July 9, 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 (excused) and Louise Estep (here).

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the June 25 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.)

After discussion on the Bluebell Island project, Hoffman was directed to send a letter to the Historical Society with a total cost estimate of the project. The letter will ask them what they are able to contribute to the project so that Village knows if we can go proceed. Councilman Sherwood stated she has a potential donor who may be willing to donate monies for the shelter house.

After discussion, Berry made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to purchase a skid-loader an approximate cost of $28,000. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

After review, Estep made a motion, seconded by Heyman to approve the request for use of public property for the Applebutter Festival as listed in Exhibit A. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer recognized David Pemberton Sr. from Suburban Natural Gas. Mr. Pemberton presented to Council the background on why they are filing a rate increase application with PUCO, to be effective Spring 2008. After a lengthy presentation from Pemberton, Administrator Hoffman was directed to get with Mr. Pemberton on any additional questions he may have on the 50 year lease agreement.

Jack Klein, from Suburban Natural Gas, informed council that there has been a gas leak for the last 16 months. The line services six customers across the bridge. He presented to Council a cost estimate of $80,000 to repair the line or he said it would cost $10,000 to abandon that portion of the line and establish alternate service for the customers. He asked the Village for direction because they won't shut down a line in the Village without our approval. He left the documentation with Hoffman so that Council could discuss further at a later date.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the letter from Joe Long of Otsego Local Schools. He stated that he would not be attending the July 23 Council Meeting because he has no updates. There was concern expressed on the potential buyer not approaching the Village to get questions answered on zoning and the building sitting vacant with potential vandalism. It was recommended we send another letter in two weeks if we have heard nothing to get an update.

Mayor Keifer reported there was paint left on the picnic tables after the Art Camp held in Howard Park. The person who signed the application for use of the property has been contacted and some of the paint has been removed. She asked Council to take a look at the picnic tables and let her know if we feel additional action needs to be taken.

Councilman Erdody stated the Chamber of Commerce is requesting help in funding the billboard sign on Route 75. The total cost is $5,000. After discussion, Erdody is to bring back to Council the total amount pledged for the billboard to date and Fiscal Officer Estep stated he will research the amount contributed the last time and how it was done.

Administrator Hoffman stated he was contacted by Julie Pontash regarding the Jazz Festival. Due to the work done on the Towpath, she would like to modify her request for use of public property. Ms. Pontash would like to use the Towpath from Lincoln Street to Bluebell Island and the area around Bluebell Island (including asphalt area) for the artists. Erdody made a motion, seconded by Estep to approve the change of location. Motion passed by voice vote.

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