McLean County Times

Village of Colfax Board of Trustees met June 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Dodds.

Trustees present were:

• Charles Morefield - Aye

• David Rathke - Absent

• Benjamin Thackeray - Aye

• Carol Stephenson - Aye

• Janice Edwards - Aye

• Vincent Beck - Aye

Also present were Superintendent Josh Hereford, Police Chief Ritchie Cooper; Village Treasurer Connie Gossemeyer.

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-Absent, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Village Treasurer Connie Gossemeyer gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2022.

Beginning Balance $454,009.18

Ending Balance $496,947.91

Increase for the month of May 2022 $ 42,938.73

Trustee Benjamin Thackeray made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2022. Trustee Vincent Beck seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Aye, David Rathke-Absent, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to pay the bills as presented. Trustee Carol Stephenson seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Aye, David Rathke-Absent, 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 special report was given by Police Chief Ritchie Cooper. Ritchie reports that there were 8 citations issued in May 2022. Ritchie reports the Colfax Police Department has been assisting other agencies with accidents. Ritchie also reports the speed trailer has been repaired and he will be moving it throughout town to aid with traffic control.

Next special report was given by Superintendent of Maintenance Joshua Hereford. Josh reports new blades have been installed on the mower. Josh reports that he and Nick have spread gravel on the bleeding streets. Several trees have been trimmed throughout the village. Farnsworth Group has applied for the EPA permits for the upcoming sewer projects. Josh said he took the sprayer to Mug-A-Bug for particle testing.

Mayor Larry Dodds reports the Animal Control/Zoning Report is in your folders for review.

Mayor Larry Dodds reports the EMA Report is in your folders for review.

Mayor Larry Dodds gave the final special report. Mayor Dodds reports an internal and external inspection of the water tower was performed and a written report should be available by next month’s Board of Trustees meeting. Ed Andrews, Farnsworth Group, has been working on the preliminary procedures for the Safe Routes to School Grant. Ed doesn’t expect to begin any work before 2023. Mayor Dodds reports the Village of Colfax received its first property tax distribution for 2022. Mayor Larry Dodds reports he has not received any new information from Currie Motors on the status of the Maintenance Department truck.

Finance and Audit Committee Chairman, David Rathke, was absent.

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 Chairman, Vincent Beck, has nothing to report at this time.

First item of Old Business was the continued discussion about placing a resource officer in the Ridgeview Schools. Mayor Larry Dodds reports that Police Chief Ritchie Cooper and himself had a meeting with Superintendent of Ridgeview, Erik Young, regarding this topic. Larry reports there will be a public forum held sometime in July to get the parents as well as community input.

Police Chief Ritchie Cooper asked the Board for permission to retire Colfax Police Officer badge #4 in honor of the late and former Patrol Officer Robert Brandt.

Trustee Charles Morefield made a motion to approve the retirement of Colfax Police Department Patrol Officer Badge # 4. Trustee Benjamin Thackeray seconded the motion. Vote: Charles Morefield-Aye, David Rathke-Absent, Benjamin Thackeray-Aye, Carol Stephenson-Aye, Janice Edwards-Aye, Vincent Beck-Aye. Motion carried.

Former residents Adam and Doug York attended the meeting and gifted the Colfax Police Department a Blue Line American Flag in honor of former Colfax Police Department officer Robert Brandt. The Brandt Family was in attendance as well and Chief Officer Cooper presented the flag to the family of Robert Brandt.

Next on the agenda was the discussion on other infrastructure improvements where ARPA funds could be used. The Board suggested that Mayor Dodds look into the possibility to use remaining funds for sidewalk improvements.

Public Comments-Items not on the agenda.

There were no public comments.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

http://www.colfaxillinois.com/board/view/190