The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was held in the
Town Hall. Prior to the start of the regular meeting, Mayor Keifer swore
in re-elected Councilman Eric Flora. Mayor Keifer asked Fiscal Officer Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here), John
Berry (here), Jim Lashuay, (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Flora made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to nominate Councilman
Berry as President of Council for 2004. Motion passed unanimously
by roll call vote.
Administrator Hoffman noted that re-elected Mayor Keifer was
previously sworn in.
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to suspend the reading and
accept the minutes of the December 22 Council Meeting as
submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Obermyer made a motion, seconded by
Berry to pay the bills. Motion passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
Mayor Keifer gave her report on committee assignments and Village
initiatives. A copy will be attached to the Clerk's minutes.
Lieutenant Konrad gave the Sheriff's report.
After discussion, a Streets and Sidewalks Committee Meeting was
scheduled for January 26, 2004 following the Council Meeting
(approximately 8:15 p.m.).
With no further business to discuss, Flora made a motion, seconded by
Estep to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

January 26, 2004
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
was held in the Town Hall. Mayor
Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here),
Jim Lashuay (absent), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to suspend the
reading and accept the minutes of the January 12 Council Meeting with
the addition. Motion passed
by voice vote.
The bills were discussed.
Obermyer made a motion, seconded by Estep to pay the bills.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk announced there would be no Sidewalk Committee
Meeting following the Council Meeting, due to it not being posted.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report.
A copy will be attached to the Clerk’s minutes.
Administrator Hoffman announced there will be a Public
Hearing on February 23, 2004 at 7 p.m. to consider the Planning
Commission’s recommendation to change the current commercial zoning of
Lot 7 (
24251 Front Street
) to residential district R1.
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Obermyer not to
continue our 2004 membership with Downtown Ohio, Inc.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
After discussion, Obermyer made a motion, seconded by Flora
to have the vehicles that are parked on the snow street in the business
district towed when in violation. Motion
passed by voice vote.
Mayor Keifer read a letter from Jordan Smith from Calvary
United Methodist Church Youth Group.
He requested that she attend a meeting on February 8 at 6:15 p.m.
on potential service projects for the Youth Group.
Some projects that Mayor Keifer will discuss with the Youth Group
will be weeding the Village’s flowerbeds, policing Howard and
Labino
Parks
for trash, and taking down the old yellow ribbons and replacing with new
ribbon.
Mayor Keifer read a letter of apology from Rita Foos.
A Streets and Sidewalks Committee Meeting was scheduled for February 9,
2004 following the Council Meeting (approximately 8:15 p.m.).
With no further business to discuss, Sherwood made a
motion, seconded by
Berry
to adjourn. Meeting
adjourned.

The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was
held in the Town Hall. Mayor Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here), Jim
Lashuay (excused), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Flora made a motion, seconded by Berry to suspend the
reading and accept the minutes of the January 26 Council Meeting as
submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Obermyer made a motion,
seconded by Estep to pay the bills. Motion passed unanimously by roll
call vote.
Mayor Keifer requested an Executive Session to discuss
personnel and real estate. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to
go into Executive Session to discuss personnel and real estate, with the
Clerk and Village Administrator joining the session. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to return to
the regular Council Session. Motion passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
Mayor Keifer announced a meeting that has been
scheduled on February 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Emergency personnel
in the area will be attending the meeting to discuss problems that arise
during ice jams, Spring thaw and water rescue issues at other times.
Mayor Keifer reported that she attended the meeting
with the Youth Organization at Calvary United Methodist Church. They had
several ideas they would like to work on and the Mayor and Administrator
will continue to work with this group.
Mayor Keifer stated the Village needs to create a
Records Commission to meet approximately once every six months to
determine what records to keep. The Commission shall consist of the
Mayor (or appointed representative), the Fiscal Officer, Village
Solicitor and an appointed Village resident. A secretary will be
appointed from this Committee.
