Meeting Minutes: November 5,2024
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on November 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Searight
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young and Chris Heitkamp.
Also attending: Chief Stetler and Robbie Peel
Motion Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Second Mark,
Mary called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas toaccept the minutes from the October 15, 2024 council meeting as presented. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence
I want to thank the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society for the great events that happened on October 26th. The day started with the dedication of the Ohio Historical Society sign that honors both Anthony Shane (Our Village founder) and John Chapman or better known as Johnny Appleseed. This sign is located on Hedge’s Park along US 33 and is two sided – unlike most historical signs. We had the privilege of having one of Anthony Shane’s descendants come from South Carolina to speak and visit our town. Her name is Kathy Jo Higgins she drove up for this event, bringing with her items that she wanted to donate to our museum.
After that Rocktoberfest was enjoyed by many people of all ages, as it offered many activities throughout the village. During this time, they presented the
Citizen of the Year award to Amy Noll, as we congratulate her for all that she had done for the Village of Rockford.
I want to thank the Rockford Fire Department for sponsoring the Halloween costume judging at the firehouse. As it was a good time for all ages that were involved and watching. The Fire department also flushed all the villages fire hydrants this past Sunday. That was a volunteer effort on their part to maintain our fire hydrants and keep our property insurance as low as possible.
Changing topics, you may have heard by now that we have experienced an unwanted visitor to our town, and they have sticky fingers. We want to encourage you to make sure that you have everything locked up and secured as best as possible to detour visitors like them from paying anyone a visit. Police are utilizing tactics to ward off any further events like this. So, if you see or hear something that isn’t quite right, report it by calling 911. We need to help each other in protecting our family, neighbors, and friends.
We would also like to remind you that burning leaves, or any type of trash, is not allowed in the village limits. You are allowed to burn in a firepit, as long as you are cooking with it, and it’s being supervised properly. Keep in mind we are in the midst of a drought, and we use good judgement when we burn anything.
Given today is our general election day, we want to thank all the veterans that have given us that right and the freedoms that we enjoy today. Without them being strong, we might not have the freedom to vote. Next Monday is Veterans Day. Please thank every veteran that you see for their service and dedication to our country, as they have earned that respect.
Finally, remember it is better to ‘Give more than you take, and you will receive more than you give.’
God bless you,
Thank you.
Mayor Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Friday – November 8th – St. Teresa Chili Supper – Rockford Community Building – Open to the public
Saturday – November 9th – Volunteers needed – decorate at Shanes park.
(9 am – 5 pm — come and go as you can)
Sunday – November 10th – Volunteers needed – decorate at Shanes park.
(1 pm – 5 pm come and go as you can)
Saturday – November 16th – Volunteers needed – decorate at Shanes park.
(9 am – 5 pm — come and go as you can)
Sunday – November 17th – Rockford Maker’s Market – Holiday Bazaar –– Rockford Community Building – noon to 3 pm. Shop local vendors, hot cocoa bar, cookies, candy canes and light refreshments.
Sunday – December 1st – Christmas lighting at Shanes Park — 6:30 pm
Wednesday – December 25th – Together at Christmas – sponsored by local churches.
Saturday – January 4th – Shanes Park clean up beginning at 9 am until complete.
Wednesdays – 4:30 – 6 pm Community Drive thru meal – Rockford United Methodist Church on — when school is in session. Free will donations accepted.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Will be having our EPA inspections later in the month – happens every 3 years.
Lagoon cover – not completed just yet. Hopefully will be finished up this week.
Village electric accounts out to bid — will be getting the same rates as the residents – .0671. Will increase the budget by $11,000. Locked in for 2 years.
Park restrooms and splash pad have been winterized for the season.
Park Shelter house area has been seeded. Will install water / sewer next spring.
We thank – Sidney Electric they are donating all the electrical work for the new shelter house.
Will continue to suck leaves over the next couple of weeks — again reminder – no sticks in with the leaves as they plug up the machine. Please do not rake the leaves around utility poles or mailboxes – that just slows the process down. And — if there is dog poo in the leaves they will not be picked up !
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young
Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented $185,648.07. Second Marcas. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Marcas. Mark called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = 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 Shane to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Chris. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Chris = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to approve additional purchase order. Second Marcas. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.
ORDINANCE 05-24
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 31,2025.
1st reading – 10/01/2024
2nd reading – 10/15/2024
3rd reading in December
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp –
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
Council approved the updated Shanes Park Manager duties.
Christmas at Shanes Park —– Need volunteers to help decorate – dates and times listed above. Groups / organizations that volunteer to decorate a section need to make plans to take decorations down as well. If you are unable to help on the dates listed above — please still reach out and arrangements can be made.
Thank you.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp –
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Resolution 09-24
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MERCER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO ACT AS THE PURCHASING AGENT AND GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATOR FOR ELECTRIC POWER FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD.
Motion Luke. Second Marcas. Chris called for the question. Luke = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Received notification that AES has contacted PUCO about raising supplier rates by 14%. Don’t have any other information at this time. Will report new developments as we get them.
Old Business:
Visitors to Address Council:
New Business:
Motion Marcas to go into Executive Session regarding Personnel. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes. —- Time 7:50 pm
Motion Marcas to come out of Executive Session. Second Mark. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes. – Time 7:59.
No action taken –
Meeting adjourned 8 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
