Strasburg council buys land for housing development

Village council approved the emergency purchase of 5.27 acres off Tiger Drive at its Sept. 16 meeting, agreeing to pay $263,500 to Clear As Mudd LLC. The land will be annexed from Franklin Township, with financing through SSB Community Bank in Strasburg.

Mayor Bruce Metzger said the property could be platted into 14 lots for new single-family homes. “I feel we need to bring revenue to the village,” Metzger said. “I feel it is a win–win situation for us.”

Councilman Jeff Smith agreed. “It is a good idea. The money will be returned to the village by selling the lots,” he said. “We have people working here that need houses.”

Council also rescheduled trick-or-treat to 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, moving it from Oct. 31 in case the Tiger football team makes the playoffs. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Council briefly discussed Wooster Avenue green space after Smith said altering it could cost $234,000 due to grant requirements. Resident Lew Dreher suggested using the rear of the lot for parking. No decision was made.

Other business included:

— Passing an emergency resolution to hire Conner Stewart as a part-time firefighter/emergency medical technician basic, effective Sept. 16.

— Holding the second reading of an ordinance regulating electric scooters and bicycles in the village.

— Approving the purchase of an Evolution solar speed sign for $3,850 to be placed on Dundee–Strasburg Road.

— Passing an ordinance amending sewer service charges. Rates will increase Jan. 1, 2026, with 3.5% annual increases through 2030. Rates have not changed since 2017.

— Approving travel costs for Nathan Kanouff, water and sewer superintendent, to attend Headworks Engineering Academy in Florida.

— Announcing construction on the multipurpose community center will begin March 26, 2026, with completion expected Sept. 3, 2026.

— Approving purchase of a $16,000 leaf vacuum.

— Agreeing to place metal tables at the pickleball courts and install three pads for $850.

— Noting no confirmation has been received from Barbicas Construction on paving; the company has until Sept. 30 to finish.

— Holding the first reading of an ordinance amending subdivision regulations regarding street base and surface courses.

— Agreeing to send water/sewer bills directly to renters rather than property owners. Residents who are rude to village staff will be asked to leave.

Additional information:

— The inaugural Pickleball Classic will be held Oct. 11 at Strasburg Franklin Park, 140 Fourth St. SE. Cost is $15 per person. Register at pickleballbrackets.com/strasburgpbclassic. Proceeds benefit the park fund.

— The fire department responded to 25 calls from Sept. 1–16, including a 12-vehicle extrication training with 20 firefighters.

— Fire hydrants will be flushed in October; the date will be announced.

— Fall cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 14. A list of accepted items is available on the village Facebook page and My Strasburg Notifications.

— The police department responded to 118 calls from Sept. 1–16.

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