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

          Trustees present were:

                   David Rathke                         -        Aye

                   Jason Pierce                          -        Aye

                   Carol Stephenson                 -         Aye

                   Jason Wagoner                     -         Aye

                   Vincent Beck                          -       Aye

          Trustee Rick Vance was absent.

          Also present was Village Attorney Steven Mann; Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Police Chief Michael Scott; Superintendent Brian Hereford.

          Trustee David Rathke made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented.  Trustee Jason Pierce seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Absent; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

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

                   Beginning Balance as of 10/01/2017                $253,409.08 

                   Ending Balance as of 10/31/2017                     $268,631.50

                            Increase for the month October 2017      $  15,222.42

          Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Absent; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

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

          Trustee Carol Stephenson, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of October, 2017 for the Colfax Police Department is in your folders.

          Police Chief Michael Scott reported that the Colfax Police Department has received their new repeaters and radios from McLean County.  The County received a grant for upgrading all of the repeaters and radio equipment in all of the police departments in McLean County.

          Trustee David Rathke, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, reported on the water line break on West Cooper Street.  All repairs have been done.  A boil order was issued for only West Cooper Street and the area to the north of here.

          Trustee Rick Vance, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, was absent tonight.  Superintendent Brian Hereford had nothing to report tonight.

          Mayor Lonnie Meiner introduced Qwen Crawford, representative from McLean County Economic Development, who was here to explain to the Board how a TIF district works.  Qwen handed out information to the Board and answer various questions from Board members. 

          Qwen reported that the Initial Investment (upfront fees) would be $35,000.00 with an annual yearly fee of $3,000 to $4,000.  Qwen did report that there is a limitation on the use of the money.

          After much discussion regarding the new ordinance pertaining to person property and work/repairs to such property on Village Property a motion was made to pass the Ordinance.

          Trustee Jason Wagoner made a motion to approve Ordinance #2017-03 with an amendment.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Absent; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagone – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

          Superintendent Briand Hereford reported receiving two bids/quotes for the Water Bypass at the Colfax Water Plant.         

                   Popejoy Plumbing & Heating                   $10,950.00

                   Lantz Plumbing & Heating                       $  9,270.00

                             Difference                                   $  1,681.00

          Brian reported that this work has to be done and completed in one day.  Brian stated that he will come in early the morning that the work will be done and fill the water tower – that should last all day until the work is complete.

          Trustee Carol Stephenson made a motion to accept the bid from Lantz Plumbing and Heating in the amount of $9,270.00 to install the Water Bypass at the Colfax Water Plant.  Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Absent; David Rathke -Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Abstain; Motion carried.

          Mayor Lonnie Meiner explained about the empty lots on Main Street that are owned by the Village.  Lonnie reported that this has to be made public that these are for sale and have to be put out for sealed bids.  Village Attorney Steven Mann will do an Ordinance which will need to be passed before the legal notice for sealed bids can be published in the Ridgeview Review. 

          Colfax resident Greg Neuhaus was present to address the Board regarding one of the empty lots on Main Street.  He would like to put a greenhouse and retail shop on the lots.  Mr. Neuhaus stated that he would like to do a similar look as in the 1920-1940’s. 

          The Board listened to Mr. Neuhaus and informed him that he needs to submit plans and blueprints to the Board for what he is planning to do. 

          Colfax Fire Chief Randy Zielsdorf was present to speak to the Board regarding the next ISO Audit that will probably need to be done in 2018.  All of the fire hydrants need to be checked and tested with a meter.  He feels that this is the Village’s responsibility to do this.  The meter would cost the Village around $2,000.00 to purchase.  The Fire Department already has a meter but Mr. Zielsdorf stated he doesn’t think it works right. 

          Randy reported to the Village that the fire hydrant at the corner of Wood and Oak Streets is not working.  Superintendent Brian Hereford stated that this is the first time this has been reported to him that it doesn’t work.  The fire hydrant at the corner of Wood and Grove Street needs to be fixed and if possible needs to be moved because it has been hit twice by vehicles.  Brian stated that it could be only be moved about 2 feet so not sure if it is worth moving that little ways. 

          Mayor Lonnie Meiner stated that he spoke with Jim Beitz regarding the demolition of property at North Center Street.  Jim stated that he cannot do anything until after December 1^st because he has other work that is already contracted.  Lonnie will talk to Jim Beitz again and see if there has been a contract or anything signed yet.

          Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to adjourn.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Absent; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

          Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

                                                          Respectfully submitted

                                                          Nancy Kiper

                                                           Village Clerk