PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
JUNK CAR ORDINANCE … Village Solicitor Kevin Whitlock (left) and Police Chief Steven Mendez (right) discuss drafting an ordinance regarding junk cars during its regular council meeting on Monday, Aug. 17.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Stryker Village Council heard a presentation from a land company interested in building homes in Stryker at its meeting on Monday, Aug. 17.
Representatives of the Western Dominion Land Company of Mansfield, Ohio addressed council members of building up to 220 housing units on a 34-acre site owned by the village and bounded by Dollar General Store and County Road E-50.
The proposed housing would be a mix of ranch-style single-family homes and two-story duplexes, Ben Goehler of Western Dominion Land Company told council during a preliminary presentation of the project.
The one-story single-family homes are proposed at 1,200 square feet and include a two-car garage with a preliminary price of $215,000, or possibly as low as $200,000.
“It could be a mixture of rentals, purchases or leases, depending on market conditions and demand,” Goehler said.
Ashley Epling, director of the Williams County Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) and a Williams County Port Authority member who is working with Western Dominion Land Company, told council they are interested in doing some residential development in Williams County.
“The Village of Stryker has some parcels that they (Western Dominion Land Company) are interested in,” Epling said.
Goehler said the development is not Section 8, describing the development price point as “attainable” and adding that Western Dominion has had successful experience in that price range.
“On this subdivision what we’re primarily thinking is those single-family homes and the duplexes would be ideal,” he said.
“It’s my understanding that we want people to live here and stay here and have their kids live here and have a place for the community to grow.”
Council then went into an executive session to discuss the possible purchase or sale of village property. There was no action taken.
In other action, council approved the revised permanent appropriations for the village, that included $621,000 in grant funds for the water tower project and a smaller grant to cover the cost of new police body cameras.
The current total budget balance is $2,220,139.41, according to fiscal officer Beth Rediger. She also noted the village took in a little more than $139,000 in revenue for July, with expenditures totaling a little less than $114,000.
Council also approved second readings of an ordinance amending the number of council’s standing committees, and a resolution to accept the county auditor’s estimated general property tax amounts and rates as determined by the county budget commission.
Village Administrator Report
Village Administrator Al Riegsecker reported the painting on the water tower tank has been finished.
He said the village is in the process of disinfection and refilling the tank and hoping to be back in service by the end of the week.
Riegsecker told council the telemetry system had recently failed on the tank where it didn’t pump enough water. He is seeking parts to repair it and hoping that it will be replaced by the end of the year.
He also reported there was a main break involving an old water line that occurred on North Defiance Street last week.
He already contacted the village’s engineers and is going to get some estimates drawn up for replacing the old water line.
Village Solicitor Report
Village Solicitor Kevin Whitlock will be creating draft language for an ordinance concerning junk cars. The judiciary committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. prior to its 6 p.m. regular meeting to review the ordinance.
Police Report
Police Chief Steven Mendez reported that a full-time police officer had stepped down from the department to accept a new position elsewhere.
The department will begin the process of recruiting and hiring a replacement, with the goal of filling the position by September.
Several police officers recently completed additional training, including an FBI Negotiator Course and Active Shooter Response for patrol training.
These courses provide officers with additional skills to better handle critical incidents, communicate during high-risk situations, and respond effectively to threats, ultimately improving the safety and service provided to the community.
Mendez reminded council that with the start of the school year on Aug. 19, police officers will once again be visible in and around the school zone.
He encourages all motorists to slow down, obey posted speed limits, remain alert, and follow safe driving practices to help ensure the safety of the students, families, and school staff.
Other Business
-Was reminded of the upcoming tire recycling event to be held on Sept. 22 at the Williams County Engineer’s office.
-The Stryker Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31. Trick or Treat will take place the same day from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The next council meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. with the Judiciary Committee meeting at 5 p.m.
Story updated August 24, 2026 at 10:13 a.m.