Minster council moves forward on state purchasing, online surplus sales, and smart thermostat program

Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod says council covered a range of administrative and infrastructure items at its most recent meeting, including moving forward with participation in state purchasing, approving online surplus property sales, and advancing a voluntary energy savings program tied to residential smart thermostats.

Harrod said council gave the second reading of a resolution authorizing the village’s participation in the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Cooperative Purchasing Program, commonly called state purchasing. He said the program allows the village to buy certain goods and services through state contracts, helping reduce costs and avoiding the need to bid some purchases separately. Harrod said the village uses state purchasing for items such as equipment, trucks, and vehicles.

Council also gave a second reading of a resolution authorizing the sale of excess personal property by internet auction in 2026. Harrod said the village has used GovDeals.com in recent years and the resolution allows the village to continue using that process to sell surplus equipment.

Another item receiving a second reading was an ordinance involving American Municipal Power and participation in the Community Energy Savings Smart Thermostat Program. Harrod said the goal is to reduce transmission capacity charges by lowering peak demand during high use periods. Under the voluntary program, residents can enroll and receive $55, and during peak demand times the thermostat may be adjusted by three degrees to help reduce overall electric usage.

Harrod said council also made appointments to several boards and commissions, including the tree commission, West Ohio Rail Authority, community fund, regional planning commission, and the income tax appeals board.

In addition, council approved seeking bids for the Fourth Street brick replacement project over the canal. Harrod said the work involves repairing bricks along Fourth Street near the canal crossing.

Council also approved moving Fiscal Officer James Cain from introductory status to full time permanent status after about six months on the job. Harrod said Cain also received a 2.8 percent raise, bringing his salary to $82,240.