Zoar wraps up year focusing on safety and cleanup

At the December meeting of Zoar Village Council, members dealt with several safety and cleanup issues. The use of e-bikes and golf carts was again discussed, with at least one family’s children using them in the village. It was decided the parents of the children will be advised.

Mayor Scott Gordon also will ask the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition if e-bikes are permitted on the Towpath Trail. Bolivar police officer Eric Minor said Class 3 e-bikes must be equipped with speedometers, and people operating them must be at least 15 years of age and wear helmets.

In other safety matters, street commissioner David Irwin reported discovering the severe weather siren’s breaker had been turned off recently. He will purchase a lock to prevent future occurrences.

In a related matter, Irwin questioned whether or not it was necessary to have a police officer present at council meetings. After a discussion during which it was pointed out most other village and city councils have officers attend to assure safety, council voted to continue the practice, with Irwin casting the only no vote.

Irwin asked for funds to replace the strobe light on the Steiner mower. Council approved spending up to $200 to replace the light and will use funds from a PEP grant if awarded.

Property cleanup discussed

It was reported the Knutty property at the corner of Park and Second streets was recently cleared of a brush pile by Red Oak Excavating and Landscaping at a cost to the village of $450. Council voted to approve the $450 payment and send a letter to the owner advising the cost will be added to a current tax lien on the property.

Fiscal officer to resign

Fiscal officer Martina Mann announced her decision to resign in February or March of 2024. Patty Smith agreed to return as fiscal officer and to help Mann prepare for the end-of-year state audit.

Council accepted Mann’s resignation and approved paying Smith for up to five hours of assistance at a rate of $20 per hour, for a maximum expenditure of $150.

Street commissioner’s report

Irwin reported a purchase for the snow plow along with crack filling material for repairing streets as needed. Council approved $997.50 for the purchases. Irwin also said a catch basin was repaired on Cherry Hill but will need to be replaced.

A catch basin at First Street is in need of cleaning, according to Irwin, who asked if remaining ARPA funds could be used for the project. Above the ARPA funds, Irwin asked for an additional $100 from the street fund if needed. Council approved the extra $100.

In other matters

Jason Lee from Kenstar Services attended the meeting and presented a proposal for one-, two- and three-year contract options. Lee said monthly rates will increase beginning in 2024, citing landfill fee and wage increases.

Council voted to extend the contract with Kenstar for three years, with monthly rate increases of $2 in 2024 and $1 in 2025 and 2026.

Mann said due to the amount of business conducted with the village, Huntington Bank will no longer be charging fees.

A proposal for police protection by the Village of Bolivar was received, which council members will review for discussion at the January meeting.

The Historic Preservation Commission will submit comments to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and the U.S. Department of the Interior, both of which are in the process of revising their rehabilitation standards for historic homes.

A dumpster by the Town Hall and event center had been emitting bad smells and attracting bugs during the summer. To help remedy the situation, Irwin poured a new cement pad behind the small garage outside the center and the dumpster was relocated.

The next council meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 9 at Village Hall.