March 2026 Board Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Dodds.

Trustees present were:

·        Rick Norton                    -             Absent

·        David Rathke                 -             Aye

·        Janice Edwards           -             Aye

·        Dustin McCarty           -             Aye

·        Charles Morefield      -             Aye

·        Vincent Beck                 -             Aye

Also present was Superintendent of Public Works Josh Hereford, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Nick Sandage, Police Chief Ritchie Cooper and Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer.

Trustee David Rathke made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Dustin McCarty seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2026.

·        Beginning Balance                                                                                                    $79,611.18

·        Ending Balance                                                                                                           $88,431.97

·        Increase for the month of February 2026                                                   $  8,820.79

Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2026. Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee Janice Edwards seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Public comments-Items on the agenda.

There were no public comments.

Presentation: Kevin Wills, Bernardi Securities. Kevin gave a presentation regarding Bond Underwriting Services.

Special Reports

Police Department- Police Chief Ritchie Cooper does not have a written report for this month as he is still awaiting his report for McLean County.  Police Chief Ritchie Cooper states a part time patrol officer has resigned due to personal reasons. Police Chief states he is currently working on 3 different reports.

Maintenance Department- Superintendent of Maintenance Josh Hereford reports that he and Nick removed snow from the handicapped ramps, around the handrails and along the curbs on Main and Harrison Streets. Josh and Nick removed the large piles of snow off Center Street. Josh and Nick met with Shane from Farnsworth Group to discuss the upcoming MFT projects. Josh and Nick attended the IRWA conference in Effingham for continuing education hours for their water and sewer licenses. There was a clog at the sewer plant that the maintenance department was unable to jet with our jetter so Plumb Crazy came out and jetted the line. All general monthly and daily maintenance was completed.

Animal Control/Zoning Report is in your folders for review.

EMA Report is in your folders for review.  

Mayor’s Report- A list of the monthly revenue is there for your review. Mayor Dodds stated the Illinois Legislature could reduce the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) formula in this coming year’s budget. Mayor Dodds also states that the owners of 2 of the 3 properties who were sent letters concerning the condition of their properties have provided an update at the 90-day mark after receiving their written notification. Although the work has been limited by the weather and financial considerations, it was acknowledged that both parties have responded.

Committee Reports

Finance and Audit Committee Chairman, Rick Norton, was absent.

Police and Liquor Committee Chairman, David Rathke, has nothing to report at this time.

Water and Sewer Committee Chairman, Vincent Beck, has nothing to report at this time.

Streets and Lights Committee Chairman, Janice Edwards, states a meeting was held on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Maintenance Equipment and Vehicle Committee Chairman, Charles Morefield, has nothing to report at this time.

Old Business:

There was no Old Business.

New Business:

First item on the agenda was the review and approval of Ordinance No. 2026-05, An Ordinance Designating and Approving the First Amendment to the Colfax Business Development District No. 1 and Imposing a Retailers’ Occupation Tax, A Service Occupation Tax and A Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax within the Colfax Business District No. 1.

Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2026-05, An Ordinance Designating and Approving the First Amendment to the Colfax Business Development District No. 1 and Imposing a Retailers’ Occupation Tax, A Service Occupation Tax and A Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax within the Colfax Business District No. 1. Trustee Vincent Beck seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Next item on the agenda was the review and discussion of the 2026-2027 Appropriation Ordinance for the Village of Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The final adoption of the Appropriation Ordinance will be in April 2026.

Public comments-Items not on the agenda.

Dennis Killian was in attendance for tonight’s meeting, he states he is running for a seat for McLean County Board.

Trustee David Ratgke made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Janice Edwards seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Portia Vandegraft

Village Clerk