Grant City Plans to Move Helipad to Basketball Court; Mission Possible Looking at NW Corner of Square

Big plans for the City of Grant City were discussed at the regular Grant City Council Meeting Wednesday night. Ben Fletcher of the Grant City Fire Department gave a presentation on the progress of the helipad project. This will allow emergency personnel to life flight people more safely. The initial location was not ideal, because pilots may not land at night; landing at night is up to the discretion of the pilots. The ideal location is a 100 foot by 100 foot safety zone, accessible by emergency vehicles, and with electricity for night landings.

The most suitable location for a helipad was the basketball court, which is deteriorating and in need of replacement anyway. Economic Developer Gene Auten, who was at the meeting, said he was looking into funding for a new basketball court. Ideally, he said that it should be located in the middle of town; locations around the square were discussed, along with a vacant lot just south of the firehouse. The Pool Park only has enough room for half a court, and would create clutter. There is currently a basketball court that kids can play on at the school.

The helipad would be accessible from 4th street, which would take the least amount of dirtwork. The old siren would come down, but the new one, which is currently being used, would stay up. The horseshoe pitch would go. The city voted to donate the area to the Fire Department.

The other big change to the town discussed Wednesday was the possible location of Mission Possible at the northwest corner of the square. Marti Myers, who represented Mission Possible, said they were looking at grant money to build a one story building on three of the old lots that were destroyed by the Square Fire several years ago. Mayor Debbie Roach signed off on a statement saying it did not conflict with city plans. The plan includes purchasing the lots from the three owners, and the city voted to waive a tax lien on one of the properties contingent on the owner turning the lot over to the project.

Auten reported that the Progress Organization had gotten rid of 10 abandoned homes last year, and that there were 4-5 so far this year that were on their list to demolish. The next house on the demolition list is on Smith Street in Chinatown as soon as the weather cooperates. Another abandoned home that was on the shortlist was the pink home near Dave Lewis’ on the west end of town.

The council voted to award C&S Electric the bid to rewire the Pool Park for $2,156.
Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that city crews had been pothole patching, sweeping the streets, and putting on gravel.

Water Superintendent Caleb Moyer reported that a pump on the 7th Street lift station had failed, they were on the spare, and that they needed a new one. The Council authorized the purchase of a new pump. The city obtained three bids, and voted to award the bid to Allied Systems for a cost of $10,166.28.

Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported there were already 2-3 applications for lifeguards for the pool season this year. The city donated a pool pass for the Worth County After-Prom.

The city sent out two letters of violation to property owners in town. The council authorized a third letter of violation.

The council went into closed session. Councilman Bruce Downing made a motion to approve a 2% cost of living increase for employees; that motion died due to lack of second. Michael Chapman made a motion to approve a 3% increase, which was approved. The city will next discuss raises after the employee evaluation in December.