Lawrence Township approves 2026 paving list, sets zoning hearing

At the Feb. 26 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Road Superintendent Perry Myers presented paving estimates he obtained from the Tuscarawas County Engineer’s office.

After reviewing the estimate along with a list of proposed streets for paving in 2026, trustees approved paving for Jeanne Anne Lane, Pondview Drive, Cathair Lane and Garberdale Square at a total estimated cost of $187,445.

In Zoning

Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley reported that the Zoning Commission passed a resolution approving changes to the township’s zoning regulations. Weekly stated trustees must now hold a public hearing.

Trustees agreed to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 just prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting.

Weekley also updated trustees on a construction site on French Hill Road that has been addressed in previous meetings. According to Weekley, someone is building without the proper permits.

A stop work order was issued by Weekley several weeks ago, but construction has continued. Weekley said he visited the property owner again and requested that the township’s stop work order be honored, but building has continued despite the order.

Weekley did say he has learned that a septic application has been submitted, but to the best of his knowledge, the application has not yet been approved.

Finally, Weekley said the zoning commission asked trustees to attend a meeting to discuss zoning in the township going forward. Trustees agreed to attend the March 10 meeting, which will be a work session, as no decisions will be made.

Trustees also voted to allow Weekley to contact attorney Terry Seeberger regarding any zoning issues from now on rather than the Tuscarawas County Prosecutors Office.

In other reports

Ritterbeck proposed applying for playground equipment grants from the State of Ohio Biennial Budget and also the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Trustees voted to allow Ritterbeck to proceed with grant applications.

Administrative Assistant Betty Milliken said she has notified area funeral homes about the $50 rate increase for lots at Ft. Laurens Cemetery, which trustees approved at the Feb. 12 meeting. The increase applies to both residents and non-residents and will take effect April 1.

Milliken also reminded residents that all holiday decorations must be removed by March 15 according cemetery rules and regulations.

Public comments

Joe Garrett, an energy consultant from Trebel Energy Services spoke to trustees about the latest energy rates for gas and electric, stating he does not see any relief from high rates coming in the near future. Trebel is the company that advises trustees and purchases energy for the township’s aggregation programs. Trustees gave Garrett approval to purchase energy when rates become more favorable.

Township resident Nikki Moore informed trustees of a hit and run accident by her home on Northwood Drive that totaled a neighbor’s parked vehicle. Witnesses described the car that hit the parked vehicle as a “black, boxy car that speeds down the street frequently,” suggesting the offender likely lives in the area. Moore asked that anyone with information regarding who the driver may be to contact the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office at 330-339-2000.

In addition, Moore shared that her mother recently became a victim of a scam and asked if the Township had any information or training to help residents recognize and react to scams. Trustees suggested she reach out to the Tuscarawas Senior Center for information and assistance.

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