The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, March 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Lonnie Meiner.

Trustees present were:
Charles Morefield - Aye
David Rathke - Aye
Jason Pierce - Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Jason Wagoner - Aye
Vincent Beck - Aye
Also present were Police Chief Michael Scott and Superintendent Brian Hereford.

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

The Treasurer’s Report for the month of February, 2019 is in the folders.
Beginning balance as of February 1, 2019 $241,719.80
Ending balance as of February 28, 2019 $244,174.12
Increase for February, 2019 $ 2,454.32

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

Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, Trustee Jason Pierce reported on the Finance Committee meeting held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening, March 4, 2019. Jason asked the Committee heads to get evaluations done by next month’s meeting.

Jason reported that the Board needs to be getting a replacement for Village Clerk position. This is not a position that someone can just come in and sit down and do. The Village will need to post for this position.

Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, Trustee Carol Stephenson reported that the Activity Report for the month of February, 2019 for the Colfax Police Department is in your folders.

Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, Trustee David Rathke had nothing to report at this time.

The discussion turned to the installation of fire hydrants. Trustee Vincent Beck reported that the hydrant at Wood Street and Grove Street does not work. It needs to be fixed and moved. There was much discussion on this matter. Superintendent Brian Hereford reported that there are other areas in town that the hydrants are farther apart. The installation of fire hydrants needs to be done by a NFPA installer.

Shane Beck presented quotes for the tester for the fire hydrants. There was much discussion regarding this matter. Jason Pierce said that he was more pleased this month since Shane presented it as being a joint effort between the fire department and the Village and not just totally on the Village to do this.

Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, Trustee Jason Wagoner had Superintendent Brian Hereford report on the Motor Fuel Tax work that he plans to do this summer. Brian stated that he spoke with Village Engineer Terry McCleary regarding the cape seal which would almost double the cost but would also add about six (6) years to the life of the road.

Police Chief Michael Scott reported on the quote that came in at Rural Chief meeting for twenty-three (23) radios. The cost of these radios is $4,900. Motorola gave McLean County a price of $4,300 per radio for eighteen (18) radios. Mike stated he is hoping they get the same price or a better one for the twenty-three (23) radios that are needed for the other departments in McLean County.

Mike reported that the Motorola 4500 radio would cost $3,800 per radio. Mike stated that he can use the Crime Detection Network Grant Money for one radio and there are either financing options or can use some of the Police Squad Car account money for the second radio.

Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to purchase two (2) NEW Motorola 4500 Police Mobile radios at the cost of $3,864.11 each and can proceed with the grant and the two year financing. Trustee Vincent Beck seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Mayor Lonnie Meiner reported on the interviews of Ric Onken and Connie Gossmeyer as candidates for Village Treasurer. Lonnie reported that they were both very good candidates and it was a tough decision to make.

Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to appoint Connie Gossmeyer as Village Treasurer replacing Linda Hanson. Trustee Jason Wagoner seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Jason Wagoner – Aye; Vincent Beck – Aye; Motion carried.

Mayor Lonnie Meiner reported that Village Attorney Steven Mann is checking on the Franchise Fees from NICOR. Lonnie also gave an update on Dollar General. He stated that the land has been surveyed but other than that there is nothing new.

Jason Pierce reported on the Village Clerk position. Jason stated need to run the ad in the Ridgeview Review for a month with a further job description on the Village’s website. Jason stated that during the Finance Meeting the Committee touched on a dollar figure with a nice package. Would save the Village money.

Trustee Vincent Beck stated this is a big decision that should be under the new Village Board.

The last item was regarding EMCAA. It was reported that something will change by the end of June. That will be up to the Fire Department lawyer and EMCAA’s lawyer. Mayor Lonnie Meiner asked where the money would go if the Village gave them money – would it go to salaries – insurance – bills – where would it go. Need to have this done by next month.

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Nancy Kiper
Village Clerk