Strasburg Village Council

Barb Limbacher
·4 min read

Nov. 2 meeting

KEY ACTION Heard the village received a $50,000 grant from the Reeves Foundation toward new playground equipment at Franklin Park.

DISCUSSION: Councilman Dustin Briggs announced the village received the grant and thanked Reeves Foundation for awarding the village the grant. The Park committee received three estimates to consider prior to purchasing the equipment. The cost was about $125,000. The lowest and most responsible bid was selected. The new playground equipment will be placed near the Boy Scout shelter in the south end of the park. Street employees Matt Miller and Trevor Dreher removed the old playground equipment. The new playground will be installed in the spring. Council woman Kathy Burrier wrote the grant. The funds for the playground equipment are taken from the park levy, 10 percent of the village income tax is placed in the fund and proceeds from the Corn Fest. The fund can only be used for items at the park.

In another matter, an ordinance will be drawn up to increase trash collection from $12 to $14 per month, effective Jan. 1, 2022. A new three-year contract with Kimble’s was approved June 1, which included a monthly increase over the previous contract. Since then, the village has fallen behind about $1,600 per month. Fiscal Officer Jennifer Mahoney said the plans were to have the $40 per ton recycling pickup off-set the additional cost, however that has not happened. Council president pro-tem Jeff Smith encourages residents to continue to recycle.

OTHER ACTION

• Approved the purchase of a computer, printer, chairs and desks for the new police station at a cost of about $4,200. Councilman Marty Zehnder cast the lone no vote. The police are beginning to move into the new area that was once village hall. The carpet has been installed and painting is complete. Ceiling tile has been installed in the basement. The police will be able to use the basement of the building for training and other police departments can also train in the building. Councilwoman Kathy Burrier spearheaded the project and unlocked the doors each day for the workers.

• Heard American Electric Power is experiencing supply issues. They continue to respond to emergencies, but they are asking for continued patience and understanding.

• Authorized Solicitor Richard Fox to draw an ordinance regarding individuals soliciting products in the village. Permits are issued to solicitors by the police, but are un-inforceable without an ordinance.

• Learned the flagpole at the fire station has been installed and a flag raising ceremony will be held at a date to be announced.

• Heard the waterline project on Wooster Avenue is complete. Some sidewalks and approaches are being repaired.

• Learned the Maple Avenue project is progressing, however, it may not be completed until spring. Village Administrator Ron Lambert said the weather will be a consideration this month if the project can be completed. The storm sewers are installed.

• Issued permits to 104 Haswell Circle for a new roof over a summer room and at 301 7th Street SW for a storage shed. A request for a new sign is pending at 777 S. Wooster Avenue for Auto Works Collision.

• Approved $500 for the Santa Claus event to be held at the fire station from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

• Held the second reading of an ordinance retaining Terrence Seeberger as village solicitor for two-years, beginning Dec. 1, 2021. Law Director Richard Fox will retire Dec. 31. Seeberger will receive $8,500 per year and $150 hourly for all additional extra ordinance and village work.

FOR YOUR INFO

• The village received information from the 2020 census that the village has 2,735 residents.

• Christmas in the Village will be held from 5 to 7, Dec. 13. A live nativity will be located at St. John United Church of Christ at 516 N. Wooster Ave. A live camel will be on the hill across from the church. Santa Claus will be at the fire station. Refreshments and gifts will be distributed to the children and families at the fire station. Sixth Street NW will be closed from 5 to 7 during the live nativity.

• Mayor Steve Smith read a document from Ohio State Representative District 98 Brett Hillyer congratulating the village on its new village hall.

• A work session will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 in village hall.

UP NEXT meets at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Strasburg Village Council meeting notes