January 14, 2008 
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), Linda Hall (here) and Louise Estep (here).

Mayor Keifer swore Linda Hall into office. Linda was elected as Councilperson in the November 2007 elections. Administrator Hoffman commented that Mayor Keifer was sworn into office previously.

At this time, Council selected new seats for 2008 at the council table by drawing numbers out of a hat.

Erdody made a motion, seconded by Estep to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the December 10 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer stated we need to elect a President of Council for 2008. Hall made a motion, seconded by Erdody to retain John Berry as President of Council for 2008, if he is willing. Motion passed by voice vote.

The bills were presented. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pay the bills, with the exception of the one for Poggemeyer. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Hall requested to abstain from voting on payment to Poggemeyer with the reason being it is her place of employment. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to grant Hall's request to abstain from voting on payment to Poggemeyer. Motion passed by voice vote.

Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to pay Poggemeyer in the amount of $4,424.96. Motion passed with four voting "yes" and Hall abstaining.

The Fiscal Officer presented the monthly financial reports.

Mayor Keifer recognized Rick Metcalf, President of the Toledo-area Bicyclists. He had previously requested the use of Wright Pavilion for the Mad Anthony River Run on August 2 and Council requested they use the pavilion by Bluebell Island. Mr. Metcalf explained the reasons for wanting to use the Wright Pavilion, which mainly included the closeness to the public restrooms on Lincoln Street. Council explained their concerns with the riders entering through Lincoln Street and the safety factors involved. After discussion on an alternate route, Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to accept the amendment and allow the Toledo-area Bicyclists to use the Wright Pavilion, by using the alley behind the business district to gain access. The motion also included they are not permitted to paint bike path directions on any Village surface. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Keifer recognized Elizabeth Bertonaschi. Ms. Bertonaschi expressed her concerns regarding semi-trucks unloading at the Kova warehouse. They block the street (Mill) for long periods of time and she wondered what could be done. Ms. Bertonaschi indicated she has called the Sheriff's Office several times. After discussion, Administrator Hoffman and Lieutenant Hillard stated they will both do some research to see if there is a time limit for a street to be blocked for unloading a truck.

Mayor Keifer reviewed committee assignments for 2008. (A copy will be attached to the Fiscal Officer's minutes.)

Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to approve Carolyn Erdody to the Town Hall Board of Control for the term January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer announced there is one seat available on the Planning Commission with a term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013.

Mayor Keifer reported she has received resumes from three interested residents for the vacant seat on Council. She stated Council will vote at the next meeting.

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

Hoffman stated a representative from the Central Collection Agency will be at the Administration Office on April 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to assist residents with their Village income tax returns.

After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry to authorize Administrator Hoffman to execute the contracts required for the waterline corrosion repair projects to include alternates #1 and #2. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Lieutenant Hillard gave a verbal report from the Sheriff's Office.

Mayor Keifer read a letter from John Schlotz, Commander of VFW, Post 4984. The letter stated they did not want the new pavilion near Bluebell Island to be named "The Gerald V. Warner Pavilion." They requested the area be named "The VFW Post #4984 Pavilion." Mayor Keifer stated she would turn this matter over to the Parks/Lands and Buildings Committee to discuss at one of their upcoming meetings in 2008.

Fiscal Officer Estep presented and gave the first reading to Resolution 2008-1. Resolution 2008-1, a resolution indicating what services will be provided and an approximate time they will be provided to the annexed property for Jeff and Josie Lirot by the Village of Grand Rapids, Ohio. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Berry to suspend the rules and declare Resolution 2008-1 an emergency. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pass Resolution 2008-1. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Erdody updated Council on the "Road to Freedom Project." She stated that Naomi Twining continues to work on the project. At this time, the Historical Society has not approved or discussed the placement of the historical marker. Erdody reported that Council does not need to address this project until a location is determined and the Historical Society takes action on the project.

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