RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on April 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm.

Let us pray - Dear God, please bless us as we meet to discuss the Village of Rockford business. We’re thankful for your many blessings, but ask that you have your hand in this meeting to guide and direct us in it. We ask all these things in your Holy name, Amen.

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Also attending: Chief Westgerdes, Ross Finke, Robbie Peel, Erin from the Daily Standard.

Motion Mary. Second Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

Motion Marcas. Second Luke to accept the minutes from the April 7, 2026 council meeting as presented. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

April 11, 2026, was a busy day for Rockford, as the Rockford Fire Department held their annual Pancake and Sausage breakfast at the Fire Station. But this year the Chamber of Commerce, added to the day bringing back the “Spring Fling”, which offered vendors of all sorts and a car show. But they also offered something special to the event with free train rides around downtown area. It’s a very nice touch. Parkway Band boosters also had a 5k run and walk at the school midmorning, so Rockford was filled with activities for just about everyone. We hope you enjoyed yourselves. And thanks for all that supported those events and the many volunteers it took to man them as well.

Now’s the time to stand up and let our voices known, as both AES and Enbridge Gas Ohio are asking the PUCO for increases. Both have asked for raises in the past, but last year due to the Village of Rockford and other governments Enbridge was denied a rate increase and was ordered to reduce their rates. Now they’re back wanting approximate 10% or $9.50 fixed increase on your gas bill. Rockford passed a Resolution 02-2026 opposing it last council meeting. AES is requesting an additional rate increase for the next three years of 3.5%, 2.5%, and 1.2% each year. This is on top of $168 million distribution rate increase that was approved by the PUCO late last year.

But you can also help by reaching out to the PUCO by emailing them at https://puco.ohio.gov/help-center/contact-us. and let them know. You can also contact the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel at https://www.occ.ohio.gov/consumer-alert. Enbridge Case No. 25-0958 and AES Case No. 25-1097. The more voices they hear the better the chances that we both get denied. If possible, I will try and make it to an open hearing. I will keep you posted.

With warmer weather upon us, please look out for the bikes, scooters, golf carts and kids walking on the streets. Nobody wants an accident to happen so stay alert and be on the lookout for them. Enjoy the warm weather and be safe. Thank you.

Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”

God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight

Upcoming Community information & events:

Sunday – May 3 – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2 pm *New time

Tuesday – May 5th - Primary Election – Community Building

Sunday – May 31 – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2 pm

Friday – June 12th – Community Days Sponsoring the Van Wert Community Band --- Shanes Park Pavilion -- might be some ice cream involved !
Let’s celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple - absent

Street flooding and high water issues - These areas are dangerous. Recently we have seen children playing in the flooded areas. Please for everyone’s safety stay away from high water.

Several areas of high water continues to be a problem because residents are blowing grass clipping and debris in the streets, which then in turn plugs the outlets of the catch basins causing flooding.
We have an ordinance against blowing and mowing grass clippings in the street – you can be ticketed. Please sweep up the grass clippings and use the
Grass clipping bin behind the village office for disposal.

Several non-mowing violation warning letters went out last week. Reminder grass needs to be less than 8”. Once a letter has been sent the property needs to be mowed within 7 days. Warning letters are only sent once per year. If we have to have an outside contractor mow the property it will be billed at $250 per hour. If invoices are not paid, the fees will be assessed to the property tax bill. There may be reasons for not mowing, please reach out to the office and we will do our best to help find assistance. There are local businesses that provide lawn care services.

We have not received the final numbers for the solar project. We feel confident we are moving in the right direction that will benefit both parties. Due to the rapidly increasing electric rates this has been a top priority. We have not seen increase in usage for the water plant and wastewater plant but the electric bills have doubled in 3 years. The solar project should save us money, so we don’t need to explore rate increases at this time.

Several projects going on at the park should be wrapped up soon. Concrete around the restrooms should be done by the end of the week. Mrs. Bruns will be bringing some elementary students down for park clean up. This is a tremendous help each year. Mr. Triplett will be bringing the middle school to help with some community service projects such as mulching Main Street and at the park. Some may help with fire hydrant painting. It is really encouraging to see our Parkway faculty and students giving back to the community. It’s greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp

Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented $35, 403.18 Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

Motion Marcas to accept Mayor’s Court pay in $268. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

Rules Committee: Mary Beougher

Primary – May 5th ---- You can review your sample ballot by going to the Mercer County Board of Elections website.

Service Committee: Shane Young - absent

Rockford Community Projects to celebrate – America’s 250th

Rockford American Legion --- take part in celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with Avenue of Flags !

Shanes Crossing Historical Society - Plant a Tree with us !
Trees will be planted at Shanes Park in the Fall !

Rockford listed on the Murals Across Ohio.

Use this link https://america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio/ to find Rockford and many other murals across the state marked on the map.

Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp

We are exploring some options to extend the tornado warning sirens. Additional sirens could cost approximate $36,000 another possibility we are looking into is an Amber Alert type system. We do encourage residents to purchase weather radios that are reasonably priced to keep you informed. We will keep you updated as we move forward.

Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson

The Village and Chamber are working together to get ideas for creating a logo and new community signage. Please send your ideas / suggestions to lisa.kuhn@rockfordohio.org so we can gather some ideas. This logo would be used throughout the Village --- New community signs, new website updates, new directory etc.

Last meeting it was Enbridge (Gas) - now AES – Electric

The PUCO will decide whether AES Ohio’s proposed increase is approved. Public input matters.

Speak in Person: Consumers may speak directly to PUCO Commissioners at local public hearings – dates to be determined.

Submit a Public Comment Online: You can file a written comment online at: https://bit.ly/Public-Comment-25-0958

Send a Letter: Reference AES Ohio and PUCO Case No. 25-0958-EL-AIR and mail to:

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Proposed increase – 3.5% - 2027, 2.5% - 2028, 1.2% 2029

Mayor Searight will be making a formal complaint and will try to attend a meeting once they are scheduled – most likely the Dayton area.

Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp

ORDINANCE 02-2026
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SANITARY SEWER LATERAL POLICY FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY, OHIO. THIS ORDINANCE REPEALS ANY PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.

1st reading - 04/07/2026
2nd reading – 04/21/2026

Old Business:

Mary – attended Vantage for a thanks and pizza party for the students. They were very appreciative of the donation and the pizza. They have agreed to partner with us again next fall with more picnic tables and perhaps some benches. Thank you Vantage ! Not able to work on the little buildings at the park – time to get here and get back to school is the main factor.

New Business:

Reaching out to local businesses / organizations to help with a 5K fundraiser event to help a local family. Please contact Second Crossing to let them know how you can help. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Meeting adjourned 7:50 pm.