Strasburg Council to provide resource officer
Fire Chief Steve Laskey, left; Paige Sugalski, firefighter/emergency medical technician; Madeline Smith, firefighter/paramedic; and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Joki.
Strasburg Council unanimously passed a resolution during the Sept. 12 meeting to enter into an agreement with Strasburg Schools to provide a resource officer, eight hours per day, Monday to Friday. Police Chief Dave Warrick said a job description will be drawn up. The school district will pay 70% of the wages and benefits while the village is responsible for 30%. Once a job description is completed, a resource officer will be assigned.
Fire Chief Steve Laskey recognized Madeline Smith, firefighter and paramedic; Paige Sugalski, firefighter and emergency medical technician; and Isak Farrington, firefighter and paramedic, all members of the fire department. They responded to a call for a patient in distress, and by direct actions of the crew, the outcome was positive. The spouse of the patient expressed her gratitude for the quick response, and their actions are the reason her husband survived.
Also honored was Jennifer Mahoney, fiscal officer, for all she does for the village.
Public speaks
Marilyn Graef and Sarah Keplinger of Tuscarawas County Trap, Neuter and Release Group spoke about a program to capture feral cats to have them neutered or spayed and then released back into the village. Surgery is completed from April 15 to Oct. 15 but not in the winter. A village ordinance will be considered in spring 2024 to move forward with the request.
Council also did the following:
—Learned a grant of $34,852 was received from Reeves Foundation for a tornado siren. Two additional sirens are needed. Councilwoman Kathy Burrier wrote the grant.
—Heard the Soccer Club will no longer mow the soccer field.
—Agreed to purchase seven Norway spruce trees for Haswell Circle. The cost is $2,835. Mayor Steve Smith visited all the residents in the area, and they wanted trees to be replaced around the retention pond. Councilman Marty Zehnder cast the lone no vote.
—Passed an ordinance declaring 714 Studio Apts. to be multi-family dwellings for which a separate water and sewer service may be required at each apartment.
—Passed an ordinance, as an emergency, to hire Patty Gerber as an additional crossing guard.
—Authorized the village planning commission to recommend where recreational vehicles can be parked at a residence. The current ordinance indicated RVs can only be placed in the rear yard.
—Entered a contract with USI Insurance of Dayton for village property insurance at a cost of $29,093 annually.
—Held a meeting with Pine Ridge Development’s board about connecting Seventh Street Northwest to Dale Avenue. Malcuit Company is responsible for the street to Dale Avenue.
—Heard the LoveTusc Sculpture was designed for the village by Jim Dawson, Synergy Signs and Graphics. A ceremony will be held in October.
—Adopted a resolution to draw up an ordinance to appropriate $20,000 toward a sidewalk project.
—Heard school banners will be displayed on poles on Wooster Avenue.
—Learned there is a public hearing with the Joint Economic Development Committee on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Village Hall for an addition of property.
—Heard two new firefighters were hired and are receiving orientation.
Other information
Strasburg Library had 1,217 attend programs to date, and 148 participated in the eight-week summer reading program.
Fall cleanup will be held Oct. 17. Place items out with trash. A list of items accepted is available on the village website.
Trick or treat will be held Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. Those participating should turn on a porch light. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Police responded to 267 calls in August.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.