Meeting Minutes: December 18, 2012

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present: Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp
Hodge – absent,

Also attending: Nancy Leighner, Marti Lentz, Sergeant Stetler, Chief May, Marina Bigelow and Amy K. – Daily Standard.

Motion Steiner. Second Gehle to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Searight called for the question. Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler =y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight. Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the
December 4, 2012 council meetings as presented. Gehle called for the question. Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes

Visitors to Address Council:

Marina Bigelow addressed council with concerns about the $22.50 debt service on the water bill, water that is not drinkable, taxes, park information, fence placement, and tree removal service. Gehle and Searight responded. The $22.50 debt service is to pay down debt that has been incurred from the Sewer Separation project done years ago from a mandate from the EPA. The Village continues to have some of the lower water rates in the area. Water analysis tests are taken and passed each month so the water is safe to drink. The park projects are done by donations. The tree committee is in charge of tree removal and sometimes does take time. It was suggested that she talk to Jeff, if she has further questions.
Nancy Leighner appreciated the Police Departments assistance during the RADC Candy Cane giveaway at the 4-way stop last Saturday.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Mayor Joseph read a resignation letter from Councilman Gary Hodge as follows:
It is with regret that I tender my resignation from the Village of Rockford Council, effective immediately. It has truly been an honor to serve the community. I am humbled by the experience and working together with my fellow council members.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve on the board of this fine organization for the past 2 years, and I offer my best wishes for its continued success.
Sincerely,

Gary Hodge
Mayor Joseph invites anyone interested in filling the vacant council seat to come to the Village office on January 8th at 7 pm for information and interviews.
We will install the new member at the January 15th council meeting.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long – absent

Lisa reported that Jeff and the engineering firm will be meeting with the EPA regarding mandates for the sewer plant on Friday.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Pontsler to pay the bills in the amount of $87,051.20 – mostly loan payments. Second Searight. Heitkamp called for the question. Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Searight. Second Gehle to approve the 2012 supplemental appropriations. Steiner called for the question. Searight = y, Pontlser = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.

RESOLUTION 11-12
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING AND DIRECTING THE MERCER COUNTY BUDGET COMMISSION TO NOT LEVY AND COLLECT THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD FIRE LEVY.

Motion: Searight. Second Heitkamp. Pontsler called for the question. Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y. Passed 5 yes.

· Changes for final reading of 2013 budget: Health Insurance from 25% to 10%, audit fees and Police and Fire – new payment schedule.

ORDINANCE 05-12
AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO. DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013
1st reading – 11/06/12

2nd reading – 12/04/12

3rd reading – 12/18/12
Motion: Searight. Second Pontsler. Heitkamp called for the question. Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y. Passed 5 yes.

ORDINANCE 06-12
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES FOR YEAR 2013.

1st reading – 11/06/12

2nd reading – 12/04/12

3rd reading – 12/18/12

Motion Pontsler. Second Searight. Heitkamp called for the question. Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y. Passed 5 yes.

Service Committee: Gary Hodge – absent

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

Nothing at this time.

Economic Development Committee: Eugene Steiner

Nothing at this time

Public Utilities Committee: Greg Pontsler

Nothing at this time.

Rules Committee: Chris Heitkamp

Nothing at this time

Old Business

New Business

• First and only Council meeting for January to be held on January 15th.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm