Bolivar council to form committee to discuss former school property

Bolivar Village Council agreed to form a committee to discuss the former school property on Park Street during its March 5 meeting.

Some interest has been expressed in the property, but the village has filed for a quitclaim deed because the property was never officially transferred to the village.

Resident Dale Watson distributed a map of the property to council.

“There are 11 parcels at the site. Ten are from the school and one belongs to the village. It is zoned R-2 (residential), you need more conversation before selling it,” Watson said. “What will it take to get the village moving?”

Mayor Curtis Strauss addressed a rumor circulating about playground equipment near the former school property being removed. He said the equipment will remain in place.

Council also awarded Kimble Co. a three-year contract for trash collection at $15.88 per month.

Council also took the following actions:

—Council agreed to pay Kinsey Excavating $3,278 to repair a waterline break at Canal and Cherry streets.

—Council approved the purchase of mulch for $673, delivered in one load.

—Council approved $2,575 for Lawrence Township for the annual composting fee using funds donated to the village.

—Council agreed to purchase a second remote capture scanner for the income tax administrator at a cost of $545, plus a negotiated monthly fee. The tax administrator will assume all tax-related duties.

—Council passed an ordinance authorizing submission to the Ohio Department of Transportation for grass removal assistance through the Support and Safety Program for fiscal years 2026-27 and gave consent for ODOT to provide supplemental mowing, pruning, trimming or cutting along state highway rights-of-way within the village.

—Council also passed an ordinance to execute an intergovernmental agreement for contract services with the county Metropolitan Sewer District.

—Council heard from Richard Harvey, a Lawrence Township resident, who asked whether the village has an evacuation plan following a small fire March 1 at the Countywide Landfill north of the village in Stark County. Council did not respond.

—Council reminded that all baseball and other clubs planning to use the Bolivar ballfields must submit proof of liability insurance before practicing. Clubs also must clean the area and dispose of trash before leaving the fields. Proof of insurance may be mailed to Ann Strauss at the Bolivar village office, 121 Canal St., Bolivar, or emailed to astrajuss@villageofbolivar.com.

—Council passed a resolution approving payment to Reach Alert LLC in an amount not to exceed $786.

In other business, officials announced that any resident interested in serving on the zoning board may send a letter to mayor@villageofbolivar.com.

Police responded to 54 calls in February.

Arbor Day will be observed April 24 at 4 p.m. at Hennis Care Centre in Bolivar.

Council also agreed to move its June 4 meeting to May 28 at 7 p.m. because of the annual Strawberry Festival scheduled June 4-6 on Canal Street.

The next council meeting will be held April 2 at 7 p.m. at 212 Canal St. SE.