Lawrence Township composting service to continue

During the public portion of the Jan. 29 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, resident Robert Eddy inquired about the status of the township’s compost service. Previous reports stated that funding is no longer being provided by the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District.

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck said funding is available to keep the service open until the end of this year. He also said he has reached out to the mayor of Bolivar, and they are discussing possible fundraisers that could keep the service operational beyond 2026.

The composting bin is located behind the township building at 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar.

Zoning

During the regular meeting, several zoning matters were addressed, beginning with an announcement by Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley that a public hearing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. to approve proposed zoning changes. The Zoning Commission’s regular meeting will follow.

Weekley also said the second Tuesday of each month has been established as the date for the zoning commission’s meetings moving forward.

In other zoning matters, Weekley remarked on a vehicle parked on Haueter Square with expired plates. Weekley said he sent a letter to the person he believed to be the owner but that he has received no response. Because requiring road crews to plow around the vehicle has become safety issue, Weekley will contact the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department to determine ownership and next steps for removing the vehicle.

Trustee Ritterbeck advised Weekley he also had received a street parking complaint involving a Lincoln Navigator parked on Bimeler Street with expired plates and a flat tire.

Finally, Weekley advised Trustees he has issued a stop work order on a house being built on French Hill Road, but the builder has disregarded the order and continues with construction.

Weekley said he contacted the county health department and was advised the builder still has not secured a septic permit issued for that property.

Weekley said he will visit the property Friday and speak to the builder. He will also ask the county sheriff and the county prosecutor’s office what can be done to halt construction until all proper permits are secured.

Roads

Road Superintendent Perry Myers presented trustees with a “wish list” of potential roads he would like to see paved in 2026. Trustees approved sending the list out for bidding through the Tuscarawas County Engineers Office. Once estimates are received, Trustees will determine which roads will be paved in 2026..

Myers stated that recent snow plowing operations went well and thanked residents for not parking on the streets, making plowing easier and safer.

Trustee Mike Haueter presented the board with the 2026 Bolivar Fire Department contract for the township for approval. Under the contract, the Bolivar Fire Department will provide fire and rescue services to the villages of Bolivar and Zoar through the township and will also cover all township properties.

Trustees approved the contract, which will now go to the villages of Bolivar and Zoar for approval.

The Zoning Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. 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, Bolivar, and are open to the public.