Aug 7, 2025

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

 

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on August 5, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

 

Let us pray – Dear God, please bless this meeting and the discussions of the Village. Thank you for providing all that you have for us, as we are blessed. We ask all this 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: Randy Now, Bret Jones, Austin Gause, Sandy & Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Chief Stetler, Amy Noll, Barry Fenning, MonteDiegel, Grant Diegel, Corbin Houser, Cary Miller, Abigale Miller -from the Daily Standard, and Ross Finke.

 

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

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

 

Motion Mary toaccept the minutes from the July 15, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Marcas. 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:

 

Proclamation to honor Barry Fenning

 

WHEREAS, we are here today to express special recognition to Barry Fenning and to honor him for his 50 years of distinguished service with the Mercer County EMS; and

 

WHEREAS, Barry started back in 1975 with Celina Fire Department as a volunteer, but has also volunteers at Chatt Fire Department and for the last 10 years here with the Rockford EMS Branch; and

 

WHEREAS, Barry, is a Certified EMT, but in the past was a Certified Paramedic for many years, along with being active with the Mercer County Fire Fighters Color Guard, Durbin Bean Bake, and helping where he’s needed with the Mount Caramel Church, and the list goes even beyond this, as it shows his dedication to this area; and

 

WHEREAS, Barry we appreciate him for his drive to make this part of the world a better place, with the highest integrity, with long and late hours, as a volunteer, with little to no financial reward, but pride and doing what he knows best; and

 

WHEREAS, on behalf of the entire Village, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Barry Fenning for his dedication to Rockford Community and wish him much happiness as he continues to be a servant to others in his life.

 

 

PROCLAIMED this 5th day of August 2025.

 

Mayors Message:

 

 

What a summer it has been with such heat and humidity. It has been tiring to all, and if you’re like me you’re trying to find cool places to be in. We have since entered a time with cooler temperatures and a little rain, and we appreciate this type of weather even more. I’m sure it’s not going to stay for very long, as it’s summer in Ohio and the weather changes often. If it does change back to hotter weather, take advantage of our park with the shade of the trees and the shelter houses. They are there to be utilized, so take advantage of them as much as possible.

 

With that in mind, if the buildings are rented, the people renting them have rights to that building. The splash pad and the pond are open to the public during park hours and are not reserved. So, enjoy our park and all it has to offer, as it’s your park. A final note on this topic, a big thank you to all the people who are taking care of the park. To make the park look good takes time, sweat and hard work to accomplish it.

 

With the summer season winding down and the kids going back to school a lot of activity is going on. You have an array of things to be able to see and do. But as you think about that, think about the people that provide those things. For instance, you go to a ball game. There are people manning the gate, sell programs, raffle tickets, concession stand, and the list goes on. Many of those are volunteers and without them you wouldn’t have that type of activity. Many of our organizations need people to help and you might be the missing link that they’re looking for. Let’s face it, we’re all busy and so are the volunteers that provide some of the things you go to. But they make time for these as they know it's important to others as well as them. We live in a small community and we’re proud of it too. So, take the time and use your talents to make our community even better. Just a smile can lift someone’s day, and you could be just that person.

 

Enjoy the rest of this summer and the fairs that are coming. But remember to utilize the businesses we have right here in Rockford, as they’re here to serve you.

 

Give more than you take and you’ll receive more than you gave.

 

God Bless you, Thank you.

 

Mayor Ron Searight

 

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

 

Friday & Saturday - August 8^th & 9^th - Sunflowers in Bloom Festival at Schoolhouse Farms - 5486 Ross Rd., Rockford

 

Tuesday – August 12th - Parkway Back to School Night

 

Sunday – August 17th – Maker’s Market – MAIN STREET – noon to 3 pm

 

Monday – August 18th - Parkway First Day of School

 

Monday – September 1st – Village Office closed for Labor Day

 

Saturday – October 25 – Rocktoberfest – noon – 4 pm

 

Saturday – October 25 – Trick or Treat – 5 – 6:30 pm

 

Saturday – October 25th – Costume Judging – Fire Department – 7 pm

 

 

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple

 

Franklin Street mostly completed – we have a little concrete work and working on the tree lawns trying to get the grass growing. This week a letter will be mailed to those residents and those that connect to Franklin Street that they will need to assume responsibility for mowing / maintaining the tree lawns. With that we want to thank the residents and community for their patience during this project.

