Strasburg Village Council approves park storage, sewer garage expansion, emergency lease pact and personnel actions

The Strasburg Village Council on Dec. 3 approved multiple municipal purchases, adopted an emergency financing resolution and took personnel steps after an executive session.

At a regular meeting presided over by Mayor Bruce Metzger, council approved purchasing a park storage container for $2,000, with the cost to be split with the local school, and authorized the purchase of picnic tables. Village Administrator Mike Rosenberry said art students from the school will decorate the storage container. Council also approved interior repairs at the fire station to install metal siding on water-damaged walls for $3,630 and electrical work at the library entrance for $1,274.

The council approved an expansion of storage at the sewer garage in the amount of $33,506.64; the motion recorded one dissenting vote from Councilman Dustin Briggs. Rosenberry had earlier recommended a 24x40 additional space at that estimate, but the approved motion is recorded as 24x14 at the same dollar amount; the record does not specify which measurement is correct.

Council approved a spending line for picnic tables recorded in the minutes as $4,050. Rosenberry’s recommendation described nine picnic tables at $400 each (which would total $3,600), creating a discrepancy between the suggested per-unit cost and the approved total that the minutes do not resolve.

Finance action: council suspended the mandatory three readings and unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-30, described in the minutes as an emergency resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a master tax-exempt lease/purchase and escrow agreement and related documents with Republic First National. The resolution was moved and seconded and takes effect immediately.

Personnel and legal matters: following an executive session called to discuss eminent court action and personnel, legal counsel Terry Seeberger moved to reinstate Alison Rosenberg retroactive to Oct. 31, 2024, and place her on leave as a road officer; that motion passed unanimously. Seeberger said he will work with Police Chief Dave Warrick to notify Rosenberg of her right to appeal to council. Council also authorized engaging Attorney Leslie Kuntz at $300 per hour to investigate an allegation connected to the Rosenberg situation.

Other business: Fire Chief Jason Ely reported the department had 18 calls during Nov. 19–20, repaired the station ice machine, completed annual testing and received 12 smoke detectors for community distribution. Police Chief Dave Warrick reported 92 calls in November. Zoning Inspector Ted Foster noted a permit for a new auto-detailing and power-washing business, Culture Customs, at 301 S. Wooster Ave. Mayor Metzger invited council to assist at a Dec. 14 Santa event at the fire station and noted a bond meeting at the school administration building on Dec. 5.

Votes at a glance: approval of Nov. 19 minutes (unanimous); park storage container $2,000 (unanimous); picnic tables $4,050 (unanimous as recorded); fire station repairs $3,630 (unanimous); sewer garage storage $33,506.64 (D. Briggs no; others yes); library electrical $1,274 (unanimous); suspend rules and adopt Resolution 2024-30 (unanimous); waive income tax penalty/interest $710.70 (unanimous); reinstate Alison Rosenberg and place on leave (unanimous); engage outside counsel Leslie Kuntz at $300/hr (unanimous); authorize drafting pay ordinance language for Jan. 1, 2026 increases (unanimous); adjourn (unanimous).

The council adjourned at 7:35 p.m. and the minutes were signed by Mayor Bruce Metzger and Fiscal Officer Jennifer Mahoney.