Strasburg Council approves community center design, ambulance purchase

Village Council passed two emergency resolutions at its Aug. 5 meeting, moving forward with plans for a new community center and expanding emergency services.

The first resolution approved a contract with AR Builders Ltd. and Tekton Engineering of Berlin, Ohio, for the design phase of the village’s future community center. The firms were selected for their qualifications, competitive pricing and ability to meet the village’s target completion date of fall 2026. The design phase will cost $150,000. Once completed, a construction contract will be negotiated and brought before council for approval.

The second emergency resolution authorized the purchase of a 2021 Horton ambulance with 7,556 miles, built on an F-450 chassis. The vehicle includes a load system and power cot and was purchased for $170,000.

Fire department updates

Franklin Township Trustees have purchased a 2025 Chevrolet 350HD pickup (brush truck) for the fire department. The truck includes a utility bed, a 150-gallon water tank and hoses and was purchased from Ferris Chevrolet for $70,000.

Trustee Brent Metzger also announced the purchase of a side-by-side Gator for the fire department at a cost of $18,588. The expense will be split between township funds and a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Other council actions

Council passed an emergency resolution to hire Patty Gerber and Donna Reiger as school crossing guards for the 2025–26 school year.

Soliciting fees were announced as $200 per month for organizations and $50 for individuals going door to door.

Changes were made to the billing process for water and sewer service. Starting Sept. 1, all bills must be sent directly to the property owner. Advance lump sum payments for extended absences, such as winter travel, will no longer be accepted, and residents will not be able to call to remove trash and compost charges during their absence.

The village completed dry well work and asphalt grinding is being spread at the soccer field parking lot. A split rail fence will be installed for $4,000.

Council approved a crosswalk connection from Williams Village to the cemetery along Tiger Drive at a cost of $5,200.

Guardrails will be installed at key turning points: at Third St. SW and Tiger Drive, and at two locations on Zeltman Avenue. The total cost is $7,280.

Council also approved a new agreement with the school district regarding the use of Franklin Park, with minor changes made to the original terms.

A canopy will be purchased for a park employee to provide protection from sun exposure, costing $1,204.

The Ohio Department of Transportation was awarded $3 million for a roundabout project at U.S. Route 250 and Ohio 21, scheduled for 2028.

In-kind donations were received for the new community center project. Donors include Stark Truss Inc., ProVia and Amish Commercial Builders, who are providing doors, windows, siding, stone and all necessary roofing materials.

Omni Fiber has completed work in the village and agreed to repair all street, alley, sidewalk and driveway disruptions caused during installation. All work is now finished.

Additional updates

Applications for a program to care for feral cats are available at Village Hall.

Council commended ProVia for hosting an outstanding back-to-school event on Aug. 2.

Police Chief Randy Haugh reported that his department responded to 137 calls from July 15 to Aug. 5. He also expressed a desire to have the department accredited in Ohio to help secure future grant funding.

The fire department responded to 29 calls from July 16 to 31. There have been 425 service calls to date this year.

A traffic study will be conducted on Wooster Avenue on Aug. 22. Village Administrator Mike Rosenberry, Chief Haugh and Fire Chief Jason Ely will be on-site for the observation.

Metzger, who organized the Summer Festival, thanked all volunteers for their contributions. The event’s car show featured 53 vehicles.

Fall softball is scheduled to begin Aug. 31 and run through Oct. 5. Players ages 8 and under will compete on Saturdays, while the high school Lady Tigers will play on Sundays.

The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.