January 22, 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 January 8 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer stated Gus Cocke, from the American Legion, informed her that they will be honoring the local scouts on February 11 at the Legion Hall. The scouts will work together to mix birdseed and Mr. Cocke asked permission for them to be able to spread the seed in Howard Park and along the canal. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Hall to allow them to spread the seed. Motion passed by voice vote.

Administrator Hoffman presented his report. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) After discussion, Erdody made a motion, seconded by Estep to authorize the Administrator to purchase a washer, dryer and uniforms at an approximate cost of $3,100. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Council reviewed a request for use of public property from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Celebration on March 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Heyman made a motion, seconded by Estep to approve the application. Motion passed by voice vote.

Councilman Estep reviewed the minutes from the January 20 Buildings, Parks, Properties & Maintenance Committee Meeting. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) Council reviewed the "Request for Use of Public Property" form and asked that a copy incorporating the changes be presented at the next meeting. Council reviewed the handicap swing options and gave Hoffman guidance on which one to purchase for Howard Park. The letter to the Superintendent was reviewed and discussed. Councilman Erdody stated she wants to have conversation with the School Board face-to-face, rather than sending a letter. Councilman Sherwood stated that she felt something should be sent in writing. Mayor Keifer said she was not ready to sign the letter prepared because she and Administrator Hoffman were not present at the meeting and Hoffman has done a lot of legwork on this issue and we need his input. She also stated that her name was not spelled correctly.

Councilman Erdody reviewed the minutes from the January 18 Streets & Sidewalks Committee Meeting. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.)

Fiscal Officer Estep gave the second reading to Resolution 2007-2. Resolution 2007-2, a resolution declaring the amount of taxes that may be raised by levy at the maximum rate authorized by law without a vote of the electors to be insufficient, and declaring the necessity of a levy in excess of such rate.

Councilman Estep stated another Buildings, Parks, Properties & Maintenance Committee Meeting needed to be scheduled to discuss the parameters of how to preserve Bluebell Island, the lights for the welcome sign on Route 6 and the Fire Hall. The meeting was scheduled for January 31 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Office. Estep was asked to contact George Limes to see who was elected Chairman of the Trustees for 2007 and invite him to the meeting for discussion on the topic of the Fire Hall.

Councilman Sherwood asked about the status of the letter to the School Board. After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to go into executive session to discuss the possible acquisition of property, with no action to be taken following the session. She requested that the Administrator, Fiscal Officer and Mayor join them in executive session. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to return to the regular council meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

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