Wilkshire Hills parcels now clearly mapped

At the Sept. 25 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Ron Weekley, zoning inspector, presented a final map plotting out all geographic areas considered to be in Wilkshire Hills.

Prior to this, Weekley said there was no map and it was largely guesswork to determine which land parcels were in Wilshire Hills and which were not. He also sent the map to township attorney Larry Seeberger for review.

In the end, having a clearly defined map will help the township enforce deed restrictions, according to Weekley.

In other matters

Chairman Mike Haueter introduced and welcomed Betty Milliken, the new administrative assistant.

Road Supervisor Perry Myers reported chip and seal road sweeping was complete. Ditch cleaning on Ridge Road is been completed and paving will begin when the weather allows.

Myers said crews will begin the Garberdale Square drainage project the week of Sept. 29, and he reported 511 tons of salt was delivered for winter roads.

When asked by Trustee Don Ackerman, Todd Reynolds, cemetery sextant, said the Fort Laurens cemetery sign has been cleaned and will be reinstalled. Reynolds added there is no need for a new sign.

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck asked for new language on zoning permits for any parcels in the flowage easement to require approval by the Army Corps of Engineers. Weekley said he will work on it.

Ritterbeck reported having met with the Tuscarawas County Health Department regarding their efforts at a residence on Welton Road which has long been out of compliance with zoning regulations. Ritterbeck said the health department will no longer assist the township with this issue, so the township needs to proceed without them.

According to Weekley, the health department will make recommendations as to how the township should proceed. Ritterbeck asked trustees to meet and determine next steps, as it appears the residents are adding more items to the yard than they are removing.

Related to the issue, Ritterbeck contacted Sandy Township Trustees regarding the dilapidated state of the road leading to the property. The trustee told Ritterbeck he would take up the issue at the next meeting, adding that, although he believes they do not have funds to pave the road, they made be able to grade it.

Ackerman brought up an idea used in the past to save costs on sending out the township newsletter. He presented an older newsletter that included a township map and several advertisements. Trustees will seek advertisers for the newsletter.

Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman advised trustees that she has been in contact with Atlantic Emergency regarding repainting some areas of the new fire truck. She learned that repairs on the aerial part of the fire truck are under warranty, but only at 50%.

Ackerman said she requested, in writing, the full warranty schedule for the firetruck, the paint warranty, the estimate for the work, and what the final cost will be shared by the fire department and the township. She will present the written document to trustees and the fire departments when received.

Ritterbeck has been in contact with the Village of Bolivar regarding the playground equipment located at the old elementary school, which is now owned by the Village of Bolivar but also is in the Township. He asked the road crew to examine the equipment and see what repairs may need to be made to the equipment.

In voting

Trustees passed a resolution approving the map of defined areas and boundaries that constitute Wilkshire Hills, and a resolution adopting a cybersecurity policy.

Trustees approved the purchase of winter blades for the snow plow at a cost not to exceed $6,000.

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.