May 22, 2025

Rockford Council Minutes 5-20-25 

 

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

 

Council called to order by Council President Heitkamp on May 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

 

Let us pray. Thank you for the many blessings that you provide us with daily. Thank you for this group that has come here to discuss the village’s needs. We ask your blessing on their thoughts and decisions. We do all these things in your Holy name. Amen.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young and Chris Heitkamp

 

Also attending: Chief Stetler, Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Erin from the Daily Standard,

 

Motion Shane to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Second Mark.

Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Chris toaccept the minutes from the May 6, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Chris = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y. Shane = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence by Council President Marcas Heitkamp

 

May is in full swing, and we are seeing the beauty of spring and some summer. Flowers are growing and so is the grass and if you’re the one that mows it, I’m sorry to say you’ll have 5 more months of it. With that said, we need to stay on top of our mowing before it becomes an issue. When it becomes an issue, it makes it tough for everyone concerned, but we have ordinances that need to be enforced. Neighbors may not say it, but they also want you to keep up your property neat as well. It follows a saying it effects 5% of the people, as 95% or more just find ways of getting their yards mowed.

 

We also encourage you to clean up your property as well. Trash and unsightly things do no one any service and they need to be put somewhere out of sight and disposed of properly. We as a village do not want to make the decision, but we will for all residents that are out of compliance. We have forms that residents can utilize so that they can report either of these activities to us.

 

May is the month of graduation and for the graduates an opportunity for a future with endless options. We wish all the Parkway graduates the absolute best in your future endeavors. Take pride in the area that you grew up, it is what has made you who you are today. Lastly, thank your parents for all they have done for you and the sacrifices that they have made on your behalf.

 

Memorial Day is next week and it’s more than a day off, with parade, speeches, and chicken dinner. Keep in mind that many of our armed services personnel have sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we enjoy today. So, whenever you see a veteran, thank them for their service, as they didn’t have to go to war to earn that respect. Even more, take the time to thank the ones that gave their lives up so we could be free. Rockford is proud of our veterans and proud of our American Legion that supports them. Please come out to the Memorial Day parade and listen to the speakers. After that enjoy a chicken dinner and the rest of the day.

 

Finally, I imagine everyone knows about my accident and how it occurred. It has set me back quite a number of weeks from where I would have liked. I cannot say it was the smartest thing I have ever done, and I am now paying for it. Just like some of the things I have previously mentioned when we do not do the right thing, you pay for them. I have learned a valuable lesson and am still learning even more. But a big thank you to all the people that have reached out to me, for you have encouraged me and made me feel better! With that said, I am still available if needed. I just won’t be in the office as much.

 

Have a great Memorial Day and a good summer. God bless you!

 

Mayor Searight

 

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

Tour of Honor --- Hedges Park – Veterans Memorial -

April through October. Rockford is 1 of 7 locations in the State of Ohio.

More information can be found at tourofhonor.com.

 

Sunday – May 25th - Maker’s Market - Shanes Park – Noon to 3 pm

 

Monday - May 26 --- Rockford Memorial Day Remembrance

 

The public is invited to honor our fallen veterans at Riverside Cemetery at 10 am. Flags will be placed on the grave markers, a 21 gun salute will be given, and TAPS will be played.

 

The parade will begin at 11 am

 

We are honored to have Jerry Reigle as our Guest Speaker, a Parkway graduate and Vietnam veteran. Also speaking the 2024 Carey, Bill, and Benny Scholarship recipient, Tyler Rowan. Pastor Bill Halter of the Rockford UM Church will be offering the prayers. Post 508 SAL Member Mike Heiser will be the MC.

 

The Rockford American Legion will be holding a chicken dinner fundraiser.

The cost will be $10 - Tickets are pre-sale only and are available at

Rockford American Legion, Rockford Eagles and the Village Office. Chicken dinners will be available for pick up at the drive thru service at the Rockford American Legion right after the service.

 

Sunday - June 8th – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – Noon to 3 pm

 

Thursday / Saturday – June 12 – 14 - Community Garage Sales

 

Friday / Saturday – June 13/14 --- Rockford Community Days – all events will be at Shanes Park.

 

Sunday – June 22nd – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – noon to 3 pm

 

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple

 

Franklin Street project taking shape and nearing completion by June 25^th deadline.

 

All locks at Shanes Park have been updated to a new lock system. Will be getting quotes to update rest of locks on village properties.

 

Durapatch – have been working on Market Street to begin with and will be working on more streets throughout the Summer. We plan to use this process on several alleys to see how it holds up over the Winter.

 

We are grateful for the Friends of the Park volunteers – Kay and crew -have spent a lot of time getting the park cleaned up, weed free and mulched. Thank you!

 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee: Shane Young -

 

Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented $ 23,192.41. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Shane to accept Mayors Court pay in $ 1069.00 Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Budget Hearing – Scheduled July 15th at 7:15 pm

Budget to County Auditor by July 20th

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

 

RESOLUTION 03-25

A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE FOR THE MERCER COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.

 

Motion Mark. Second Luke. Shane called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

MERCER COUNTY COUNTYWIDE MUTUAL AID AND ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT ---

 

Motion to approve Mark. Second Luke. Shane called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Committee will be working with the Rockford Chamber on ideas for new Village signage. Simple, modern, and low maintenance.

 

Shanes Park rental agreement / process updates ---

 

Motion to approve updates to the Shanes Park Rental Agreement updating reservation information, key pick up timing, and “We agree to the terms” information.

 

This is the following that has been updated:

Please call the Rockford Village office to make rental reservations –

419-363-3032 ext 1. During regular business hours and /or please leave a message.

 

All contracts and payments should be mailed to

Village of Rockford

PO Box 282

Rockford, OH 45882

 

Or dropped off at the Village office located at 151 E Columbia St.

there is a dropbox for your convenience.

 

All payments should be made by cash, or if by check, money order or certified check --- made out to Village of Rockford.

 

Keys for rental will need to be picked up Friday morning by noon at the Village Office before your weekend events.

 

All rentals begin at 8 am until midnight for a 1 day rental – if you need an additional day before or after – the rate is discounted.

 

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

 

The new Rockford Electric Aggregation begins in December 2025. The supplier is Dynegy.

 

 

 

Visitor to address Council:

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

 

Are you interested in serving the Rockford Community? If so, there will be 4 council seats on the ballot this November. All candidates need to file petitions by 4 pm on August 6th.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm