Township aggregate power rates to drop

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees voted to accept an agreement with Archer Energy through Trebel Energy Services that will reduce the rate of electricity for residents participating in the township aggregation from 8.4-6.99 through May 2025.

Joe Garrett, an energy consultant with Trebel, explained the process for the new agreement, which is called a blend and extend. It increases the length of the current contract but lowers the rate. This type of contract is designed to help customers benefit from a drop in market prices, despite being signed up to a fixed-term contract on higher rates.

Typically, residents receive letters anytime there is a change in aggregate rates. However, since nothing is changing other than a reduction in the rates, there will be no letter sent.

Residents with questions are encouraged to call Trebel Customer Service at 877-861-2772. Residents who previously opted out of the township aggregate but wish to start participating again also may use this number to learn if and when they can end their current contracts and sign back on with the township.

Roads report

Assistant road supervisor Perry Myers presented a list he and road supervisor Chuck McNutt compiled listing the roads they would like to pave in 2025. Myers recommended obtaining bids through the county engineer’s office, as was done last year, making the list due to the county by Feb. 28, with final list and estimates to come later.

Myers also said work is continuing on updating the restroom in the garage, ditching on Ridge Road, and cleaning up tree limbs and downed trees from recent storms.

McNutt presented an estimate from Fenton Electric to replace outside lighting at the township building with LED lighting. McNutt said an engineer from the company tested the lights at night and determined most are not working properly, causing the township to pay for wasted electricity. The estimate presented did not include electrician’s labor for installation. Chairman Matt Ritterbeck asked McNutt to obtain costs for the electrician so he can pursue grant funding.

McNutt also presented an estimate for a generator at Township Hall, a matter which was discussed by the board in December. McNutt said the generator will be rather expensive because it has to be water-cooled and must be able to handle two air-conditioning units and an air compressor.

The estimate did not include the potential need to update the gas meter, which McNutt said could be approximately $1,000-$1,500. Ritterbeck asked McNutt to obtain a quote for the gas meter for the purpose of pursing grant funding.

Zoning report

Zoning inspector Ron Weekley reported the zoning commission has completed proposed new zoning regulations for signs, which are basically eliminating the use of pole signs in favor of monument signage. He said all businesses currently having nonconforming signs will be issued permits for those signs, which require owners to maintain the signs properly or risk having to replace them according to new zoning rules. However, Weekley said a public meeting will be held before the proposed changes will be presented to the board for approval.

Weekley also reported having contacted township attorney Terry Seeburger regarding recent state changes to cannabis use by adults. Weekley presented an amendment to a resolution passed in August 2016 for consideration.

The resolution would state the township does not have the right to regulate or forbid residents from the home growing allowed by the state law. It also adds the following language: “Adult-use cannabis cultivators, processors or retail dispensaries will be prohibited from operating or existing within the unincorporated territory of Lawrence Township.” No action was taken.

In voting

Trustees passed a resolution approving permanent appropriations for 2024 in the amount of $3,704,340.

Also passed was a resolution increasing the mileage reimbursement for township vehicles and drivers on township business from 65 cents to 67 cents per mile.

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meets the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar. All meetings are open to the public.