The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order on Monday evening, April 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Ricardo Onken.

     Trustees present were:  Donna Poppe - Aye; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye.  Trustees David Rathke and Bruce Green were absent.

     Also present were:  Village Treasurer Linda Hanson; Village Attorney Tom Shields; Police Chief Mike Scott; Superintendent Damon Getty.

       Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes for the regular monthly meeting and the special meeting and approve as presented.  Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Absent; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Village Treasurer Linda Hanson gave the Treasurer's Report for the month of March, 2011.  Beginning Balance as of 03/01/2011  -  $48,280.84; Ending Balance as of 03/31/2011  -  $64,600.78; Increase for March, 2011  -  $16,319.94.

     Damon explained about the bill from Anchor Door for replacing the door panels at the old Wyant's Station that got damaged during the snow storm.

     Trustee Lonnie Meiner made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Trustee Donna Poppe seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Absent; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Trustee Lonnie Meiner, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, reported that will talk about the appropriation ordinance during old business so have nothing to report at this time.

     Police and Liquor Committee Chairman David Rathke was absent but Police Chief Michael Scott gave the report on the monthly activities for the Police Department for March, 2011.

     Mike also reported to the Board on the letter from Supreme Radio regarding the new regulations for re-banding the radios for the Police Department.  This has to be done by the end of 2012 but Mike went ahead and had Supreme look at all of our radios.  They told us which ones could be re-banded and which ones were to old to re-band.  The Kenwood radios can all be re-banded at a cost of $245.00.  The remainder of the radios cannot be re-banded.  Lonnie asked if the prices would still be good - Mike stated ninety (90) days on the prices.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee, reported on the control panel for the water plant.  There needed to be a programming change included in the price.  Stinde Electric sent a quote for the software with a price of $642.00.

     Rick asked Village Attorney Tom Shields if he had any thoughts about borrowing money for the rest of the sewer project.  Rick stated that when talking to Dave Dodson at the Bank the state has changed the way municipals can borrow money.  Rick stated that the Committee is talking about borrowing about $30,000.00 to $40,000.00.

     Rick explained that the EPA is suggesting that we go with 8 plus 1 for a spare.  In the permit, we are asking for supplement and can go with 5 and if the Village can prove that is enough after two or three years of using.  Otherwise we will have to buy 3 more.  Damon stated we will keep the old system operational but won't be running all of the time.  Going to have to shift gears a little to satisfy the state.  Presently have a waiver for nitrate and don't want to loose that.  Damon stated that if we can prove we aren't having a nitrate problem then we will be fine.  Going to start testing for that.  Rick stated we are still on the same track just having to shift gears a little.

     Rick stated that the other thing that we talked about was increasing the reconnect fees and deposit for the past due bills.  Village Clerk Nancy Kiper stated our present deposit to move in is $100.00 and the reconnect fee if water is shut off is $50.00.  There are a lot of people that their water bills are running over $100.00 per month so then the deposit does not cover.  They run up a couple month's bills and then move out.  Rick stated that want to raise the reconnect fee to $100.00.

    Rick asked Village Attorney Tom Shields if we could have a multiple increment deposit.  The first shut-off there would be an additional deposit of $150.00; the second shut-off there would be an additional deposit of $200.00; the third shut-off there would be an additional deposit of $250.00.

     Village Attorney Tom Shields stated can try this for a year and see if this works or if we need to do something different.  Rick likes this idea and if not will take to the next level.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to increase the reconnect fee to $100.00 and if water service is disconnected the first time an additional deposit of $150.00 will be required; the second time an additional deposit of $200.00 will be required; and the third time an additional deposit of $250.00 will be required to be paid before service is restored.  Trustee Donna Poppe seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Absent; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Rick stated that at some point are going to have to order some more meters.  There are a couple of other towns that are going with these meters and are hoping that we can all order together to get a cheaper price.

     Trustee Carol Stephenson, Chairman of the Streets and Lights Committee, asked about the Steinlicht property.  Police Chief Mike Scott explained what he has done to deal with this situation.  Mike stated his biggest concern is that he's living in here and there's a huge hole in the roof.  Mike thinks that he's heating with kerosene.  Mike thinks there is not going to be alot of cooperation there.  Rick Wagoner asked if there is an organization that we could call to get involved and help get him out and into a more livable environment.  Donna Poppe suggested PATH and Ric Onken suggested checking with Rural Development.

     Carol asked if there is something that the Village can do to recognize our people who are in the military and maybe do a sign or something.

       Table Franchise Agreement with Mediacom to next month.

     Trustee Lonnie Meiner explained that the Budget Appropriation Ordinance is 8.25% less than last year.  Lonnie explained some of the items that were eliminated and changed.  Lonnie stated it is accurate and feels comfortable for the Village.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to approve the 2011-12 Budget Appropriation Ordinance as presented.  Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Absent; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Mayor Ric Onken reminded everyone of the election on Tuesday.  Evaluations are due next month.  Ric explained that the school district is moving down to the school and Ric talked to one person to see what they are doing with the building.  Would see what they expect for cost and what they are doing with this.

     Trustee Lonnie Meiner asked if the house at the end of Main Street is going to be sold for taxes on the court house.  Tom Shields stated we have to go forward with these run down houses.  It's going to be an expensive process - can't do two at a time.  The formal demolition on it is pretty expensive.  Tom asked if the property presents a danger to the public.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to adjourn.  Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Aye; David Rathke - Absent; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  Nancy Kiper, Village Clerk