COMMITTEE REPORT … Stryker councilor Sean Ingram is seen giving the Judiciary Committee report at the September 26, 2022 Council meeting. Around him are councilors Dusty Potter, Dave Benner and Vicki Cameron. Behind from left to right are Chief Schlosser and Solicitor Kevin Whitlock. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Stryker Village Council met a week later than usual for the September 26, 2022 meeting due to a lack of agenda for their regularly scheduled meeting.
Pastor Matt Weaver of Lockport Mennonite Church opened in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Navy veteran Don Carol.
With only councilor Feehan absent and unable to be on Facetime that night, all other councilors were present.
They began the meeting with the approval of the August 15, 2022 meeting minutes and the September 23, 2022 Finance Report.
Councilor Sean Ingram gave a report on the Judiciary Committee meeting which was held on August 15, 2022.
They covered two specific topics, the first being the proposed first two sections of the updated Village Personnel Policies and Procedure Manual.
Ingram reported that he had requested two changes: 1. It be consistent bullet point items or letters and numbers for sections with his thought that letters and numbers seem to work the best, and 2. Instead of using the word “customers” change to “residents”.
Village Clerk Beth Rediger had told the committee that she would make the noted changes. The other subject addressed was presented by Stryker Police Chief Steve Schlosser.
He explained that he would like to see some changes to Chapter 505 titled Animals and Fowl as “stray cats have become an issue” according to some of the residents.
He would like to see section 505.02 amended – to eliminate cat/dog and simply replace it with the word animal or replace the whole section with a sample he provided.
He said that the problem is that there is no cat license and no responsibility, making it un-enforceable the way that current ordinances read. He also provided samples of ordinance sections related to picking up/cleanup of animal excrement and the feeding of stray dogs/cats.
After discussion, Chairperson Ingram had stated that he would get with the village solicitor to bring a proposed ordinance to council with the suggested changes.
Ingram said that the only other thing mentioned at the committee meeting was about the use of electric scooters or other electric vehicles in town, brought up by councilor Nic Wlasiuk.
Chief Schlosser had said, “they are in my opinion, adequately covered in section 311.03 of the Village Codified Ordinances.”
Rediger said during the regular meeting that she wanted to be sure that Victoria Stuckey is thanked properly for adding the landscaping out by the village electronic sign, making it look even nicer.
Council discussed Halloween and agreed on the time of 5:30-7 p.m. on October 29for Trick or Treat.
Councilor Dusty Potter reported that there will be a kids Fall Fest at Springfield Park also that evening with a helicopter and a monster truck available for rides at a cost.
Council plans to have other fun activities for the kids such as a hayride, a straw maze and other fun things to do.
Rediger reported that the village employees have all completed the forms for insurance quotes.
She asked council to decide if they want different Christmas decorations put up downtown, as they get to change every three years if they so choose.
Council will discuss that as part of the committee meeting on October 24, along with budget discussions.
In legislation, council voted to suspend and pass Resolution 09-2022-03 Preliminary Legislation allowing Ohio Department of Transportation to complete the required bridge inspections within the Village of Stryker.
A finance committee meeting was scheduled for 5 p.m. on October 24 and the regular council meeting was also moved to that night, at 6 p.m.
Village Administrator Al Riegsecker reported that the water tower project has begun.
The water has been drained, metal repairs made and they are ready to sandblast it. The panther will be painted on the south side of the tower, facing the sports complex.
He also informed council that hydrant flushing had started and that he had alerted the fire department that since the village is using one water tower right now, if there is a fire they will need to bring in water.
Three trees that were in bad shape have been removed near the depot and new ones will be planted in the spring.
The compost bin will remain behind the village hall until snow flies; leaves are to be raked and put near the curb but not over it (not taken down to the dumpster); and the crew is doing some drainage work on West Mulberry St.
Chief Schlosser reported that he has hired a new part time officer, Jacob Dye, who has adjusted immediately and is on the October schedule.
He was thrilled to report that for the past month, there were 11 traffic warnings, no traffic citations and no adult arrests, amongst the 53 total reports.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com