Ash borer showing up in more places in village

MINSTER - Village council members learned Tuesday night the emerald ash borer continues to damage trees.

Officials believe some of the larger trees, which already show signs of damage, should be felled and replaced while others should be treated.

Village administrator Don Harrod said there are 150 to 160 ash trees in parks and public rights of way. He said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has experienced some success in treating young trees to prevent infestation.

The anticipated cost of treating trees on village-owned property is $9,000.

"How many new trees can we buy for $9,000?" council member Tom Herkenhoff queried. Harrod replied the going rate is approximately $200 to $250 for a young tree.

The matter will be referred to tree commission members.

Work is continuing on the Fourth Street reconstruction project and the Miami and Erie Canal upgrade. Harrod noted Brumbaugh Construction of Arcanum is working through a punch-list of items that need attention even though the street is open to traffic.

New poles for the intersection of Fourth and Main streets should be delivered Sept. 17 with installation the following week. Construction workers should complete the final concrete and brick work the week of Sept. 23.

Tumbusch Construction of St. Henry has completed placement of stone along the canal banks between Seventh Street and state Route 119. Work is now focused on cutting in a walking/bike path between Canal Road and the west canal bank.

Council members also,

• listened as Scott Frey, executive director of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on chamber accomplishments as well as upcoming plans. Membership is at 293, up from 283 last year and 264 three years ago.

• learned electrical crews continue to replace wooden utility poles as needed along Seventh Street. The poles, which date to 1988, are beginning to rot. Crews have replaced several poles along the east side of Main Street and will begin replacement of several on the west side.

• received an update on resurfacing projects. Gavit Paving has completed work on the parking lot adjacent to the village administration building. The project was a cooperative effort between the village and the Minster Eagles.

• reviewed a tentative work schedule for the curb replacement project along Seventh Street. Curbing will be removed and replaced Sept. 17-25 with the street to be resurfaced Sept. 28.

• offered no negative comments in regard to an Ohio Division of Liquor Control hearing for Minster Pennzoil. A change in stock shares triggered the action with no anticipated change in operation of the business.

• learned school officials have sent surveys to parents of children in grades K-6 and 7-8 regarding a proposed Safe Routes to School project. Parents are encouraged to complete and return the surveys for the collaboration involving Minster Local Schools, the village and ODOT.

• approved resolutions for the rates and amounts as set by the Auglaize County Budget Commission and the county rates for distribution of local government fund dollars.

• set 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 25 as the date and time for trick or treat night.

• reappointed Brian Barhorst to a second three-year term on the West Ohio Rail Authority.     • learned village employees are preparing the now-closed swimming pool for winter. The village will be advertising for an assistant manager's post for next year. Work also is continuing on repairing and repainting the gazebo at Minster Machine Centennial Park in preparation for Oktoberfest.

• set 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 as the time and date for the next council meeting at the village administration building.