Meeting Minutes: July 21, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on July 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Thank you, Dear God, for all the many ways you have helped us. We ask for your guidance at this meeting and for all the people that represent this village. Please help us not only during the meeting, but daily as we perform our duties to this town. We ask all these things in your Holy name, Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher Shane Young, Marcas Heitkamp and Chris Heitkamp absent.
Also attending: Chief Westgerdes, Robbie Peel, Barry Helman, Erin from the Daily Standard and Ross Finke.
Motion Luke. Second Mary to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Shane called for the question. Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Mary. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the July 7, 2026 council meeting as presented. Mark called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y. Passed 4 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
On the night of July 10th, I was walking my dog and approximately seven kids came up to me with a nice and gentle German Shepard. The dog had no leash but had a collar with no identification on it. They stated that they didn’t know who the dog was and they were asking me if I knew. They had no clue who I was at that point. That would change as they found out quickly that I was the Mayor. We got a leash along with water for the dog from the people at the house we were at. The Sheriff’s office was called, and they came for the dog and picked up the dog. But I was impressed by those young kids, as they really wanted to do the right thing. They went to several homes to see if that person’s dog was missing as they didn’t want that dog to go to the dog pound. They did everything in their power to protect the dog, along with being very courteous to their elders. I wanted to let them know that I appreciated them and what they were doing.
Speaking about kids, I just received my first report of a vehicle and scooter collision in the village. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, at least I don’t know of any. We can make ordinances that will limit certain activities from being legal, but that doesn’t solve the problem either. Parents, if you’re going to purchase these powered scooters, minibikes, and bicycles, make sure your children know the rules of the road. This isn’t limited to just Rockford, as it’s a concern for most towns in the area. Coldwater, St. Mary’s have been in the newspaper discussing some type of options. Please discuss this with your children and let them know that you care about their safety.
On another note, we are exploring ways to help ensure your water bill arrives to you on time. We are and will continue to send email notifications along with postcards on the first day of each month with the amount due. Many residents don’t know that they have other options in obtaining your water bill. But you can also see it and pay online, although a service fee applies for paying online, and the Village does not receive any portion of the card service fee. If you are having trouble receiving mailed notices and have an email address, please visit the Village office to sign up. Remember, receiving your bill by email does not require you to pay online. You may still use the payment box outside the office or pay in person during office hours.
This summer has sure shown us some extremely hot days and now with unwanted smoke at times. Stay as cool as possible and make sure, you’re drinking enough water. Enjoy the rest of July.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you, Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Sunday – August 2nd – Shanes Park – Maker’s Market – 11 am – 2 pm
Local vendors, food trucks and music ! Fun for the whole family !
Tuesday – August 4th – Back to School Night @ Rockford Eagles
• Open to the public
Monday – August 10th – Parkway High School – The “Spiffy for School” event is a back-to-school event hosted by the P.R.O.W.L. (Panthers Reaching Out with Love and Leadership), a parent group serving Parkway, PreK-12th grade. This event offers free professional back-to-school haircuts, school supplies, a selection of gently used Parkway gear and tennis shoes, along with popsicles with the principals.
• The complimentary haircut time slots are limited and require registration through SignUpGenius https://m.signupgenius.com/…
• Donations can be dropped off at The Rockford Carnegie Library M-TH 10-7, F 10-5:30 S 10-2
• Accepting: school supplies, Parkway gear, tennis shoes, and monetary donations
• Event for Parkway Students only.
Thursday – Saturday – August 6-9, 2026. SchoolHouse Farms – Sunflowers in Bloom festival
Sunday – August 30th – Shanes Park – Maker’s Market – 11 am – 2 pm
Local vendors, food trucks and music !
Saturday – September 12 – Mercer County Fairgrounds – Household hazardous waste day and steel drop off. 9 am – 1 pm. Mercer County residents only – no businesses.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple – absent
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – absent report by Mark Heitkamp
Motion Mark to pay bills as presented $ 10,871.97. Second Luke.
Shane called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Mark to accept Mayor’s Court pay in $354. Second Luke. Shane called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mary = y. Passed 4 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
2nd reading – 07/07/2026
3rd reading – 07/21/2026
Motion Mark. Second Shane. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Shane = y, Luke = y. Mary = y. Passed 4 yes.
Rules / Zoning Committee: Mary Beougher
Mayor Searight to committee – need to review and update the ‘no solicitation’ ordinance and the ‘pet owners solid waste’ ordinance.
Service Committee: Shane Young
Shanes Crossing Historical Society —- fundraiser – Tree planting this fall at Shanes Park. We need your help ! Sponsor a tree – $140. Information at the Village Hall or on Shanes Crossing Historical Society Facebook page.
Would like status on the little houses at Shane Park —
Safety / Housing / Buildings Committee: Mark Heitkamp
The committee is working on updating some ordinances – not those mentioned above.
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Administration photo — before next council meeting at 7 pm.
Economic committee met with the investors of Chene Development – a group of individuals that are committed to the development of a business park. The development will be East just off Route 33 – we are excited for this and fully support the project. If you are interested in information please contact Tammy McDonough at 419-733-6389.
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp – absent by Mark Heitkamp
Water billing options / discussions – continuing to build the email listing for water billing. If you no longer need the postcard – please let us know.
Enbridge Gas Ohio has asked the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to approve an increase in natural gas charges for residential consumers. If approved, the proposal would increase the fixed monthly charge raising bills for the average residential consumer by about $9.50 per month (approximately 10%). In addition, Enbridge is also proposing changes to certain riders (additional charges on consumers’ bills).
The PUCO needs to hear from residents! How to make your voice heard:
Speak in person at a local public hearing:
6 p.m. Aug. 31, 2026, Lima Public Library, 650 W. Market St., Lima, Ohio 45801
Can’t make it to a hearing?
Submit a Public Comment Online: https://bit.ly/Public-Comment-25-0958
OR
Send a Letter—Reference AES Ohio and PUCO Case No. 25-1097-GA-AIR and mail to:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 7:44 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
