Nov 20, 2024

 

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

 

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on November 19, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

 

Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Searight

 

Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young. Chris Heitkamp absent.

 

Also attending: Chief Stetler, Patrolman Miller, Robbie Peel and Erin G from the Daily Standard.

 

Motion Shane to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Second Marcas.

Luke called for the question. Shane = yes, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Motion Marcas toaccept the minutes from the November 5, 2024 council meeting as presented. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence

 

Noted Mayors Court pay in and bank statement.

 

On behalf of the whole village, we want to thank all the businesses that are remodeling and updating their buildings, as it gives the town a new and fresh look. You can’t miss the new home for Brand It Marketing, with the new paint, new windows, and doors. This building is a cornerstone of our downtown. Ole’ 1820 has also installed a new roof and changed the front of the building with a more up to date look. First Financial is in the process of making some upgrades and will be very nice once complete. The Rockford Eagles has just installed a new awning over their patio and it looks good. These are wonderful additions to our town and investments that are well received by the community. There are other businesses owners that have in the past made improvements and we want to thank them as well. There are more upgrades being planned in our downtown that will also benefit the community.

 

Shanes Park is another area with several improvements – the log cabin has been restored and the new shelter house is coming along as well. These are good improvements to the community.

 

Thanksgiving is upon us, and we need to be thankful for all that we have, as we are lucky to live in such a great country, state, and country. Take time to give thanks to whoever has encouraged, helped you, or provided for you. As this is a national holiday for that type of reflection on what we received and who truly gave it. Have a good Thanksgiving !

 

This Christmas please help support the businesses and organizations that help our community all year long. Small businesses are the heart of our community and nation, please support them.

 

With the holidays the cold weather comes right with it. Please take the time to prepare for the winter season, as we don’t know what old man winter will bring. Coverup, protect whatever needs protected and be ready for whatever winter can throw at us. We’ve gotten used to having mild winters and that can give you a false sense of security. Make sure you have enough food in your house and fuel for your car, so if the weather surprises you, you’ll be ready.

 

And remember it’s better to ‘Give more than you take, and you’ll receive more than you give.’

 

God Bless You,

 

Thank you.

 

Mayor Searight

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

Thursday and Friday – November 28 & 29 - Village Office closed for Thanksgiving.

 

Sunday - December 1st – Christmas lighting at Shanes Park --- 6:30 pm

Join us for a festive evening of holiday cheer at Shanes Park, Rockford, Ohio! Enjoy: * Delicious cookies and hot cocoa * A chance to sit on Santa's lap * Festive photos with Santa * Dazzling Christmas lights*

Bring the whole family for a magical night of holiday fun!

 

Wednesday & Thursday – December 25th & 26th – Village office closed for Christmas

 

Wednesday – December 25th – Together at Christmas – sponsored by local churches – Rockford Community Building

 

Saturday – January 4th – Shanes Park clean up beginning at 9 am until complete.

 

Wednesdays – 4:30 – 6 pm Community Drive thru meal – Rockford United Methodist Church on --- when school is in session. Free will donations accepted.

 

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple - absent.

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Finance Committee: Shane Young

 

Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented $10,158.26. Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Shane to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $ 824. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Shane to approve 2025 Pay Schedule. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

RESOLUTION 10-24

A RESOLUTION RETAINING THE SERVICES OF ROSS FINKE AS SOLICITOR FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR 2025, SETTING COMPENSATION, AND ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

Motion Shane. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Luke – y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

ORDINANCE 05-24

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2025.

 

1st reading – 10/01/2024

2^nd reading – 10/15/2024

3^rd reading in December

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp –

 

Please remember when hiring contractors to work in the village - They need to fill out a contractors registration each year and follow the contractors Village Ordinance 05-22. Here is the link to the information on our website

https://rockfordalive.com/village-of-rockford/contractor-information.

 

Thank you.

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Make plans to check out the Christmas lights at Shanes Park. Received some feedback from the Holiday Bazaar.

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp – absent

 

Mayor Searight - would like the Safety Committee to investigate / research putting in a crosswalk across Main street for children walking to school.

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

Need to schedule a meeting – regarding the historical building committee.

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

Rockford Electric aggregation has changed names – to Dynegy Energy. The current contract and rate will stay the same until December 2025.

 

 

Old Business:

 

Council - please review the community profile information that was emailed.

 

Visitors to Address Council:

 

New Business:

 

Clerk to have online training for end of year ---- Office closed on Monday December 9^th from 8 am – 4 pm

 

 

Meeting adjourned 7:47 pm

 

 

_________________________ _________________________

Mayor Fiscal officer