Mayor Keifer stated she has received numerous calls
regarding the status of the pool. She read a statement from the lease,
which states that the Pool Board is to meet with the Village Council
semi-annually or upon call of the Village Council. The lease also says
the Pool Board will have an annual audit and copies will be furnished to
the Village Council and that the financial records will be open for
inspection by the Village Council at any time. Mayor Keifer requested a
meeting be scheduled so that she can better answer the questions that
she is receiving and any calls that Council may receive. After
discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to send a letter
to the Pool Board requesting the annual audit and financial records and
a meeting with Village Council Committee of the Whole within 20 days of
the date of the letter. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report. A copy will be
attached to the Clerk's minutes.
Administrator Hoffman reminded Council there will be a
Public Hearing on February 23, 2004 at 7 p.m. to consider the Planning
Commission's recommendation to change the current commercial zoning of
Lot 7 (24251 Front Street) to residential district R1.
Lieutenant Konrad gave the Sheriff's report.
Sherwood gave a report from the Town Hall Board of
Control Meeting held on February 3, 2004. She announced they will begin
to meet once every two months.
The Clerk presented Ordinance 2004-1. Ordinance
2004-1, an ordinance amending Ordinance 70-6, concerning the Village
income tax. Flora made a motion, seconded by Estep to suspend the rules
and declare Ordinance 2004-1 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by
roll call vote. Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to pass
Ordinance 2004-1. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
A Parks Committee Meeting was scheduled for February
21 at 10 a.m. at the Administration Building.
A Committee of the Whole Meeting with the Pool Board
was scheduled for March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building.
A Finance Committee Meeting was scheduled for March 2
at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building.
With no further business to discuss, Estep made a
motion, seconded by Flora to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

February
23, 2004
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Keifer called the Public Hearing to order and asked the
Clerk to take roll call: Pam
Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (excused), Eric Flora (here), Jim
Lashuay (excused), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Mayor Keifer announced the meeting was being held to
consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation to change the
current Commercial Zoning of Lot 7 to Residential District R1.
Administrator Hoffman explained the process and notifications that
have been done prior to the Hearing.
He reported he has received nothing in writing and/or phone calls
at the Administrative Office in favor or opposition to the request.
(The property owners were not present.)
Estep made a motion, seconded by Flora to close the Public
Hearing. Motion passed.
February 23, 2004
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was
held in the Town Hall. Mayor Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (excused), Eric Flora (here), Jim
Lashuay (excused), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Flora made a motion, seconded by Berry to suspend the
reading and accept the minutes of the February 9 Council Meeting as
submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Sherwood made a motion,
seconded by Estep to pay the bills. Motion passed unanimously by roll
call vote.
Mayor Keifer reminded Council of the following two
meetings - Finance Meeting scheduled on March 2 at 7 p.m. and the
Committee of the Whole Meeting (with GRASP) on March 4 at 7 p.m. Both
meetings are at the Administration Building.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report. A copy will be
attached to the Clerk's minutes.
Administrator Hoffman announced a representative from
Central Collection Agency would be at the Administration Building on
April 7 from 3 - 7 p.m. to answer questions and assist with income tax
forms.
Councilwoman Estep gave a report on the Buildings,
Parks, Properties and Maintenance Committee Meeting held on February 21.
Councilman Flora gave a report on the Streets and
Sidewalks Committee Meeting held on February 9.
The Clerk presented Ordinance 2004-2. Ordinance
2004-2, an ordinance amending the zoning district map of the Village of
Grand Rapids, Ohio.
With no further business to discuss, Estep made a
motion, seconded by Flora to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

The regular meeting of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
was held in the Town Hall. Mayor
Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here),
Jim Lashuay (excused), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Flora made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to suspend the
reading and accept the minutes of the February 23 Council Meeting as
submitted. Motion passed by
voice vote.
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to suspend the
reading and accept the minutes of the February 23 Public Hearing as
submitted. Motion passed by
voice vote.
The bills were discussed.
