August 13, 2007 
7:30 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Village of Grand Rapids was held in the Town Hall. Mayor Keifer asked the Fiscal Officer to take roll call: Pam Sherwood (here), Carolyn Erdody (here), John Berry (absent), Nancy Heyman (here), Linda Hall (here) and Louise Estep (here).

Heyman made a motion, seconded by Erdody to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the July 23 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

The bills were presented. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pay the bills. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Keifer read a letter from the VFW Post 4984. They would like to donate $13,000 (plus cost of installation) for a 21 x 25 pavilion to be installed near Bluebell Island. (Councilman Berry arrived at this time). Hall made a motion, seconded by Estep to accept the gift from the VFW Post 4984 for a 21 x 25 pavilion at a cost of $13,000 plus installation. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Administrator Hoffman reviewed his report. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) After Hoffman's report, Council requested that he get an ordinance drafted to repeal ordinance section 1490.04 regarding mobile homes. Council also expressed an interest to pursue gathering information so we are prepared to apply for the Safe Routes to Schools grant next year.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Heyman to authorize the Administrator to order the pavilion shelter and make the payments, to be reimbursed by the VFW by the end of September. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Councilman Sherwood reviewed a letter from Dave Palka regarding Canal Days. It was discussed that Council previously approved the setup time for the encampment to be noon on Friday to noon on Monday. Council also agreed that as long as the Wright Pavilion be left open to the public, it could be used for presentations. After discussion on the tee pee demonstration, it was recommended that they move this portion of the event near Bluebell Island and the Village would provide barricades for the driveway. Sherwood stated she would communicate all of our thoughts to Dave.

It was also reported that a motorcycle show has been added to Canal Days. After discussion, Erdody volunteered to speak with the organizer of the bike show to let them know they have to keep the bikes within the parking lot of Sky Bank. At this time, they have not requested and/or been granted permission to use the parking spaces off the street.

A Parks Committee Meeting was scheduled for August 22 at 7 p.m. at the Village Offices to discuss the Towpath area and a 5 year plan for Labino Park.

A Sidewalks Committee Meeting was scheduled on August 30 at 7 p.m. They will meet at the Town Hall and review the sidewalks from Wapakoneta West.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2007-5. Resolution 2007-5, a resolution authorizing Village Council to apply for Preserve America Community Designation.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2007-6. Resolution 2007-6, a resolution authorizing the payment of $300 to Brooks Billboard Company for advertising promoting the Village of Grand Rapids. Heyman made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2007-6 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Heyman made a motion, seconded by Estep to pass Resolution 2007-6. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Councilman Estep asked if we could get a listing of properties that have been sent letters regarding their properties, cars, etc. because it appears that some residents have not taken care of the issues, specifically the vehicles. Estep would like to be able to tell other residents when they call to complain when the letters were sent, etc. Mayor Keifer stated the Sheriff's Office takes care of the vehicles. Estep expressed her disappointment with the same issues, same houses, same vehicles that have been discussed all summer and some have yet to be resolved. Some of the issues are the same ones from last year. After discussion, it was decided to send a letter to the Sheriff to invite him to Council to discuss our concerns.

Councilman Erdody asked the status of the burnt house on Wapakoneta Road. Mayor Keifer stated the property owner has a court date in the near future.

Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to go into executive session to discuss personnel, with no action to be taken, and requested the Mayor, Fiscal Officer and Administrator join Council in executive session. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Berry to return to regular session. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

With no further business to discuss, Hall made a motion, seconded by Erdody to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.