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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS - Special Meeting Called to suspend rules to pass budget as an emergency.

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 27^th, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:   Steve Gehle, Gene Steiner,  Greg Pontsler,

                   Ron Searight, Chris Heitkamp.  Gary Hodge – absent.

Also attending:  Jeff Long, Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard.

*        Motion to suspend rules to pass budget as an emergency

Motion: Gehle. Second Pontsler.  Steiner called for the question.  Gehle =y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

·       ORDINANCE 04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion: Gehle. Second Pontsler –

Searight stated that he would compromise on the budget saying if the police budget was restored he would agree with the rest of the budget.

Much discussion regarding looking at avenues to save money where we can.  Gehle mentioned that we were to cut the police budget in years past but have never done so.

As the new year begins we all need to look for ways to save money.  This budget affects many people as a group on council and 1,000+ people in our community.

Pontsler stated that the raises we gave last year amounted to approximately $7,000.  He reminded council that he voted ‘no’ on the raises.

Discussion about whether to keep a finance committee next year.  Everyone agreed that finance needs to be discussed and reviewed once a month to keep everyone involved.   Council rules of order may need reviewing.

Mayor states that if additional funds are needed at the end of next year we will need to do a supplemental appropriation.

With discussions coming to a stand point –

Steiner called for the question.

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = N, Heitkamp = N.

Passed 3 yes 2 no.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Heitkamp. Searight absent.

Also attending:  Monte Deigel,  Doug Walters, Jeff Long, Chief May, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion  Gehle.  Second Hodge to accept Agenda as orders of the day. 

Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y,

Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes

Motion: Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

December 6, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Celina Fire Chief Doug Walters gave a presentation regarding the Central Dispatch Consol.  He discussed reasons why the grant was submitted one being the current Consol manufacturer is out of business and there is no way to get parts for it.  The new system would make all departments compatible. 

Council had several questions about the proposal of cost portions.  1.  The point that if funding for the grant didn’t come through that the Rockford portion would be increase at an amount that is undetermined.  Chief Walters said that portion of the agreement could be taken out and that there was never an intention of coming back for more funding.   Council thought the portions should be divided by per capita, but Walters stated in the short time the grant was available the grant was based on calls for service instead.  That point will be taken out of the Rockford agreement.

There was discussion on the 911 surcharge on local and cell phone bills.  Those funds basically go to the state and what does come in does not go towards improvements.  This funding will be drying up next year.

Monte reviewed the 2010 call stats.  Calls for service are not traffic stops but rather complaints that are called in from residents.  There were an additional 800+ calls regarding traffic stops.

Council thanked Monte and Chief Walters for being here and clearing up some of the questions that have been brought up.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Jeff gave a presentation on the Village of Rockford ~ Continue the Vision

·        Council and citizens want a prosperous community with a good quality of life.

·        What has been holding us back – infrastructure issues that are now ready for economic development

·        What has been done – waterline project, park improvements, Front Street,

Market Street, Buckeye Street that led to a new school, South Main Street.  We have done 10 million in capital improvements with 5 million in grant monies and the rest at low or zero interest rates.

We are still 2.5 million in debt with 1.7 million of that being 0% interest with all debt having a dedicated payment source.

·        Communities that invest in themselves see results.

·        What next – we are income tax dependent village and we need jobs to increase our general fund.    We need to watch what we spend and increase jobs.

·        How can we do this – purchase land – once in our possession we can promote ourselves.  Mercer County Economic Development group will be working with us to promote the area.  Businesses that are looking to build or expand want to begin in 12 weeks of finding a location.  Unless we have land ready and available we are already a step behind.

·        Suggesting that in the next year we focus on land purchase and development for more jobs in the village which will bring in more tax dollars.

Thank you.

Waterline project approximately 10% complete.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Hodge.  Second Steiner  to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $363,548.86.  Bills include loan payments and CDBG grant monies that have come in for the Waterline project.  The monies come to us and we in turn pay the contractor.  Same with engineering fees.  Pontsler called for the question.  Hodge = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Steiner, Second Hodge to approve the Rockford portion of $1626.68 of the Central Dispatch Consol upgrade.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Hodge =y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = N, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 4 yes, 1 no

THE BUDGET –

There were questions regarding the on call pay.  It is cheaper for us to pay the $100 per week than it would be to pay overtime. By law, someone has to check the water plant and sewer plant on weekends.  This also gives us a dedicated person to be in the village at all times.

Village comparison in the water and sewer departments compared to other villages we are understaffed instead of overstaffed.

Clean up day – We have some options regarding clean up day that will be discussed in committee.   We need to contact the school and have them promote their recycle day more so residents are aware of it.  Maybe the FFA can give residents more opportunities to recycle than just once a month. We will be working on a contract with Mahargs. 

·       ORDINANCE  04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.

1^st reading – 11/01/11

2^nd reading – 11/15/11

3^rd reading – 12/06/11

4^th reading – 12/20/11

Motion Gehle. Second Pontsler.  Hodge called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = N.  Passed 4 yes 1 no.

Mayor Joseph stated that according to ORC 705.75 she does not have to sign the budget.   She will not be signing the budget.

More discussion about budget issues.  Why are some disapproving the budget, but not asking any questions throughout the process?

Chief May – we are losing 1,000 hours of patrol that includes coverage for vacations, sick time, holidays and weekends.  There have been 300+ tickets issued this year.  That will continue to drop if we don’t have someone on patrol. 

The budget includes 8 hours each for Saturday and Sunday.

Question is how to get more money in the general fund when we are losing money each year – tax dollars and state funding?  The general fund has been going down for 6 years.

Steve suggests that during next year budget discussions (that start in July) we not only discuss in committee but bring everything to the table.  This way all are informed and all have the opportunity to ask questions. 

Mayor – we need to work together better not against each other for the betterment of the Village.  We all want more jobs, businesses and residents.

Gehle – if tax revenues start increasing dramatically, the part time hours will be easy to put back in place.

Jeff to attend the 2^nd RADC meeting next year to coordinate the industrial park sign and lights. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Nothing at this time.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight - absent

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

1^st meeting of the 2012 year on January 23^rd at 7 pm at the library basement.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 05-11

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50.06 , PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY, OF CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING A UTILITY DEPOSIT TO BE PAID BY RENTERS AND LEASEHOLDERS OF PROPERTIES REQUESTING UTILITY SERVICE.

1^ST reading – 11-15-11

2^nd reading – 12-6-11

3^rd reading 12/20/11

Motion Gehle, Second Hodge, Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Merry Christmas !

Old Business

Mayor requests that the Police signs be installed yet this week.  

New Business

Tom Rogers requests permission to block off street on New Year’s Eve from 11:30 pm – 12:15 am.  They will be signing songs and will ring the bell at The Belle at midnight. 

Motion Pontsler.  Second Hodge.  Steiner called for the question.  Pontsler =y, Hodge = y, Steiner = y.  Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Meeting adjourned 9:04 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sgt. Stetler, Jeff Long, Chief May, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion  Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day. 

Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

Hodge = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

November 15, 2011 meeting as presented.  Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council: 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Reminder that the waterline project has now started.  Every now and then when lines are connected water will be shut off.  This will be on going throughout the project. 

Mr. Browning’s class is working on updating the Village web site.  Should be up by the end of the week.  Please check it out and give us some feedback and suggestions.  www.rockfordohio.org

Motion to give Chamber gift certificates to Village employees for Christmas.

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Received two letters acknowledging our Resolution 09-11 opposing the state taking over our municipal income tax collections. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Regarding the waterline project – leaks will pop up while working and they will need to fix the lines.  Fire flow will be very good once the project is complete. Currently working on First St to Main St.  All drawings will be updated and we will have a good map of the Village.  We have no records from 80-100 years ago when some of these lines were installed.  This will be a vast improvement.  We will be in very good shape with the infrastructure and will be open to new economic outlook.

Completion date for waterlines – June 2012 and August-September 2012 for paving.

We have been awarded the OPWC grant of $152,000 for pavement of streets once the waterline project is done.   This information will be reviewed with the committee to figure out what streets will be done.

Have spoken with Mr. Puthoff regarding working together to get a Safe Route to School grant to finish Franklin St. to Buckeye St.  Very competitive grant process.  Along with this project there may be some storm sewer repair.

New truck on the way to Kalida to install salt spreader, plow, etc. 

Committee Reports: 

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Questions on bills – DP & L – 2 meters at the sewer plant. Cords and Christmas Lights ~ we set up the park with ground fault, weather proof boxes.  Village employees spent to much time working on lights at the park.  Next year we will do the spouting and roofs, but the ground work will need to be done by those involved with the Winterfest.

Motion Searight.  Second Hodge  to pay the bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $10,030.26. Gehle called for the question. Searight = y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 6 yes. 

Motion Gehle.  Second Searight to accept the Mayors Court Pay in of $461.  Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 6 yes. 

RESOLUTION 10-11

A RESOLUTION RETAINING THE SERVICES OF JUDY A KOESTERS AS SOLICITOR FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR 2012, SETTING COMPENSATION AND ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBILITIES.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Upgrade to Central Dispatch Consol.  Rockford portion $1626.68.

Thought this was already taken care of, but evidently not.  After reviewing the information several issues came up about dividing the cost fairly, the title is a Fire Act Grant – maybe the Fire Departments should pay a bigger share, the terms and conditions suggest that if the funding does not come through, each department listed would be required to cover any excess costs.  These are questions that need to be answered before moving forward.  We will invite Chief Walters of Celina to come to the next meeting on December 20^th and discuss these issues. 

THE BUDGET – any questions.  A lot of discussion regarding police budget, water and sewer rates and job duties, on call pay. 

·       ORDINANCE  04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.

1^st reading – 11/01/11

2^nd reading – 11/15/11

3^rd reading – 12/06/11

Motion Searight. Second Gehle.  Hodge called the question.  Searight = N, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Steiner = N, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = N.  3 yes, 3 no to

Mayor for vote – Mayor = N.

Steve went through the general fund budget and reviewed each line item that was cut.  The part-time police hours cut to 16 hours per week. clean up day was cut because residents abused the program, street capital outlay was cut, the note to People Bank was originally going to be paid off this year will instead be paid off next year.  Audit fees were reduced.

Ron feels we are overstaffed in the water/sewer department and would like a report of how many employees other villages have.

Mayor Joseph said it doesn’t matter what others are doing, we need to do what is right for Rockford.

Steve mentioned that we have been cutting into the carry over for the past 4 or 5 years and if that continues then we will have nothing.

Income tax and the local government funding continue to decline.

If we have a police emergency the Sheriff’s department is there for back up.  If the water/sewer department has problems there is no back up.

Ron would like to review the facts and vote again at the next meeting.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Nothing at this time.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Safety Committee meeting scheduled for December 13^th at 7 pm.  Ron would like Lisa to find out if there is cost savings to having drug testing implemented.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Nothing at this time. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 05-11

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50.06 , PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY, OF CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING A UTILITY DEPOSIT TO BE PAID BY RENTERS AND LEASEHOLDERS OF PROPERTIES REQUESTING UTILITY SERVICE.

1^ST reading – 11-15-11

2^nd reading – 12-6-11 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Reviewed the employee handbook and have a couple of things to discuss.

Old Business

New Business

Ron requested that the rules committee review the information regarding private property.

Meeting adjourned 8:57 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sgt. Stetler, Jeff Long, Chief May, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Nancy Leighner, Marti Lentz

Motion  Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day with addition of Ordinance 05-11.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y,

Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

November 1, 2011 meeting as presented.  Steiner called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y,

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Leaf pick up issues.  If you live outside the Village limits you do not receive leaf pick up.   

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long - absent

Fiber optic to 33 complete.  Now Wabash Communications will be taking the fiber optic from Market St. to the school.  Will be 1 to 2 years and will be available throughout the Village. 

Waterline project has been started. 

We will be capping the well at the old water plant and getting ready for the building to come down.  We will then present the deed to the school for that property that they will be using to improve the sports complex.  They are currently working on the dugouts at the baseball diamond.

Discussed DP & L Energy lighting on Holly Lane.  They have submitted a quote for 10 lights.  The quote will be cut down to 6 lights.  These will be decorative lights.   We will also be renewing our DP & L Contract at no increase.

Jeff thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers for his daughter in law and grand babies during the last several weeks.      

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $17,072.68.  Bills include audit fee, DP & L and fuel.  Hodge called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge =y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Hodge to accept the Mayors Court Pay in of $1175.00.  Searight called for the question.  Ponstler = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Health Insurance for Village Employees.  We are going with the Anthem policy.  There will be no increase to the Village and there will be no increase to the Village employees.   Going to a higher deductible policy $750 to $2,500.00.

·       ORDINANCE  04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.

1^st reading – 11/01/11

2^nd reading – 11/15/11

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Motion to re-instate Tom Williams for the 2012 Tree Commission.

Motion Searight, Second Gehle.  Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

Jeff and the Tree Committee reviewed the Village Tree Ordinance and everything meets the state requirements.  We will be hosting the Northwest Area Tree City Awards Banquet in May 2012.  200+ will be in attendance.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Nothing at this time.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

The next RADC meeting will be November 28th at the Library Basement.  We will be electing officers and reviewing goals for 2012.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

We now are having problems with renters moving without paying their final water bills.  Therefore, Jeff has written an ordinance to require a deposit to be paid before a renter gets water services.  Landlords will receive a copy of the ordinance and they should inform their tenants.

ORDINANCE 05-11

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50.06 , PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY, OF CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING A UTILITY DEPOSIT TO BE PAID BY RENTERS AND LEASEHOLDERS OF PROPERTIES REQUESTING UTILITY SERVICE.

1^ST reading – 11-15-11

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

We will be reviewing the Employee Handbook at the next Rules Committee meeting on December 6^th at 6 pm.

Back to Visitors to Address Council:

Nancy Leighner would like to congratulate those winning in the Village elections. 

She also wanted to know where we stand on the surveillance lights at the Park.  The Park Board is working with this issue.  Also there are some parking issues on Pearl Street between neighbors.    This issue and others have been brought to Council attention.  There is nothing Council can do.  This is a public street.  They have been to court and told to get along.

Old Business

Motion Searight.  Second Steiner to go into executive session to discuss personnel.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

Time – 8:05 pm

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to come out of executive session with no action taken.  Hodge called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y,  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Time 8:55 pm

New Business

Meeting adjourned 8:56 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

                        RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle (late) Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sgt. Stetler, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Chief May

Motion  Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Hodge to accept the minutes from the

October 18, 2011 meeting as presented.  Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Congratulations to Tom Rogers for being recognized as Citizen of the Year and

to Burtch Seed for being recognized as Business of the Year at the 38^th Annual Chamber Banquet.   Both are well deserved !

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long - absent

·        Question – have the locks for the water plant been ordered?  These need purchased and installed as soon as possible.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle (absent)

Report by Lisa

Motion Hodge.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $16,526.97.  Bills include DP & L and Bulk Salt.   Searight called for the question.  Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

·       ORDINANCE  04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.

1^st reading – 11/01/11

·       RESOLUTION 09-11

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE STATE OF OHIO OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY CENTRAL COLLECTION ENTITY FROM SEEKING TO TAKE CONTROL OF MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX COLLECTION: AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Audit report 2010 and 2009 available for review.  Everything ok.

Service Committee:           Gary Hodge

Nothing to report at this time.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

Hydrants were flushed over the weekend.  Problems found were given in report to Jeff to be handled. 

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

The next RADC meeting will be November 28th at the Library Basement.  We will be electing officers.  Some discussions on businesses were held at the last meeting and will be reported next month.  There will be no RADC meeting in December.

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

Nothing to report.

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp

We had a rules meeting on 11/01/11 before Council.  We are moving along fine.  We will be consulting with Judy on a couple of issues. 

Old Business

New Business

Paul gave a presentation so that council would understand what the police do during an 8 hour day.  The presentation lasted about 30 minutes. 

Meeting adjourned 8:33 pm.

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sgt. Stetler, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard.

Motion  Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

October 4, 2011 meeting as presented.  Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Rockford Recreation Association is conducting a fundraiser to plant trees this fall around the ball fields at Shanes Park.   Trees will improve the look of the park and serve as a windbreak for the ball diamonds.  The public is encouraged to purchase a tree for $75.  The association plans to engrave donors names on a plaque to show its appreciation.  Contact Ryan Sipe at 419-305-2650 or Lisa Kuhn at the Village Office.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long - absent

Report by Steve Gehle ~

Open House went well.  We had a few people show up.  There are some concerns: need locks on the gates and a lock out tag out system. 

Committee Reports: 

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $8,599.86.  Bills include back hoe repair and DP & L.   Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y,

Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·       ORDINANCE  03-11

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING FEES FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY THE ROCKFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Motion Searight.  Second Gehle.  To pass the ordinance in emergency form.  Steiner called for the question.  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge =y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Searight .  Second Steiner to approve ordinance 03-11.  Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

A Finance meeting was held on 10/11/11 to review the budget.  We have approximately $32,000 cut from the budget so far.  We are still reviewing and will have another meeting on 10/25/11 at 7 pm.  General fund expenses that have been discussed being cut are:  Part-time police hours, clean up day, solicitor fees, audit fees, Parkway Utility note, and capital improvements.  These along with water and sewer funds will be discussed at the next meeting.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Nothing to report at this time.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Safety issue – remind Jeff that the sidewalk needs painted yellow at the Methodist Church.  The no parking area.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

The next RADC meeting will be October 24^th at the Library Basement.  Please note the change of location.  We will be discussing our 2012 goals. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Same old, same old.   Approximately 80 shut off notices sent out.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

We had a rules meeting on 10/04/11 before Council.  We went through the ordinance handbook to make sure they were all current.  Found some outdated.

We will continue with the project.  We will be review the employee handbook also.

Old Business

Property getting annexed into village.  We are waiting on the paperwork from the county.

