Members of Zoar Village Council continue to explore ways of slowing down cars going through the historic village and of directing visitors to park in the village lots and not on the streets.
Safety Chair David Gannon said he is looking into the cost of illuminated speed limit signs. Mayor Tom Klingaman said the annual rebate from the village’s property and liability insurer, the Public Entities Pool of Ohio, should cover the cost.
Gannon also said a column he wrote asking cars to slow down in Zoar was recently published by The Bargain Hunter.
Additional discussion centered on potential ways to make visitors use parking lots instead of lining the narrow village streets. It was said the problem is a major safety issue because there is no way for fire trucks and rescue vehicles to get through when people park on both sides of the streets.
Ideas discussed included signage designed to be in keeping with graphic guidelines for the village and painting “no parking” on the asphalt streets. No action was taken.
Gannon also asked when the house behind the new Zoar Creamery at 101 Main St. will be razed. Council President Mark Gaynor said it is up to the Zoar Community Association to demolish it, and they have a year from the date of the permit they received.
Additional reports
Gaynor, also chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, reported the new owners of the Victorian home and property at the corner of Third and Park streets requested a permit to add fencing and were shown examples of acceptable fencing styles within the historic district.
Gaynor also reported on the event center, saying people who want to rent it are requesting a WiFi connection. He said he looked into adding an extender that would allow the village to use the WiFi at the Zoar School House but found doing so would not provide a reliable connection. Gannon also said many people don’t realize they can create WiFi hot spots via a cellphone-to-satellite connection. However, he is currently investigating internet service providers to determine which one will offer the best combination of affordable rates and reliability.
Emily Hayes reported for Street Commissioner David Irwin in his absence. Hayes said Irwin told her he is looking into places to purchase materials for the Michael Lane culvert repairs. Council had approved $1,000, but Irwin spoke with Lawrence Township Roads Supervisor Perry Myers, who inspected the culvert and estimated materials would cost between $1,795 and $2,500.
Invitation issued
Klingaman asked council members to attend a community cookout at the Zoar United Church of Christ Sunday, June 22 at 11 a.m. He also asked council to support the church with attendance if possible.
Council votes
Klingaman asked council to approve a raise for Hayes following the successful completion of her probationary period. Council approved a $50 per month raise, bringing Hayes’ salary to $500 per month.
Council approved signing a five-year agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for repairs to and maintenance of state Route 212 inside the village corporation limits. The agreement, which includes snow and ice removal, will automatically renew every five years, unless the village decides to withdraw at a five-year interval.
Zoar Village Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Zoar Village Hall and Event Center meeting room at 190 Fifth St. All council sessions are open to the public.
