Bolivar council forms committee to explore former school property after nonprofit pitch

Mayor Curtis Strauss and the Bolivar Village Council agreed Feb. 5 to form a two‑member committee to study potential uses for the village’s former school property after residents and a nonprofit made pitches during the public‑comment period.

Kyle Algough, founder of the Iron Resistance Foundation, told council the group’s mission is "To enhance and maintain the physical and mental health of America’s veterans and first responders" and outlined a three‑phase plan to build a state‑of‑the‑art care facility in Bolivar that would provide services at no cost to individual veterans and first responders. Algough provided a brochure and a list of board members and asked to continue the conversation with village leaders.

Marla Akridge, director of Tuscarawas County Economic Development, introduced herself and said her office — which works with state and federal grant programs and the port authority — is aware of at least one private developer interested in the site. Resident Loretta Dively flagged that the property still appeared under the school’s name on the county website; Fiscal Officer Maria App said the issue was brought to the village’s attention about two weeks ago and that the county maps office is reviewing the quit‑claim deed while village staff follow the sequential steps required to resolve the listing.

Councilmembers Oberlin and Lawver volunteered to serve on the new committee; residents Loretta Dively and Will Bellinger have also expressed interest. Mayor Strauss said the mayor will be the primary point of contact and that the committee’s first meeting date will be announced at a future council session. Law Director Babik reminded council that Ohio Rev. Code 721.03 generally requires public advertising and bidding for sale or lease of municipal property and noted limited exceptions that may apply to some nonprofits, stressing that disposition to a private developer often requires a competitive bid.

The committee will study options, public‑notice and procurement steps, and report back to the council. A first meeting date will be posted at an upcoming council meeting.