By Betsi Werling

The first Bluffton council meeting of 2026 was called to order by Mayor Johnson who proceeded to administer the Oath of Office to incoming Council members Thomas Downey, Liz Gordon-Hancock and Phil Talavania. Their terms are through December 31, 2029.

Phil Talavania will serve as the Council President for this calendar year.

Johnson also made a presentation to three recently retired Council Members: Mitch Kingsley, Dave Steiner and Jerry Cupples. Each was presented with a certificate and a throw adorned with an image of Town Hall and their names and years of service. 

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Ben Stahl reported that the minutes of the most recent Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Board meeting were included in the Council packet. Two highlights were the continued discussion surrounding sidewalk ordinances and a Riley St. path.

Joe Sehlhorst reported that Council had received a letter from the city of Mindelheim, Germany; discussions continue on a sister-city collaboration.

LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Acting by emergency, Council approved that the Village of Bluffton will support Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Allen County, Ohio Study. 

Acting by emergency, Council approved a contract with Zoll Medical Corporation for the purchase of new cardiac monitors. Current monitors do not read as accurately as needed. This new equipment will last 12-15 years and cost $128K.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Jesse shared that the most recent utility bill included a friendly reminder about snow removal and expectations for the Village residents. Additionally, there was a notice of who needs to file income taxes in Bluffton. 

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reported that water infrastructure installation has begun along SR 103; the goal is to keep SR 103 open as long as possible. Currently, it appears closures may not occur until March. 

Lloyd requested a motion to approve a 3-year contract with Resource Recycling. The cost will be $12,000 per year, which is considerably less than previous years. Council approved this motion. 

SAFETY SERVICE REPORTS 
Fire Chief Kinn reported that Basinger Plumbing & Heating made an end-of-year donation which will be used to purchase new equipment. 

Kinn reported that in 2025 there were 212 calls, up 35 calls from 2024. The Fire Department saw an increase in building fires this year. 

EMS Chief Noah Babcock shared that the average response time from when the call is received to crews out the door are currently 1 minute and 7 seconds, and another 6 minutes to the event. 

Police Chief Ryan Burkholder reported that this year close to $17,000 had been secured in reimbursing the Village for Police Department training for officers.