By: Mark Mercer – THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Stryker Village Council and Mayor Daniel Hughes brought down the gavel, opening the initial meeting of 2014. After an opening prayer and the pledge, Mayor Hughes swore in the four newly elected members of this year’s council. Newly seated members this year are: Mike Fox, Rick Wityk, Robert Sperling, and Rex Blevins.
After the swearing in of newly seated members, the council took up housekeeping measures, such as the assignment of committee membership, and most importantly, nomination and voting on a new Council President. Members Terry Wieland and Mike Fox were nominated, and the voting was an even split, 3-3 for each nominated member. According to council protocol, in the event of a tie, the Mayor holds the tiebreaking vote, and this year’s new Council President selected by Mayor Hughes will be Mr. Wieland.
After introduction of the updated Finance Report, council members voted 6-0 to adapt the report. The next order of business was the Communications Report to the Council. The only item discussed was the voices from many citizens to the Village Administrator , Gary St. John, recognizing the outstanding job all Village Departments performed during the recent inclement weather crisis that brought Northwest Ohio to a standstill. Many citizens voiced their appreciation for a job well done during a difficult crisis by all Village Departments.
The next item addressed was the requirement for the formation of a “Forms Record Commission.” The newly formed commission will be tasked with reviewing and setting timelines for village record retention (tax forms, bills, various other records). The commission members were assigned and the initial meeting was set for February 10 at 5:00 p.m. at the Stryker Village Office.
At this month’s meeting, one ordinance was put before the Council for adaption by the members. The first ordinance of the year adapted by the Council was Ordinance 2014-1, which is an ordinance repealing Ordinance 2013-3, titled “Setting the Salaries and Fringe Benefits and Defining Certain Duties of Elected, Appointed and Hourly Employees of the Village of Stryker Ohio.” Ordinance 2014-1 is a requirement from the Ohio Revised Code and sets forth compensation and benefits for 2014.
The council also heard the monthly report from Chief of Police Steven Schlosser. Chief Schlosser reported 25 traffic warnings issued in the Village along with 10 traffic citations. Chief Schlosser also reported the arrest of 4 adults in the period between the last council meeting.
Also from Chief Schlosser, it was announced that Police Sergeant JR Treace was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. According to Chief Schlosser “Lt. Treace has shown that he posses the traits necessary to make thorough decisions while providing outstanding leadership to our remaining staff. This promotion is well deserved, and I am very proud of his accomplishments as a full time Police Officer.” Lt. Treace’s promotion was effective on December 21, 2013.
In other Police Department news, Chief Schlosser announced the date for the DARE program, to be held on February 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Stryker Village Library.
The council concluded the January meeting and set the next meeting, which will be held on February 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stryker Village Office.
Mark Mercer can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com