The council packet can be viewed HERE.
Following routine matters that open all council meetings, the April 10 session saw Mayor Rich Johnson recognizie Logan Matthewson, who stood at the podium in full Eagle Scout regalia and requested politely that Council accept his project, a very impressive metal receptacle to be placed in Town Hall for the collection of worn American flags. This they did, unanimously, and thanked him for his time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks and Recreation - Ben Stahl reported that this committee has been working with a very enthusiastic group of citizens in creating the Bluffton Village Park Disc Golf Course, and aside from almost continuous improvements to the course, the group reported that many people are using it. A phone app tracks scores and ratings, which shows 884 rounds were played last year, but it's understood that the majority of users just play for fun and don't register. This amenity attracts many people to Village Park.
The parks are also popular places for dogwalking, but complaints are surfacing to show there is too much forensic evidence left behind. Leaving behinds, as it were. The committee asks that dog walkers clean up after their dogs, and are considering spending money on signs and possibly trash receptacles.
CONTINUES
Streets, Lights, Alleys and Sidewalks - Joe Sehlhorst summarized this committee meeting and noted that this year's paving includes only three streets: Hunters Run, West Jefferson, and Navajo Drive. A new curb coating, said to lengthen the life of concrete, will be tested on the Hunters Run project.
There are ten more ADA sidewalk ramps going in around town; watch for these improvements on a corner near you. As spray paint markings and cut marks show, curbs are being fixed along Main Street ahead of the state's resurfacing project.
AEP needs to close Jefferson street for about three weeks to work on their big poles, but only during the day on weekdays, starting on April 17.
The Bentley Road intersection realignment, out by the Dari-Freeze, will be even better than expected due to an accounting error of $32,000 in the town's favor, all of which will go into sidewalk and pedestrian features that had been dropped for cost control.
LEGISLATION
Legislation on this evening was limited to two bills: final reading of the swimming pool rates, and an emergency resolution that sets the stage for construction of the pathway along State Route 103. Both passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
Village Administrator- Jesse Blackburn announced that having just passed the above resolution, the State Route 103 multi-use pathway is set in motion. It will provide a paved pedestrian and bike path from the Jefferson Street/County Line Road intersection to the fast food restaurant area. Work will begin in June, to be finished around Thanksgiving. Heading south from that interesection, the pathway along County Line Road will also be started soon, although AEP has to finish their pole work first.
Speaking of AEP and that intersection, a remarkable scene is unfolding as the utility goes to extraordinary lengths to remove a few tons of concrete that was placed too close to traffic. A very large metal pole will eventually be placed there, just not quite so close to the intersection. The Village appreciates their flexibility in moving "Structure 12."
Motorists and pedestrians are actively dodging cones and barrels throughout town; perhaps it feels like Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. But that is the inconvenience of infrastructure improvement. Bryan Lloyd, Assistant Administrator, listed the various streets and utilities projects that are underway, along with expected completion dates.
Blackburn updated Council on the Village-wide sump pump inspection process. Nearly half of the town has been inspected. Residents are informed of the prohibition of discharging sump pumps into the sanitary sewer, and given plenty of time to make changes.
Finally, Council was asked to approve Village participation in one more aspect of the national opioid settlements. Money from lawsuits against large pharmacy chains is being distributed to municipalities affected by the drug crisis. Bluffton has been receiving about $1,000 per year, all of which is now directed to drug education in our schools and the new School Resource Officer program.
SAFETY SERVICES
EMS - Chief Jan Basinger said that total runs are on pace to set another record, but that EMS staff is keeping up.
Fire Department - Chief Jon Kinn said things are "pretty quiet" in his department, and mentioned his ongoing participation in county-level meetings to prepare for next spring's solar eclipse. Sometimes we're still laughing at the prospect of moon-induced chaos, but advance preparation is important and not unwarranted. Still, he said most of us are probably hoping it's overcast that day.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
In response to a request from Attonrey Elliot Werth, Mayor Johnson asked that Council move into executive session to discuss ongoing litigation.
