Dec 18, 2024

Rockford Council Minutes:

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on December 17, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

 

Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Searight

 

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

 

Also attending: Patrolman Miller, and Erin G from the Daily Standard.

 

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

Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to accept the minutes from the December 3, 2024 council meeting as presented. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence

 

This being our last council meeting of the year, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This past year brought a few changes to our community. Some were good, while others with great sorrow. But with those changes comes opportunity and that is what we need to focus on.

 

We as Mayor, Village Council and administration have established 1 – 3 – 5 year plans for our community. We have also planned for an unexpected large amount of money and what we would be able to do with it. These plans are set for where we would like to see them and that they will do for the betterment of the community. These goals have been thought and written down. I have been reviewing the 1 year plans from each and I have noticed that most of the goals have been achieved. The ones that haven’t are either being worked on or we are trying to address. But just like everywhere else in life, when change happens, we need to revise or add to our list.

 

Early next year we plan to introduce the Rockford Village Community Profile, it will compliment the Chamber of Commerce Directory and Visitors guide. The profile is loaded with detailed information about our community that any business might want to know about us. The profile will have the same look of the Chamber directory and both will be available soon at the Village office.

 

Don’t forget, “Together at Christmas” is a free Christmas dinner that is provided by the Rockford area churches and is open to all – everyone is welcome. This event in the past has served over 500 meals to families, friends, and visitors alike. It’s a great even and we want to thank everyone that has participated in the past and welcome the ones that will be coming next week.

 

This mark’s my first year as Mayor of the Village of Rockford and I must say it was an interesting one for me. But I am surrounded by good people that have the best interest of this village in all of their decisions they make. We are blessed to have them as they support this community very well. I am proud to be your Mayor and want to thank all the many people that have come to see me in my office. We have had some good discussions, and I have learned a lot this past year. If you see me walking my dog, please don’t be afraid to stop me and talk to me --- Just don’t make me late for dinner !

 

Once again, don’t forget about the less fortunate this Christmas. If you can reach our and help one of them, even it is only the gift of time. Give what you can. It’s the thought that counts.

 

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

 

God Bless you.

 

Mayor Searight.

 

 

Noted receipt of Mayor’s Court pay in.

 

Mayor Searight and Village Administrator – Aaron Temple will be on WCSM radio this Friday with Kevin Sandler at 12:30 on Spectrum.

 

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

Every night through December ---- Christmas Lights at Shanes Park!

 

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – December 25th, 26 & 27– Village office closed for Christmas

 

Wednesday – December 25th – Together at Christmas – sponsored by local churches – Rockford Community Building 10:30 am – 1 pm

 

Wednesday – January 1st – Office closed for New Year’s Day

 

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

 

Dog tags on sale – Village Office until January 31st, 2025

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple

 

Had a pre-construction meeting regarding Franklin St this week. Project to begin on January 6th. Project completion date – June 30th. There will be times that the street and or driveways may not be accessible for a short time --- please work with us and be patient. We should be getting a timeline and we will try to get it posted on Facebook for the public to know the tentative schedule.

 

Regarding 302 Pearl St --- this has been on going for over a year. If we don’t receive answers by January 6th – the village will proceed to get quotes to demo what remains of the building.

 

Last meeting discussed the work at the Community building --- this will begin on February 3rd and will hopefully be done in 2 weeks. Several projects at the building so once we start ---we will be staying on it.

 

Leaf pick up is over. If you have leaves (and limbs) you want removed residents are welcome to bring to the bin behind the Village Office. Limb pick up may not be on the exact scheduling over the next several months because of weather issues.

 

 

Shane --- Children walking to school will need to be careful in the Franklin Street area with construction --- may have to change route for a time.

 

No parking signs and street signs will be ordered.

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Finance Committee: Shane Young

 

Motion Marcas to pay the bills as presented 17,536.76 Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

Motion Shane to accept the Mayors Court pay in - $892.00. Second Marcas. Mark called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp –

 

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Reminder ---- Christmas at Shanes Park --- Lights on every night through December – It’s beautiful ---so make sure you check it out !

 

Last chance to see Santa! He'll be at the Santa House in Shanes Park on Wednesday, December 18th from 6:30pm to 8pm.

 

Held a meeting with the Park Manager – Amy Joseph. A few changes with manager duties.

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp

 

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

 

 

Old Business:

 

 

Visitors to Address Council:

 

New Business:

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

 

 

Meeting adjourned 7:50 pm