Bolivar wants residents to help name streets

Mayor Tim Lang is asking Bolivar residents to help name two alleys that have never been named and to rename one of two alleys named Johnson.

“We’re looking to rename the section of Johnson Alley that runs east to west,” Lang said.

There will be information in the next village newsletter about locations and how residents can participate.

Village hiring now

The village is looking to fill three positions. Complete job descriptions are posted on the village website at www.villageofbolivar.com.

The village will hire a fiscal officer at a pay rate of $17-$19 per hour. The seasonal laborer position pays $12 per hour with a maximum of 24 hours per week. Pay for the part-time street laborer position is $17 per hour with a maximum of 24 hours per week.

Those interested in any of these positions should email resumes to Lang at mayor@villageofbolivar.com, drop them off at the village administrative offices at 109 N. Canal St. or place them in the water bill drop-off box outside after office hours.

Resumes for the position of fiscal officer must be received by April 15. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for April 18 and 19.

Arbor Day celebration planned

Lang reminded council of plans to hold an Arbor Day tree planting and celebration at the Pine Street Cemetery on Thursday, April 28 at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public. Resident and retired Tusky Valley teacher Chris Berens offered to contact the principal at Bolivar Intermediate School so the children can take part.

Mayor’s report

Lang issued a proclamation designating May 2022 Motorcycle Awareness Month in response to a request by American Bikers Aimed Toward Education Ohio. “People are already getting out their bikes, and we want to make sure people look twice to save a life,” Lang said.

The village is receiving ongoing complaints about residents leaving trash cans out. He reminded residents there is an ordinance requiring cans to be taken off the curb once trash has been collected. Those who continue to leave trash cans out will start receiving citations and possibly be fined.

“I really don’t want it to come to that,” Lang said. “But if people don’t comply, we will have to start citing them.”

Lang also thanked Earl Menges for continuing to help beautify downtown with flowers and hanging pots.

Tusky Valley students to perform community service

Tusky Valley High School has adopted April 22 as its community service day. Lang said he is asking the students to spread mulch in the bump-out curb extensions on Canal Street. Council approved closing Canal Street from Poplar to Tuscarawas streets that day from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for the safety of the students. Streets will reopen as soon as the project is complete.

Expenses approved

Finance committee chair Will Bellinger asked council for approval and received approval of the following expenses:

—$2,000 for gravel and weed block rolls.

—$700 for topsoil.

—$1,000 for plants, mulch and flowers.

—Up to $4,950 for tree removal by Smitty’s Tree Service and $5,000 for D&N.

—$1,500 to purchase two AR-15 rifles for the police department and $1,000 for accessories. Bellinger said both weapons should be outfitted the same so officers don’t have to learn to use two different rifles.

—Up to $5,200 for an ornamental light pole with LED lighting for the Cherry Street parking lot. According to Bellinger, the single light will provide better illumination than the two lights currently in place.

—Up to $1,500 for a VEROflow-1 water meter analyzer to assure proper meter calibration.

Legislation

Council approved an ordinance to contract with the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department in the Lawrence Township/Bolivar/Zoar fire contract for 2022 in an amount not to exceed $675,000.

Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to place a police levy on the ballot in November. A resolution was passed in March to certify the increase in millage from 2-4 mils with the county auditor and to make the levy permanent.

Council voted to move the July 4 meeting to Tuesday, July 5 and the Sept. 5 meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The next meeting will be Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall, 108 Canal St. NE, Bolivar.