Department receives new tanker/pumper engine

Mike Durbin of the Strasburg Village Planning Commission made a recommendation to village council on Dec. 17 to add into the zoning ordinance allowing zero-lot-line houses to be constructed in the village.

“Our zoning does not permit this type of housing. These are individually owned duplexes and are not rentals. Owners take better care of their property, and duplexes are more affordable. These houses will increase the tax base and make more affordable housing in the village,” Durbin said.

The 2024 tanker/pumper fire engine constructed by Sutphen in Pennsylvania was brought back to the village by Fire Chief Jason Ely, Lt. Ross Gardner and Lt. Collin Trout. Gardner said this engine is the first of its kind and is an engine when needed and a tanker when needed. The cost of the truck was $809,000.

“This engine pumps 2,000 gallons of water a minute. It will be taken to Sensible in January to have equipment installed. The engine should be in service by the end of February,” Ely said. “We have two ambulances and two fire engines, a chief’s vehicle, utility truck, and a side-by-side.”

Council also did the following:

—Passed a resolution as an emergency authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for jail services with the county sheriff.

—Adopted an ordinance establishing rates of pay and other benefits for elected officials and employees, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

—Passed an ordinance entering into a contract with Fitzpatrick, Zimmerman and Rose to provide a police prosecutor for the village.

—Issued a permit to RAM Heating and Air and RA Moser Heating and Cooling, 780 S. Wooster Ave.

—Heard the fire department responded to 32 calls from Dec. 1-15.

—Accepted the resignation of part-time police officer Hunter Duerig.

—Heard the emergency sirens have been installed. Tuscarawas County will control the activation of the sirens as needed.

—Learned Mark Malcuit will install additional laterals at his expense to open Seventh Street Northwest to connect to Dale Avenue.

—Approved Lexipol for the fire department to update policies and install software.

Other information

Mayor Bruce Metzger gave an update of all the projects that have been accomplished in 2024.

Strasburg School is turning over 22 banners to hang on poles on Wooster Avenue. Fall banners will be removed, and new banners will be installed, weather permitting.

The three properties winning in the Exterior Christmas Decorating Contest were 537 Oak Ave. SW, 540 Fifth St. SW and 1182 Brandi Ave. SW.

Police Chief Dave Warrick reported porch pirates are stealing delivered items. Residents should be aware if packages are being delivered.

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