The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, December 7, 2015 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

          Trustee Kelly Gradert was absent.

          Also present were Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Public Works Brian Hereford; and Police Chief Michael Scott.

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

          Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of November, 2015.

          Beginning Balance as of 11/01/2015                        $331,761.93

          Ending Balance as of 11/30/2015                             $289,559.54

                   Decrease for the month of November 2015     ($  42,202.39)

          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 – Absent; Motion carried.

          Trustee Jason Pierce, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, reported that when we were discussing employee pay raises for the employees also talked about maybe giving a one time bonus for everyone.

          Trustee David Rathke, Chairman of the Police and Liquor Committee, reported that the Activity Report for the month of November, 2015 for the Colfax Police Department is in your folders.

          Police Chief Michael Scott reported that the new squad car is in and ready to be picked up.  Mike reported that they offered $3,000 as trade in for the Ford Crown Vic.  Mike asked the Board if we should trade in or sell outright.  The Ford Crown Vic is a 2011 and has 70,000 miles.

          Mike reported that the price of the car is $28,350.00 minus $3,000.00 trade in $25,350.00.  It is $4,000 to install equipment plus $150.00 title transfer.  The total price of everything would be $29,500.00 – which is just under our $30,000.00 in the squad car account.

          Mayor Ric Onken said that the Village of Bellflower is looking for a squad car – he will call their mayor and see if they want to buy it.

          Mike gave an update on the hardware store – Mr. Daniel paid the second Ordinance Violation.  Mike will issue another OV.

          Mike reported that our new officer Dustin Carter has been riding along with Officer Cooper.  He should be good to go on his own after the first of the year.

          Mike stated that Dustin asked him if it would be okay for him to write a grant for all new computers.  Mike said “Sure”!

          Trustee Lonnie Meiner, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, reported that everything is going good.  Brian Hereford reported that someone is coming to reprogram the water tower.  It still wants to run over – usually on weekends.

          Trustee Rick Vance, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, reported that he is passing around a flyer for replacement of the light on the east side of the bank – got hit last winter while plowing snow.  Brian stated that Dave Dodson at the Bank asked him if the Village is going to replace it.  Brian stated he is still trying to get a hold of the place where we got these but hasn’t had any luck so far. 

          Mayor Ric Onken asked Brian if Brandon Baker got ahold of him.  He is going to get the lights on the north side of Main Street rewired. 

          The first item of old business was regarding the Catholic Church building.  The Mayor stated a decision needs to be made whether to buy the building or not.  Ric Onken reported on the letter that Trustee Lonnie Meiner wrote to the diocese about donating the building to the Village.  Lonnie explained his reasoning behind this letter.  The Mayor stated he spoke with Gary Meyer and asked whether the reason they are selling the building is to get money for the church.  The Board would like to see if they would donate it to the Village.  The Mayor will get a letter sent to the diocese to this affect.

          Trustee David Rathke asked what we currently pay for rent here – Village Clerk Nancy Kiper stated we pay $100.00 a month for storage shed plus all of the utilities.

          Mayor Ric Onken explained the need for hiring someone to help Brian in public works.  Brian is very busy and needs help getting some of the things done.  Brent will be off having surgery.  Ric stated that Brian has saved the Village so much money. 

          Jason stated that there is a huge 180 degree change in overtime and saving the Village so much money since he started.  Brian is planning to take vacation in January and Josh is planning on helping.  Jason stated can we advertise for it now and then have them here for next board meeting.

          Trustee Rick Vance made a motion to advertise for full time public works employee.  Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion.  Vote:  Rick Vance – Aye; David Rathke – Aye; Jason Pierce – Aye; Carol Stephenson – Aye; Lonnie Meiner – Aye; Kelly Gradert – Absent; Motion carried.

           Public Works Brian Hereford reported that the Christmas decorations are looking pretty bad.  Brian stated the Village needs to start replacing them.  They are around fifteen (15) years old.  Jason asked if could bring a quote back to next board meeting.

          Trustee David Rathke 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 – Absent; Motion carried.

          Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                          Nancy Kiper

                                                          Village Clerk