Minster Council Reviews Globus Expansion Agreement, Street Work, E Bike Rules

Minster Village Council reviewed several projects and ordinances during its latest meeting, including an enterprise zone agreement tied to a planned expansion by Globus Printing and Packaging.

Village Administrator Don Harrod said Globus plans to add a 45,000 square foot addition to its existing facility in Minster. The company is expected to invest about $3.25 million into the property and hire five new employees, with an estimated new payroll of $200,000.

As part of the project, council advanced an enterprise zone agreement that would provide a 10 year property tax abatement. The agreement includes a 60 percent abatement for the first five years and a 30 percent abatement for the second five years. The agreement is expected to go before the county commissioners for approval on May 7th.

Council also gave a first reading to award the Fifth Street brick repair project to Tom’s Construction of St. Henry. The company was the low bidder at $192,762. The project involves replacing brick that serves as part of the street base.

Council also moved forward with a recommendation from the planning commission to deny a zoning map amendment request for properties on South Garfield Street. Property owners had requested the area be changed from general commercial zoning to single family residential zoning. The planning commission previously denied the request following a public hearing in February, and council gave a first reading to accept that recommendation. For now, the properties will remain zoned as general commercial.

Another street project also moved forward, as council gave a first reading to a resolution declaring the necessity of improvements to North Garfield Street between Fifth and Seventh Streets. The project would include new water lines, curb and gutters, driveway approaches and asphalt. The resolution also allows the village to assess a portion of the cost to property owners along North Garfield Street.

Council also gave a first reading to an ordinance dealing with electric bicycles and low speed micro mobility devices. The proposed ordinance would require anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while operating or riding on those devices. It would also enforce state requirements for working headlights and taillights and would prohibit class 3 electric bicycles from being ridden on public sidewalks or public paths.

The 2026 Minster Street resurfacing project was also discussed. Council gave a first reading to award that project to Barrett Paving, which submitted a bid of $307,332. The resurfacing work will include Miami Erie Drive, Webster Street, Line Drive, Melcher Street, Crestwood and several alleys in the village.

Council also approved summer pool staffing, including 30 lifeguards, nine employees for the kiddie pool and two maintenance workers.

In other action, council approved seeking bids for four 2,500 KVA electrical transformers for the village electric department. The transformers would replace existing units at the Dannon facility in Minster.

Council also approved the purchase of a 37 foot aerial bucket truck for the electric department through the state purchasing program. The truck will cost $212,302 and will replace a 2012 model. Harrod said the unit is not expected to be available for about two years, so the village is placing the order now to get on the waiting list.