MINSTER — A discussion over waste water continued during Tuesday’s Minster Council meeting, as an ordinance that changes pricing for major contributors was brought to the table again.
The ordinance regulates entities that contribute over 900,000 gallons of water per day to the waste water treatment plant. Currently, the Dannon Corporation contributes about 880,000, and is in favor of this ordinance. The new rate would be $6.65 per 1,000 gallons, and institutes new surcharges.
Council members Tom Herkenhoff and Rick Schwartz raised concerns about odor and overrunning the water treatment plant with too much waste water. As a compromise, the council tabled the ordinance in favor of separating the surcharges from the regulation of large contributors. This way the village can begin to collect surcharges while still discussing the issues raised by allowing more waste water.
The council also passed three ordinances to complete one transaction, where property was accepted from Dannon, an easement was accepted from Dannon, and the village gave Dannon some property.
The property Dannon gave the village was about 2.04 acres behind the corporate service center on Garfield Street for a third of an acre by the First Street water tower. There was seven acres by water tower and the village has no plans for it currently. The easement the council accepted runs utilities out to the land by the water tower.
Village Administrator Don Harrod called it a “good opportunity” and recommended the council vote to pass the three ordinances, which they did unanimously.
The council also voted to annex 32 acres on South State Route 66 into the village. The property spans the border of Auglaize and Shelby counties.
In his report, Harrod noted the street resurfacing projects are going well and have completed Settlers Lane, Cleveland Street and Sixth Street. They are now beginning on alleys and the parking lots at the Four Seasons Park.
He also said the electrical department is continuing to work on developing an electronic map for the electrical system, and almost all of the underground lines have been mapped. The water department is in the process of replacing the motor on well No. 7, which was struck by lightening.
The slide at the Paris Street Park was damaged; it appears that someone stepped through it or damaged it in a similar manner. It was removed and a new slide has been ordered. The council discussed putting security cameras up in the area.
Harrod also noted school starts Wednesday, Aug. 23, and with that the hours at the pool will change. The pool will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., and will not be open on Labor day.
The next Minster Council meeting will be held Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
