Towpath connector trail in Zoar may no longer be possible

Mayor Scott Gordon told Zoar Village Council members at the October meeting the plans for a connector trail from the footbridge on the Towpath Trail to the Zoar Wetland Arboretum may no longer be feasible.

Gordon said he learned costs for the extension that will run through Dover and New Philadelphia have increased substantially. Therefore, a scaled-down plan for a simpler nature-type footpath may be required.

Gordon also apprised council of the recently passed Ohio Senate Bill 158, known as the anti-participatory budgeting bill. If passed by the House of Representatives, the measure will prohibit residents voting on how municipal funds are allocated.

Gordon and Jon Elsasser, president of the Zoar Community Association, are preparing to negotiate a revised agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lease involves several parcels of land near the Zoar Levee including the ball field and First Street parking lot.

Reports to council

Street commissioner David Irwin said he has submitted a grant application to purchase a new village truck. He also said AEP has been charging the village for an extra LED street light that does not exist and that AEP will reimburse the village for the charges.

Tom Klingaman, council president and safety committee chair, said he plans to discuss a possible ordinance regulating golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles such as electric bikes at the next planning commission meeting. Police officer Eric Minor reported on domestic dispute calls he recently received.

Gordon reported the planning commission recently approved a permit to enclose a porch at the Carrick property at the end of Third Street. The commission also is assisting an applicant for siding at 249 W. Fourth St.

Legislation

Council passed an ordinance to amend appropriations and a resolution to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission.

Council also heard the third, but not final, reading of an ordinance to update Ordinance 1984-12 setting a village street weight limit.

Zoar Village Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Zoar Village Hall and Event Center. Meetings are open to the public.