By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Stryker Village Council adopted a new payroll ordinance at its meeting on Monday, September 15. Following the prayer by Nick Woodall of United Brethren Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken with Vicki Cameron, Dusty Potter, Nick Wlasiuk, Stan Whitlock, and Dave Benner in attendance.
After approval of the August 18 meeting minutes, the council then discussed the new payroll ordinance, which sets the salaries and fringe benefits, and defines certain duties of elected, appointed, and hourly employees of the village.
A motion was made by Cameron and seconded by Wlasiuk to suspend the rules and declare the ordinance as an emergency issue which was then passed.
In the ordinance, it was noted that the hourly pay rate for a second and third full-time police officer was raised from $22.55 per hour to $23.55 per hour.
Council also approved an hourly pay raise for maintenance worker Kris McMillen who has been employed by the village since 2021. He will be paid $23.55 per hour. The ordinance will go into effect for the pay period ending September 20, 2025.
Village clerk Beth Rediger presented the monthly finance report which was approved. Revenues for the month of August totaled $147,000 with expenditures at $127,000 which includes purchasing of a new dump truck bed at a cost of $20,900.
The village will be putting the former dump truck up for sealed bids beginning at noon on Friday, September 26, in the village office.
Village Solicitor Kevin J. Whitlock advised council that the village will be terminating its land lease agreement and solar easement with Williams County Solar, LLC, effective immediately upon the completion of the initial five (5) year term.
The agreement consisted of 31.67 village-owned property and getting an engineered design plan made for future housing development on that same property.
In other matters, council was reminded of the upcoming fire hydrant flushing in the village taking place the week of October 6-9. Construction of sidewalks throughout the village is also underway.
Police Chief Steven Mendez reported the department vehicles had required increased repair maintenance due to normal wear and tear associated with their age and regular use. Recently, the village spent $4,500 on police car repairs, thus using all their budgeted money.
Mendez will also be applying for the State of Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, with applications due by October 9, 2025.
This grant would assist the department in enhancing accountability, transparency, and officer safety throughout the implementation of body-worn cameras.
Council learned that Rediger will be attending state auditors’ training in Perrysburg on October 9, and Deputy Clerk Emily Clemens will attend Farmers and Merchants Bank for cybersecurity and HCH (direct deposit) training on October 15.
In communications, council was updated on the upcoming Stryker Fall Fest to be held on Saturday, November 1, in Springfield Park, with the parade starting at noon.
With two council seats up for in the November 2025 election, the village is now accepting letters of interest until December 1, 2025.