Bolivar approves funds for extra police patrolling

Bolivar Village Council approved an emergency ordinance providing extra police funding at its Sept. 5 meeting. The vote came as welcome news to residents, who have been asking for increased patrolling in certain areas of town.

Resident Chris Berens said patrolling is needed in the area of Poplar and East streets as motorcyclists are speeding down East Street. Resident George Workman said motorcycle riders have been driving recklessly back and forth past his residence on Park Avenue.

Fiscal officer Maria App said additional funding was found in accruing interest on village accounts. The approved ordinance will add 15 hours per week or 60 hours per month of police protection.

Workman also asked when a storm drain in front of his home was going to be repaired, as he has requested numerous times. Mayor Robert Lloyd said he did not have budget dollars available to address it at this time.

Workman mentioned a problem with a sidewalk caving in, saying he had reported the matter several times over the past few years. Lloyd said there are dollars in the sidewalk fund to address the issue.

Public comments and questions

Courtney Wallace, director of the Bolivar Library, reported on summer activities and thanked council for supporting the 25th birthday celebration held in June. Wallace said the library had 180 visitors that night in a span of two hours. She also said the library held 43 programs that were attended by 1,073 people this summer.

Council member Loretta Dively asked if dog waste was still an issue at the library. Wallace indicated people are still not cleaning up after their pets all the time. Dively said a sign would be posted.

Resident Kurt Strass asked why the fire department does not give reports at council meetings. Council member Dan Oberlin said he invited the fire department to do so. Lloyd said the department usually reports at the Lawrence Township trustees' meetings. Village solicitor Steve Babik said the department is not required to report because it is a volunteer fire department.

Reports to council

Lloyd said the village is still searching for a full-time street superintendent. A link to the job description and instruction for applying are available at www.villageofbolivar.com.

Lloyd also reported village water will contain fluoride purchased from the county.

Street and alley chair Tim White said the committee has been involved in interviewing three applicants for the street superintendent position. Lloyd asked for a report on which sidewalks need repaired.

Village administrator Chuck Williams said he spoke to Mike Jones at the county water department, who told him they are waiting for delivery of a valve needed to connect the village to county water. Williams said the valve should arrive by the end of the month, and fire hydrants will need to be flushed. Signs will be posted to notify residents when hydrant flushing will take place.

Zoning inspector Matt Bailey reported working with the zoning committee on amending and revising the village zoning code. Bailey said proposed revisions will be brought before council for review and that the intent of the revisions is to simplify the code for easier understanding by residents and council members.

Bailey said an extra zoning committee meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Voting

Council approved by voice vote an extra $274 required to change locks at Village Hall and an additional $50 on an invoice related to a zoning matter.

Council passed the following measures by emergency:

—A resolution authorizing participation in the national opiate prescription drug litigation in order to receive funds from the settlement.

—A resolution accepting the amounts and rates of levy fund distribution with the county auditor’s office.

—A resolution supplementing and amending annual permanent appropriations for 2024.

Bolivar Council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the former American Legion Hall on Canal Street. All meetings are open to the public.