Ownership dispute continues in Zoar
Disagreement continues over ownership of the Zoar Volunteer Fire Department building and land.
Disagreement continues over ownership of the Zoar Volunteer Fire Department building and land. In a recent letter, the fire department’s attorney Patrick Williams asked the village for a quit claim deed, saying village council gave the land on which the building sets to the fire department during a council meeting on Dec. 9, 1953.
The attorney’s letter also said the building was built and equipment was purchased throughout the years without funds from the village, and the fire department has always operated independent of the village.
At the April village council meeting, Zoar Mayor Scott Gordon presented a letter of response drafted by law director Doug Frautschy disputing those claims. In addition to noting the village purchase of equipment in 1974, the response said, “If the original intent was to give the land to the ZVFD, they could simply have deeded it to them. The fact that no deed was made is evidence there was no intent to transfer ownership to the ZVFD.”
Council voted to send the letter with councilwoman Judy Meiser abstaining. The matter is ongoing.
Mark Gaynor to fill Hans Fischer’s seat
Mark Gaynor was elected to fill the council seat left vacant with the passing of Hans Fischer. Gaynor was nominated by Gayle Potelicki, council president. Gordon said he had scheduled nominations later in the agenda. “I want to do it now,” Potelicki said.
Potelicki was asked by both Gordon and Meiser to “hold off” on the process, as other people had expressed interest in the position. Potelicki restated the nomination, asked for a second, which came from Tom Klingaman, and called for a vote. Meiser again asked to wait, but Potelicki said council only had 30 days to fill the seat.
Frautschy confirmed council had 30 days, and if council could not agree on a person to fill the seat, it would fall to the mayor to appoint someone. Potelicki said council would not meet prior to the 30-day cut-off, and a special meeting would be required for the vote. Gaynor was elected with Meiser casting the only no vote.
In other business
Klingaman reported on a safety meeting during which plans were discussed to purchase new playground equipment for the Zoar School House. He also reported progress on the selection of surveillance cameras. Bolivar Police Sgt. Jeff Stearns said the cameras may have been able to identify the make and license number of a car that recently crashed into a fence at a home on Second and Main streets.
Potelicki announced Kim Klingaman has joined the planning commission, filling the vacancy left by Joe Cline’s passing.
Gordon reported a request by Donnie’s Tavern to expand the outdoor patio and said the Tin Shop Coffee House would like to add parking. Gordon said no permits have yet been issued.
A lengthy discussion took place regarding the village mowing contract. Gordon suggested having Patrick Eddy, who currently holds the contract, take on additional work string trimming the right of way on Michael Lane near state Route 212 for an additional $50 per trimming.
David Irwin said he thought $50 was too steep and asked Gordon to seek volunteers for the work because it had been done by volunteers until now. Meiser said the contract should be rebid as the parameters have changed twice: once because of work on the levee and now for the additional work.
Gordon said volunteers for the new work will be sought but the contract did not need to be rebid. He will ask Eddy if he will perform the extra work for $50 per month instead. Council agreed to the arrangement with Meiser voting no.
Mayor’s report
Gordon said the Army Corps will soon place door hangers on homes as they prepare to start structural stability testing of the village residences.
Gordon also said the Zoar Connections Committee is ready to move forward with an 8-foot-wide trail that will connect the Towpath Trail to Zoar. He presented an estimate of approximately $400,000 from Environmental Design Group, which includes a footbridge to the levee and widening the Zoar Arboretum entrance to two lanes. Gordon said the costs will be covered by grants.
Gordon sent condolences to the family of Fischer, acknowledging his many years of service on council and dedication to the village.
Council approved Zoar being named an official North Country Trail Town by the North Country Trail Association.
Legislation
Council approved an ordinance regarding street closings in the village during 2021 Zoar Community Association events. Meiser voted no and said, “It’s not fair to people who have shops in the village to block traffic from getting to their stores.”
Council approved an ordinance to move $328.53 to the general fund.
The next meeting will be May 11 at 6 p.m. via teleconference.