Meeting Minutes: May 5, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on May 5, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Dear God, thank you for blessing us with the people in this room and for their service. Our prayer is for your guidance and direction as we discuss the village’s needs. As we give you thanks for all you have done for us in the past. 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, Ross Finke, Robbie Peel, Erin from the Daily Standard.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Mark = y, Mary = y , Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Mary. Second Marcas toaccept the minutes from the April 21, 2026 council meeting as presented. Mark called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
The Village of Rockford is happy to announce that the rest of Phase 2 of the sub-division has been sold to Kiracofe Homes. Kiracofe is presently building 3 spec homes that will be available later this fall. Lots are still available to purchase, for additional information call 567-644-2500.
We’re now into May and just about everyone is ready to be outside enjoying the warmer weather. I’m with you, either on a walk or a ride, it’s just nice to be outside enjoying the fresh air. I also enjoy getting things ready for summer and cleaning up around the house. Not everyone feels the same about this, but we need to keep our homes in good shape to keep the elements, insects, and animals out. We have an exterior maintenance ordinance that addresses this and we will be enforcing it. This is not a new ordinance either as it was passed in 2006. It is Ordinance # 06-12, it just hasn’t been enforced like it should have been. Like most other ordinances it addresses approximately 5% or less of the residents. Thankfully 95% of the residents take pride in their place and do this on their own without any encouragement or reprimand.
I want to thank the Community Days Committee (CDC) for the numerous donations that they have contributed to both Shane Hall and the Community Building in the past few months. These additions have added a lot to both buildings and are much appreciated. These buildings are great for the community, but the upkeep cost isn’t cheap either, so donations like this are very much welcomed. Along with this the CDC also provided music for the Marker’s Market this past Sunday. I’d also like to thank Amy Noll for providing us with the Maker’s Market and all that they have to offer us right here in Rockford.
In thanking people, I want to thank the volunteers cleaning up Shanes Park. Kay Brandt and her crew have done so much, and we’re pleased to have them. If you would like to join them, please reach out to the village office and we’ll get you set up.
I’ve also had a couple of complaints about alleys being blocked off for long periods of time. Many of these alleys are used by multiple individuals to access their garages or back doors. They are owned by the village to provide access to utilities and like services. Please be respectful of your neighbors as you want them to be respectful with you as well. They’re not intended to be a parking space for any one person or property owner.
With warmer weather upon us, please look out for the bikes, scooters, golf carts and kids walking on the streets. Nobody wants an accident to happen so stay alert and be on the lookout for them. Also, a reminder that golf carts need to be driven by licensed drivers on any public street or any public property. Enjoy the warm weather when it’s here and be safe. 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:
The Rockford American Legion and the SAL will be placing flags on all veterans graves at area cemeteries the week of May 4th. They will be at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday – May 9th at 9 am. Any and all volunteers are welcome.
The Rockford American Legion and the Sons will be holding the annual barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser. The cost will remain the same – $10. Tickets are PRE-SALE only and are available at the Rockford American Legion, Rockford Eagles, and at the Rockford Village Office. Chicken dinners will be provided by Burtch’s Barn to Table.
Saturday – May 9th – 5K Fundraiser for Asher McDonough – begins at 10:30 – there is still time to register.
Sunday – May 31st – Rockford Maker’s Market – Shanes Park 11 am – 2 pm
Friday – June 12th – Community Days Sponsoring the Van Wert Community Band — Shanes Park Pavilion — ice cream truck involved !
Let’s celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
Sunday – June 14 – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2 pm
Friday – June 19th — Rockford Lions Club Car Show and Cruise In – 4 pm
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Storm drains have been cleaned out — many were plugged with corn fodder.
HSI Solar – sent information to council for review. This is a 25 year project. With the most substantial savings on the back end. The panels will be located at the water treatment plant as well as the waste water treatment plant. Part of this project is the UV disinfection unit to be installed at the waste water treatment plant.
Motion Luke to proceed with project and service contracts with HSI and Access Engineering, and giving the Village Administrator authority to sign necessary documents. Second Marcas. Shane called for the question. Luke = y = Marcas = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Shanes Crossing Subdivision — take a drive and check it out. Several properties in the beginning building stages. Also Miller subdivision had ground breaking — exciting to this many homes being built — could be 7 by the end of the summer.
Elementary scheduled for clean up at Shanes Park on Wenesday — will see if that happens — rain expected.
Next week — Jr high students scheduled to do some community service. – clean up at Shanes park, paint hydrants and curbs, and mulch on main street. Thank you on behalf of the Village, Mayor, and Council to Mr. Triplett and Ms. Young for communications and getting the children involved it really benefits both the community and the children. Again — Thank you !
With mention of the exterior maintenance ordinance– please note if you are being held up with a project for reasons beyond your control, contact us with potential plans. Thank you.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented: $ 237,288.55. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y , Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark =y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 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. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
As mentioned reminder – we have an Exterior Maintenance Ordinance — Please review it on the website to make sure you are in compliance.
Service Committee: Shane Young
Park Manager Duties and the Park Rental agreement have been updated for this year.
Motion Shane to approve the updates. Second Mark. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
As mentioned – a lot more people walking and biking — a lot of these people will be wearing headphones — so please – both walkers/ bikers and drivers pay attention !
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
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
2nd reading – 04/21/2026
3rd reading – 05/05/2026
Motion Chris. Second Shane. Marcas called for the question. Chris = y, Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.
Old Business:
Vantage provided the sponsorship tags for the picnic tables they built and they have been placed on the tables. Thank you Vantage. We will be partnering with them next fall for more picnic tables and possible benches. We may have a donation towards benches.
New Business:
Mayor Searight would like to bring to your attention Ohio Revised Code 4519.40 – Prohibited Acts, which governs the operation of snowmobiles, off‑highway motorcycles, and all‑purpose vehicles.
Under subsection (A)(3), the law states that these vehicles may not be operated:
“On any land or waters controlled by the state, except at those locations where a sign has been posted permitting such operation.”
This means that operation of these vehicles is prohibited on state‑controlled property unless there is explicit signage indicating that such use is allowed.
(SHANES PARK / SHANES PARK POND AREA)
Meeting adjourned 7:57 pm.
_________________________ _________________________
Mayor Fiscal officer
