Meeting Minutes: October 1,2024
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on October 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Searight
Those present: Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young and Chris Heitkamp. Marcas Heitkamp – absent.
Also attending: Chief Stetler, Robbie Peel, Patrolman Miller and Erin Gardner – Daily Standard.
Motion Mary to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane toaccept the minutes from the September 17, 2024 council meeting as presented. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence
I want to thank the residents that have submitted their envelopes dealing with USPS slow delivery from point of mailing to delivery. If you do have issues, please bring it to the village office so we can send a copy of it to Congressman Latta’s office, as they will make sure USPS officials have that information. As, we encourage everyone to continue to monitor their mail for when it was stamped and the delivery date.
As we get ready for elections, please make sure you are able to vote, as every vote counts and it is your voice to selecting our government and the issues that we are choosing. Please protect your right to vote by making sure you are registered to vote. Ohio has a 30-day registration requirement, so make sure you are registers to vote and then use that right to vote. With that said we encourage a positive vote for EMS and the Rockford library on election day.
As we can see fall is in the air, please make plans for early dark times, cooler and possibly wetter weather. Leaves are falling and they present many hazards if not dealt with properly. Please make sure that all storm sewers are open and not clogged with leaves or any other debris that can cause flooding. And please keep the leaves and grass clippings out of the streets. Keep in mind that cars, motorcycles, and bikes easily slide on wet leaves and other debris.
With that enjoy the cooler weather that fall brings and get out and do something positive for you, your neighbor, and for the betterment of Rockford.
May God bless you all !
Upcoming Community information & events:
October 13th — – Shanes Park LAST Maker’s Market with Stayed Tuned BBQ and Buckeye Soft Serve * Food trucks *—- Enjoy Shopping local / lunch @ the park – noon to 3 pm.
October 26th – Ohio Historical Marker dedication – noon
Honoring Anthony Shane (Founding Father) and “Johnny Appleseed”
All are welcome to this special dedication. Please park at the
Rockford American Legion.
October 26 – Mercer County Household Hazardous Waste Day & Steel Drop off – Mercer County Fairgrounds – 9 am – 1 pm
October 26th – Chamber Rocktoberfest – 1 – 5 pm
Special Events Include: Vendor Market, Live Music, a Car Show, a Hayride, a Petting Zoo, Spin the Wheel, a Grocery Store Game, and a Fremont Catsup by the case sale! Rockford Carnegie Library will have a Free Will Donation Book Sale, Free Crafts for children and adults, and Free Kid’s Activities outside. There is something for everyone! Mini Food Truck rally ! 😊
October 26th – Rockford Trick or Treat – 5-6:30 pm
October 26th – Costume Judging at the Fire House – 7 pm
November 5th – General Election at the Community Building
November 5th — General Election levies —
Mercer County EMS —- VOTE YES EMS
Rockford Library – VOTE YES
Community Drive thru meal – Rockford United Methodist Church on
Wednesdays at 4:30 pm — ( when school is in session.) Free will donations accepted.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
We have started the lead line survey – we have been talking about this for 6 months —we will be walking around to each residence and taking inventory of all utilities — points of service. This will continue this fall, winter and possibly into the Spring.
Lagoon cover – going slow – the rains last week has slowed down the progress. We hope to get back on the project yet this week.
Franklin St update —- project moved back to late in the year but most likely won’t see any movement until after the first of the year.
WIFI issues at the park — received some quotes wireless and underground options. About $350 difference. Need to get some additional information and report back to council.
Splash pad will be closed up on September 14th. The park restrooms will remain open until the fall rec season is over.
New shelter house at the pond making progress — we hope to be able to plant grass yet this fall.
Leave season is upon us —- most likely will begin pick ups the week of September 14th — 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: $ 19,289.27. Second Mark. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Luke = 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 Shane to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to approve additional purchase order and 4th quarter blanket certificates. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 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
Motion Shane to pay off the subdivision loan with Peoples Bank. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y, Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to approve 4th quarter transfer – $25,000 from General Fund to Franklin St. Fund. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp –
Notice — Liquor permit dba Rockford Carry Out is being transferred to Ole 1820 LLC —- Ok – council has no concerns.
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
Contract for Park Venue — Cost $1400 – excludes the use of the ball diamonds, additional requirements – $100 deposit, additional days will cost additional money, renters need own insurance with a copy of proof of insurance, if alcohol will be served need a copy of the liquor permit. If security is needed it will be the responsibility of renters to coordinate and pay for such services. If streets will be used – will need to fill out the permission form — paid in full and all in place 30 days before the event is to be held. Add page numbers, add initials to each page, and right to refuse verbiage —- several updates needed before the next council meeting.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp –
Next limb pick up will be October 8th – 2nd Tuesday of each month if at all possible.
New employee training — most training is done on the job. Thanks good question.
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President – absent
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Will be deciding on our electrical aggregate — next meeting.
Old Business:
Mayor Searight — requesting Community Profile information updates to be turned in. Would like to get this information together and ready to print for distribution at the beginning of the year.
Budget update – transfer 32,000 to subdivision fund instead of economic development line item. Will send out new copies for 2nd reading.
Visitors to Address Council:
New Business:
Motion Shane to go into Executive session regarding finances – security and division of funds – Time: 8:02 pm Second Mark. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mary = Yes. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to come out of Executive session – Time: 8:28 pm. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Action taken –
Motion Shane to approve the Fiscal Officer to open a Money Fund savings @ Peoples Bank with signers Lisa Kuhn and Aaron Temple. Second Mary. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to approve the Fiscal Officer to transfer funds to a 12 month Certificate of Deposit with signers being Lisa Kuhn and Aaron Temple. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary – y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Meeting adjourned 8:31 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
