The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, March 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Ricardo Onken.

          Trustees present were:

                   Rick Vance                   -         Aye

                   David Rathke                -        Aye

                   Jason Pierce                 -        Aye

                   Carol Stephenson        -         Aye

                   Kelly Gradert                -        Aye

          Lonnie Meiner was absent.

          Also present were Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Public Works Brian Hereford; Police Chief Michael Scott.

          Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented for January and February, 2017.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February, 2017.

          Beginning Balance as of 02/01/2017                          $224,478.30

          Ending Balance as of 02/28/2017                               $220,439.55

                   Decrease for February 2017                            ($    4,038.75)

          Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Trustee Rick Vance seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Trustee Kelly Gradert made a motion to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between Octavia Park District and the Village of Colfax.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent ; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Trustee Jason Pierce, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, had nothing to report at this time.

          Trustee David Rathke, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of February, 2017 for the Colfax Police Department is in your folders.

          Police Chief Michael Scott reported on the little accident that one of the police officer’s had with the squad car.  Mike reported that the vehicle is getting fixed at A J’s. 

          Trustee Rick Vance, Chairman of the Street and Lights Committee, reported that the draft of the new 2017-18 MFT is in your folders.

          Trustee Lonnie Meiner, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, was absent.  Public Works Brian Hereford had nothing to report at this time.

          Village Clerk Nancy Kiper reported that the Porta Potties for the upcoming Box Car Derby would be $140.00 for three from Johnny on The Spot.  They would be delivered on Friday, April 7^th and picked up on Monday, April 10^th. 

          Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to supply the Porta Potties for the Box Car Derby on Saturday, April 8^th at a cost of $140.00 from Johnny on the Spot.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Ric Onken addressed the Board in regards to what they would like see done with the two empty lots on Main Street.  Ric reported that Popejoy’s are interested in the putting up more storage units on the lots.  Trustee Jason Pierce asked about

          Brian Hereford will get a cost on dirt for filling before the next meeting. 

          Mayor Ric Onken reported that the Village of Heyworth has a bucket truck that they are going to give to another town.  The Mayor hasn’t heard if they have made a decision as to which town yet.  He will contact them again and find out.

          Ric explained the three (3) maintenance items which need to be addressed for the Water Department.

1. By Pass for the Water Plant – a new permit has to be done by the engineers for this one.   The Village had a permit several years ago but the By Pass was never put in.


2. Water Tower Maintenance – it will soon be ten (10) years since the water tower has been painted.


3. Tonka Filter Tank – the median will soon need to be changed.  The By Pass needs to be put in before this is done in order not to shut the whole system down.

          Trustee Rick Vance wanted to remind everyone because it is on a county highway McLean County takes care of the sidewalks on Harrison Street.  Brian reported that he would like to contact Ace In The Hole to do some more crack sealing this year.

          ESDA Director Shane Beck is asking the Board for three mobile radios for weather watching.  At the present time they are using their phones and texting back and forth which isn’t the best way to notify of bad weather.  If they had some more radios would be able to sound the siren’s from where they are at instead of driving back to the fire station.  Shane reported that the radios will stay at the fire station when not out weather watching.

          Trustee Rick Vance made a motion to purchase three (3) mobile Hytera radios and attenas for ESDA from Reagan’s at a cost of $1,212.45.  Trustee Kelly Gradert seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Mayor Ric Onken reported that he spoke with Tom and the he will no longer be the Village Attorney after May 1^st.

          Mayor also reported speaking with Octavia Park District.  The Park Distrcit is looking at drilling a well for pool filling only.

          Trustee Carol Stephenson made a motion to adjourn.  Trustee Kelly Gradert seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Absent; Kelly Gradert – Aye; Motion carried.

          Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.