No action taken after closed-door meeting in Strasburg
Mayor Bruce Metzger told Strasburg Council at the Sept. 3 meeting that Fire Capt. Maria Boswell continues to be interim chief until Chief Jason Ely has a final physical on Sept. 9. Boswell said things are going well. Metzger said until Ely is on the job, there is nothing he can do.
“I appreciate the fire department and what they are doing; however, I feel the qualifications for a new chief were substandard and the residents deserve to have the best,” council member Jeff Smith said.
He said he doesn’t want his comments to be distorted. He said a fire chief also should be a paramedic. Metzger said when Jason Ely gets here, give him a chance.
Smith asked about the resignation of a paramedic and why she resigned.
“I don’t know her, but she only worked one day a month and others that resigned only worked two times a month,” Metzger said.
According to the fire levy passed two years ago, it called for a full-time chief, 24/7 coverage and part-time staffers, which means they all worked at other places full-time and the village part-time.
Council member Dustin Briggs asked the status of the chief. A closed-door session was held to discuss the matter. No action was taken.
Council also did the following:
—Learned street paving will begin in the village this month. Areas to be paved are Kaderly Avenue, Oak Avenue, Sixth to Eighth streets Southwest and the park’s northern access road.
—Heard water-infiltration scoping has been completed, and a report was received. Council approved a proposal from United Survey Inc. and five sewage segments for a total of 1,400 feet needed relined with work completed for a cost of $70,000.
—Agreed to purchase four Christmas wreaths to be mounted on poles in the downtown.
—Asked who mows Haswell Circle Northwest. The village owns the retention pond, and it is currently overgrown with vegetation.
—Passed an amended ordinance regulating panhandle lots, which are lots with at least a 40-foot frontage on an improved public road or village-approved private drive.
—Held the first reading of an amended pay ordinance for part-time employees of the fire department shall receive 1 1/2 of their regular pay for time worked on a village-recognized holiday.
—Passed a resolution authorizing one-year renewal with VFIS of Ohio for fire department insurance at a cost of $10,516 per year.
—Passed a resolution authorizing a one-year renewal of Public Entities Pool for insurance at a cost of $32,011 annually, effective Oct. 1.
—Adopted a resolution to hire Michael Turner as an advanced EMT/firefighter.
—Heard from Metzger, who also is the Grandview Cemetery sexton, that the bank behind St. John UCC has not had attention for two years. He said it is not safe. He said Tom Spidell, Franklin Township road supervisor, has been using a brush hog to get rid of foliage. Metzger said the church also should be responsible.
—Learned a TAP grant awarded to the village should be received in 2025. Smith requested a phase two Tap Grant application be submitted in January 2025. The grants are for improvements to the downtown area.
—Agreed to apply for a grant for phase three of Safe Routes to School.
—Heard property at 119 Sixth St. SW has been partially cleaned of grass and vegetation.
Other information
Fall Cleanup Day will be held Oct. 8. Information about the collection is on the village website, and flyers are available at Village Hall.
Trick or treat will be held Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. Those participating should turn on a porch light, and children should be accompanied by an adult.
Village police responded to 158 calls in August.
Council thanked ProVia for its service days and its support to the community.
Strasburg Branch Library provided 63 programs, with 9,105 items borrowed and 1,117 attended programs offered.
The next meeting will be held Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.