Rockford Council Hears Development, Park and Event Updates at March 17 Meeting

Rockford Village Council met March 17 with Mayor Ron Searight presiding and handled routine business while hearing updates on development, infrastructure projects, park improvements and upcoming community events.

Council approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the March 3 meeting, both by 4-0 votes. Present for the meeting were Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson and Mary Beougher. Chris Heitkamp and Shane Young were absent.

In his report, Mayor Searight said the village continues to stay busy with administrative work, Chene Development and other opportunities aimed at improving the town and quality of life for residents. He also thanked volunteers who cleaned debris from flowerbeds around the Community Building parking lot, calling it an example of Rockford pride.

Searight also reminded residents that the village office may close when staff are away for training, errands, vacation or illness, noting the office does not have the resources to remain open in those situations. He also reported receipt of the Mayor’s Court pay in and bank statement and noted that U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno’s office recognized the retirement of former Rockford Police Chief Bryan Stetler.

Village Administrator Aaron Temple updated council on several projects. He said solar work is still moving forward with design updates, the rehabilitation of the north well was expected to wrap up this week, and the village will need to address wind related issues with the wastewater treatment plant lagoon cover.

Temple also said the village is working on reimbursement for the Shanes Park restroom project with help from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Looking ahead, the village is preparing for another possible state budget grant application for Shanes Park. If awarded, that project would include new pickleball courts, relocation of the sand volleyball court, connected walking paths and a path around the pond.

On housing and development, Temple said plans for the Miller subdivision near the water tower have been sent to the recorder’s office, with two lots potentially sold and purchase agreements expected soon. He also said work is continuing in the Shanes Crossing subdivision. The village will trench for electric service, AES will install electric, and Enbridge will install gas service. Temple said that work should be finished by the end of the month. He also reported that six building permits have been issued in that subdivision, along with one permit in the Miller subdivision.

In finance actions, council approved payment of $54,007.62 in bills, accepted the Mayor’s Court pay in of $349, approved monthly financial reports, supplemental appropriations to date and additional purchase orders.

Council also heard committee updates. The rules committee is working on guidelines for bakery and vendor stands in the village and reviewing questions about rental of ball diamonds for family gatherings. The safety committee reviewed plans for the Parkway Music Booster 5K on April 11, including the race route through the village.

The economic development committee shared details on this year’s Spring Fling, also scheduled for April 11. Organizers say the event will include 26 vendors, a car show, train rides, a petting zoo, library activities and food options. Vendor information is available through Amy Noll, and more details can be found on the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Council also noted several upcoming community events, including the Shanes Crossing Historical Society meeting on March 23, the Parkway School Carnival on March 27, a Lions Club Quarter Auction on March 28, Spring Fling and Rockford Fire Department Pancake Day on April 11, the Parkway Music Booster 5K the same day, and a June 12 Community Days event featuring the Van Wert Community Band.

Council entered executive session at 7:46 p.m. for a personnel matter and returned at 8:26 p.m. No action was taken afterward. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.