Township to address water drainage issue
Lawrence Township Trustees learned of a second issue causing drainage issues on Edgebrook Road in Wilkshire Hills during its March 27 board meeting. According to Perry Myers, road supervisor, a consultation with the county engineer proved a faulty pipe needs to be replaced.
Drainage has been an ongoing problem at the intersection of Edgebrook Road/state Route 212, but the most recent problem was discovered with the construction of a new car wash there.
In his report to trustees, Myers also advised the board that the new township truck is ready to be picked up. Trustees voted to purchase equipment needed for the truck including a backrack and toolbox from Ohio Light Truck Parts at a cost not to exceed $3,500.
Myers also said Parkway Ford had made a trade-in offer of $3,000 for the township’s 2011 Ford Super Duty truck. Trustees declined the offer with the intention of selling the vehicle.
Myers presented trustees with a proposed plan for a new permit process for driveway permits. After receiving trustee input, Myers will update the plan and present it for approval at the next regular meeting.
In other matters
A resident asked why a sign for Red Oak Excavating on his property needs to be moved. It was explained the sign is in violation of the township’s zoning regulations. The resident agreed to remove the sign and take up the matter with the zoning commission.
Cemetery Sextant Todd Reynolds told trustees he is working on a new fee scale for cemetery lots and for opening and closing graves. Trustee Don Ackerman asked Reynolds to investigate the cost of installing a columbarium for cremation urns.
As the township’s representative on the regional planning commission, Ackerman reported the director of the commission has resigned and that the commission is moving away from a regional focus in favor of a county focus with a board of directors appointed by county commissioners.
Chairman Mike Haueter asked Myers to work with the township’s zoning inspector to revise the stormwater management process. Haueter said he would prefer to have more than the current 10-day time period to approve such permits to allow for adequate research.
Haueter also asked that a trustee attend a meeting regarding potential planning for uses of the Zoar Hotel per an invitation from Jon Elsasser, president of the Zoar Community Association.
Additionally, Haueter asked Reynolds or administrative assistant Martina Mann to attend an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant workshop to investigate the possibility of grant funding for a safe launch boat ramp at the Lawrence Township River Community Park.
Mann said a $2,000 donation was received from the Village of Bolivar to support the township’s compost bin and provided trustees with a five-year cost report on the compost program.
Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman said her notary license has been renewed until June 2030.
Trustees voted to approve reinstating Don Artzner as a summer worker three days a week starting April 8. Trustees also approved providing a $500 clothing allowance for work-related items.