Village of Bolivar still seeking fiscal officer
The Village of Bolivar’s struggle to retain a long-term fiscal officer continues. At the Oct. 5 meeting of village council, Mayor Tedd Finlayson said an individual who had expressed serious interest in the position recently declined the offer.
Current fiscal officer Barb Kline, who took the position in July 2022, recently announced her intention to resign but said she would stay until a replacement could be found. The part-time position pays $26 per hour. Interested parties should email resumes to mayor@villageofbolivar.com or drop them off at Village Hall, 109 Canal St.
Finlayson also said the tornado siren, which was updated and connected to the county 911 dispatch center, was paid for entirely by grant funds including a contribution from the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees of $1,800.
A public meeting was held Sept. 13 to gauge opinions on what should be done with the Bolivar Intermediate School property once ownership is transferred to the village. Finlayson expressed disappointment with the low turnout but said positive feedback was given to council, with most people present expressing the desire for the property to be used as green space with walking trails and a playground.
In a post-meeting comment, Finlayson asked residents to watch for an informational flyer about the property in their water bills scheduled to arrive Oct. 16.
Reports to council
Finance chair Will Bellinger said the costs of police protection have increased, so the village needs to renegotiate its contract with the Village of Zoar. Other items discussed in the finance committee meeting included an increase in what the village is being charged by the county for water and the need to add security lighting behind Village Hall.
Bellinger also reported for the planning committee that after conducting a land survey, it was determined part of the Welcome to Bolivar sign at the three-way stop is located on private property.
Safety committee chair Bruce Lawver said the police department received 46 calls for service in September and that village police officers will undergo annual recertification this month.
Street and alley chair Dan Oberlin said sidewalk repairs along Poplar and Walnut streets will take place before the weather turns.
Levi Kaser, street superintendent, said a tree-trimming company hired by the village recently did not complete the job, and he has asked them to return and finish. Kaser said he also plans to paint a pedestrian and bicycle crosswalk at the corner of Walnut and Canal streets.
Public comments
Chris Berens said the LoveTusc art sculpture is now on display at a small park being built on the corner of Poplar and Canal streets next to Village Hall. Berens said the area currently includes picnic tables, and benches will arrive soon for additional seating.
Legislation
Council approved the following measures:
—An emergency resolution to allow transfer of monies between unrestricted funds in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code.
—An emergency resolution to enter into a contract with Steven Babik of Babik LLC for legal services at a rate of $10,500 per year, payable as $875 per month. Oberlin cast the only no vote, questioning the 35% increase in pay for 2023. Kline said Babik was paid too little last year to cover all the hours he put in.
Council heard the first readings, by title only, of resolutions authorizing the mayor to enter into contracts or agreements with the following:
—The county public defender’s office for indigent defense services for 2024.
—The engineering firm of Glaus, Pyle, Schomer, Burns and Dehaven for waterline upgrades.
—The accounting firm of Gueye & Associates and the Ohio Auditor of State for the purpose of state audits, which will no longer be conducted by the auditor’s office but are being privatized. The firm named is dictated by the State of Ohio.
Bolivar Council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
