May 14, 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 (excused), 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 April 23 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.

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

After discussion on the Jazz Festival application for use of public property, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep to change the event line for the August 18 event from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Motion passed by voice vote.

Hoffman reviewed the plans submitted by the Scouts for the cabin on the towpath. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to support the Scouts and pay for any permits and fees needed to renovate the scout cabin. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Deputy Konrad presented the Sheriff's report. He reminded Council that the patrol hours increased to 208 per month beginning this month through September.

Councilman Estep asked if there were any updates on the status of the middle school and property after the Administrator, Mayor and some Council attended the School Board Meeting. After discussion, it was decided to invite the School Board to the June 11 meeting to update Council on the status of their plans for the middle school and grounds.

Council reviewed the application for use of public lands received for Rapids Rally Days on July 14 and 15. Estep made a motion, seconded by Heyman to approve the application. Motion passed by voice vote.

Hoffman stated that he has been made aware that the Marina will be closed for 90 days beginning May 1. The Mayor suggested the car show be moved to the business area. Council decided not to block the business district with this event. Mayor stated she will work with Chet Vollmar to see if there is a way to keep the boat launch open by the Bait Shop.

(Councilman Berry arrived at this time - 8:30 p.m.)

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2007-3. Resolution 2007-3, a resolution determining to submit to the electors of the Village of Grand Rapids the question of renewing a current expense levy in excess of the ten mill limitation for the purpose of providing additional funds for the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repairs of streets and bridges. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Hall to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2007-3 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Hall made a motion, seconded by Estep to pass Resolution 2007-3. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Keifer stated she has been asked by some residents what the Village is going to do regarding the sidewalks. After discussion, a Sidewalks Committee Meeting was scheduled on May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Village Offices.

Mayor Keifer reported she spoke with Pamela Butler, from the Health Department, regarding the property on Wapakoneta Road that has had two fires. Mayor Keifer stated she will call Ms. Butler back and let her know that the response from Linda Holmes is not acceptable.

After discussion on the Marina closing and the effect this will have on the Bluebell Island project, it was decided to put water in the canal and start the Bluebell Island project in the Fall after the Applebutter Festival. Erdody made a motion, seconded by Hall to leave the bridge to Bluebell Island in place and install a gate for maintenance of the island. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer announced the Memorial Day Services will be at 10:30 a.m. at Howard Park.

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