May 12, 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 (excused) and Louise Estep (here).

Hutchison made a motion, seconded by Erdody to suspend the reading and accept the minutes of the April 28 Council Meeting as submitted. Motion passed by voice vote.

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

Mayor Keifer recognized Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. Sheriff Wasylyshyn presented a certificate of appreciation to Gloria Kutchenriter for reporting a crime and helping to solve many others. Mayor Keifer then presented Ms. Kutchenriter a certificate of appreciation for going beyond the description of a neighbor and citizen.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the application for the use of public properties from Julie Pontasch for "Art in the Park" during Rapids Rally Days on July 12 and 13, 2008. After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Hutchison to approve the application. Motion passed by voice vote.

Mayor Keifer reviewed the application for the use of public properties from Julie Pontasch for the Sunset Jazz & Art Festival on August 17, 2008. After discussion, Sherwood made a motion, seconded by Estep to approve the application and amend it to allow one proper vehicle to pull the beer wagon on and off the towpath and to prohibit parking in the alley. Motion passed by voice vote.

After discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Erdody to authorize Administrator Hoffman to send a letter to the property owners of Dandy's Lane to inform them the fence is on Village property and they need to remove it immediately. Motion passed by voice vote.

Due to an incident at Rita's Dairy Bar, there was discussion regarding vehicles parking on the grass and across sidewalks. Mayor Keifer reminded all that if anyone witnesses this to call the Sheriff's office.

There was discussion on cars parking on the grass and drive near Bluebell Island. After much discussion, Estep made a motion, seconded by Sherwood to have the Village Administrator place a barricade and a sign stating "no vehicles beyond this point" at the drive to Bluebell Island. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. It was also noted this would provide a safer environment for visitors and those who use that area.

There was discussion on cars parking on the grass on the West side of the Town Hall. After discussion, this topic was sent to the Town Hall Board of Control for further discussion and a recommendation.

Mayor Keifer stated there is a group of citizens working with the Wood County Sheriff's Office on a Block Watch Program. There is an organizational meeting on June 10 at 7 p.m. at the Weslyan Church.

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

Councilman Sherwood recommended the Historical Society send a letter in support of the Bluebell Island project to the Ohio Historical Society in the hopes it would move the project along. Councilman Erdody volunteered to write the letter and present it at the next meeting of the Historical Society.

After discussion, Berry made a motion, seconded by Erdody to waive the $30 permit fee for Calvary United Methodist Church for a new sign to be located at the same location as their current one. Motion passed by voice vote.

Fiscal Officer Estep stated the Exit Conference for the recent audit is scheduled on Monday, May 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Village Office.

Lieutenant Hillard presented the monthly Sheriff's report.

Councilman Estep reviewed the minutes from the Lands, Buildings and Parks Committee Meeting held on April 28.

Councilman Berry stated he would schedule a Safety Committee Meeting prior to the next Council Meeting and let all know. The topic is nuisance properties.

The Fiscal Officer gave the first 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.

Councilman Erdody scheduled a Sidewalks Committee Meeting on May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Village Office.

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