Council passes emergency ordinance

Strasburg Village Council passed an emergency ordinance for additional property to be accepted into the Joint Economic Development District during the Oct. 17 meeting. A combined meeting of village officials and Franklin Township trustees was held prior to the council meeting. The property is located at 9139 state Route 250 NW. It is an expansion of a business and is located on 1.5 acres and 2.24 acres north of R & S Truck Caps.

Councilman and street committee chairman Dustin Briggs explained the proposed leaf pickup slated for Nov. 13 and a second pickup on Dec. 15, if necessary. He said leaves should be raked to the curb, and village employees will use the current leaf vac for pickup. Leaves must be raked for that day’s pickup, and employees will not return a second day.

Police officer Kayla Willer was named the temporary school resource officer until the newly hired police officer can be trained, which will take six to eight weeks. Willer has been a Strasburg police officer for the past 16 months and is a veteran of the U.S. Marines. The school district will pay 70% of her salary and the village 30% plus benefits. She began her SRO position at the school on Oct. 23.

Public speaks

Bruce Metzger, a citizen, voiced concern about a stove fire on Oct. 14 that was contained. He asked if a refund could be made to him from the fire levy as only one firefighter was on duty. Councilwoman and safety committee chairman Kathy Burrier was asked if she receives emails from Fire Chief Steve Laskey about if they may be understaffed. She said yes and that she knew that day they would not have a full staff as the fire department is full-time with part-time staffers that work other jobs. After the meeting, information was provided that since the inception of part-time staffers, only three incidents were documented that full staff were not on duty.

Mayor Steve Smith said the Bureau of Criminal Investigation gave direction to the Fire Association (social side) to begin selling items. It would be restricted sales and could be donated to other fire departments if needed. The BCI investigation of the social side (fundraisers) is expected to be completed in early December. Councilman Dustin Briggs said the fire department is doing an excellent job.

Council also did the following:

—Asked trustees if they would consider purchasing a tornado siren at a cost of $34,500. The village will purchase a siren, and Reeves Foundation approved a grant for a siren that was written by councilwoman Kathy Burrier.

—Learned the fire department responded to 17 emergency medical service calls and five fire responses and a mutual aid from Oct. 3-15.

—Heard repairs have started on the two ball fields located at the north end of the park. The park was developed many years ago, and improvements continue to be made with new ball fields, paving, directional signs and improving the entrance to the park.

Other information

Mayor Steve Smith suggested the green space be named Garver Square. The matter was tabled.

The LoveTusc Sculpture was dedicated on Oct. 10. Garver Bros. Magnets from the 1967 boys state championship basketball team are mounted on the back of the sculpture. It is placed at the green space and was designed by Jim Dawson, Dave McDowell and Abby Smith of Synergy Signs and Graphics in Strasburg.

Trick or treat will be held Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. Those participating should turn on a porch light, and children should be accompanied by an adult.

The Strasburg Senior Center is operating Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the United Methodist Church. Membership is $10 annually. The center currently has over 100 members.

The next meeting will be held Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.