and all council members present. Business included the announcement of an anonymous donation for $5,000 towards lighting the evergreen trees in the Blaze of Lights display.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Global Goods Etc. manager Wendy Chappel-Dick presented a request to have live llamas during a children's sidewalk sale on December 12. Council approved the request to use two parking spots for two hours for this purpose.

COMMITTEES
Mayor Johnson and Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn reviewed the minutes from a March 2026 meeting of the Bluffton in Bloom committee, which included research on the use of "parklets," small outdoor seating areas in spaces previously used for parking. Johnson said the committee has yet to come up with a good way to apply this concept to Bluffton. The committee will meet on November 10.

LEGISLATION
Council approved the 2nd readings:

• An ordinance to establish electronic W2 filing requirements for Village of Bluffton income taxes. 
• A resolution to accept the new Ottawa bulk water rate.
• A resolution to apply for a park grant.

DONATION FOR BLAZE LIGHTING
Blackburn reported that an anonymous donor has pledged $5,000 toward the use of professional lighting services to decorate the evergreen trees that are part of the Blaze of Lights display in the Bluffton Presbyterian Church yard. This reduces the Village expense to $9,820. In previous year the Village has spent some $7,000 on renting lifts for volunteer crews.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
The Village will be accepting credit card payments for water bills, hopefully beginning in January 2027.

OPEN HOUSE FEEDBACK
Blackburn reported on the November 2 open house to ask residents for feedback on two options for creating space dedicated to pedestrian and bike use along Riley St. west of Spring St. Residents viewed plans for a sidewalk option and a wider road option. Village staff and committee members were present to answer questions.

Over 30 people attended the event, and 20 surveys were submitted.

The Pathway Board and Streets & Alleys committee will hold a joint meeting on January 7 at noon.

GROVE ROAD BRIDGE
Asst. Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd said he expects gasline work on Columbus Grove Rd. to be done this or next week. He reported that the road will be open through the holidays and that bridge replacement will not commence until February 2027.

BLAZE OF LIGHTS PERMIT
Council approved a preliminary permit for the November 28 Blaze of Lights Festival. Plans include closure of Main, Vine, Elm, Church and Cherry streets for the parade, food trucks, trolley rides and other entertainment.