Strasburg names new police chief

Law Director Terry Seeberger administered the oath of office to Randall “Randy” Haugh Jr., who was named police chief during the April 15 council meeting.

Haugh’s starting pay will be $32.10 per hour and will increase to $34.10 per hour following a six-month probationary period. He is expected to begin duties around April 28. Haugh has served as Bolivar police chief for the past 18 years. Council unanimously approved the resolution to hire him. He replaces Dave Warrick, who resigned in March.

Mayor Bruce Metzger shared details about funding for the proposed community center, which will come from the sale of the current police station and library building, contributions from area businesses, funds from the Joint Economic Development District and grants.

The proposed center will include a multipurpose room with seating for 350 people, as well as the village’s police station, library and food pantry.

“It will not cost the taxpayer any money. We are projecting the center to cost about $750,000,” Metzger said. “We want everyone involved.”

Metzger also announced the village received a proclamation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel recognizing Strasburg as one of the top three metropolitan communities in the United States for economic development and facility expansion, according to Site Selection magazine. The proclamation praised the village’s commitment and dedication to making a positive difference in the community and state. The meeting was held at ProVia, located north of the village.

Council passed a resolution to enter into a letter of intent with ProVia, located in Franklin Township, and the Joint Economic Development District to extend village utilities along U.S. Route 250 past ProVia. The estimated cost is $1.3 million. The JEDD has unnumbered funds available to be used as matching funds for public improvements in support of economic development.

In other council business:

Council named Bob Hartline to the Board of Zoning Appeals, replacing Kevin Herron.

Resident Olivia Martin spoke about the importance of the library and thanked council for including it in plans for the community center.

Council commended Lisa Edie for her efforts maintaining the park. Her last day is April 18.

Laterals and water taps were installed in preparation for the opening of Seventh Street to Dale Avenue NW. Newton Asphalt Paving provided an estimate of $34,600 to pave the street.

Council approved a $136 monthly plan for unlimited car washes for the four police cruisers at a facility north of the village.

Council discussed selecting colors for the new pickleball courts.

It was reported the tornado siren at the fire station is operated manually. In the future, someone will be assigned to activate it during warnings. During the last storm, the EMT crew was on a call, and only the township sirens, which are controlled by 911, were activated.

Council agreed to revisit an ordinance addressing the feral cat problem in the village to explore stronger enforcement options.

Two resolutions were passed to hire James Fearon as a park laborer one and Jerrod Hite as a floater laborer one.

In other announcements:

ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted to be ridden within the village limits.

Council approved an ALS walk on Memorial Day sponsored by the Cross Caffe.

Franklin Park restrooms and the bulk water station are now open.

Council thanked the police department for maintaining a visible presence at the park during increased community activity.

The fire department responded to 34 calls from April 1 to April 15. Firefighters Brett Knepper and Izak Farrington submitted their resignations, effective April 16 and April 27, respectively.

The police department responded to 109 calls during the same two-week period.

Street sweeping will begin the week of May 5, except Tuesday, which is trash collection day.

The next village council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 6 at 224 N. Bodmer Ave. in Strasburg.