September 24, 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 10 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer recognized Christine Simington, Administrator for Wood County Job & Family Services. Ms. Simington was present to promote the levy on the upcoming November ballot. This is the third promotion of the levy and the 1.3 mileage has remained the same since 1988. The levy is a replacement levy and she asked for our support. She also explained the services they provide.

Mayor Keifer reported from the Applebutter Safety Committee. She stated the Command Post will be at the Presbyterian Church and the number is 419-409-1120. There will be extra patrols Saturday night and Sunday night to help with traffic control.

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

After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry to contract with Madden Brothers to screen the compost pile at a cost of approximately $1,430. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Administrator Hoffman asked Council to look at the River Lures property and let him know what action we would like taken.

Hoffman also updated Council on the signage for Canal Market. He stated they did not get a permit before the sign was erected and then the Village received incomplete paperwork. Hoffman asked for direction from Council. Council requested Hoffman send another letter to the owner asking for clarification on the permit, the additional $70 due and proof the Village is listed as an additional insurer. The letter is to include a deadline and a clause that if they don't comply they will be sited into court.

Hoffman also stated the bank will be getting a similar letter. They erected their new Huntington sign without an approved permit.

Hoffman reported a letter will be going to a business owner who has put an apartment (resident) at the back of her business, which is not allowed.

After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to contract with American Legal to print for the Village a hybrid version of the codified ordinances at a cost of $7,400. motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Councilman Erdody reminded everyone the next Sidewalk Committee Meeting is scheduled on September 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2007-7. Resolution 2007-7 a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor. Estep made a motion, seconded by Hall to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2007-7 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to pass Resolution 2007-7. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

The Fiscal Officer gave the second 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. Councilman Estep expressed her concern and asked if something could be passed in conjunction with this Ordinance to grandfather the current residents who have mobile homes. Mayor Keifer asked Hoffman to check with the Solicitor to see if anything can be done to address the concerns.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Heyman to go into Executive Session to discuss employees with possible action to follow. She requested the Fiscal Officer, Administrator and Mayor to remain for the meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Erdody made a motion, seconded Hall to return to the regular council session. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to authorize Administrator Hoffman to advertise for a full-time Maintenance Technician position. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

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