MINSTER — A resolution designed to prove the necessity of sidewalks on state Route 119 between state Route 66 and the canal failed during Tuesday night’s Minster council meeting when it was not read a second time.
The meeting was attended by 14 residents concerned about the cost of the project and how it would affect drainage on their properties, as well as whether the sidewalks would be effective for providing a safe path for walking and biking. Many of the attendees alleged that people walking through the area don’t walk along the road.
Currently biking on sidewalks in the village is illegal, and the cost assessed to the residents would be the cost of the sidewalk only. Residents who are not incorporated into the village would not be assessed the cost until the property is sold or annexed into the village.
“I think this is the greatest town I’ve ever lived in, and I’ve lived in a few. It’s done well by me and I’d like to do well by it,” said Ed Schubert, a resident on the street with a drainage ditch where the proposed sidewalk would have been.”But that is a state highway, there is no shoulder. I think that if it’s going to be done, it has to be done right. In my case, you’re talking a lot more work.”
The road has a speed limit of 45 mph and does not have significant shoulder and no curb. Current Ohio Department of Transportation regulations do not require the road to be widened or slower, given the number of driveways and volume of traffic. The resolution follows village guidelines as the area now contains enough driveways to be considered a suburb. Council member Nicole Clune, who lives on the stretch of road, believed the sidewalks would increase safety for people walking along the road.
“It’s night and day more safe,” she said.
After failing to be read a second time, the resolution will not be voted on again unless it is brought back to the council.
The council continued with its meeting and took the following actions:
• Replacing yield signs with stop signs at the corners of Webster Street and East Third Street, Washington Street and Garfield Street, East Sixth Street and Ohio Street, and Garfield Street and Clay Street.
• Annexing 17.501 acres on Seventh Street in Jackson Township to the village of Minster.
• Annexing 0.907 acres on South Paris Street in Jackson Township to the village of Minster.
• Designating another parking spot in front of the Minster Post Office as 15 minute parking only from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. There are now three spots that are marked in this way in front of the building.
• The purchase of a block of power for less than $35 a megawatt hour for the village in 2021-2024 from American Municipal Power, Inc.
• The transfer of the leftover $332.75 from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Mosquito Control Grant to the general fund.
The council members also read an ordinance establishing a new rate for customers who use more than 900,000 gallons per day. The rate would be $6.65 per 1,000 gallons, and institutes some new surcharges. It was noted that the ordinance will be tabled at the next meeting if the Dannon Company Inc. does not provide feedback on their issues with the ordinance.
Village Administrator Don Harrod notified the council on several items happening in the village. Currently crosswalks are being painted, and the yellow curbs will be painted next. The fire department finished with their hydrant testing and will have a report on which hydrants need to be fixed soon.
The next council meeting will be Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
