October 8, 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 September 24 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

The Fiscal Officer presented the monthly financial reports.

Mayor Keifer recognized Kathy Bomer. She and half of the Boy Scout Troop #325 were present because the scouts are working on their "citizenship in the community" badge.

Mayor Keifer reported she sent a letter to the Otsego Superintendent asking the status of the Middle School. He responded that he is not optimistic about the current party interested in purchasing the building/property and it is in the Attorney General's Office. He also stated that he would rather see the building sold than demolished.

Administrator Hoffman reviewed his report. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.) Hoffman reported nothing has been received to date from the Historical Society regarding the Bluebell Island project, so the project is on hold. He reminded Council that metal detectors are not allowed in public parks. The deadline to apply for the position advertised is October 22. To date, 20 applications have been picked-up with 11 returned.

Hoffman reported they are collecting old cell phones at the Village Office for the "Secure the Call Foundation" campaign. The phones are redistributed to those in need and are programmed only to allow 911 calls.

Hoffman asked if Council had reviewed the River Lures property and the railroad cars. After discussion, it was decided Hoffman will send a deputy to talk to the owners of the River Lures property and work with the Solicitor on the railroad cars.

Hoffman was asked what the Solicitor said about the ordinance on mobile homes. Hoffman replied that the Solicitor responded by saying you can put anything in an ordinance. Right now the ordinances contradict each other.

Mayor Keifer presented a request for use of lands from Deborah Herztfeld, from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for a Christmas Open House on November 17 and 18. After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve the application for use of public property on November 17 and 18 with the stipulation that all alleys remain open. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer reminded everyone that Trick-or-Treating will be on October 31 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the parade at 7 p.m.

Councilman Erdody gave a report from the Sidewalk Committee Meeting held on September 26. She stated the next step is to meet with Administrator Hoffman to see what monies are available for the Village's share of the sidewalks. Hoffman asked Erdody for verbage for a newsletter to be mailed prior to the November election with articles to include the street levy and the status of the sidewalk plan.

The Fiscal Officer gave the third reading to Ordinance 2007-5. Ordinance 2007-5, an ordinance repealing ordinance number 1490.04 of the codified ordinances of the Village of Grand Rapids. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep to approve Ordinance 2007-5. Motion failed 0-6, with all present voting "no."

The Fiscal Officer gave the first reading to Ordinance 2007-6. Ordinance 2007-6, an ordinance adopting the model public records policy.

Councilman Estep asked the status of getting a cost estimate for the Fitness/Walking Path. At this time, there is no information.

A Committee of the Whole Meeting was scheduled on October 22 at 6:45 p.m. at the Town Hall to discuss verbage for the ordinance on the mobile homes.

Kathy Bomer, on behalf of the Boy Scouts, volunteered the Scouts to help shovel mud and clean some sidewalks. They will work with Councilman Erdody on which sidewalks need assistance. Prior to starting, they will ask the property owner's permission.

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