Strasburg Council limits electric scooter use for safety in village

Out of concern for public safety, Strasburg Village Council passed an ordinance Oct. 7 amending the traffic code to address electric scooters, which officials say pose a hazard for both pedestrians and motorists in the village. Many of the operators are younger than the minimum age for a driver’s license and have created safety issues for users of the park and walking trail.

Under the new ordinance, electric scooters cannot be operated on streets or highways with speed limits greater than 35 miles per hour and cannot exceed 25 miles per hour. Riders must use sidewalks, wear a helmet unless they are at least age 16, stand on the scooter, and may not carry passengers. Electric scooters and electric bicycles are permitted only on the streets near Franklin Park and are prohibited on the walking path, grass, turf or playground within the park.

Mayor Bruce Metzger spoke to residents about the potential impact of abolishing property tax. Petitions are circulating to place the issue on the ballot. Metzger warned that the consequences would be severe.

“We would lose funds to operate the village, fire and police, the school, senior center and library would close and all levies would no longer be collected,” he said.

In other business, council heard reports of vandalism at the park. The north restrooms were damaged when toilet paper was stuffed into commodes, and liquid soap was smeared on walls and doors. A portable toilet was also tipped over. The restrooms will now be locked before dusk.

Council promoted Christian Lightell to Labor II. He has been employed in the street department since Aug. 20, 2024.

Members heard that underground fiber will be re-routed at the wastewater treatment plant because it lies in the area where the sewer plant expansion will be constructed.

Council approved a $704 monthly recurring charge for Pioneer Protect Plus and Threat Locker.

An electric eye that prevented the pickleball court lights from being activated during daylight hours was removed after someone turned on the stadium lights, which remained lit all night. The area is now locked.

According to the County Engineer’s Office, liquidated damages are in effect due to a late start date for paving in the village at $400 per day, effective Oct. 1, until Barbicas Construction completes paving. The completion date was scheduled for Sept. 30.

Council also approved a new business and signage for Tienda Ixcoy/2 LLC at 1126 N. Wooster Ave.

Three concrete pads with metal tables have been installed at the pickleball courts, with six additional pads and tables to be added in the spring near the north baseball and soccer fields.

Leaf collection will begin Nov. 10 and take place each Monday and Tuesday through Dec. 9. Residents are asked not to rake leaves over manholes, around poles or near vehicles. Notifications will be posted on “My Strasburg Notifications” and the village website.

Trick-or-treat will be held Nov. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Residents participating should turn on a porch light, and children should be accompanied by an adult.

The fire department responded to 22 calls for service from Sept. 16 to 30, and the police department responded to 99 calls over the past two weeks.

A statewide burn ban is in effect during October and November from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fires measuring no larger than three feet by three feet by three feet may be built after 6 p.m.

Franklin Township trustees were to meet Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at the township building on Seventh Street NE. Dundee–Strasburg Road is currently being paved.

The village will not plow snow in the Pine Ridge development, as it is privately owned. No parking is permitted on Dale Avenue NW from Dundee–Strasburg Road to Seventh Street NW.

The next council meeting will be held Oct. 21 at 6 p.m., preceded by a safety committee meeting at 5 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.