By JONATHAN SNYDER
Josh Barkley of Barkley Properties discussed whether his rental properties qualify for sidewalk matching funds in front of the Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday.
Bluffton has traditionally provided residential property owners with a 50/50 matching amount of funds if the owners want to have their sidewalk redone. Since Barkley’s properties fall under a business rental, he was curious as to whether or not his properties qualify.
While board member Scott Mentzer stated that if Barkley’s properties are used as an investment it could come down to a business expense, he also noted that the ordinance is a bit unclear as to whether or not Barkley’s situation would be covered. Overall, Mentzer noted that “this is a bigger conversation.”
Board member Josh Hunt further stressed that there needs to be consistency in how the sidewalk program funds are distributed. While there is money left over in that program every year, Mentzer clarified that the board does not want to set up a fund that leaves residential owners stunted.
The board decided to table the discussion. Barkley will email the mayor and give an estimate as to what the sidewalk upgrades around his property would cost.
In old business, a water adjustment discussion on 922 West Market St. was clarified. Originally, the property was thought to have a leaky toilet, which was replaced. After further investigation, the landlord of the property advised the renter to keep water flowing through the pipes so they do not freeze during the winter months, months where the water bill was high.
The renter then adjusted the back flow so the water would run, meaning that water was being treated by the wastewater plant and there was no leak. Because the water was knowingly run, the board was put in a “tough spot,” according to Hunt. While the board was sympathetic because of the large bill, the only thing they could do based on precedent was to spread out the payment on his bill over approximately six months.
Mentzer further advised the renter to discuss the issue with the landlord to see if any relief can come from him, as the landlord did advise keeping the water running.
In another continuing discussion, Brandy Singleton, whose dog was running loose, decided to give the dog to her mother in Montpelier, resolving the issue.
Additionally, the board approved a motion to transfer $4,500 from the Parks Department’s Other Services, Professional Meetings and Trainings and Travel line items to their Insurance line item. A combination insurance rates going up and a lack of coverage for some areas in the department lead to the transfer.
The American Legion Post 111 also requested to close West Washington Street from South Main Street to South Johnson Street for their annual memorial day ceremony on May 27. The legion noted the road will be closed from approximately 9-10:00 a.m. The board approved the Legion’s request.
The board paid one SRF claim totaling $296,745.56 from James S. Jackson Construction Company for the wastewater treatment plant project.
The board approved the following personnel for raises: Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter was given a raise up to the maximum under the salary ordinance;engineer Firefighters Josh Hall, Kadin Gerber and Caitlin Herndon will now be paid the maximum under the salary ordinance for two-year full-time firefighters; and Electric Department Groundman/Apprentice Lineman Ryan Nash, Collections Department Operator Collin Mechling and Water Distribution Department Foreman Chris Anderson were given $1 hourly raises.
jonathan@news-banner.com
