MOVING ON … Sergeant Steve Mendez said his goodbyes to council at the October 24, 2022 Stryker Council meeting. Seen here, Police Chief Steve Schlosser was sharing how Mendez will be missed as he has been on the force for 21 years. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
As a part of the October 24, 2022 Stryker Village Council meeting, Police Chief Steve Schlosser had Sergeant Steve Mendez present with him.
Schlosser explained to council that Mendez is leaving the Stryker Police Department (SPD) to accept a full-time position with the Toledo Metro Parks Police Department (TMPPD).
Mendez has been a part of SPD since November 2021. “Working for a single agency for 21 years will tell you quite a bit about his loyalty to the Village of Stryker,” Chief Schlosser said, continuing, “His leadership and command presence will be sorely missed by the officers.”
“For as long as I’ve known Steve, he’s been nothing but a stellar officer. I will certainly miss having him as a part of our family, he is a true brother.”
While Mendez was a part-time officer, he worked for 25 years at GM.
Recently he was given the opportunity to retire from GM, and is looking forward to this new step in his law enforcement career.
Schlosser said they are keeping his name on the roster in a reserve status.
“Even with Steve leaving, it’s not a dismal situation,” Schlosser added, “Personnel changes are part of SPD’s DNA.”
“It’s what we do, we prepare officers for bigger challenges, it’s all part of our process. I wish Steve good luck and Godspeed.”
Mayor Joe Beck thanked Mendez for his many years of faithful service to the community.
Mendez thanked the council for the opportunity to serve in Stryker, saying that he has received great support from Chief Schlosser as the K-9 handler and in other roles.
As Mendez steps out of his SPD role, another officer is also stepping dow as K-9 Rocco will be retired for health reasons.
That had been the plan for him even before Mendez’s plan to join TMPPD, as Rocco is struggling with some nerve problems and is already 8 ½ years old, with most dogs retiring around the age of ten.
Mayor Beck asked Schlosser to please get a good picture of Mendez and Rocco that can be hung in the village hall for posterity.
In the rest of his report, Chief Schlosser informed council that the 2014 Dodge Charger (K-9 car) will be outfitted back to its original state with the dog cage removed and the back seat insert being reinstalled.
This vehicle will be provided to Lieutenant Jordan Williams as his duty vehicle and take-home car.
Statistics from September 19 – October 20, were: 41 calls; 6 traffic warnings; 1 traffic citation; and 0 adult arrests.
The council meeting began at 6 p.m. with prayer led by Gary Stuckey and the Pledge of Allegiance by Army Veteran Bob Davis. Roll call showed four of six council members present.
Council voted to approve:
- Minutes of regular meeting on September 26,2022 and special meeting minutes for October 4, 2022
- Finance report as of October 20, 2022
- 1st Reading of Ordinance 2022-04 approving the edition and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component codes of the Codified Ordinances of Stryker, Ohio
- 1st Reading of Ordinance 2022-05 amending Chapter 505 of the Village of Stryker
- 1st Reading of Ordinance 2022-06 revised 2022 Permanent Annual Appropriations due to water tower project
- Motion to authorize Village Administrator Al Riegsecker to accept and contract for option 2 of Medical Mutual
In the Village administrator report, Riegsecker updated council that the water tower project is going well and on schedule; Leaf Collection has begun and he reminded residents to rake leaves to the curbs but NOT OVER the curbs; and the Military Banners will be taken down the day after Veterans Day to make way for Christmas decorations.
He explained that village residents’ water supply is coming from the second tower in the village and that the fire department has alternative sources if needed.
Solicitor Kevin Whitlock informed council that he is working on the purchase of the 2nd water tower and hopefully will soon have a purchase agreement to bring for signatures, after the formal survey.
The village is paying $30,000 for the tower, plus the legal costs and any other extra fees.
Councilor Vicki Cameron asked Riegsecker if the 2nd tower will be “good to go” when the purchase goes through and was told that it will be disinfected and tested prior to opening it up.
In communications, reminders were given for Stryker Fall Fest which was scheduled for October 29 at Springfield Township Park from 2-5 and for Trick or Treat the same night from 5:30-7 p.m.
Council members were given opportunity to share and Cameron asked how they are to handle “properties that have buildings that need some attention.”
Mayor Beck said that he has some experience with checking them but wants an expert to help with checking any buildings.
“We can revisit that as we did that about five years ago,” he said. Council was encouraged to turn in property addresses to Riegsecker or Village Fiscal Officer Beth Rediger.
Councilor Nic Wlasiuk asked for an update on the group that purchased a piece of property and put up a sign that it is ready for a house to be built. Riegsecker said that the village heard that as prices are high, they are waiting.
Whitlock asked if it was “on hold or dead” and was informed it is on hold. Mayor Beck asked Riegsecker to check with the group to see what their plans are.
Rediger told council that she was planning to attend a virtual WEDCO meeting the next morning.
Mayor Beck announced that Stryker Heritage Council has a meeting and banquet on November 12.
Before adjourning for the evening, council went into executive session to discuss possible land acquisition. There was no action taken.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com
