Public Meetings - Bluffton, Indiana

The Bluffton Common Council convened on Monday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a recognition of a city employee for exceptional public service, a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for owner-occupied home rehabilitation, the approval of compliance filings, and a resolution formalizing the local match for the grant. The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of CF1s: Eric presented five CF1 (continuing compliance) filings. Following a review noting the accuracy of the paperwork, the council voted unanimously to approve all five filings in a single motion. Public Comments & Testimony (OCRA Grant Public Hearing) The public hearing on the city's application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for a $350,000 CDBG grant dominated the meeting. The grant would provide up to $25,000 per home for critical repairs (roofs, HVAC, ADA modifications) to 14-18 owner-occupied homes. The city contributed a 27.71% local match ($97,000) from the city's Rainy Day Fund, Wells County Foundation, Lancaster Township, and Harrison Township. - Julie Meitzler (Assistant Superintendent, Bluffton-Harrison MSD): Expressed support, noting that housing instability directly harms student attendance, academic performance, and elevates stress levels. - Roger Thornton (Resident): Expressed support, emphasizing the program's role in retaining housing and allowing long-term residents to remain in the community. - Rick Johnson (Wells Area Director, Habitat for Humanity): Expressed full support for the program, stating Habitat for Humanity aims to partner with the city on this rehabilitation initiative. - Tammy Shaker (Resident): Expressed support, sharing anecdotes of a neighbor's home becoming a blighted property for lack of a roof repair and an elderly relative likely needing future assistance. - Isaac Stoller (Local Realtor): Expressed strong support, stating the grant helps seniors age in place, protects property values, and strengthens neighborhoods. - Unnamed Resident: Shared a deeply personal story about his family's struggle with poverty and the loss of his mother's home, stating the grant would have been life-altering for her and voicing strong support for the program. - Father David Peoli (Priest, St. Joseph's Catholic Church): Expressed support, stating the grant would be a valuable tool to supplement the outreach already being done by local churches and nonprofits. - David Riggie (Lancaster Township Trustee): Expressed support, sharing the story of a resident whose furnace failed, leading to broken pipes and a family displaced from their home, and encouraged the public to write letters of support. Discussion Items - Recognition of Brad Kelly: The Mayor presented a formal proclamation and the "Mayor's Challenge Coin" (the second awarded) to Brad Kelly of the Street Department. On January 19, 2026, during a severe snow event, Mr. Kelly noticed an open garage door and an elderly woman who had fallen and suffered a head injury. He stopped his snowplow to check on her, called 911, and stayed with her until help arrived. The Mayor commended Mr. Kelly for his attentiveness, decisiveness, and compassion. - OCRA Grant Application Process: Grant administrator Dave G from Region 3A detailed the scoring criteria for the grant, including the 68.81 community distress score for Bluffton, the 27 points earned from the local match, and the 450-point minimum threshold on the 700-point scale. The application deadline is March 1, 2026, with awards expected in late spring. - Resolution 2026-03 (Match Resolution): The council discussed and unanimously passed Resolution 2026-03, which formalizes the $97,000 local match for the OCRA grant application. - Tabling of Agenda Item: The council voted to table the final item on the agenda to the next council meeting to allow for two edits to be made to the resolution. Key Outcomes - Brad Kelly Recognized: Street department employee Brad Kelly was officially recognized and awarded the Mayoral Challenge Coin for his heroic actions. - Five CF1s Approved: The council unanimously approved five continuing compliance filings. - Resolution 2026-03 Adopted: The council passed the local match resolution for the OCRA grant application, committing $97,000 in matching funds ($40,000 from the city's Rainy Day fund, $25,000 from the Wells County Foundation, $12,000 from Lancaster Township, and $20,000 from Harrison Township). - Item Tabled: The final agenda item was tabled for amendments to the next council meeting. - Adjournment: The council adjourned at 6:11 PM.