Trustees want to keep Bolivar playground equipment
At the Nov. 30 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Matt Ritterbeck, a trustee, distributed a letter he had written regarding the possible removal of playground equipment next year when the Bolivar Intermediate School is scheduled for demolition.
Reportedly, the reason given for taking down the equipment is that it is unsafe. In responded to that claim, Ritterbeck said ““My personal feeling is that students and families are still using the equipment and they were utilizing it when the school closed down in May.”
The letter, addressed to Bolivar Village Council, current Bolivar Mayor Tedd Finlayson, Mayor-Elect Robert Lloyd and the Tusky Valley School Board, includes a request to consider keeping the playground equipment. Ritterbeck asked Trustee Mike Haueter and Chairman Don Ackerman to sign the letter if they were in agreement.
“I’m with you in principle,” said Haueter. But I think I need more information.”
Dante Mariani, a township resident said it was his understanding the biggest issue was who would pay the insurance on the playground equipment. Mariani also brought up the memorial trees planted on the playground and Ritterbeck said the village has planted many trees there over the years during Arbor Day ceremonies.
In the end, Ritterbeck said it might be a good idea to ask the insurance companies for the township and the village how much the premiums would be and move on from there. The board agreed to sign and send the letter.
LED lighting test
Road Supervisor Chuck McNutt responded to a question by Mariani about the LED light, which was placed along the walking trail in the Lawrence Township River Community Park. McNutt said, along with monitoring the light to gauge its quality and durability, the light will be moved to several locations for testing before considering whether or not to move forward with any purchase.
Haueter asked any residents who have feedback on the light to contact the township office at 330-874-2731.
Discussion of recreational marijuana legalization
Discussion took place regarding whether or not the township could pass regulations that might supersede the results of the November ballot measure in which nearly 57% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana usage.
According to Ron Weekley, township zoning inspector, trustees previously passed a resolution to not allow marijuana farming, business sales or dispensaries after a company had shown interest in opening a dispensary in December 2021.
However, Weekley said, “the word recreational was not in there.” He also said the township would not be able to institute zoning measures that would outlaw the right to grow six plants per person by the state law, which takes effect Dec. 7 of this year. “All we can do is regulate the sale of it.”
The problem of enforcing any sort of measure the township may pass was also discussed, with trustees deciding to consult their attorney on the matter so that Weekley can bring the issue to the next Zoning Commission meeting Dec. 12.
In other matters
Trustees voted to purchase a Ford F550 truck from Sarchione Ford in Waynesburg at the state bid price of $66,277, with funds to come out of the 2023 budget. Additional costs to outfit the truck with a dump truck bed, snow plow and other necessary equipment will be taken from the
McNutt asked township residents to remove basketball hoops that have been placed in positions that allow players to use the street. He said as snowy weather approached, the hoops are an obstacle for snow plow trucks and can knock off the side view mirrors.
Ackerman expressed condolences from the board on the school tragedy, asked residents to support the fundraising opportunities and said he was proud of the community and churches for coming together.
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 in Bolivar. All meetings are open to the public.
