Regular Council Meeting - 1/20/2025

City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 1/20/2025
The regular December meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Krump at 7:01pm. Present were Mayor Kyle Krump, Council Members Tom Steinolfson, Shaun Jacobson, Scott Gauslow, and Jesse Moch. Audience members in attendance were Nathan Moen, Richard Mower with Waste Management, Lyle Boehm, Aaron Kleingartner, Inis Frankl, Mary Boehm, Nathan Berseth, and Nancy Kelly.
Krump recognized the audience. Nathan Moen provided information that the Colfax Fire Dept is looking to construct a new fire hall since they have already outgrown their current facility. They are currently joint district with Walcott. Walcott has structural issues, however, Colfax is too small for the current demand. Moen inquired about the hydrants, wondering if they have been tested, who will do the ongoing yearly testing, and if they are available for the dept to pull from, if needed. Moen was referred to the city engineer to help answer these questions.
Mary Boehm with Colfax Parks & Rec presented two different possible park proposals for the Northside of town, also requesting that the land to be used remains in the City’s name. The park board is looking to continue fundraising efforts, however, they are still looking to apply for various available grants. To apply for these grants, they need to know exactly where the park will be located, who will be responsible for various aspects of the park, and to consider off-street parking before moving forward. The council has already been considering Lot 7 in Colfax Meadows 3. Discussion was held regarding the city owning the park property verses the park owning their own property. Further discussion will be held after the council has their special financial meeting.
Richard Mower with Waste Management presented a garbage & recycling disposal proposal. The proposal was reviewed and discussion was held. Council requested that a price for dumpsters be provided. No decision made at this time.
Aaron Kleingartner brought forth a request from the Park Board to withdraw $10,592.97 from the Daryl Hendrickson fund to help cover the pool liner replacement. Steinolfson motioned to approve the request, seconded by Gauslow. Role Call vote: Krump – yes, Steinolfson – yes, Jacobson – yes, Gauslow – yes, Moch – yes. Carried.
Lyle Boehm inquired about the possibility of a proposed zoning change in the Boehm subdivision. Discussion was held. If he decides to move forward, he will need to submit a written request for publication of a future hearing.
The requested Colfax Reserve Replat was presented to the council and available for public viewing. Discussion was held. Steinolfson motioned to approve the plat as presented, pending approval of state available funding, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
The proposed Easement Vacation Request was presented to the council. Discussion was held. Questions arose, requesting further explanation from Amy Clark regarding the request. The proposed Easement Vacation Request was tabled for the next meeting, awaiting further clarification from Zach Hatting & Amy Clark.
The minutes of the December 16th City Council meeting were reviewed. Moch moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Steinolfson. Motion carried.
 
The financial report for December was reviewed.  Gauslow made motion to approve the financials as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Role Call vote: Steinolfson – yes, Jacobson – yes, Gauslow – yes, Moch – yes, Krump – yes. Carried.
The January bills were reviewed; Jacobson motioned to approve the bills as presented, excluding both Interstate Engineering bills, adding Beto Electric for $250, and adding Minn-kota Communications for $2,306.50, seconded by Moch. Role Call vote: Jacobson – yes, Gauslow – yes, Moch – yes, Krump – yes, Steinolfson – yes. Carried.
Old Business
No updates regarding the Water Loop project.
No updates regarding the Reservoir Expansion.
Currently waiting on funding approval for the EPAC project.
Currently waiting on funding approval for the Reserve project.
Nathan Berseth provided a copy of the Trackside covenants. The council will need to provide further review.
No updates regarding street repairs.
No updates regarding the city water employee.
The first meeting of the Colfax Home Rule Charter Committee was held on January 14th. It was noted that the city still needs to appoint a chair person of the committee. Jacobson motioned to appoint Josh Clark as the Home Rule Charter Committee chairperson, seconded by Moch. Carried.
Krump reported that a number of repairs to were made to the water pump station. Check valve backflow valve will be repaired in the near future.
New Business
Once the state audit reports are complete, the council will decide on moving funds around after reviewing the final 2024 financial reports.
Discussion regarding office hours and Auditor salary will be discussed at the special financial meeting.
A special finance meeting is scheduled for February 6th at 6pm.
A service contract from MT Septic Service was presented to the council. Jacobson motioned to move forward with signing the contract, seconded by Gauslow. Carried.
There being no further business, Steinolfson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jacobson.  Carried. Adjourned at 9:42 pm.