March 10, 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 (here), 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 February 25 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer recognized Kathy Thomas. Ms. Thomas requested Council act on the application for use of public property she submitted, on behalf of the Cub Scout Pack 325, for the Applebutter Festival. After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Hall to approve the application for use of public property on October 11 and October 12 for the Applebutter Festival. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Lieutenant Hillard was present for the monthly Sheriff's report.

Mayor Keifer distributed a copy of an article printed in the "Sentinel Tribune" entitled "Child abuse on rise in the county - Citizens asked to be aware and report abuse." Keifer encouraged all to read it and to take the appropriate steps if we encounter abuse "in our neighborhood."

Councilman Estep reviewed the minutes from the Lands & Buildings Committee Meeting held on February 28. Hall asked to abstain from any motions involving Poggemeyer Design Group and discussion, due to her place of employment. Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to accept Hall's request to abstain. Motion passed by voice vote.

Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to authorize the Administrator to contract with Poggemeyer Design for bid documents for the Bluebell Island project (Plan B), pending the results received from the Ohio Historical Society. Motion passed by roll call vote, with Hall abstaining.

Estep stated the Committee recommended a resolution be presented to Council tonight regarding support of the application for the Village to be designated as an underground railroad site. Hoffman stated one was prepared, but was not put in the packets, by mistake. Council will be presented with the resolution at the March 24 meeting.

At the Committee meeting, there was discussion on purchasing an artificial holiday tree for the pavilion near Bluebell Island. Mayor Keifer stated that the artificial tree she presented a picture of is no longer available. There was also discussion on replacing the tree at Howard Park, which is decorated yearly. Mayor Keifer stated she found out the three was not donated in anyone's memory and that it does belong to the Village. Administrator Hoffman has been asked to see if the tree can be trimmed and a cost replacement for a new tree approximately 6 feet tall.

After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Hutchison to donate the first 300,000 gallons of water to GRASP, with any use above that amount to be charged the current rate for 2008. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Estep reviewed the 2008 projects and stated the teeter totters from Howard Park will be installed at Labino Park. She also stated that the Committee recommended sending a letter to the County officials regarding erecting a light at the intersection of Route 6 and Wapakoneta Road.

Councilman Sherwood reviewed the minutes from the Finance Meeting held on March 4. She stated later in the meeting the 2008 Annual Appropriations will be presented. At the committee meeting, the Fiscal Officer and Village Administrator reviewed investment options so the Village can get a better return on investments.

Councilman Berry reviewed the issues discussed at the Safety Meeting held on March 5. The Committee discussed nuisance properties and maintenance of the properties.

Councilman Berry reviewed the issues discussed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting held prior to the Council Meeting. After discussion, Berry made a motion, seconded by Erdody to authorize the Village Administrator to pursue discussions with Northwest Water and Sewer District. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Ordinance 2008-1. Ordinance 2008-1, an ordinance accepting annexation of approximately 1.35 acres of land in Grand Rapids Township, Wood County, Ohio.

The Fiscal Officer presented and gave the first reading to Ordinance 2008-2. Ordinance 2008-2, an ordinance to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the Village of Grand Rapids, State of Ohio, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

Councilman Sherwood requested a letter be sent to the railroad to inform them of the conditions of the tracks in the Village.

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