Bolivar council hires water staff, updates contracts and policies

Bolivar council passed two ordinances as emergencies during the Dec. 4 meeting. Nate Perks was hired as part-time water operator and Sue Anderson was hired as part-time water utility clerk/office assistant. Former water operator Chuck Williams and former water utility clerk/office assistant Stephanie Long resigned at the Nov. 6 meeting.

Council also approved a tentative lease agreement with the Tuscarawas County Public Library for the Bolivar satellite library.

“I will prepare an ordinance for the Jan. 8 meeting to approve the lease agreement, if the county library approves the lease,” Law Director Stephan Babik said.

Council also did the following

-Councilman Tim White was administered the oath of office to finish a term expiring Dec. 31. He will begin a four-year term in January and was named council president.

-Administered the oath of office to Ann Strauss to complete a term that expired Dec. 31. She was elected in November and will begin a four-year term in January.

-Heard that any resident interested in serving on the zoning board may call village hall at 330-874-3717.

-Approved the purchase of a cutting edge for the village snowplow at a cost not to exceed $1,200.

-Passed a resolution adding an addendum to a contract with Michela Huth for zoning inspector services through June 2026, and after that on a month-to-month basis.

-Passed an ordinance approving a lot split located behind the fire station on Water Street.

-Approved a request to replace the flooring in the police and municipal building at a cost of about $600.

-Gave permission to the fiscal officer to obtain a federal background check to comply with tax laws and to price shop and secure a better utility rate for natural gas and electric in the village.

-Agreed to continue using On the Clock timekeeping software at a discounted rate of $86.40 per year.

-Approved the insurance premium with Public Entities Pool of Ohio at a cost of $23,601 per year.

-Will begin reviewing the water rates to be in compliance with asset management and up to date with purchasing bulk water.

-Heard that the trash and recycling contract expires May 31, 2026.

-Held the first reading of an ordinance establishing and adopting village policies and procedures for vacating unimproved streets and alleys.

-Agreed to purchase a backup camera system with a DVR and amber lights for the new Mack truck at a total cost of $2,326.

Other information

The police department responded to 43 calls in November.

Council thanked Loretta Diveley and Steve Pancoe for serving on council. They did not seek re-election.

A work session with Tuscarawas County Economic Development will be held Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. during the council meeting.

The next meeting will be held Jan. 8, 2026, at 121 Canal St. SE, Bolivar.