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August 2009 Board Minutes | Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, August 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Ricardo Onken.
Trustees present were:
Donna Poppe - Aye
David Rathke - Aye
Bruce Green - Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Lonnie Meiner - Aye
Trustee Rick Wagoner was absent.
Village Attorney Tom Shields, Village Treasurer Linda Hanson, Police Chief Mike Scott and Superintendent of Public Works Damon Getty were also present.
Trustee Carol Stephenson made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Bruce Green seconded the motion. Vote: Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Bruce Green - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Absent; Motion carried.
Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer�s Report for July, 2009.
Beginning Balance as of 7/01/09 $110,647.87
Ending Balance as of 07/31/09 82.336.84
Decrease in July ( 38,422.03)
Linda reported that Nancy Paid $5,000.00 on the loan at the Bank and that there is still $5,000.00 due.
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Trustee Lonnie Meiner made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee Donna Poppe seconded the motion.. Vote: Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Bruce Green - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Absent; Motion carried.
Trustee Donna Poppe, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, had nothing to report except that did pay $5,000.00 toward the loan.
Trustee Bruce Green, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported on the July activities for the Police Department. Bruce then turned the floor over to Police Chief Mike Scott for his report.
Mike reported on the COPS grant stating that there were no police departments in central Illinois that received the grant. The Rural Chiefs group are asking why no one in Central Illinois received anything and why they were totally ignored. Representative Deb Halverson met with the Rural Chiefs. She stated it is based on the crime rate of the area. The Rural Chiefs are still trying to setup a meeting with Representative Tim Johnson.
Regarding the Criminal Justice Authority grants for equipment, Mike reported there is a whole new grant and that he has applied for another 2009 Ford Crown Vic and another in car computer. This a 100% funded grant and was a one week turn around time to submit the grant.
Mike has received a complaint regarding the condition of the building at 107 South Center Street. There are lots of loose bricks on the top of the building and a pile of loose bricks on the ground. This building is owned by Don Meiner. Mike has sent Mr. Meiner a registered letter regarding this matter. Mr. Meiner has been in contact with Damon and reported he is looking for a contractor now. Damon stated that the last he heard he is going to fix the building.
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Mike reported that A W has an issue with the bond that was paid to the Village when they were doing demolition work on Main Street. They were to pay half of the cost of the parts for putting the wall up on his property on Main Street. They feel that their part of this should come out of the bond money that was given to the Village before work began. Village Clerk Nancy Kiper reported that according to ordinance the owners are to maintain the property for two years. Damon and Dave have mowed the property several times and are doing the work on the fence. Village Attorney Tom Shields will look at the ordinance.
Mike explained the Nixle Program to the Board. This is a new program that is free of charge to government entities for getting community messages information out to the public either by e-mail; mobile phone texting; or websites. Mike stated he feels this would be worthwhile when the Village is flushing hydrants, if there was a boil order, or any type of emergency work being done to let the public know. Mike said you can target just one area of the town if you want and only send messages to that area.
Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, Trustee Lonnie Meiner reported that Damon is having problems with the new well. Damon switched wells and let it set for five (5) weeks and now has switched back but there is still a problem. Will probably have to pull the well and see what is wrong. Problem with Methane gas in the well too.
Trustee Carol Stephenson, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee was approached by a person regarding the parking area along Grove Street at the Catholic Church. Damon stated that he talked to them and answered their questions.
Carol also asked about the property at 106 East Fifer. Mike reported that he is trying to contact the owners now to get something done. Carol suggested contacting the owners� kids to get a number for getting ahold of him.
Mayor Ric Onken asked if any of the Board members had reviewed the new Building Code. With the advice and consent of the Board he would like a motion to pass this code.
Trustee Donna Poppe made a motion to approve the Village of Colfax Building and Maintenance Code as drafted. Trustee Bruce Green seconded the motion. Vote: Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Bruce Green - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Absent. Motion carried.
Mayor Ric Onken reported that we are trying to get a costs on banners for Main Street. Nancy has contacted some companies and are still waiting for a price. Table until next month.
Colfax Resident Bart Rigsby was present to see if the residents of Riverview Estates and the Village could find some common ground when it comes to issuing building permits. Bart asked before a building permit is issued if the residents of Riverview Estates are made aware that there are covenants in the subdivision. Bart understands that it is not the Village�s responsibility but it would eliminate some problems. Bart would like the Village Board to consider adopting the Convenants for Riverview Subdivision into the Village as an Ordinance. Bart feels that this would eliminate problems right up front. Barts wanting the zoning officer to hand a copy of the covenants to the residents when they come into get a building permit.
Village Attorney Tom Shields stated that if the Village adopts the covenants it goes from being private enforcement into village enforcement of the covenants. Tom stated that the private covenants can be amended and changed and they differ from the Building and Zoning Codes. Private owners can made changes and can have very specific and harsh requirements. Tom stated that you have to have like treatment for everyone. Bart respects that but we are in Colfax. Tom stated that could get involved with something that the Village might not want to get involced with. Bart wants to control the building permits in that subdivision.
Bart stated that he would voluntarily be the spokes person for the subdivision.
Tom explained some of the issues that can occur if the Village adopts these covenants.
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Carol asked to what depth these covenants say they can or cannot do as far as building. Bart stated it is more about the out buildings or garages. Bart would like copies of the covenants handed out when someone purchases property in Riverview Subdivision and when someone purchases a building permit.
Trustee Bruce Green made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion. Vote: Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Bruce Green - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Absent. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
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Nancy Kiper
Village Clerk
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