Rockford plans new industrial park

ROCKFORD - Village councilors in Rockford on Tuesday heard an industrial park is in the beginning stages of development.

Mayor Ron Searight, in his report, said Chene Development Inc., an investment committee that is locally owned and operated, is in the process of setting up the industrial park west of the cemetery off U.S. Route 33.

Interested businesses are encouraged to call the village for more information.

In other business, councilors passed an emergency resolution approving the Miller subdivision plat drawing located at the old trailer park.

Village administrator Aaron Temple said the landowner can put five lots into the space, although not all five will be for sale.

The lots are located by the new water tower.

Councilors also heard the village congratulate police chief Bryan Stetler on his retirement effective March 9.

"Whereas chief Stetler…(has) been (a) great resource in helping Rockford move forward with (his) leadership, action and motivation," Searight said. "On behalf of the village of Rockford and the village council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to chief Bryan Stetler for his many years of service and wish him the very best in his new endeavors."

The council on Feb. 17 approved a motion to accept his resignation.

"After 30 years in law enforcement, I've decided to retire as the police chief for the Village of Rockford," Stetler said after the council meeting. "I'm grateful for all the support the community has given me over the years. I wish the department nothing but the best as I transition into my new career working for Judge Matthew Fox as a bailiff for the Mercer County Common Pleas Curt General Division. My resignation will be effective on March 6."

After completing police academy in 1996, Stetler started with the department in 1997 as an auxiliary officer. He became a part-time officer in 1998, a full-time officer in 2002, sergeant in 2004 and then police chief in 2023.

The council also:

• heard the village will convert its bucket truck into a flatbed truck.

• heard Temple report he met with HSI Solar Inc. about potential solar panels.

• approved a motion to increase the credit limit to $8,000 on the Peoples Bank credit card.

• approved a permission request from the chamber of commerce to post no parking signs along Main Street during the Spring Fling event 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 11.

• met in executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken, but there will be an emergency meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss personnel.

The next regular meeting is at 7:30 p.m. March 17 at the village hall.