 

Regarding mowing --- and everyone should know by now – but please do not mow grass clippings in the roadway --- it’s a public safety issue and clogs our drains. If by chance grass gets in the roadway, please blow it off or sweep it off the roadway. Thank you.

 

Sent Shanes Crossing Subdivision Phase 2 timeline to everyone ----it’s a weather permitting schedule.

 

The structure on Pearl Street has been taken down. This was a major eye sore and we appreciate the neighbors being patient during this process. We have heard from several and they are grateful that the structure is finally down after almost 3 years.

 

Working with Access Engineering on the WWTP UV units. Replacement parts are getting hard get and some are being phased out. The bulbs alone right now cost $600 for replacement and when the power surges we can lose several at a time as they are made to cool down before turn off. Will keep you updated.

 

Park – new shelter house is coming along and almost complete. Need to finish the bathrooms and some siding.

 

The park capital improvement project estimates came in higher than we wanted so we are working to trim down some costs and do some of the work ourselves.

 

 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee: Shane Young -

 

Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented –

07/29/2025 total $30,415.70

08/04/2025 total $10,960.99 Both total $41,376.69

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

 

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

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

 

Motion Shane to approve any additional purchase orders. Second Chris.

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

 

 

ORDINANCE 01-25

AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY A $5.00 MUNICIPAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAX AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 4504.173 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE. – Effective 01/01/2027

 

THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY OHIO:

 

SECTION 1 : There is herby levied an annual license tax upon the operation of motor vehicles on the public roads or highways of the Village of Rockford, Ohio, pursuant to 4504.173 of the Ohio Revised Code for the purposes of planning, constructed, improving, maintaining, and repairing public road, highways, and streets, and to provide additional revenue for the purposes authorized by Section 4504.173 (A)(2) of the Ohio Revised Code; and to supplement revenue already available for such purposes.

 

SECTION 2: Such tax shall be at the rate of Five Dollars ($5.00) per motor vehicle on each and every motor vehicle in the district of regulation of which, as defined as a municipality, is the Village of Rockford.

 

SECTION 3: As used in this ordinance, the term ‘motor vehicle’ means any and all vehicles included within the definition of a motor vehicle in the Ohio Revised Code.

 

SECTION 4: The tax imposed by this ordinance shall apply and be in effect for the registration year commencing January 1, 2027, and shall continue in effect and application during each registration year thereafter.

 

SECTION 5: The tax imposed by the ordinance shall be paid to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of the State of Ohio or to a Deputy Registrar at the time of application of a motor vehicle is made as provided in the Ohio Revised Code.

 

SECTION 6: All moneys derived from the tax hereinbefore levied shall be used by the Village of Rockford for the purposes of paying for costs and expenses of public roadways.

 

SECTION 7: The Clerk of Council is directed to send a certified copy of the Ordinance to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Tax Distribution Section in Columbus, Ohio upon passage.

 

SECTION 8: This ordinance shall become effective from the earliest date allowed by law.

 

1st reading - 06/17/2025

2nd reading – 07/15/2025

3^rd reading – 07/05/2025

 

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

 

 

 

ORDINANCE 03-25

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR UNPAID PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FEES AND DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

WHEREAS, the Village issues notices to its residents for property maintenance issues. If the property owner does not come into compliance the Village will proceed to clean up a property and assess a charge for providing such services to the property tax bill.

 

WHEREAS, the Village issues monthly utility bills to its residents for water and sewer services. If the property owner does not pay past due balances, the Village will proceed to assess the unpaid charges for services to the property tax bill.

 

WHEREAS, the right to impose charges for property maintenance and utility services to all premises within the Village carries with it the right and responsibility to enforce collection of such charges, including the collection of said services.

