New sidewalk into Franklin Park has been approved
Strasburg Village Administrator Mike Rosenberry provided information at the Nov. 19 council meeting about the sidewalk into Franklin Park. RJ Corman Railroad has issued the entry permit to move forward with the sidewalk connecting Fourth Street Southeast and the park walking trail.
RJ Corman has required the village to fund $3,520 to reinforce the walking area so the asphalt does not crack or break up from the train passing over the tracks. The work will be done in the spring.
Rosenberry also met with a TAPCO Sales representative and an engineer about installing the traffic system referred to as a Traffic Hawk, which is similar to the hybrid beacon system. There is a 20-foot post with a 16-foot boom extending over Wooster Avenue to alert traffic of a crosswalk. TAPCO is expected to provide a proposal for the Traffic Hawk.
Prior to the council meeting, Erin Wright, director of infrastructure and community development, and Ben Turin, RTPO program manager and community developer from OMEGA, gave a presentation on how the village could obtain grants for projects.
Council also did the following:
—Learned water/sewer services for a housing development behind the Catholic cemetery off Sixth Street Northwest that was estimated at $28,000 for materials will not be developed. The developer determined it is not cost-effective to move forward at this time.
—Gave approval for power and communication wiring relocation and sign installation at the Sibley Mart on North Wooster Avenue at a total cost of $19,270 to include curbing, new sidewalk approach and blacktop.
—Agreed to submit an ODOT safety grant to obtain funding.
—Approved Lisa Edie to continue as an on-call part-time employee at Franklin Park through the winter.
—Heard police officer Conner Bailey and Kayla Morrison have completed their six-month probation for corporal status.
—Heard the first reading of an ordinance granting pay increases to village employees, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
—Heard Fire Chief Jason Ely and Lt. Ross Gardner will have physicals before they travel to pick up the new fire truck Dec. 11 and 12.
—Approved repairs to the ice machine at the fire station at a cost of $650.
—Heard the fire department responded to 27 calls Nov. 5-18. The total calls to date are 593.
—Heard the village has secured a loan for $83,000 for 10 years at 5.9% for the new fire truck.
—Passed, as an emergency, a resolution authorizing the mayor to prepare and submit an application to the Transportation Alternatives Program.
—Heard the Franklin Township Trustees and village finance committee met to discuss business. Trustee Brent Metzger said it was a good meeting.
—Heard a renewal of the staffing levy for the fire department will appear on the May 2025 primary ballot.
—Heard a complaint that motorized bikes and four-wheelers are riding in Pine Ridge, which is private property. Only residents are permitted to use the walking trail and the area.
Other information
The annual tree lighting will be Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at Garver Square. The community choir will provide music, and there will be refreshments. The event is sponsored by the Strasburg Lions Club.
A red maple tree has been planted at the rear of Garver Square, provided by the late John B. and Grace Garver family.
The local ministers will judge residents’ Christmas lights on Dec. 12. First, second and third place and one honorable mention will be awarded on Dec. 14. Information is on the village Facebook page.
Leaf pickup continues until Dec. 11. Leaves should be raked to the curb each Monday.
Council thanked Lewie Dreher and Marty Zehnder, D and Z Tree Trimming Service, for trimming the pine trees behind Village Hall.
All meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave. in Strasburg.