Joe Garrett, a consultant with Trebel Energy LLC, attended the Feb. 27 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees. Trebel Energy is the Columbus-based energy consulting company that manages the township’s aggregation programs. Garrett was there to discuss current gas and electric aggregation rates and provide insight into where prices may be heading.
Trustees agreed to sign a contract that again gives Trebel Energy the authority to purchase energy at the best possible rates whenever they occur on behalf of the township. Specifically, Trebel Energy is required to only acquire electricity at a negotiated price equal to or less than $0.0920 per kilowatt-hour through June 2026 and equal to or less than $0.070 per kilowatt-hour after June 2026.
Trebel is only to acquire natural gas at a rate equal to or less than $0.060 per 100 cubic feet, although a term was not specified in the contract. Trebel Energy still has to sign the contract to put the energy agreement into effect.
Roads report
Road Superintendent Perry Myers told trustees the Ford F-550 was repaired recently by Ace Truck Equipment due to a water leakage problem.
Myers also brought to the board’s attention some potential stormwater issues that have arisen with the building of the new car wash on Edgebrook Road Northeast. Myers said the owner will install additional catch basins to help keep water off surrounding roadways.
Trustee Matt Ritterbeck asked the board to review three potential ways to apply for a grant that has been denied twice. Previous applications had asked for funds to purchase a generator for the township building and additional lighting for outside. The township had previously agreed to pay 10% of the costs.
Trustees voted to reapply but to ask only for the generator and increase the township’s portion of the cost to 20%. Ritterbeck will move forward with the grant process under those guidelines.
Grants received for compost program
Martina Mann reported two grants have been received from the Joint Solid Waste Management District for 2025. The first is the Host Community Cleanup Grant for $2,500. The second is the Host Site Block Grant for $12,468.
Trustees voted to approve and accept both grants. Ritterbeck reminded the board there will be no further grants available for the compost in 2026.
In other matters
Mann reminded residents that all decorations at the Fort Laurens Cemetery must be removed by March 15.
Mann said the Tuscarawas County Health Department is still working with a homeowner to clean up property on Old Orchard Drive Northeast and Northwood Avenue. According to the health department, the resident said the weather had been too bad for him to make much progress, but now that the weather is improving, he intends to resume cleanup efforts.
According to Mann, the health department would like to meet with trustees to see if they can help with any other property issues.
Trustees learned the one-year warranty is up for the zoning printer and decided not to pay for an extended warranty.
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.
