Meeting Minutes: October 3, 2023
Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on October 3, 2023
at 7:30 pm.
Invocation – Ron Searight
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Ron Searight, Luke Stephenson,
Mary Beougher, Chris Heitkamp.
Also attending: Ross Finke, Francis Schaffner, Chief Stetler, Marge Gehle, Bret Jones, Robbie Peel, John Gabriel and Erin Gardner of the Daily Standard.
Motion Searight. Second Stehenson to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Beougher called for the question. Searight = y, Stephenson = y, Beougher = y, M Heitkamp = y , Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Searight. Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the September 19th council meeting as presented. Stephenson called for the question. Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = 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. *
*** time limit 5 minutes ***
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Introduction of John Gabriel – new weekend patrolman. Mayor gave swearing in with Oath of Office.
Community Announcements and events:
Saturday – – October 28th —Celebrate Fall in Rockford – ‘Rocktoberfest”
Shop our Main street businesses for seasonal sales! Enjoy many events all day long such as “Kid Zone” games, tractor rides, vendor market, food trucks and Trick or Treat. Schedule of events will be posted – “Rockford Ohio Chamber of Commerce” Facebook Page.
Saturday, October 28th – Rockford Trick or Treat 5-6:30 pm with Costume Judging at the Fire Department at 7 pm.
Tuesday – November 7th – General Election – Voting at Community Building — Exercise your right to vote — many issues on the ballot.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Still waiting on information / quotes regarding the WWTP odor control project.
No progress on either water tower project.
Checked with a local business about mowing services — we might use them yet this year but will definitely be something we need to consider for next year.
Leaf pickup to begin this Friday – October 6th —- PLEASE — do not rake leaves around mailboxes and light poles. PLEASE — no dog waste in the pile — they WILL NOT be picked up. The better cooperation we have the quicker we can get the job done. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Ron Searight – Council President
Motion Beougher. Second Stephenson to pay the bills as presented $305,241.21. M Heitkamp called for the question. Beougher = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Stephenson to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Beougher. Heitkamp called for the question. Stephenson = y, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = 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 M Heitkamp to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Stephenson. Heitkamp called for the question. M Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y, Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Beougher = y, Passed 5 yes.
Motion Heitkamp to approve additional purchase orders and 4th Qtr. Blanket certificates. Second Stephenson. Beougher called for the question. Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y, M Heitkamp = y, Searight = y. Passed 5 yes.
Reminder – November General Election — Rockford Levy – renewal only — VOTE YES for general operating expenses that generates estimated $40,000 per year.
Chief Stetler review and salary increase – effective October 8th, 2023 an additional $2,970 to current salary.
Motion: M Heitkamp. Second Stephenson. Heitkamp called for the question. M Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y , Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Beougher = y. Passed 5 yes.
Searight would like to request Marcas to join the Finance committee since Rick has resigned. All agreed.
Rules Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher –
The service committee had several interviews and have hired Mason Landers for the maintenance position. He started on Monday.
The service committee has received several applicants for the open council seat. We will be setting up interviews.
Decision on chairs for the Community Building — Chairs like Shane Hall only in all black if possible.
Motion M Heitkamp to withdraw $11,000 out of the Leota Braun – Shanes Park Fund to pay for the purchase of new chairs for the Community Building. Second Stephenson. Heitkamp called for the question. M Heitkamp = y, Stephenson = y, Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Beougher = y. Passed 5 yes.
Newest subdivision near the North Water Tower – will be called Water Tower Court with the street name – Water Street.
Several concerns about selling the property and parking — we have plenty of parking at the Community Building.
Congratulations to Marcas — 1 year anniversary on council.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: report by Marcas Heitkamp
RADC meeting update: Next Meeting October 22nd at 7 pm – Library.
RADC submitted plans for the Market Street mural landscaping.
Mural and landscaping to be completed by October 28th. Much thanks to Dues Landscaping for helping with project.
The Shanes Crossing Historical Society is exploring options regarding the construction of a replica of the former Rockford Train Depot —
Anyone interested in helping with the project or any suggestions as we get started – financial support would be greatly appreciated.
We are looking for a train depot that might be for sale and the second option will be to build a new structure.
Please contact the Village office with any comments, suggestions or questions.
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
We received notice that the Dominion will be increasing rates – most likely after this winter season. Could be significant.
Old Business:
New Business:
Scheduled a Finance Committee meeting on October 11th at 6:30 pm — need to start working on final budget for 2024.
Meeting adjourned 7:58pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