Obermyer made a motion, seconded by Estep to pay the bills.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Mayor Keifer recognized Bob Graf.
Mr. Graf made a formal request to allow the combined VFW and
American Legion to have the Memorial Day Parade on May 31, 2004.
After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Flora to allow
the request. Motion passed
by voice vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report.
A copy will be attached to the Clerk’s minutes.
After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep
to authorize payment in the amount of $1,800 for the purchase of an
antique clock for the downtown business district.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
(It was noted that the total cost of the clock is $14,250 and
this is the balance after donations.)
Councilwoman Sherwood gave a report on the Finance, Wage
& Audit Committee Meeting held on March 2.
Councilman
Berry
gave a report on the Committee of the Whole Committee Meeting held on
March 4 with GRASP. After
discussion,
Berry
made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to have Administrator Hoffman send
GRASP a letter requesting a copy of the loan agreement between Snyders
and GRASP. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk gave the second reading to Ordinance 2004-2.
Ordinance 2004-2, an ordinance amending the zoning district
map of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
,
Ohio.
Flora made a motion, seconded by Estep to pass Resolution 2004-1.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk presented Ordinance 2004-4.
Ordinance 2004-4, an ordinance to make appropriations for
current expenses and other expenditures of the Village of Grand Rapids,
State of Ohio, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004.
Estep made a motion, seconded by
Berry
to suspend the rules and declare Ordinance 2004-4 an emergency.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to pass Ordinance
2004-4. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
The following Committees were requested to schedule a meeting –
Safety & Welfare Committee
Parks Committee
Utilities Committee
With no further business to discuss, Flora made a motion, seconded
by Sherwood to adjourn. Meeting
adjourned.

March
22, 2004
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
was held in the Town Hall. Mayor
Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here),
Jim Lashuay (excused), John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep to suspend the reading and
accept the minutes of the March 8 Council Meeting as submitted.
Motion passed by voice vote.
Mayor Keifer gave an update on the properties she asked Larry Sorrells,
from the Health Department, the status of at the last meeting.
Mayor Keifer read a letter of resignation from Jim Lashuay
for his Council position. After
discussion, Flora made a motion, seconded by Estep to accept Jim
Lashuay’s resignation. Motion
passed by voice vote.
Mayor Keifer then stated that any resident interested in
filling Jim’s term on Council should send a letter to the
Administrator, Fiscal Officer, herself or anyone on Council, indicating
the reason why they would like to serve and how long they have been a
Village resident.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report.
A copy will be attached to the Clerk’s minutes.
The Clerk gave the third reading to Ordinance 2004-2.
Ordinance 2004-2, an ordinance amending the zoning district
map of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
,
Ohio
. Flora made a motion,
seconded by
Berry
to pass Ordinance 2004-2. Motion
passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk presented and gave the first reading to Ordinance
2004-3. Ordinance 2004-3,
an ordinance amending and establishing pay schedules and related
regulations for the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
.
With no further business to discuss, Flora made a motion,
seconded by Sherwood to adjourn. Meeting
adjourned.
The regular meeting of the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
was held in the Town Hall. Mayor
Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call:
Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here),
John Berry (here), and Louise Estep (here).
Flora made a motion, seconded by
Berry
to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the March 22 Council
Meeting as submitted. Motion
passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Obermyer
made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to pay the bills.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Mayor Keifer recognized Nick Punches.
Mr. Punches reviewed his Eagle Scout project.
His plan is to start the project in June and to be finished by
July. The Historical Society
is purchasing the needed supplies. Estep
made a motion, seconded by Flora to approve the Eagle Scout project as
presented. Motion passed by
voice vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report.
A copy will be attached to the Clerk’s minutes.
Mayor Keifer recognized Lieutenant Konrad.
Lieutenant Konrad reported that the hours of coverage will
increase next month.
Mayor Keifer read a letter from the Wood County Planning
Commission, stating that the CDBG Grant application deadline is July 15,
2004.
