By JONATHAN SNYDER
Following feedback from the public, Ruesser Marketing presented an updated marketing plan to the Bluffton Common Council on Tuesday.
Joe Beste and Tommy Moore, representing the firm, emphasized why each part of the proposed logo was implemented and a new logo for the city flag.
Beste and Moore discussed how the city’s core values are represented in the plan, including honoring the city’s resilient heritage, being stewards of the city’s environment, driving economic strength, holding an enduring work ethic and other things relating to community, culture and leadership.
Beste looked over what each part of the logo represents about the city, with the nine squares in a semicircle representing the nine townships and the bison being a symbol of strength and community, as bison’s are known for their herd mentality. The bison also represents the multitude of people from different areas of Wells County finding reason to visit the city. Council member Chandler Gerber stated that the bison also is an homage to the county and being a symbol of unity between both entities.
The bison head on the flag was replaced with a profile image of a bison. The red, white and navy flag colors remain the same, representing the school districts in Wells County. The colors also represent the Wabash River and the bluffs on the river banks that the city was originally built on.
While the council liked the new look flag and updates to the plan, they also wanted an opportunity to showcase the new look to the public before approving the plan.
Council member Rick Elwell stated that an outlet to give information about the reasons behind the logo to the public and a chance to respond is necessary. Reusser and the council agreed that a short video explaining their decisions will be made and that the logo and flag should be made readily visible at the Bluffton Free Street Fair.
“The information booth is a pivotal juncture in the public pathway so it’s going to get way more exposure there,” Elwell said. “Not trying to stall the effort at all … but we’re setting a precedent for generations.”
A final decision on the marketing plan is scheduled for the council’s Oct. 1 meeting. Traditionally, the second September meeting for council is canceled due to Street Fair activities.
Additionally, the council appropriated $21,000 from the opioid fund for programs and $200,000 from the Fire Territory’s equipment replacement fund to their equipment replacement line item. Fire Chief Don Craig stated that these funds will be used for purchasing the two new command vehicles approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety on Aug. 28.
Furthermore, the council approved a transfer of $21,200 from the equipment and furniture line item and $6,222 from the salaries line item of the dispatch budget to the garage and motor, communication, repair and maintenance and other services line items. Craig reported that some shortfalls in the budget, as well as a worker’s compensation claim, are surprises that need the money to address.
In the Board of Works meeting earlier in the day, the board determined that Resource Mulch of Lima, Ohio, will grind the compost out of the city’s site in preparation for Fall.
Street Commissioner Tim Simpson presented quotes from Resource Mulch and Worx Companies. Resource had the low bid at $11,300, while Worx came in at $14,800. Simpson reported that Resource has ground compost for the city for multiple years, including the year previously. He also hopes that the process will be completed by the end of September.
Utility Supervisor Jon Oman came before the board asking to advertise an open position in the Utility Office. Oman is looking for a new accounts receivable clerk following Marcy Wayman’s transfer from the Utility to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. Oman stated that applications from the original Clerk-Treasurer’s open position will be reviewed first.
The board also paid an SRF Claim to James S. Jackson Construction Company totaling $848,388. Additionally, two Apprentice Lineman, Josh Grandlienard and Shawn Miller, received merit raises. Both people completed their second year of Line School.
jonathan@news-banner.com
