Haueter and Ackerman sworn in at Lawrence Township
Mike Haueter, left, and Don Ackerman were sworn in as Lawrence Township trustees for four-year terms commencing Jan 1, 2022.
At the Dec. 30 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Mike Haueter and Don Ackerman were sworn in for four-year terms. Both were re-elected in November 2021.
A number of discussions took place during the meeting with no action yet taken. Trustees discussed the potential for issues with advertising at the new Massarelli baseball complex on state Route 212.
Concerns about advertising that might face state Route 212 and distract drivers were discussed, along with what types of advertising should be permitted. No formal decision was made, but zoning inspector Ron Weekley will talk with the zoning commission about the issue.
When asked about traffic considerations when the complex opens, Ritterbeck said the Ohio Department of Transportation is responsible for any traffic control or routing measures. John Jeff Bunner, a partner in the Massarelli organization, said previously he expects the games to draw as many as 1,000 people per weekend, which could make for some traffic problems unless the situation is addressed.
Residents concerned about traffic issues should contact ODOT through its online contact form or call District 11, which serves Tuscarawas County, at 330-339-6633 or Brandon Anderson of District 11 at 330-339-5050.
Trustees also discussed a possible noise resolution but tabled the issue until after they attend the Ohio Township Association Winter Conference at the end of January, where they may pick up some ideas.
One difficulty with having a township noise policy is there is no real way to enforce it. “Those laws are enforced by public officials such as police officers and sheriff’s departments,” trustee Matt Ritterbeck said.
Lynch said heroin is back in the township
“Heroin has found its way back into Lawrence Township,” said Shawn Lynch, Bolivar fire chief.
Lynch said there were two overdoses in 72 hours the week of Dec. 27. Both individuals survived thanks to rescue efforts. Lynch urged people who need help with addiction to call the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488.
“There is plenty of help out there for people,” Lynch said. “They just have to ask for it.”
In other matters
Ritterbeck said the township will keep the compost bins open all year. Residents may deposit grass clippings, leaves and light brush including Christmas tree waste, but it must be less than 4 feet in length. No commercial yard waste is accepted. Hours of operation are seven days a week, dawn to dusk.
Ritterbeck acknowledged Bull Country Compost of Dundee for its work in servicing the township, as well as Zoar and Bolivar. He said 119 thirty-yard hoppers were exchanged in 2021.
Ritterbeck said administrative assistant Martina Mann is researching costs and possible grant funding for a portable radar unit to curb speeding on township roads.
Chuck McNutt, road supervisor, reported on a new water project taking place on Welton Road. The Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District is in charge of the project, and they asked if any permits were needed as they will work on the township side of the road. Weekley said no permits were necessary.
McNutt also said the sewer district would like to purchase salt from the township, if possible, for salting their parking lots. Trustees approved a purchase arrangement.
Fiscal officer Ann Ackerman asked that township employees keep the office apprised of vacation time they plan to use. Ackerman also said she is beginning work on the end-of-year financials and will work with former fiscal officer John McClellan.
Trustees asked Weekley to hold regular office hours for people who would prefer to meet face to face or who have difficulty reaching Weekley by phone or email. He will be available at the township offices on Mondays from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Trustees voted to reappoint Andy Mark to the board of zoning appeals for a four-year term and to move the Jan. 27 meeting to Jan. 31 due to the OTA conference.
Trustees moved into executive session to discuss employee evaluations and raises.
The next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 13 at Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar.