Zoar still seeking solution to vacant property issue

Zoar Council is continuing to search for a solution to the issue of vacant homes in the village that are not being maintained. Safety committee chair David Gannon said he has researched policies in other villages and cities to learn what remedies are possible and which seem to work best.

Once again, the vacant house at the corner of Second and Park streets was brought up as problematic. When the owner of the home passed away some time ago without a will in place, the home went to the first heir Lynn Knutty but was never deeded out of probate. Upon Knutty’s passing the home went to Billie Vaughn, who also has not transferred the deed.

This limits the number of options as the structure is tied up in probate court. Gannon cited other communities like Mineral City that are using existing zoning regulations to cite owners of blighted properties. Gannon also said a number of area communities are establishing registries that charge fees to owners of vacant homes.

The village does not wish to declare the property a nuisance, even though it could, because nuisance properties are required to be torn down and it is a registered historic home.

Council member Kim Klingaman asked if the owner could be encouraged or persuaded to sell the home. Gannon will send a letter to Vaughn communicating to her that Law Director Doug Frautschy is willing to help her sell the property if she is willing to do so.

It was noted there are several other properties in Zoar that are vacant and in poor condition.

Before moving into reports, council approved the appointment of Patty Smith to the position of fiscal officer, effective June 1, when Martina Mann will resign.

Reports to council

Street commissioner David Irwin reported a request for funding to upgrade the software used for the area’s severe weather siren system. Irwin said the upgrade is necessary because more villages and cities are connecting their sirens with 911 central dispatch. The new software will allow for additional sign-ups as well.

Council approved spending $366, Zoar’s share of the $9,072 cost to upgrade. In a related matter, Council President Mark Gaynor reminded residents the new system signals a tornado warning regardless of where in the county it is located. The best idea, he said, is to check other sources to be sure.

Gaynor said he is working on getting estimates for sound-dampening panels to be installed in council chambers at Village Hall and Event Center. He also said he is going to seek grant funding to purchase a generator for the building.

Council President Tom Klingaman reported the planning commission is mapping out a cemetery expansion. Plans currently call for the addition of a road to access the new section. The cemetery currently has 26 remaining lots.

Legislation

Council passed a comprehensive cemetery ordinance raising burial fees and naming Bob Smith as cemetery administrator. Under the new fee structure, lots for residents will increase from $400-$550 while those for nonresidents will go from $800-$850. Grave-opening fees will increase from $800-$900, and fees to bury cremains will be set at $350.

More information on the cemetery fees and regulations can be found at www.zoarohio.net.

Zoar Village Council meets the second Tuesday each month at 6 p.m. in the Zoar Village Hall and Event Center meeting room. All meetings are open to the public.