Rotary and Fire Department get township approval

Several members of the Bolivar-Zoar Rotary Club attended the meeting of the Lawrence Township trustees on May 13 seeking approval for events.

Terri Davis, president of Ohio Billing Inc., asked if a permit was needed for the farmers market the club is holding this summer.

“I think it’s a good idea, but I’m reluctant if you’re getting into garage sale or flea market type items,” trustee Don Ackerman said.

Davis assured trustees the products offered will be largely produce and plants, along with a few higher-end hand-crafted items.

“We are also going to use Tuscarawas County farmers and vendors as much as possible,” said James Meck, owner of SafeClean and a club member.

Gabrielle Ferguson, also of Ohio Billing, said the club would like to bring in local food trucks occasionally.

Trustees approved the request and voted to waive permit fees for this year for all vendors. The farmers market will take place every Monday from June 7 through Aug. 30 at the Ohio Billing parking lot.

Trustees also approved the club’s request to use the Lawrence Township River Community Park to hold a Safety Town event this summer. Ferguson said the club is partnering with the Bolivar Fire Department to host the public event on Friday, June 18 from 2-4 p.m.

As part of the Ohio chapter’s American Academy of Pediatrics “Put a Lid on It” campaign, 75 free kids bike helmets will be given away to increase awareness of the safety aspects of wearing bike helmets. Additional activities and giveaways will be offered.

Shawn Lynch, Bolivar fire chief, said a resident of Wilkshire Hills who lives near the golf course has asked for permission to hold a professional fireworks display on July 2. The display will be created by Northeast Ohio Pyrotechnics Group, with the fire department providing an inspection and a fire truck onsite that evening.

“I’m not aware of anything in our zoning that even covers that,” said Matt Ritterbeck, trustee. “I don’t think we’ve ever been asked that before.”

Ritterbeck recommended the fire department refer to the Ohio Revised Code. Lynch said the department had already done so, and the event is permitted if guidelines are followed.

In other matters

Trustees awarded Martin Dreher Inc. with curb work for this year. The Strasburg company was the low bidder at a cost of $15,800 for approximately 400 linear feet.

Ackerman reported having held the zoning commission meeting on May 3, which was attended by representatives of Tuscarawas Regional Planning. He said suggestions were made for ways to condense the township zoning regulations in the future.

Ackerman also passed along condolences on behalf of the trustees to Al Landis, county commissioner, in the loss of his mother.

Chuck McNutt, street supervisor, reported checking on a curb on Buehler Road at the request of the home owner, who is putting in a new concrete driveway. McNutt recommended all township residents have their contractors check with him at the township office before installing new driveways as saw-cutting through rebar in the curb may be required.

McNutt said the storm-damaged Fort Laurens Cemetery sign has been repainted and re-erected. He also said classified ads for bids on chip and seal work have been placed, but no bids have been received yet.

Trustees voted to allow McNutt to spend up to $300 at Miller’s Clothing for work shirts for summer help. Trustees also approved a sale price of $25,000 for the 2003 International truck owned by the township if sold to other government entities.

McNutt finished by saying he has received comments from people who enjoy using the River Community Park Trail through Wilkshire Hills because it is out in the open and they feel safer than on trails that go through the woods. Parking for trail users is located along Wilkshire Boulevard near Arrowhead.

The next meeting will be May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar.