Pickleball courts considered by Bolivar Council
Long neglected and unused tennis courts at the intermediate school in Bolivar may be turned into pickleball courts when they become village property after the new school is complete.
Following comments at several council meetings regarding the condition of the tennis courts at Tusky Valley Intermediate School, a recent conversation between Bolivar Mayor Tim Lang and school officials may yield a solution: pickleball courts.
Ownership of the courts has been part of the issue, but councilman Dan Oberlin, chair of the parks and recreation committee, said at the September meeting of village council that the village has traditionally helped maintain the courts.
Lang said Andrea Clemens, intermediate school principal, has obtained a quote for building pickleball courts and that he spoke with Mark Murphy, director of operations for the school district, about jointly pursuing grant funding.
Mayor’s report
Lang asked council to approve adopting the Tuscarawas County hazard mitigation plan developed by the county’s emergency management agency. Lang said adopting the plan is the only way the village can qualify for FEMA relief funds in the event of a disaster.
Lang also read a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Bolivar Community Church.
Committee report highlights
Finance chair Will Bellinger said a special session will be held Sept. 19 to discuss the budget at approximately 6:30 p.m. following the street and alley committee meeting. He also reported receiving bids on tree removal and stump grinding for nine trees, the lowest of which was $5,000 from Smitty’s Tree Service. Council approved the expenditure.
Safety chair Bruce Lawver announced councilmen Bellinger and Ted Finlayson will represent council on a transitional committee with the fire department to explore the establishment of a fire district.
Street and alley chair Finlayson said the committee is examining possible construction standards for sidewalks, curbs and driveways and said some roadways need attention due to grass growing through cracks.
Kyle Porter, street superintendent, asked residents who notice street lights are out to send him a photo of the AEP sticker on the pole so he knows where to direct the power company for repairs. Photos can be emailed to streetdepartment@villageofbolivar.com.
Village administrator report
Matt Judy reported an error made on the ordinance regarding the income tax split at the August meeting, which, according to Lang, shorted the village capital fund by 4%.
Council will need to decide whether to stay with the split as voted on or to draw up a new ordinance.
Public comments
Maria App expressed concerns over village spending and wage raises and provided council with wage comparisons from similar-size towns and villages in Ohio.
App also questioned council on whether new members had taken the training offered by the state municipal league. Councilwoman Loretta Dively said she had taken the training.
App further asked at what point the village would begin enforcing ordinances regarding trash cans left out, signs being posted in the village, and overgrown grass and weeds. Oberlin said they would try to do a better job of policing the signs.
Kay Tomblin told council she had misunderstood zoning regulations on fences and intends to comply by Oct. 15.
Courtney Wallace, the Bolivar Library supervisor, asked if it was acceptable to have new, smaller library street signs made after receiving resident complaints. She said the old signs have been removed and the library will pay for new signs.
Wallace also asked for a water fountain to be replaced. Council said they would provide an answer in two weeks after discussing the matter in committee.
Jeanne Gural, a resident and the executive director of The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, asked to make a public presentation regarding the benefits of native plants and pollinators. Council will help arrange something before spring.
Additional legislation
Council passed an emergency ordinance to hire Andrew Nussbaumer as seasonal help at a rate of $12 an hour for up to 24 hours per week, with a start date retroactive to Aug. 8.
Council also heard the second reading on an ordinance to raise wages for village employees.
The next council meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. The council meeting and the special session on Sept. 19 will be held in the Bolivar Fire Station’s community room. Council is considering moving all future meetings to the fire station to offer more room for members of the public to attend.