Meeting Minutes: March 17, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on March 17, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray -. Dear God, give us grace and knowledge to make good decisions for Rockford. Please bless the people in this meeting that have stepped forward in leading our community. Bless our community with togetherness, strength and hope. We ask all these things in your Holy name, Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher. Chris Heitkamp and Shane Young – absent.
Also attending: Interim Chief Shindeldecker, Bret Jones, Erin from the Daily Standard.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y. Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the March 3, 2026, council meeting as presented. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
The Village has been busy with many things going on, not only within the administration, Chene Development, and several other opportunities that are presenting themselves to us. For the most part, these are things that will make this town better in the long run. We’re continuing to look at ways to improve the town and the quality of life for our residents.
Spring is just around the corner and during one of my walks I came upon a couple cleaning out the debris from the flowerbeds surrounding the Community Building Parking Lot. They showed me flowers sprouting out of the ground, so we know Spring is getting close. As nature is leading the way.
Before I forget, a big thank you to the individuals that did the cleaning up, as you made it better than it was before, and you and I know who did it. Volunteerism not only helps the community but builds pride in the individual that’s doing something for someone else or group. This is just one example of Rockford pride.
I’ve received a couple of calls about the village office being closed. The only time we normally close is when Lisa is out either picking something up, training on things that she cannot be disturbed by, on vacation, or sick. We just don’t have the resources to keep it open when she is gone. So, when the sign out front says “closed” we’re closed you won’t be able to get into the front door. Thank you.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Receipt of Mayors Court pay in and bank statement.
Was also brought to my attention that US Senator Bernie Moreno’s office recognized Bryan Stetler’s retirement – “to recognize you upon your well-deserved retirement as Chief of Police for the Rockford Police Department. This is an occasion to reflect and thank you for your service.”
Upcoming Community information & events:
Village office will be closed – March 18th – March 20th – training.
Monday – March 23rd – Shanes Crossing Historical Society Meeting
7 pm – Guest Speaker – Brad Now
Friday – March 27th — Parkway School Carnival 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Saturday – March 28th – Lions Club – Quarter Auction – Community Building
Saturday – April 11th —- Chamber SPRING FLING / Vendor Market /
Car Show 11 am – 3 pm in conjunction with Rockford Fire Department Pancake Day – 6 am – 1 pm.
Saturday – April 11th – Parkway Music Booster 5K – 9 am – starts at Parkway High School
Friday – June 12th – Community Days Sponsoring the Van Wert Community Band — Shanes Park Pavilion — might be some ice cream involved !
Let’s celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Solar – working on some design updates – still moving forward.
Rehab of north well – everything looks good and should be finished this week.
WWTP — will need to work on the lagoon cover – several issues with wind.
Working on reimbursement for the Shanes Park restroom project. ODNR helping with some information that was needed. They have been extremely helpful.
Working on next grant opportunity for Shanes Park from the State Budget. Funding information will come this summer The project will be – if awarded- new pickle ball courts, relocation of the sand volleyball court, connecting walking paths and a walk path around the pond. All would be great improvements to Shanes Park.
Miller subdivision (by the water tower) prints have been sent to the recorder’s office. We have potentially 2 lots sold and will be working on the purchase agreement in the next week.
Shanes Crossing subdivision – some miscommunications but all is working out. The village will be trenching the electric and AES will be coming in to install the electric. Once electric is done – Enbridge will be in to install the gas. All should be finished by the end of the month. We have received 6 building permits plus 1 for the Miller subdivision. Additional lots for sale in the subdivision !
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $54,007.62. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Marcas to accept Mayors Court pay in $349. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. 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 Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders. Second Mary, Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Bakery / Vendor Stands in the Village —-
Working on some guidelines — information to council.
Park – questions regarding the ‘rental’ of the ball diamonds for family gatherings.
Letter from the Ohio Department of Commerce — any concerns with liquor permits in the Village ? If all ok – no response is needed.
Service Committee: Shane Young – absent
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Parkway Music Booster 5K — will be held on April 11th at 9 am — the race begins at the Parkway High School and will head north on the bike path. They will turn west on W. South Street and then go north on S Vine Street. They will cross Pearl Street to Market Street and they will head west and continue out Rockford West just past Now Rd. Runners will then turn around and run the same route back to the track at the high school.
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
This year’s Spring Fling – April 11th features:
26 vendors offering crafts, goods, and local products
Car show showcasing classic and specialty vehicles
Train rides and a petting zoo for family fun
Activities at the Rockford Carnegie Library
Delicious local food options throughout the day
Individuals interested in becoming a vendor may contact Amy Noll at 419‑953‑8761 for more information.
Additional event details can be found on the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp – absent
Old Business:
New Business:
Motion Mary to go into Executive session regarding Personnel. Second Mark. Luke called for the questions. Mary = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y. Passed 4 yes. Time – 7:46 pm
Motion Marcas to come out of Executive session. Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Luke = y. Passed 4 yes.
Time: 8:26 pm
No action taken
Meeting adjourned 8:27 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
