Urgent need for Dover-Zoar Road repairs discussed
At the March meeting of Zoar Village Council, the topic of repairing a stretch of Dover-Zoar Road atop the Zoar Levee was again discussed. The issues facing the village are multiple.
First, the stretch of road in question is a county road: Tuscarawas County Road 82. Second, the strip runs across property belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Third, the section of roadway lies within the Zoar Village corporation limits, all of which give rise to questions about which entity is responsible for repairing and maintaining it.
While those factors have kept repairs at a standstill for at least three years, Zoar Mayor Tom Klingaman told council he met with County Engineer Doug Bachman and was obtaining costs for fixing the culvert and stabilizing the road.
“This road is a hazard to the township, county and citizens, and it is a high priority for us,” Klingaman said.
Doug Frautschy, village solicitor, has been communicating with the Army Corps about detaching the road since 2022. According to Frautschy, the village will have to pay for a land survey and split the property into two parcels, one of which will remain with the village and one that will be detached.
Frautschy said he cannot understand why it is taking the corps so long to simply sign some papers that will cost them nothing to do. Frautschy had made some headway in 2024 with real estate attorneys at the corps but said now everyone is new and he has to start over.
According to Frautschy, the most recent attorney from the corps said they do not own the road. “It doesn’t matter who owns the road; the road crosses their property,” he said.
Reports to council
Fiscal Officer Emily Hayes presented information on possible cost savings by signing up for budget billing with Columbia Gas. Hayes said there is no such option with AEP as the village is already on a cost-savings plan with the energy provider.
Street Commissioner David Irwin said he obtained a quote of $5,500 to replace a culvert on Michael Lane. Klingaman asked Irwin to place the repair on the back burner while Dover-Zoar Road takes priority.
David Gannon, safety committee chair, reported having spoken with Road Patrol Capt. Travis Stocker from the county sheriff’s department about speeding in the village. Stocker placed a monitor on a pole to gauge the speed of cars entering town on the south end of state Route 212.
According to Stocker, the average speed was between 51 and 55 mph, with one car traveling at 79 mph. Stocker stopped a number of drivers and issued warnings or tickets. Gannon said he has looked into the cost of an illuminated speed limit sign with flashing lights from TAPCO, which would run $1,823. No action was taken, and Gannon said he will investigate grant options.
Klingaman reported for the planning commission, stating village resident Lauren Marburger attended the most recent meeting to pitch the idea of building a park at the former site of the First Street baseball field.
Klingaman also reported for the historic preservation committee, saying a permit was approved for installation of Hardie board siding and a patio at a home at Fourth and Park streets. Also approved was a sign for the Zoar Creamery ice cream shop at 151 First St.
Legislation
Council approved a contract with the Village of Bolivar for police protection at a rate of $40 per hour through 2025.
Council heard the second reading of an ordinance to renew the contract with Bolivar Fire Department for fire and EMS protection.
Council heard first readings of ordinances to place police and general levies on the May ballot.
Zoar Village Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Zoar Village Hall and Event Center meeting room. All meetings are open to the public.