Searight would like to address the 25 mph speed limit sign near park entrance off 33.  The sign is always turned.  We need to take care of the problem ~ round post.

New Business

Motion Gehle.  Second Pontsler. To go into executive session regarding personnel.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y.  Passed 6 yes.  Time 8:02 pm

Motion Gehle Second Pontsler to come out of executive session with no action taken.  Hodge called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge = y, Steiner =y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.  Time 8:40 pm

Meeting adjourned 8:40 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

            RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Chief May, Jeff Long,  Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Marti Lentz and Nancy Leighner

Motion  Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

September 20, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Couple of questions from Nancy Leighner:

How is the surveillance light project going?  That project is actually under the Park Board not the Council.  It has been discussed, but no decisions as of yet.

We have requested several children at play signs for Kids Club.  Yes – they are here and need to be installed.  One on South St.  Advised to use cones to block the alley during Kids Club when kids are out and about.

Has the Splash Pad been winterized yet?  Not yet, still waiting on the company to come and help for the first time.  It was their request that they be here.  Jeff to contact them again.  The water has been shut off.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

·        Trick or Treat in the Village will be October 29^th from 6-7:30 pm with Judging at the Fire House at 8 pm.

·        Open House at the Water Plant – October 15^th from 1 – 4 pm 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Fanning and Howey and Tonka, the Engineering Firm and Equipment Company, will provide some snacks at the Open House at the Water Plant on October 15^th.

Information on the Water Plant open house has been posted on the sign out front.

A company is in the Village installing fiber optic cable.  Market to Race to Bridge and out 118. 

Can’t really set a leaf pick up date.  When we see piles we will pick them up.  We have been working getting the leaf pick up equipment in working order. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Hodge  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $16,380.33.  Searight called for the question. 

Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $1,214.00.  Second Searight.  Hodge called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·       RESOLUTION #08-11

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND/OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight .  Hodge called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

This will allow us to get $230,000 worth of paving done through a grant. 

A Finance committee meeting was held on September 27 at 7 pm.  We are working at cutting the budget.  We will have another Finance meeting on October 11^th at 6 pm.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Material for the waterline project has arrived.  The project will begin in about 2 weeks.  The company doing the work is finishing up another project.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

A Safety meeting was held on September 26^th.  Discussed several issues that include:  resident concerns about snow removal around the corners.  Discussed the ER Plan.  Jeff and Paul to work together on this project.  Goal for draft to Council for approval – April 2012.  

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Restaurant information – not sure.  Trying to get in touch with owners.

The next RADC meeting will be October 24^th at the Library Basement.  Please note the change of location.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Water hookup costs $2500.  For new annexations we have waived that fee.

We will continue with the Rockford Revitalization program for owner occupied homes.  The base water and sewer is free for 6 months.  We will still charge for the debt service and any overage.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Held rules meeting before Council.  Need to check about several updates.  We will report at the next meeting. 

Old Business

Need to contact Innovative Home Construction regarding the spouting.  Sent letter and have gotten no response.  Need a personal contact.

Thanks to Village employees for installed the Fire Department signs.

Discussed truck bids.  All dealers have state bid pricing.  $10,000 to come out of the water fund and $10,000 to come out of the sewer fund for the down payment.

Will finance the rest from Peoples Bank – 3 year renewable note. 

Motion Pontsler to purchase new truck.  Second Steiner.  Hodge called the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Question was brought up regarding the parking once the buildings are torn down.  The village received a grant to purchase.  The Fire Department will pay to tear down.  There will be Emergency Parking only signs located in the area where the building are now.  There will no longer be emergency parking along the street.

This will free up the parking areas for the businesses downtown.  This is working out for everyone’s benefit.   

New Business 

Meeting adjourned 8:03 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters,  Chief May,  Jeff Long,  Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion  Gehle.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Searight called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

September 6, 2011 meeting as presented.  Pontsler called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Ohio Municipal League Annual Conference will be held on December 6 & 7, 2011

Invitation to join Lake Campus on Friday, October 7^th, 2011 at 11 am for the WOEF- Lake Campus Student Housing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

RSVP at 419-586-0376 ext 8376

Email regarding snow removal blocking sidewalks and fire hydrants.  This will be address in a safety committee meeting.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

1.       Fire Truck Entrance Signs are here, but not yet installed.

2.      Ordered signs for Jay Street and North Street, (2) Slow Children Signs and left arrow signs to move traffic away from behind D & L

3.      Sent letter to Innovative Home Construction regarding spouting

4.      Open House for the Water Plant will be October 15^th from 1 – 4 pm

Will hand out some water saving tips.

5.      Applied for design planning loan for the Wastewater Treatment plant.  We may qualify for 50% principal forgiveness on project.  Need to be ready to do when adequate funding is available.  Goal is for no rate increase.

6.      Proposal for new dump truck.  Truck is 17 years old and is worn out.  $20,000 down payment rest would be financed over 3 years.  From general fund, street fund, water plant fund, water, and sewer funds.  It would take 7 – 9 weeks for delivery.  Searight and Gehle would like at least 2 other estimates on new and a couple on newer used equipment. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Searight.  Second Hodge to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $16,923.55.  Gehle called for the question. 

Searight = y, Hodge = y, Gehel = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

RESOLUTION 07-11

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE MERCER COUNTY BUDGET COMMISSION AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY.

Village of Rockford amount $34,345.00 or 6.63%

Motion Searight, Second Gehle.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes.

A Finance committee meeting will be held on September 27 at 7 pm.  We need to cut  at least $15,000 out of the general fund for 2012 and another $15,000 for 2013. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

No smoking signs need to be installed at the Shelter House.  Kim working at keeping cigarette butts cleaned up.

Hodge to May  – lots not being cleaned up (Pearl St.), lots not being mowed (Franklin St.) .  Citations have been done and will be issued.

Waterline project to begin soon.  Material will be delivered starting next week. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Received another example of an Emergency Plan from Paul.   Thank you.  The information is very detailed.  We will review it at our next safety meeting on September 26^th at 7 pm.   We will also discuss the snow removal email.

Thank you to Jeff for some issues that were taken care of.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

There was a short Economic committee meeting after the last Council meeting.  We discussed having an Open House for the Water plant instead of a 3^rd quarter Town Hall.  The Open House will be on October 15^th.  We will have some handouts available.   

The RADC will be meeting again on a regular basis starting September 26^th at 7:30 pm.  We will be reviewing some ideas that came up over the summer and addressing several issues.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

1 utility accounts had been shut off for non payment and is still off.

80+ shut off notices were sent for late water bill payments.  Several water bills were higher than normal.  We can take hour by hour readings at the meter to see when water usage occurred.  

There will be a utilities committee meeting in October to review the wastewater treatment plan and funding.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Would like to schedule a Rules meeting before the next Council meeting on October 4th  at 6 pm.

Old Business

Discussed issues on Oak St., Vine St. and Front St and stop sign for an alley.

Motion Gehle to extend the Rockford Revitalization Program for another year.  Second Hodge.  Searight called for the question.  Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

New Business 

Meeting adjourned 8:01 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Hodge- absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, the Splash Pad Committee.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner – y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

August 2, 2011 meeting as presented.  Pontsler called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,  Steiner = y

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Splash Pad Committee brought up several questions and issues:

Nancy – wondering when the buildings downtown would be torn down?  Not until the grant monies have been received.  Sometime after the first of the year.

Barb mentioned that the Splash Pad Committee will be having a Purse Bingo on November 13^th at the Community Building.  Mark your calendars !

Barb mentioned that she was at the park over the weekend picking up trash.  Evidently someone is mowing over the trash instead of picking it up first.  This is not good for children running around barefoot to be stepping on pieces of aluminum cans.

The company that installed the Splash Pad will be coming back to help shut down the Splash pad for the winter for the first time.  Will be in the next month.

Nancy requested a ‘Children at Play sign’ on South St. 

Mayor to committee – Thank you for your input !

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Two members of Robert Latta’s staff will be available to meet with constituents who may have questions or concerns involving the federal government.   They will be at the Rockford Village Hall this Thursday – September 8^th from noon – 1:30 pm.

Plan to attend the 9/11 Memorial Concert at Parkway High School this Sunday – September 11^th from 3:45 – 5:45.  Free will donations accepted.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Thursday Jeff will attend the Tree City Banquet planning meeting.  The Tree City Banquet will be held in Rockford in May 2012.

Waterline project will begin the 4^th week of September.  Completion date of July 2012 is expected.  We will need to have some committee meetings to discuss what streets will be re-paved after the project is done.

Asphalt patching was done today.

Working with engineers on paperwork in case some infrastructure funding becomes available for the wastewater treatment plant.

Tree committee working on getting the tree down that was struck by lightning on Pearl St.

Brush pick up is 2^nd Tuesday of the month.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $10,353.36.  Searight called for the question. 

Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $651.00. Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Searight.  Second Gehle for approval of Deposit of Funds to Peoples Bank 2011 – 2013.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 5 yes.

A Finance committee meeting will be held on September 27 at 7 pm.  We need to cut $15,000 out of the general fund for 2012 and another $15,000 for 2013. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge – absent

Several issues brought up regarding properties that are not being cared for.

Several have had warnings but nothing is being done.  Jeff to contact bank regarding the Pearl St residence.  Sgt. Stetler will look into Franklin St. and West St. issues – one mowing issue and the other unlicensed vehicle.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Received a complaint that cars are blocking the road into the trailer park.  Several council have looked into the  parking issue and haven’t seen anything wrong.  May need to contact manager. 

Other issue -  the gate at the wastewater treatment plant is not being closed and locked up again.  This needs taken care of.  Do we need a new gate system?  There is no good reason for it to be open.  The gate needs locked each and every time the plant is left. 

Ron requested the status of the emergency plan from Jeff and Paul.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

There will be a short Economic committee meeting after Council tonight. 

The RADC will be meeting again on a regular basis starting September 26^th at 7:30 pm. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

2 utility accounts have been shut off for non payment. 

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to approve the 2012 Salt Bid to Cargill at $99.74 per ton.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Would like to schedule a Rules meeting before the next Council meeting on September 20^th  at 6 pm

Old Business

Jeff to get with Rockfit regarding spouting.  This is a major problem during heavy rains.

Mayor - Please note - some people are abusing the ‘grass clipping only’ area behind the Village Hall.  There should not be plastic of any kind in that area.  Please use the area properly or we will install cameras and give out citations.

Drive area behind D & L Classic is private property.  He is allowed to block the area if he so desires.  The Village has nothing in it.

Mayor - The alley beside Pontius and Poppe is rough can we do some work there and make it better?

New Business

Paul has given the finance committee some information regarding funds needed to upgrade the 911 equipment.  Will review at the finance meeting.

Lisa gave an update on the tax forms and some preliminary audit results.  The final report should be available in the next month or so.   

Meeting adjourned 8:23 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Gehle - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Randy Schallenberg – later just observing.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner – y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

August 2, 2011 meeting as presented.  Hodge called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Hodge = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y,

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council: 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program is holding a one-day workshop on how to save money on Community Energy Bills.  To be held on September 8^th in Reynoldsburg, OH  cost $95 per person.  Jeff will look into attending seminar.

Jeff and Amy attended the award ceremony last Wednesday.  Rockford received the Ohio Department of Development 2011 Award for Excellence in Housing and Community Development.  With the funds the Village reconstructed 2,250 linear feet of water main, 4,355 linear feet of curbs, 7,048 linear feet of sidewalks, 1,350 linear feet of water main, 3,050 linear feet of storm sewer, and 270 linear feet of sanitary sewer.  In addition, two structures were demolished, utility poles relocated, fire hydrants were installed and improvements were made to the baseball field.  The grant leveraged $1,544,697 of other public and private funds.

Jeff - Thank you to Council, Mayor, Mercer County and the citizens of Rockford for taking the time to fill out surveys that were needed to get the project moving.  Plans were started in 2006 and project was finished in 2008.   

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Sidewalk assessments were due by August 1^st.  A spreadsheet will be done and taken to the County Auditor to put the rest of the assessments on the tax duplicate.  We will receive this revenue over the next 10 years. 

With there being some water shortages in some areas the wells have been checked.   We have good wells and they are not lowering at all.  We have a great resource to be thankful for.   Our current usage has increased some, but with the new plant and well rehab that was done with the project we are good to go.  Although we should never need it, there is more area to drill another well.

Waterline project still on track to begin this fall. 

We need to begin to look at what streets might be redone next summer.  We have 200,000 square feet in the project to work with – that is if we are awarded the OPWC grant in October.   

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle- absent

Report given by Ron Searight

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $8,556.40.  Searight called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $834.10. Searight called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Passed 5 yes.

Service Committee:           Gary Hodge

Water line project and sidewalk projects to begin this fall. 

Question has been brought up regarding handicap parking on Main Street –

Ron Searight will look into this.  May not be required, but it doesn’t mean we can have something out of courtesy.

Greg to Gary --- would like someone to be sweeping out the shelter houses.  Seems to be a lot of cigarette butts around.  Gary will talk with Kim.

Jeff will put up some no smoking signs at the Shelter houses.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

Safety Committee was held before Council at 7 pm.  Discussed the Emergency Operation Plan.  Have made the goal to have in place by Spring 2012.  There are a lot of groups to be involved in this, so it will take some time to come together.

Also will be developing a HELP program – maybe get some volunteers from Churches, other organizations and individuals that would be willing to be on a list so that when someone needs help raking leaves or shoveling snow we have people that are willing to help others.

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

Jeff to look into the Ohio Job Development program that is used to redevelop downtown districts. 

Light on the Industrial park sign is in progress and should be done by this fall.

The RADC will be putting up a new sign.

There will be an Economic Development Committee meeting after the next Council meeting on August 16^th.

We will be setting up the 3rd quarter Town Hall Meeting at the next Council meeting.  (We also need to schedule the Water Plant Open House and dedication.-from last minutes)

The RADC will be holding the first meeting of the new session on September 26^th at 7 pm. 

We will be having a ribbon cutting for our newest business Main Street Blues in August.

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 02-11

AN ORDINANCE  LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 06/21/11

2^nd reading – 07/19/11

3^rd reading – 08/02/11

Motion Pontsler. Second Hodge.  Steiner called for the question.  Pontsler = y,

Hodge = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 5 yes.

Updated water shut off  letter – some thought it was to harsh.  Starts with a Friendly Reminder that the water bill has not been paid.

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp

Nothing to report.  Would like to schedule a Rules meeting before the next Council meeting on August 16^th at 6 pm

Old Business

Gene to Lisa --- did the employee Handbook get updated.  Yes.  Copies were given to each Council member to update their handbook.

Jeff to get with Rockfit regarding spouting.

Weed issues are being handled.

Thanks to Village employees for mowing the South Main St property that had weeds.

New Business

Suggested to cancel the first meeting in September since it’s the day after Labor day.  Was discussed and don’t see a need to cancel. 

Greg reported that he has talked to several people that have come to visit the Splash Pad had never before been to Shanes Park.  They were impressed with the park.  A good asset to the Community.  

There has been some on going work on the Splash pad with nozzles and pressure.  We have turned everything down so therefore the water consumption will be down as well.  Hours for the Splash Pad are 10 am – 9 pm currently, but will be cutting back as it gets dark earlier in the fall. 

Meeting adjourned 8:04 pm. 

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight

Heitkamp - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, Marti Lentz,

Nancy Leighner, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day with correction to add Annexation Agreement under Jeff’s report.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y

Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight  Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

June 21, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

The Celina Police Department would like to purchase the 2000 Impala Police Cruiser for parts.  The car has been sitting out back with a blown transmission.  They are offering $750. 

Motion Searight. Second Pontsler to sell the car to Celina.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

We received a grant from CDBG to purchase the buildings south of the fire department.  Once we receive permission the fire department will be tearing the buildings down.  There will be opportunity for the fire department to expand.  This is a good benefit for the Village.  When the buildings come down the emergency personnel parking will be moved to the south of the fire department opening up parking for the new businesses in that area.  Received $25,500 in grant money.  The property will be deeded to the fire department once the buildings are down.

We received notice that Rockford will be getting an award next week for past CDBG projects.  This is in reference to the Neighborhood Revitalization project that was completed in 2008.   Eight projects were done.  Was a very good project for the Village.   The award will be given in Columbus at a luncheon with the engineers doing a brief presentation and Jeff to speak.  Mayor is invited to come along.  The inspector on the project was the one that nominated Rockford for this award.

We have submitted a pre-application to OPWC for $150,000 to go along with the waterline project.  This money would help pay for pavement on several streets once the waterline project is complete.  This would give us $200,000 for pavement on streets.  Looking at First, Second and Franklin, but need to get with the committee and review options.  This project would be scheduled for summer 2012 if all goes well.  We have not been awarded the funds yet, but things are looking good.

Brandon Bowen has approached the Village for property to be annexed into the Village to build a home on .839 acres.   2 concerns were brought up and discussed that Rockford shall not require the installation of sidewalks or the prevention of an outdoor wood burner for a period of 10 years from annexation.    Searight brought up the sidewalk concerns and was discussed.  Gehle brought up that we can either approve as is or they will consider building somewhere else. 

RESOLUTION 06-11

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ANNEXATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO AND DUBLIN TOWNSHIP, MERCER COUNTY, OHIO.

Motion Gehle.  Second Pontsler to approve annexation to Brandon Bowen.  Steiner called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge =y, Searight = N.   Passed 4 yes.

Water line project to start late summer/early fall.  There will be some discussion as to where project will start ~  maybe First, Second and East streets.

Lead samples were taken – 90% passed.  There are 2 homes over the limit and those will be taken care of during project.  Once project is completed there will be no lead lines in the Village.

Mayor Joseph to Jeff --- you’ve been very busy.  Good Job.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Searight.  Second Steiner to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $42,224.71.  Bills include liability insurance, Ernst money for the Eyink building, plus regular bills as we had no meeting the first of the month.  .  Hodge called for the question. 

