For a summary of the May 20th meeting with Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod:

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Meeting Information

1. Fireworks Ordinance

   Council approved an ordinance regulating the use of fireworks within the village of Minster. Setting off fireworks is prohibited unless individuals comply with requirements established by the state of Ohio, including the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Ministry of Code, and Ohio Fire Code. These requirements specify distances from public buildings, other structures, and spectators. If individuals comply with these regulations, they may set off fireworks; otherwise, they are in violation of the ordinance. The police are authorized to investigate and issue citations for violations. The ordinance received its third reading and will become effective within 30 days.

2. Vacant Building Registration Ordinance

   Council passed an ordinance requiring owners of vacant buildings in the village to register their properties. Owners must maintain the buildings in accordance with village standards and carry liability insurance. The registration fee is $500 for the first year, and for each subsequent year the building remains vacant, the fee doubles the previous year's amount, with a maximum cap of $8,000. This ordinance is intended to help the village keep track of vacant buildings and ensure they are properly maintained.

   The ordinance was passed.

3. Dangerous Building Ordinance

   Council passed an ordinance defining what constitutes a dangerous building within the village of Minster. There are nine specific characteristics that a building must meet to be considered dangerous. If a building is deemed dangerous and meets any of these criteria, the property owner is required to repair or demolish the building within 90 days. If the owner fails to do so, the village may carry out the necessary repairs or demolish the building and then assess the costs back to the property owner.

   The ordinance was passed.

4. Annexation Agreement First Reading

   Council gave the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the execution of an annexation agreement between the village of Minster and Jackson Township. This is at the request of a property owner who wishes to annex 1.320 acres into the village using the expedited annexation process. The agreement involves coordination between the county and the township and addresses the territory to be annexed, the provision of services and improvements, responsibility for payment of service fees, legal and tax implications, and changes in services and boundaries. The first reading was completed; further readings and decisions are pending.

5. Columbia Drive Water and Sanitary Sewer Extension Project

   Council initiated the bidding process for the Columbia Drive Water and Sanitary Sewer Extension Project. This project involves extending the water line from a new front-end machine concept down to the state Route 66 Industrial Park and installing a sanitary line along the same route. The project aims to eliminate an old station currently in use and to loop the waterline system, which will improve water pressure and reduce stagnant water issues.

Next Arrangements

• The fireworks ordinance will become effective within 30 days, and enforcement will be handled by the police for any violations of state or local requirements.

• Owners of vacant buildings must register and maintain them according to village standards, with escalating fees for continued vacancy and required liability insurance.

• Owners of dangerous buildings must repair or demolish them within 90 days, or the village will intervene and assess the costs to the owner.

• The annexation agreement ordinance has completed its first reading; additional readings, discussions, and a final decision are still required, including finalizing details on services, financial responsibilities, and boundary changes.

• The Columbia Drive Water and Sanitary Sewer Extension Project is out to bid; the process will include contractor selection and project scheduling, with the goal of eliminating the old station and improving the water system.