Burning mulch pile draws report to township trustees
The Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department has been attempting to douse a smoldering mulch pile on French Hill Road. The 25-foot pile of mulch and debris was created by the former owner of the property.
Bolivar Fire Chief Shawn Lynch answered questions about a burning mulch pile on French Hill Road near the intersection of Eberhard Road during the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meeting on July 25. Trustee Don Ackerman said he received a phone call from a concerned resident regarding the issue.
Lynch said the fire department is addressing the matter. He said the previous property owner filled in an open bank area with wood chips and mulch from a tree-trimming business, creating a mulch pile approximately 25 feet high in spots.
“Over the years, through natural degradation of the mulch, it gets hot and can catch fire,” Lynch said. “We have no equipment large enough to dig out the mulch, and neither does the township.”
Lynch said the fire department has poured upward of 40,000 gallons of water on the pile in multiple attempts to snuff it out.
“It’s creating smoke and giving off gases, but there is not an active fire at the moment. Hopefully, the rain we’re supposed to get will help,” Lynch said.
Lynch said he has contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to see if they can help with the matter. However, it may take the current owner’s permission to bring in ODNR, and Lynch said numerous attempts have been made to contact the current owner, to no avail.
Underground utility requirement
Zoning inspector Ron Weekley reported contacting Dollar General regarding a utility pole erected near their construction site along state Route 212 in Wilkshire Hills. Weekley said it was determined the pole was not installed on DG property, and he will reach out to the property owner.
AEP owns the pole, and according to Weekley, it is on land where deed restrictions may require utility lines to be installed underground. Most but not all of the land in Wilkshire Hills has such a restriction attached to the deed and is expressed in township zoning regulations.
To be sure property owners understand and to expedite any action required, Weekley further recommended trustees pass a resolution requiring all utility lines to be placed underground. He also advised potential property buyers to consult with the township and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when purchasing property in the township.
Reports and announcements
Myers notified trustees that once Gibler Road is paved, semi-trucks using it as a turnaround will break up the new asphalt. Trustees discussed mounting reflectors to prevent semis from using the road but took no action. Trustees will reach out to the business owner there to see what can be done to prevent the situation.
Lynch told trustees that after conducting a preinspection of the Crazy Habanera restaurant on Edgebrook Road, the opening date has been delayed due to an issue with a stove hood.
Martina Mann advised trustees that she had submitted the application for the quarterly Joint Solid Waste Management District grant for the township compost service.
Board chairman Matt Ritterbeck extended condolences on behalf of the township on the passing of Bolivar Mayor Robert Lloyd’s mother.
Purchases approved
Road Superintendent Perry Myers advised trustees of a number of trees interfering with power lines on French Hill and Saint Peters Church roads. As it would be unsafe for township workers to remove, Myers presented a quote of $5,000 from T. Rowley Tree Service to perform the work, which trustees approved.
Trustees approved spending $60,331 to purchase new garage doors for the township building from Parkhill Doors.
Trustees also approved a $600 quote from Action Now Pest Service to spray three township-owned parking lots for weed growth: the two lots on Glenpark Road serving the Lawrence Township River Community Park and the basketball courts and the parking lot on Wilkshire Boulevard for trail users.
The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meets the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar. All meetings are open to the public.