Zoar addresses complaints about post office
Zoar Council discussed a number of grievances lodged against the Zoar Post Office including failure to deliver mail if box numbers are not included, erecting signs without obtaining permits, using picnic tables to block parking spots and huge potholes in the parking lot.
At its October meeting, Zoar Village Council members discussed potential ways to resolve at least two years’ worth of complaints about the service at the Zoar Post Office. Grievances from residents and council members primarily involved mail being returned to senders if the post office box was missing from the address.
Mayor Scott Gordon said he was told the postal clerk in Zoar was not to return mail for that reason but instead could place the mail in the proper mailbox. Councilman David Irwin said the postmaster is supposed to make every effort to deliver the mail. “It’s not like there are 7,000 people here,” he said.
Discussion also addressed the critical nature of some mail. “When she sends people’s prescriptions back, that’s got to stop,” Gordon said.
Other issues at the post office include the erection of signs without a permit, handicap parking signs that do not appear to be legal, deep potholes in the lot and using picnic tables to block parking spots.
Gordon said he has already communicated the problem to the Bolivar postmaster who oversees Zoar, and he will request another meeting with that person and his superior.
Fire station assets
missing
Gordon provided a list of inventory missing from the fire station, which is owned by the village and being turned into a community center and municipal building. Gordon said he sent the list to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, asking them to investigate and provide an accounting of the disposition of those assets.
Assets allegedly removed by members of the former fire department include a rescue boat, kitchen appliances, a backup generator, folding tables and chairs, a walk-in cooler, fire trucks, and several other vehicles.
Gordon’s letter referred to language in the fire department’s amended articles of incorporation, stating that in the event of dissolution of the department, residual assets would be turned over to one or more tax-exempt organizations.
“We understand that at least one fire truck went to the Fairfield Township Fire Department,” the letter said. “We find it somewhat disconcerting that none of the nearest fire departments serving our immediate area (Bolivar and Mineral City) were offered any items, nor was the village.”
Levee update
Gordon provided an update on the Zoar Levee project, saying the contractor will truck sand, add topsoil and seed over the next month to complete the project. The Army Corps will then perform repaving of the streets they used and replace a fence removed during the project but move it 5 feet closer to the levee.
Council agreed to remove bleachers and other equipment from the First Street ball field as it will no longer be used for games or practices. He suggested converting the area for additional parking and perhaps a small playground.
Hunter causing problems
Bolivar police officer Eric Minor told council he has received complaints about a hunter trying to force people to leave the premises at Lime Kiln Lake on more than one occasion. Minor said the hunter drives a white SUV-style van with Stark County plates, but no one has been able to provide him with a license plate number.
Other matters
Trick or treat in Zoar will be Oct. 30 from 2-4 p.m. The Zoar Community Association will give out treats and hold a party at the community building.
Gordon also notified council that ZCA is proceeding with the restoration of the #3 House on the corner of Second and Park streets. The home was previously owned by the late Anna Stull and purchased by ZCA. Gordon said ZCA also intends to begin work on a multi-family home it owns at 151 E. First St.
Legislation passed included an emergency resolution to change signatures on the village bank account and an ordinance amending appropriations to provide funding for utilities, supplies and repairs at the community center and to adjust the salary for the fiscal officer.
The next meeting will be Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at the new community center.