Minster council approves 2026 state purchasing plan, GovDeals auctions, smart thermostat program, and street project engineering

Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod says village council approved several items at its latest meeting, including participation in a state cooperative purchasing program for 2026.

Harrod says council gave a third and final reading to a resolution allowing Minster to take part in the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Cooperative Purchasing Program. He says the program lets the village buy goods and services through state contracts, saving money through bulk pricing and reducing the need to bid out purchases.

Council also approved the annual authorization to sell excess village equipment and vehicles through online auctions on GovDeals.

Another item receiving final approval was an agreement with American Municipal Power for a community energy saving smart thermostat program. Harrod says residents with Wi Fi connected thermostats can sign up and receive $55 to join. During peak electric demand periods, the village would be able to adjust participating thermostats slightly to help reduce usage, which Harrod says could lower the village’s capacity and transmission costs. He says the program could save about $1,500 per month if 25 homes enroll, and the village will begin promoting sign ups.

Harrod says council also accepted a proposal from Choice One Engineering for the North Garfield Street waterline and curb replacement project, planned for later this year. The work would cover North Garfield between Fifth Street and Seventh Street. Harrod says the street has not seen curb, gutter, or waterline work in about 35 years, and the engineering fee is $50,000.

Council also approved the hiring of Gavin Tobe as a Laborer I in the Public Works Department at $22.51 per hour, filling an open position.