Council looking into purchasing green power

MINSTER - Village councilors Tuesday night authorized village administrator Don Harrod to seek legal opinions on the matter of purchasing green power through two proposed hydroelectric projects.

Harrod said the agreement with American Municipal Power (AMP) Inc. comes in a thick packet and he has a number of questions before recommending any action. He did not elaborate on the issues.

A prior consultant suggested running the questions by Duncan & Allen, a legal firm in Washington, D.C. used by other municipalities.

Approximately 80 to 100 municipalities have expressed interest in purchasing small amounts of power from the proposed Meldahl/Greenup plants along the Ohio River. AMP - a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates electric facilities for its members - has entered into an agreement with the city of Hamilton to construct the plants.

Celina City Council members unanimously approved an emergency ordinance last week to participate in AMP's newest initiative and New Bremen village counselors gave first reading Nov. 10 to similar legislation.

In other business, councilors:

• Gave second reading to an ordinance related to a mutual aid contract for the Loramie Fire District. Minster-Jackson Township Fire Department would provide fire service to a portion of McLean Township laying north of Lake Loramie and east of Minster in exchange for a payment of $11,980.

• Heard a report from Harrod regarding the continuation of leaf pickup until Dec. 1. There has been a decrease in the amount of leaves being collected.

• Learned holiday decorations will be going up next week.

• Reminded residents village offices will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 in observance of Thanksgiving.

• Met in executive session to discuss the possible employment of personnel. No action was taken following the closed-door session.