The first Grand Rapids Village Council Meeting of 2024 brought a surprise as council and the mayor returned to council chambers in Historic Town Hall for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 30 minute meeting was held Monday, January 8 at 7 p.m. Mayor John Berry and Council Members Rachel Smith, Rick Tolles, Jody Donsbach, Martha Frantz, and Louise Estep were in attendance with Council Member Lynn Sylvain being absent.
Rick Tolles and Rachel Smith were sworn in by Mayor Berry. Council seats were then drawn with Smith being voted in as Council President.
Mayor Berry announced a change to the Grand Rapids Planning Commission as Michael Fatzinger will be retiring. Mayor stated Bill Hutchison, who had previously been on Grand Rapids Village Council, would be best to take over Fatzinger’s position. Council approved the appointment.
Council agreed to appoint Mayor Berry as the Grand Rapids representative to the ambulance district. Mayor Berry previously served in this role, his term expired at the end of 2023. The board is made up of representatives from Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Township, Tontogany, and Washington Township.
Council Member Louise Estep suggested using a portion of the remaining American Rescue Funds of $105,589.92 as grants for Grand Rapids non-profit organizations, pending any village projects. Estep said the funds need to be allocated by the end of 2024. No votes were taken on the matter, however she would like to discuss the idea in future meetings.
Administrator Chad Beyer spoke of new security measures at the administration building including new cameras that have view of the recycling bins and a system that requires visitors to buzz into the office.
Village meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month, excluding holidays.
NWO Community Media would like to thank our partners with the Heart of Grand Rapids for recording village meetings. You can subscribe to the Heart of Grand Rapids YouTube Channel here, and follow them on Facebook here for the latest community information.
Full video of this council meeting, recorded by the Heart of Grand Rapids below.
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