The regular monthly meeting was called to order on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Dodds.
Trustees present were:
Charles Morefield - Absent
David Rathke - Aye
Benjamin Thackeray- Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Janice Edwards - Absent
Vincent Beck - Aye
Also present were Superintendent Josh Hereford; Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer; Police Chief Ritchie Cooper.

Trustee David Rathke made amotion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Absent, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 2021.
Beginning Balance $441,598.11
Ending Balance $522,291.03
Increase for the month of August 2021 $ 80,692.92

Trustee Benjamin Thackeray made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 2021. Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Absent, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Trustee Benjamin Thackeray made amotion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Absent, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Public Comments- Items on the agenda.

There were no public comments.

First special report was given by Police Chief Ritchie Cooper. Ritchie reported there were 8 citations issued for the month of August. The police department received calls for violation of order of protection, fraud and domestic dispute. Ritchie explained to the board that he will be implementing a different hiring process for the police department. This process will help protect the village from any legal liability.

Next special report was given by Superintendent Josh Hereford. During the month of August, the spray patching, street resurfacing and widening of Winget Drive was completed. On August 12th the sewer flooded. Josh had to run the diesel pump for 33 hours. Becker Tree Service removed the tree from North Grove. Beitz Excavating completed the storm tile work from Cooper Street to Main Street.

Mayor Larry Dodds reported there is an Animal Control/Zoning Report in your folders for review. There was one building permit issued. A ticket was issued to a resident for their dog running at large. This was their second offense.

Mayor Larry Dodds reported there is EMA Report in your folders for review. The COVID cases for zip code 61728 have increased by 21 since last month.

Mayor Larry Dodds gave the final special report. The Village of Colfax received the first American Rescue Plan Relief payment. Another payment is expected in 2022. Mayor Larry Dodds reported letters have been sent to residents who are in violation of the Nuisances Ordinance. Larry reports Assistant Superintendent Nick Sandage started on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Finance and Audit Committee Chairman, David Rathke, had nothing to report at this time. David did mention that we need to come up with a list of “high priority” projects for 2022.

Police and Liquor Committee Chairman, Carol Stephenson, had nothing to report at this time.

Water and Sewer Committee Chairman, Charles Morefield, was absent. There was a Water and Sewer Committee Meeting held prior to tonight’s meeting.

Streets and Lights Committee Chairman, Benjamin Thackeray, had nothing to report at this time.

Maintenance Equipment and Vehicle Chairman, Vincent Beck, had nothing to report at this time.

First item of new business was the discussion and approval to authorize the upgrade to the ITRON water meter reading equipment. This is a mandatory upgrade to our system.
Trustee David Rathke made a motion to authorize the upgrade to the ITRON water meter reading equipment. Trustee Benjamin Thackeray seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Absent, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Public Comments-Items not on the agenda.

Village resident Lonnie Meiner was in attendance this evening and reports some low spots on the village streets.

Trustee Carol Stephenson made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Benjamin Thackeray seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Absent, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Absent, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Portia Vandegraft
Village Clerk