By DAVE SCHULTZ

The first phase of the Parlor Bluffs subdivision north of the city was given final approval Tuesday evening by the Bluffton Common Council.

Mike Lautzenheiser, executive director of the county’s Area Plan Commission, said the 53-house subdivision has been approved by the APC and passed its secondary review with the APC’s Plat Committee. The signatures of the council members, Mayor John Whicker, and Clerk-Treasurer Tami Runyon were all that was needed to give the go-ahead for construction.

After an extended delay in any work being performed at the new Parlor Bluffs housing development on 200 North (Monroe Street), east of Main Street, a crew from Brooks Construction has been busy this week getting the roadways prepared for paving. Bluffton Mayor John Whicker said there had been some compaction issues with the roadways that have apparently been solved. A spokesperson for the DR Horton Co. told the News-Banner that after the streets have been paved and the plots recorded, they will begin construction of homes in the addition. Above, Jayce Beeks performs measurements for the roadway’s curbs while in the background, “fine grading” is being completed. Beeks estimated the paving should be completed by the end of next week. (Photo by Mark Miller)

Developer Jeff Shelton said it had been “a long journey to get to this day.” The first thing that must be done, he said, is to get the plats filed and then the construction work could begin.

“We’re excited to be here,” he said.

“Jeff, thank you for investing in Bluffton,” Whicker said. “We appreciate it.”

Council members also reviewed a revised proposal from Elevatus Architecture concerning improving the HVAC system in the Police-Fire Building, which currently has no fresh air coming into the structure — except through open doors.

Elevatus, brought in for guidance on the project by council member Roger Thornton, recalculated its original quote, offering to do the work for $12,500 plus 7.5 percent of the construction costs. Council member Scott Mentzer has wondered about the price tag. He said he went through the building with an HVAC specialist and the amount would be about $100,000 for the work, one quarter of the estimated $600,000 in Elavatus’ first quote.

Council members, after some discussion, agreed to ask for price quotes from three HVAC firms before proceeding.

In other business:

• City Attorney Tony Crowell said he was sending a draft ordinance to council members — Mentzer, Thornton, Josh Hunt, Rick Elwell, and Janella Stronzyck — on allowing UTVs on city streets, much the way golf carts are currently allowed. Crowell asked if council members wanted a slow-moving vehicle notice (an orange triangle) or a pennant on the UTVs — or both.

• Council members had a 25-minute conversation with municipal financing consultant Greg Guerrattaz of Financial Solutions Group as they consider financing for the Bluffton Fire Department going forward. Guerrattaz guided the city of New Haven into an agreement with surrounding townships and other municipalities. He said he needs a copy of the Public Safety Task Force’s recommendations and he’ll develop a similar financial plan for Bluffton and Harrison and Lancaster townships.

• Establishment of a loading zone on Walnut Street, recently requested by the members of American. Legion Post 111, was approved by the council. An ordinance is necessary to create a loading zone on a city street. It was approved 5-0.

• The council approved a transfer of $5,000 within the Building Department’s budget from salaries to consultant fees. When the department was without a commissioner, the city hired consultants to perform the necessary work.

• The council will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, to review the Police Departments 2023 budget.

daves@news-banner.com

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