Rosenberry begins his duties as village administrator
Mike Rosenberry began his duties as village administrator on March 20.
Mike Rosenberry began his duties as Strasburg village administrator on March 20. He said he is learning the duties and there are many projects being considered. Rosenberry was absent at the April 16 Strasburg Village Council meeting; however, Mayor Bruce Metzger gave a report. The roof at the village/bus garage is being replaced, and several other roofs need replaced or repaired as most are over 25 years old. Also, several projects are seeking grants for sidewalks to the park and the waste water treatment plant expansion.
Council member Mary Zehnder made a motion to hold up wages for Fire Chief Steve Laskey’s tuition, and council member Liz Dreher seconded it. Laskey graduates May 9. Jeff Smith, Dustin Briggs and Kathy Burrier voted no. Zehnder, Dreher and Wes Hostetler voted yes. Metzger broke the tie and voted yes. Council had passed a resolution at a previous meeting to pay for school for Laskey.
A representative from the company constructing the new fire truck required a $202,000 payment before they will attend a council meeting. Doug Dreher, a resident, asked to cancel the order for the truck. Kathy Burrier asked what is the cost if the order is canceled. It would be $450,000. The village received $150,000 in donations toward the purchase of the truck.
Council member Jeff Smith asked how Franklin Township trustees are allowed to hold over $150,000 of township taxpayers’ equipment levy money and not help with the fire department. Law Director Terry Seeberger could not answer the question. Metzger answered the question. He said it is because of a brush truck discussed two years ago. The township is unsure how the staffing is going to be resolved, and it may have to form its own fire department.
In 2021 a 2.5 mill five-year levy was passed by the village and township for a full-time fire department with a full-time chief and part-time staffers, no volunteers. The levy collects about $340,000 per year; however, the levy included three staffers on duty Monday to Friday and two on the weekend at $13 per hour. In December a pay ordinance was passed to increase their pay to $19 per hour. Additional part-time staffers could not be added due to budget restraints. The fire chief is paid from the village’s general fund.
Council also did the following:
—Learned bulk water will be sold at $10 per 1,000 gallons for residents and $15 per 1,000 gallons for nonresidents. The users will receive a bill once a month and must register with the billing clerk at Village Hall.
—Held the second reading of an ordinance regulating parking or storage of recreation vehicles, trailers or boats as recommended by the planning commission.
—Heard the tornado sirens will be placed at Ninth Street and Wooster Avenue South and 12th Street North at Wooster Avenue. They will rotate, and residents in the village and Franklin Township will be able to hear them. The grants received for the purchase of the sirens were specific for the north and south of the village. One siren has arrived, and they are waiting on the second one.
—Heard Wood Electric was troubleshooting at the fire station and was able to get the siren working at a cost of $660 and installed circuits at the library.
—Hired Randy Troyer, part-time park employee, at $18 per hour.
—Heard Jimmy Harper agreed to donate his time and mow the three ball fields and soccer field at Franklin Park.
Other information
The Ohio Department of Transportation sent the Joint Economic Development District a letter of support to construct a roundabout at U.S. 250 and Route 21.
Community garage sales will be held May 9-13 in the village.
The American Legion chicken barbecue will be held May 5 at 10 a.m. at Malcuit’s. The cost is $13 per dinner.
The next meeting will be May 7 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.