Rockford Council Hears Shanes Park Grant Update, Approves HSA Contributions

Rockford Village Council met June 16th, with Mayor Ron Searight calling the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

During his report, Searight highlighted the increased use of Shanes Park during the summer season and thanked the Recreation Board for its volunteer work. He also said the new shelter house near the pond is almost complete. The project was completed as an Eagle Scout project by Brody Reigle and was supported largely through donations and volunteer help.

Searight also reminded residents to use good judgment with golf carts after seeing an underage driver operating one on a village street with an adult passenger. He said safety should remain the priority.

The mayor also noted home improvement projects taking place around the community and encouraged residents to support local businesses.

Several upcoming events were also listed, including the Rockford Lions Club Car Show and Cruise-In on June 19th at 4 PM, Rockford Community Garage Sales on June 19th and 20th, a Maker’s Market at Shanes Park on June 28th from 11 AM to 2 PM, and the Mercer Health 5K in Rockford on July 11th.

Village Administrator Aaron Temple reported that state traffic counters will be placed in the village, something the state does periodically.

Temple also said the HSI Solar project continues to move forward, with a future site visit expected with engineers, contractors and others involved in the project.

Temple also announced that the village received a $100,000 grant from the Ohio state operating budget for Shanes Park. That funding will be added to $20,000 in local matching funds. The project includes new pickleball courts, new sand volleyball courts, walking paths and lights. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Council approved paying bills totaling $34,817.37.

Council also heard first reading of an ordinance levying assessments for unpaid property maintenance fees and delinquent utility bills.

A budget hearing is scheduled for 7:15 PM before the July 7th council meeting. The preliminary 2027 budget is due to the county auditor by July 15th.

Council also heard second reading of an ordinance adopting, approving and ratifying a 1960 ordinance that had been passed but was never recorded.

The mayor directed that zoning be included under the Rules Committee moving forward and that housing and buildings be included under the Safety Committee.

Council also discussed tornado sirens, noting the county controls the sirens and their timing. Special duty pay was also discussed, with more clarification expected at the next meeting.

Under new business, council approved HSA contributions for employees currently covered under the village insurance program. The approved amount is $2,500 per employee for the year, with $1,250 to be deposited this month and another $1,250 in November.

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.