The regular monthly meeting was called to order on Monday evening, July 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Dodds.
Trustees present were:
• Rick Norton - Aye
• David Rathke - Absent
• Janice Edwards - Aye
• Dustin McCarty - Aye
• Charles Morefield - Aye
• Vincent Beck - Aye
Also present were Superintendent of Maintenance Josh Hereford, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance Nicholas Sandage, Police Chief Ritchie Cooper, School Resource Officer Benjamin Thorndyke, and Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer.
Trustee Rick Norton made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Charles Morefield seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Village Treasurer Connie Gossmeyer gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2025.
• Beginning Balance $ 88,417.91
• Ending Balance $104,200.62
• Increase for the month of June 2025 $ 15,782.71
Trustee Rick Norton made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2025. Trustee Dustin McCarty seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee Charles Morefield seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Public comments-Items on the agenda.
There were no public comments.

Special Reports
Police Department- Police Chief Ritchie Cooper gave his report for June2025. Chief Cooper states reports have been completed for sexual assault to minor, ordinance violation, harassment through electronic communications and runaway x 2. Police Chief Ritchie Cooper discussed the need for having Lexipol review and implement a new policy procedure for the Colfax Police Department.
Maintenance Department- Superintendent Joshua Hereford reports that McLean County Asphalt has completed the repairs to the intersection of Main Street and Center Street. Road chips were spread on the roads that were bleeding. Josh and Nick installed a new starter and battery on the New Holland tractor and changed the oil. Holes were dung and post were installed at the sewer plant and gun range. WTR Solutions put another 50 pounds of bacteria in the primary sewer lagoon. Josh also reports all daily/monthly maintenance has been completed.
Mayor Dodds reports there is an Animal Control/Zoning Report in your folders for review.
Mayor Dodds reports there is an EMA Report if your folders for review.
Mayor’s Report- Mayor Dodds states there is a summary of revenue for your review. The work on the Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project begun on July 7, 2025. It is expected to be completed in early August. Mayor Dodds stated that the Updated Regulations for Trash, Discarding of Large Bulk Items, Landscape Waste and Leaves were hung on the doors of all homes in the Village of Colfax by the Boy Scouts on Monday, June 30, 2025. These guidelines will be incorporated into the appropriate ordinance during the August 2025 meeting. There will be a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July. In addition to considering what recommendations to make on a few zoning questions, they will begin work on updating the Village of Colfax Building Codes.
Committee Reports
Finance and Audit Committee Chairman, Rick Norton has nothing to report at this time.
Police and Liquor Committee Chairman, David Rathke, was absent.
Water and Sewer Committee Chairman, Vincent Beck, has nothing to report at this time.
Streets and Lights Committee Chairman, Janice Edwards, has nothing to report at this time.
Maintenance Equipment and Vehicle Committee Chairman, Charles Morefield, has nothing to report at this time.
There was no Old Business on the agenda.
New Business:
First item on the agenda was the discussion regarding a letter received from Octavia Park District regarding sewer repairs.
Mayor Dodds received a letter with copies of invoices from Jeff Dowell, Octavia Park District President regarding sewer system problems that occurred on Memorial Day weekend. It was determined an old valve. The Park District Board felt it was an expense that should be covered by the village as they were the ones who installed the valve several years ago to prevent flood water from entering the sewer system.
Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to approve reimbursing Octavia Park District half of the cost of the repairs, remove the valve and complete necessary repairs and will be responsible for the plugs in the floor drains. Trustee Vincent Beck seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Next on the agenda was the discussion regarding the purchase of a 2019 Ford F550 in the amount of $50,713.710 and for Mayor Dodds to sign for the loan at Peoples State Bank.
Item fell due to lack of motion.
Final item on the agenda was the discussion regarding real estate for sale at 106 E. Fifer Street, Parcel No. 17-03-430-002 for the amount of $791.00
Trustee Vincent Beck made a motion to approve the purchase of Parcel No. 17-03-430-002, 106 E. Fifer Street. Trustee Janice Edwards seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Public Comments-Items not on the agenda.
There were no public comments.
Trustee Rick Norton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Dustin McCarty seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Norton-Aye, David Ratke-Absent, Janice Edwards-Aye, Dustin McCarty-Aye, Charles Morefield-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Portia Vandegraft