Marlboro trustees approve zoning change, address township business

During the March 16 meeting of the Marlboro Township Trustees, trustee Wayne Schillig announced a public hearing for trustees to consider a request from James Ringer/Ringer Properties LLC to rezone approximately 4.20 acres at the northwest corner of Edison Street (state Route 619) and Ravenna Avenue (state Route 44) in Marlboro Township from an R-1 low-density residential district to a B-2 commercial business district.

Ringer said he plans to use the property for storage of landscaping supplies and rental purposes. No objections were expressed.

The Marlboro Township Zoning Commission previously recommended approval of the request by a 4-0 vote March 10, while Stark County Regional Planning recommended denial March 3.

Trustees approved the rezoning, noting the location along a main thoroughfare makes it suitable for commercial use. Trustee John Battershell supported continued investment in the township.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported bids for road materials will be opened at the April 13 meeting. He also distributed the 2026 summer road program and department budgets. When weather permits, the department plans to replace a culvert at Osborne Avenue and Lynnett Street.

Battershell received quotes for dumpsters for the 2026 spring cleanup and recommended Republic Services. Trustees approved the company for the April 10-11 cleanup, citing positive past service.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reminded officials that permanent appropriations are due April 1 and that the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System annual conversion plan resolution is due March 31.

The township received notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding retail permit objections for June 2026-2027, due May 4. Police Chief Ron Devies reported no objections from the department.

Officials also received notice that EAP Ohio LLC has changed its name to EOG Ohio LLC. The company maintains a road use maintenance agreement with the township. Information was forwarded to the road department.

Trustees approved the sale of a township trailer to Gerald Rozaieski for $1,000 and renewed participation in the Ohio Township Association’s 2027 Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program for $1,735.

Devies reported the police department responded to 98 complaints in February, including 19 traffic citations and three arrests, and logged 8,184 patrol miles. Four OVI incidents have already occurred in March. He commended officers for their handling of a recent DUI case.

Trustees addressed a mapping discrepancy involving St. Peters Church Road and coordinated with the Stark County Regional Planning Commission to resolve it.

A township office renovation is nearly complete, pending replacement of damaged ceiling tiles.

Trustee Ken Eddleman reported a sinkhole on Beeson Street, a county road, was addressed by the Stark County Engineer’s Office.

Trustees approved payment of $28,387.55 in bills.

During public comments, Canal Fulton Mayor Joe Schultz spoke about his candidacy for Stark County commissioner in the May Republican primary.

Assistant Fire Chief Hal Lehman thanked residents, the road department and police for their response to storm damage March 13-14, calling Marlboro “a great place to be.”

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at Marlboro Township Hall.