GOING OVER REPORT … Stryker Village Council is shown discussing the village administrator’s report. (PHOTO BY ANNA WOZNIAK, STAFF)
By: Anna Wozniak
The April 17, 2023 Stryker Village Council meeting began at 6 p.m. with a prayer led by Matt Weaver and the pledge of allegiance led by Army veteran Bob Davis.
Roll call was then taken, and present were Council President Vicki Camron, Dave Brenner, Nick Wlasiuk, Rachel Garcia, Sean Ingram, and Derrick Potter.
Also present were Fiscal Officer Beth Rediger, Village Administrator Alan Riegsecker, and presiding Mayor Joe Beck.
After roll call, the council was introduced to WEDCO Director Ashley Epling, who detailed the plights of both WEDCO (Williams County Economic Development Corporation) and WCPA (Williams County Port Authority) to the officials present.
Part of this was stressing that promotion of factory and manufacturing jobs was essential to economic success, and that promoting a healthy work life balance in contemporary positions will help draw more people to the jobs -once the people looking to work can also find a place to live while they do so.
After council thanked Epling for her visit, they then approved the minutes of the March 20, 2023 meeting, and greeted solicitor Kevin Whitlock and son.
The financial report for April 14, 2023 was approved, as were the minutes of the April 20, 2023 Committee meeting.
There is a $30 filing fee for the election petitions that are available at the Williams County Board of Elections, which must be turned in by August 9 at 4 p.m.
Large trash pick-up day is scheduled for May 6, 2023, and council urges Stryker residents to have all trash out to the curb by Friday night, as well as remember that residents get one large item picked up for free every third Friday of the month and are free to use the compost dumpster behind the Village Hall.
Trick-or-treating was scheduled for October 28, 2023 5:30-7 p.m. Hydrant flushing is scheduled for May 22-26.
Beth Rediger reported that their audit will be completed sometime in June, stressing that this is the last year that Stryker will qualify for a simplified audit. Next year a more expensive, in-depth audit will be completed.
If someone would like to purchase a Memorial Day banner, please contact Beth at the Village Offices. Forms can be found at the offices as well.
Councilor Dave Benner then shared that “Party in the Park” is tentatively scheduled for August 5, 2023.
The water tower purchase project is almost complete, with signatures being the last thing needed.
Administration reminds all residents that blowing grass clippings into the streets not only endangers traffic, but also backs up city drains.
Police Chief Mendez then detailed that two new officers should be sworn in in May, as well as information on two cars offered to the department at a reasonable price by an Indiana dealership.
Mendez reminds citizens that the warmer weather will bring stricter enforcement of village ordinances.

Council then entered into executive session at 6:37 p.m., wherein it was decided to accredit Police Chief Mendez with his prior 22 years of part-time service and start him off with three weeks’ worth of vacation time.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com