Apr 3, 2025

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on April 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

 

Let us Pray – Dear God, we give you thanks for the change in the weather, we see and feel Spring coming. The new growth that it brings not only in nature, but to the village itself. These come from your hands, and we give you thanks for it. We ask that you bless this meeting and the discussions. We also ask for your continued blessing on this village and all the people that live and work here. We pray this in your Holy name. Amen.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Motion Marcas toaccept the minutes from the March 18, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence

 

On behalf of the Rockford American Legion we are pleased to announce that Tour of Honor has selected Hedges Park – Veterans Memorial for their 2025 Season – April through October. Tour of Honor is a self directed motorcycle ride. Participants will visit memorials and monuments across the USA and pay their respects. Rockford is 1 of 7 locations in the State of Ohio. More information can be found at tourofhonor.com.

 

Donnie Miller, a resident of Rockford, has been coaching at Parkway for 52 years.

During this time, he has impacted many young individuals. He didn’t do it alone as Donnie’s wife, Susie sacrificed many evenings without his presence. Donnie – congratulations on receiving the Bob Arnzen Award for 20+ years coaching at the same school. The Village of Rockford thanks you for your dedication, hard work, and resiliency for all those years you coached at Parkway.

 

Last month, we had several windstorms that tested many things including our electrical power and the poles that hold those power lines. One pole broke off and fell creating a hazard as the power line was lying across one of the streets. To make it worse, it was in an area utilized by children and track runners. Once notified, the village workers went down and manned the site until AES could get on site for pole replacement. During that time, we had several motorists and walkers diverted from their normal route for their protection. When power lines are down, please never walk under then or cross over them. Distance yourself and instruct your children to do the same. A wire down could be deadly even it it’s not a normal power line. AES needs to be notified of any electrical issues ASAP by calling 1-800-433-8500. Please use the same number if you have any other issues – press 0 to get an operator. Listen carefully to the options.

 

It was reported that the village had purchased a dirt packing machine to fill potholes. This was incorrect, as we purchased a DuraPatch machine that uses tar and stone to repair out streets. This is an important tool for us, as we now have our own machine and can repair the potholes when needed. Training on the DuraPatch machine will be starting soon. Streets are very expensive to replace and we are doing our best to preserve them as best we can.

 

Remember ‘It’s better to give more than you take, and you’ll receive more than you give.

 

God Bless you.

 

Thank you – Mayor Searight.

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

Saturday – April 5 - Parkway 5K

 

Saturday – April 5 – Lions Club Quarter Auction – Community Building

 

Saturday – April 12 – Rockford Fire Department – Pancake Day

 

Saturday - April 12 – Parkway Prom

 

Saturday – April 19 – Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt

 

Sunday - May 4th - Maker’s Market – opening day ! Shanes Park

 

 

 

 

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple - absent

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Finance Committee: Shane Young

 

Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented- $58,844.37

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

 

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

 

Motion Shane to approve additional purchase orders and 2nd quarter blanket certificates. Second Mark. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

 

 

Motion Mark to rehire Tom Beahrs for the mowing / leaf season at $1200 per month. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

Motion Mark to rehire Grassworks for property maintenance as needed. Second Luke. Marcas called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.

 

All Class C and D retail permits that sell alcoholic beverages will expire on June 1st, 2025. If no objections – no action necessary.

 

 

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Will be going to Vantage on Thursday to give them a check and pizza party in appreciation for making the picnic tables. Thank you Vantage !

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp -

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

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.

 

 

Motion Marcas. Second Mark to go into Executive session to discuss Personnel – compensation of public employees.. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris. Passed 6 yes. Time – 7:41 pm

 

Motion Marcas. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes. Time – 8:20 pm

 

No action taken.

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned 8:24 pm