Zoar mayor’s letter asks fire department when they plan to leave the building

At the February meeting of Zoar Village Council, Mayor Scott Gordon presented two letters to council for comments or approval. The first letter, addressed to the Zoar Volunteer Fire Department, advised them of council signing a bridge contract with the Bolivar Fire Department until the Lawrence Township contract is approved. The letter further requests the department to advise council as to when they will vacate the building.

Councilman Hans Fischer asked Gordon who owns the fire department building. Gordon replied, “The village owns the building.” However, Gordon also acknowledged the money and time donated by many people in the village to build it.

When Fischer asked who owned the land, law director Doug Frautschy said the deed is in the name of the village. “My understanding is that when you had a fire contract with them, the fire contract gave them permission to use the premises,” Frautschy said.

Gordon said anyone from Zoar who wants to volunteer with the Bolivar Fire Department will be welcomed.

“So in other words, you expect the Zoar Fire Department to go away,” Fischer said. Gordon replied, “They have other options that I can’t address.”

Gordon explained more about the plan for the building, saying part of it would be designated a community center.

The second letter was addressed to village residents and explained the reason for the contract with Bolivar Fire Department, as well as the intended new uses for the building.

Council voted 4-2 to approve sending the letters. Judy Meiser recused herself from the vote, and Fischer voted no.

Reports

Street commissioner David Irwin reported he is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on de-annexing the section of Dover-Zoar Road at the top of the Zoar Levee.

Safety committee chair Tom Klingaman said the cameras discussed in previous meetings can be installed at no cost to the village through donations and rebates from the insurance company. Meiser, concerned about the privacy of residents, asked to see a complete plan including exact placement, costs and who will be monitoring the cameras. Klingaman agreed to provide the plan at the March meeting.

It also was reported there was a sledding accident on the levee when an 8-year-old’s sled hit one of the new monitoring wells installed by the Army Corps. The child was uninjured, but Gordon and Klingaman will place straw bales around the wells. While the wells and poles are clearly visible, Gordon said when children are riding on discs, they can’t control the direction they are heading.

Gordon further said the corps will work there in early March, taking core samples for planned trench work to repair the levee. Children will not be allowed on the levee once that begins.

Council reviewed resumes from Pat Adamson and Diane Geis, both candidates for the vacant position on the historic preservation committee. Gordon said the committee recommended voting for Geis but will keep Adamson’s resume in case of another opening on the committee. Council voted to accept Geis’ appointment.

Legislative

Council heard a second reading on permanent appropriations for 2021.

Council approved an emergency ordinance to contract with Doug Frautschy for legal services for a two-year term for the village. Meiser voted no, saying the contract should be bid out occasionally. Fischer voted no.

Council heard a second reading of a resolution for the fire contract with Lawrence Township and the first reading of an ordinance regarding street closings during 2021 festivals and events.

Gordon asked council to extend the contract with Eddy’s Lawncare for two years with a 5% increase, bringing the cost to $735 per year. Meiser objected, saying the contract should be bid on, given the levee work, which will be done this year, and how it will affect mowing needs.

The matter was tabled, and Gordon, along with Irwin, will look into the matter further.