The following 2024 highlights were shared with members of the Bluffton Council at their final meeting of the year.

By Joe Sehlhorst
Village of Bluffton Council Member

December 2023

• Brightspeed fiber installation: Brightspeed is installing fiber throughout the town. The project spans 13 miles, with 84% being aerial installations, targeting 1,840 service locations.

• Cemetery rate updates: Burial rates have increased from $500 to $600, and infant burial rates have increased from $300 to $400. Currently, 65 plots are available for purchase.

January 2024

• Building and Zoning updates: In 2023, $23.7 million was invested in commercial and residential improvements. GROB Industries is planning a 90,000 square foot expansion valued at $18 million.

• Sanitary Compliance: Compliance efforts are 74.3% complete, with 34 sump pumps removed and connected to the sanitary system.

READ MORE

February 2024

• Bluffton Sewer Plant: The plant capacity,1.9 million gallons, while current usage is approximately 0.4 million gallons.

• New tap fees: Utilities will begin discussing new tap fees for water and sewer services.

• ADA Transition Plan: Streets Department collaborating with Regional Planning. An AARP grant will fund a new flashing beacon on Main Street near Vine Street.

• SR103 Roundabout Project: The roundabout project aims to improve traffic flow, supporting Grob Industries’ future employment expansion. 

March 2024

• Bluffton soccer complex: The Village, in partnership with the Bluffton Soccer Club, will develop centralized soccer facilities. The complex will feature youth soccer fields, a walking path, a shelter house, a playground and room for expansion.

• Ohio EPA Grant: The Village received an $8,836 grant to install four water bottle refilling stations.

• Comprehensive Plan adoption: Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, Version 1.0.

• Tornado siren concerns: After a recent tornado in Hancock County, residents questioned the lack of a siren sounding. The Fire Chief explained that sirens are activated through the National Weather Service and EMA, and the tornado was moving away from Bluffton.

April 2024

• Solar Eclipse Planning: Safety services are coordinating with county officials for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, which will include 4.5 minutes of darkness.

• Annual Trout Derby: Bluffton will celebrate the 80th Annual Trout Derby at Buckeye Quarry.

May 2024

• Pocono Drive Utility Improvements: The $352,000 project will replace water and sewer mains.

• Bluffton History Day: The August 10 event will feature a reenactment on Main St. by firefighters testing water pressure of the first water plant in 1897.

June 2024

• Zoning and Building updates: Development permits total $3.6 million, with 68% invested in commercial and industrial districts.

• Police Department needs: Chief Burkholder presented a retirement schedule and proposed hiring an 11th full-time officer, requiring an additional $79,000 in the 2025 budget.

July 2024

• Cultural Exchange: Bluffton and Mindelheim, Germany working on building a relationship by our shared connection with GROB Industries.

• Beautification Projects: Bluffton in Bloom is exploring new beautification efforts, including another welcome entrance sign and upgrades to Main St. alley.

• Two benches will be installed at Buckeye Park, funded by Creating Healthy Communities.

August 2024

• National Night Out: The event served 1,340 hot dogs, 1,200 sodas, and 1,800 waters for free.

• South Main Street repairs: Excessive heat caused roadway heaving near Kibler Street due to buried rail tracks expanding.

• Trevor Bassitt mural: A Bluffton University student will paint a mural honoring Bluffton’s own Olympian Trevor Bassitt at Harmon Field.

September 2024

• Bluffton soccer complex - Storm Infrastructure Project: Hohenbrink Excavating was awarded the contract for $171,000. The project is expected to be substantially completed by mid-November, weather permitting. The overall soccer project funding is estimated at $500,000, with $250,000 funded by the Village and $250,000 by the Bluffton Soccer Club.

• Pedestrian-Activated Flashing Beacons: Rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB) have been installed at Vine Street to improve pedestrian crossings on Main Street. This project is designed to enhance driver awareness at mid-block crossings and uncontrolled intersections. 

• Anniversary Celebration: Mayor Johnson and his wife, Ruth, celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

• Marsh Run Stormwater Project: The Village continues to work with Mannik Smith Group on a project aimed at removing nutrients (phosphorus) from Marsh Run, increasing flood capacity, restoring native wetlands, and creating additional greenspace.

October 2024

• Pathway development: The Pathway Board is discussing potential new pathways, including one along Riley Street from Bentley to Spring.

• Lions Club Foundation Grant: The Lions Club Foundation is seeking an international matching grant of up to $150,000 to help create an all-abilities playground at the Soccer Complex. The playground (80’ x 105’) is planned as part of Phase 3, which also includes asphalt paving. Phase 1 involves soccer field construction, and Phase 2 will focus on a shelter, restroom, parking and walking paths.

• Building Code Transition: The Village Zoning Department has begun discussions with Wood County Building Inspection and Allen County Building Department to transition building code enforcement to Allen County in 2025. Plumbing inspections will remain under the Allen and Hancock County Health Departments.

November 2024

• Water Tower Repairs: The Public Works Department and Utility Service Company recommend immediate replacement of the East tower fill pipe at a cost of $81,663, with plans to replace the North tower fill pipe in 2025.

• Safety Services Tax Approved: Bluffton residents approved the .4% safety services income tax increase (Yes: 1,454, No: 559). Next steps include hiring an EMS Chief, drafting a job description, posting applications, and hiring an architect to convert the EMS building into a full-time safety services department.

• Health insurance update: Health insurance will remain with Aetna, with a 4.8% increase in premiums. The Village will cover 86.5% of the cost, with employees covering 13.5%.

• ADU public presentation: The Ordinance Committee presented a presentation about Accessory Dwelling Units. The presentation covered the definition, examples, and benefits of ADUs for elderly residents, moderate-income individuals, and Village sustainability.

• EPA initiative on galvanized water pipes: Identified 109 residences with galvanized pipes.

• 2025 Water Rates: Ottawa water rates for 2025 are set at $3.54 per CCF. Bluffton last raised water rates in 2015 ($2.30).

December 2024

• American Rescue Plan Act projects: Bluffton allocated $427,593.82 in federal ARPA funds for water and sewer infrastructure projects.

• AED Donation: The Lima Fraternal Order of Eagles Post 370 has pledged to donate an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Southgate Lanes. Once received, the 2025 EMS agency will train staff how to use it. A heartfelt thank-you has been extended to the Eagles.