Meeting Minutes: February 3, 2026
Council called to order by Council President Marcas Heitkamp on February 3, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Dear God, please bless this meeting. Give us the insight that we need, so that we can make those important decisions for this village. We’ve been blessed by you and want to thank you for those blessings. 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
Motion Shane. Second Mary to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Chris. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the January 20, 2026 council meeting as presented. Shane called for the question. Chris = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: (By Marcas)
What a winter we’re experiencing. With January 24-25 storm of approximate 12” of snow along with single to minus degree temperatures put a strain on all of us. I want to thank you, the residents, for your cooperation through that period. As we had minimal issues with traffic or cars parked on the street. The village street maintenance workers were out all day Sunday and Monday clearing the streets. This is not an easy task for them as well, as it is for some as you as well. I know it’s an aggravation to have once shoveled out driveway or sidewalk to have it plugged again by the town’s plows. They don’t throw snow intentionally where you have shoveled. But when you think about it, that’s exactly what the plow is supposed to do. The street maintenance crew has the whole village to plow, and it takes time and they do try and not to throw snow on shoveled area’s when they can. Furthermore, alleys are one of the last areas to get plowed, because they just serve the people that live around that alley. We all have streets that service everyone, so they will plow the alleys when they get a chance and occasionally, they’ll miss one as well but not on purpose.
On a related note, please make sure all fire hydrants are cleared of snow and they can be easily seen. In case of a fire in your neighborhood, fire departments need to know where they’re at and be able to use them quickly without any delay. The department may not be Rockford, as we have mutual aid with all neighboring Fire departments to assist us on any major fire.
Water needs to be at least a drip if your home is prone to freezing, especially if its water line is close to an outside wall. This is very important for people that live on Front St., as their water lines have a history of freezing. If you have any questions about leaving your water drip stop up at the village office and they can help answer them. Thank you in advance.
On a different note, I just want to clarify that the US Congressional Districting in Ohio was changed last year. Mercer County will be coming into a new district at voting time in November, as we will be voting for the position that Jim Jordan presently holds. This is the first step of becoming the new District 4, as it will not be our official district until congress meets in early January of 2027. In the interim, Congressman Bob Latta will continue to represent us in District 5.
Please, take care of yourself, family, and neighbors during this cold spell, as it seems it’s going to be here longer than anyone wants it to be. Take care of any pet that is usually outside as well, as they need shelter too. Thank you.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9 AM – Grains of Love’s Grand Opening + 1‑Year Anniversary! Come show your support, Rockford!
Monday – February 16th – Office closed for President’s Day
Saturday – March 7th – Turtle Races – Community Building
Saturday – March 21st – St. Teresa Family Fun Night – Community Building
Saturday – March 28th – Lions Club – Quarter Auction – Community Building
Village office will be closed – March 18th – March 20th – training
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Shane Hall —- new drop ceiling installed and will be installing a TV. Thanks to those individuals that helped with this project.
Snow removal – Mostly went smooth – in the future if we get more than 3-4” inches of snow we may have to call a snow emergency – an ordinance in place that requires all vehicles to be moved off the streets or face being towed.
Freezing / Water Line / Water leaks —- reminder to those on Front street to let your water run at a pencil stream. We had a water meter freeze up Saturday night and it took 5 hours to get the water flowing again. We also had a water leak Saturday morning – so it was a long day in the cold and wind.
Solar – Engineers were here checking out locations. In the next week or so structural engineers will be here to evaluate roof tops.
Subdivision — All the lots have been sold to a contractor – all sales will be going through them moving forward. Please contact Josh Johnson of Gray Realty to purchase your lot for your new home — custom or spec homes for sale now ! Phase 3 will be coming in early 2027 – this will give us an additional 7 lots next year. Future plans – looking for additional property to continue the momentum of growing Rockford. (IF the price is right)
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Report by Luke
Motion Luke to pay bills as presented $ 15,072.69 Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Luke to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mark. Shane called for the question. Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,
Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Motion Mary to appoint Lisa Kuhn as designee on behalf of the Mayor and Council to attend the Certified Public Records Training that will be held on March 18th along with the Local Government Officials training through March 20th. Second Mark. Shane called for the question. Mary = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Mary to approve 2026 Rockford Rec board officers / members. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Officers:
President- Dan Moeller
VP- Matt Slavic
Treasurer- Jessica Shaffer
Secretary- Brittney Bickle
Board Members:
Colby Heiser
Monty Gibbons
Tyler Stover
Joanie Shirk
Courtney Davis
Erica Hays
Service Committee: Shane Young
Rockford Rec held a meeting on February 1st – they will be installing new concession doors. Baseball starts on March 28th and the Chick Stewart Tournament will be held May 14-16.
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
AES — wanting to raise rates again.
Consumers can make their voices heard by:
Speaking in person at a local public hearing: Hearing dates pending and will be posted at www.occ.ohio.gov when announced.
NOTE: OCC will request that the PUCO hold a virtual public hearing. Consumers interested in speaking at a virtual public hearing are encouraged to also submit a request for a virtual public hearing at https://bit.ly/Public-Comment-25-0958 or by phone at 1-800-686-PUCO (7826).
Work schedules, disabilities, health issues, childcare, eldercare, and transportation barriers should not prevent Ohioans from being heard. Consumers deserve accessibility to participate in decisions that affect their electric bills.
Submitting a Public Comment Online: https://bit.ly/Public-Comment-25-0958
Sending a Letter: Reference AES Ohio and PUCO Case No. 25-0958-EL-AIR and mail to:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
*Also note —-The Village of Rockford is also served by Enbridge Gas Ohio. Enbridge recently filed at PUCO to increase distribution rates in Case No. 25-1097-GA-AIR. OCC is currently reviewing their application.
Old Business:
Mary — THANK YOU to Vantage ! They have built 10 picnic tables and delivered them to Shanes park. Greatly appreciate Vantage ! Additional THANK YOU to those individuals that have been sponsors.
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 7:48 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
