The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, December 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Ricardo Onken.

Trustees present were: Rick Vance - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Kelly Gradert - Aye;

Also present were Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Police Chief Michael Scott; and Superintendent Damon Getty.

Trustee Rick Vance made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Trustee Kelly Gradert seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Kelly Gradert - Aye; Motion carried.

Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer's Report for the month of November, 2013.
Beginning Balance as of 11/01/2013 $313,238.28
Ending Balance as of 11/30/2013 $311,511.80
Decrease for November, 2013 ($ 1,726.48)

Trustee Lonnie Meiner asked how much cheaper our audit is this year $2,700.00 - formerly went up at least $100 - $200 per year. Mayor Ric Onken asked Damon about the bill from AJ's since the vehicle on this invoice is for a 2007 Silverado - the Village does not have a Silverado. Damon stated, "Same truck." The Village's truck is a GMC.

Village Clerk Nancy Kiper reported that the $1,400.00 invoice form Water Products for water meters - money will be transferred out of the Water/Sewer Maintenance account for this bill.

Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Kelly Gradert - Aye; Motion carried.

Trustee Jason Pierce, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, reported that a couple weeks ago when that storm went thru there are a couple of trees that came down in town. Jason feels that we need to look at some of the other trees that maybe need to be taken down before they pose a bigger problem. Damon reported that there are three trees that are going to be taken down. Damon stated that there is money in an ash bore tree account for one of the trees and there is ESDA money that can be used for the others since it was during a storm.

Trutee David Rathke, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of November, 2013 is in your folders.

Police Chief Michael Scott gave an update on 102 S Grove Street property. Mike stated that Carolyn Byrd, real estate agent with Coldwell Bankers, contacted Mike and Mike sent information on the condemnation of this property. Mike stated that Carolyn talked like any reasonable offer will be considered.

An update on the trailer property at 405 S Maple - Mary Jane reported to Mike that she is boxing stuff up but is making slow progress.

Trustee Lonnie Meiner, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, reported that the pump has been ordered for Well #2 just waiting for it to come in.

Lonnie stated that Damon is working on replacing meters when he has meters to put in. Trustee David Rathke asked if the school's meter got installed. Lonnie reported it did and gave Damon credit - he had everything handled and custodian has everything braced up.

Lonnie asked Damon if he is going to be able to flush hydrants one more time before it gets cold. Damon stated that if Brent can help tomorrow might slip some in.

Trustee Rick Vance, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, reported that the Christmas lights are up.

Rick reported that the railing for the bridge behind Hooligan's is on hold for awhile - thought it was pricey for used guard rails. Trustee Carol Stephenson asked Damon about the reflectors that are along the road on Winget Drive. She stated there is only one left and there's a pretty good drop off there.

Salt has been hauled; snow plows are on just waiting for the snow.

The first item under Old Business was regarding the coop program thru Ridgeview School District to help in the Public Works Department. Trustee Kelly Gradert reported that the school is waiting on the information from ISHA Coop to see if there are other businesses in town that might want to be a part of this program too. Kelly reported that some of the students that are in this program for school credits and others get paid. Kelly stated that every school does differently with this program. It would just depend how the Ridgeview School Board decides this one. If proposed by ISHA will be part of the curriculum for the students. Kelly stated she hopes to have more to report next month.

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TRUSTEE KELLY GRADERT MADE A CORRECTION TO THE ABOVE PARAGRAPH AT THE JANUARY 13, 2014 BOARD MEETING; THE CORRECTION IS AS FOLLOWS:

THE FIRST ITEM UNDER OLD BUSINESS WAS REGARDING THE CO-OP PROGRAM THROUGH RIDGEVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HELP IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

TRUSTEE KELLY GRADERT REPORTED THAT THE SCHOOL IS WAITING ON THE APPROVAL OF THE SCHOOL'S CURRICULUM COMMITTEE.

KELLY STATED THAT EVERY SCHOOL DOES THIS DIFFERENTLY, SOME GET PAID WHERE OTHERS GET SCHOOL CREDIT.

ONCE THE DETAILS HAVE BEEN LAYED OUT AND IT IS APPROVED BY THE BOARD, IT WILL BE PART OF THE CURRICULUM FOR FALL 2014.

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Trustee Lonnie Meiner stated he came in and talked to Police Chief Michael Scott about this program. Mike called Superintendent Guy Grandert at school to see how he would feel about a program like this. Lonnie stated he was all for it - said he has been in two similar programs when he was in high school. Lonnie thinks it is a great program and would benefit the Village and the students. He stated he knows there is a lot of paper work involved and there would be a lot to discuss as far as liability on the Village's part. He would like to see what candidates are out there and see what requirements there are as far as if one candidate doesn't work out if there is a probationary period.

The first item under New Business was the discussion and passage of the 2013-14 Tax Levy. Village Clerk Nancy Kiper reported that the Levy has been increased five percent (5%).

Trustee Jason Pierce made a motion to approve the 2013-14 Tax Levy in the amount of $56,765.00. Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - aye; Kelly Gradert - Aye; Motion carried.

Trustee Jason Pierce commented regarding trick or treating in the Village. He reported that Lexington has all of their activities on Saturday afternoon/night. He stated because of the rain this year the kids were out in the dark in the rain. Mayor Ric Onken stated can look at this for next year. There are a lot of organizations who have their activities on the weekend before Halloween.

Trustee Lonnie Meiner commented on the full time employees and just wanted to recognize them as doing a good job.

Trustee Lonnie Meiner made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Rick Vance seconded the motion. Vote: Rick Vance - Aye; David Rathke - Aye; Jason Pierce - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Kelly Gradert - Aye; Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Kiper, Village Clerk