 

BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE

VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, THAT:

 

SECTION 1: Assessments for property maintenance services and delinquent water bills are hereby levied and assessed for the accounts, in the amounts, and upon the properties set forth in “Schedule A” attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

SECTION 2: The assessments shall be certified by the Clerk of this

Council to the County Auditor to be placed upon the tax duplicate and collected as other taxes and assessments are collected. The Clerk of this Council is hereby directed to deliver a certified copy of this Ordinance to the Mercer County Auditor.

 

SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

 

1st reading – 06/17/2025

2^nd reading – 07/15/2025

3^rd reading – 08/05/2025

 

 

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

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

 

ORDINANCE 02-25

AN ORDINANCE CONTROLLING UNCONTROLLED PARKING OF VEHICLES, ESTABLISHING PENALITIES, REPEALING INCONSISTENT LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

WHEREAS, uncontrolled parking of vehicles within the Village contributes to safety concerns as well as the declining appearance of neighborhoods and is therefore considered a public nuisance.

 

WHEREAS, the Council for the Village adopted Ordinance No. 11-22 on December 6, 2022 after three (3) separate readings, to establish rules and restrictions regarding the acceptable parking of vehicles.

WHEREAS, the Council for the Village deems it necessary to amend said Ordinance No. 11-22 to clarify certain provisions.

 

BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, THAT:

 

SECTION 1: The Council for the Village of Rockford, Ohio defines the following terms as they pertain to this Ordinance:

(l) Front Yard. The term "front yard" refers to a yard extending across the full width of the lot, lying between the front property line or the right-of-way, and the furthermost projection of the principal building or group of buildings.

(2) Side Yard. The term "side yard" refers to a yard lying between the furthermost projection of a building and a side lot line and extending from the required front yard to the required rear yard.

(3) Rear Yard. The term "rear yard" refers to a yard extending across the full width of a lot and lying between the rear lot line and the most projection of a building.

(4) Driveway. The term "driveway" refers to a passage way for vehicles composed of concrete, asphalt, or gravel that serves to connect a public street or alley to a garage or legal parking space.

(5) Improved Area. The term "improved area" refers to a section of the lot that has been altered and defined by concrete, asphalt or gravel, with a positive boundary, for the means of providing a parking space for a vehicle. The improved area must be entered via a driveway or curb cut, except where adjacent to a paved street where there is no curb.

(6) Vehicle. Any car, truck, trailer, motor home, camper, recreational vehicle, boat, trailer of any type, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or motorcycle.

 

SECTION 2: Parking of any vehicle shall be prohibited in the following areas:

(1) It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle in a front yard, in a side yard on the street side of a corner lot, or in a rear yard that abuts a street or an alley.

(2) It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle over any part of the sidewalk or curb that is parallel to the public way, including that part of the sidewalk that is part of a driveway.

 

SECTION 3: For the purposes of this Ordinance, parking is permitted in the following areas:

(a) An improved space in the prohibited parking area used as a parking space before this section is adopted, provided that the entrance to the approved area is via a driveway or curb cut, except where adjacent to a paved street where there is no curb.

(b) Parking in any portion of the driveway that may be located in the front yard, rear yard, or side yard, except the portion that is part of the sidewalk.

(c) Parking off the edge of the street where no curb is present, within the existing right of-way, and in an improved area.

(d) Any improved area meeting setback requirements and other applicable zoning provisions. The Council and Zoning Department must determine compliance with all such improved areas.

Parking in front yard, side yard, or rear yard for the purpose of unloading a vehicle, washing a vehicle or some other similar purpose. The vehicle, however, must be removed from the front yard, side yard, or rear yard once the task is completed or within 12 hours.

 

SECTION 4: Any officer of the Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. Anyone violating this Ordinance shall be subject to the following penalties:

(1) The Police Department shall issue a notification for a violation of this Ordinance to the occupant of the property by hand-delivering or posting the notice in a conspicuous location on the residence. The notification shall state that the improperly parked vehicle(s) must be moved from the prohibited location identified in this Ordinance or removed from the property within 3 days. If the improperly parked vehicle(s) are not moved within 3 days, then the violator shall be subject to a fine of $ 100 per day for each day that a violation occurs starting on the 4th day after the violation notice has been issued by the Police Department.

