The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, October 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Lonnie Meiner.

Trustee present were:
David Rathke - Aye
Jason Pierce - Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Jason Wagoner - Aye
Vincent Beck - Aye
Trustee Rick Vance was absent.

Also present were Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Superintendent Brian Hereford; Police Chief Michael Scott.
Trustee Vincent Beck had some corrections to the minutes.

Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented with corrections. Trustee David Rathke 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 September, 2018.
Beginning Balance as of September 1, 2018 $311,041.56
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2018 $295,738.84
Decrease for the month of September, 2018 ($ 14,302.72)

Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee David Rathke 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, reported that he wanted to clarify that the starting pay for the part-time police officers if $16.25 per hour.

Trustee Carol Stephenson, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of September, 2018 for the Colfax Police Department is in your folders.

Mike explained the letter to the Village of Ellsworth – a copy is attached to the Activity Report.

Mike explained about the letter written to 207 E North Street who is operating a lawn mower business out of him home. A copy of this letter is also attached to the Activity Report.

Mike reported that the school drill went well.

Mike reported regarding 306 S Grove – cleaned up everything in the yard – some stuff taken to dumpster and recycle. Truck was towed by A J. and is holding a couple of things that were on the truck. Mike reported that unsure what to do with this stuff if it has any value because would have to store it. Mike suggested just leaving behind the fence until the foreclosure procedure is done and then can get rid of all of it without having to pay for storage.

Trustee Jason Wagoner asked if there was any feedback from Mr. Brown. Mike reported no feedback yet.

Trustee Vincent Beck asked Mike about the letter from the Village of Ellsworth. How much time would be involved? Mike reported that he did not guarantee any hours and that we would only be doing Ordinance Violations. McLean County would still be responding for emergencies and doing their regular patrol.

Trustee Vincent Beck said that Martin Township is interested in having the Colfax Police patrol also. Mike reported that when he went to the township meeting that they only pay $600.00 annually to McLean County.

Trustee David Rathke, Chairman of the Water and Sewer, reported on the Water and Sewer Committee meeting held tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Superintendent Brian Hereford reported the handout that is in the folders regarding the different sized motors at the sewer plant.

Brian also explained the results of Liquid Engineering’s inspections for the Water Tower and for the Tank. Brian stated that the Water Tower is in excellent condition. The Tank needs to be sandblasted and painted. Brian will get a quote on the sandblasting and painting.

Brian stated the median is fifteen (15) years old and the life of it is ten (10) years so we might as well do that at the same time.

Trustee Vincent Beck asked about the tile on Walnut Street. Brian said have to have time to do it. It would be a lot easier with a tiling machine than with a backhoe.

Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee Rick Vance was absent. Brian reported on the Culvert at the Petal Pusher. Brian would like to build that up with some boulder rocks and other rock to make it solid in case someone gets off of the edge of the road.

The only item under Old Business was regarding the NICOR bill of EMCAA. President of EMCAA board Rick Wagoner was to be here but didn’t come to the meeting.

Village Clerk Nancy Kiper reported that everything is accounted for on the 303 North Harrison address and the Village has been paying that bill.

Brian reported that Brian Becker has a push box for $2,000.00 if the Village wants it. Brian reported that wheels for the truck blade are $2,500.00. Rubber blade for the big truck is $800.00 and for the small truck is $600.00.

Trustee Vincent Beck asked if there needs to be any work done on the trucks before winter. Vincent also asked about the emergency brake on the backhoe and if it got fixed. Brian stated it would cost approximately $10,000 to get that fixed.

Resident Rose Houchens asked about Todd Harris’s empty lot. She reported the people in the double wide home behind her – now that is all they see. Individuals need to be responsible for their property.

Mayor Lonnie Meiner stated that the Village tried by making the changes to the Home Occupation Ordinance. The Village will keep working on it.

Trustee Vincent Beck 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.

Respectfully submitted
Nancy Kiper
Village Clerk