Meeting Minutes: December 16, 2025
Council held a moment of silence in honor of Norm VanTilburg who recently passed away. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on December 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray — Dear God, we thank you for the opportunity to come here and represent the people of the Village of Rockford. We thank you for your blessing that you have provided us this past year. As we look for further blessing in the upcoming year as well. We ask all these things in your Holy name. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young, Chris Heitkamp.
Also attending: Robbie Peel, Chief Stetler, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke, Mike, Vicki, and Nick Bruns, Amy Noll, Pastor Bill Halter, Steve Moeller and Erin – Daily Standard.
Motion Shane. Second Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Luke=y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the December 2, 2025 council meeting as presented. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
I have had feedback from the last Mayor’s Report about the issues with the cats. As I found out the Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled that all cats and dogs are protected under Ohio’s felony cruelty laws. That means whether they live outdoors, indoors, stray, owned, or community owned cats they are protected under that law here in Ohio. If caught miss treating one of them, you could be convicted as a felony under Ohio law. So, with that said be careful how you manage them and what you do to them. As it seems to me, we need a Humane Shelter here in Mercer County that could help in situations like we are seeing here in Rockford.
The past snow fall was a considerable amount, one that we have not seen in recent years this early and our sidewalks showed it. We need to keep them shoveled so people can walk on them safely, including yourself. There are quite a number of people that still walk during the winter months and sometimes the streets are the best option at the time. So please be aware of walkers when driving down our streets, as they are out at all times of the day and night. Walkers, please make sure you know where you are walking and be aware of traffic as well.
Next week it will be Christmas, and I hope that you are ready for it. For some Christmas is not as enjoyable as it is for others, as they could be away from home, or missing someone. Others may not have the means to make it special. Some of these folks might just live near you. Look around and see if you can find that person that is in need, as it could be just a simple phone call or visit that will make this season special to them. If nothing else, invite them to the Community Building for “Together on Christmas” for a free meal on Christmas Day. It all happens from 10:30 AM to 1 PM. They can eat in or carryout, either way, you are welcomed as a part of our community here in Rockford.
As we look towards next year, let us build upon what on the successes of this year. I have mentioned in the past about the volunteers that have stepped up doing many projects and events that add life to the community. But we have added a new shelter house that fits in with the pond within the park. The new addition of streets in the Second Phase of the sub-division that is going to be adding new homes to our community. The reconstruction of Franklin St. and how it is more functionable after a brief period of construction. We have added a day care facility, a bakery, and reopened the Tasty Twirl all here in Rockford this past year. All positive things that we need to continue to promote and support.. I stress this as we need to position ourselves for the future so we can grow and not become a town that no one wants to move to or live in. We have watched too many of our children move to other communities because they offered more than what we have. We, Rockford, can change that and it starts with us, right now as we cannot wait!
Lastly, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay safe and enjoy the season and all it has to offer. But remember the reason for the season and carry that thorough out the year.
God Bless.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Every night through December – Christmas lights at Shanes Park until 10pm!
Dog tags on sale at the Village Office until January 31, 2026.
Cost $22 – cash or checks to Mercer County Treasurer — no debit cards.
Thursday & Friday – December 25th & 26th – Village Office closed for Christmas Holiday.
Friday – December 25th – Together on Christmas – Free Christmas Day Dinner @ Rockford Community Building from 10:30 am – 1pm
A Community meal in Celebration of Christ’s birth.
Will need LOTS of volunteers to help take down Christmas lights. Can you help? Call the village office with your name and phone number so we can contact you when it’s time 😊
Thursday – January 1st – 2026 – Village Office closed for New Year’s Day.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Water plant – Still waiting on parts for the service pump.
Leaf pick up is finished for the year. If you have leaves you want to get rid of, please feel free to put them in the “Grass Clipping’ bay behind the village office.
