DECISIONS ARE MADE … Mayor Joe Beck announced to council at the June 20, 2022 meeting that Archbold Refuse Services has informed them that they need to add a fuel surcharge to their contract. This would come to 90 cents per month per household, but Beck said that the village is going to absorb that for now, if that is fine with council. Council members agreed that this is the right thing to do. It may need to get passed on at a later date. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
The June 20, 2022 meeting of Stryker Village Council began with prayer led by Mr. Terry Wieland and the pledge by Mayor Joe Beck.
Council approved the minutes of the previous meeting and the finance report dated June 17, 2022. Also approved was First Reading of Resolution 06-2022-01 “Accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and certifying them to the County Auditor.”
The Welfare Committee minutes from 5-16-22 were approved also and council heard an update from the June 6, 2022 meeting. Dusty Potter reported that in May they had tossed around the idea of moving Stryker Fest to October on Trick or Treat Night.
On June 6th they met with Heritage Council because they realized that the villages plans were affecting some of their plans. Potter said that he recommended that due to short time to plan, that they leave it in October.
On June 9th Heritage Council held an open forum to see if there was an interest in doing Stryker Fest in August. Potter said he was unable to go but his wife went for him.
“There is no definitive arrangement between us, as far as I can see. It looks like we were asked if we can provide trash cans, a fence, cleanup help after the event, and a sound system conversation was held. Also, the help and support of Porta Johns was considered.”
A few people from the Stryker Area Heritage Council were present and answered questions. Potter said it looks to him like there are two distinct events on two separate days.
The August event will be led by the Heritage Council and is called Stryker Community Day. Potter said that there are still some things being scheduled for the October event but with the other two committee members not present, it would be better to discuss at a later date.
Another Welfare Committee meeting was scheduled for July 18 at 5:30, prior to regular council meeting.
Heritage Council representatives spoke about the maintenance needs at The Depot, leaving some quotes for some of the labor, material and supplies with Fiscal Officer Beth Rediger.
Al Riegsecker said a retired brick mason has offered to donate his services this summer and there are also some offers for roof repairs. A few other issues were mentioned as well.
They said that the Stryker Parade will be held on August 27 at 11 a.m. Registration forms are available at the Village Hall.
Another meeting was scheduled for June 27th with everyone welcome to attend and share what they are able to do for the activities that day. Presently all the vendors and events will be outside.
The Depot will have tours with period costumes. Rex Blevins is heading up the parade and has had great responses, especially from Jeep clubs. They asked about the possibility of blocking off a few streets to display the jeeps after the parade.
Rediger informed council that the company that brings the big bouncy house and equipment, has called and assumes she is coming for August 27th. She expressed concern about having that equipment during the October event because of the possible damage from costumes and makeup.
Heritage Council also mentioned that some residents and businesses are discussing what to do with food for the August 27th event. Possible musicians will be contacted.
Other ideas have been tossed around as well and will be considered on June 27th at the meeting. The parade is coming along nicely.
Mayor Beck announced that ARS has determined a need to have a fuel surcharge. The village of Stryker will absorb the fuel surcharge at this point, but more than likely they will need to make an increase in the future, if it continues.
The contract goes through October of 2023, and the village will cover it for now instead of passing that charge on to the residents.
Village Administrator Al Riegsecker reported that there will be some crack sealing done on some streets.
He and Beth will be meeting with the engineers for a bid package for the painting and rehab of the school water tower. This project has delayed the Johnson Street water project, as the tower has to be done by the end of the year.
Rediger said she would be doing online Records Training on June 23 from 11-1:15, as she is the village designee. Anyone else on council can do the training as well, as it is on the Sunshine law about Executive Sessions.
She said she would forward the link to them. Each elected official or a designee is supposed to do this every four years. She highly recommended they do it as well.
Council member Nick Wlasiuk asked if they can put flowers back around the new sign like it was with the old sign. He said the individual who did it before is interested.
Sean Ingram asked where they stand with the policy manual. Rediger said she is half way through the first of nine sections and can share with them soon.
She is trying to combine the manual and the handbook as they are often repetitive.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com