June 11, 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 Hall to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the May 14 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer recognized Julie Pontash. Ms. Pontash presented to Council a funding request for the Sunset Jazz and Art Festival in the amount of $100. She stated the gift would help underwrite the event. Fiscal Officer Estep stated that we cannot legally give a gift or donation. He stated the Village would have to pass an ordinance to authorize the expense. Mayor Keifer stated that Village Council would discuss her request later in the agenda.

Mayor Keifer recognized Neil Munger, Wood County Park District Director. Mr. Munger presented to the Mayor a check for $3,000 awarded from the local park improvement grant program for a swingset and drain line in Howard Park. Mr. Munger stated the Village has received grants 14 out of the 18 years the program has been in existence.

Mayor Keifer stated she has received a complaint from a resident on Pansy Lane regarding litter blowing from the ball diamond. The Mayor contacted the President of the Youth Baseball League and she stated it would be taken care of.

Mayor Keifer stated she has not heard from Linda Holmes regarding the burnt house on Wapakoneta Road. Mayor Keifer called Pamela Butler regarding the status and said that according to Linda Holmes the owner is planning on tearing down the house. Mayor Keifer has requested a timeline.

Administrator Hoffman reviewed his report. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) Hoffman reported that of the five letters sent last week regarding high grass, there is only one property that still needs to be mowed. The Village has contracted to have this property mowed. Councilman Estep asked if it was the property on the corner of Third and Bridge Street where the vans have not moved in weeks and grass is high. Hoffman said that it was not. Mayor Keifer asked Hoffman to ride with someone from the Sheriff's Office to review the properties in the Village.

Hoffman also stated that the swingset should be installed next week.

Fiscal Officer Estep presented to Council the 2008 Estimate of Revenues. He requested Council to review it for the next Council Meeting. It has to be passed before July 20.

Deputy Konrad reviewed the Sheriff's report. Councilman Heyman asked if there is a curfew. Mr. Konrad stated it is 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 midnight on weekends.

Mayor Keifer read a request to transfer the liquor license from Marjorie Obermyer to Canal Market LLC. The letter asked if we wanted a hearing on the matter. After discussion, Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to send a reply stating we are not requesting a hearing and accept the transfer of the liquor permit. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Keifer read a letter from W. Lawrence Bicking, Director of Ohio Public Works stating the Village has been awarded a $115,380 grant for Phase I Valve, Hydrant and Fitting Corrosion Repair project.

Mayor Keifer read a letter from Suburban Natural Gas notifying the Village of their intent to file an application to increase the rates with PUCO. For the average resident, the increase would be 3.75 percent.

Councilman Erdody reviewed the "Preserve America Community" information she distributed prior to the meeting. After discussion, Mayor Keifer asked Council to review the document and for Erdody to get any additional information she has to Administrator Hoffman.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the request for use of public property received for the Canal Day Bike Parade on September 8. Heyman made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve the application with the stipulation they notify the Fire Department and the Sheriff's Office. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the request for use of public property received for the Rapids Rally Day Children's Art Project in Howard Park on July 14 and 15. Erdody made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve the application. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the request for use of public property received for the Applebutter Festival. After discussion, Mayor Keifer requested Council review the application and bring any concerns/questions to the next meeting.

Councilman Erdody reviewed the minutes from the Sidewalk Committee Meeting held on May 24. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to adopt the Village of Grand Rapids Criteria for Sidewalk Repair or Replacement. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer stated that she, Councilman Berry, and Administrator Hoffman met with Superintendent Long and Board Member Hatfield regarding the Middle School. Long and Hatfield wanted to know if the Village opposes any business going into the Middle School. Mayor Keifer stated Councilman Berry stated he felt they should look into the business opportunity.

Mayor Keifer asked Council what direction they wanted to take on the $100 request from Julie Pontasch for the Sunset Jazz and Art Festival. After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Heyman to send a letter to Ms. Pontasch stating we are unable to donate monies to underwrite the insurance expense and suggest they put donation cans at the entrances. Motion passed by voice vote.

Councilman Sherwood stated she encountered some items on the sidewalks in the business district that did not comply with the policy adopted. Sherwood suggested mailing a copy of the policy to the business owners as a reminder.

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