Lawrence Township prepares for the new year

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees addressed a variety of topics heading into 2026 during their Dec. 20 meeting.

Road Superintendent Perry Myers presented trustees with the Ohio Department of Transportation Township Highway Mileage Certification showing the township as being responsible for maintaining 40.184 miles of public roads. Trustees voted to accept the certification and signed a copy to be returned to ODOT.

Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley said he had spoken to members of the Board of Zoning Appeals whose terms expire at the end of 2025. He said both Andy Mark and Dave Bessie have expressed interest in remaining on the volunteer board.

Trustees voted to appoint Mark and Bessie to three-year terms on the BZA effective Jan. 1.

Also in zoning, Weekley said there will be a Zoning Commission Monday, Jan.12 at 7 p.m. at the Township Hall.

Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman said repairs and painting have been completed on the fire truck and that the fire department covered the cost.

Ackerman also reported receiving am outline of service agreement options for the new generator along with the invoice. She asked trustees to review the options and make a determination whether they want to sign a service agreement, and if so, which option they favor.

Administrative Assistant Betty Milliken will keep township office hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays moving forward, except for Jan. 20 and 21.

Milliken also stated she had submitted a grant application to cover the cost of a new zero turn lawn mower.

In other matters, Trustee Don Ackerman renewed his request that residents park their cars in driveways or off the side of the road when it snows. It is critical that emergency vehicles and township snow removal trucks be able to get through on township roads.

Ackerman also urged residents to take care when they used the recycling hoppers at Giant Eagle. According to Ackerman, there are times when people just leave their recyclables on the ground when the hoppers are full, instead of taking them back home and trying again later. He said blowing trash can pose a danger if it ends up on the roadway.

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.