Meeting Minutes: April 7, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on April 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray -. Dear God, please bless this meeting as we discuss the needs of our village. We pray that you guide us in the best direction for the village. We thank you for your past blessings 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: Chief Westgerdes, Barry Helman, Ross Finke, Robbie Peel, Erin from the Daily Standard.
Motion Marcus. 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 March 17, 2026, council meeting as presented. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
We’re proud to announce that we have a new Police Chief that started as of yesterday. Chief John Westgerdes comes from the Mercer County Sheriff’s department with a great amount of experience and backing from various other departments within the county. Please welcome him in his new position and introduce yourself to him as well. I’d like to thank all the other applicants for their interest in this position as well.
Water Bills continue to be an issue for being delivered late and we’re looking at different ways to resolve this issue. In the meantime, if you have computer access you can look up your bill on the village website and even print a copy of this month’s bill, so that you can pay as you normally do. You can also pay for it online with your credit card, with a small credit card charge. All you need is account ID and your last name and you’ll be all set. Once again, we are working on a solution to resolve this issue, but please be aware that it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s paid for on time. Thanks.
Well Spring has sprung and we’re seeing just about every kind of weather nature can throw at us. Please stay up on all the weather notices, as we’ve seen wind and hail in and around us. Make sure that you have a place of shelter during these events and you have the supplies to weather out any long-term power outage.
With that said, when the power goes out and the traffic light is not working. That intersection becomes a 4-way stop. Be careful when you’re at it during a power outage as not everyone understands that it is a 4-way stop. With the winds the way they were that day none of our signs would have stayed up. So, we’re working on something that will alleviate the problem.
If you haven’t heard, the mural on the fire station is registered in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Our application was submitted by Twyla Hayes and was accepted as one of many across the State of Ohio. We’re proud to have this mural and the people that want to drive this town forward. Thank you for your efforts.
We also want to thank the individuals that not only put the Easter Egg hunt on, but to the many people and organizations that supported it as well. It had to be moved due to weather conditions, but they made it work. We appreciate it as the kids look forward to it. Thanks.
Finally, it’s been in the works for the past 50 years in the making of Gehle Transportation being in business. They celebrated their anniversary last Saturday night at their current location on St. Rt. 707. But there’s many Rockford ties to this business, as it started right here in Rockford. Even more, one of the owners served many years on town council. So, congratulations on this achievement and best wishes towards many more years as well.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
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
Monday – April 20 – 7pm – Shanes Crossing Historical Society meeting – with Guest speaker Mr. Harrison Frech
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.
Maker’s Markets coming !
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Hope to have the WWTP lagoon tarp fixed by the end of the week.
Will also be finishing up the concrete work at the park.
Will be getting HSI Solar numbers before the next meeting.
Health Insurance renewal – waiting on quotes.
Shanes Crossing Subdivision – Working with AES, Wabash and Enbridge on utilities – should be finishing up in about 2 weeks. 5 lots have been purchased with another 3 potential. Miller subdivision (by the water tower) 2 lots have sold. A lot of village activity this summer — exciting times !
Working on the tornado sirens — evidently not reaching the far north part of town. Working on options and then will get some quotes.
Spring Fling — No parking on Market St for the Car Show and also reminder – no parking along Main Street.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $85,087.76. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y, Passed 6 yes.
Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,
Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement
Motion Marcas to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Chris. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders and 2nd Q blanket certificates. Second Chris. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Service Committee: Shane Young
Rockford Community Projects to celebrate – America’s 250th
Rockford American Legion — take part in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with Avenue of Flags !
Shanes Crossing Historical Society – Plant a Tree with us !
Trees will be planted at Shanes Park in the Fall !
The Village of Rockford, Ohio is delighted to share that we are participating in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026. We recently have been approved to be a part of the Murals Across Ohio.
Use this link https://america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio/ to find Rockford and many other murals across the state marked on the map.
Ohio is Celebrating Our Communities Through Public Art along with other events and experiences across all 88 counties. From aviation pioneers to musical legends, discover Ohio’s unique role in American history.
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:
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
Additional event details can be found on the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
RESOLUTION 02-2026
RESOLUTION OPPOSING ENBRIDGE GAS OHIO’S REQUEST TO INCREASE DISTRIBUTION RATES AND REQUESTING THAT THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF OHIO DENY THE UTILITY’S REQUEST
Motion Chris. Second Marcas. Shane called for the question. Chris = y, Marcas = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = Y. Passed 6 yes.
ORDINANCE 02-2026
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SANITARY SEWER LATERAL POLICY FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY, OHIO. THIS ORDINANCE REPEALS ANY PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
1st reading – 04/07/2026
Old Business:
New Business:
Motion Shane to go into Executive session regarding Personnel – Complaints against a Public Employee. Second Marcas. Chris called for the questions.
Shane = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.
Time – 7:46 pm
Motion Marcas to come out of Executive session. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 4 yes. Time: 8:43 pm
No action taken
Meeting adjourned 8:43 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
