Towpath Radio Updated: G.R. Council Meeting Filled with Allegations and Heated Arguments
Written by Towpath Radio on June 24, 2024
Updated 6/24/24: The Grand Rapids Arts Council offered clarification to the statements made at the June 10 meeting regarding the ARPA Funds Grant:
“I would just like to clarify information in the above notes about the 6/10/24 Village Council meeting. The Grand Rapids Arts Council never had any intention of using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant money for anything but those past activities which were negatively affected by the COVID pandemic, such as the Sunset Jazz and Arts Festival, the Harvest Moon Gala, the Kids Art Camp and the Gingerbread House Decorating.
The new project, the Sculpture Garden, has been in the planning stages for more than two years and has had funds allocated to it well before the ARPA grant was even a possibility. In addition, the recent Pop-Up Art Gallery in May was was planned and funded with GRAC monies before any knowledge of the ARPA grant being available.
GRAC plans on honoring the stipulations of the ARPA grant and will use our savings and the generous donations from personal and business sources for new activities.
Sincerely,
Diana Pulschen Votava, President
Grand Rapids Arts Council”
Original Story:
The most recent Grand Rapids Village Council meeting was held Monday, June 10 inside Town Hall. All councilmembers were present minus Councilmember Rachel Smith.
The hour and five minute long meeting featured routine business such as approval of $47,311.80 bills from May 10 through June 6, a sheriff’s report where council asked deputies to monitor traffic around Town Hall and the ballfields, and a report from those involved with Town Hall stating that recent shows “packed the house.”
Parking was discussed as a local business owner requested better signage pointing to the parking lot behind the shops on Front Street, which is often ignored by visitors. More parking along the curb of Front and Beaver (near the old hardware store) was also requested as the property hasn’t been used as a hardware store/ gas station in some time, making the driveway entry unnecessary.
During the “reading of communications” portion, Councilmember Louise Estep read a thank you note from the Grand Rapids Arts Council which expressed appreciation to council for the $7,500 grant. The note indicated funds from the grant would assist with constructing a sculpture park, located on Councilmember Lynn Sylvain’s property, which sits between Waymakers and Fernados.
“It just doesn’t sit right with me,” said Estep. “The Arts Council, they do a great job, but I have an issue with a non-profit using non-profit money to beautify private property.”
Estep questioned Sylvain about the property and explained that she believed it was unethical to have her property beautified by public funds and funds that were awarded by council. Estep went on to say she thought the sculpture park is a wonderful idea but should be located in a publicly owned location.
“The Arts Council approached me about using it to create a sculpture garden, I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Councilmember Sylvain. “I gave them a lease at no cost, I continue to pay all taxes on that property. The improvement that Louise is implying are they will put big concrete pads in there so they can put sculptures on, when they leave that, they leave those intact or can remove them. I don’t care one way or another. I don’t consider that an improvement.”
The conversation then appeared to fall into multiple allegations and arguing, with no resolve for the issue. The mayor then hit the gavel and called the meeting back into order.
The meeting, which was tense at times, came to a head after roughly an hour during the “unfinished business” portion after Councilmember Jody Donsbach called for all councilmembers to lead by example.
“I have a beef with you,” Mayor John Berry stated to Councilmember Sylvain. “Lynn, in the past year you’ve just ridiculed the employees. You go up to them and scream at them and holler and people probably don’t know that who are sitting here.”
“You’re lying,” Sylvain stated. “Stick to facts or move on.”
“I’m not lying a bit,” Berry stated. “That’s exactly what you do. Jeremy was mowing grass up here the other day and you told him to get off your property. It was not on your property.”
“Come on John, purge,” Sylvain replied.
“I just feel like you treat them less than what you think you are,” Berry stated. “And as far as Bass Street, that is not your property. You ran a person off there Sunday, a handicap person, who was trying to park back there to get out of their car and you told them to leave because it’s your property.”
“I didn’t tell anyone to leave,” said Sylvain.
Berry then looked to Councilmember Rick Tolles who stated he was not there to witness the alleged incident but was told about it from someone who claimed they saw it.
Throughout the confrontation Sylvain repeatedly told Berry to “purge.”
“I don’t know if you had something in your childhood that makes you this way but it’s ridiculous,” Berry said.
“Come on John, more,” stated Sylvain. “Purge.”
The verbal altercation continued until a local business woman stepped in.
“Can I put in some money for your all to go to see a psychologist?” stated the woman. “For Christ sakes, get on with your damn meeting. What a disgusting thing.”
Mayor Berry then struck his gavel to the table and continued to new business before adjourning the meeting without further altercation.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month in Grand Rapids Town Hall at 7 p.m. Those wishing to speak should sign in upon arrival prior to the start of the meeting.
Our thanks to the Heart of Grand Rapids for live streaming this week’s meeting. You can see the full video below:
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Diana Pulschen Votava On June 23, 2024 at 4:35 pm
I would just like to clarify information in the above notes about the 6/10/24 Village Council meeting. The Grand Rapids Arts Council never had any intention of using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant money for anything but those past activities which were negatively affected by the COVID pandemic, such as the Sunset Jazz and Arts Festival, the Harvest Moon Gala, the Kids Art Camp and the Gingerbread House Decorating.
The new project, the Sculpture Garden, has been in the planning stages for more than two years and has had funds allocated to it well before the ARPA grant was even a possibility. In addition, the recent Pop-Up Art Gallery in May was was planned and funded with GRAC monies before any knowledge of the ARPA grant being available.
GRAC plans on honoring the stipulations of the ARPA grant and will use our savings and the generous donations from personal and business sources for new activities.
Sincere
Diana Pulschen Votava, President
Grand Rapids Arts Council