Searight = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $1545.00.

Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner =y,

Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Discussed some rubbish notices.  Will be giving verbal warnings before actual citations will be issued. 

Splash Pad Board would like to put some parking blocks along the front of the fence.  Need to decide if we want angle parking or not.  Probably not, Jeff will go down and look at the area.  Splash Pad area looking very nice.  Thank you !

Thanks to the Village employees for digging the holes for the fence. Splash Pad looks good and is getting a lot of use!

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Paul gave a few examples in regards to some emergency plans and we will be reviewing these.  Mike Robbins--EMA director has a preliminary plan that was designed several years ago. Need to schedule a meeting on August 2 at 7 pm before the next council meeting. We will be discussing winter plans and plowing.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Economic Committee meeting was held on July 12^th at 7 pm.  Discussed the Ohio Job Development program that is used to redevelop downtown districts.  Gene asked Jeff to look into this program and see if there would be any benefits for Rockford. 

We will be setting up the 3rd quarter Town Hall Meeting in September.  We also need to schedule the Water Plant Open House and dedication.

A work order was written to get the lighting on the Industrial Park sign done.

We will be having a ribbon cutting for our newest business Main Street Blues in August.  

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 02-11

AN ORDINANCE  LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 06/21/11

2^nd reading – 07/19/11

60 water shut off notices sent this month.

There are catch basins that need work and / or fixed.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp-absent

Discussed the need to have a required Class II wastewater license and pay for those required licenses.

·        Motion Gehle. Second Pontsler to update the Employee Handbook in regards to Ohio State required licenses.  Searight called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

·        Motion Gehle.  Second Searight to approve $1500.00 pay increase to Jeff Long for having the required Class II wastewater license. Hodge called for the question.  Gehle = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

Handbook to be updated 07/20/11. 

Old Business

Zoning issues with J & B need to be taken care of. 

New Business

Searight would like Rockford to have a motto and a logo.  He suggests “In God we Trust” as motto. 

The internship on a Village Web site is coming along and will be presented to Council in the next month.    Will ask that a motto and logo be added.

Tom Rogers requests approval to have Market Street closed for the Sock Hop scheduled for August 13^th. 

Motion Gehle.  Second Pontsler to approve Market St closure for Sock Hop. 

Steiner called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Thank you to Tom Rogers and The Belle for hosting the Sock Hop.  It is a great addition to Village activities.

August 10^th is the deadline to get petitions to the Board of Elections to be added to the November ballot.  The Mayor position and 2 Council Seats are on the ballot this year.

Community Days events were nice and all seemed to have an enjoyable time.  Once the financials are complete, copies will be given to council for review.

Meeting adjourned 8:35 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

            RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, Chief May, Wil Welling, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day. Gehle called for the question.  Steiner=y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Hodge =y,

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes

Motion: Gehle   Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

June 7, 2011 meeting as presented.  Steiner called for the question.

Gehle = y, Pontsler =y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Mayor Joseph thanked everyone for their support of Community Days and for the hard work the Village guys did in the previous weeks to get the park ready.  It was a good time and we had a good weekend. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

·        Report to come later in meeting waiting on Brice from Fanning Howey to give information on the waterline bids.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Searight.  Second Hodge to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $109,007.12.  Bills include loan payments, mosquito spray and regular bills.  Gehle called for the question. 

Searight =y, Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Steiner =y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

There was a budget hearing before Council meeting on June 21^st at 7:15 pm.

Copies of the 2012 budget will be sent to the Mercer County Auditor.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Good job to the guys for the work at the park the last couple of weeks.  Park and splash pad look nice.  Waterline project coming up.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Safety meeting was held tonight before council.  Items discussed were school issues ~Stop sign, 10 mph speed sign, crosswalk.  Other items discussed were disaster plans for tornado, winter storms, floods, chemical spills.  Paul to get information from EMA. Front Street parking issues were discussed as well.

We would like the community to get involved in a neighborhood watch program. 

The safety committee has a lot of work to do.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Economic Committee meeting schedule for July 12^th at 7 pm.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 02-11

AN ORDINANCE  LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 06/21/11

Utilities meeting tonight after Council.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules meeting schedule for July 12^th at 6 pm

Old Business

Reminder the July 5^th council meeting has been canceled.

Firehouse sign came in wrong --- replacement on the way.

Shanes Park signs look nice.

Fence for Splash Pad should be here in 2 weeks.  Splash Pad was being used a lot today and along with both shelter houses. Word needs to get out ~ children shouldn’t be at the park unless supervised by an adult.  If we would have a water advisory the splash pad will be shut down.  Hodge to Council ~ this is a great investment for Rockford.  Grand opening was held on Sunday – June 17^th at 1 pm.

The name of the splash pad is Shanes Splish Splash Pad.

New Business

Pontsler to Council ~ got stuck 6 times at the park in the stones.  Needs taken care of.  We will be making the park more accessible.

Community Days committee would like to work on walking paths.  Jeff suggest we wait until the Natureworks grants are awarded to see if we can get some funding.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Introduced Brice Schmitmeyer from Fanning Howey.  Brice gave presentation regarding the Waterline Project.  We had 8 bids to open on June 16^th at 1 pm.  Engineering estimate was 1.1 million.  Lowest bid was from Shinn Brothers at $849,000.  Brice has reviewed the bid and recommends to the Council to award the bid contract to Shinn Brothers from Celina.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to award the Waterline Project to Shinn Brothers from Celina OH.  Searight called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y,  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

RESOLUTION 05-11

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR PLANNING/DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION OF A WATERLINE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD AND THE OHIO WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (OWDA).

Motion Searight, Second Pontsler to approve Resolution 05-11, Hodge called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge =y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Pre-construction meeting will be scheduled soon.

Sewer plant update – the EPA has changed our Class I to a Class II.  Jeff is the only one in the village with the Class II license.   Will need to review the ordinance.  (Chris/Rules)

Jeff to Wil Welling ~  Thank you for all your hard work for Community Days.

Meeting adjourned 8:23 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Heitkamp.

Searight - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, Chief May, Wil Welling, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day. Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Gehle   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

May 17, 2011 meeting as presented.  Pontsler called for the question.

Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Mayor Joseph appointed Sean Crider to the Zoning Board.  Councilman Gehle made the motion to approve the appointment.  Steiner Second.  Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge =y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Mayor Joseph to Crider – Thank you for stepping up to take this position.  Jeff will get Sean some information to review.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Getting park ready for Community Days.

Had a hearing on the CDBG grant.  It was approved.  We will be able to get the buildings taken down. 

Bids will be opened on Thursday – June 16^th for the waterline project.  12,000’ of water lines.  This project will finish the rest of the town.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $30,040.51.  Bills include fuel, fire protection, bob cat repair, clean up day and electric expenses.  Gehle called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Gehle to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $1017.00.

Heitkamp called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp =y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Finance meeting was held after last council meeting.  Working on Budget 2012.  Everything looks ok. 

There will be a budget hearing before the next Council meeting on June 21^st at 7:15 pm.

Service Committee: Gary Hodge

Once the waterline bids are received and approved we will proceed with the sidewalk project. 

Safety Committee:    Ron Searight - absent

Economic Development Committee:         Eugene Steiner

Next week will begin the business and manufacturing visits ~ check in to see how everything is going.  Will report on findings at the next meeting.

Public Utilities Committee:              Greg Pontsler

Water bills are coming in ok.  We will have a utilities meeting after the June 21^st meeting at 8 pm to review utility issues.

Rules Committee:                             Chris Heitkamp

ORDINANCE 01-11

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 90.26 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF PET SOLID WASTE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO.

1^st reading – 05/03/11

2^nd reading – 05/17/11

3^rd reading – 06/07/11

Motion Hodge, Second Gehle, Pontsler called for the question.  Hodge = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Held a meeting 2 weeks ago with Mayor Joseph and Steiner.  Made some progress.  Another meeting will be scheduled sometime after the next council meeting.

Old Business 

New Business

Patch work on Market street will be completed before car show next week.

Property may be annexed into the Village.  Working on several issues.

Steiner would like to see a ‘Children at Play’ sign on second street.

Motion Steiner to cancel the July 5^th Council meeting.  Second Pontsler.

Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y. Hodge = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Meeting adjourned 7:48 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Heitkamp.

Pontsler – absent, Searight - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long,

Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day with correction to add 2nd reading of Ordinance 01-11 under the Rules Committee.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Hodge = y,  Passed 4 yes.

Motion: Gehle   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the May 3, 2011 meeting as presented.  Steiner called for the question. Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Visitors to Address Council: 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Thanks to employees and Council for the gift and cards offering sympathy at my father’s passing last week.  Very nice to know that people care. Greatly appreciated.  I will spend this week trying to get some things caught up. 

The rains continue which will most likely push the Grand Opening of the Splash Pad behind.  We have had rain 31 out of 41 days~ making it very difficult to get a lot of work done.

We have a plan to lay sod and will get the park as good as we can for Community Days.

The Parkway 7^th graders will be working at the park on Friday for Get Real Week.

Their help will be appreciated.  Jeff will be at the park to supervise.

Jeff  will be meeting with engineers regarding the CDBG application – the project will get done.

Bids for waterlines will be out soon.  We will be meeting tomorrow to review the deadlines.  We like to have a little leeway to get the best prices.  Going to be a great project.

Once the waterline project is started, we can think about some street projects.  Our Finances are currently alright as we have been conservative in spending. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner.  Second Heitkamp to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $40,763.12.  Bills include design plans and normal expenses.  Gehle called for the question. 

Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y  Passed 4 yes

Motion Gehle.  Second Steiner to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $1,341.00.

Heitkamp called for the question.  Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y,

Hodge = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Finance meeting scheduled tonight after council. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Weather has tied up a lot of projects.

Clean up day went very well.  Mahargs has suggested we increase by 1 hour for next year.  Vehicles were lined up most of the allotted time.  Next year we need to put notice in the papers with guidelines for what will not be accepted.  We had 6 trucks and one and a half containers full of trash.  Good day.  Those that had been issued warnings got stuff cleaned up.   

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight - absent

Safety Committee meeting scheduled on June 7^th  after Council. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

The RADC meeting held on April 25^th was well attended.  We are currently doing our membership drive. 

Next RADC meeting will be on May 23^rd at 7:30 pm.   There will be no meeting in June, July and August.  We will be on call to handle any issues that may arise.

Ribbon Cutting for Betsey’s Boutique Shop was well attended.  We wish her well.  This is a good addition for Rockford.  Little trivia ~ the last clothing store in Rockford was between 1962 – 1965. 

Mayor to RADC – nothing happening during the summer?  Gene stated that the committees would still be working and active, but the group together would not be having meetings.  The committees each have directions to continue throughout the summer. 

The Village information sample was reviewed.  Several suggestions were made for changes.  Hope to have completed for hand out at Community Days.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler-absent

Report given by Steve Gehle:

Committee will be review the water/sewer rates in June.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

ORDINANCE 01-11

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 90.26 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF PET SOLID WASTE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO.

1^st reading – 05/03/11

2^nd reading – 05/17/11

Rules committee meeting – May 18^th at 6:30pm. 

Old Business 

New Business

We need a new member on the Zoning Board.  Amy has requested a volunteer, but so far no one has called. 

We will get with the 2 current members and proceed while we wait on another member.

Letter from concerned citizen.  There is nothing Council can do ~ civil issues.

Mayor Joseph to write letter to acknowledge. 

Meeting adjourned 8:07 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Searight, Heitkamp.

Pontsler - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long, Ruth Davis,

Kathy Gentry – Marketing and Social Services at Colonial Nursing Center and

Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day with correction to add 1^st reading of Ordinance 01-11 under the Rules Committee.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

April 19, 2011 meeting as presented.  Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes

Visitors to Address Council: 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

We have another ribbon cutting for Betsy’s Boutique on Saturday at 10 am.  Everyone that is able needs to attend.  We had a ribbon cutting 2 weeks ago and Mayor Joseph stated that she was embarrassed and disappointed for the lack of support.  If we want our Village to grow, we need to show support.  Show up and make me proud !

Mayor Joseph proclaims National Nursing Home Week – May 8^th – May 14^th, 2011

Mayor Joseph proclaims May as Motorcycle Awareness Month

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Last week there was a meeting with the engineers regarding the placement of waterlines and hydrants.  Preliminary prints were reviewed.  The plan is to advertise for bids the 3^rd week of May.  Open bids the 1^st week of June and the contract awarded the last week of June.  Project consists of 2 miles of new waterlines and new hydrants.  This will be done with a $400,000 grant and the rest at 1.5% loan.  Revenue at this time looks to be sufficient to make payments on this project as well as the new water treatment plant.

Splash Pad is behind schedule by 2 weeks.  Once weather breaks it will go pretty quickly.  The Splash Pad Board is working on getting some fencing around the pad. 

The Rec Board is looking into the possibility of a 5^th diamond at the park.  There are 270 kids registered for ball programs for this summer. 

2 lights have been installed on the Pavilion that are switch and eye control that should give plenty of light in that area.

The computer control board for the traffic light has been fixed. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $13,065.65.  Bills include tax refunds and normal expenses.  Searight called for the question. 

Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Audit 2009/2010 underway – Auditors will be in house May 25^th & 26^th.

Budget 2012 need to be at the County Auditor by July 15^th.  Will hold a finance meeting on May 17^th after Council. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

We will be starting the sidewalk plan beginning from the Village Hall to Main St as this area will not be affected by the waterline project.

Reminder ~ Rockford Clean up day is scheduled for May 7^th from 10 am – noon. 

Jeff gave committee some items to review for signage at the park. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Safety Committee meeting scheduled on May 17^th before Council at 7 pm.

Jeff gave committee some items to review in regards to creating a Neighborhood Watch program and other ideas.  We can be leaders in developing some programs.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Next RADC meeting will be on May 23^rd at 7:30 pm.   There will be no meeting in June, July and August.  We will be on call to handle any issues that may arise.

Jeff ‘s door is open in case problems come up and he will make the appropriate calls.

Jeff suggested to RADC to make sure they are inviting the new business owners to the RADC meetings.  They seem interested in getting involved with community activities.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler-absent

Report given by Steve Gehle:

Greg will be back for the next meeting and we will schedule a utilities meeting at that time.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

ORDINANCE 01-11

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 90.26 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF PET SOLID WASTE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO.

1^st reading – 05/03/11

Old Business

New street signs and fire department signs have been ordered.

New Business

Meeting adjourned 8:03 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Searight, Heitkamp.

Pontsler - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Chief May, Sergeant Stetler, Jeff Long

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day with correction to add an executive session under new business.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

April 5, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y  Passed 5 yes 

Visitors to Address Council: 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Environmental Proclamation Earth Day – April 22, 2011

Celebrate Arbor Day Proclamation – April 29^th, 2011

The Secretary of State of Ohio Proclamation – according to the Federal Census 2010 we have a population of 1120.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Once weather breaks work will begin on the Splash Pad. 

This Friday New Horizons will be sending 20-30 students to clean up Shanes Park.

Waterline project – will be reviewing the drawings on Monday and will be bid out in May.

Ribbon cutting at Time Well Spent and RockFit on Saturday – May 23^rd at 10 am.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

RESOLUTION 04-11

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO AUTHORIZING AN AMBULANCE SERVICE CONTRACT WITH MERCER COUNTY, OHIO.

Motion Steiner, Second Gehle.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Hodge = y, Searight = abstain.  Passed 4 yes.

Motion Searight.  Second Heitkamp to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $65,837.26.  Bills include Ambulance contract, loan payments, tax refunds and normal expenses.  Steiner called for the question. 

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Reminder ~ Rockford Clean up day is scheduled for May 7^th from 10 am – noon. 

Gary and Jeff will continue with the sidewalk plans.  Need to start in areas that are not affected by the waterline project.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Had a meeting with Mr. Puthoff of Parkway Schools regarding installing a yield sign and speed bumps.  Parkway will work on getting the crosswalk area marked with yellow paint.  Traffic seems to be flowing ok although speed seems to have increased.   25 mph signs were installed.   The area will be monitored and re-evaluated in several weeks.

Ron asked Jeff to get a hold of DP&L to get information on several lights on Holly Lane to 33.  Jeff has made contact and will be getting more information.  The goal is to have this project done this summer.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Reminder – Monday – April 25^th public invited to RADC meeting at 7:30 pm.  Refreshments will be served.  A chance for people to meet people and socialize.

The RADC will no longer be sending a flower bouquet to new businesses, instead they will be paying for advertising in 3 local papers to help the business get their name out to the public. 

The RADC will be meeting on the 4^th Mondays of each month at 7:30 pm.  June, July and August will have no meetings unless a special meeting needs to be called.  

The ladies that were working on the Splash Pad are now working in another direction.  More details to come. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler-absent

Report given by Steve Gehle:

There were 66 shut off notices mailed out this week with April 28^th being the shut off date.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee had a meeting just before Council.  They are working at making the ordinances more accessible.  This will be an ongoing project. 

Old Business

Signs for the Fire Department need to be ordered.

Park Board is working on some signage for the park ~ a Shanes Park sign and some rules signs.

Jeff to bring ‘curb and leash’ ordinance to next meeting.

Ron will be working with Chief May and Jeff  on a Neighborhood watch program.  People helping People.

New Business

Gene would like a brochure made that will be given out to new residents with information such as Village phone number, police numbers, trash pick up etc.

Lisa to have example ready in the next month.

Maharg has never given us the tickets for big item removals.

Since our Rockford Revitalization program started we have 10 owner occupied residents that are taking advantage of the free base water and sewer.  We hope to have several more in the coming weeks.

Motion Gehle.  Second Steiner to go into executive session concerning the possible purchase of property. Searight called for the question.  Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Executive session entered at 8:18 pm

Motion Gehle.  Second Steiner to come out of executive session.  Searight called for the question.  Gehle = y, Steiner =y, Searight = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Out of executive session at 8:31 pm

No actions taken, 

Meeting adjourned 8:32 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

            RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.  