We had an incident on Saturday — an accident with the plow truck at 33 and Holly Lane. Both vehicles have extensive damage but no one was hurt and that was the main concern. This accident is currently under investigation by the insurance company. We can still use our truck because the damage was on the passenger side. We hope it will get us through the winter and will look at repairing in the Spring. Please make sure you slow down and use extreme caution when you see the plows out and about.
In regards to plowing — your mailboxes need to be installed on the backside of the curb. Those installed improperly or are leaning in the line of traffic – could be damaged and those damage will be at the home owners expense. Now, if we back into or hit your mailbox and it was in the proper location, we will reach out to you and let you know of the accident and we will replace your mailbox with equal or better parts. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
We are holding meetings regarding solar options for our large electric usage facilities. Once we have the information we will need to have a finance and utility committee meeting to discuss the proposal.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young –
Motion Shane. Second Marcas to accept the Mayors court pay in $920. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y , Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to pay bills as presented $ 12-04-2025 = $110,928.92 and
12-10-2025 = $322,882.64 Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y , Chris = y . Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to approve additional purchase orders. Second Luke .
Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark =y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
Sharing for the Shanes Crossing Historical Society — “Plant a Tree” with us to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Sponsor a tree to be planted at Shanes Park – $140. Trees will be planted in the Fall of 2026.
Also don’t forget about the Picnic table sponsorships – cost $150. These picnic tables will be replacing old tables at Shanes Park. Please contact us soon as the order will be given to Vantage after the Christmas break.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Visitors to address Council: Deadline for council agenda is the Friday before council at 4 pm- please note the topic of concern. Time limit 5 minutes.
Mayor Searight presented a Proclamation to Mike Bruns – recognition as he retires – 44 years serving the Rockford Community.
WHEREAS we are here today to acknowledge Mike Bruns, owner of Bruns Plumbing Heating for 44 years of service to the Rockford community; and
WHEREAS Mike has contributed much to this community beyond his business, as he provided music and sound systems for numerous events, provided worship services for nursing home residents, along with many other community and church events; and
WHEREAS Mike is retiring from ownership and has sold his business, but he is not stopping as he continues to serve his community with his talents; and
WHEREAS Mike is the only person that has had the honor of being both citizen and business of the year at the same time in the year of 2013 here in Rockford; and
WHEREAS on behalf of the entire Village and the Village Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Mike Bruns for all he has accomplished. As we wish him all the best in his new stage of life.
PROCLAIMED on 16th day of December 2025.
Ron Searight
Mayor, Village of Rockford, Ohio
Rockford Chamber representatives Amy Noll and Pastor Bill Halter presented Mike with a plaque which read — Mike Bruns — Congratulations ! 44 years of service to the Rockford Community and the surrounding area.
Thank you, Mike, for your Chamber support and we extend you best wishes in your retirement.
Steve Moeller — A Mercer County volunteer bringing Awareness of the Mercer County Imagination Library that partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio —- provides a new book for each child registered from birth to 5 years old. A child’s brain is almost fully developed by the age of 3 – which is why we are promoting getting books into children’s hands early instead of phones or ipads.
The program is open to all children — if you have 3 children in your family then all 3 children can be signed up. Each child will receive a book monthly for the age group they are in. Each year new books are selected so the books are never the same.
Parents and grandparents can sign up their children at the Rockford Library or there is information online. Need name, age and mailing address – very simple.
Beginning soon all birth certificates in Ohio will have and additional simple question — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Yes or No to get children signed up. Mercer County stats — 2,000 children signed up which is 63% of all that are eligible.
There will be special events in 2026 for additional promotions. The Ohio State budget pays for ½ of the annual cost ($1.30 per book). Each County is required to pay the other ½ ( $1.30 per book) by organizations and business sponsorships along with grant programs. If you are interested in helping sponsor this program, please contact the Village office and we can help you get moving in the right direction.
Thank you Steve — This is a great program for all Mercer County youth !
Randy Now – Did not show up.
Old Business:
New Business:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
Meeting adjourned 8pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
