RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on July 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance - Led by Mayor Searight.

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

Also attending: Chief Stetler, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke, Robbie Peel, Sandy Schaffner, Marge Gehle and Erin G of the Daily Standard.

Motion Shane . Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.

Motion Mary. Second Marcas to accept the minutes from the June 18, 2024 council meeting as presented. Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

Mayor's Report and Correspondence:

This past month some of our residents didn't received their water bill on time. We have tried to address this with the post office here in town and we have advised of several ways to get your water bill balance. We were not the only utility that didn't get billing to customers on time. We have tried working with many residents with this and other issues regarding payments - however some have been taken advantage. So, going forward the stated due date will be enforced and if payment isn't made by the stated due date a late fee will be added and shut off will occur at the end of the month in which payment is due. Also - be respectful to our village employees, as they are doing their job and it's not their fault that you payment is late.

We have completed half of 2024 - so we need to review our 1, 3 and 5 year plan and see how we are doing. We also need to have a million-dollar wish list if money becomes available. We need to look to the future and be ready for future growth, when presented with the opportunity in all facets within this community.

We have a good community, but we can be better. We need to look for ways to make it better as a whole community. Being good neighbors, helping each other out, seeing what can we do to make Rockford the best it can be. Take pride in your community and do what is best for it and not take from it. Also - thank you to the people that are helping this town as there are many volunteers, organizations, businesses and others that are working behind the scene for Rockford and its future.

Please have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

Upcoming Community information & events:

July 4th and 5th - Rockford Village Office will be closed.

July 7th - Shanes Park Maker's Market - Noon to 3 pm

July - 13th - Mercer Health - Shanes Crossing 5K - Shanes Park 8:30 am

July 21st - Shanes Park Maker's Market - Noon to 3 pm

Village Administrator's Report - Aaron Temple

Have contacted insurance company for the Pearl St. address - not happy with the lack of attention to the property.

End of Pearl St --- has until end of the week for clean up. We are getting estimates if we have to handle the situation and assess to the property taxes.

Water plant - has been a month of maintenance. Hoping moving forward everything is working properly.

WWTP - lagoon cover - haven't had any correspondence.

Final inspection to North water tower --- couple issues that need resolved. Will need to drain and take offline for a couple of days.

Received good news - received an $18,000 grant for restrooms at the Pickle Ball Court area.

Will be working at the park next several days on the new shelter house floor - getting forms set and pouring concrete.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee: Shane Young

Motion Marcas to pay the bills as presented $ 36,008.16. Second Mark.
Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

Motion Mary to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Marcas. Chris called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 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 Marcas. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Chris = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Luke = y. Passed 6 yes.

Motion Shane to approve 3rd Qtr blanket purchase orders. Second - Marcas. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

Resolution 04-24
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM ACCOUNTS THAT ARE NO LONGER ACTIVE.

Motion Shane. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y . Passed 6 yes.

Budget hearing was held- July 2nd (this evening ) at 7 pm -
Motion Marcas to approve the preliminary budget to the county auditor. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.

Finance committee meeting - Tuesday - July 9th at 4 pm.

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp - Council President

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

Cede - Rockford Aggregation --- keeping on agenda until final decision in October.

Council should have received information regarding Dominion wanting to increase supplier rates by 30% over the next several years.

RESOLUTION 06-24
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION OPPOSING DOMINION ENERGY OHIO'S PROPOSED 30% RATE INCREASE AND REQUESTING THAT THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF OHIO DENY DOMINION ENERGY OHIO'S REQUEST FOR THE SAME.

--- Council please review and will be voted on at the next meeting.

We will also be posting a flyer - so that residents can make consumer complaints as well.

Water ?????? customers --- IF we have your email address - we have updated your water account and you will begin receiving an email notice that has your account number and your balance due. The postcards will still be mailed.

If you didn't receive an email - we don't have your email address on file. Please contact the Village Office.

The email is a notice only --- you DO NOT have to pay online, but the option is there to link to the online payment tab.

Water bills are due on the 15th of every month. The water bill MUST be paid in full by the end of every month.

Old Business:

Thank you to Mr. Reigle for putting the roof on the Bridge at the park - looks very nice.

Visitors to Address Council:

New Business:

Marcas would like council to revisit the issue with the old water tower. Is it coming down, do we restore it - we don't want it becoming a safety issue. Have a couple of ideas. Need to set up a meeting to discuss moving forward with this situation.

Next Meeting - July 16th ---- Mayor will be out of town and clerk on vacation. Marcas will conduct the meeting and someone will need to take notes.

Mary - sent email to Amy Joseph regarding Christmas at the Park --- if any groups are interested in decorating - please contact Amy or Mary - Yes it's early to think of Christmas but time goes fast and would need to decorate October / November. Working on a plan.

Meeting adjourned 7:51 pm