Meeting Minutes: February 7, 2023

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Meeting Minutes: February 7, 2023

Council called to order by Mayor – Amy Joseph on February 7, 2023

at 7:30 pm.

Invocation –    Ron Searight

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:   Marcas Heitkamp, Ron Searight, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Chris Heitkamp.    Rick Shindeldecker – absent

Also attending:   Robbie Peel, Brett Peel, Marge Gehle,

Chief May, Srgt Stetler, and Erin G of the Daily Standard.

Motion Beougher.  Second Searight to accept the agenda as orders of the day

Stephenson called for the question.    Beougher = y, Searight = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Searight. Second Stephenson to accept the minutes from the January 17, 2023 council meeting as presented.        Heitkamp called for the question.    Searight = y, Stephenson = y, Heitkmap = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

* Note deadline for council agenda the Friday before council at 4 pm.  *

Brett Peel – regarding Junk vehicle —   Have been in violation for some time – understand that but we live in a small community.   We are all here to benefit the community the point is  — was offended receiving a letter instead of just someone stopping by for some face to face communication.   Wouldn’t it be better to be nice and neighborly and just talk to the people that are having issues instead of sending nasty letters – (in his opinion.)    Seems like the council would get better results just talking to residents.   Maybe change the rules to the first offense – just a face to face talk and if nothing is done by all means send letters.     Back to the violation of the truck – would like 6 months to take care of it –  will be gone by August 1st — and probably much sooner but needs some work to get it moved and weather to cooperate so the work can be done.  

Council feedback –   Have tried to face to face communications but then deadlines are not met and we have no paper trails.   We appreciate your concerns and will discuss the extended deadline.

Marge Gehle – thought Brett had some good points and not ready to present the information that was for the original request.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Some concerns regarding the restrooms at the Community Building – they have been fixed.   Will most likely be going to hand dryers and getting rid of the paper towels.

Community Announcements and events:

Village Office closed – February 20th – Presidents’ Day                                                                                                  

St. Teresa Family Fun Night / Talent Show –    March 11th – Rockford Community Building.  Talent acts may include instrumentals, singing, dancing or any other talent one would like to share with the community!

Please text 419-852-7954 or email stteresachurch@bright.net.

Lions Club Quarter Auction – April 1st – Rockford Community Building

Rockford Fire Department – April 8th – Pancake & Sausage – 6 am – 1 pm

Rockford Chamber – April  – Spring Fling –– Main Street

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple  –

Had a meeting with Access Engineering and Mercer County Economic Development regarding funding for Franklin Street – we have several options that need consideration less money in the critical infrastructure and more in the neighborhood revitalization— just depends what we score as they are now taking 7 projects instead of 5.    Thankful that we have good engineering firm and county economic working on our behalf and offer advise as they know what needs to be done and what works best for funding.

Opened bids for Tower rehab and tower demo — resolution coming up later in the meeting.

Working to find 4 to 5 more Street lights for Main Street to complete the light project to Front St.    Purchased all additional lights needed for subdivision.

Several mentions of lights out around town.     If residents want to report light problems please call us with MVL number and nearest address.

Have sent out some general messages that the bucket truck – 1999 and dump truck 1988 need replaced.    Takes time just to get these vehicles on the road – something is always needed – especially hydraulics.    If we schedule a finance meeting would like this on the agenda.

Committee Reports

Finance Committee:   Ron Searight – President

Motion Stephenson.  Second Beougher to pay the bills as presented – $44,415.06.  M Heitkamp called for the question.  Stephenson = y, Beougher = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y,   Passed 5 yes.

Motion Stephenson to approve monthly financial reports.  Second Heitkamp.  M Heitkamp called for the question.   Stephenson = y, Heitkamp = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Beougher = 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 Heitkamp to approve additional purchase orders. Second Stephenson.  M Heitkamp called for the question.   Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y.  Searight = y.  Passed 5 yes.

RESOLUTION 01-23

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TENATIVE AWARD OF THE WATER TOWER DEMOLITION AND 250,000 GALLON WATER REHABILITION PROJECT CONTRACTS CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL APPROVAL OF OHIO WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (OWDA) LOAN FINANCING; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Water Tower Demo = $ 35,400

Water Tower Rehab = $438,500

Motion:  Beougher.  Second Stephenson.  M Heitkamp called for the question.   Beougher = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

RESOLUTION 02-23

A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF COUNCIL OF ROCKFORD DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2023

Motion: Heitkamp.  Second Stephenson.  M Heitkamp called for the question.   Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Beougher =  y.  Passed 5 yes.

Service Committee:   Mary Beougher

Stopped in several businesses to check in — all seems ok no questions or complaints. 

Motion Searight to approve 2023 – Rockford Rec Board Members:

Dan Moeller, Jessica Shaffer, Brent Agler, Joanie Shirk, Tyler Stover,

Stephen Bentz, Colby Heiser, Erica Hays, Courtney Bransteter,

Matt Slavik. 

Second Stephenson.  M Heitkamp called for the question.   Searight = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Safety Committee:     Chris Heitkamp

Will have ‘something’ at the next meeting.

Economic Development Committee:  Rick Shindeldecker -absent

Public Utilities Committee:   Luke Stephenson –   

Rules Committee:    Marcas Heitkamp

Motion Stephenson to approve handbook changes.  Second Searight.  Heitkamp called for the question.   Stephenson = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y.  Passed 5 yes.

•           2.12 Use of Village Equipment (removed verbiage allowing business and personal use of village equipment.)

The use of Village equipment for personal business or private use is prohibited. At no time is it to be used for personal monetary gain. Violators are subject to legal action, as well as disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Personal use of telephone lines for long distance toll calls charged to the Village is not permitted.  Long distance calls using credit cards, calling cards or charged to a third party are permissible during scheduled breaks or lunch.

Personal use of copiers without payment to the Village is not permitted.  Personal copies are permissible during scheduled breaks or lunch provided that the Village is reimbursed $0.10 per copy.

•           4.9 Clothing Allowance ( Boots from every 3 years to 2 years and updated officers to exclude firearms and other types of self defense items)

All full-time police officers shall, with approval of the Chief of Police, have up to $700.00 per person per year available for uniform and accessory purchases and uniform cleaning (excluding firearms and other types of self defense items).

All full-time and permanent part-time employees, other than police officers, shall, with the approval of the Village Administrator, be able to rent approved uniform items from the Village selected uniform company.  Additionally, the Village will supply other uniform items that cannot be rented (for example t-shirts and sweatshirts), at the discretion of the Village Administrator.  Each full-time employee, other than police officers, shall, with the approval of the Village Administrator, be able to purchase one pair of work boots every two years, not to exceed $200.00.

Old Business:

2023 is an Election Year —   Mayor and 2 council seats.    If interested pick up petitions at the Board of Election with information on how to file to be on the ballot in November.     Need to check deadline date –  usually first week of August.

Mayor Joseph announced that she is running for Mayor last news article stated she wasn’t running for re-election.

Searight mentioned that he, Chief May, Srgt Stetler had a meeting with Parkway Superintendent to discuss how things are going, SRO position and how to proceed.  Nothing resolved – just information sharing. 

Beougher – Fence status ?   Has been handed over the to the municipal court.

New Business:

Searight – back to Village equipment needs.  Motion Searight, Second Stephenson, Beougher called for the question to approve the purchase of needed equipment.  Searight = y, Stephenson = y, Beougher = y, M Heitkamp = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Will sell the old equipment for what we can get and put those funds towards new purchase.

Meeting adjourned 8:06   pm 

_________________________                      _________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal officer