Councilwoman Estep gave a report from the Lands, Buildings and
Parks Committee Meeting held on April 3.
After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Obermyer to
deny the detachment petition from Alberta Kepling (17148
County
Line
road). Motion passed by
voice vote.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to renew the five-year
lease agreement with the Township for the Fire Hall.
The renewal will run from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Obermyer to notify GRASP that the
Village will supply up to 300,000 gallons of water as we have the past
several years and to also let them know that any amount used in excess
of 300,000 gallons will be their responsibility at the rate the Village
pays
Bowling Green
. Motion passed unanimously
by roll call vote.
Councilwoman Sherwood gave an update on the health insurance
renewal package. After much
discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep to stay with
Medical Mutual and to go with the new policy for the Village employees
(saving approximately $9,600 yearly).
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Obermyer to join the Toledo
Area Chamber of Commerce (approximate cost of $300 yearly).
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk gave the second reading to Ordinance 2004-3.
Ordinance 2004-3, an ordinance amending and establishing pay
schedules and related regulations
for the
Village
of
Grand Rapids
.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to go into Executive
Session to discuss the vacant Council position.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Flora to return to the Regular
Council Session. Motion
passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Sherwood made a
motion, seconded by Flora to appoint Nancy Heyman to the vacant
unexpired seat on Council. A
paper ballot was taken and Nancy Heyman received five “yes” votes.
Mayor Keifer will swear in
Nancy
at the next Council Meeting.
With no further business to discuss, Sherwood made a motion,
seconded by Flora to adjourn. Meeting
adjourned.

April 26, 2004
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was
held in the Town Hall. After the pledge of allegiance, Mayor Keifer
swore into office as Council member, Nancy Heyman. She will complete Jim
Lashuay's unexpired seat on Council.
Mayor Keifer asked Clerk Estep to take roll call: Pam
Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora (here), John Berry
(here), Nancy Heyman, (here), and Louise Estep (excused).
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to suspend
the reading and accept the
minutes of the April 12 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by
voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Flora made a motion,
seconded by Obermyer to pay the bills.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Mayor Keifer reported she attended the High School
Leadership program in Bowing Green.
Her discussion with Bowling Green's Mayor, John Quinn, provided a lot of
useful information.
Mayor Keifer reported the Village of Grand Rapids
Records Committee will consist of: Michael Marsh, Village Solicitor;
Judy Keifer, Mayor; Donald Estep, Fiscal Officer; and Norma Mohr,
Volunteer Village Resident.
Mayor Keifer and Council discussed the paper the
Historical Society publishes on the Applebutter Festival, which is
distributed to a lot of towns in Ohio. They also discussed putting a
"welcome to Grand Rapids" ad in the paper. After discussion,
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to put a $50 ad in the
Historical Society's Applebutter Festival paper. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report. A copy will be
attached to the Clerk's minutes.
Sherwood gave a Town Hall Board of Control report for
the meeting held April 20. A copy will be attached to the Clerk's
minutes.
The Clerk gave the third reading to Ordinance 2004-3.
Ordinance 2004-3, an ordinance amending and establishing pay schedules
and related regulations for the Village of Grand Rapids. Sherwood made a
motion, seconded by Flora to pass Ordinance 2004-3. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk gave the first reading to Resolution 2004-2.
Resolution 2004-2, a resolution approving the adopted revised draft Wood
County Solid Waste Management Plan.
With no further business to discuss, Flora made a
motion, seconded by Berry to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was
held in the Town Hall. Mayor Keifer asked Fiscal Officer Estep to take
roll call: Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora
(excused), John Berry (here), Nancy Heyman, (here), and Louise Estep
(here).
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Obermyer to
suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the April 26 Council
Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Obermyer made a motion,
seconded by Heyman to pay the bills.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Mayor Keifer recognized Kay Michalski from the Grand
Rapids Care Center. She reported that they are organizing an event
called "Caring for the Community" to celebrate them being in
their building for ten years. The event is scheduled for July 10 from 11
a.m. - 3 p.m. After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry
to approve the Application for Use of Public Property to allow for wagon
rides in conjunction with the "Caring for the Community"
event. Motion passed by voice vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report. A copy will be
attached to the Clerk's minutes.
