Council votes for App to fill a vacant seat
Bolivar resident Duane Flickinger asked Village Council to consider conducting a feasibility study to determine whether the Bolivar school building slated for demolition in 2025 could be used for village offices and a rec center.
In what some Bolivar Council members called a very difficult decision, the final choice to fill the vacancy when former Mayor Tim Lang resigned was for former village administrator and fiscal officer Maria App.
App had applied for the position two months ago. No other applications were received. However, Shelly Crow, also a former administrator and fiscal officer, was nominated from the floor.
The decision was not unanimous, with council members Dan Oberlin and Will Bellinger voting no. App will serve out the remainder of current Mayor Tedd Finlayson’s term, ending Dec. 31, 2025.
Resident suggests feasibility study
Bolivar resident and owner of Grapevine Realty Duane Flickinger asked council to consider having a feasibility study conducted to determine whether the Bolivar school building could be turned into an indoor recreation center.
“Recreational opportunities are a magnet for people who want to move into the community,” said Flickinger, who recommended saving the newer portion of the building, relocating government offices there and using the gymnasium as a rec center. Council agreed to look into the matter.
Reports to council
Bellinger reported receiving a notification from the EPA stating all water lines must be tested for lead prior to Oct. 24.
Bellinger further reported for the street and alley committee that estimates are being secured for installing the new street light purchased by the village for the Cherry Street parking area.
Bellinger said the school district is seeking locations where buses can pick up students in groups starting next year. The district wants to limit the number of bus stops and find safe places for students to wait.
Plans for paving were discussed, with Oberlin asking if Fox Alley could be paved this year. Bellinger said once the village has received the costs for paving as planned, he would inquire about adding on other streets.
Finlayson reported having met with the county engineer regarding an issue with the guardrail near Fort Laurens.
Finlayson said the village received a grant from the Reeves Foundation for $5,000 for a new severe weather siren and for connecting it to the county 911 system. Finlayson said he applied for an additional grant from the village’s insurance company to cover remaining costs. Council voted to spend up to $600 on the project if the insurance company grant does not materialize.
Fiscal officer Barb Kline said each year the Kimble Company donates to a charity chosen by the village as part of the village recycling program. This year Finlayson designated the Tusky Valley Baseball-Softball Association to receive the funds.
Councilman Tim White said residents have reported a couple of streetlights out near his home and inquired as to how to get them fixed. Kline advised taking a photo of the AEP placard on the pole or writing down the information and sending it to treasurer@villageofbolivar.com.
In other business
Council voted to accept the resignations of Roy Davis, a seasonal worker, and Matt Judy. Judy had previously resigned his position as village administrator but had agreed to stay on part-time to finish training Kline. Council will advertise for applications for an assistant clerk, which will pay $20 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.
Council voted to do the following:
—Hire Levi Kaser as street superintendent at a rate of $22 per hour.
—Hire Wallick Seamless Spouting at a cost of $5,031 to upgrade spouting at Village Hall.
—Spend $810 for new tires for the Chevy Tahoe owned by the village.
—Spend $650 for less-than-lethal ammunition for the police department.
—Spend up to $2,050 for an audit recommended by Ohio auditor Keith Faber.
—Increase the mayor’s spending limit from $500 to $1,000.
Bolivar Council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.