Bolivar council appoints new mayor

Mayor Robert Lloyd announced his resignation during the Nov. 6 council meeting, citing business obligations and travel that prevent him from being in the village consistently. His resignation was effective immediately.

Council President Tim White also stepped down from his position. Councilman Curtis Strauss was appointed to serve as council president and was later sworn in as interim mayor to complete Lloyd’s remaining two-year term. White will be reappointed to a council seat Dec. 4. He was also elected to a second four-year term in the Nov. 4 general election.

Council thanked Garry and Tina Sears of Eleet Cryogenics for donating funds to purchase two Getac in-car camera systems, each costing $5,177. Donations were also received from Massillon Materials and Jeff Wenger for a Lidar handheld laser at $1,695 and an in-car radar unit at $1,295. The remaining $650 will go toward additional equipment purchases.

Council also:

— Agreed to replace a light at the former intermediate school parking lot with an LED fixture and to install a light on an unused power pole. The area serves as a bus pickup location for students. The change will increase the monthly cost by $17.

— Passed an ordinance transferring Nathan Alexander from part-time seasonal to permanent part-time status.

— Accepted the resignation of utility clerk Stephanie Long, effective at the end of December billing.

— Announced the retirement of water operator Chuck Williams, effective Dec. 31.

— Heard from a resident who objected to being told to remove a business sign from his yard. He requested signs be permitted at the village entrance or in private yards for up to 20 days. Fiscal officer Maria App said that allowance is not part of zoning.

— Approved an agreement with the County Public Defenders Commission for indigent defense services, with Councilman Dan Oberlin casting the only no vote.

— Approved a one-year contract with Stephan P. Babik LLC for legal services, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

— Adopted an ordinance to enter into a contract with Fitzpatrick, Zimmerman, and Rose Co. LPA as police prosecutor, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

— Authorized the village administrator to work more than 10 hours per week for two pay periods due to a reservoir water leak and reporting requirements with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

— Agreed to replace flooring in the municipal building and discussed purchasing Christmas decorations for 2026.

— Approved renewal of the Lexipol subscription for the police department at a cost of $2,201.

— Authorized tree removal at the cemetery for $5,965 and approved tree trimming and stump removal at St. John’s UCC Church and King Park for $700.

— Noted that Street Superintendent Scott Baker completed his probation Nov. 9 and will receive a $1-per-hour raise.

— Passed a resolution to secure financing from Huntington Bank for a 2026 truck for the street department at a cost of $172,673.

Vacant seats remain on the zoning board, which meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Those interested can send a letter to mayor@villageofbolivar.com.

Ornaments will be placed on two small trees at the park on Canal Street. Police reported 53 calls in October.

The next council meeting will be held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at 121 Canal St. SE, Bolivar.