The regular monthly meeting was called to order on Monday evening, December 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Dodds.

Trustees present were:

Charles Morefield - Aye
David Rathke - Aye
Benjamin Thackeray- Aye
Carol Stephenson - Aye
Janice Edwards - Aye
Vincent Beck - Aye

Also present were Superintendent of Maintenance Josh Hereford and Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer.

Also in attendance was Village Auditor Russ Leigh, Greg Neuhaus, Scout Master for Troop 2019 and 7 boy scout members.

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

Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of November 2021.
Beginning Balance $485,766.12
Ending Balance $447,225.41
Decrease for the month of November 2021 ($38,540.71)

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

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

Public Comments- Items on the agenda.

There were no public comments.

First item on the agenda was the Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 from Russ Leigh from Russell Leigh and Associates. Russ reports there were no significant findings. Russ reports the Village of Colfax revenue has increased and expenses are down.

Police Chief Ritchie Cooper is attending training therefore there is no Police Report this month.

First special report was given by Superintendent of Maintenance Josh Hereford. Josh reports that the maintenance crew spent the majority of the month picking up leaves. He estimates they have picked up approximately 35 dump truck loads of leaves throughout the Village of Colfax. Josh and Nick installed a new gas valve and exhaust fan on the furnace at the water plant. Josh and Nick put up the Christmas decorations throughout town.

Mayor Larry Dodds reports there is an Animal Control/Zoning Report in your folder’s for review.

Mayor Larry Dodds reports there is an EMA Report in your folder’s for review.

Mayor Larry Dodds gave the final special report. Included in Larry’s report was the listing of the revenues for the month of November 2021. Larry delivered the contract to Farnsworth that was approved at the last month’s Board of Trustees meeting.

Finance and Audit Committee Chairman, David Rathke, has nothing to report at this time.

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

Water and Sewer Committee Chairman, Charles Morefield, has nothing to report at this time.

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

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

First item of Old Business was the approval of the 2021-2022 Tax Levy Ordinance for the Village of Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. The total Tax Levy for 2021-2022 is $122,569.00. That amount is $4,233.00 more than the previous year.

Trustee Benjamin Thackeray made a motion to approve the 2021-2022 Tax Levy Ordinance for the Village of Colfax, McLean County, Illinois. Trustee David Rathke seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Aye, David Rathke-Aye, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Vincent Beck- Aye. Motion carried.

Next item on the agenda was the consideration of Golf Cart/ROV annual fees for 2022. It has been suggested previously that we evaluate the license fees for Golf Carts and ROV’s. It was determined that we should implement a first-time fee of $50 for a new registration and a $25 fee for renewals. This would require the Ordinance to be re-written. We will have the new Ordinance on the agenda for approval next month.

Next item on the agenda is the discussion regarding the purchase of Chromebooks for the Village of Colfax Board of Trustees and employees. After much discussion regarding this topic it was determined that we need some more information and Mayor Dodds and Portia will look into this further.

Public Comments-Items not on the agenda.

There were no public comments.

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Portia Vandegraft