Iron Resistance Foundation eyes former school property in Bolivar

Kyle Albaugh, founder and CEO of Iron Resistance, and Jake Patton, business development director, gave a presentation to Bolivar Village Council Feb. 5 regarding the Iron Resistance Foundation.

The foundation has expressed interest in purchasing the former Tuscarawas Valley Intermediate School property to construct a building. The vacant property was given to the village by the school district, and a quitclaim deed has been filed to transfer the property to the village.

Albaugh said he met with Mayor Curtis Strauss and former Village Administrator Patty Smith about the proposal. He noted the Iron Resistance Foundation has a nine-member board.

Moving forward, the village agreed to appoint a committee to review the request. Interested residents are encouraged to join the committee. Council members Dan Oberlin and Cindy Lawver volunteered to serve.

“We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the physical, mental and emotional well-being of veterans and first responders,” Albaugh said. “It is governed by an active board of directors and supported by community donors, volunteers and partner organizations.”

“We want to advance and maintain the physical and mental health of America’s veterans and first responders through an emphasis on physical fitness, mental health resources and camaraderie,” he said. “We plan to achieve our mission by creating holistic wellness centers that provide health through physical exercise with an emphasis on mental health and nutrition. These resources will be provided for all veterans, active-duty military members and first responders at no cost to the individual.”

Albaugh said the foundation plans to seek grants and reach out to corporations to fund construction of a building that would include a gym and an attached hybrid room for exercise. An architectural rendering of the proposed building has been completed. He added memberships would be offered to the general public for a fee.

Council also accepted the retirement of Patty Smith, village administrator and assistant fiscal officer, effective Jan. 22.

Council approved police officer Eric Minor’s request to move from a full-time position to a part-time role requiring 32 hours per month, effective March 11.

Council passed an ordinance creating a temporary part-time position for special projects.

Council learned there is a vacancy on the zoning board. Interested residents should submit a letter of intent to the mayor at villageofbolivar.com.

Council approved 2026 permanent appropriations totaling $1,054,536.

Council passed an ordinance authorizing the mayor or fiscal officer to advertise for bids for the 2026 garbage disposal services contract.

Council agreed to increase the tax administrator’s hourly pay from $19 to either $20 or $21 for approximately 12 weeks.

Council passed an ordinance to enter into an agreement with Lawrence Township for fire protection services.

Council passed an ordinance to hire an assistant fiscal officer.

Council approved an ordinance establishing policies and procedures to vacate unimproved streets and alleys within the village. The ordinance will take effect in 30 days.

Council suspended the rules on an ordinance approving and consenting to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s authority to apply, maintain and repair regulatory and warning signs on state routes and to remove snow and ice control materials within the village.

Following an executive session, council agreed to dismiss a lawsuit.

In other business, Alyssa Wallace has opened an event center in Cooper Hall, the former Sublime Smoke building, at 110 Water St. Vagabond Coffee has also opened in the building.

Residents were reminded to clear areas around fire hydrants, sidewalks and mailboxes. A parking ban remains in effect during snowfall to allow vehicles to be moved off streets.

Police responded to 66 calls in January.

A no-parking sign will be installed in the lower parking lot on Canal Street, as the lot has been used for personal parking.

The next meeting will be held March 5 at 7 p.m. at 121 Canal St. SE.