May 8, 2025

 

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

 

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on May 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

 

Let us Pray – Dear God, we give you praise for the warmer weather and flowers that are starting to show. For the many blessings that you provide us daily, that we take for granted. We ask that you bless this meeting and the community that they represent. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

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

 

Also attending: Chief Stetler, Officer Miller, Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Abigail from the Daily Standard, Austin Gause, and Leora Donley – of Mercer County Department of Development

 

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

Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Mary toaccept the minutes from the April 1, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence

 

What a couple of weeks or days can do with the weather. Hopefully we’re going to see it getting warmer outside so we can enjoy it and be outside more. I hope that’s the case for you, so you’ll be able to get outside and enjoy the warm spring weather as well.

 

While you’re out and enjoying the weather, go to Shane’s Park and see what it has to offer, as it has a lot more than just a playground and some ball diamonds. We have a beautiful park as it is, but a few volunteers from our community have taken up the task of cleaning it up and making it even better. This group is called the “Friends of Shane’s Park”, and they have been collecting limbs and debris, and now are in the process of putting down mulch. But they weren’t the only ones doing so, as a few Parkway National Honor students and other community members as well have contributed time at the park. These groups and individuals have done a wonderful job for our park and community, showing pride in what we have. If you would like to find out more about the “Friends of Shane’s Park”, please contact Kay Brandt at 419-305-0419. Also, big thanks to the Rockford Recreation Board as well for all their efforts in providing things for our young people to do and play. They also have made several improvements to the park area. These are the organizations that I come to mind, but I sure there’s other groups as well that support that support or park and our community.

 

With warmer weather we’ve seen an increase in minibikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycle activity within the village. Please, if you’re using one of these, make sure that you ride them responsibly. Recently we’ve experienced motorcycles that either have their music up to loud or they have loud exhaust. Either way, we will utilize the noise ordinance or any applicable ordinance, and they will get a ticket if caught. So, please be respectful of others when riding one of these or any other vehicle as others what to enjoy what they’re doing as well.

 

That said, we’re seeing children on bicycles using the same roadway that we all use. Please be observant whenever there’s a child around as they can get into your path very quickly, creating a very dangerous situation. No child wants to be hit by a car, nor does anyone want to hit an innocent child. They just sometimes lose track of where they need to be, so please be alert.

This includes golf carts as well as some of them are a lot quieter than any other vehicle and people don’t hear them as well. Remember only license drivers are the only ones permitted to drive a golf cart on the street. Please keep that in mind for the safety of everyone.

 

Enjoy Spring and its milder temperatures, so go to a ballgame or track meet and support our youth. They’ll enjoy your support, and you’ll get some fresh air while enjoying the day.

 

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:

 

Tour of Honor --- Hedges Park – Veterans Memorial -

April through October. Rockford is 1 of 7 locations in the State of Ohio.

More information can be found at tourofhonor.com.

 

Sunday – May 18th – Parkway Graduation - Congratulations class of 2025.

 

Sunday – May 25th - Maker’s Market - Shanes Park – Noon to 3 pm

 

Monday - May 26 --- Rockford Memorial Day Remembrance

 

The public is invited to honor our fallen veterans at Riverside Cemetery at 10 am. Flags will be placed on the grave markers, a 21 gun salute will be given, and TAPS will be played.

 

The parade will begin at 11 am

 

We are honored to have Jerry Reigle as our Guest Speaker, a Parkway graduate and Vietnam veteran. Also speaking the 2024 Carey, Bill, and Benny Scholarship recipient, Tyler Rowan. Pastor Bill Halter of the Rockford UM Church will be offering the prayers. Post 508 SAL Member Mike Heiser will be the MC.

 

The Rockford American Legion will be holding a chicken dinner fundraiser.

The cost will be $10 - Tickets are pre-sale only and are available at

Rockford American Legion, Rockford Eagles and the Village Office. Chicken dinners will be available for pick up at the drive thru service at the Rockford American Legion right after the service.

 

Sunday - June 8th – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – Noon to 3 pm

 

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Finance Committee: Shane Young – absent report by Council President – Marcas Heitkamp

 

Motion Marcas to pay the bills as presented-

04/09/2025 - $46,877.96

04/25/2025 - $10,149.13

05/05/2025 - $39,938.31

 

Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to accept April Mayors Court pay in $ 792. Second Luke.

Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

 

Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Luke.

Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark. Passed 4 yes.

 

Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,

Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement, comparison report for the water, sewer, and income tax.

 

Motion Marcas to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Luke.

Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders

Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to approve bid for Shanes Crossing Subdivision Phase II to Hohenbrink Excavating LLC in the amount of $626,292.36. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to approve Village Administrator and/or Fiscal Officer to sign all documents / contracts for the Shanes Crossing Subdivision Phase II project between the Village of Rockford and Hohenbrink Excavating LLC. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Motion Marcas to approve HSA health insurance renewal – May 1st with Physicans Health Plan. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

Budget to County Auditor by July 20th. Schedule Budget hearing July 15th will budget approval the same date.

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

 

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Motion Mary to hire Amy Joseph for park management and cleaning at a rate of $1,000 paid monthly beginning May 2025. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.

 

 

2025 Maker’s Market Dates – all located at Shanes Park with exception of

Rocktoberfest on Main St in conjunction with Trick or Treat and Costume

Judging at the Fire Station.

 

May 25th

June 8 & June 22

July 6th& July 20th

August 3rd & August 17th

Sept 7th & Sept 21

Oct 5th

Rocktoberfest – Main Street – October 25

Maker’s Market Holiday Bazaar Nov 23 - Community Building

 

** Some dates may be subject to change.

 

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp - absent

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

 

Visitor to address Council:

 

Leora Donley – of Mercer County Department of Development presented Fair Housing Laws and Rights. Information packets available at the Village Office.

 

Randy Now - No show.

 

Austin Gause – Ordinance issues regarding parking.

 

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

Are you interested in serving the Rockford Community? If so, there will be 4 council seats on the ballot this November. All candidates need to file petitions by 4 pm on August 6th.

 

Meeting adjourned.