Rockford OKs plan to pay off $157K loan

ROCKFORD - Village councilors on Monday approved legislation to pay off a loan issued by Peoples Bank to finance the Shanes Crossing Subdivision.

Council members approved a motion to pay the remaining $19,000 balance of a $157,000 loan taken out to create and finance the subdivision west of town.

The first phase included two cul-de-sacs and 13 lots. Council members in 2017 agreed to name the cul-de-sacs "Youngblutt Drive" and "Belle Drive."

In other business, council heard that significant progress is being made on a series of changes the village is implementing to update how organizations and people can rent out the park.

Councilor Mary Beougher presented council with a nearly-finished contract that included tentative rental amounts.

For three days, to rent out the entire park including the community building, Shanes Hall, the pavilion and the shelter house, but excluding the baseball diamonds, is $1,400, she said.

A finalized contract should be available at the next meeting.

"We have begun revising basic charges associated with the park for festivals and fundraisers," a previous meeting agenda states. "While doing so we have determined that all private entities renting the park or a large portion of the park will need to be charged accordingly. This is another step in the village's modernization process. Additionally, private organizations that will rent the park or a large portion, as determined by the council, will be required to carry their own insurance policy with the event host being the sponsor of the policy."

A letter with the above information was sent to various organizations that have rented or inquired about renting the entire park venue.

Previously, there was no rate set for renting out the park.

Residents can rent the community building, located at 420 N. Holly Lane. The cost to rent the community center increased last year from $175 to $350 per day. The village has spent $71,400 on the community building over the last three years, a higher-than-normal amount. Village administrator Aaron Temple had said the higher costs contributed to the increased rental fee. The community center seats about 350 people and features a kitchen and restrooms.

Insurance has also not been required up until now.

"We believe the above stipulations are in the best interest of the village and the community," the agenda had read. "This assists in lost revenues and further protects the village from any lawsuits associated with the events hosted at the park."

Councilor Marcas Heitkamp had said there have been no lawsuits.

Councilors also,

• heard the village is looking into upgrading the wifi at the park.

• heard the village will winterize the splashpad the week of Oct. 14.

• heard the last makers market for the 2024 season is from noon-3 p.m. Oct.13 at Shanes Park.

• heard Rocktoberfest will be from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 26.

• heard trick or treat will be from 5-6:30 p.m. and costume judging at 7 p.m. Oct. 26.

• met in executive discussion to discuss finances. When asked what would be specifically discussed under finances, some councilors questioned aloud whether they had to elaborate further on reasons for convening an executive session.

Village solicitor Ross Finke advised council "to give her a basic response..." Councilor Shane Young said the village will discuss "diversification of funds."

A public body may hold an executive session to consider the following matters: discussing employment or personnel; preparing for and engaging in collective bargaining sessions; talking about the purchase or sale of property for public purposes; discussing matters required to be kept confidential by law; discussing details of the security arrangements and emergency response protocols of a public body, if disclosure of those matters could jeopardize the security of the public body; conferring with legal counsel about pending or imminent court action involving the public body; or discussing trade secrets of a county hospital, joint township hospital or municipal hospital.

Action was anticipated afterward, although no more information was provided by press time.

Council meets next at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the village hall.