Discord continues over farm animals in Lawrence Township

At the Nov. 25 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, resident Caleb Sachs and owner of Sandy Slopes Farm, addressed the board regarding ongoing issues with neighbors and trustees having animals on his property. Complaints have been lodged since early this summer from some, but not all, of Sachs neighbors in the area where Fort Laurens Road NW and Mabel Drive NW intersect.

Sachs thanked the board for their continued willingness to discuss the issues. He also presented a letter requesting “all issues regarding animals be dropped,” stating he believes it is “clear” he is not violating the Ohio Revised Code or Lawrence Township zoning regulations.

Sachs also disagreed with a judgement that the farm was causing a nuisance according to township regulations and asked for proof of any rodents or odors coming from his farm and affecting neighboring properties.

Sachs requested that a copy of letter be forwarded to the board of zoning. He further inquired about restrictions on crop growth, as he is preparing for next year’s garden. Weekley said the only crop restrictions are on cannabis plants.

Eric Sachs, father of Caleb Sachs, also addressed the board supporting his son’s efforts and stating his belief that zoning rules are not being applied equally throughout the township. Weekley said no one is being singled out, and that any appearance of unfairness is likely due to the fact that the township typically follows up on complaints. If no complaint is lodged, the zoning commission may not be aware there is a problem.

Trustee Don Ackerman mentioned that he had seen Sachs’ chickens running across Fort Laurens Drive. Ackerman suggested the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals get together to review the status of zoning regulations book.

Maintenance person needed

Board Chairman Mike Haueter said the township is seeking a qualified maintenance person/cemetery assistant due to the resignation of Steve Hughes. The position is full-time and includes a number of benefits.

Interested candidates should visit www.lawrencetownship.org, where they can find a link on the home page to a job description, minimum qualifications and a job application.

Compost service to expire

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck reminded residents that the township’s yard waste compost service, offered free to residents for approximately 15 years, will end after Dec. 31. Grant funding for the program was canceled by the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District after receiving a directive to do so from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency early last year.

Other reports to the board

Road Superintendent Perry Myers told trustees the crack and seal work has been completed on Holly Heights and Old Drum Road. He also said he expects the winter blades for the snow plow to arrive soon.

Ritterbeck reported that the gas regulator is connected, but Myers advised that it is still not working properly.

Ritterbeck thanked Meyers and Todd Reynolds, cemetery sextant, for keeping up with leaf pickup and complimented Reynolds and Administrative Assistant Betty Milliken for their work getting the Uniform Accounting Network cemetery software up and running. The free software from the state auditor’s office will add Fort Laurens Cemetery data to the state’s database and will assist in managing and tracking grave sites.

Ritterbeck also recommended a future board discussion regarding annual employee reviews.

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