By DAVE SCHULTZ
Bluffton Street Commissioner Tim Simpson made a request Tuesday at the meeting of the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety, asking that the city takes a little more care to preserve handicapped parking spots during the Bluffton Free Street Fair.
Simpson was in front of the board to notify its members about a pair of potential street closings, but while he had the floor, and with the 2023 fair fresh on his mind, he brought up the handicapped parking situation.
“In the past, the board has received applications for use of parking lots during the fair,” he said. “In the past, that always came with a caveat — that the handicapped spots be preserved.”
However, Simpson said, the city has not been as protective of that stipulation in recent years. That led to some disagreements this year, he said.
He asked that in the future, that regulation be included as organizations are authorized to use the parking lots to raise funds on parking fees.
Simpson also noted that the city would allow Chad Ringger to close the street near 115 and 117 S. Johnson St. In an email to Simpson, Ringger said there will be some exterior painting on the Metro Tile building between Friday, Sept. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 1. The lift required for the work may stretch into the street, he said.
Simpson said some upcoming work at the intersection of West Walnut and Baldwin streets will result in a two-day closure. The detour will be along Indiana, Market, and Bond streets.
The only other item on the agenda for the board was a Community Re-Investment Program application, which will be discussed at the board’s next meeting Oct. 3,
Scott Mentzer and Josh Hunt were the only two Board of Works members present. Mayor John Whicker was not present. In his absence, Mentzer chaired the meeting.
daves@news-banner.com
