Village Board raises funds for Bluffs Picnic; plans farmers market season
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
The Village of Bluffs Board convened on March 5th to discuss fundraising for the annual Bluffs Picnic and other activities in the Village.
Bluffs Village President Linda Sapp announced that a Fish Fry event is scheduled for April 5 from 5-7 p.m. Proceeds from the fish fry will be directed towards the Bluffs Picnic, which will take place on August 16.
In addition to contributing the proceeds from the fish fry, board members unanimously approved a $1,000 donation to support the picnic, continuing a tradition of community support.
The board also discussed plans for the rapidly approaching Farmers Market season. Farmers Markets will take place on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. in June and July.
To enhance the community experience at the Farmers Market, the board approved a $300 allocation for each of four local businesses — Plackes, Bluejay, Pokers, and Rice Shaved Ice — to provide complimentary food to attendees on designated Farmers Market evenings. This initiative aims to attract more visitors and support local vendors, creating a vibrant and engaging market atmosphere.
A discussion at the March board meeting also centered around parking improvements at the Mueller Building. The board reviewed quotes for asphalt and road milling, with VICC quoting $97,850 for asphalt and Illinois Paving quoting $64,500 for road milling. The board plans to seek additional quotes, including one for gravel from Scotty Mueller, before making a final decision.
Board members went on to discuss the bicycle safety grant event scheduled for May 31st at the school parking lot.
This event is exclusively for children and residents of Bluffs who live within the city limits and receive a water bill. Each participating child will receive a free bike and take part in a safety course.
Flyers for the bike safety event will be included in the April water bills, and residents must return them by April 28th to register. The event aims to promote safety and provide valuable resources to the community’s youth.
Also discussed at the March board meeting was the recent purchase of the lot next to the Harbaugh House by an outside company, which has since been sold to an individual planning to establish a small business on the property. While details about the business remain confidential, the new owner has committed to maintaining the property and contributing to the local economy.
Sapp reminded residents of the upcoming election on April 1st at the Senior Building. Three board members and the mayor are on the ballot, with no opposition expected.
Greg Hillis from engineering firm Benton & Associates provided an update on Trotter Construction’s progress at the park. According to Hillis, significant concrete work has been completed. Recent rainfall revealed standing water issues on the newly poured concrete that will be addressed. Plumbing and electrical work at the park are slated to begin soon.
Trotter has not turned in any additional pay requests since the last meeting. The project remains on track, with OSLAD grant payments from the state being processed efficiently.
The meeting concluded with an executive session and adjournment at 6:50 p.m..
