The Bluff Town Council met on October 6, 2026, to conduct a regular meeting at the Bluff Community Center. During the session, the council unanimously approved the appointment of Todd Godfrey as town attorney and passed an ordinance modifying fire restrictions.
Mayor Josh Ewing reported that a recent pancake breakfast fundraiser was a major success, raising just over $3,000. The event, which served as a community gathering, received food donations from Sysco and was prepared by Jacob and Jen. Council members expressed gratitude to the fire department and the public for their support of the event.
Regarding public safety, the council approved Ordinance 2026-07, which amends fire restrictions. Following recent heavy rainfall, the ordinance lifts the ban on constructed fire pits at private residences and commercial facilities. While the ban on fire pits was lifted, the broader closed burning season remains in effect through the end of October as originally scheduled.
The council also passed Resolution #110 to officially appoint Todd Godfrey as the town attorney. This resolution follows a previous decision to award a legal services contract to Godfrey’s firm. While state code requires the mayor to make specific municipal appointments, the council provided the necessary advice and consent. Mayor Ewing noted that the contract allows Godfrey to delegate services to other attorneys within his practice as needed.
In other business, the council deferred a vote on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Monticello regarding Building Official Services. The item was tabled to allow staff to complete an updated draft after Monticello made several changes to the document during a prior meeting.
In public comments, Ann Leppanen thanked the council and staff for their work during their first nine months. Leppanen also acknowledged attorney Chris McAnany for his role in establishing the town's foundation through an immediate disconnect petition when municipal funds were under $1,000. Additionally, Leppanen noted the installation of new 35 mile-per-hour speed limit signs, a project involving the Roads Committee, regional engineer Jared Beard, and the local maintenance crew.
The council entered an executive session at 4:22 PM to discuss strategy for pending or reasonably imminent litigation and matters regarding the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property. The meeting adjourned at 5:14 PM.