Invocation was given by Ron Searight  

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Steiner - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Chief May, Sergeant Stetler, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Nancy Leighner, Marty Lentz, Sue Barna

Motion Searight.  Second Heitkamp to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the March 15, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question. Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

 
Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Governor Kasich recently declared April as Safe Digging Month to remind Ohio’s

Residents that calling 811 is required before digging to avoid damaging the growing number of underground pipelines, wires and cables.

Invitation to Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness and Foster Parent

Appreciation dinner on – Tuesday – April 19^th at 5:30 pm at the Celine American Legion Post 210.  Please RSVP to Tonya Siefring by 04/07/11 at 419-586-5106 ext 506.

The Arbor Day Foundation congratulates Rockford on being named a Tree City USA community for 2010.  Residents of Rockford should take pride in the fact that they live in a community where planting and nurturing trees is a priority.

Invitation to reception with Congressman Bob Latta on April 11, 2011 at the home of Rob and Nancy Belna.  6:30 – 8:30 pm.  Cost $30 per person or $50 per couple.  RSVP to Thomas Zitter – Ft. Recovery, OH

Request from Colonial Nursing home to recognize National Nursing Home week in May. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long - absent  

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Chief May gave report on incident involving the cruiser.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to pay the bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $35,028.78.  Bills include DP & L, cruiser, lighting, and normal expenses.   Gehle called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $955.00.  Searight called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp =y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge =y.  Passed 5 yes.

Finance committee will be having a meeting in the near future to discuss budget issues.   

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Rockford Clean up day is scheduled for May 7^th from 10 am – noon. 

Information will be release to press and put on water bills.

Now that the weather is nicer the Rockford police will be cracking down on junk and rubbish.  15 warnings will be served this week.   Citations will be issued if areas are not cleaned up.

Steve attended the Tree Committee meeting on 03/28/11.  Steve, Jeff and Amy along with the Tree Committee will be attending the Tree City Banquet in Bowling Green on April 13^th. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Report on Safety Meeting 03/15/11- Hydrant at school has been repaired.

Discussions were held regarding parking on Front Street.

Emergency entrance signs are to be posted at the Firehouse.

Discussed a Neighborhood Watch Program.  Mayor to get with Chief May.

Discussed a Community helping Community Program

Discussion of stop sign going west at Parkway.  More discussion took place during Council.   Stop sign was taken down and will be kept down for the rest of the school year.  Council will re-evaluate the situation. 

Mayor to Council –Disagreed with taking the sign down. There was much mis-communication regarding the taking down of the sign.  In the future – we need to address sign issues in the proper way by discussing at Council, making the public aware of what is changing several weeks in advance.  We need to keep safety a priority!

Motion Searight to put up 25 mph signs on Buckeye and Parkway streets.  Second Gehle.  Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Ron will discuss with Mr. Puthoff – 10 mph, cross walk and speed bumps.

Discussed putting 3 or 4 lights from Holly Lane to Route 33 – need to talk with Jeff.    

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner – absent

RADC membership drive underway.

Splash Pad meeting – April 25^th at 6:30.  RADC officers – April 25^th at 7 pm

And RADC meeting at 7:30 pm. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Had 2 shutoffs for non-payment.   Process seems to be working and we are happy with the results. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting scheduled on April 19^th at 6:30 (before council). 

Old Business

Trailer court – no recent problems.  Chief May keeping in contact with manager and owner.   

New Business

Stop sign at Front and Franklin – south bound – tilted.  Need to do a work order to get fixed.

J & B Equipment will be removing house and trailer.  They will be asking for re-zoning as they plan to extend parking lot.    

Meeting adjourned 8:39 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler, Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard, Tom Rogers, Nancy Leighner, Marty Lentz

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

Hodge = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

March 1, 2011 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Tom Rogers spoke:  members of the Splash Pad Board held a meeting last Thursday and elected officers for the Splash Pad Board.  The Board has opened their own banking account.  The down payment for the splash pad has been sent with remaining balance due upon completion and satisfaction.  Nancy Leighner gave report on the Quarter Auction last Sunday.  The auction went very well and funds have been deposited in the bank.  $2500 made from auction and $200 more in food sales.  Tom will be getting with the Lions Club and the Eagles for donations.  The goal is to purchase fencing and sidewalk around the splash pad to make it safe.  The Legion has donated another $1,000.  We are on our way as soon as the weather breaks.   The Board will keep Council up to date with various activities and reports.  A representative from Council will attend their meetings.  The next Splash Pad meeting will be March 28^th at 6:30 pm.  Gene Steiner to represent Council.   Approval of officers to be during the Service report.

Mayor to Board -  Thank you.  Thank you.  You have done a fantastic job working and getting the splash pad to become a reality !  You have been an awesome example as community leaders !  Good job. 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Reminder – Randy Long presentation of Aflac programs will be on Friday at 2 pm.  All employees and council are encouraged to attend. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Meeting scheduled with Moser Construction on Friday.  We will be doing the final review of the Water Treatment Plant.  One major problem left to be done is the floor.  Paint not adhering to the floor.  Maybe bring in someone (expert) to see what actually needs to be done.  Will probably need to be sanded and repainted.  We don’t want to schedule the Open House until the floor is complete.  There are several minor details we are continuing to work through. 

Waterline and sanitary sewer lines to splash pad will be started once the weather breaks – maybe even later this week.  The materials have been delivered.  We are using a 4” line to a 2” line for volume.  We will be using a 2” meter instead of the 4” meter – saving $1,000.   The 2” meter allows flow to 120 gal. per minute.  We are in good shape.

Springers will be in the park soon taking down 5 trees that are marked with red X.  Tops are dead and those would have needed removed in the near future anyways.

Market street report --- with all the rain and melting snow, the street did not have any major problems.  There was water standing for a brief period, but that is to be expected as fast as the rain was coming and the snow was melting.   

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Searight.  Second Steiner to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $19,381.43.  Bills include DP & L, salt, Fanning Howey, fuel, and normal expenses.   Gehle called for the question. 

Searight = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $726.00.  Searight called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp =y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge =y.  Passed 6 yes.

Service Committee:   Gary Hodge

Service meeting was held before Council.  The upcoming sidewalk plan was discussed:   Village Hall to Main St, East Pearl St, East St, Franklin St. from Front to Bridge St.  and review other areas in need of repair.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to approve the Splash Pad officers:

Nancy Leighner – President

Barb Pedroza – Vice President

Tom Rogers – Treasurer

Marty Lentz – Secretary

Gehle called for the question.  Steiner =y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 6 yes. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

The next Safety Committee meeting will be after Council on March 15^th  at 8 pm.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Council Economic Development will be re-establishing the business, retail and manufacturing visits.   

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

There were several water shut offs for non payment.  Two accounts are still shut off.   We will be holding off on the Wastewater treatment plant – with new representatives we may be able to buy some time. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting scheduled on March 15^th after Safety Meeting. 

Old Business

We will be having Clean Up day --- date to be scheduled with Marhargs then we will be making a public announcement.

New Business

Information regarding budget numbers came from the Governor’s office this afternoon.  Our local government will be cut 25% this year and another 25% next year.  We will need to monitor our budget closely. 

Searight asked if we are paying overtime --- Yes we have had to pay some overtime this year because of winter weather.  

Meeting adjourned 8:05 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

            RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Judy Koesters swore in new Councilman Gary Hodge.  Congratulations Gary!

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Hodge, Searight, Heitkamp

            Pontsler - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler,

Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge –ab, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

February 15, 2011 meeting as presented.  Steiner called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Hodge=ab, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Mayor Joseph assigned committees for Council.  Steve Gehle will be chair of

the finance committee and Gary Hodge will chair the Service committee.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

We have been busy with snow, rain, water leaks, etc.

Met with Fire Chief Belna regarding the water issues.  There is a concern with a residence on Pearl St and we are monitoring that situation.  Chief Belna has offered the Village the use of his heavy equipment to build up a levy in that area this spring so that this doesn’t happen again. 

Bill Smith from Vortex will be here on Wednesday to layout the Splash Pad.

May 1^st is the completion date.  We may have Shinn do some boring so we don’t have to dig up much of the park.  The splash pad will have a water meter.

Met with Engineers regarding the waterline project.  We want to bid the job out yet this month.  We should have some approval legislation at the next meeting.

Need to check the hydrant at the school. 

There is brush that needs picked up.  We still have the salt spreader on the equipment.  Hopefully we can get back to picking up brush soon and will be able to continue.

New street signs are here and will be installed soon.   

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Steve Gehle

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $15,228.53.  Bills include workers comp, salt, new furnace, utilities and normal expenses.   Gehle called for the question. 

Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge=ab, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

RESOLUTION 03-11

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY OHIO THAT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF SAID BOARD OF COUNCIL, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING IN DECEMBER 31, 2011, THE FOLLOWING SUMS BE AND THE SAME ARE HEREBY SET ASIDE AND APPROPRIATED FOR THE SEVERAL PURPOSES FOR WHICH EXPENDITIRES ARE TO BE MADE FOR AND DURING SAID FISCAL YEAR.

Motion Searight.  Second Steiner to approve Resolution 03-11.  Heitkamp called the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = ab.

Passed 4 yes.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

The next Service Committee meeting will be held on March 15^th at 6:45 pm to discuss the 2011 Sidewalk Plan.

Meeting with Tree Committee on February 28^th.   2 trees have been requested for removal.  One at West and Front St and the other behind the pool.  We will again be named as a Tree City.   Future – year 2014 Rockford will be hosting the Tree City Banquet for the district. 

Clean up day --- need to check with Maharg’s to get date and details.

Attended the Park Board meeting ~  Mark Heitkamp has resigned his position. 

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Missy Gehle as new Park Board member.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Hodge = ab, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

The next Safety Committee meeting will be on March 15^th  at 8 pm.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Quarter Auction to be held on March 13^th at the Community Building.  Proceeds will go to the Splash Pad. 

RADC has changed the by-laws – there will need to be 5 members present for a quorum.  RADC has changed the meeting to the last Mondays of the month at 7 pm for officers and 7:30 for the regular meetings.  There will be a membership drive starting in April.  Officers for 2011 – Gene Steiner = President,

Pete Hayes – Vice President and Bob Maurer – Secretary/Treasurer.

Council Economic Development will be re-establishing the business, retail and manufacturing visits. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler- absent

Report given by Lisa

There will be some water shut offs for non-payment.  Greg will be back for the next meeting.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting scheduled on March 15^th after Safety Meeting.

Old Business

Park Board and Rules to come up with Park Rules.

New Business

Franklin Street extend – need something to hold back dirt so it doesn’t go out onto Buckeye. 

Need to have meeting with School about the 3 way stop.  Holds up traffic in the mornings. 

Meeting adjourned 8:02 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday,  February 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda with corrections to add Executive Session under New Business for New Council member position as orders of the day.  Gehle called for the question.

Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

January 18, 2011 meeting as presented. Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Searight  = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Todd McKee has resigned his Council Seat effective 02/01/11.

Mayor opened nominations for Council President.  Pontsler nominated Steve Gehle,  Searight 2^nd the  nomination.  Nominations closed.

Motion Ponstler.  Second Searight to approve Steve Gehle as Council President for 2011.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y, Gehle – Abstained, Steiner = y  Passed 4 yes.

Steve Gehle is the new Council President.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Jeff to check on school fire hydrant.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee –Steve Gehle gave reports

Motion Gehle.  Second Searight to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $34,981.28.  Bills include fire protection, utilities, tax refunds and normal expenses.   Pontsler called for the question. 

Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $776.00.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

RESOLUTION 02-11

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN A NOTE WITH THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY TO RENEW THE NOTE FOR THE PARKWAY UTILITY PROJECT.

Motion Searight, Second Pontsler.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y,  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to move $5,000 from unappropriated funds to

Line item 1000-340-310 to pool utilities for the Splash Pad.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y.

Passed 5 yes.

·        Splash Pad Committee will be having a fundraiser in March.

Service Committee:           Steve Gehle

The next Service Committee meeting will be held on March 15^th at 6:45 pm.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

The next Safety Committee meeting will be on March 15^th  at 8 pm.

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

RADC meeting –  February 17^th  at 7 pm to elect officers.  Members RADC

Meeting on the 17^th also starting at 7:30 pm.  Splash pad completion date – May 1^st.

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

Last month water bills all caught up.  Residents need to keep accounts current or we will have to shut off services.

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp 

Old Business

Sign on South Street rotates.

New Business

Motion Gehle to enter executive session 7:35 pm to discuss candidates for open Council Seat. Second Pontsler.  Searight called the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler =y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler to come out of executive session at 7:44.  Second Steiner.

Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y,  passed 5 yes.

Motion Gehle to approve Gary Hodge as Council member.  Second Steiner.

Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y,

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Meeting adjourned 7:47 pm.

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

Rockford Village Council Releases New Rates for Shanes Park Events
New Rental Rates for Shanes Park are as follows:

Shane Hall = $80.00

New Pavilion = $70.00

Shelter House = $40.00


Please call Sandy Schaffner at 419-363-3872 for reservations for these as well as the Community Building.

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

McKee absent.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler, Marty Lentz and

 Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda with corrections to nominate and vote on Council President as orders of the day.

Searight called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

December 21, 2010 meeting as presented. Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Mayor read letter of  “Thanks” for plowing, picking up leaves, etc. from Don and

Susie Miller. 

Mayor opened nominations for Council President.  Searight nominated Todd McKee, Pontsler 2^nd the  nomination.  Nominations closed.

Motion Gehle.  Second Searight to approve Todd McKee as Council President for 2011.  Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y,

Steiner = y,  Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Waterline work coming along.  Will have to replace 3 service lines from lead to copper lines.   Once the waterline work is complete we are estimating it will save 10,000 gallons of water per day.

New snow blower works good – may have a chance to use it again on Thursday.

Searight stated the down town was cleaned up nice after the last snow.  Residents need to be reminded that after snow showers the sidewalks need to be clear of snow. 

Jeff stated employees came in around 4:30 am and had the down town cleaned up by about 6:30 am.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee absent – Steve Gehle gave reports

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to approve 2010 supplemental appropriations.  Steiner called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $37,619.56.  Bills include transmission for red truck, snow blower, loan payments, and normal expenses.   Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y , Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $1770.00.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

RESOLUTION 01-11

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN A NOTE WITH THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY TO RENEW THE NOTE FOR THE FRONT STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

Motion Searight, Second Pontsler.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y,  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Service Committee:           Steve Gehle

The next Service Committee meeting will be held on February 1^st at 6:30 pm.  We will be discussing sidewalk projects for 2011.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to approve the 2011 Rockford Recreation Members.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

2011 Rockford Recreation Board:

Kerry Roehm – President, Bryan Schoenleben – Vice President,

Leah Thompson – Secretary, Ryan Sipe – Treasurer, Jeff Bollenbacher –

Member, Ryan Thompson – Member, Mike Burtch – member, Andy Rogers- Member.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to approve the Rockford Rec Casino Night on March 26^th 2011.  Gehle called for the question.  Ponsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

The next Safety Committee meeting will be on February 1^st at 8 pm.

Reminder to Village Residents:  Please keep sidewalks clear after snow

showers.  People need to be able to walk on the sidewalks so they don’t

have to use the streets.

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

RADC meeting – January 13^th at 7 pm to elect officers was rescheduled to February 17^th at 7 pm.  There was no quorum to elect new officers.  

Regular meeting will be held at 7:30 pm

Motion Searight. Second Pontsler to approve the 2011 Splash Pad Board.

Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle =y,

Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

2011 Splash Pad Board:

Nancy Leighner – President, Sue Barna, Marty Lentz, Barb Pedroza, Betty Belna, Tom Rogers.

The Splash Pad Board will be setting up guidelines for Council approval.

Reminder Town Hall Meeting – February 15^th –at 8 pm -  Water conservation will be the topic.

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

Current rates are as follows:

Water    $31.00 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $3.50/per each thousand gallons overage.

Sewer    $11.50 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $2.60/per each thousand gallons.

The debt service to remain the same.

Will be sending shut off notices to all water accounts that are late.  We are getting a handle on accounts that have been past due.

Received notice that the Sewer Plant needs to be upgraded in 18 months.   This from the EPA.  We can’t go deeper.  We will need to section it.   In 2012 $30,000 of the Debt Service will be paid off.  We will keep modification loans roughly $30,000 per year so as not to have additional increases. 

We will be meeting with the EPA and Fremont to discuss options and needs for the Sewer Plant.

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting at 6:30 on January 18^th before Council.  Discussed the need for some signs at the Park.  Also would like to see Park Rules.

Old Business

We will have Open House at the Water plant in the Spring.

New Business

Mayor to assign committees for 2011.  Since some of the committees are currently active in projects, we will continue with the same committees for 2011. 

Meeting adjourned 8:02 pm.

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Officer Adam Saunders, and

 Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Pontsler called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y,

McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second McKee to accept the minutes from the

December 7, 2010 meeting as presented. Gehle called for the question.

Searight = y, McKee = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Christmas card and calendar from Rep. Bob Latta.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Water lines going in.  Working on Front St. to West street this week. We had a water leak to fix on West Street today.  Bids for water line project will be going out in February or March.  All work should be done by Summer 2011.  When complete we will be in good shape with new water lines, new sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.

Have received numerous “Thanks” from Market Street residents in regards to Street project.

Street projects for 2011 will not start until all the underground work is complete. We will discuss in committee street and sidewalk projects for 2011. 

Jeff was on Spectrum this morning discussing 2010 projects and giving thanks.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to approve Pay Application #4 – Market St

Project.  Total invoice $228,445.52.  OPWC paying Shinn’s $215,728.96 and

Rockford paying $12,716.56.  OPWC also paying to Fanning Howey $4,500.00

Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y,

Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $115,995.90.  Bill include loan payments and normal stuff.   Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Service Committee:           Steve Gehle

Next year project goal ~  plans for streets and sidewalks.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

Reminder to Village Residents:  Please keep sidewalks clear after snow

showers.  People need to be able to walk on the sidewalks so they don’t

have to use the streets.

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

RADC meeting – January 13^th at 7 pm to elect officers.  Will be meeting that

same night with Economic Development and Utilities to help get the

Splash Pad Board set up. 

Town Hall Meeting – February 15^th – Water conservation will be the topic.

Thanks to Rockford Police for helping with traffic on December 18^th at the 4-way stop.  RADC handed out 500 candy canes in 58 minutes.  Thanks !

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

Current rates are as follows:

Water    $31.00 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $3.50/per each thousand gallons overage.

Sewer    $11.50 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $2.60/per each thousand gallons.

The debt service to remain the same.

Had utilities meeting before Council – discussed the new water rates.

Sent shut off notices to all late water accounts.  75 notices sent.

Will be giving council a report on the 2^nd Council meeting of the month to keep

them up on water billing accounts.

ORDINANCE 09-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING SECTIONS PERTAINING TO THE CHARGES AND RULES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, REPEALING AND CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

2^nd reading – 12/07/10

3^rd reading – 12/21/10

Motion Searight.  Second McKee.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = N, Steiner = y, Pontsler = N.  Passed 4 yes.

ORDINANCE 10-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 03-97, THE RATES FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPLACEMENT FOR WASTEWATER SERVICE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING AN CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

2^nd reading – 12/07/10

3^rd reading – 12/21/10

Motion Searight.  Second McKee.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Searight = y,  McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = N, Steiner = N, Pontsler = N.  Tie vote.

To Mayor to break the tie – Mayor = Y.  Passed 4 yes.

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting at 6:30 on January 18^th. 

Old Business

Thanks to Council fromVillage employees for Gift Certificates.   Need to check

into getting part-time employees certificates also.

New Business

Motion McKee.  Second Steiner. to dismiss the January 4^th meeting for the end of the year closing.  Gehle called for the question.  McKee = y, Steiner = y,

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Meeting adjourned 7:58 pm.

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler, Amy Kronenberger,

Pete Hayes, Bob Bollenbacher, Tom Rogers, Nancy Leighner, Sue Barna,

Marty Lentz, Barb Pedroza

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Searight called for the question.   Steiner =y, McKee = y, Searight = y,

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

November 16, 2010 meeting as presented. McKee called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Members Pete Hayes and Nancy Leighner of the RADC Pool Committee showed pictures and a proposal of the Splash Pad for Shanes Park.  Total quote $71,420.  The total in the Leota Braun Fund is $25,237 and an anonymous of $50,000 gives a balance $75,237.  After Splash Pad is installed would leave a balance of $3800 in the fund.  There is a scheduled fund raiser March 13^th, 2011.  With Councils approval the committee can move forward and have the Splash Pad ready in the Spring of 2011.  The committee spent a great deal of time visiting other splash pads and doing research.   Vortex will be the company constructing the Splash pad.  It will be high quality stainless steel on a 46’ concrete pad with a 2% grade that will drain in the middle.  Since there is no standing water there is no need for life guards.  There will be 6 – 7 splash areas. Basically maintenance free as it will be computerized.  It will take 2 weeks to build.  The village would need to install the supply water line.  Discussed in future to add machine concessions in a small building.  Need Council approval of site to move forward.

Motion Gehle to approve Splash Pad site at Shanes Park.  Second Pontsler.  Steiner called the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.  

Council would like to see a Splash Pad board where decisions would be made and brought to council for approval.  Splash pad would run approximately 100 days at 5 hours a day – possible $3500 a year to operate.

The Economic & Utilities Committee along with the RADC to meet on January 13^th at 7:30 to set up Splash Pad Board and duties.

Vortex has stated that we will be amazed at how much the park usage will increase.  

Council would like to see underground work done so there is room for improvement.

Mayor thanked the Pool Committee for their time and dedication.  This will be a major asset to the Community.  Thank you   Thank you !

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Letter from Mercer County MRC –

“The Medical Reserve Corps asks your assistance in supporting the formation of this group in Mercer County.   The mission of the Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to establish teams of local volunteer medical and non-medical personnel who can contribute their skills and expertise throughout the year and during time of community need.  Some examples of personnel that are needed outside of the medical field are people who are interested in helping to coordinate meetings and maintaining volunteers, clerical support, security, transportation, and child care and these are just to name a few.

Mercer County MRC volunteers exist to supplement existing Emergency and Public Health Resources.  We are partnering with the American Red Cross and have had the pleasure of working with Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and with Mercer County Emergency Response Vehicles (MCERV).”

If you would like more information please contact Ashlee Heil-Botkin at 419-586-3251 ext 1275.  

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Water line project has started on 33 – will be slow going.  Street signs came in this week and we will be working to install them.  Fire Hydrant at school will be repaired and the storm sewer behind the Eagles has been fixed.

The South and Wayne street sign needs to be fixed – continues to move in the wind. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $15,854.39.  Bills include signs, dump truck repair and normal stuff.   Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Searight to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $1948.

Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Budget will include a 3% increase for Village Employees and funds to purchase a used cruiser.

ORDINANCE 08-10

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011.

1^ST reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

3^rd reading – 12/07/10

Motion Searight, Second Steiner. Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y,  Pontsler = n, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

ORDINANCE 07-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PAY SCHEDULE FOR ALL HOURLY AND SALARIED EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR THE YEAR 2011.

1^st reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

3^rd reading – 12/07/10

Motion Searight.  Second Heitkamp, Steiner called for the question.  Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y,  Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

ORDINANCE 06-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING ANY ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT THEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE ~ (Newly elected officials)

1^st reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

3^rd reading – 12/07/10

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = n, McKee = y, Pontsler = n, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Tree City application done online by Jeff.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Street signs will be installed. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Economic Committee will be setting the Town Hall meeting in February.

Where is the safe place in Rockford in case of emergency?  Jeff to review and we will get a plan in place.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Current rates are as follows:

Water    $31.00 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $3.50/per each thousand gallons overage.

Sewer    $11.50 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $2.60/per each thousand gallons.

The debt service to remain the same.

Had utilities meeting before Council – discussed the new water rates.

Water bills to be paid by employees.  Water bill shut offs to be reviewed by utility committee on the 2^nd meeting of the month.  Report will have account number and amount due.

Need to review lots that have debt service. 

ORDINANCE 09-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING SECTIONS PERTAINING TO THE CHARGES AND RULES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, REPEALING AND CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

2^nd reading – 12/07/10

ORDINANCE 10-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 03-97, THE RATES FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPLACEMENT FOR WASTEWATER SERVICE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING AN CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

2^nd reading – 12/07/10

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules committee meeting at 7 pm on December 21^st.

Old Business

RESOLUTION 14-10

A RESOLUTION RETAINING THE SERVICES OF JUDY A KOESTERS AS SOLICITOR FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR 2011, SETTING COMPENSATION, AND ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBILITIES.

Motion McKee, Second Gehle.  Searight called for the question.  McKee = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

New Business

Full time village employees to receive Chamber Bucks for Christmas. 

Meeting adjourned 8:21 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp.

Gehle – absent.

Also attending:  Jason Rissner, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler,

Amy Kronenberger

Motion Steiner.  Second Searight to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

McKee called for the question.   Steiner=y, Searight = y, McKee = y,

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight   Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

November 2, 2010 meeting as presented. McKee called for the question.

Searight = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Jason Rissner – Cub Scout Pack 98 came to see what Council decided about giving the Pack a donation.   The Pack does volunteer work for the Village on Earth Day and other projects in the Village.  Council appreciates all the Pack does but can not give a donation.  Gave Jason several other options to raise needed funds.

Council appreciates the time spent with our youth and thanks Pack 98 for the projects they have done throughout the village.

Mayor to research a National Boy Scout week for a future proclamation.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

West Market Street almost finished  - trees are being planted, street sweeper has been up and down the street to clean it up, and the drainage seems to be working properly with the rain this evening.  Seeding will be done in the Spring.  We will be wrapping up project putting up the mail boxes and the stop signs with new posts this week.

We have received numerous compliments with regards to our Village looking so nice, especially from those outside of the Village.

Ordered material for the new water lines.  The underground project should be done by mid summer 2011. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $8982.72.  Bills include power and normal stuff.   Steiner called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y,

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Meeting discussing Budget 2011 was held before council meeting. Everything going along smoothly.   There are several items up for debate – 3% across the board cost of living increase.  Paul to gives details regarding need for new cruiser. We have placed some funds in the capital equipment fund for future truck equipment purchases.  Thanks to those involved in the process.  Should not need another meeting.

ORDINANCE 08-10

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011.

1^ST reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

ORDINANCE 07-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PAY SCHEDULE FOR ALL HOURLY AND SALARIED EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR THE YEAR 2011.

1^st reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

ORDINANCE 06-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING ANY ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT THEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/02/10

2^nd reading – 11/16/10

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle – absent

Asked Jeff to make sure the new trees get plenty of water.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Committee meeting held on November 9^th:

Discussion Items

Fire Hydrants:  Jeff to check with school on repair of hydrant west of school. Tastee Freeze hydrant Jeff had crew work on cap. Jeff to get with Rob or Todd for fall flush schedule.

Remind citizens on snow removal on sidewalks.  Village looking to purchase snow blower as we have much sidewalk of our own.

Look at sidewalk or designated  striped area for walk to village hall.

Jeff is meeting with safety specialist from our insurance carrier to identify any safety needs in village.

Need to check stop signs for replacement.

Remove stop ahead sign at East and Second Streets as well as Front Street.

South Street water leak remove dirt pile.

Post speed limit signs on Buckeye Street.

Talk to school on having Panther Lane dedicated to Village.

Install stop sign behind carry-out.

Paul request a cruiser will discuss prior to next Council meeting.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Committee meeting held on November 9^th:

Discussion Items

The proposed splash pad was discussed. The RADC requests that Bill Smith from Vortex attend their meeting December 2, 2010. They want to go over the price and what they will get. Total cost estimate is around $70,000.  The RADC would like to get a fundraiser started. How much use it will get was discussed. Need to check on liability insurance coverage and cost. Jeff to start working with RADC on this project.

Also will be setting up a Fund Drive for 30-60 days.

Will be setting the January Town Hall meeting and topic at the December Council meeting. 

Reminder – This Sunday – November 21^st is the Quarter Auction at the Community Building.  Food will be served starting at 3:30 and Auction will be at 6 pm. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Committee meeting on November 9^th :

Discussion on new water and sewer rates. Jeff to create ordinance with the following rates:

Water    $31.00 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons and then $3.50/thousand gallons.

Sewer    $11.50 minimum includes first 2,000 gallons the $2.60/thousand gallons.

The debt service to remain the same for wastewater.

Also to be included is that renters will get billed if landlord desires. Shut off to be immediate for nonpayment and landlord notified. Also first step for collection will be to take renter to small claims court.

Other items discussed

Some of the procedures and rates from other Villages. 

A lot of work has gone into setting the rates.  The rates will be reviewed again in late spring after several billings have been done to make sure we are where we need to be.

ORDINANCE 09-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, (VILLAGE WATERWORKS SYSTEM), AND ENACTING SECTIONS PERTAINING TO THE CHARGES AND RULES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, REPEALING AND CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

ORDINANCE 10-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 03-97, THE RATES FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPLACEMENT FOR WASTEWATER SERVICE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING AN CONFLICTING LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^st reading – 11/16/10

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

·        Rules committee meeting scheduled after Council. 

Old Business 

New Business

Meeting adjourned 8:16 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Heitkamp.

Searight - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler, Amy Kronenberger

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Gehle called for the question.   Steiner=y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: McKee.   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

October 19, 2010 meeting as presented. Gehle called for the question.

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Problems with sidewalks on Market Street ~ police report has been filed.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Pontsler.  Second Gehle to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $8439.42.  Usual bills including power and salt.   Steiner. called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in $1849.00

Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y,

Steiner = y, McKee = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Meeting discussing Budget 2011 was held before council meeting. Everything going along smoothly. 

ORDINANCE 08-10

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011.

1^ST reading – 11/02/10

ORDINANCE 07-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PAY SCHEDULE FOR ALL HOURLY AND SALARIED EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO FOR THE YEAR 2011.

1^st reading – 11/02/10

ORDINANCE 06-10

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, REPEALING ANY ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT THEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 
1^st reading – 11/02/10

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to approved Pay application #3 for West Market St. in the amount of $75,147.04 payable to Shinn’s payable by OPWC.

Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, McKee = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

We will be going with the original plan regarding the Market street trees.

Tree committee would like the Village employees to water new trees.  The tree committee will be sending out ‘How to care for’ letters to those getting new trees.

Jeff will complete the Tree City information online.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to approve Karen Long and Bob Ransbottom to serve on the Tree Commission for 2011.  McKee called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight - absent

Committee meeting scheduled for November 9^th at 7 pm.

Mayor to committee:  even though Ron has been absent, you need to

keep in touch with him and stay active.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

1.       RADC Meeting on November 4^th at 7:30 pm – discussing Splash Pad

2.      Economic Committee meeting – November 9^th at 6:30 pm – will be bringing suggestions to Council regarding the Splash Pad

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Next committee meeting on November 9^th at 7:15 pm – we will be discussing water rates and new water ordinance.

·        ORDINANCE 05-10

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO THE DAYTON POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND ELECTRIC FRANCHISE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS, AUTOMATICALLY RENEWING FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS UNLESS NOTICE IS GIVEN, COMMENCING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.

1^ST reading – 10/05/10

      2^nd reading – 10/19/10

      3^rd  reading – 11/02/10

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to approve Ordinance 05-10.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Other items discussed:

Those residents that have water leaks are being notified each month.

Jeff to research to see if there are any government programs that will replace faucets and shower heads with low flow ones.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Committee has received the Ordinances that need to be reviewed.  Will have a committee meeting after the next Council meeting.

Old Business

Snow removal on sidewalks – should be handled in committee meeting.  Need to bring some suggestions and expenses to Council.  

New Business

Meeting adjourned 7:50 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Heitkamp.

Searight - absent

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler, Joe Dellinger,

Andy Grunden

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, McKee = y, Gehle = y,

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Gehle.   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

October 5, 2010 meeting as presented. Pontsler called for the question.

Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y.

Passed 5 yes. 

Visitors to Address Council:

Welcome to our visitors – they are observing the meeting tonight for a college paper.   

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Per report:

1.       Water Treatment Plant:  The State inspector will be conducting the Water Treatment Plant final inspection on Wednesday October 20^th.  I believe everything is in order and it should pass inspection.  The plant is producing quality water and able to meet our demands.  We are consistently producing water about 120mg/l (7 grains) hardness, iron has been reduced by 2mg/l and is now around .5mg/l leaving the plant.  The electric cost is down as well as the amount of salt used for softening.

2.      Distribution Lines:  We have heard from the OEPA and will be able to use the rest of the stimulus funds to install water lines.  We will run a 12 inch line from Market Street to the water tower at Columbia Street as well as a six inch line from Front Street down West Street to Bridge Street and a 12 inch line going west on Bridge Street this fall.  The rest of the water lines will then be installed next year.

3.      Lift Station:  The repairs and improvements have been made at the lift station.  Preliminary data show that the electric cost of the lift station will lower approximately 25-30%.

4.      West Market Street:  Work is progressing nicely on West Market Street.  Curbs have been poured as well as much of the sidewalk and drive approaches.  It is projected for the paving to be done next week and the concrete completed shortly thereafter.  Seeding will be completed in the spring. 

Other discussion:

Old water plant tear down --- will work on it this winter.  We will save money if we do the majority of the work. 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Pontsler.  Second Gehle to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $12,667.06.   Heitkamp called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y.

Held finance committee meeting before Council tonight -  Began reviewing the 2011 Budget.  Looks like we are in good shape.  We will meet again before the next Council meeting.  We will have the 1^st reading at the next meeting.

Thanks to those in attendance. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Now that we are in leaf season – we will make every effort to go around the Village every Friday.    We will continue using the leave machine.  It is a 1970, but still works.  Had a couple of repairs on it this week. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Committee meeting scheduled for November 9^th at 7 pm.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Committee meeting scheduled for November 9^th at 6:30 pm – will discuss some issues regarding the Splash Pad.  Will need some decisions and it looks like it could be a go for Spring.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Mike Maharg brought in a sample ticket for the tag system for bigger pick up items.  We will need to contact Maharg’s and get some ticket’s made up.

If you have an item that is not listed on the ticket, you need to contact Maharg’s for the pick up price.  The issues with the trash have been resolved and trash pick up is going smoothly.

Next committee meeting on November 9^th at 7:15 pm.

·        ORDINANCE 05-10

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO THE DAYTON POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND ELECTRIC FRANCHISE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS, AUTOMATICALLY RENEWING FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS UNLESS NOTICE IS GIVEN, COMMENCING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.

1^ST reading – 10/05/10

      2^nd reading – 10/19/10 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Committee meeting schedule tonight after Council.

Old Business 

New Business

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

                        RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Janie Southard, Chief May

Motion Steiner.  Second Heitkamp to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, Heitkamp =y, Gehle = y,

McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight.   Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

September 21, 2010 meeting as presented. McKee called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Letter from Cub Scout Pack 98

As you know since 1910 Boy Scouting has been teaching lifelong skills and values through fun and educational activities mixed with extensive community service projects, each designed to teach boys how to make good decisions throughout their lives and give them confidence as they become the adult leaders of tomorrow.  Cub Scout Pack 98 is a non-profit organization that helps to create boys that are self reliant, confident, dependable, a caring individual with a strong self worth and confidence tied to a strong sense of community.

Pack 98 provides each Scout with their own Uniforms, Scouting books, and materials at no cost to the individual Scout (approx $100 per Scout per year).  Additionally, at no cost, depending upon individual economic needs, all boys are able to attend summer camp.  We feel this gives each boy the opportunity to fully participate in our organization.

