Robert Lloyd takes over as Bolivar mayor

At the Jan. 4 meeting of Bolivar Village Council, Robert Lloyd was sworn in as mayor, having been elected to the office in November for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Also sworn in were Daniel Oberlin and Zachary Nussbaumer, both elected in November for terms ending Dec. 31, 2027.

Council approved the appointment of Will Bellinger to president pro tempore, with Bellinger abstaining.

The move last month by council member Maria App to fiscal officer left a vacancy. Bellinger said he and council member Loretta Dively interviewed five candidates for the seat, recommending Steve Pancoe. Council approved the appointment.

Mayor’s report

Lloyd briefed council on the possibility of obtaining a sizable grant for replacing and upgrading water lines, drainage basins and sewer lines in the village. He said GPD, the engineering firm chosen for the project, has been assessing problem areas including a major storm drain problem on the south side of the village. Council voted to have Lloyd apply for the grant, which would come from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association.

Lloyd announced the following committee appointments for 2024:

—Finance: Bellinger (chair), Dively and Pancoe.

—Safety: Dively (chair), Bellinger and Pancoe.

—Street and alley: Tim White (chair), Nussbaumer and Oberlin.

—Parks and recreation: Nussbaumer (chair), Oberlin and White.

Committee reports

Finance chair Bellinger said Police Chief Randy Haugh is researching the cost of purchasing a new police cruiser. He said some of the remaining ARPA funds will cover part of the purchase, with the rest of the ARPA funds being dedicated to engineering and design costs for water line replacement.

Also reported was the removal of a hazardous tree on Park Avenue by Street Superintendent Levi Kaser at a cost of $650.

Bellinger also reported for planning and zoning, saying meetings will now take place the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The committee is currently working on possibly revising the zoning rules for R1 and R2 in commercial areas to promote more single-family homes and fewer multifamily structures. Before any zoning modifications are made, Bellinger said there will be a period of investigation and public hearings of any proposed changes.

Reporting for the safety committee, Haugh commented on a recent accident with injuries at the intersection of Park and Water streets. Several council members expressed concerns about safety at the intersection. Bellinger and Kaser will investigate the cost of lighting the stop sign to make it more visible.

Oberlin reported for the street and alley committee, saying the focus for 2024 will be on sidewalk replacement and repair, as well as additional tree trimming.

Kaser said he repaired a large number of potholes on a portion of Lover’s Alley after receiving complaints.

In other matters

Oberlin thanked Kaser for repairing the sidewalk and a large pothole in the alley by the Towpath Tavern.

Council accepted the resignation of part-time employee Gary App.

Public comments

Bolivar resident Eric Menser asked council to forgive part of his water bill, stating a water softener caused excess use he was not aware of until receiving a call from Stephanie Long, Bolivar water clerk. Council agreed to forgive the excess above the normal average monthly amount with a cap of $300.

Anne Strauss, a former aide at the Bolivar Intermediate School, expressed concern over the condition of the playground equipment the village plans to keep. Lloyd said he has inspected much of it and has talked to local business owners for assistance with repairs.

Legislation

Council passed an ordinance to increase the rate of pay for the income tax administrator to $18.25 per hour for 15 hours per week as needed.

Also approved was an ordinance allowing the mayor and fiscal officer to upgrade phone lines and Wi-Fi devices with Verizon Wireless and to add a new phone line for the mayor’s use.