Meeting Minutes: December 2, 2025
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on December 2, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray — Dear God, we come here to discuss the events and things that are happening here in Rockford. We ask for your guidance and direction in the choices we make. We ask all these things in your Holy name, Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Chris Heitkamp. Shane Young – absent
Also attending: Robbie Peel, Chief Stetler, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke, and Erin – Daily Standard.
Motion Mary. Second Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Luke. Second Chris toaccept the minutes from the November 18, 2025 council meeting as presented. Mark called for the question. Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
I am proud to recognize Kay Brandt as our Citizen of the Year and Grains of Love as our Business of the Year. Each has made outstanding contributions to Rockford, enriching our community in their own ways. Their dedication and spirit exemplify what makes Rockford strong and united. Let us celebrate their achievements and take pride in having such remarkable individuals and businesses among us.
Wow, the power of “We.” If you had the opportunity to attend Rockford’s Hollyday at Shanes Park and the number of people that attended one or all three events on Sunday November 23rd, showed the best of Rockford. The Chamber of Commerce sponsored this event and headed it up. The volunteers were key to its success. Many of these volunteers are dedicated to helping Rockford thrive, offering their personal time, expertise, and sometimes even financial support to ensure events like this one are successful. A big thanks to the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and all the volunteers that made it happen.
One of my favorite events of the day was the decorated golf cart parade, as my wife and I followed a beautifully Christmas decorated cart that featured the “The Christmas Scrooge” riding abroad. However, it was not just that cart or any vehicle; there were many, each adorned in countless unusual ways. Expressing their own version of a Christmas Parade. Just a lot of simple, family friendly, and fun that all could enjoy and experience.
During the past few weeks, I have received at least four complaints about cats roaming around and causing issues around town. A Rockford ordinance permits the live trapping of cats, provided that all captured animals are treated humanely afterwards. Please take care of your cats and have them live in your own home and / or stay on your property. Letting them out and roam is a nuisance for others to deal with and is creating issues. If you have a cat have them spaded or neutered, so we do not have additional problems going forward. If you have other concerns about cats and odors, contact the county Health Department.
As the year end is approaching, I must thank so many people that have made this year a better year here in Rockford. A substantial number of individuals that are also volunteers gave of their time, but even more importantly their skills and talents. They are the can doers that make things happen for everyone else to enjoy. They see a problem and then work to fix it to the best of their ability. The past year, many people stepped up to help, joining the others that have been doing so for years. They are not out for the recognition on their own, but as a team that is filling a need. We need more volunteers like that in other areas as well, you just might have the talent or skills that is needed. This town will be grateful for your efforts, and you will feel good about doing something for others.
It would be unfair for me not to mention the village employees and what they do for our village. They are more than village employees, just drawing a check, as they care about Rockford and the needs. They have the best interest of Rockford as whole in what they do, as they want to be here and work here to make it better. Anyone of them could go somewhere else and have better working conditions and pay, but they are Rockford people serving their town. When you see one of them thank them for their service, as they surely do not hear that enough.
Rockford is experiencing new positive changes. Although some progress needs improvement, Rockford residents are working to improve their community. The second phase of the sub-division is ready to buy, build, and live in. Therefore, it is likely that new homes will be built in the subdivision very soon. We have a great community, but we need to grow and provide quality jobs and places for our children, so they will want to stay and live here as adults. That includes businesses that provide jobs not only for our youth but as we get older as well. I am confident that next year you will witness some of the things I am mentioning unfold right in front of you.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed season of Thanksgiving this year and a good and safe start of the Christmas season as well. Thank the ones that have blessed you this year as well.
Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Every night through December – Christmas lights at Shanes Park until 10pm!
Dog tags on sale at the Village Office until January 31, 2026.
Cost $22 – cash or checks to Mercer County Treasurer — no debit cards.
Friday – December 5th – Village office closed — Online training.
Thursday & Friday – December 25th & 26th – Village Office closed for Christmas Holiday.
Friday – December 25th – Together on Christmas – Free Christmas Day Dinner @ Rockford Community Building from 10:30 am – 1pm
A Community meal in Celebration of Christ’s birth.
Will need LOTS of volunteers to help take down Christmas lights. Can you help? Call the village office with your name and phone number so we can contact you when it’s time 😊
Thursday – January 1st – 2026 – Village Office closed for New Year’s Day.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
We have been using up vacation time before the end of the year.
Working on plans for additional dura patching next spring – we are finding the cost savings vs asphalt replacement to be about one third the cost and that is without labor.
Planning to finish up leaves next week ending December 12th —if the snow melts. If not, we are done with leaves for the year. You are welcome to gather leaves and put them in with the grass clippings bin behind the village office.
Mentioned at the last meeting the problems at the water plant. We are waiting on parts and we have not ordered the new compressor yet – still working on getting reasonable quotes.
Equipment – the bucket on the bucket truck is not working and we have exhausted all resources in trying to get it fixed. We are looking for a reasonably priced ‘new’ one. We have lined up a bucket truck to use to put up Christmas lights next week.
On a good note — Lot 21 of the subdivision has been sold and will begin construction late winter / early spring !
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young –
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $14, 807.78. Second Luke.
Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = 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, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,
Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement, comparison report for the water, sewer, and income tax.
Motion Marcas to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase orders. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
.ORDINANCE 04-25
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 31,2026.
1st reading – 11/04/2025
2nd reading – 11/18/2025
3rd reading – 12/02/2025
Motion Marcas, Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Motion Mark to suspend the rules in order to pass the following Ordinance by emergency. Second Marcas. Chris called for the question. Mark = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Luke = y. Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
ORDINANCE 05-2025
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE SHANES CROSSING SUBDIVISION PLAT DRAWING – PHASE 2 – AND THE RESTRICTIONS AND COVENANTS FOR RESIDENTIAL LOTS LOCATED IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 17, TOWN 4 SOUTH, RANGE 2 EAST, DUBLIN TOWSHIP, VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY, OHIO.
This emergency ordinance to be passed for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety in the Village of Rockford, shall go into immediate effect.
Motion Mark. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
Sharing for the Shanes Crossing Historical Society — “Plant a Tree” with us to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Sponsor a tree to be planted at Shanes Park – $140. Trees will be planted in the Fall of 2026.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Resolution 08-2025
The Village of Rockford Supporting the Office of Community Development to make application for the Brownfield Remediation Program Grant.
Motion Marcas. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Visitors to address Council: Deadline for council agenda is the Friday before council at 4 pm. Time limit 5 minutes.
Randy Now on the agenda, but did not show up.
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
