Trash and recycling contract approved, employee wage increase, new leaf picker upper, gas aggregation on May ballot-public meeting scheduled

By Andy Chapell-Dick 

After opening the February 27 regular meeting of the Bluffton council, Mayor Johnson called first for a report from the Utilities Committee, because a pair of guests from the Rumpe company were on hand seeking renewal of the contract for residential trash and recycling collection. Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn said the committee had a few options, including opening the contract for bids.  

Rumpke had offered to continue their services for an 11% increase next year, followed by the option of two additional years with a further 4% increase each year.  Councilor David Steiner stated that given the present inflationary climate, the committee would recommend to council that the full three-year extension be accepted.

Blackburn added that judging by the sharp decrease in phone calls, Rumpke has provided much better service than residents have been accustomed to in the past.  There were no questions for the company reps, other than what to do with large items (wrap mattresses in plastic if you can, break down sofas if you can, call the company with questions. The contract is technically for "unlimited" pickup of trash.) Council voted 5-0 to award the three-year extension.

EMPLOYEE WAGES
The Personnel and Finance Committees completed their review of Village employee wages, and presented a resolution that would enact an across-the-board increase of 5% effective January 1. Exceptions to this are Safety Services volunteers who received an adjustment last year and five individuals who merited slightly more based on a survey of surrounding towns. Council approved the resolution unanimously. A proposal to expand the paid on-call scheduling of EMS volunteers will be addressed at the next Council meeting.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
Councilor Mitch Kingsley reported for the Ordinance Committee.  After discussion, they decided to leave one ordinance as is (the driveway of corner lots should be on the "minor" street only, although the Administrator has discretion); recommend repeal of another (there is no need for the position of Safety Services Director, created in 2013); and to do more research on a third (parking rules.)

LEGISLATION
Mayor Johnson presented six items of legislation for a vote.  Three passed by emergency: a set of minor changes to the Village's personnel policy, a change in how incoming tax payments are dated and a contract for Main Street curb work. 

Passing their second readings were the annual appropriations bill and some rule changes for Maple Grove cemetery, The sixth bill was the employee wage resolution discussed above.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Administrator Blackburn and his assistant Bryan LLoyd gave a rundown of Village operations, leading with the announcement that the new $95,000 leaf picker upper had been ordered, with the cost has now offset by a $40,000 grant from the Bureau of Workers Compensation, thanks to the diligent work of Lloyd and Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel. It was also pointed out that the machine's value is not just aesthetic--it enhances the efforts of the public works department to keep streets and storm sewers functioning smoothly.

Roadwork is underway throughout the Village. In advance of the state's paving project on Main Street, deteriorated curbs will be replaced soon. Curbs are statutorily the responsibility of the property owner; a public meeting to answer questions about cost sharing will be held on March 15. The north ends of Lawn Avenue and Jackson Street are torn up but the underground work is complete. Patching and cleanup will begin by the end of the month; the trenches have to be allowed to settle for a year so residents should expect a nice new paving job next year. 

Sewer work along SR 103 by McDonald's will involve lots of digging but no significant lane closures.  And the most dramatic project, the Bentley Road intersection realignment, will begin next week but the detour is already in place.  Main Street will remain open.

GAS AGGREGATION ON MAY BALLOT
Voters in the Village are reminded that an initiative will appear on this May's ballot to create a natural gas aggregation.  Get your questions answered at a public meeting on March 13, 6:30 p.m. at town hall.

Council moved to executive session to end the meeting, declaring they needed to discuss legal and land matters.

The next regular meeting of the Bluffton Council is at 7:00 p.m. on March 13. Council meetings are held on the third floor of Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main.