Meet the Candidates Night discussed at meeting

Lawrence Township trustees were asked by area resident Mike Penso at their Oct. 12 meeting if a public meeting could be held in Township Hall for people to learn more about the candidates running for the board of trustees. The single open seat is currently held by Matt Ritterbeck of Bolivar, whose term ends Dec. 31 this year.

Penso said he had spoken with Justin Wallace, a Bolivar business owner, about helping with the event. “We thought with all of the new faces coming, a lot of people may not know much about them, their qualifications or what makes them a good fit for our township.”

The five candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot are Ritterbeck, Dante Mariani, Paul Noel, Patrick Eddy and Roxanne Timberlake. After discussion Penso said he would look for locations other than Township Hall, which may not be able to hold enough people. The date was tentatively set for Nov. 3.

Issue 2 presentation

Jodi Salvo of the Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition presented the organization’s views on Ohio State Issue 2, which would legalize recreational marijuana. Salvo said the group is opposed to the measure for a number of reasons, among them the potential for packaging designs that appeal to children and a possible increase in crime.

Trustees approved the purchase of four lights for the “Welcome to Wilkshire Hills” sign and flagpole in front of the Sleep Inn on state Route 212. The lights will be purchased from Fenton Brothers Electric at a cost of $1,297 to come out of the lodging tax fund. Also approved was electrical work for the lights at a cost of $2,860 to be provided by Ohm’s Law. Electricity bills will be paid for by the Sleep Inn.

In a related matter, trustees were presented with ballpark figures for placing a light pole at the intersection of state Route 212 and North Orchard Road. The intersection is right beside the Sleep Inn, where the new sign lighting will be installed.

Perry Myers, assistant road superintendent, said the total costs he received range from $16,000-$20,000. After discussion trustees decided to wait and see how much illumination is provided by the new sign and flagpole lights.

Ron Weekley, zoning inspector, asked if the Sleep Inn could remove its large highway sign since it is no longer being illuminated. Trustee Mike Haueter said he had already broached the subject with the hotel’s manager, who said he was planning to take the sign down.

Weekley also said the zoning commission is revising the code for all signs in the township. He said the revisions are necessary as the current language is vague and difficult to understand.

In other matters

Chuck McNutt, road supervisor, said Sweeping Across America returned recently to provide eight hours of free street sweeping after experiencing equipment problems earlier this year.

Ritterbeck said he is finalizing a grant application for a Bobcat utility vehicle but wanted to get McNutt’s and Myers’ approval on the specs before submitting. The purchase will be helpful in maintaining the cemetery and walking trail.

Fiscal officer Ann Ackerman distributed a quarterly revenue report, noting cemetery funds revenue is down by 50% this year to date over 2022.

Trustees approved two additional measures. One was a resolution to accept leftover funds of approximately $6,000 from the Community Improvement Corporation, which was established in 1985 to help build the Bolivar Industrial Park. Trustees of the CIC voted earlier this year to dissolve the organization and appropriate remaining funds to the township.

Also approved was a recommendation from the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Agency, the township’s insurer, to move from public official bonds to faith performance of duty coverage. The switch will procure additional coverage for township officials at no additional charge.

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meets the second and last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar.