Township trustees remind residents to check zoning before building

At the Feb. 12 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Don Ackerman, chairman, said he wants residents to know they should always check with the township’s Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley before building or adding to their properties.

Ackerman said people often don’t realize the township has established zoning regulations, perhaps because Lawrence Township is one of only three of the 22 townships in Tuscarawas County that has zoning.

The issue arose when Weekley informed trustees at the Jan. 29 meeting that he had issued a stop work order on a home being built on French Hill Road. At that time, Weekley said the builder had disregarded the order, and continued to build. He also said, according to the county health department, the builder has not obtained a septic permit.

Streets and Cemetery reports

Road Supervisor Perry Myers recommended signing a service agreement with Reilley Sweeping for street sweeping in 2026. The township has used their services in the past with good results, according to Myers. Trustees approved contracting with Reilley Sweeping at a rate of $205 per hour.

Myers reminded trustees that a $1,000 MORE grant is available from the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority. Myers recommended applying for the grant and using the funds toward the purchase of road barricades. He said the barricades will be useful for shutting down lanes or roads when work is being done, or for events and other situations.

The listed cost is $415 per barricade, according to Myers, but he said he was able to negotiate a cost of $365. Myers asked trustees to add funding to the MORE grant to allow the purchase of eight barricades at a total cost of $3,254.

Cemetery Sextant Todd Reynolds recommended raising cemetery lot fees by $50 per grave for both residents and non-residents. Reynolds said he looked at what other cemeteries charge and he felt the increase was both reasonable and needed. Trustees approved the increase, which will take effect April 1.

Zoning

A public hearing was held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in the township office to review recommended zoning changes. A meeting of the Zoning Commission followed

Weekley commented on property tax and short term rental workshops he attended at the OTARMA Winter Conference in Columbus Feb. 4-6.

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck said he had the opportunity to speak with State Representative Jodi Salvo, State Representative Matthew Kishman and State Senator Jane Timken regarding a number of House Bills, particularly the 35 bills which aim to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Ritterbeck said all were in agreement that passing any of those bills would be significantly detrimental to the way townships, municipalities and school districts operate.

Ackerman agreed trustees should keep a close eye on the situation and thanked them and Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman for attending.

In other matters

Ritterbeck said he was contacted by Becky Leshon at Tusky Valley schools regarding the availability of students to perform community service work on Pay It Forward day April 24. He advised community organizations who could use student help that day to contact Leshon at 330-859-2213.

Administrative Assistant Betty Milliken was asked to put together a list of topics for the township newsletter.

Trustees voted to waive the temporary sign permit fee for the Wilkshire Hills annual garage sale May 7-9.

Don Ackerman thanked township residents for keeping cars off the streets to allow snow removal trucks to plow properly.

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.