July 23, 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 Berry to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the July 9 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.

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

Councilman Estep read a letter from Samuel Schlegel who wishes to donate a swing for the towpath area. Estep made a motion, seconded by Heyman to accept the swing donation from Mr. Schlegel for the towpath area. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to apply for the Preserve America Community Designation, working in conjunction with Administrator Hoffman. Motion passed by voice vote.

Fiscal Officer Estep reported previously Council passed a resolution and paid $300 for a portion of the billboard ad on Route 75, with the monies paid directly to the billboard company. Councilman Erdody reported the total cost of the billboard is $5,000/yearly and $3,700 has been pledged thus far. Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry to get a resolution drafted to pay $300 to Brooks Billboard for the sign on I-75. Motion passed, with Erdody abstaining, due to her membership with the Chamber.

Council reviewed the application for use of public property submitted by Karen Palka for Canal Days. After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Hall to approve the application with the following stipulations: leave the Wright Pavilion open, keep the sidewalks open (refer them to the policy) and allow the encampment on the older part of the Towpath (Lincoln Street to Bluebell Island) from Friday noon to Monday noon. Motion passed by voice vote.

After discussion on the size of a pavilion for the area near Bluebell Island, Administrator Hoffman was asked to get price quotes for a 21' x 21' and a 21' x 25' shelter for the organization who is interested in donating money toward this project.

Fiscal Officer Estep presented and gave the first reading to Ordinance 2007-4. Ordinance 2007-4, an ordinance to request auditor to assess lots and lands of the Village of Grand Rapids for the lighting of streets, alleys, ways and other public places. Estep made a motion, seconded by Heyman to suspend the rules and declare Ordinance 2007-4 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pass Ordinance 2007-4. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Fiscal Officer Estep presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2007-4. Resolution 2007-4, a resolution supporting the passage of House Bill 33 as introduced in the regular session of the 127th Ohio General Assembly regarding state authority to regulate scenic railways. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2007-4 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pass Resolution 2007-4. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Estep stated the vehicles at 17697 Bridge Street have not been moved and nothing has changed on the property except another flat tire since the last meeting. She also reported the dogs are not being taken care of and are in pretty bad shape. Administrator Hoffman was asked to check with the Sheriff's Department on the vehicles.

Mayor Keifer reported that numbers were painted on Third Street for the Rally Day Parade. She also stated the Sheriff's Department did not get called for traffic control. Councilman Berry stated that the placement of the inflatables needs to be looked at for future events in the park.

Administrator Hoffman was asked to notify the Sheriff's Department of the upcoming Garage Sale Days on August 10 and 11.

Mayor Keifer requested a Parks Committee Meeting be scheduled to discuss the river bank, Labino Park and future plans. A meeting will be set at the next Council Meeting.

A question was raised on whether golf carts are legal on the streets. Administrator Hoffman will check with the Sheriff's Department.

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