As our Pack grows, so have its financial needs.  With that in mind, during these difficult economic times any contribution you could provide would be greatly appreciated. 

With our sincere appreciation,

The Members of Pack 98

*Checks payable to Pack 98, 504 S. Franklin St., Rockford, OH  45882

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

West Market Street update – will be starting curb work on Thursday.  Sidewalks will be started.  Project should be done 3 -4 weeks. 

For an additional $20,000 we have the option to grind and pave Franklin St from  Walnut to First.  This is possible because there are funds left over from the Market St project.  We would be grinding out the street and putting down an 1” of pavement.  This is possible because the water line installed in that area was part of the Market St project.   There will be no sidewalks and curbs at this time since we are not able to do the entire street.  This will be done as another project in the future.  May add 2 days to the project.

Motion Searight to do a change order on the Market Street project to include the

Franklin St from Walnut to First Street improvement.  Second Steiner.  Gehle called the for the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Still waiting on funding options for waterlines.  We can’t continue to work on streets until all the water lines are completed.

Working on a grant that may help us with Clean Up Day.

We have a cement bin out back for grass clippings and yard waste.  Please make sure you use the one with the sign “Grass clippings only” !

We will be cleaning up behind the Legion this winter.  What we won’t be doing is burning !

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $10,941.73.   Gehle called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Motion Searight to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $1589.00.  Second Pontsler.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Searight to pay Market Street Improvement – Pay application #1.  Shinn’s $37,048.00 and Fanning Howey $33,500.00 to be paid by OPWC.  Second Pontsler.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

We will begin the Budget 2011 meetings on October 19^th at 7 pm.

Jeff to provide a one page summary.

Service Committee:           Steve Gehle

Tree committee held a meeting on September 27^th.  The committee will be planting 8 trees in various locations and the Village boys will be planting 12 at the park.

Safety Committee: Ron Searight

Committee meeting scheduled for November 9^th at 7 pm.

Economic Development Committee:    Eugene Steiner

Vortex (another Splash Pad company) will be here on October 7^th at 6:15 to meet with RADC, Jeff and Mayor.  They will be meeting at the Village Hall and then going down to the park for a walk through.  Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting.    Will report findings at the next meeting.

Public Utilities Committee:                      Greg Pontsler

Committee meeting was held before Council meeting on 10/5/10.  Discussed giving notice to all those who have delinquent water bills that the balance needs to be caught up by the end of the year.  We do not want accounts behind as we go to meter service.

Also discussed different payment options – online, paypal, credit cards.  There would be fees involved with these.  Will continue to get more information.

Working at setting rates.  This is a big deal.  We don’t want to have to increase rates in 6 months because we didn’t do it right the first time.  Will continue to monitor usages.  Per ordinance, we do have the ability to review rates every June and make necessary adjustments.

Next committee meeting on November 9^th at 7:30 pm.

·        ORDINANCE 05-10

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO THE DAYTON POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND ELECTRIC FRANCHISE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS, AUTOMATICALLY RENEWING FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS UNLESS NOTICE IS GIVEN, COMMENCING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.

1^ST reading – 10/05/10

Rules Committee:                          Chris Heitkamp

Committee meeting was held on September 21^st after Council.  Discussed filing the ordinances by subject rather that date.  Lisa made a sample binder with information to be reviewed at the next meeting. 

Next committee meeting schedule on October 19^th @ 8 pm.

Old Business

When will we get information about lights for sign.  Jeff will try to get  info by Thurs.

School flashing lights – on work list.  Should be done this week.

Fire Hydrant by Tastee – should be fixed.  Need to recheck.

New Business

Konica Minolta is having their Blitz sale this week only.  We can upgrade the copier with various options such as scanner and faxing at a savings of $35.49 per month.

Motion McKee to upgrade copier.  Second Gehle.  Searight called the question. 

McKee = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Meeting adjourned 8:10  pm.

____________________________                     _____________________________

Mayor                                                             Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Janie Southard,

James Riethman

Motion Steiner.  SecondMcKee to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Searight called for the question.   Steiner = y, McKee = y, Searight = y,

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight.   Second Gehle to accept the minutes from the

September 7, 2010 meeting as presented. Pontsler called for the question.

Searight = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

James Riethman would like to suggest changing the name of Buckeye St. to

Panther Trail.  We have Panther Alley that goes to the football field.  Makes sense

that panthers walk trails and the road leading to the school is like a trail.

Council said they would take the suggestion under consideration and the Mayor thanked James for coming to the meeting.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Trick or Treat night is scheduled for October 30^th from 6 – 7:30 pm.  Judging will be at the Firehouse at 8 pm.  The Village donates $250 for this event.  The check will be cut whenever needed. 

October 26^th at 7 pm at the Village Hall there will be an informational meeting about Arts in the Park.  This program introduces young people to a variety of visual and performing art activities.  Guest speaker – Heidi Meade, Center Director.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

West Market street working going good.  All the underground work is done.  They have started taking out the street and curbs.  By the end of the week, they will be pouring sidewalks at the far end of the project.  Within 3 weeks we should see pavement.  The project is on schedule.  We had several changes – replaced 2 manholes that were bad and ran some pipe under the street for a water line extension so as not to have to tear up street during the waterline project.

Brick is being taken to Motor Inn for grinding.  Need to contact Rob Belna if you want some bricks.

Leaf  pick up will begin when needed.  We will be going around with the leaf machine sucking up leaves.

Water line project --- No final word from EPA yet.  Extensions should start early winter.  We are still working on the funding.  Should have a decision by next month.

New water plant going good.  Radios installed properly.  It’s doing everything that we want it to do.  The last electrical bill was down $600 – hopefully that savings will continue.  Salt usage is down somewhat too.

We had hard water one day.  The valve got turned on a brine tank.  Alarms should have signaled but didn’t.  We have taken care of those problems.  Gates and fence have been installed.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $26,597.25.  Most are Fanning Howey – ARRA funds, 2^nd payment for lights and regular bills.  Gehle called for the question. 

Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp.

Passed 6 yes.

We will begin the Budget 2011 meetings on October 19^th at 7 pm.  We will meeting before each council meeting unless we start running out of time and then we will meet weekly.  Lisa to have 3^rd quarter information and reports ready for meeting.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Had a committee meeting just before Council meeting tonight.  Discussed some trash issues.  Mahargs will no longer be picking up trash in barrels/boxes with trash bags hanging on the side.  Everything must be in Mahargs bags.    Mahargs will be offering the ability to get rid of bulk items in the near future.  Bulk items will need to be marked with a special tag that can be purchased at the Village Office.

Discussed yard debris issues:  The Legion area is closed down.  There will be no more dumping of grass clipping, yard waste, etc.  To many abused the system by dumping plastic bags, containers and other items.  Signs are posted there will be a $500 fine for dumping.

The sewer plant is closed down from public dumping of sticks, limbs, and branches.  Again – to many abused the system by dumping other items.

Signs are posted there will be a $500 fine for dumping.

We will be making an area behind the Village Hall where grass clipping and yard waste can be taken and then mulched.  If this doesn’t work, we will have to go to a bag system through Mahargs. 

Greg brought up the bike path at the Community Building.  Handicap signs have been posted so no one should be parking in that area.  For the next several events we ask the police to make sure no one is parking in the handicap area. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Nothing at this time.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Had a committee meeting tonight before Council.  Decided to start the quarterly meetings in January.  The first one is scheduled for January 25^th -2011 at 7 pm at the Village Hall.

We would like to schedule a brain storming session with the realtors in the area.  Jeff to get an agenda ready to see what we can accomplish.  We will have some open communication, want to make sure what we are looking at, see what we can do to extend help, and make sure we are not overlooking something.  Jeff will talk with the bankers.

The RADC meetings have been changed from the third Thursday of the month to the first Thursday of the month starting in October.  The next RADC meeting will be October 7^th at 7:30 here at the Village Hall.  November 4^th and December 2^nd are the other meeting dates to the end of the year.

The RADC would like to have lights on the RT 33 signs by the end of the year.

Vortex (another Splash Pad company) will be here on October 7^th at 6:15 to meet with RADC, Jeff and Mayor.  They will be meeting at the Village Hall and then going down to the park for a walk through.  Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting.

 There will be another Economic Committee meeting later next month.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Committee meeting schedule for October 5^th at 7pm before the Council Meeting.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Committee meeting to be held after Council meeting tonight. 

Old Business

New Business

Meeting adjourned 8:00  pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Janie Southard,

Ami Baker

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Searight called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Gehle.   Second McKee to accept the minutes from the

August 17, 2010 meeting as presented. Pontsler called for the question.

Gehle = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Representatives from Congressman Latta’s office will be here on

Thursday, September 9^th from 9 am – 10:30 am to meet with those that

may have questions or concerns involving the federal government.

Plan to attend if possible.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Information to be discussed in committee reports.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler to pay the bills as submitted by the

Fiscal Officer in the amount of $18,537.10.  Most are regular bills plus the sewer pump for the lift station.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of

$1988.00.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y,

Searight = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·        RESOLUTION #10-10

ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFIYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Gehle.  Steiner called for the question.  Pontsler = y,

Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y,  Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·        RESOLUTION #11-10

ACCEPTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND AMOUNT AND RATE AS DETERMINED BY THE MERCER COUNTY BUDGET COMMISSION, AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY.

Motion Searight.  Second Heitkamp.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to approve Application for payment for Market Street Improvement for $98,387.56.  Total to be paid for by the Mercer Co Commissioners.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y,

Searight = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·        RESOLUTION #12-10

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A WATERLINE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD AND THE OHIO WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Motion Searight.  Second Pontsler.  Steiner called for the question.  Searight = y,

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle for approval for Mayor Joseph to sign the Grant Agreement for the State of Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program – Water and Sanitary Sewer Competitive Grant Program.

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y,

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

·        RESOLUTION 13-10

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND/OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (S) AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED.

Motion Searight.  Second Heitkamp, Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y,  Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y.

Passed 6 yes.

We will begin Budget 2011 meetings in October before council meetings.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

The EPA gave the Village a warning for burning at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  There will be no more access for limbs and grass clippings.  We will have a committee meeting at 6:30 pm before the next council meeting to discuss a compost program and other issues involved. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Nothing at this time.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

We had our Town Hall meeting on August 31^st to present the Rockford Revitalization Program.  We had good attendance.  Jeff gave an impressive presentation.  We answered questions and listened to comments.  One suggestion was to have Town Hall meetings on a quarterly basis.  We will implement this suggestion starting Jan. 2011.  We will have a committee meeting at 7 pm before the next council meeting to discuss other suggestions and further developments that will be beneficial to the community.

September 16^th  RADC meeting @ 7:30 at the Village Hall.  Shinn Brothers will be here to give us information on the Splash Pad.   

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Jeff attended meetings with the EPA to discuss using funds that will be left over from the Water Plant Project for the Waterline Project.  The EPA has reviewed the documents and have given a verbal OK to proceed to the next step.   We would be doing the Waterline project as a continuation of the Water Plant project.

We are planning to install 2,000 ft of water line and 5 hydrants.  $10-$12,000 would be engineering fees.  The total project would be approximately $132,000.

This would be using funds from the Stimulus.  The water plant, meters and waterline project payment would be $67,500 per year.  This is much lower than it would have been without the Stimulus funds and grants.

Waterline project includes 12” lines to tower at Columbia St and 12” lines to Bridge St.   – We won’t know much more until we can get the best financial package.  This is a good continuation of the project~ since the new water plant has been up and running we have been blowing lines.  We have more pressure and more controls. 

The chlorine has been more noticeable because of EPA requirements that at any given location the level must be at .2. 

Still planning on November and December meter information on water bills.  Meter billing would start with the January billing on February 1^st.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Next committee meeting after the next Council meeting.   Trying to find an easier way to review ordinances.   Maybe dated by subject? 

Old Business

New Business

Meeting adjourned 7:50  pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Heitkamp.

McKee and Searight - absent

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Marty Lentz,

Nancy Leighner

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as orders of the day.

Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Motion: Gehle.   Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

August 3, 2010 meeting as presented. Pontsler called for the question.

Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

·        Arts in the Parks – Summer 2011.  Is a major program of Arts Place since 1977.  The program introduces young people to a variety of visual and performing arts activities.  We would support and promote Arts in the Parks and they take care of the day to day activities throughout the summer at our own Shane’s Park.  We need parents, grandparents, teachers, businesses, churches, and civic organizations to get involved in supporting and promoting this event. 

Council gave verbal support and will talk to the finance committee to see if we can give some financial support to get things rolling.

·        The cruise in / sock hop at The Belle was awesome Saturday night.  We had a good crowd.  Mayor suggests that we all show support for the upcoming events at The Belle.  We greatly appreciate what they are doing at The Belle.   

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Asphalt patching will start tomorrow.

The new water plant is up and running.  We will be discussing our options concerning the demo of the old plant.   

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee – absent

Report by Steve Gehle -

Motion Pontsler.  Second Steiner to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $19,030.76.  Heitkamp called for the question. 

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

We will be getting bids for the Holly Lane / Front St sidewalk project soon.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight – absent

Need to get yellow markings painted by stop sign on Franklin before school starts. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Two dates to remember:

The Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for August 31^st at 7 pm @ the Village Hall to present the Revitalization program to our residents, realtors and bankers.  Invitations will be sent to local realtors and bankers.

September 16^th  RADC meeting @ 7:30 at the Village Hall.  Shinn Brothers will be here to give us information on the Splash Pad.     

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Held a Public Utilities meeting just before council. 

The WWTP is running smoothly.  The EPA is still reviewing the treatment plant study.

Water lines to be installed – Bridge St and then Columbia St. 

Jeff will be in Columbus next week in meetings with the EPA to review funding package for the water lines.  Hopefully, we will receive enough funding to complete the whole village with replacement lines.   Oldest water lines date back to the 1900’s.  Project will begin with water lines and patch work to roads.  In the next several years we will be able to get funding for additional street work.  The water lines must come first as we don’t want to dig up new streets for water line work. 

There will be a public utilities committee meeting late September /early October to review rates.  This is a tough job – you don’t want to bring in to much, but we have to bring in enough to make payments.  We want to get the information printed on the water bill for at least 2 months.  The actual bill will still be the base rate, but will have what the bill would be at the metered rate.

Salt bids came in on August 11^th.  Morton Salt = 98.62/ton.  North American Salt Company - $95.05/ ton and Cargill at $99.74/ton. 

Motion Pontsler to accept the North American Salt Company bid at $95.05/ton.  Second Steiner.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Committee currently reviewing ordinances. 

Old Business

New Business

Would it be possible to move a bench in front of Stephenson Construction?  There is one down by the Fire Department that may not be getting used much.  Will look into. 

Meeting adjourned 8:07 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long,

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda with correction to add

Resolution 09-10 to the Economic Committee report as Orders of the Day.

Searight called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight.  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

July 20, 2010 meeting as presented. Heitkamp called for the question.

McKee called for the question.  Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, McKee = y,

Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

·        Letter of Support – West Central Ohio Land Conservancy’s Clean Ohio Fund application for a conservation easement for property owned by the Estate of George Wilson.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Village infrastructure

1.        Water Treatment Plant:  The new treatment plant has been producing water for over a week now.  At this time we are working with the engineer and contractor to work out a few problems. It is inevitable that at the end of a project of this size there will be some minor details to work out. The good news is that they are minor and we are addressing them.  The plant is producing quality water and able to meet our demands. The operation is much more complicated than the old plant but I think we will see results of consistent availability better quality and more efficient production of water. We are able to monitor the plant at any time from a computer. I have brought my personal laptop from home for a quick demonstration. This plant will serve our village for many years.

2.        Distribution Lines: We are all aware that we have many water lines that need replaced. This has become even more evident with the new plant online. With the old plant we had no way of being sure how full the water towers were and could only produce about 180 gallons per minute.  Now we have the technology to know precisely how full the water towers are and are able to produce over 400 gallons per minute. Last week we experienced four different water leaks in less than a 24 hour period. I personally believe that is the result of having a fuller tower and more pressure on the old lines. To alleviate the leaks I have lowered the towers 2 feet. This reduces our storage capacity by approximately 50,000 gallons. Hopefully this is short term and we will address the needs. I have given you a copy of a press release from the Ohio Department of Development. I know we quickly applied for this funding but the benefit of the $390,000 grant is huge for us. At this time we are working to secure the rest of the project cost through other agencies that is most affordable for us. When I receive more information we will need to have a Public Utilities Committee as well as Finance Committee meeting to review our options. My goal is to utilize the full amount to replace much needed lines. New lines will not only improve fire flows and reduce interruption of service but also have a significant impact on the delivered water quality, as well as a direct impact on possible economic development activities for the village.

3.        Lift Station:  Our lift station is in need of improvements and they need to be done now. The valves and check valves need replaced as well as pumps. We will perform this in house. We have the valves and lines and will order a new pump. The pump cost is $5,929.00. This is a big project but I am sure our employees can do it.

4.        Storm Sewer: The storm sewer in the alley running north and south between Main Street and Franklin Street from Pearl Street to W Market Street has collapsed. This is a very old and very deep line that is under the new sanitary sewer. We are examining ways to take care of the situation completely with the least cost. At this time I think we will have to plug the line at the alley intersection and install a new line running south to a manhole on Pearl Street. This storm sewer has been a problem as the condition is poor. Luckily when we did the reconstruction of South Street we planned ahead and relieved this line with a new outlet from Pearl Street all the way to the river. This should allow us to install a much shallower line to Pearl Street for drainage. We are investigating affected buildings and if needed we will give each building a place to connect with a sump pump. We are planning to do this in house except for blocking the old line as we can not excavate that deep.