(2) Any vehicle(s) remaining in violation for more than 30 days shall be rendered junk/abandoned and shall fall under Section 150.308 Abandoned and junked vehicles of the Village's Zoning Regulations.

(3) For the purposes of this Ordinance, the violator shall be the occupant(s) of the property upon which an unlawfully parked vehicle is located, regardless to whom the vehicle is registered.

 

SECTION 5: PENALTY.

(A) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter for which no penalty otherwise is provided in the section is guilty of 1 of the following:

(1) A minor misdemeanor;

(2) If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 1 violation of this chapter, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;

(3) If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 2 or more violations of this chapter, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

 

SECTION 5: All legislation in conflict herewith shall be, and the same hereby is, repealed.

 

SECTION 6: This Ordinance is deemed to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its passage for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of the Village of Rockford, Ohio.

 

1st reading - 06/17/2025

2nd reading – 07/15/2025

3^rd reading - 08/05/2025

 

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

 

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Shanes Park signage ---- electronic sign not working – data outdated and panels of lights not working. Invest in fees to repair or should we go with new sign permanent – simple, with light --- Shanes Park with arrow and address and low to no maintenance. Committee will discuss these options and bring recommendations to next meeting.

 

Shane --- not a fan of digital signs --- moving to fast to read the information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp

 

Attention Rockford travelers:

 

Because of safety concerns in the area - ODOT installed new speed limit signage --- new limit 35 mph on US 33 west of the Village past Dollar General going out and coming into town.

WATCH YOUR SPEED !

 

ODOT is also aware of some needed repairs on US 33 East of town and will be working in the area at some point.

 

Maker’s Market coordinator Amy Noll has requested that the Maker’s Market be moved to Main street starting with the next Market on August 17^th. Would like to request Columbia Street be blocked off from Main Street towards the Village Office during Market time on Sundays from noon to 3 pm. Again, safety concerns with children in the area.

 

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

 

The Rockford Chamber would like permission to close off all parking on Main Street during Rocktoberfest on Saturday – October 25^th from 7 am to 7 pm. This includes Trick or Treat timing as well.

 

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

 

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

We are forming a committee to become a ‘Historical District’ that will be working on grant opportunities and tax incentives to restore historical buildings in the village.

 

 

Rockford is a COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA:

 

A percentage of tax exemption on the increase in assessed valuation resulting from the improvements to residential, commercial, and industrial real estate properties.

 

50% for 5 years for construction or remodeling upon which the cost is at least $2,500

 

Stop by the Village office if you have any questions.

 

 

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

AES Electric is wanting to raise rates again ---- the average customer will be paying $21.75 more per month for delivery. Please send your concerns to PUCO --- Public Hearings on August 7^th at 1 pm or August 14^th at 6 pm – Dayton City Commission Office located at 101 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402

 

Tell the PUCO how this would affect you. Your input makes a difference!

 

• “File a Public Comment” online at: https://bit.ly/24-1009-EL-AIR

 

• Mail a letter to: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Be sure to reference AES Ohio and PUCO Case 24-1009-EL-AIR.

 

 

Visitor to address Council:

 

Bret Jones - Topic Parking in the Village. ----Appreciated Mark for reading through the entire Ordinance regarding parking. Concerns about parking in the village. Seems to be different rules on different streets. I wrote a letter asking some questions regarding parking on Second Street vs Franklin St. Was asked to get a reply in writing and have not received a response to date. We have a great town but as of late we have to many regulations and rules and threatening letters. I think we need to lighten up and make Rockford great again. Would still like a reply in writing to my questions.

 

 

 

Randy Now ---- Assistance from the Mayor and Council regarding any knowledge and /or rumors about sex clubs and trafficking by elected and unelected public officials in Mercer County. Activities could include public blackmail, bribery and or corruption – we want this stopped. Working with authorities on some affidavits and hoping you can help. If anyone knows of such activities, please reach out to Randy Now.

 

Mayor to Randy --- if you know of these types of things happening, please start by reporting them to our local law enforcement.

 

 

 

 

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm

 

_________________________ _________________________

Mayor Fiscal officer