Meeting Minutes: September 17,2024
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on September 17, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Searight
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkam, Mary Beougher, Shane Young and Chris Heitkamp. Luke Stephenson – absent.
Also attending: Chief Stetler, Robbie Peel, Chuck Stump, Donnie Hudson, Amanda Kohnen / son and Erin Gardner – Daily Standard.
Motion Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Second Mark.
Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Marcas toaccept the minutes from the September 3, 2024 council meeting as presented. Second Mark. Shane called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence
Mayor Searight – Proclamation:
WHEREAS, we recognize the “Parkway and Mendon-Union Girls Sports – Celebrating of 50 Years of existence”, and what it’s contributed for the good of our girls and our communities; and
WHEREAS, Title IX law provided the means for girls to participate in interscholastic sports and the girls have represented their schools with sportsmanship, pride, and excellence, throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, Sports has provided the girls a chance to go against some of the best in their respected sports, this has fostered healthy competition, while building up confidence, working as a team that has in some cases lasted their whole life, it has also improved respect, self-esteem, and leadership skills that wasn’t present before Title IX; and
WHEREAS, we honor all the girls that have worn the Black and Gold, Blue and Gold, as they represented our schools in the MAC, with distinction and honor that comes through wearing their school’s jersey with pride and dignity; and
WHEREAS, we thank all of the girls for their hard work, time, dedication, and skills that they’ve applied in making themselves the best that the could be, making us parents, family members, and the community proud of what they have accomplished; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the entire Village, Mayor and the Village Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Parkway and Mendon-Union Girls for 50 Years of sports and their contributions to Rockford Community. We also want to encourage the girls that are leading the way for the next 50 years of sports in our community.
PROCLAIMED this for the 29th day of September 2024.
EMS representatives here for a photo with Village Administration – Vote YES for EMS.
Mayor Searight report –
I’m happy to report that I’ve received notifications from Congressman Bob Latta, Senators Sherrod Brown and JD Vance concerning the United States Postal Service issues that we’ve experienced in the past few months. We’ve submitted the necessary paperwork to get each one of them to represent us on this issue. These issues have affected the village daily operations and many of our residents, as many depend on good postal service. But, I must remind you that this is not a local issue, and we have no problems with the Rockford Post Office, as they are working with us. They are doing their best, but they always must do what is mandated to them by their superiors. I encourage you to contact one of the above officials and let them know how it’s affecting you.
On a much better note – this weekend on of our own residents and wife of Council President Marcas – Marian Bevington Heitkamp will be inducted in Heidelberg’s Sports Hall of Fame this Saturday. During her 4 years at Heidelberg Marian was a 23-time All-OAC honoree and 5 time All-American. She holds the school record in indoor pentathlon, outdoor 100M hurdles and the triple jump. Not to mention 3rd of all time in kills and blocks on the volleyball court at Heidelburg. Please congratulate her for such a great accomplishment and honor.
As I stated in my last report the Wastewater Treatment Pond #1 Cover project has been started and has progressed rather well. Once completed the odor from this area will be greatly reduced. However, the installation project is very labor intensive, using mostly manual labor to put it together and in place. The Village crew has been very dedicated to this project and so have several other individuals that have stopped and helped during this process. We want to thank each of them for stepping up and volunteering in helping our community. But – we are not done yet, we have a way to go in completing this upgrade. We have delayed some services due to this project, but they are not forgotten and will be addressed when the time is available. Please be patient as we work through this issue.
Tomorrow morning, we are please to have Ole 1820 open its doors for their first day of business at 6:30 am. Today we had the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting and we thank all that participated in it. We want to thank and welcome them to the Rockford business community and look forward to great service and food.
We want to thank everyone for their support of the Rockford Fire Department Reverse Raffle and Chicken dinner event. This is one of their fundraisers which help purchase new items for the fire services. We continually need to support all our emergency organizations, as they protect us in hours of need. Please consider volunteering for one of these if you can and make the runs, as not only does the community benefit, but you grow as a person and pride in your community.
Last, if interested in trying to reduce your monthly natural gas bill, you are invited to attend a PUCO meeting at Lima Senior High School next Monday at 6 pm. You can voice your opinion on the proposed rate increase that some say should be a decrease. I’ve been told that at least one of the PUCO commissioners will be present at that meeting. So your voice will be heard.
May God bless you all!
Upcoming Community information & events:
September 22nd – Shanes Park Maker’s Market with Meats a Moving and Buckeye Soft Serve Food trucks on site. Enjoy shopping local / lunch @ the park noon to 3 pm.
October 26th – Chamber Rocktoberfest – 1 – 5 pm
October 26th – Rockford Trick or Treat – 5-6:30 pm
October 26th – Costume Judging at the Fire House – 7 pm
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple
Working to reduce vandalism at the park. We are increasing internet strength and installing more cameras. Those responsible will be caught and held accountable.
Splash pad is still open for use for the time being.
Shelter house at the pond is coming along – trusses should be installed this weekend.
Since it’s been extremely dry with drought conditions– we have checked our wells to make sure we can proceed with normal operations. So far so good.
Log cabin restoration is being completed – Ace of Trades has done a very good job.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young
Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented: $ 20.753.17. Second Marcas. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Shane to approve the Mayor’s Court pay in: $723.00. Second Marcas. Mark called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y, Passed 5 yes.
RESOLUTION 07-24
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND.
ROCKFORD = 6.63% OR $36,557.84
Motion: Shane. Second Mark. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
RESOLUTION 08-24
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFIYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR.
Motion: Shane. Second Marcas. Mark called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.
Will have the 1st reading of the 2025 Budget at the October 1st council meeting —
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp –
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
Passed out Park Venue contracts for Ross and council to review. Will discuss any needed changes at the next meeting.
Rockford Maker’s Market – This Sunday with over 30 vendors signed up. 2 Food trucks will be on site – Meats a Movin and Buckeye Soft Serve. Please support this local market. Amy Noll has done a really good job and has been working hard to make this a success.
Rockford Library will have a levy on the November ballot — encourage everyone to vote YES for this vital community service !
If you have concerns – of course we want to hear them BUT – the best way to get your concerns heard is to fill out a concern form that is available online or at the village office.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp –
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
The next RADC committee meeting will be held on September 23rd at 7 pm – Rockford Library basement.
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson – absent
Old Business:
Residents parking cars in yards again — this problem needs attention.
Visitors to Address Council:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