5.         West Market Street:  Some trees have been removed.  The water line has been delivered.  I will be getting a more formal schedule of the work this week.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner,  Second Pontsler to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $17,420.66.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Searight to accept Mayors Court Pay in of $1835.00.  Second Pontsler.

Gehle called for the question.  Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y,

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Discussed letters from Berkadia regarding loan payments. 

Service Committee: Steve Gehle

Held a short meeting after last council meeting on 07/20/10.  Reviewed the written objections to the Market Street project.  Most concerns and questions were handled earlier in the meeting.  There are a few others that have since been addressed.  The project is underway.   

Safety Committee:    Ron Searight 

Economic Development Committee:         Eugene Steiner

RESOLUTION 09-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO CREATING AND ADOPTING A ROCKFORD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM.

Motion Gehle.  Second Searight.  Pontsler called for the question. 

Gehle = y, Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y,  Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

The Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for August 31^st at 7 pm to present the

Revitalization program to our residents, realtors and bankers.  Invitations will be sent to local realtors and bankers.

Invitation to all Council to the September 16^th  RADC meeting.  Shinn Brothers will be here to give us information on the Splash Pad.     

Public Utilities Committee:              Greg Pontsler

Will set a Public Utilities meeting next week

Rules Committee:                             Chris Heitkamp

Committee currently reviewing ordinances. 

Old Business

Need to take care of weed problems and vehicles with expired tags.

New Business

Tentative date to have meter information on water bills is November and December.

Meeting adjourned 8:19 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Janie Southard, Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long,

Kenny Miller, Lowell & Elsie Beougher, Emma Lou Shaffer, Gary Shaffer,

Al Heitkamp, Norm VanTilburg, Jim & Joann Sturgeon, Tom Beahrs,

Janie Rose, Randy & Marilyn Long, Keith Courtney, Amber Hall,

Holly Wehe, Brian Miller, Don Pontsler, Tammy Cheek, Travis & Audrey

Nuttle, Tom Lyons, Roy & Mona Thompson, Fred Vann, Brett Jones,

Dusty Rutledge, Tammy Barlarge, Randy Gutierrez

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y,

McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

.

Motion: Searight.  Second McKee to accept the minutes from the

July 6, 2010 meeting as presented. Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y,

Pontsler = y,  Passed 6 yes. 

Visitors to Address Council:

Market Street residents were invited to meeting to discuss the Market Street reconstruction project.  Mayor Joseph welcomed and thanked the resident who came to the meeting.  Jeff gave an explanation of what is going to take place: 

The contractors will excavate and lower the street 6 inches.  The top of the curb will remain as is – at the same level.  The street will be built up with 8” of compact stone and an additional 6” of asphalt.  The tree lawns will be

7’ wide from Vine  to Smith Street, 7.5’ from Vine to Jay, and 8.5 from Jay to Franklin.

The trees to be removed have a red dot painted on them.  If home owners want the wood from the trees – please let Jeff know as soon as possible.  The contractors will be contacted and they will leave 8’ logs in yard.  The brush and limbs will be hauled away.  There will be approximately 30 new trees planted.  Varieties include: Kwanzan Cherry, Crimson King Maple and Red Oak. 

The curb/ gutter was estimated at $10 / ft and that is what the actual bid came to.  The sidewalk was estimated at $4 sq. ft. but actually came in a little lower at $3.00 sq ft.   Driveways estimated at $40 sq yd, came in at $35.00 sq yd.   The Village will be covering the cost of sidewalk removal.  There will be some storm sewers installed to help with some not draining as well.  The project will be completed this fall.  The final assessments will not go out until next June.  You will have 30 days to make the payment or it will automatically be placed on the tax duplicate.  It will appear on the taxes the following February (2012).  The final bill will be the exact bill with actual footage – again will not be mailed out until June 2011.

Plans are available at the Village Office for review.

The floor was opened to questions and comments:

1.       Why is the curb not going out to the last street?  Right now we are just replacing existing curb. 

2.      Wanting information about trees?  If you want the wood, please let Jeff know as he will need to contact the Contractor.  They will leave wood in 8’ logs.  It will be up to the home owner to get logs cut up and removed.  The contractor will take away the brush and limbs.  It will take approximately 2 weeks to take trees down.  The contractors will be reseeding and fertilizing yards when project is complete.

3.      Will we be restricting 18 wheelers, tractors, farm equipment, etc from going down Market St once the project is complete?  We can’t restrict vehicles from a public roadway.  The street currently is on a brick base.  Was not built for heavy machinery at the time.  The current plan is going to hold up better and longer.  Also comment made that the widened bridge should allow some farm traffic to go down Township Line Rd to 33.

4.      Why aren’t we putting sidewalks along the field?  At this time, the field is not in the corporation.  If in the future the field gets developed, sidewalks would then be installed. 

5.      What happens if there is property damage?  The contractors will be responsible for any damage.  What about the water meter areas that have not been taken care of?  The contractor for that job will be back this fall to correct those problems.

6.      Do the home owners have to pay for sidewalks that have corners?   The Village will be taking care of the costs for right aways.  Home owners will be paying for actual property footage.

7.      Sidewalk is over 15 years, but in good shape – no cracks.  Still have to be replaced?   We have an ordinance 0-5 years 100% credit, 6-10 years 70% credit, 11-15 years 40% credit.  It also must meet the spec requirements.  Will need to look at that.

8.      Will the mail continue to be delivered?  The contractors are to keep the road open so that mail can be delivered.  There may be a day or two though when they are working directly in front of home, that the mail may not be delivered.  The contractors will take care of taking mailbox out and re-installing it.  The mailbox is to be even to the backside of the curb so that especially in the winter the boxes don’t get knocked down by plows.

9.      There was an easement in drive for the previous owners – will it still be considered?  We will invoice according to property lines – should be the same.

10.  Property owner has received 3 cheaper estimates, can we contract our own sidewalks?  As long as it is to spec.  You will need the contractor to contact Jeff to review and make sure everything is the same.

11.  Could the Village buy the right away in front of the field to install sidewalks?  It’s not in the budget to purchase land to install sidewalks.  If and when it is developed we would require sidewalks.  Sidewalks have been an issue for many years.  Holly Lane is the next project.  We will be breaking up the Village into quarters and each year complete a quarter over the next 5 years.  We have to plan.  We don’t want to install sidewalks one year and then two years down the road have a road project and have to re-do sidewalks.  We have to make sure all the underground project are completed before we do a road project.

12.  How does the government grant work?   The grant is for a specific amount but pays out on actual bids.  Therefore, the lower the bid the lower the grant and lower matching funds  By law we could assess the top level of the asphalt and engineering fees, but Council does not want to burden the home owners with extra costs.  The sidewalk assessments have been Village wide – Front Street and South Main St.

13.  What will happen to the concrete?  The contractor will be hauling it out.  We may benefit from some of the fill to help where needed. 

14.  Concerns regarding trees.  On Front street there is no shade.  Street and sidewalks get very hot in the summer.  We want trees for shade.  The trees on Front street are actually shrubs.  It will be years before they provide shade if ever.    We want nice tree lawns with shade trees.  Trees these days with the environment will not grow and mature as fast to provide shade.   Can’t we change the landscape to keep some trees?  If the roots cause sidewalks to crack then it would be the home owners responsibility to repair the sidewalk. 

15.  What gives you the legal right to take down trees that encroach the right away?  Jeff will have survey work done and show where the right away is located.

16.  Dusty Rutledge would like the firewood if the contractor will let him have it. 

Mayor Joseph thanked all for coming. 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long  

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner,  Second Gehle to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $9,799.66.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y,

Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Service committee to meet after Council for a quick meeting. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight  

Had committee meeting on July 6 after Council.  Discussed the following:

Fire hydrants – Jeff to come up with a comprehensive fire hydrant plan.

Street signs in allys need to be changed.  Need to update street signs ~ some are worn and some are not there.  Need to get with Paul regarding cruiser.

The curb at Franklin and First needs to be painted yellow by hydrant so there is no parking in front of it during football season.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Meeting scheduled for tonight was rescheduled for July 26^th at 7 pm.

Next RADC meeting – September 16^th at 7:30 PM.  We will be meeting with the contractor for the Splash Park.  Will be getting some estimates.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

·        ORDINANCE 04-10

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^ST reading – 06/15/10

2^nd reading – 07/06/10

3^rd reading – 07/20/10

Motion:  Pontsler.  Second Steiner.  Gehle called for the question.

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes. 

Meeting last week canceled.  Water plant behind schedule.  If all things go good this week we may be up and running.  We need to pull samples this week.

When that is complete the contractor needs to finish the floor.  Then we can take a field trip to check out the new water plant.    May have date that it would be open to the public.   

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Have given out 1 years worth of ordinances to each member and have started reviewing them.  

Old Business 

New Business

Regarding the Splash Pad – the RADC has $30,000.  Several investors have come forward to help out with remaining costs of Splash Pad.

Meeting adjourned 8:41 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

                        RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Janie Southard, Mary Boroff, Barb Steiner, Sergeant Stetler,

Judy Koesters

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

McKee called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

.

Motion: Gehle.  Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the

June 15, 2010 meeting as presented. McKee called for the question.

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Barb Steiner and Mary Boroff  with some questions regarding a tree on South St.

Steve will check out after meeting and will refer their concerns to the Tree Committee.

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Thank you note from the Car Show organization for sponsoring the Mayor’s Choice Trophy.  They had their largest crowd ever. 

Council members commented that they liked the Car Show at the park.  Also that Community Days was a good time.  Thanks to the Community Days Committee for a job well done. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long – absent

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight,  Second Steiner  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $40,822.93.  (Majority consists of Fire protection, Insurance renewal, lift station repairs)  Pontsler called for the question.   Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, 

Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of

$1581.00.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, McKee = y, Searight = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Held the 2011 Budget hearing.  Everything is holding steady right now.  Will continue to review in more detail later in the fall.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Official invitation to those on Market St to attend the next Council meeting on July 20^th with questions and concerns regarding the Market St reconstruction.

Plans will be available for review.  Jeff mentioned sending out letters.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Shinn Bros as best and lowest bidder on the Market St project @ $412,000.  Heitkamp called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Searight = n.  Passed 5 yes, 1 no.    Searight feels the project is being pushed through to fast and wants to

slow down and review information. 

There have been numerous questions regarding the trees on Market St.  Mature trees will be coming down as they are tearing up sidewalks and getting into the utilities.   Tree committee will be requesting replacement trees that are smaller and will not tear up sidewalks.  May be Japanese lilacs.

We have Emerald Ash Borer in two trees on Main st.   We have gotten a quote, but it will be more cost effective to have our Village crew take the trees down.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight  

Would like to schedule a safety meeting after Council if ok with members.

All agree to meet after council meeting.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Economic committee meeting held on June 29^th.   We have decided to postpone the Town Hall meeting until August 10^th at 7 pm at the Community Building.  We do not have all the information gathered to be ready for next week.  Need to schedule a meeting on July 20^th at 7 pm before next council meeting.

The RADC will be meeting on July 15^th.  They will review water park information, budget and future budget.  Getting ready for Spring 2011.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

·        ORDINANCE 04-10

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^ST reading – 06/15/10

2^nd reading – 07/06/10

We will be having a committee meeting in July to discuss water rates.

Tentative date next Tuesday – July 13^th. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Old Business

Water plant getting closer to be up and running.  Have been doing some training and working out some issues.

New Business

Having  Judy review the Ohio Revised Code regarding set backs and fence issues that have come up recently.

Meeting adjourned 7:53 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Heitkamp, Pontsler.

Searight – absent.

Also attending:  Jeff Long, Janie Southard,  John Larson, Adam Saunders

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

Pontsler called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y,

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

.

Motion: McKee.  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

June 1, 2010 meeting as presented. Gehle called for the question.

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Community Days ~~  This weekend.  Still looking for help selling tickets and for the inflatables.    Bring family and friends to the park this weekend. 

There is something for everyone !  See you there.

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Plans are finished for West Market Street.  We will be opening the bids on July 1^st.  Water line portion needs to be completed by August.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Pontsler,  Second Steiner  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $93,011.58.  (Majority consists of  loan payments.)  Gehle called for the question.   Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y. 

Passed 5 yes.

Finance committee meeting was held on Monday – June 7^th at 7 pm.  Discussion was the 2011 Budget.   We are where we thought we would be~~ holding steady.

Will be submitting the budget to Auditors office by July 15^th.  Will have a public hearing before the next meeting (July 6)  at 7 pm. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

·        RESOLUTION 08-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, DEEMING IT NECESSARY TO MAKE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SIDEWALKS AND CURBS IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, WEST MARKET ST RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, TO BE PAID FOR IN PART BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 727.12 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE:

Motion Pontsler.  Second Heitkamp.  Steiner called for the question.  Pontsler = y,

Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight  - absent

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

The RADC meeting was held.  Discussion included putting the pool on the ballot.

Jeff to look into rules and regulations.  RADC will be having several fund raisers at Community Days – a cake walk and a dunking machine.

We are looking at 3 phases to complete project 1.  Spray park, 2.  Pool, and 3.  Slides. 

Economic Development Committee meeting will be June 29^th at 7 pm.  We will be finalizing the presentation to the Community.   

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

·        ORDINANCE 04-10

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR DELINQUENT WATER BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1^ST reading – 06/15/10

We will be having a committee meeting in July to discuss water rates. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Have been reviewing the Ordinance Summary Book ~ looking for those that might need updated. 

Old Business 

New Business

Set back ordinance is included in the zoning code.  Lisa to give Gene a copy. 

Meeting adjourned 7:48 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Heitkamp, Pontsler.

Searight – absent.

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Janie Southard,

John Larson, Adam Kraning

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y, McKee = y, Gehle = y,

Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Gehle.  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the May 18, 2010 meeting as presented. Pontsler called for the question.

Gehle = y, Heitkamp = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Jeff and Lisa to take a class regarding Facebook and get an account set up for the Village.  This will be a great way to reach people in the Village to inform residents of activities and update on various projects. 

We would like to Thank Mr. Browning and Parkway Students for getting us started with a web site.  We feel it’s time that we take on this project so the web site can be updated daily and/or weekly in house.  We need to have current information on the site.

We will contact Mr. Browning to see what software needs to be purchased and ask him if he would be willing to help with training.   

We may have a chance to get our water billing done via email.  We need to start talking to friends and neighbors and get some feedback. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Updates will be discussed through committee reports.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner,  Second Pontsler  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $11,050.84.  (Majority consists of clean up day, bulk salt, utilities, well repair.)  Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Motion Pontsler to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $1,123.  Second Heitkamp. Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Finance committee meeting next Monday – June 7^th at 7 pm.  Will be discussing 2011 budget. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Agreement between Client and Consultant:

The Agreement, entered into as of this June 1^st, by and between the Village of Rockford and Fanning Howey Civil Engineering Division to provide professional services for the following project:  Market Street Reconstruction Project.

Cost will be $40,000.

Motion Gehle, Second McKee, Steiner called for the question.  Gehle = y,

McKee = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Project goal to be bid out July 1^st. 

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight  - absent 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Economic Development Committee meeting was held on  June 1^st at 7 pm.

Still developing the Community Improvement Package.  Will be presented on July 13^th at the Town Hall Meeting.  This is a win/win for the community.

There will be a RADC committee meeting on June 7^th at 7:30.  Pool will be discussed.  We are looking at 3 phases to complete project 1.  Spray park, 2.  Pool, and 3.  Slides. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

·        RESOLUTION 06-10

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLICATION TO THE CDBG WATER AND SANITARY SEWER PROGRAM FOR A NEW WATER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT.

Map available to view for upgrades. 

Motion Pontsler, Second Steiner, Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y,

Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

·        RESOLUTION 07-10

THE ANTI-DISPLACMENT AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING.

Motion:  Steiner, Second Pontsler.  Gehle called for the question.  Steiner = y,

Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y,  Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Jeff  to review last 2 months of water meter data.  Will be scheduling a Public Utilities meeting in early July.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules Committee meeting was held on May 24^th at 7pm.  Discussion consisted of  requiring new housing and new businesses to install sidewalks.  This may already be in our zoning ordinance.  Jeff to give out copies of zoning ordinance for committee review.   We will be reviewing additional ordinances to make sure they are current. 

Old Business

Trailer court has been approved by the Health Department.   Manager is continuing to clean things up.  Has improved by leaps and bounds.  It’s safer and cleaner.   

New Business

Mayor to Council – you have all been doing a good job.  Keep up the good work.

Stay motivated.    Nice to see continuing improvements.  Good Job !! 

Meeting adjourned 8:03 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

                        RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Searight, Heitkamp.

Pontsler absent

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Paul May,

Janie Southard, John Dull

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight.  Second McKee to accept the minutes from the

May 4, 2010 meeting as presented.  Gehle called for the question.

Steiner =y, McKee = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Village of Rockford has many citizens who ride motorcycles for touring, recreation, and economical transportation;

WHEREAS,  May is the month motorcycles become prevalent on our streets, and the need to be aware of their presence becomes urgent:

WHEREAS,  An overwhelming number of car-motorcycle accidents could be prevented with the due regard and awareness of motorcycles on the roads and at the intersections of this village;

WHEREAS,  The inclusion of motorcycle awareness into driver education curriculum and motorcycle rider education helps promote safe driving and riding practices;

WHEREAS,  It is in the interest of our community and the citizens of the Village of Rockford to note the increase in the number of motorcycles as we enter the warm weather months to reduce accidents and injuries involving motorcyclists.

NOW, Therefore, I, __Amy Joseph_________, Mayor of the Village of Rockford, due hereby designate and proclaim the month of May 2010 as

                        MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

I urge all citizens to use extreme caution when driving their automobiles and extend to the motorcyclists the same courtesy they wish to be afforded them.

                                    Signed this __18th___ of May, 2010

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Water treatment plant pre-start up and final start up has been moved back 1 week to first week of June.    We should be completely online by the end of June.

