Strasburg Village Council
May 1 meeting

KEY ACTION Several changes will be made to the zoning ordinance to set guidelines on how signs are displayed or erected in the village. A committee met with the Village Planning Commission April 23 to discuss and make changes.

DISCUSSION Village Administrator Ron Lambert asked council to make a decision about making the council chambers handicap accessible. The recommendation was made to construct a ramp at the south side of the building to gain access to the council chambers. The proposal was made by the property committee — Mayor John Bitikofer, Lambert and Council pro-tem Jeff Smith. Bitikofer said the council will look at the best solution for the village. Councilman Martin Zehnder said more storage space is needed for the police and a separate council chambers is needed. He said grants could be available to help with the cost and taxpayers would be fine with constructing a separate building. Zehnder took a quote he received to construct a new building to one of the foundations that award grants. Lambert said the cost of a ramp would be about $45,000 which does not include remodeling of the restrooms in council chambers. Councilwoman Liz Dreher suggested holding meetings at the school. No decision was made until more information is received.

OTHER ACTION

n Elevated Nathan Kanouff, sewer department employee, to Labor II status. He passed his test for a Commercial Driving License. He was also taken off probationary status which is mandatory for all new employees.

n Passed a resolution to accept the bid from the county to purchase 200 tons of road salt for the winter.

n Took under advisement trash and recycling bids. Two bids were received from Republic Services and the Kimble Company. The bids will be reviewed by the finance committee at a 6 p.m. May 8 meeting. The current contract with Republic Services expires May 31.

n Heard a complaint from Jerry Schultz about allowing a one-time credit (for a sewer charge) to fill a swimming pool. Schultz said a credit for sewer charges should also be given to those watering their lawns. He said the village is charging him for something he does not use when watering his lawn.

n Heard a complaint about the 25 percent late charge that appears on the water and sewer bills if not paid by the 20th of each month. Council has no plans to change the charge.

n Passed an amended resolution for the collection year for the renewal of a 1.5- mill police levy. Approval of the levy will not increase property taxes. The issue will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

n Heard a purchase agreement was sent to the attorney of a Wooster Avenue property owner for the village to purchase the property. Law Director Richard Fox has not received any documents concerning the agreement.

FOR YOUR INFO

n A public hearing for the Joint Economic Development program will be held at 7 p.m. May 29 at 965 N. Wooster Avenue in Strasburg.

n Two permits were issued by Zoning Inspector Karl DiBacco for construction of a house and a privacy fence at another property.

UP NEXT Council meets at 7:30 p.m. May 15 in village hall.

BARB LIMBACHER