By: Rebecca Miller
In the midst of hourly changes happening statewide and nationwide, concerning who can meet and how many can be there, Stryker Mayor encouraged council “that it is a fluid time right now and we will decide about how we can continue” to direct our village as a daily thing. He did mention that the government is offering some optional methods of directing business and Stryker Village Soliciter Katie Rakes will be checking into those for them.
As the state had just dropped the number allowed in meetings, to ten, before the meeting, there is a strong possibility that they will be adjusting before the next Village Council meeting.
In his report, Police Chief Steve Schlosser did reassure the Mayor, Council, village employees and any public who might watch the video available on the website, that “Stryker Police Department will be business as usual. We will go to one’s home.”
“There has been some concern with the pandemic. But as far as I stand with our officers, there are inherent risks in this job, which we are aware of when we choose it, and this is part of it,” Schlosser said. “In my opinion, this department has to be a light in the darkness. We all need to take a calm, collective breath.”
He did mention that the dispatchers are getting a lot more information than usual and they will take information seriously, but they will be there for whoever whenever they need to be. Mayor Joe Beck thanked him “for that” and commended the police department for all they do.
Beck announced a Maumee Valley Regional Transportation Improvement program meeting planned for March 31, but mentioned that in the situation it may be canceled.
Council member Rex Blevins, reported as chairperson for the Judiciary Committee, that a meeting was held on February 24, 2020 with himself, Council members Sean Ingram, Dave Benner and Vicki Cameron present as well as Mayor Beck, Solicitor Katie Rakes, Beth Rediger and Al Riegsecker.
He reported that Cameron had raised a concern at the committee meeting over the village ordinances regarding if a Dispensary were to locate within the village for the sale of CBD oil, as well as other Federally Controlled substances such as Hemp. Solicitor Rakes said that unfortunately the State of Ohio has made no provision that will allow villages to exempt the product.
She suggested that the village check into the possibility of limiting the number of signs that can be place on one property concerning the sale of mentioned items. The committee asked her to review the village sign ordinance bring some legislative options back. Rakes will also review the village’s ordinances in regards to marijuana and dispensaries to make sure the village is in compliance with the new State Ordinance.
A Finance Committee Meeting was held on March 2, 2020, with Chairperson Lee Armstrong, Council members Dave Benner and Vicki Cameron and Sean Ingram present, as well as Fiscal Officer Beth Rediger, Mayor Joe Beck, Village Administrator Alan Riegsecker and Police Chief Steve Schlosser.
At the March 16 Regular Council meeting, Armstrong read the Report of the Finance Committee meeting:
•Rediger gave overview of 2019 Financial Notes
•The committee discussed the village’s current water rates and that there have been no increases since 2013. Rediger presented a comparison sheet of Stryker’s utility rates compared to other villages and noted that the water base rate is low. She suggested that Council look at increasing that per bill in January 2021, as the money is allocated toward equipment, repairs and operation.
Riegsecker stated that all the costs associated with water operating, such as water meters, testing, repair clamps, lines and chlorine have increased at least 15% but the village has not increased rates to match, so the carry-over balance is being used to make up the difference.
Rediger suggested the village increase the base rate from $6.35 to $10.00, which would cover the yearly increased operating expenses. Rediger asked to have Rakes prepare a Village Ordinance for three readings. (Following the report, Tompkins expressed at the March 16 meeting, that she feels the jump from $6.35 to $10.00 might be too drastic.
It was explained that since the village did not increase rates slowly over the past seven years, it might look sudden and large, but is actually what is needed to cover the operating expenses. Beck assured her that there will be more discussion before it is voted upon.)
•The committee then discussed future budget items such as police radios and the next new police vehicle. Schlosser said he believes the county will be switching to the MARCS radio system by the end of the year and his department will need at least three mobile radios and four handhelds.
The mobile radios are $3,000 apiece and there is a monthly user fee for the handheld units which he hopes will be covered by a grant. The purchase of a new police vehicle was discussed at length, with the committee suggesting the department check into getting an SUV next year. Schlosser stated that he and his officers are comfortable driving the Chargers and they have the total police platform available, but he will check other vehicles out if that is the council’s desire.
(Following the report, this topic was raised by Council Member Lana Tompkins with her concern for the cost of an SUV. Others stated that one of the main reasons is so the department has a 4×4 for bad weather.)
•Rediger suggested the village produce a packet of information to advertise or market the village owned south property, something that can be distributed to future developers through WEDCO. Also, she is checking into the steps necessary to get the property listed on the Ohio Site Selection website.
Cameron’s daughter has offered to do the graphic art to design the packet, free of charge to the village. Rediger noted the current three year land lease is up at the end of this year, so council can decide to extend the lease for farming, advertise for sealed bids again or leave the land vacant.
•Rediger and Riegsecker noted that the ARS trash and recycling three year contract is up in October. They both suggested that the committee invite Michelle Ryder of ARS to a Finance Committee Meeting to discuss renewal or extension options.
Following the Finance Committee report, Blevins asked some questions about the grant for radios for the police department. Schlosser said it has to be applied for annually. Mayor Beck expressed the need to not “cut us short” by not giving the department the items they need.
There is a possibility of purchasing used radios from the state, but whatever they do it will be under the Chief’s advisement. Blevins also asked that ARS pick up Recycles every other week.
Beck said that at the meeting that came up and there was a divided reasoning on that. Clemens said that is why Rediger recommends that they have a representative from ARS come and speak with them, so they can ask the questions of them.
Village Clerk Emily Clemens, sitting in for Beth Rediger, reported that the revenue over the past month went way up due to property taxes coming in and a steady influx of income taxes being paid. Income tax collections are up 22% above last year at this time.
Village Administrator Al Riegsecker reported that the new signs have been put up on the north and west of town. The south posts still need major digging and work so will be done when weather permits.
Compost dumpster will be put out back of the village hall on April 1. He stressed that it is ONLY FOR COMPOST, no branches or wood or trash. The Large Trash Pickup will be on May 9.
In Regular business, council voted to approve the minutes for the February 17, 2020 meeting, the Finance Report as of March 13, 2020, and the minutes from Judiciary Committee Meeting and Finance Committee Meeting. Mayor Beck encouraged all council members to get their updated picture and bios done for the Village Website.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com