Strasburg council hires police sergeant

Council passed an emergency resolution Aug. 25 to hire Jeffrey S. Lay as a full-time police officer with the rank of sergeant. Lay, who has 28 years of experience and currently serves as a captain with the Millersburg Police Department, will serve a six-month probationary period.

Law Director Terry Seeberger administered the oath of office to Lay. According to the resolution, the village has been working to rebuild the police department back to its authorized strength, and Lay brings “unique experience” to the post.

Council also approved financing for the new community center. The most favorable terms came from Strasburg Savings Bank, which will provide $150,000 in interest-only payments until a construction loan is finalized.

Mayor Bruce Metzger raised concerns about the safety of children riding electric scooters and e-bikes, noting a recent incident in which a girl was struck while riding after dark.

“I was told we want to take away the kids’ fun. No one wants that, but it’s all about safety. I believe they should be wearing helmets,” Metzger said.

Resident Jason Marks agreed, calling the village’s efforts “pro-active.”

In other matters, Don Gerber, commander of the Strasburg American Legion, proposed dressing up the green space on Wooster Avenue with military flags, a U.S. flag, and an insignia painted on a nearby wall. Council agreed it was a good idea.

Other business

— Held the first reading of an amended ordinance to increase sewer service charges, which have not been raised since 2007.

— Passed an emergency resolution authorizing the village administrator to seek a periodic fee from Omni Fiber.

— Heard that the soccer parking lot on Railroad Avenue is complete and will open in September. Action Now has treated the park for sand wasps and hornet nests three times in the past two weeks.

— Learned that in 2028, Safe Routes to School will install five-foot sidewalks along the east side of Tiger Drive from Third to Sixth streets at a cost of $400,000.

— Fielded a complaint from a resident about speeding on Second Street Southeast.

— Learned plans are underway for a fundraiser, the inaugural Strasburg Pickleball Classic, set for Oct. 11 or Oct. 18.

— Heard OMNI and Davey Resources submitted a list of 51 street openings. Additional cuts were added and forwarded to Gessner Sealrite, which cannot begin repairs until November 2025.

— Learned no paving schedule has been received from Barbicas Construction. Street Superintendent Matt Miller requested that if paving does not begin by Oct. 15, the village should opt out of the 2025 program and move the work to 2026 due to weather.

— Viewed a rendering of a new dentist’s office planned for South Wooster Avenue. The existing building will be demolished.

Other information

— The last American Legion chicken barbecue of the year will be Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. until sold out at the Malcuit parking lot on South Wooster Avenue. Cost is $13 for half a chicken with fries.

— Council wished all local athletes success this fall.

— Approved the Strasburg Parent Teacher Group’s request to hold Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Park.

— Set Trick-or-Treat for Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

— Heard the fire department responded to 28 calls from Aug. 1–15.

— Learned a permit was issued to Tienda Maldonado for a new business at 128 S. Wooster Ave.

— Heard police responded to 101 calls from Aug. 5–19.

The next council meeting will be Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.