Minster could add a village DORA

MINSTER - Village councilors on Tuesday night passed first reading of legislation to establish a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) in Minster.

A DORA is an area where open-carry restrictions do not apply during certain hours, and adults are permitted to possess and consume beer, wine and liquor in DORA-designated disposable cups in public, with some restrictions.

Village administrator Don Harrod advised councilors that the proposed Minster DORA would encompass Fourth Street from Cleveland to Garfield streets and on North Main Street to Willy's and south on Garfield Street to Community Lanes.

Establishments with liquor permits expressing interest in participating in a DORA area are the Dutch Mill, Willy's, Bud's, Wooden Shoe, Community Lanes and Minster Eagles. Harrod said at a recent meeting that the proposed hours would be from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., which are the same hours designated in Wapakoneta and St. Marys, the other Auglaize County communities with DORA designations.

Harrod previously stated that there are 157 DORA areas in Ohio. Several community survey respondents in 2022 indicated interest in a Minster DORA.

The DORA ordinance will be given two more readings.

Also on Tuesday night, resident Joslin Kies expressed his displeasure with the recent elimination of four parking spaces at the intersection of Main and Fifth streets.

"I came home from work and bam, no parking on the street," Kies said.

He said village officials didn't announce that they were going to do away with the parking spaces, noting he was not contacted either in person or by letter.

Kies said he received no communication on the issue until he sent Harrod a letter via a form on the village website.

He said Harrod responded by advising him that the change was made because of concerns about motorists turning west from Main Street onto Fifth Street being unable to pass on the street when cars were parked on both sides of Fifth Street.

Kies requested that the village delay the parking ban until the issue can be studied. He also suggested that if a change is going to be made, it should be phased in by eliminating two parking spaces at the intersection instead of four. Kies also recommended that the village notify residents before such actions are taken.

Mayor Craig Oldiges apologized to Kies for the lack of communication. Street committee member Trey Steele said the issue will be reviewed at an upcoming meeting.

Councilors approved on rule suspension three resolutions granting Vermont-based PurposeEnergy easements to construct utility lines across and through village-owned property.

PurposeEnergy was granted a variance in May for its planned construction of a biodigester in conjunction with Dannon Yogurt in the South Industrial Park.

Harrod said at a previous meeting that the village has restrictive covenants that require completion of construction within 18 months of the purchase of a lot in the industrial park. Harrod on Tuesday night said PurposeEnergy has not obtained the required EPA permits.

Councilors sold just over 4.5 acres of village industrial park land to PurposeEnergy for $93,000. Harrod said if PurposeEnergy is unable to go forward with the project the village would buy back the land for the selling price.

Councilors also,

• heard Harrod report that DL Smith is awaiting delivery of backordered materials for the safety crossing on State Route 66 near the Memorial Field football stadium. He noted that if the delivery delay continues, the Ohio Department of Transportation may push the project back to spring.

• approved second reading of an ordinance to establish a four-way stop at the intersection of Second and Hanover streets. It has been reported that some residents have expressed concerns about the intersection and requested a four-way stop to improve traffic safety.

• approved second reading of an ordinance renewing a mutual aid agreement contract with the Loramie Fire District. The Minster-Jackson Fire Department provides fire protection for the north side of Lake Loramie. The Loramie Fire District will pay the village $23,960 under the terms of the contract.

• learned Barrett Paving has finished street resurfacing in the village and will install the top coat on the police building parking and the recycling area this week.

• approved final reading of an ordinance levying special assessments for improvements on West Seventh Street, including curbs, gutters, sidewalk and paving.

• approved final reading of an ordinance levying special assessments for the installation of sidewalks on State Route 119 west.

• approved on rule suspension a resolution transferring $208,000 from the general fund to the capital improvements fund to make final payment to H.A. Dorsten upon the completion of the police department expansion and renovation project.

• approved upgrading police officer Bud Vanover to permanent status and increasing his wages from $24.97 to $25.54 per hour.

• approved the $405,110 purchase of a new digger derrick for the electric department from Texex Corp.

• approved the September income tax report reflecting receipts totaling $399,353, bringing this year's total to $3,964,362. Harrod said the total is about $150,000 less than the same period in 2023.

Council meets next at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at village hall.