Minster council OKs wage increase

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MINSTER – Village employee wages are slated to go up in 2020, following a vote by the Minster Village Council Tuesday night.

Following an executive session, council approved a first reading of an ordinance that would raise employee wages 3 percent next year. If approved, the wage increase would begin on Jan. 3.

Also, a new employee incentive program was approved by first reading. If passed, the village would pay for licensing and certifications obtained by Village employees. Village Administrator Don Harrod said an example of this new incentive program would be obtaining a waster water treatment certification.

Council also approved the first reading of a plan to sell two acres of land in the village 32 acre industrial park to ChillTex of Anna. Once approved, the Minster Community Improvement Corporation will work with the heating and air conditioning to agree on a price. It is expected the sale will be completed early next year. ChillTex currently has eith to 10 employees in Anna.

Under new business, Council agreed to post temporary signing as the Village Rescue Squad moves its bingo game from the K of C to the old Eagles building.

In his report to council, Harrod said the Second Street sanitary sewer reconstruction project is moving along.

For example, he said curb and gutter have been poured on Second Street between Main and Garfield Street and crews from contractor Helms and Sons are trying to get sidewalks, drive approaches, and retaining walls poured as well. It is was hoped to have the flatwork completed by now, but the recent colder weather set the schedule back.

Sanitary sewer line has been installed up to Third Street and tied the line into the Third Street sewer. This should divert some of the flow from the Third Street sewer resulting in more capacity in the sewer lines on South Lincoln and South Hanover Streets.

Temporary pavement has been laid on East Second Street as well as in the trench for the sanitary sewer on Garfield Street. This will allow the streets to be more drivable.

Once crews finish the flatwork on East Second Street the project will wrap up for the winter. Crews will return in the spring to install the water line on Garfield Street as well as curb and gutter and finish paving. Estimated completion would be May 1, 2020.

The Parks Department and the Stallo Library will once again welcome Santa to the Minster Machine Centennial Park on Dec. 14, 2019. The event kicks off at Noon with Santa arriving by fire truck at 12:30 p.m.

Finally, Harrod said leaf pick-up throughout the village will continue until Dec. 13. From now until then crews will not be going out every day, but will make several passes through the village during this time to pick up any piles that are put out.

In other action, council approved several resolutions that appropriated funding to various village departments.

They also approved a resolution declaring it necessary to improve Garfield Street from Second Street to Third Street and a portion of Third Street. This additional work in the Second Street project was deemed necessary due to the excavation depth of the new sewer lines and poor soil conditions.

Council also approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a master service agreement for participation in American Municipal Power Inc. safety programs.

By Sandy Rose Schwieterman

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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