Village to consider speed limits for e-bikes

Bolivar Mayor Tedd Finlayson told council members during the November meeting he has received a number of complaints about e-bikes traveling at high speed on the Towpath Trail through town. He asked council to consider setting speed limits on the portions of the trail that go through Bolivar.

Finlayson said Ohio uses a three-tiered classification for e-bikes and that the bikes are permitted to use the trail, even though other motorized vehicles are not. He said Class 1 and Class 2 bikes, according to federal guidelines, both have maximum speeds of 20 mph while Class 3 bikes can travel at speeds up to 28 mph.

The potential danger is apparent as many people use the trails for walking, running and exercising their pets. Council is to take the matter under advisement.

Finlayson also reported the resignation of fiscal officer Barb Kline, effective Monday, Oct. 30. Council accepted the resignation. Patty Smith has agreed to step in as interim fiscal officer until a permanent replacement can be found.

Council approved contracting with Smith at $30 per hour for up to 40 hours per week, with Smith agreeing to help train her replacement at the rate of $20 per hour.

Discussion of pay raises for council members was tabled until next month.

Police department matters

During the public comments portion of the meeting, a resident said he has heard several rumors the village is considering eliminating its police department and relying solely on the county sheriff’s department. The rumor was put to rest with Finlayson saying the village is looking to hire additional personnel.

In related matters Bruce Lawver, safety committee chair, said village officers have been recertified through the State of Ohio, with all units qualifying with their duty weapons. Lawver said the cruiser radars also have been tested and certified for one year.

Finance chair Will Bellinger said the village is continuing to lose money on trash pickup, and with Kimble planning an increase next year due to the cost of the fuel, he would like council to consider raising trash pickup rates for residents by 50 cents per month to properly fund refuse pickup.

In a related matter, Finlayson said he had spoken to officials in Zoar regarding the need to raise the cost of the protection provided by the Bolivar Police Department to cover losses being incurred. He said he received approval to raise the rate from $28 to $34 per hour.

Discussion of Bolivar Intermediate School property

Bolivar resident Steve Pancoe asked council about plans for the property where the intermediate school will be torn down. Pancoe said he and his wife support a park and walking trails.

Finlayson said the village is not yet in possession of the property but is welcoming ideas from residents about what should be done with the site. Council member Maria App further advised Pancoe that the village plans to hold focus groups to determine how to use the property and invited Pancoe and other residents to get involved.

Further discussion centered on what, if any, playground equipment can be saved, with council to look into insurance regulations and other influencing factors.

Approvals by council

In addition to approving a request for $3,400 for trees that need taken down, council approved entering into contracts with GPD for engineering services related to waterline upgrades and with Gueye & Associates and the Ohio Auditor of State for the purpose of state audits.

Council heard the following proposed legislation measures:

—First reading of a resolution allowing the mayor to appoint a member of council to the Bolivar Bicentennial Committee.

—Second reading of a measure to approve contracting with the Tuscarawas County Public Defender’s Office for indigent defense services for 2024.

Before adjourning, council met in executive session as requested by attorney Stephan Babik to discuss pending or imminent litigation.

Bolivar Council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.