Council discussed hiring a school resource officer
Strasburg Village Council discussed hiring a school resource officer during its Oct. 6 meeting. Plans are to have an SRO at the school beginning Oct. 23. The SRO will be at school eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, at a cost of $22 per hour. The school district will pay 70% and the village 30% of the wages and benefits. Police Chief Dave Warrick is in the process of interviewing individuals for the position.
“There will be a police officer temporarily assigned until a full-time police officer can be hired,” Warrick said.
Council passed an ordinance, by emergency, approving the fifth amendment of the Joint Economic Development District and map by addition of territory. There will be a combined meeting of the village and Franklin Township for addition of property into the JEDD on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. prior to the council meeting. A board of zoning appeals meeting also will have a hearing at 5 p.m.
Village administrator Ron Lambert said a preliminary plan is being considered for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant to submit to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Lambert said the current plant accepts about 337,000 gallons of material a day, and the flow will be increased to 674,000 gallons per day. The cost of the expansion will be about $8 million. There will be a fourth ditch and two clarifiers added. He said the JEDD fund will pay 75% of the cost and the village 25%. The funds are collected from businesses in the JEDD and placed into a separate fund.
Council also did the following:
—Learned renovating the fire station social hall into sleeping quarters for the full-time fire department with part-time staffers will cost $67,003. The station also has an electrical problem that needs addressed. That assessment will cost about $5,000. In the past a discussion was held about constructing a new fire station; however, that would be years away.
—Heard councilman Marty Zehnder inquire about the Booster Club holding an event at the fire station. Fire Chief Steve Laskey said the trucks could be moved out. Mayor Steve Smith said no alcohol can be served. Zehnder said, “Oh yes, alcohol will be there.” Laskey also agreed no alcohol is permitted at the fire station. He said the state will not grant a permit to serve alcohol. Former Fire Chief Brent Metzger said they always got a permit. Laskey said the state will no longer issue a permit for alcohol at a fire station.
—Discussed a fall leaf collection. Street committee chairman Dustin Briggs said the collection is a work in progress. He would like to see two complete pickups. He said leaves would be raked to the curb. Employees will not return to pick up leaves if a resident misses the scheduled collection day.
—Heard the Strasburg Fire Association (social side) no longer exists, except on paper. Laskey said the funds have been locked up by the state, and the 501(c)(3) is currently suspended until the BCI completes its investigation on the social side of the fire department. The FA equipment has been catalogued and locked at the fire station.
Other information
Council recognized the late Pat Beechy and Bud Dreher for their contributions to the village during their lifetime. Condolences were offered to their families. The antique fire pumper was on display in honor of Dreher.
Council thanked the fire department for installing an AED at St. John United Church of Christ and providing training.
Fall cleanup will be held Oct. 17. Items should be placed with trash pickup. Items accepted are on the village website.
Trick or treat will be held Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. Those participating should turn on a porch light. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.
