August 27, 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 (here), Nancy Heyman (here), Linda Hall (here) and Louise Estep (here).

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the August 13 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer recognized Senator Gardner. Senator Gardner stated he and Sheriff Wasylyshyn were in town today to do their own observation on the speed limit on Route 65. They tried several times to drive the posted speed limit and couldn't, due to several factors. Senator Gardner stated the status quo is unacceptable and encouraged the Village to work on a study with ODOT, the Sheriff and Village Administrator which he feels could yield positive results. He said he believes the only way to get the speed limited lowered would be if the request accompanied a survey of the current situation. Senator Gardner also stated that he didn't think it would be lowered back to the previous posting, but thought there was a good chance to get it lowered.

Mayor Keifer recognized Julie Pontasch from the Arts Council. She stated they take full responsibility for the repairs needed on the towpath, due to a truck getting stuck in the mud. Ms. Pontasch reported she does have an estimate from the company as requested in the letter from Administrator Hoffman, but would like permission to get two more estimates. She also asked if the Arts Council would be allowed to have the event next year. After discussion, Council felt it was okay for her two get a total of three estimates, but the Village Administrator reserves the right to select the contractor, since he made the selection previously.

Council stated they feel the Jazz Festival is a good event and see no reason why it should not be held in future years and stated that, of course, the Arts Council would need to complete an application for the use of the land. Ms. Pontasch stated that she will try to get two more estimates by Wednesday and if she doesn't get them, she will go with the one they have received. Council also requested she get an estimate from the companies on a timeline of when they could get the project started.

Mayor Keifer recognized Rick Myron. Mr. Myron expressed his concern on the status of the properties at 24242 and 24250 Second Street. He is a property owner adjacent to them and they are very seriously neglected. Mayor Keifer stated she will call the Health Department and look into our ordinances to see what more we can do.

Mayor Keifer announced the Sheriff will be at the September 10 meeting to hear our concerns and explain the job responsibilities of Sergeant Konrad.

Administrator Hoffman reviewed his report. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.)

Mayor Keifer announced there are two Applebutter Festival Meetings scheduled September 13 and September 27. Both start at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.

Councilman Estep reviewed the minutes of the Parks Committee Meeting held on August 22. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) Administrator Hoffman stated the bike/walking path and shelter house would both be eligible for the Natureworks and Land and Conservation Fund grants. Both have a February 1, 2008 deadline to apply.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the second reading to Resolution 2007-5. Resolution 2007-5, a resolution authorizing Village Council to apply for Preserve America Community Designation. Erdody made a motion, seconded by Heyman to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2007-5 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Erdody made a motion, seconded by Heyman to pass Resolution 2007-5. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Keifer stated she sent a letter to the Grand Rapids Youth Baseball League regarding the trash on the property and the signs down on the outfield. She indicated if they wish for us to maintain the property they need to handle these issues.

Mayor Keifer stated the Scouts will be picking up the liter on Thursday after the Applebutter Festival versus before like they have done in the past.

Councilman Erdody reported the Historical Society has decided to take over the publication of the "Rapids Reader."

Administrator Hoffman reported he has contracted with a company to paint 90 hydrants in the Village.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Berry 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.

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

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