Repairs to Dover-Zoar Road coming at end of month

Zoar Mayor Tom Klingaman told village council at its August meeting the long-awaited repairs to Dover-Zoar Road are scheduled to begin the last week of the month. 

The village has attempted for nearly two years to gain assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as the stretch of road atop the Zoar Levee needing work is partially on Army Corps land. To date, the village has received little, if any, response, and so has decided to move forward and pay for the much-needed repairs.

Village Solicitor Doug Frautschy said he received a bill in the amount of $500 for survey work completed on the road.

Reports to council

Safety Committee Chair David Gannon reported having sent certified letters to the owner of two properties in violation of village zoning regulations. Klingaman said he learned the letters had been declined. 

Discussion took place about next steps, given the properties on Main Street and Foltz Street have been in violation for some time. 

Gannon asked for approval to purchase a flashing speed limit sign to be placed on state Route 212 near Michael Lane to remind drivers to slow down coming into the village. Fiscal Officer Emily Hayes said a Public Entities Pool grant would cover $1,200 of the $1,823 cost. Council voted to expend the remaining $226.

Hayes reported a revenue increase in rentals of the event hall. To date this year, rentals have brought in $6,325 compared to $5,795 collected throughout the entire year of 2024. Hayes added that the center is on track to produce a profit of more than $3,000 by the end of 2025, while profit in 2024 was just $18.

Councilman Mark Gaynor said he looked into a company called Greener Grass that could provide a non-toxic weed killer treatment at the cemetery, but he has not received a cost yet. 

Klingaman had previously contacted Fairway Lawn Care and received an estimate of $350 per application for two applications of week killer. Council approved spending up to $750 on the project. 

Street Commissioner David Irwin said weeds and grass have been cut down near Michael Lane to provide drivers with greater visibility when entering state Route 212. Irwin also said he had placed riprap rock into the ditch there and sprayed weed killer on all village sidewalks.

Klingaman reported that a permit was issued to the Zoar Creamery to allow them to place a fence around their dumpster.

Klingaman also said the Planning Commission met recently to plan for the America 250 celebration next year with the hope of holding four related events.

Council discussed the possibility of having a Little Free Library kiosk somewhere in the village, an idea raised by Hayes, but no decision was made. 

Zoar Village Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Zoar Village Hall and Event Center meeting room at 190 Fifth St. All council sessions are open to the public.