Trustees vote in new zoning regulations for signs in township
Lawrence Township trustees passed a new zoning ordinance calling for close-to-the-ground monument signs instead of pylon signs. Businesses that already have pylon signs will be grandfathered in.
Lawrence Township trustees passed new regulations for business and other signage at their July 11 meeting, which was preceded by a public hearing on the matter. The new rules call for monument signs and no longer allow pylon signs.
Monument signs also are known as monolith signs and sit close to ground level with little or no open space between the sign and the ground. Pylon signs are typically mounted on poles and are much higher. Businesses that already have pylon signs erected will be able to keep those signs, but moving forward, all new signs must conform to the monument style.
Zoning inspector Ron Weekley reported a residence on Fort Laurens Road has made progress in cleanup efforts requested by the township and that he is working with the Tuscarawas County sheriff regarding a problem at a property on Welton.
Weekley also said he is working with representatives of Dollar General regarding underground utilities at their new build site along state Route 212.
Roads
Road Superintendent Perry Myers asked for and received the board’s approval of a $20,000 expenditure to purchase gravel for chip and seal projects from Massillon Materials.
Myers said he is working with two homeowners on Welton Road who have driveways that slope onto the road and are damaging the new pavement. He recommended installing new culverts to solve the problem.
Myers presented quotes for repairing two parking lots owned by the township. Trustees opted not to perform the work at this time due to the cost. Myers also asked trustees to consider hiring a third person for the garage who could start Oct. 1.
In other matters
Chairman Matt Ritterbeck recommended the township participate in the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s mosquito control program after learning mosquito samples in Mineral City and the Rosswell area tested positive for West Nile virus. The health department will apply EPA-approved larvicide or pesticide as the need arises.
Trustees were informed the Tuscarawas County Engineer’s Office had sent a counter proposal for purchasing the township’s F550 at $19,500. After considering the working relationship with the county, trustees voted to accept the offer.
It was reported Sandy Township trustees asked to borrow equipment for road work. Trustees agreed to allow it.
Trustee Don Ackerman said after hearing several complaints about cars speeding on French Hill Road, he asked Myers to reach out to the county for signs that will be installed. Ackerman also asked Myers if the road crew could pick up tires that were dumped along Towpath Road.
Ritterbeck advised residents to lock doors and be aware of individuals around their property who don’t belong due to recent break-ins in the Bolivar area. He also expressed condolences to the family of Rod Tomblin on his passing. Tomblin was a longtime zoning inspector for the township.
It was reported a resident stopped in the office recently complaining that a sign attached to a trampoline on state Rout 212 is offensive. The sign has been addressed previously, and as long as it is on private property, there is nothing the township can do about it.
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.