Meeting Minutes: May 21, 2024
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on May 21, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Led by Mayor Searight.
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson,
Shane Young, Chris Heitkamp. Mary Beougher – Absent
Also attending: Francies Schaffner, Chief Stetler, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke Kim Carr, Toni Fisher, Susan Coburn, Twyla Hayes, Cindy Canary, Vance Cuthrell of West Ohio Cap, Robbie Peel and Erin G of the Daily Standard.
Motion Marcas. Second Mark to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
MotionMarcas. Second Chris to accept the minutes from the May 7, 2024 council meeting as presented. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Congratulations to the Parkway Graduates !
Proclamation – 21st Century Club 100th Anniversary –
WHEREAS, we are here today to acknowledge the 21st Century Club as it celebrated it’s 100 Anniversary in November 2023; and
WHEREAS, this is the longest running club in Rockford, Ohio and perhaps in the county, given the longevity of the club they had to change their name in the year of 2000 from 20th Century Club to it’s present name; and
WHEREAS, nine women organized themselves as a club 100 years ago, with the club colors of green and gold, with the flower being chrysanthemum, with membership limited to 24 ladies; and
WHEREAS, the 21st Century Club was designed to promote better culture, intellectually, and socially for its members, as many community projects have been completed due to their involvement in part or did it on their own through the many years; and
WHEREAS, the tradition and the legacy that those nine women developed 100 years ago, still is the core of what the 21st Century Club is today; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the entire Village and the Village Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to 21st Century Club for all their contributions to Rockford Community and wish the club many more years of service to our community.
PROCLAIMED this 21st day of May 2024.
Mayor noted receipt of the Mayors Court pay in and bank statement.
Would like to acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of EMS week – many thanks to those who serve our community.
Congratulations to 45 years in business – Burtch Seed.
Congratulations to Tuway American Group for 101 years of doing business. Most of those years have had a Rockford connection – approximately 80 of those years. We thank you for your business presence and the great products that you provide.
Attended New Mayor’s training in Columbus last week. Met some local Mayor’s and made some connections and discovered some new information. Held 2 staff meetings. Reviewed several ordinances that need updated and /or reviewed and some need to be enforced.
Have asked the Economic Development committee to update the community profile that was done years ago. Received a letter from FEMA regarding criteria for flood insurance that will be review by the Rules committee.
Wednesday is the last day of school for the summer – please watch out for children at play — they don’t always look out for traffic. Have a great Memorial Day and summer.
Upcoming Community information & events:
Memorial Day ——- American Legion Program Memorial Day ——- American Legion – Monday – May 27th at 11 am Parade, featured speaker – Mayor Ron Searight and the 2023 Carey, Bill and Benny Scholarship recipient, Macy Johnson. Dana Smith from Rockford Belle Community Church will be offering the prayers. Post 508 SAL Member Mike Heiser will be the MC.
Memorial Day * A military flyover is scheduled to honor the Rockford American Legion Post 508’s 100th Anniversary.
Memorial Day – BBQ Chicken dinner tickets on sale NOW at the Rockford American Legion and Rockford Carryout — PRE SALE ONLY ! $10 each.
June 13, 14, 15 – Community Garage Sales – Cost $10 to be added to the Map – For information: Contact Jamie Kerns 419-790-9776
June 14 ––Community Days – Rockford Lions Club Car Show on Market St. / Blind Date back in town –
For information: Contact Dennis Hecht – 419-852-9818
June 14 – Community Days @ Shanes Park opens at 5 pm: Vendor Market, Rides, Van Wert Community Band, Zach Spinns – fire and light show,
DJR Mobile DJ, Beer tent, Fireworks.
For information: Contact Amy Joseph – 419-953-7874
June 15 – Community Days – @ Shanes Park opens at 11 am: Vendor Market, Rides, Beer tent, Jay / Julia Reithman Acoustic, Corn Hole tournament, Kids Party on the Pad, Parade, Poker tournament,
Brian “The Barber” Moeller, Grove Hill —–
Something for the whole family !
June 15th – Rockford United Methodist Church – Groundbreaking ceremony at 10 am. Public is invited to this special event.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Last week we heard from Master Meter that our licensing and maintenance annual fees will be increased to $2800 for 2025 and 2026 and $3600 thereafter. They haven’t raised the rates for many years.
Water plant issues – looking at options. May need to purchase new software. Will get back with council when we have more information and some options and costs.
Duck weed at the lagoon on pond 2 — process to eliminate is working extremely well.
Haven’t heard any updates on the pond covers – will contact them and have a report for the next meeting.
Working with the county – scheduled a day to do some patching for 1 day. After this process we will be looking at purchasing our own equipment depending on costs.
Thank you to the Parkway 2nd Graders — they provided some community service at Shanes Park. They did an amazing job filling 16 – 55 gallon bags of sticks and trash. Very impressive. Thanks !
Brody Reigel has the go ahead to work on funding for the pavilion at Shanes Park Pond for his Eagle Scout project. The location will be on the west side of the pond. The Village will be getting the footer and pad done for the project. The Village can also do a press release.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young
Motion Marcas to pay the bills as presented: $4990.38 AND $6835.58
Total of $11,825.96. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas to accept the Mayors Court pay in: $ 591.00. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Mark to approve additional purchase orders. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
The 2025 Budget is due to the county auditor by July 15th.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher – absent
Received the plaque for the Joyce Emans Memorial.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
ORDINANCE 02-24
SOLAR REGULATIONS FOR THE INCORPORATED AREA OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS AND DECLARING AND EFFECTIVE DATE. GIVING THIS ORDINANCE FULL FORCE AND EFFECT ON THE DATE OF PASSAGE.
1st reading – 05/21/2024
Will be adding the fee of $15.00 for the permit.
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Decision needs to be made by the end of the year — Does Rockford want to cede authority and join Mercer County for electric aggregation after this term ending December 2025 ? Need to give answer by December.
Will contact Amy Hoffman and get some information pros and cons. We would like to have a decision by October 1st.
Old Business:
Visitors to Address Council:
New Business:
Visitor to address council — Vance Cuthrell from West Ohio CAP for Fair Housing Training — necessary for the Franklin St Funding. He gave very informative information for renters and landlords – pamphlets are located at the Village office. Assistance with applications at Mercer County Fair Housing – 419-586-4209 or office at 420 N Brandon in Celina.
Meeting adjourned 8:11 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
