Meeting Minutes: January 2, 2024
Ross – Oath of Office to Ron Searight – Mayor
Mayor Searight – Oath of Office to – Mary Beougher
Mark Heitkamp
Luke Stephenson
• Photos
• Photo of all of council/ Mayor
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on January 2, 2024
at 7:30 pm.
Invocation – Ron Searight
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson,
Mary Beougher, Chris Heitkamp. Shane Young – absent
Also attending: Ross Finke, Francis Schaffner, Marge Gehle, Robbie Peel,
Chief Stetler, Lisa Searight, Erin G of the Daily Standard, Samantha, Parker, Makayla, and Colin Ketchum, Twyla Hayes.
*Moving forward — the roll call with be first names since we have 3 Heitkamps on Council.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Chris. Second Marcas to accept the minutes from the December 19th, 2023 council meeting as presented. Luke called for the question.
Chris = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Visitors to Address Council: This will be moved to the end of the meeting going forward.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Mayor Searight’s opening statements for 2024 –
“Happy New Year to you and the Village as a whole. I’d like to congratulate Luke and Mary for their reelection. I also welcome Mark Heitkamp, as our newest member of the council replacing my seat on Council.
As the new Mayor, I feel privileged to set in this seat and will work for the betterment of the village. We have many challenges, but with that we have many opportunities ahead of us. But together, I stress together, we can make the best of them. We need to stay positive and look for ways to solve the issues that are in front of us. We also need to make sure we communicate with the people of Rockford, as we are public servants. This while looking at the big picture of what’s best for our community.
After serving on council for the past 2 years, I know that we’ve got the people on this council to make that difference within this council. We’ve changed some things on titles of committees and layout on the agenda. But these are surface items and more is going to happen, but they are in the planning stage and have yet to be introduced.
To finish, I’m proud of Rockford for the people, the many organizations, businesses, and churches that make this village unique and special. We plan to highlight on these great people and encourage others to become a part of those groups. It’s just not Rockford anymore, as this is yours and my home and I’m proud of it, not for our short comings, but who we are and what we can be.
God bless.”
Each of you should have the list of 2024 Council Committees.
Nominations for 2024 – Council President
Mary nominated Marcas for 2024 Council President. No other nominations were set forth. Motion Mary, Second Chris, to appoint Marcas Heitkamp as the 2024 Council President. Mary = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark – abstain. Passed 4 yes.
Thank you to the Director of the local Angel Tree project – Tara Patterson -and those that gave generously. Angel Tree 2023 blessed 49 families and 168 kiddos.
Thank you to the Rockford Library for hosting several Christmas events with Santa and the Grinch.
Thank to the local churches for sponsoring Together at Christmas – 563 people were served a delicious Christmas meal. 75 volunteers worked to make this happen. Was a wonderful event.
Upcoming Community information & events:
Dog tags available at the Village Office until January 31.2024
Cost $22 – cash or check.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Rural Water and the GSI unit — need to set up accounts and we should be ready to begin inventory.
Have reported to the EPA 30+ pages regarding the South Water Tower and this should be the final report.
SCHS – – received estimates to refurbish the Log Cabin – came in a lot higher than expected. Need to meet to discuss options.
Community building – needs new sound system, painting has been scheduled, needs new ceiling tiles and projectors need to be Bluetooth. Also mentioned bathroom stall doors. There is much needed — it’s 23+ years old everything needs attention.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young – absent
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher –
Will be making a presentation this Friday to Vantage Students who participated in the refurbishment project at Shanes Park. The project turned out great and we are thankful for this partnership with Vantage.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Safety Committee scheduled for January 16th at 6:45 pm — will be discussing goals and the need to fill the 2nd shift officer position.
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
RADC – next meeting will be held on January 22, 2024 at 7 pm – Rockford Library basement.
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Utilities committee meeting scheduled for January 16th at 6 pm – will be discussing the headworks project — do we move forward at this time.
Old Business:
Visitors to Address Council:
New Business:
Mayor Searight will begin office hours – on Mondays from 3 pm – 5 pm starting on Monday – January 8th. Please feel free to stop in and discuss concerns and/ or ideas. May call to make an appointment. All complaints will be directed to the Mayor. All complaints need to have a signature.
Mayor – we are working as a team effort. We are a team and we need communications.
Meeting adjourned 8:04 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
