Group seeks new Minster social center

MINSTER - A group of residents asked village council members at Wednesday's meeting to place a 0.25% earned-income tax levy on the November ballot to build a $5.25 million community center.

The proposed 45,000-square-foot facility would be constructed on the north end of what is formally known as the Schunck property, which is owned by Minster Local Schools. According to committee member Brian Wolf, school board members are aware of the proposal and though no commitment has been made, are willing to discuss plans for the property.

Wes Farno said the education and fellowship center would be available to those who live and work in the village. It would be a recreational space for children and adults to enjoy activities year-round, rather than just when it's warm and sunny outside. Community rooms could be used for club activities or for corporate presentations and training.

The current floor plan includes indoor basketball and volleyball courts, batting cages, pickle ball courts, a three-lane indoor track, two golf simulators, several community rooms, a warming kitchen, lounge area and bathrooms and showers

Wolf said the building would be accessed through a key fob by those 18 and older. Anyone younger than 18 would need to be accompanied by a parent or coach. Area business leaders are reportedly excited about the center's potential because it could help attract employees to the area.
The income tax proposed by the committee would cost someone on a $50,000 salary $10.42 per month according to a document provided by Wolf. He told council members that income tax collections from the village over the past three years came in at $3.9 million.

He predicted the yearly operational cost for the village would be $593,000 but said if booked for tournaments and other private events, it could become a source of income.

"We had multiple focus-group meetings in May to gain feedback on what this committee has developed over the past 10 months," Wolf wrote in a news release. "We had a great cross-section of the community with ages ranging from 26 years old through 75 years old. We wanted to get feedback from all age groups because this facility is designed for all age groups."

Council member Nicole Clune thanked the committee members for coming before council, and noted it would be a tight turnaround for the village to submit an income tax to the county board of elections before the August deadline. Obviously, the proposed facility would be used, she said, but she also wondered how much of a burden the facility would be on the village.

The income tax will be introduced as an ordinance at the council's next meeting.

Farno said the committee was pushing for the issue to be put on the November ballot because of the difference in voter turnout between a November and May election. By putting the issue on the ballot, it would be up to residents to show whether they support the idea or not rather than the council members, he added.

Wolf said committee members intended to share information on the proposed facility at upcoming community meetings they are planning. For more information on the plan, people can visit minstercommunitycenter.com or email the committee at info@minstercommunitycenter.com.

Council members also,

• passed an ordinance declaring a no-parking zone on South Cleveland Street.

• awarded the bid for the painting of the Ohio Street water tower to Worldwide Industries of Butler, Pennsylvania, for $118,641.

• approved the purchase of a new high-service pump for the Second Street lift station for $27,350.

Correction:

The estimated annual operating cost of the proposed community center would be $55,000. The error was made in reporting.