Minster Council Advances Land Exchange, Sidewalk Assessments and Library Elevator Project

Minster Village Council addressed several property, infrastructure and financial matters at its latest meeting, including a proposed land exchange with Minster Local Schools and plans to seek bids for a new elevator at the Minster library.

Village Administrator Don Harrod said council gave a second reading to an ordinance accepting the annexation of approximately 1.32 acres along West State Route 119 into the village. The annexation was requested by the property owners and had previously received the necessary county approval.

Council also gave a second reading to a resolution supporting changes in how the Auglaize County Solid Waste District collects disposal fees. The proposal would eliminate the current generation fee and replace it with a new contract fee.

Another ordinance involves assessments connected with Minster’s 2025-26 miscellaneous sidewalk improvement project. The village previously identified sidewalks and driveway approaches that did not meet established standards and required improvements.

Harrod said a portion of those costs will be assessed back to affected property owners. The total amount of assessments due to the village is $154,879. Property owners may pay the amount directly or have it placed on their property taxes over a 10-year period.

Council also gave a first reading to a resolution involving a proposed land exchange with Minster Local Schools.

Under the proposal, the school district would acquire village property near the middle school while the village would receive an 11.446-acre parcel adjacent to Four Seasons Park. Harrod said the property being exchanged near the school totals approximately 7.2 acres.

Because federal funding had previously been used at the park property, the village was required to obtain approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior before moving forward. Harrod said that approval has now been received.

Council also accepted the village’s July income tax report. Minster collected $324,977 in income tax revenue during July, bringing the year-to-date total to $2,898,112.

In another project, council authorized Harrod to seek bids for installation of a handicap-accessible elevator at the Minster library. The village received a $67,200 grant from the Auglaize County Commissioners last year toward the project and has since been working on design plans.

Harrod said those plans have progressed to the point where the village is ready to seek construction bids.

Council also set this year’s Minster Trick-or-Treat for Thursday, October 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.