Minster councilors discuss, review fireworks problem

MINSTER - A proposed fireworks ordinance ignited a long discussion at Monday night's village council meeting, but no action was taken on the issue.

Village administrator Don Harrod said solicitor Jim Hearn prepared a draft ordinance that would outlaw the use of fireworks in the village. The council safety committee has been studying the issue.

The issue arose in July 2024 when a North Frankfort Street resident told councilors that a resident in his neighborhood set off fireworks which resulted in several grass fires and caused a loud disturbance. He asked council to enact a ban on fireworks in the village.

"We have one particular bad actor in mind," councilor Nicole Clune said.

"It only takes one time for an incident to happen," said councilor Curt Albers, noting such an incident could involve sparks from fireworks landing on a roof and igniting a house fire.

Council member Josh Osterloh lamented the possibility of the entire community being barred from enjoying fireworks when the problem was with one resident. "Ninety-five percent of the community is not causing a problem," Osterloh said.

Councilor Craig Sherman said the Ohio Legislature lifted a statewide fireworks ban a few years ago but offered little means for communities to police the exceptions included in the ban. He said many communities have adopted fireworks bans after the state legislation was approved.

Councilor Trey Steele said he would like to see a means developed to prevent fireworks abuse rather than institute a ban. Adopting the state fire code preventing the use of fireworks within 150 feet of any homes could help prevent incidents, Steele said. He noted that the fire chief could check the site of planned fireworks use to make sure there is not a safety concern.

Harrod said he will meet with Hearn to see whether the village could adopt the state code.

Councilors paved the way to sell a lot in the village's State Route 66 Industrial Park to Image Machine and Tool by designating the property for transfer. Harrod said the village is not permitted to sell property, so the industrial park lot will be turned over to the Community Improvement Corp. He said the CIC is meeting Feb. 18 to approve the sale of the lot for $40,000.

Harrod explained that Image Machine and Tool has outgrown its current location in the Minster Industrial Park.

Garbage collection fees will increase if an ordinance given first reading Monday night gains final approval. The new monthly rate for unlimited service by Rumpke would be $17.60 per month, up from the current $16.76 charge. Under the terms of the proposed five-year contract, the monthly fee will rise to $20.85 in the last year of the agreement.

Harrod said the village has received very few complaints about Rumpke's service. He also noted the proposed rates are in line with what residents of area communities are paying.

Harrod said Rumpke also submitted an option to offer curbside recycling service at a cost of $5 per month. The collection would have been every other week and customers would receive a container for recyclables. He noted that all customers would have to pay the $5 monthly fee.

Sherman said the village received some comments in a community survey conducted by Miami University about curbside recycling but "it was not overwhelming."

Councilors agreed to drop the curbside recycling option from the ordinance. Village residents will continue to bring recyclables to a drop-off location.

The next council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. March 4 at village hall.