Meeting Minutes: January 20, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on January 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Dear God, we thank you for the many blessings that you provide each one of us and the village that we live in each and every day. We ask that you bless this meeting with knowledge and wisdom to direct us as we discuss the needs of the Village. Help us move forward in the betterment of the Village. 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, Ross Finke,
Motion Marcas. Second Mary to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the January 20, 2026 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 hope that you are doing well and staying warm, as winter has shown its ugly head with extreme temperatures and with more wind than we’ve seen in the past few years. This has contributed to a lot of sickness throughout our community and the state. To combat this, please keep as warm as possible whether inside or outside, eat good healthy foods, stay home if you’re sick if possible, and utilize safe personal hygiene practices to minimize your exposure to sickness. Sleep is an important part of this and with the sun going down so early in the evening, think about going to bed earlier to get that extra time of rest. Bottom line, take care of yourself, as others may be depending upon you. This includes the animals outside, please make sure they have the proper shelter that can keep them warm and dry.
Last month we stated that some people were receiving their water bills late and from the feedback that I’ve heard on this, and I would like to address this. We as a village can send you out a notice every month that gives you all the information that you need to know about paying your bill. This should help if you’re online and have a history of late mail. If you’re online you also have the option to pay for it online as well, there is an additional service charge for using your credit card for this service. To get setup for the email notification notice, all you have to do is come into the village office and give Lisa your information and she’ll set you up.
I know this is a sticky topic but one that needs repeating, please shovel off your sidewalks. Every year we’re told to do so, but according to Ohio Revised Code (ORC), Section 723.011 are sidewalks are to be free from snow or any other nuisance. That’s a state law that covers Rockford, as we don’t have a town ordinance addressing snow removal. This is a state law, and when we or any other government entity doesn’t have an ordinance, ORC is the law that is used throughout the state. With that said, we’re not going to go around and police this, but we’re trying to advise you of any legal obligations that you have and what could happen if someone falls and gets hurt. So, please address this and take care of it the best you can.
One final note, please be aware of these cold temperatures and what it does to water lines as they will freeze. So, if you’re concerned about any line freezing up just open that line to a trickle flow and you should be fine. Thank you.
God Bless.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Dog tags on sale at the Village Office until January 30, 2026.
Cost $22 – cash or checks to Mercer County Treasurer — no debit cards.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Water plant — parts are on back order.
North well pump will be cleaned and serviced once the weather gets warmer.
Solar updates — we have reviewed the electric bills from 2020 -2025 increases per month for each of the following buildings since 2020 are Wastewater treatment plant $1,000, Water Plant $300, Lift station $200, Village office $200 and the Community building $100. With this information and some discussion the council agreed that we should move forward. Electric costs are continuing to increase each year. The solar project will see more significant savings beginning year 4 and forward. This is a 28 year investment for the company with the Village adding a liability insurance cost of $1,000 per year. Is suggested that we paint and do maintenance on the community building roof before installing. The company will be working with us on those costs as well since it is a benefit for them as well. With council approve the design letter would be done by February 28th, and the project could potentially be completed by July of this year.
Council agreed to move forward. We should have contract information by the next meeting.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $26,131.79. 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 Mayors Court pay in $711. Second Luke. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Shane =y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Motion Mary to approve 2026 WRKD station Officers. Second Marcas. Shane called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
The WRKD Board of Directors
Chris Rasbach – Station Manager
Luke Stephenson – President
Todd Henkle – Vice President
Loren Shindeldecker – Secretary
• For underwriting information please email – sales@mix1013wrkd.com
Service Committee: Shane Young
Rockford Rec meeting will be held February 1st at 6:30 pm — location to be determined.
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
An Economic Development committee meeting will be held before the next council meeting at 6:30 pm.
We will also be having our administration group photo taken 😊.
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
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.
Old Business:
Lumber has been delivered to Vantage — The picnic table project begins.
New Business:
Motion Mark to go into Executive Session for Property/ Legal issues. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes. Time 7:58 pm.
Motion Mark to come out of Executive Session at 8:05 pm. Second Marcas. Mary called for the question. Mark = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Shane = y. Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Action –
Motion Mark requesting and approving legal council to proceed with filing a motion for Eminent Domain. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris. Passed 6 yes.
Meeting adjourned 8:08 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