Pavilion at the park is under construction.  Building should be finished by the end

of the week or early next week depending on the weather.  There will still be some concrete and sidewalks to be completed. 

The Chamber purchased flags to be put up down to the four-way stop.  The legion has purchased the flags that will be going up downtown.   Flags will go up by the end of the week for Memorial Day.

Ohio Public Works has awarded us the grant for Market St.  Bids should go out late June and the street should be completed by fall.  Next week the engineers will be here to walk the project.  We will then schedule a committee meeting to discuss street issues.  Good job !  Thank you.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Steiner,  Second Searight  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $20,981.46.  (Majority consists of sewer plant aerators, final bill on WWTP study, mosquito control, electricity and fuel..)  Gehle called for the question.   Steiner = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, McKee =y, Heitkamp = y.

Passed 5 yes.

Received budget highlights from the Board of Health and costs for 2011.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Clean up day went well.  One suggestion to change time to 7 am – 11 am.

Several residents didn’t know about clean up day although it was in the

Photo Star, on the Parkway Independent, and on the water bills.  Next year we

may post on the Fire Department billboard.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Safety Meeting held on 05/12/10 – discussed lights on Holly Lane from 33 to Community Building.  At this time, Jeff has this project included in some grant applications over the next 1-2 years.  We will hold off on these lights unless circumstances change and we need to address the issue again.

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

RADC will meet on May 20^th at 7 pm – this Thursday.  We have a special program planned.  Jared Ebbing from the Mercer County Development Department will be here to speak about what we can do to help our community. 

Economic Committee met this evening before meeting.  We are continuing to work on an incentive program to new home buyers in the village.  Tentative date for next Town Hall meeting is July 13^th at 7 pm.  We will have a guest speaker.

Next Economic Development Committee meeting will be June 1^st at 7 pm.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler - absent

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

Rules Committee meeting scheduled for May 24^th at 7pm.  We will be discussing an ordinance that will require new housing and new businesses to install sidewalks. 

Old Business

New Business 

Meeting adjourned 7:49 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

COMMUNITY DAYS COMMITTEE AGENDA – 05/11/10

Community Days – June 18, 19 & 20^th 2010 

1.      Finances - Checking balance $6263.28 
 

2.       Entertainment: 

Friday evening from 5:30 – 7 pm – Parkway Show Choir ? 

Saturday at 2 pm  -  
 

3.       Turn in any gun raffle tickets/money -

4.      Workers for Inflatables, beer tickets, etc. –  youth football?

5.      Rockford T-shirts – Vote on designs entered.

6.      T-shirt – color (s) – White – 144 @ 4.29 each / 288 @ 4.09 each -

7.      Wet / dry kooler backpacks - $1.20 - $1.75 each – minimum order 96 –can sell for $5.00

8.      Flea Market update  / Flyer -

9.      Church /  Sunday Entertainment

10.  BBQ Chicken Dinner – Sunday?

11.  Johnny Appleseed Foundation information?

12.  Other organizations that might want to have kids crafts, games or stories.

13.  Car Show – Exactly how many and what roads to block

14.  Central Dispatch – 10 am – noon Finger Printing, K-9 Demo at 1 pm, 8-10 pm Comm Truck

15.  Barrel Trains – Harmonica John and Nancy 

16.  Other updates:

Brand It Designs will be sponsoring the Wiener Dog Races 

17.  Action items: 

Next Meeting:

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle , Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long, Paul May,

Janie Southard, Barb Kraning, Bridget Searer, Keeley Schwab, Adam Kraning, Amanda Miesse, Ryan Phillips

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight.  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

April 20, 2010 meeting as presented.  McKee called for the question.

Searight = y, Heitkamp = y, McKee = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Introduction of 3 new Auxiliary Police Officers:  Adam Kraning, Amanda Miesse, and Ryan Phillips.   Mayor Joseph swore in the officer.  Congratulations and welcome to Rockford. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Representatives from the Community Reinvestment Grant came to Rockford to see the improvements that were paid for through the grant.  They are very happy with the results.  The water line project won’t be completed until August.  They may be submitting our Village for an Achievement Award through the State next year. 

Hydrant flushing continues this week.

We will be finding out on May 18^th if the Market Street Project will be funded.

The water plant initial start up date is May 24^th.  The final start up will be on June 6^th.   There has been a lot of training.  This is a major upgrade – top of the line equipment.  We will be able to tell the water level in the towers.  The meter readings are going well.

Fittings will be coming in this week for the 2 meter leakers.  The contractor will be back to complete the dirt/sod work around the meters, but not until fall.  We are holding back funds until this project is complete.

Committee Reports: 

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight,  Second Steiner  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $10,358.36.  (Majority consists of bulk salt, sewer plant pump and regular maintenance items.)  Gehle called for the question.   Searight = y, Steiner =y, Gehle = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Pontsler, Second Searight to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $1183.00.  Gehle called for the question.  Ponstler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y,

Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Will have a Finance meeting after the first meeting in June regarding budget issues.  We need to have information to county auditors by July 15. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Held a meeting with Holly Lane residents regarding sidewalks.  There was some discussion whether the tree lawn should be 2’ or 4’ to the curb.  Was decided that it should be 4’.   Mr. Dull does not want trees.   Questions were brought up as to why others in the Village have not been required to install sidewalks.  The Village will be working on this project.  There may be several street projects in the future and we will install sidewalks and curbs along with the project.  Looking into a sidewalk from Main St to the Village offices. 

RESOLUTION 05-10:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, DEEMING IT NECESSARY TO MAKE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SIDEWALKS IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, HOLLY LANE /FRONT STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT.  TO BE PAID FOR IN PART BY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 727.12 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE.

John Dull had several questions:  Why is the tree lawn on Front Street and to the Community Building only 2’ to curb and Holly Lane is going to be 4’?  There were other issues on Front street making only the 2’ tree lawn possible.  Suggestion that there are houses in the Village 60-70 years old and still don’t have sidewalks.  Everyone should be putting in sidewalks.  Maybe if the Mayor and Council would go ahead and install sidewalks, others in the Village would do likewise. 

Motion McKee, Second Pontsler to approve Resolution 05-10.  Steiner called for the question.  McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Searight = y,

Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Reminder – Clean up Day – May 8^th from 8 am – noon.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Thanks to the Village employees for installing the stop signs on Franklin.

Thanks to the Police department for extra patrols on Franklin to get the traffic slowed down.

Will schedule a Safety Committee meeting on May 12^th at 7pm.  Will be discussing sidewalks and lights from Community Building to 33. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Have scheduled an Economic Committee meeting on May 17^th at 7 pm.  We have a lot to review and discuss.  We will bring results to the next Council meeting on May 18^th.

There have been questions regarding the Pool Fund.  Current total is $22,982 after the Auction on April 24^th. 

RADC will meet on May 20^th at 7 pm. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

The EPA is still reviewing the Wastewater Treatment Plant Study.

We will be scheduling a meeting to review water rates.  Jeff is reviewing data. 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp 

Old Business

There are 2 weeks left until the Ordinance regarding farm animals in the Village takes effect.

Lots are being cleaned up.  Several have court dates scheduled in the coming weeks.

JB Equipment working on getting things cleaned up.  Will take a little time. 

New Business:

Jeff  to review possibility of opening Columbia St into a New Addition.

Tom Rogers would like to close Market St to Franklin in July for a Sock Hop/Cruise in.  Council approves of these events and will need the specific date and time for final approval.   

Meeting adjourned 7:58 pm.

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

Present:  Amy Joseph, Clete Schmidt, Jack Provci, Wilbur Welling,  

Barry Peel, Jerry Bolenbaugh, Lisa Kuhn

Finances -  Checking balance 7842.63

Pavilion update – plans have been approved by the State.  Construction started today !

The paperwork has been done to withdraw the funds from Leota Braun Foundation.

The Chamber has volunteered to be in charge of the Parade.  They can decide the route.

Need entertainment for Friday night from 5:30 – 7 pm.  Have left a message for the Parkway Show Choir. 

Saturday entertainment – Clowns for God will be doing balloon art only.  Unable to perform.

Gun raffle tickets for sale.  Need to turn tickets and money in for those that have sold.

We need workers to help with inflatables?  We can’t find an organization to help.

Amy to contact the school to see if any classes would be interested for a fund raiser.

We will give them some of the inflatable profit.

Discussed a “Design a T-shirt” contest.  Giving $100 cash.  Will post on the press release sites.  Design will be used on t-shirts to be for sale during Community Days.

Designs to be at the Village office by May 11^th at 7:30 pm.  All designs are subject to committee approval.

Discussed advertising – reviewed ad sites:  Berne Shopper News, Decatur Daily Democrat, Parkway Independent, Daily Standard, Times Bulletin.  Will get information

To school to be entered into elementary folders.  Mercer County Outlook will advertise for free.

Need to get flyers done by first week of May.

Flea Market information – still need to get information posted on Parkway Independent.

Corn Hole Tournament – we need 6 sponsors – have 4 so far.  Barry still working on it.

Concerns about the Community Church Service.   Lisa to attend the Parkway Ministerial meeting on Monday and report back at next meeting.

May need to change the chicken BBQ date and time.

Johnny Appleseed Foundation has been contacted.  They will try to do something.

Next meeting – May 11^th at 7:30 pm.

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner 

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Gehle - absent

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

McKee called for the question.  Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y,

Searight =y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion: Searight.  Second McKee to accept the minutes from the

April 6, 2010 meeting as presented.  Heitkamp called for the question.

Searight = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y.

Passed 5 yes. 

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence: 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Village Administrators from Mercer County met with DP & L regarding costs.

DP & L is offering an Energy Resource Supply Agreement that will gives us a 10% discount through 2012.  Projected savings are $9,000.  This savings comes from the transmission and generation charges. 

Motion:  McKee.  Second Searight to approve the DP&L contract.  Steiner called for the question.  McKee = y, Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

The poles are being set at the ball diamond. 

Training is taking place for the different areas of the water plant.  Training today was calibrating the flow meters and tomorrow we will be working with the drive pumps.  Also scheduled this week will be the testing of the high service pumps. 

Start date for the new Shelter house should be the week of May 3^rd if all revisions get approved at the state level in the next week.  Several requirements needed to be met.  We already have a drinking fountain and bathroom near that met the requirements.  Need to make handicap accessible and will be putting in sidewalks to the bathroom.  This will really dress up the park.  Is going to be a good addition. 

Springers will be in to remove and grind out stumps around the Village.

Alleyways are completed and look good.

Committee Reports: 

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

·         RESOLUTION 04-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, AUTHORIZING AN AMBULANCE SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF MERCER, OHIO.

Motion Searight.  Second Steiner to approve ambulance contract.  Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y, Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Steiner, Second Heitkamp  to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $10,308.20  (Majority of which consists of Ambulance Contract and  DP &L)  Searight called for the question.   Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y, Searight = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y,  Passed 5 yes. 

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle - absent

Message from Steve:

Reminder – Clean up Day – May 8^th from 8 am – noon.

Resident Meeting regarding sidewalks on Holly Lane at the Community Building on April 27^th at 7 pm.  (This has been changed from the Village Hall)

Health Department – No updated information regarding Trailer Court.

Pictures were taken and given to Judy for the Columbia St. house.

Plans for the new Shelter House are at the Village Hall if someone would like to review them.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Held a Safety Meeting on Tuesday April 13^th at 7 pm.  The following items were discussed:

Discussion on the speeding problem on Franklin Street.  The committee decided to recommend that a three-way stop sign be installed at the tee of First Street and Franklin Street.  They want to introduce the ordinance at next council meeting as an emergency measure.

Reviewed the placement of four-way stop sign at Front Street and Race Street as said would be done when it was first installed. Everyone feels it is working out as desired.

Jeff handed out a Snow Plow Safety Overview to be in our Village safety plan.

Council and employees need to get ID badges.

·         ORDINANCE 03-10

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION ONE ITEM 56 OF THE ORDINANCE 05-94, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE LOCATION OF POSTED STOP SIGNS WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to suspend the rules of 3 readings for the safety of the Village.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 5 yes.

Motion Steiner.  Second McKee to adopt Ordinance 03-10.  Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Held Economic Committee Meeting on April 12^th at 7 pm.  Discussed the following items:

A public meeting will be held in July during the week of the 11^th, 18^th, or 25^th.  We need to look at calendar to avoid any conflicts.  The theme of the meeting is what we can be done to improve the Village and what the Village can do to help.  Specifically we want to address what can be done to entice people to move into the many vacant homes throughout the Village.

Discussion thoughts were presented and the committee and Jeff to work on more ideas before next meeting. Some ideas were:

1. Waive utility tap fees utilities for new construction on vacant lots.
2. Consider waiving water bill, not including debt service, for a given period of time.
3. Contact banks to see if they could be part of a financial incentive.
4. Contact County to see how the CHIP program could be part of the package.
5. Inform people of our Community Reinvestment Area incentives.
6. Work with and educate realtors of the incentives.
7. In essence develop a program that markets our available homes and empty lots.

Next Economic Committee meeting will be May 17^th at 7 pm.

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Held Committee Meeting on April 13^th at 7:30 pm.  Following items discussed: 

Discussion was held on land repair of water leaks. Water plant is scheduled to begin operation last week of May.  Target date for meter billing is August. Discussed proposed wastewater plant. We would like to see a similar plants operation.  We are looking at funding options.   

Also – 

Several questions today regarding the sewer smell in the Village coming from the Wastewater Treatment plant – we have turnover every spring and fall thus the bad smell for a day or two.

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp

ORDINANCE 02-10
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 90.09 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO PERTAINING TO THE LIMITATION ON KEEPING ANIMALS, FOWLS, AND BEES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD CORPORATION.

1st reading – 03/16/10

2^nd reading - 04/06/10

3^rd reading – 04/20/10

Motion Searight, Second McKee.  Pontsler called for the question.  Searight = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 5 yes. 

Ordinance will be in effect in 30 days. 

Old Business 

New Business: 

Meeting adjourned 8:06 pm. 

____________________________                _____________________________

Mayor                                                              Fiscal Officer

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall. 

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present:  Gehle, Steiner, McKee, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp

Also attending:  Sergeant Stetler, Judy Koesters, Jeff Long

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept Agenda as Orders of the Day.

McKee called for the question.   Steiner = y, Gehle = y, McKee = y,

Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Motion: Searight.  Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the

March 16, 2010 as presented.  Gehle called for the question.  Searight =y,

Heitkamp = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Pontsler = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Invitation for Lunch with a Bunch on Wednesday, April 7^th, 2010. 

Lunch with the Head Start Preschool Bunch.

Letter from Ohio Utilities Protection Service.  Governor Strickland recently

declared April as Safe Digging Month to remind Ohio’s residents that calling 811 is required before digging to avoid damaging the growing number of underground pipelines, wires and cables. 

Letter from Peavey regarding reducing the workplace accidents. 

Invitation to the 4^th Annual Mercer County Ribfest to be held on May 7^th & 8^th, 2010.

Exhibitors application and contract for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business Expo – April 17, 2010.

Community Days Committee working on the 1^st Annual Golf Cart Rodeo. 

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Lights at the parks will be installed soon.

Water plant equipment has arrived.  The company goal is a start up date the last week in May.

Will be meeting with contractors who put meters in and will be discussing the clean up and reseeding of residents yard.

Ohio EPA will be in Wednesday for the Sanitary Survey.  Survey is required by US EPA.

Working on some repairs on the lift station.

Stoning the alleys coming along.  All alleys will have the grey stone and be rolled.  Should last 3 – 4 years.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Todd McKee

Motion Searight, Second Pontsler to pay bills as submitted by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $56,134.67  (majority of bills loan payments, lights, and standard items.) Gehle called for the question.   Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y, McKee = y, Heitkamp = y,  Passed 6 yes.

Motion Steiner.  Second Gehle to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in of $1360.00. 

Searight called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle =y, Searight = y, McKee =y, Pontsler = y, Heitkamp = y.  Passed 6 yes.

Service Committee:   Steve Gehle

Working with Jeff on the sidewalks on Holly Lane and around to finish Front Street.  Sidewalks to be 4’ with tree lawn.  Will hold meeting with residents on April 27^th at 7 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

The blue prints are done for the pavilion.  Will be bringing them over for a review meeting before heading to the state.

Shane Hall building at the park needs some trench work on west side.  Needs to drain away from the building.  Maybe need to run to the new storm sewer.  Will work with Jeff on this project.

Safety Committee:     Ron Searight

Some results from the Town Hall Meeting on March 25^th.   Complaint regarding a business.  Some complaints regarding some properties.  Complaint on the height of a stop sign on Franklin and South St.   Faded stop sign Franklin and Walnut.

Problems of speeding down South Franklin.

Safety Meeting scheduled for Tuesday April 13^th at 7 pm.

Need to get with Paul regarding the badges for the Village employees and officials.  The fire department and EMS are already working on it. 

Economic Development Committee:            Eugene Steiner

Had Town Hall Meeting – went ok.  Approximately 22 present.  Next one should go even better. 

Had a business visit with Terry the barber.  Has had some medical issues recently.

Has had to cut some hours.  Wants to keep customers happy.  Keep him in thoughts and continue to give him encouragement.

Committee Meeting scheduled for April 12^th at 7 pm.  Will be discussing decisions for Summer Town Hall meeting guest speaker and the fall meeting.

Will be creating a business visitation schedule. 

Public Utilities Committee:                Greg Pontsler

Committee Meeting scheduled for April 13^th at 7:30 pm 

Rules Committee:                              Chris Heitkamp- absent

ORDINANCE 02-10
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 90.09 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO PERTAINING TO THE LIMITATION ON KEEPING ANIMALS, FOWLS, AND BEES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD CORPORATION.

1st reading – 03/16/10

2^nd reading 04/06/10 

Old Business

Trailer park update – the decisions are coming from the Health Department.

Call from Steve Meyer stated he is having the water lines completed and the meters hooked up. 

Need to look at First and Main area.  Needs to have