Meeting Minutes: July 7, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on July 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – We come here today to thank you for the privilege of serving as leaders of our community. We ask that you have your hand over the things that are discussed not only in this meeting but beyond it as we provide leadership and guidance to the Village of Rockford. We ask all these things in your Holy Name. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Shane Young, Chris Heitkamp. Mary Beougher – absent
Also attending: Chief Westgerdes, Robbie Peel, Barry Helman, William K from the Daily Standard and Ross Finke.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5
Motion Marcas. Second Mark toaccept the minutes from the June 16, 2026 council meeting as presented. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
With the Fourth of July behind us and July already underway, it feels like summer is halfway over. In my opinion, there is still so much to get done, and last week’s heat made that even more challenging. Summer always seems to go by quickly, with so many things to do, so I hope everyone can enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully, this heat wave will not stick around too long.
One thing we need everyone to check is whether the sidewalk in front of your property is clear of obstructions. We encourage residents to use sidewalks for safety and to stay out of the streets whenever possible. Please trim branches, bushes, or anything else that blocks any part of the sidewalk. This may seem like a small issue, but some people have difficulty getting around and need the full walkway. I have seen these problems firsthand over the past few years, and in some places, it is not safe or easy to walk around obstacles. Please be considerate of your neighbors and help keep our sidewalks safe and accessible to everyone.
There is a lot happening in the village, and we are working hard to keep things moving. Many of these responsibilities are like everyday necessities: they must be handled on a regular schedule. Some are required by regulations, while others are simply needed to move projects forward. We have several projects underway, including work in the subdivision, new homes being built this year, planning for the park additions announced at the last meeting, and continued efforts on the new business park. The list goes on, and we are grateful these positive things are happening. However, like many of you, we have limited time and financial resources. We are working on each of these projects, along with many others, and they will move forward as time and resources allow.
Our town is growing, and so is the need for buildable lots. We currently have seven new homes either nearing completion or under construction. While this is a positive challenge to have, many lots remain empty or are not available for sale. Some have plans for future homes, while others sit vacant with little chance of development. This creates a challenge for people who want to live in Rockford. One possible solution is to contact local builders to see what lots or opportunities they may have available or know about.
I would also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to talk with me about our town and what is happening. These conversations give me the chance to hear your thoughts and, when possible, help clarify what is taking place. To me, that is part of being a public servant. As Mayor, I want to maintain open and honest communication, but that requires effort from both sides. Residents may not always know the reasons behind our decisions or the timing of certain projects. We all need to stay open-minded and understand that the Town Administration, Council, and Mayor must often consider the bigger picture. Our goal is to make Rockford better and help it grow into the best community it can be. With everyone working together in the same direction, we can make that happen.
I would like to finish this report by asking parents of children that ride motorized scooters, minibikes, and bicycles to instruct their child on the rules of the road. Then make sure they are following those rules. I’ve received numerous complaints from young individuals running stop signs without looking or even slowing down for them. You’ve probably seen some kids with helmets on, which is for their safety. But it’s not much protection if they get hit by a car or truck that crosses their path. Please don’t let a disaster be your guide to making sure your child is safe. To the people that have spoken up, thanks! You see something and you say something to the people that might be able to change it, including their parents. Keep up the good work.
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 – July 11th – Mercer Health 5K – in Rockford
Sunday – July 12th – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2pm
Sunday – August 2nd – Shanes Park – Maker’s Market – 11 am – 2 pm
SchoolHouse Farms – Sunflowers in Bloom festival from August 6-9, 2026. Highlights include:
– the largest map of America ever made at 80 acres
– 2 million sunflowers
– over 12 miles of trails
Activities and entertainment including:
Food trucks, local vendors, tethered hot air balloon rides (extra fee)
Petting zoo, Photo ops, 5K walk/run, stargazing, live music, hayride, nature yoga, u-pick flowers and Schoolhouse Farm products
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
The demo on First Street is moving forward.
The Shanes Park pond — seems to be some issues with vandalism. It’s a privilege for the public to be able to use it, but if the damages continue we will have to shut it down for no swimming.
HSI solar — all utility applications have been submitted. Planning a site visit with all contractors and hoping the project can be done by the end of the year.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $61,572.26 Second Mark.
Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 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. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Chris = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders. Second Shane. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas to amend the pay ordinance adopted at the beginning of the year by removing the fixed special duty pay rate for police officers. Second Shane. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Shane = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y. Passed 5 yes.
This amendment would authorize the Chief of Police to negotiate special-duty contracts, subject to approval by Village Council. This would provide the flexibility to adjust compensation based on the terms of individual contracts, as some special-duty opportunities pay more than the rate currently established in the ordinance, resulting in increased compensation for both the Village and the officers working the assignment
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
2nd reading – 07/07/2026
Budget Hearing Meeting – 7:15 pm — was held before the Council meeting.
Motion Marcas. Second Shane to approve the Preliminary 2027 Budget to County Auditor. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Rules / Zoning Committee: Mary Beougher
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
3rd reading – 07/07/2026
Motion Mark. Second Shane. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Discussion regarding Subdivision Covenants — Change the wording of 19. Letter B to read –
All single-family residences must have an attached 2-car garage with a minimum 576 sq ft – the square footage remains the same it just doesn’t have to be in the dimensions of 24 x 24
Motion Mark. Second Shane. Marcas called for the question. Mark = y, Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Service Committee: Shane Young
Safety / Housing / Buildings Committee: Mark Heitkamp
To revisit the concerns of Mayor Searight in his message — other communities are having the same problems with children riding motorized scooters, bikes, etc without the proper equipment and not following the ‘Rules of the Road’. Children are wearing headphones and can’t even hear the traffic around them. This will be a topic of the next safety committee meeting – discussions on rules that we may need to start enforcing.
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 7:49 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
