BCI fire department case closed

Strasburg Mayor Bruce Metzger reported the Bureau of Criminal Investigation has closed its investigation against Strasburg Fire Department, effective Nov. 1, 2023. At the Aug. 20 meeting, Metzger said he received notification from BCI the case was reviewed by Ohio Attorney General David Yost and Tuscarawas County prosecutor Ryan Styer and no criminal charges will be filed against any Strasburg firefighters past or present.

In another matter Levco has completed painting the shark's teeth and pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk at South Wooster Avenue and Fourth Street. It was noted golf carts are not permitted to cross at that crosswalk and must cross at a traffic light. Doug Dreher, a resident, said the crosswalk is not safe for people to cross. He said he observed individuals trying to cross, and the northbound traffic stopped; however, the southbound traffic did not. Dreher said council needs to bring more attention to the crosswalk. Someone did suggest placing signs for those crossing to use caution. The police will patrol it more often.

“I am doing whatever I can to make it safer,” Metzger said.

Council also did the following:

—Learned Fire Chief Jason Ely may not begin duties until Sept. 5.

—Agreed Nathan Kanouff, water/wastewater superintendent, has completed his six-month probation on July 1. His performance has been documented by village officials.

—Requested documents dealing with the downtown renovations. The village received a TAP grant.

—Heard Metzger and village administrator Mike Rosenberry met with Mark Malcuit about opening Seventh Street Northwest through Williams Village. Don Dummermuth, the village engineer, will be consulted about the project.

—Adopted a resolution as an emergency to hire Christian Lightell as a laborer I at $20 per hour. He will serve a six-month probationary period.

—Held the first reading of an amended ordinance regulating panhandle lots, which is a lot with at least a 40-foot frontage on an improved public road or village-approved private drive.

—Passed as an emergency an amended ordinance regulating fences and planting screens as recommended by the village planning commission.

—Passed a resolution concerning a property at 151 Third St. NW and declaring it a nuisance. The property is owned by John Warehime, and he will receive a written notice.

—Heard letters will be sent to property owners at 119 Sixth St. SW for noxious weeds and rank vegetation and 128 Third St. NW for unsightly disposal/storage of furniture and mattresses.

—Learned the tornado sirens installation should be complete in three weeks. The north siren location will be powered by Beach City Power.

—Heard Lucky Tree Services disposed of a tree that fell into the Sugar Creek and several dead trees were removed at a cost $16,000.

Other information

ProVia Service Days will be held Aug. 21 and 29. Workers will paint the pavilions in the park and the shed behind Village Hall.

Fall Cleanup Day will be held Oct. 8. Information is on the village website, and flyers are available at Village Hall.

A fall softball tournament will be held the end of September in Franklin Park.

The Summer Festival Committee will meet Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the park.

Council thanked Dave Dennison, owner of Tusc Buckeye Power Wash, for power washing the tables and pavilions at the park.

Synergy Signs and Graphics is designing new corporation signs.

My Town Strasburg will move into the former Cross Connections Church building on South Wooster Avenue and will be open the end of September.

American Legion chicken barbecue will be held Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Malcuit parking lot on South Wooster Avenue. The cost is $13.

The next meeting will be held Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.