Township seeking volunteer for zoning commission

At the Dec. 14 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, zoning inspector Ron Weekley announced the zoning commission is seeking a volunteer to serve as an alternate. The commission determines regulations over buildings, signs, driveways, permit fees and similar matters with a goal of promoting and protecting the health and safety of the township’s residents and ensuring orderly growth and development.

The commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Township Hall. Interested parties must be township residents and may fill out the application on the township website at www.lawrencetownship.org or call the township office at 330-874-2731 for more information.

The board also announced it is always accepting applications for part-time seasonal help. Interested parties can receive an application by calling the township office.

During the meeting the board approved renewing zoning commission members Patrick Kline and Joe Hafer for three-year terms.

Also in zoning

Weekley said he investigated whether the proper legislation is in place to prevent marijuana dispensaries from setting up shop in the township. After speaking with township attorney Terry Seeberger, Weekley said a resolution passed by the board in 2016 was likely to be sufficient, but Seeberger said he will research the matter further.

The resolution prohibits cultivators, processors or retail dispensaries from existing or operating within the unincorporated territory of Lawrence Township. Weekley said this regulation does not override the new state law governing recreational use.

Roads report

Chuck McNutt, road supervisor, said he ordered some necessary road signs from Tuscarawas County Roads and Bridges and would prefer to use them in the future for cost savings.

Perry Myers, assistant road supervisor, said he has ordered a Ford F550 truck, approved by trustees at the Nov. 30 meeting. He said the dealer has given him a date of Feb. 5, 2024, to start building with a tentative delivery date six weeks later.

Cemetery plots tax exempt

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck said a resident asked him if cemetery plots are taxable and if the land becomes the property of the purchaser or remains township land. McNutt said the land still belongs to the township. After discussion and research, it was determined land used for cemeteries is exempt from taxation, according to the Ohio Revised Code, unless the land is held by a private entity.

Public comments

Resident Dante Marini asked if anyone from the school had gotten back to trustees regarding their interest in keeping the playground equipment in place after the Bolivar Intermediate School is torn down.

Ritterbeck said he had not heard anything yet, but that Bolivar Council also sent a letter to the administration with the same request after its Dec. 7 meeting. He said he and administrative assistant Martina Mann are looking into foundations to fund any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

In other business

Trustees voted to pass the following measures:

—Renew a contract with Bull Country Compost for hauling compost hoppers away at the township compost site at new rates of $140 per month for hauling and $200 for hopper rental.

—Agree to use McIntosh Oil Company for diesel and fuel for township vehicles.

—Approved temporary appropriations for 2024 in the amount of $200,000.

Raises approved

Following an executive session, trustees returned and voted to approve $1 per hour raises for full-time employees McNutt, Myers and Todd Reynolds, cemetery sexton. Also approved were 50 cent per hour raises for part-time employees Weekley and Martina Mann, $1.50 per hour raises for seasonal workers Don Artzner and Tom Lundenberger, and a $1 per hour raise for Wayne Rex.

Ritterbeck mentioned the seasonal help. “Without Don Artzner, Tom Lundenberger and Wayne Rex, our roughly 31 acres of township green space would not be maintained the way it is. They are dedicated employees, and they’re greatly appreciated.”

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.