After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by
Obermyer to have Administrator Hoffman contract with Morlock Asphalt to
pave the alley North of the Front Street business district and the
adjacent alleys at a cost of $23,500 ($47/ton). Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
Lieutenant Konrad gave the Sheriff's report.
Mayor Keifer presented the Application for Use of
Public Property request from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve
the use of the public property requested for Rapids Rally Days on July 9
- July 11 and asked for clarification on possible kids bike/wagon
parade. Motion passed by voice vote.
Heyman gave a report from the Utilities, Sewer and
Street Lights Committee Meeting held on April 28. After discussion,
Obermyer made a motion, seconded by Heyman to send a letter to Suburban
Gas asking that their employees who read the meters in the Village wear
a vest, badge or something to identify that he/she is a Suburban Gas
employee. Motion passed by voice vote.
Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry to purchase 50
new water meters with radio read software at a cost of $11,500. Motion
passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Clerk gave the second reading to Resolution
2004-2. Resolution 2004-2, a resolution approving the adopted revised
draft Wood County Solid Waste Management Plan.
Administrator Hoffman asked Council for direction
regarding the mobile home at the Farm Museum on Third Street, which is
in violation of the zoning ordinance. After discussion, Obermyer made a
motion, seconded by Sherwood to send the owner another letter with a
deadline to remove the mobile home. Motion passed unanimously by roll
call vote.
After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by
Heyman to post signs on all Village buildings and properties banning
weapons and any dangerous ordinance. Motion passed unanimously by roll
call vote.
With no further business to discuss, Heyman made a
motion, seconded by Berry to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.

May 24, 2004
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was
held in the Town Hall. Mayor Keifer asked Fiscal Officer Estep to take
roll call: Pam Sherwood (here), Bunkie Obermyer (here), Eric Flora
(here), John Berry (here), Nancy Heyman, (here), and Louise Estep
(here).
Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Heyman to suspend
the reading and accept the minutes of the May 10 Council Meeting as
submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.
The bills were discussed. Obermyer made a motion,
seconded by Estep to pay the bills. Motion passed unanimously by roll
call vote.
Administrator Hoffman gave his report. A copy will be
attached to the Clerk's minutes.
After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by
Flora to hire Robert Huffman as a mowing contractor for the Village of
Grand Rapids at an hourly rate of $11.85 per hour. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
After review of the application, Estep made a motion,
seconded by Berry to approve the Grand Rapids Arts Council's request for
use of Howard Park for Art Camp on June 14 - June 18, 2004. Motion
passed by voice vote.
A Buildings, Parks, Properties and Maintenance
Committee Meeting was scheduled for June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Village
Offices.
A Utilities Committee Meeting was scheduled for June 8
at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Offices.
The Fiscal Officer gave the third reading to
Resolution 2004-2. Resolution 2004-2, a resolution approving the adopted
revised draft Wood County Solid Waste Management Plan. Flora made a
motion, seconded by Estep to approve Resolution 2004-2. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
The Fiscal Officer gave the first reading to Ordinance
2004-4. Ordinance 2004-4, an ordinance establishing water tap charges
for connection to the public water distribution system of the Village of
Grand Rapids, Ohio, and repealing Ordinance No. 79-7 and declaring an
emergency. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Flora to suspend the
rules and declare Ordinance 2004-4 an emergency. Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote. Estep made a motion, seconded by Obermyer
to pass Ordinance 2004-4. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by
Heyman to amend the "Benefits Section 1" of the "Employee
Handbook" to include Exhibit A (as attached). Motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
A Safety and Welfare Committee Meeting was scheduled
for June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Village Offices.
With no further business to discuss, Heyman made a
motion, seconded by Flora to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.