Graffiti on Shed Discussed at Grant City Council

On January 7th of this year, a fire gutted a shed north of Sherri’s Pharmacy in Grant City. Shortly afterwards, someone spraypainted graffiti with vulgar language on the shed on all four sides. Two citizens, Donna Nickerson and Jay Shipley, came to the Grant City Council Meeting Wednesday to ask what could be done about getting rid of the graffiti.

“The sign coming into Grant City from the west says this is a great place to call home,” said Nickerson. “Is it, when school buses and kids go by it every day? It’s been there 11 days.” She said that calls and inquiries to the city and Sheriff’s Department have received no response.

Public Works Director Carl Staton said that he had tried to contact the owner of the building regarding the issue, but was unable to find him and nobody who knew him would give out his number. Clerk Ayvonne Morin said she had contacted the Sheriff’s Department, but was told by someone there that there was nothing they could do. “I wouldn’t put up with it for five minutes if it were at Isadora,” said Jay Shipley. “How would you respond if a kid asks what that word means?”
The city agreed to contact the City Attorney to see what steps they could and couldn’t do.

Janice Borey updated the council on the efforts by the Golf Board to renovate the clubhouse. They are seeking up to $250,000 for the project. The Grant City Legion owns the course and leases it to the Golf Board. Under one proposed grant the board is pursuing, the Legion would transfer the course to the city, who would lease it to the Golf Board, since the rules of the proposed grant require a local government to put its name on the project. The council voted to accept the transfer contingent on approval of the Legion and approval of the grant.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that city crews were working on trucks and sweeping snow. He said the city was fortunate this year not to have main breaks after the first cold snap.
Water Superintendent Caleb Moyer reported that the city replaced two frozen water meters and a few minor leaks.

Mayor Pro Tem Cathy James signed a proclamation designating February 4th to 10th as Boy Scout Week. This will be the 108th anniversary for the organization.

Incumbents Catherine Runde and Bruce Downing have filed for reelection. They are unopposed.
The council will hire lifeguards for the pool in March. Councilwoman Cathy James said the city was fortunate with their pool, since Maryville has had to spend $500,000 on repairing leaks and Mount Ayr has also had issues.

The council will hold a special budget meeting on January 25th at 6 pm.