Zoar is facing steep repair costs
Zoar Council members learned repairing the stretch of Dover Zoar Road atop the Zoar Levee will not be cheap at their April 8 council meeting. The section of County Road 82 has been deteriorating for some time, and residents and others who use the road have been clamoring for a fix.
Street Commissioner David Irwin said he investigated costs to provide repairs and repave the road, just to get a feel for what the village may be facing. Irwin said the costs could approach nearly $30,000.
However, Mayor Tom Klingaman said he is waiting for bids to come through the county engineer’s office, as those traditionally come in lower than quotes obtained from other entities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns the section of road in question, which falls within the village’s corporation limits. Zoar has been trying to get the corps to detach that segment from the village, but the matter has been mired in red tape for approximately three years, during which road conditions have continued to deteriorate.
Of the three entities that could be responsible for maintaining the road, Zoar Village arguably has the smallest budget. While the county did recently replace a damaged culvert and perform some patching on the road near the intersection of state Route 212, it appears the village may have to step up and somehow pay for the remaining repairs.
According to Klingaman, previous Mayor Scott Gordon told him the village hadn’t had to pay for repairs in at least 50 years until recent county budget cuts were put in place.
Michael Lane leading into the Cherry Hill development also is in need of repairs. Irwin said he spoke with Perry Myers, road supervisor for Lawrence Township, and the township agreed to provide equipment and manpower for the job if Zoar covered the approximately $1,000 cost of materials.
In other matters
Council member Jeff Eadie, who is a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, reported on two properties in disrepair. He mentioned an outbuilding on the alley between Second and Third streets on the east side that he said has been deteriorating over the past several years. Half of the roof is gone, and Eadie has concerns the building may fall into the alley or on someone’s car.
Eadie also said he was aware approval had been given to raze the house behind 151 Main St. but asked if tearing it down could be scheduled soon as the condition is rapidly worsening.
Legislation
Council approved an ordinance to renew an agreement with the Bolivar Fire Department, Lawrence Township and the Village of Bolivar for fire and EMS services through 2025.
Council also heard the following:
—The second reading of an ordinance allowing a 2.0 mill renewal police levy on the November 2025 ballot.
—The second reading of an ordinance allowing a 2.3 mill general operating replacement levy on the November 2025 ballot.
—The fourth reading of an ordinance allowing an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for maintenance of state Route 212 through the village of Zoar, held for a fifth reading.
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.