Zoning violations continue at Silk House in Zoar

At Zoar Council’s April meeting, Tom Klingaman, chair of the safety committee, reported possible continuing zoning and nuisance violations at the Silk House on Foltz Street. Klingaman said the owners made simple repairs to the structure after being cited, but the repairs did not last. He asked the village to issue a violation and fine to prompt permanent repairs.

Mayor’s report

Mayor Scott Gordon presented an update on the Towpath Trail Connection, saying Army Corps work on the levee may affect the alignment of the trail. Council approved spending $3,200 for Zoar’s share in the cost of the engineering study.

Gordon asked councilwoman Kim Klingaman to create a parks and recreation to organize activities for children under the age of 15 currently living in or near Zoar.

Discussion continued regarding the condition of the section of Dover-Zoar Road across the top of the Zoar Levee inside the village corporation limits. According to street commissioner David Irwin, county engineer Joe Bachmann requested the village detach that section of the road. Gordon will have the Army Corps survey and plat the area to prepare for detachment.

Openings on planning and historic preservation commissions

Gordon announced a reorganization of the two commissions, which created one opening on each. Anyone interested in serving on either commission should submit a letter of interest to Gordon at village.zoar@gmail.com or P.O. Box 544, Zoar, OH 44697.

Changes to the commissions include a council vote to move Mark Gaynor from planning to chair of the historic preservation commission, naming Gayle Potelicki chair of the planning commission, and removing David Hayes as a member of both to allow him to remain impartial as new zoning officer.

Other reports

Irwin presented bids for repairing or replacing a number of catch basins on four of the five streets in need. The bids, totaling $18,910, were all from Brinkman Excavating. He is waiting for bids from Riddle Excavating on the project. The repairs will be made using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, with the catch basin on Main and Third streets being repaired with ODOT funds.

Council approved funding requested by Irwin not to exceed $2,900 for a number of items including gravel for three alleys, replacing swing set seats at the School House as recommended by the insurance company, road signs, and flags and hardware.

Irwin also presented bids obtained for the possible purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet 3500 truck for the village. Council voted to allow Irwin to submit a grant proposal for funding.

In other street news, Irwin updated council on paving bids. The Ohio History Connection will contribute $7,600 toward the cost.

Sgt. Jeff Stearns said Bolivar Police Department has stepped up its presence on Second Street, as requested by council last month. Several speeding citations have been issued.

Law Director Doug Frautschy said a hearing was held April 12 regarding the Zoar Volunteer Fire Department building, and he expects a favorable outcome for the village.

Council agreed to have Frautschy draft an ordinance defining the status of village roadways and defining village and resident responsibilities for their condition.

Council votes and legislation

Council voted to do the following:

—Accept the properties at 171 E. Third St. and 254 E. Fourth St. as historic landmarks.

—Pass an ordinance approving a contract for fire and EMS service between Lawrence Township and the villages of Zoar and Bolivar.