By JONATHAN SNYDER
Bluffton’s rebranding will be done by Reusser Marketing, as decided by the Bluffton Common Council at its Tuesday meeting.
Reusser had the low bid, quoting their project at $20,000. Executing any plans Reusser gives will cost extra. The council stated that there is a grant opportunity through the Wells County Foundation for $25,000, with the city needing to match $15,000. A decision on the grant won’t be made until mid-March.
While all three firms were qualified according to council member Chandler Gerber, Reusser’s past work experience in Adams County and Berne made them more qualified than others. Reusser is located in Roanoke, about 30 minutes away from Bluffton.
The council also approved funding for the Wells County Master Plan. Despite the ongoing contract negotiations between the city, county and the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, the council decided to approve the expense because the master plan monies need to start being spent now for it to be successful, according to Economic Development Director Chad Kline. The council decided that the city’s contribution to the master plan should not exceed $15,000. Much like the rebranding plan, the city will also look for grant opportunities.
Furthermore, the council approved a stormwater management ordinance, in order to comply with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. IDEM rules state that there needs to be a stormwater ordinance for cities with populations above 10,000 people, which Bluffton hit in the 2020 census. The council also noted that the ordinance needs to be passed by April 1.
The ordinance outlines the procedures and construction standards for any stormwater treatment facility. Some of the highlights include minimizing the potential for soil erosion, sediment-laden water needing to be managed appropriately to minimize the sedimentation, and public roadways needing to be kept cleared of accumulated sediment. City Attorney Tony Crowell stated that from a legal perspective, he is comfortable with the ordinance.
“It’s no fun, but we’ve gotta do it,” said council member Josh Hunt.
Additionally, the council also approved a tax abatement for Star Engineering due to its investment into a milling matching. Star is investing over $163,000 into the milling machine, which should create a full-time job opening for Star to work said machine. The tax abatement will be spread over four years, with the first three at a 100% abatement, and the final year at 85%.
Sarah Reed, Rick Elwell, Janella Stronczek and Blake Fiechter were also present at the council meeting.
Before the council meeting, the Board of Works adjusted Mt. Fuji Sushi and Hibachi’s water bill, cutting their $393.62 payment in half. Mt Fuji’s manager stated that they spent over $1,000 to fix a broken water pipe in the ceiling, which caused the influx of water usage. The sewer portion of the bill was adjusted before the meeting, with the board stating that no water from the burst pipe had gone into the sewer system.
The board also approved a $15,000 payment to Motorola Solutions for software used by the Police Department. This software allows access to a cloud service that allows body camera and in-car camera footage to be uploaded and downloaded for investigation purposes, as well as easy access for prosecutors.
“Without the software it’s (cameras) are pretty much bricks,” said Police Chief Kyle Randall.
There were two SRF claims that the board approved. VTF Excavation’s claim amount totaled $10,237 and James S. Jackson Construction Company’s Claim totaled $1,431,679. Both claims are for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project.
Mayor John Whicker was also present at Tuesday’s board meeting.
jonathan@news-banner.com
