BUILDING REPAIRS … Administrator Alan Riegsecker updates council on the ongoing foundation issues the Stryker Village Town Hall is experiencing.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Stryker held its regular council meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss vacant council seats, village office repairs, and to say goodbye to two current members, Dave Benner and Dusty Potter.
The meeting opened with a prayer led by Israel Aguilar of the United Brethren Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
In attendance were all members, including Mayor Joe Beck, Village Administrator Alan Riegsecker, Fiscal Officer Beth Rediger, Council President Vicki Cameron, Dave Benner, Sean Ingram, Dusty Potter, Stanley Whitlock, and Nick Wlasiuk.
Village Administrator Alan Riegsecker provided an update on the town hall’s recent foundation cracking issue.
“So, you may have noticed over the several years the building has been cracking and getting worse,” he began. He explained that contractors examined the structure, noting even worse cracking in the floor at the Police Station. A quote for $25,000 to $30,000 with a thirty-year warranty was presented for review.
“At some point, every building has a lifespan,” commented Mayor Beck. “One of the things we want to do is make sure the building is safe, that it’s still usable without costing us more than it costs to keep it.
“Do we need to start looking at something different? The answer is – yes. I don’t know what the life expectancy of this building is.
“Short-term, we are looking to make sure it gets ‘short-up.’ To make sure that it is safe, we are going to put some money into it.
“One of the things we want to do is make sure that it’s not good for just today. We want some longevity there,” he continued.
“I am looking at three to seven years, potentially, of going through and getting a building that is going to be here for a very long time.”
The Stryker Council awaits a more concrete plan of action before pursuing anything further.
Council approved the minutes from the November 24, 2025, meeting, alongside the finance committee meeting minutes from the same day.
President Cameron presented a Navy Christmas Tree ornament to hang on the village’s office tree, completing the collection of all the military branches.
Under communications, Mayor Beck acknowledged two letters of interest for the 2026 vacant council seats. The sitting council will make its decision before the beginning of the new year.
In the Clerk’s Report, presented by Rediger, the village’s income for the month far surpassed the expenditures.
She expected to have a small carryover into 2026, noting only 87% of what she budgeted was spent. The clerk noted that the village is planning to use the amount to fund their share of the water tower project, amounting to $155,082.
Legislation before the council included the suspension and passage of several ordinances that focused on payroll and permanent annual appropriations.
The Village of Stryker employee health insurance with Medical Mutual of Ohio was additionally renewed, as no new quotes came in from competing agencies.
Stryker Police Chief Steve Mendez provided a seasonal reminder to residents that Stryker had an ordinance to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
“I’ve just noticed it hasn’t been getting done. Especially considering school children, I see a lot of them slipping and sliding while walking to school.
“Also, with the colder temperatures, check on your neighbors – elderly, the disabled. If you see something out of the ordinary, give us a call, and we will be more than willing to reach out.”
The police report also highlighted Stryker’s participation in the Shop with Kids program held on December 13, 2025, and the upcoming volunteer support at the Autism SCI Bryan Center’s Christmas program on December 19, 2025.
Administrator Riegsecker noted that he and Rediger met with the Williams County Port Authority to discuss vacant lots available in Stryker for housing.
They provided a list of about twenty “ready to build lots.” He also stated that due to the recent heavy snow, leaf pickup was delayed once again, and they will resume when the weather permits.
Riegsecker reminded residents that there was a recycling compost bin behind the village office for those wishing to dump their leaves earlier.
Mayor Beck thanked members Dave Benner and Dusty Potter for their service on the village council, wishing them luck on their future endeavors.
The Stryker Village Council meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. with no further business.