Meeting Minutes: June 16, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on June 16, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Thank you for this meeting and all that is in attendance. We ask that you bless us and guide us with information on how to serve the village’s needs. We thank you for all your past blessings as well. As 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, Robbie Peel, Barry Helman, Francis Schaffner, Erin from the Daily Standard.
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 June 2, 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 your summer is going well, as in the last couple of days, we’ve seen milder temperatures and less humidity, which is a blessing to all. I’ve noticed the activity at the park has increased as it usually does at this time of year. With so many ball games going on for the very young to high school age the diamonds and the other facilities get used a lot. But many other activities are available as well, with playground equipment, to the funny houses, splash pad, and the pond to just name a few. But you may not know that we have a pickleball, sand volleyball, basketball courts, and of course batting cages. Our park gets a lot of use and that’s what it’s there for, so enjoy it. But please take care of it and leave it cleaner than when you came to it. Also, big thanks to the Recreation Board for all their volunteer work, as do things really well. If you see one, thank them for their service.
The new shelter house is almost completed as we thank Brody Reigle for his Eagle Scout project. It is a great addition to our park as we needed something close to the pond for shelter and restrooms. Once again, this was done mostly through donations by many organizations and built by volunteer help. Thank you to all that contributed to this project, it was a success.
During one of golf cart rides around town, I happened to notice an underage girl driving the cart on the street with an adult beside her. For some of you this may not seem to be an issue and for now it isn’t. The concern is for the safety of all, and that includes the child that is driving. Good intentions can create bad situations for all parties involved. So, use good judgement and if in question on what to do, do the right which is the safest thing.
Also, I’ve noticed a lot of houses that are being remodeled throughout the town. A few were storm damaged, but most have been in the works for some time. It’s great to see people investing in their homes. It also makes our community look better, as it adds value to your property and your neighbors too.
With the Fourth of July just a little over two weeks away, don’t forget there’s things that you can do before it gets here. Community garage sales are scheduled for June 19th and 20th, as this year it’s up to you to advertise as there are no sponsors for this event. So, get out and see the bargains you can get at a garage sale. Also Friday June 19th Rockford Lions Club will be having their annual car show back on Market Street. Enjoy the car show display, as it’s a good one to see. I know there will be food available at the show, but we also have many other places to get some food as well.
With gas prices the way they are, thinking local makes even more sense. Support what we have and in the long run you’ll save money, time, and help the business stay here as well. We thank our local businesses for the great services that they provide us and our community.
Finally, Happy Father’s Day this Sunday and to all the men who are raising or have raised your children. You play an important part in your children’s lives. Either way you’re doing it, you make a major impact on them. Think about it and hopefully you feel good about it and what you’re doing, and you have a great relationship with them as well. They are our future, invest wisely.
Enjoy your summer and the Fourth of July! Happy 250th birthday, USA!
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Friday – June 19th — Rockford Lions Club Car Show and Cruise In – 4 pm
Friday & Saturday – June 19 & 20 – Rockford Community Garage Sales –
No map – advertise your own sale.
Sunday – June 28th – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park 11 am – 2 pm
Friday – July 3rd – Village office closed for Independence Holiday
Saturday – July 11th – Mercer Health 5K – in Rockford
Sunday – July 12th – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2pm
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Letting the public know that we will be having traffic counters here – something that the state does periodically.
Update on HSI Solar – project moving forward. We will be having a sight visit with engineers, contractors – all involved – at some point. We don’t have the date set yet. Will keep everyone informed.
GOOD NEWS – We received a grant from the Ohio State operating budget for $100,000 for Shanes Park. This will be in addition to the local matching funds of $20,000. The project includes new pickle ball courts, new sand volleyball courts, walking paths and lights. Will be receiving the grant package and more details in the weeks to come.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented: 06/09/2026 – $25,411.57 and
06/16/2026 – $9,405.80 Total = 34,817.37. Second Mary.
Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
ORDINANCE 03-2026
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR UNPAID PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FEES AND DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
1st reading – 06/16/2026
Budget Hearing Meeting – 7:15 pm — before the Council meeting on July 7th.
Preliminary 2027 Budget to County Auditor by July 15th.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Mayor directive that Zoning be a part of the Rules committee moving forward.
ORDINANCE 02-2026
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING, APPROVING, AND RATIFING THE ATTACHED ORDINANCE 16-1960 – PASSED ON 02/09/1960 BUT WAS NEVER RECORDED.
1st reading – 06/02/2026
2nd reading – 06/16/2026
Service Committee: Shane Young
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Mayor directive that Housing / Buildings be part of the Safety committee moving forward.
Tornado sirens — Would like to note the county controls the sirens and the timing.
Discussion on special duty pay – need more clarification on this at the next meeting.
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Old Business:
New Business:
Mayor Searight recently reviewed some of the ordinance and would like the Rules Committee to review and update some of them. Will need the committee to set up a meeting.
Marcas —- HSA contributions for employees for this year. With the rising cost of insurance I would like to recommend that we deposit $2500 per employee this year instead of the $5,000 that was deposited last year for those currently covered in our insurance program. The amount to be deposited will be $1250 yet this month and another $1250 in November.
Motion Marcas to approve the HSA contributions for this year. Second Shane. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Meeting adjourned 7:47 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
