June 23, 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), Bill Hutchison (excused), Carolyn Erdody (here), John Berry (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 June 9 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).

The bills were presented. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to pay the bills. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).

Mayor Keifer recognized Rita Foos. Ms. Foos read a letter regarding the decision Council made not to allow parking in the Bluebell Island area.

Mayor Keifer recognized Mary Poole. Ms. Poole was present regarding the application she submitted for use of public property for Rally Days on July 12 and July 13. Mayor Keifer stated last year there was painting on the street for the parade. She reiterated that no painting on the streets is allowed. Estep made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve the application. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).

Mayor Keifer recognized Eric Divis and Steve Kryder. They were present regarding the application submitted for use of public property for the Applebutter Festival. After discussion, Erdody made a motion, seconded by Berry to approve the application as discussed and changed. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).

Mayor Keifer recognized Scott Evans, who was attending the Council Meeting to earn a merit badge.

Mayor Keifer stated over 16 people attended the Block Watch Meeting held on June 10. The question of a curfew came up and Mayor Keifer reminded them of the curfew hours during the school year as well as the summer. She stated another meeting will be scheduled soon. Councilman Estep inquired about applications for those who could not attend the meeting. Mayor Keifer said she would make them available at the Village Office and try to get them on-line.

Mayor Keifer asked Council to think about how they feel about golf carts on the Village streets. Administrator Hoffman suggested adding the "golf cart" to the vehicle definition types on a current ordinance to take care of the situation. Mayor Keifer sent this to the Safety Committee to review.

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

Fiscal Officer Estep presented his monthly reports to the Finance Committee and the reconciliation report to Council, Administrator and Mayor.

Mayor Keifer received two letters from seventh grade students written for a writing project, which were sent to her because they had suggestions for the parks. Mayor Keifer gave the letters, along with the letter Rita Foos read, to Councilman Estep.

A Sidewalk Committee meeting and Safety Committee meeting were scheduled on July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Village Office.

The Fiscal Officer gave the third reading to Ordinance 2008-3. Ordinance 2008-3, an ordinance repealing Ordinance Number 1490.04 of the codified ordinances of the Village of Grand Rapids. Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Erdody to accept Ordinance 2008-3. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).

After discussion on nominating Josh Grimm and George Foos for the Black Swamp Humanitarian Award, Councilman Hall requested Mayor and Council present a certificate to Foos and Grimm on their water rescue. Mayor Keifer stated she would take care of it and extend the invitations for the next Council meeting.

With no further business to discuss, Erdody made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to adjourn. Motion passed by roll call vote - Sherwood (yes), Hutchison (absent), Erdody (yes), Berry (yes), Hall (yes) and Estep (yes).