Village tree lighting was held at Garver Square
The village tree located in Garver Square on Wooster Avenue is a project of the Strasburg Lions Club.
During the Dec. 3 meeting, Strasburg Council gave approval to add an additional 24-by-40-by-14-foot space to the south side of the wastewater treatment plant garage and a front opening for the garage door and man door at a cost of $33,506. Council member Dustin Briggs asked if it was because the village/bus garage was given away that an extra addition was needed. Mayor Bruce Metzger said only one village truck is sitting outside.
Information was provided that RJ Corman Railroad has issued a permit to proceed with laying blacktop at the railroad crossing on Fourth Street Southeast in the spring to extend the sidewalk. John Gessner of Sealrite will develop the plan for installation.
The village tree lighting was held Dec. 1 at Garver Square. The Lions Club installs the tree each year, this year donated by the Farmer’s Exchange, located north of the village.
In another matter, after a closed-door session, council acted on three items, the first to reinstate Alison Rosenberg to the position of police officer, effective retroactive to the date she left the payroll and to be placed on paid leave until further action and council action with paid status to be retroactive. Action two was to engage attorney Leslie Kuntz of Krugliak Wilkins Law Firm to conduct an independent investigation of the circumstances leading to the original termination of the police officer at a rate of $300 per hour. The third action was further revision of the new pay ordinance to provide for council and mayor’s pay increases beginning in 2026.
Council also did the following:
—Agreed to purchase a storage container to store school equipment at a cost of about $2,000. The equipment is currently stored in a village-owned building.
—Approved the purchase of nine metal tables with four sides for Franklin Park at a cost of $4,050 to replace wooden picnic tables.
—Learned a permit was issued to Culture Customs at 301 S. Wooster Ave. for a new business offering auto detailing and power washing.
—Gave approval to repair the interior wood paneled walls at the fire station with metal sheeting and be painted at a cost of $3,630.
—Heard two of the three emergency sirens have been installed. Once completed, the countywide system will activate the sirens.
—Learned the sidewalk at Village Hall has been completed by Wolfe’s Landscaping. They donated their time and river rock used at the project.
—Heard Columbia Gas is investing in an infrastructure replacement program. In May 2025 natural gas rates will increase $1.31 per month.
—Heard the owner of a duplex on Sun Circle has been notified about unsightly disposal/storage of furniture and mattresses on the curb.
—Passed a resolution to enter into an agreement with Republic First National to finance the new fire truck.
—Held the first reading of a codified ordinance for construction of private water and sewer lines within the village and the Joint Economic Development District.
—Heard a request from Mayor Metzger when committees hold a meeting to inform him by email.
Other information
The fire department responded to 18 calls Nov. 19-30.
The annual SCBA fit testing has begun and should be completed by the end of December. All fire department staff will be tested.
Twelve smoke alarms were received from the State Fire Marshall’s Office through Project Smoke Alarms for Everyone. If a resident does not have a working alarm, call the fire station at 330-878-7112.
The new fire truck will arrive Dec. 12. Fire Chief Jason Ely and Lt. Ross Gardner will travel to pick up the truck.
The police responded to 92 calls in November.
The next meeting will be held Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.