Changes to multipurpose facility design discussed

Strasburg Mayor Bruce Metzger gave a report in the absence of Mike Rosenberry, village administrator, at the Feb. 18 meeting. A group met with Connie Curran Design to discuss changes to the design for a multipurpose facility that would include a police station, community center, Carpenter’s Cupboard food pantry, the senior center and school district passenger van storage. The Carpenter’s Cupboard and a senior center are currently located in the Strasburg United Methodist Church on Second Street Northwest.

Once the exact drawings are received, officials will coordinate with contractors for a cost for the project.

Metzger and Rosenberry met with Tom Patton, who is in the process of designing a new facility that could house the Carpenter’s Cupboard and My Town Strasburg, a facility where those in need can obtain items. Metzger met with officers of the Carpenter’s Cupboard to discuss a footprint within the multipurpose/community center and are waiting on the Strasburg Board of Education on land availability next to Village Hall on Bodmer Avenue.

After contacting Patton, he also met with officers of the Carpenter’s Cupboard about if they would relocate to a proposed community center.

In another matter a discussion was held about the new stop signs erected on Dale Avenue Northwest. Metzger said a meeting was held with the executive board of Pine Ridge, and they suggested stop signs to slow down the traffic. The signs were installed at the entrance to Pine Ridge and Dale Avenue. Other stop signs were installed at Pine Ridge Parkway and Dale Avenue. Eventually, Seventh Street Northwest will be open to connect Williams Village with Dale Avenue. Residents had concerns they were not notified about the stop signs. They suggested flashing lights to warn motorists.

Council also did the following:

—Employed Environmental Design Group from Akron to apply for a design loan for the wastewater treatment plant expansion.

—Learned no feedback has been received from developer Larry Keim about several items to be resolved in the Stenwood development. Their bond will not be released until all discrepancies are resolved.

—Tabled the purchase of a 2024 1-ton service truck at a cost of $72,983, which includes a snowplow and v-box, until Jennifer Mahoney, fiscal officer, looks at the finances.

—Approved the installation of six pickleball courts at Franklin Park. One tennis court will remain. The cost will be $72,418 and an additional $2,900 for three access gates. The village received a $40,000 grant from the Reeves Foundation and still is seeking another grant.

—Approved 2025 permanent appropriations of $13,247,775 in all funds.

—Approved Pioneer 360, Network Switch, Smart UPS, Wi-Fi access point, six new workstations and labor at a cost of $16,825, one-time payment.

—Agreed to lease a leaf vacuum for $250 per day from Lucky Tree Service.

—Heard notices were sent to James Gesiotto for fence repair and Matt Pryor for fence repair and removal of a collapsed swimming pool.

—Learned no additional signage will be installed at the Wooster Avenue and Fourth Street crosswalk.

—Passed an ordinance about parking or storage of recreational vehicles, trailers or boats. Parking is currently permitted at the side and rear of a property. Council member Marty Zehnder voted no.

—Learned a dry well was purchased by the village and installed in a vacant grass lot across from the fire station on Second Street Northeast and covered with limestone. An undocumented waterline was discovered during the installation of the dry well.

Other information

Council reminded residents that according to an ordinance, trash and recycling cans must be removed from the street within 24 hours after pickup. Several residents will be receiving a notice to move their trash cans.

The fire department responded to 33 calls from Feb. 1-14. Twenty were emergency calls and 13 were fire calls including calls that did not require a patient care report.

Police have responded to 100 calls since Feb. 1.

Franklin Township donated $2,500 to the community festival and is seeking bids for a brush truck.

The next meeting will be March 4 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave. A work session will be held at 5 p.m.