Meeting Minutes: June 4, 2024
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on June 4, 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
Also attending: Francis Schaffner, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke, Robbie Peel Adam Carr, Ryck Morales, 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, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
MotionMary. Second Marcas to accept the minutes from the May 21, 2024 council meeting as presented. Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Proclamation – Rockford American Legion Post 508 – 100th Anniversary
WHEREAS, we are here today to acknowledge the Rockford American Legion Post 508 for 100 years of service, one that enhances the veterans of Rockford and the surrounding area, as it works to support veterans, their families, our military, and our community; and
WHEREAS, Rockford Post was chartered on June 2nd 1924 as the Glen D. Eckhart Post, which was less than five years after United States Congress charted American Legion as a patriotic veterans organization.
WHEREAS, the Glen D. Eckhart post is a memorial to the first local son to lose his life in World War I, as he served in Company “C”, 362nd Infantry, when he lost his life in 1918 in France; and
WHEREAS, this post has demonstrated the true meaning of the American Legion as “Veterans Strengthen America”, Post 508 accomplishes it by their devotion to our community by mutual helpfulness in so many ways, as they sponsor, financially give, build, and honor many others groups and activities throughout our community; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the entire Village and the Village Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Rockford American Legion, Glen D. Eckhart 508 Post, for its dedication to Rockford Community for the past 100 years.
PROCLAIMED this 4th day of June 2024.
Mayor Searight Statement –
Ask not what your community can do for you, but what can YOU do for the community??
I’d like to make a correction that Rockford is not cracking down on solar panels, as we are trying to be proactive with new technologies and let our citizen know what is required if they are thinking about installing them in advance. We’d appreciate positive writing from the Daily Standard on these and other village news going forward. Thank you in advance.
Held 2 staff meetings – these meetings give all in attendance the knowledge of what each is doing for the week and what is going on in the village.
I had the privilege to be the main speaker at Rockford’s Memorial Day service, and I thank the Rockford American Legion for that special event that is attended by many of our residents.
With that, it is an honor to be the Mayor of Rockford, and I don’t take that lightly. We as administration and council are looking for ways to make Rockford the best it can be. However, it takes community involvement to help. Please step forward and become part of the team that builds up Rockford. If you have ideas we would appreciate hearing them. I am at the Rockford Village office on most days usually in the mornings.
Please support the upcoming events and our Rockford businesses.
Upcoming Community information & events:
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 – Volleyball Tournament starts at 9 am… rest 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.
June 26th — Free Community Meal @ Shanes Park sponsored by Tranquility of Rockford — noon to 1 pm. Bratwurst, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookie and bottled water.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Waiting on some quotes regarding some upgrades at the Water plant.
Sewer pond cover – plans have been approved and materials ordered. Should be here within 2 -3 weeks.
Most of last week spent on durapatching streets – process is working very good. Once everything settles we will pick up loose stone – before Community Days. We are looking at options to maybe purchase a machine of our own. Researching costs.
Franklin St project — started moving light poles.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young
Motion Luke to pay the bills as presented $43,132.95. Second Chris.
Marcas called for the question. Luke = y, Chris = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 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. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Maras to approve additional purchase orders. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to transfer $25,000 from General Fund to Franklin St. Fund
order to pay invoicing. Second Chris. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas – to rescind transfer of $32,000 from General Fund to Sub Division Fund. Move funds back to General Fund in order to pay off South Main Street Reconstruction Loan. Second Mary. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary =y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to pay off Market Street Fund 3304 – $30,155.04 with the June payment. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Luke to pay off South Main Street Loan – $37,315.55. Second Marcas. Chris called for the question. Luke = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Mary to petition the court to
Close Fund 9976 – Pool Trust Fund and move the funds to Park Fund 2041.
The amount is $1,114.59
Fund 3304 Market St. fund – $22,760.64 transfer funds to
the General fund in which the funds will be used to pay off the Front Street loan with the December payment.
Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
The 2025 Preliminary Budget is due to the county auditor by July 15th.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
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
2nd reading – 06/04/2024
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Duncan Oil Co dba Rockford RoadDog has applied to a new liquor permit for the Village of Rockford. D5 – Beer, Wine, Liquor and D6 – Sunday Sales. .
Motion: Marcas to approve this request. Second Shane. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = , Chris = y passed 6 yes.
Submitting for council permission – Amy Noll would like to have a Makers Market at Shanes Park – 2 times per month. Minimal costs that would go to the Village to be deposited into the Shanes Park fund. Possible to start late June or in July. Perhaps also invite– Coffee truck or something of the like to be at the park also. Would promote via Facebook. Bringing people to town and enjoy the park. Council – great idea just need some additional details. Location etc……,
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Updates on decision or not to cede authority for Rockford Aggregation?
Committee received some additional information all positive information. Would like the committee to meet to discuss several issues.
Utility committee meeting scheduled —- Tuesday – June 11th at 4:30 pm — eastern standard time 😊
Old Business:
Visitors to Address Council:
Guest Ryck Morales – Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Association to discuss disaster assistance and disaster recovery centers. A lot of information regarding disaster loans for homeowners and renters also for businesses and non-profits. Pamphlets available at the Village Office.
Contact information – ryck.morales@sba.gov – cell phone 571-564-0255
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 8:05 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
