In the minutes: Colfax 09-21-26 City Council Minutes, flock camera (Sep 21)

COLFAX CITY COUNCIL

September 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Retzer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:

Golden, McRae, Schaefer, Guenthner and Sevedge: Present. Mackleit and Huntwork: Absent.
A motion was entered by Golden seconded by Schaefer to excuse Mackleit and Huntwork. Roll
Call: All Yes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was entered by Golden, seconded by McRae to approve the minutes from the
September 8, 2026 Council meeting. Roll Call: Golden, McRae, Guenthner: Yes. Schaefer and
Sevedge. Abstained.

GOOD OF THE CITY:
The Whitman County Fair took place last weekend and had great attendance.

WSU Football won their first home game of the season.
BILLS AND CLAIMS:

A motion was entered by Schaefer, seconded by McRae to approve all bills and claims as
presented. Roll Call: All Yes.

CLAIMS PAYROLL
#12112-12130 #12105-12111 & EFT
$611,065.76 $77,048.84

GRAND TOTAL: $688,114.60
CITIZENS REQUEST:

PUBLIC HEARING:
PRESENTATION/WORK STUDY:

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

COLFAX CITY COUNCIL
September 21, 2026
NEW BUSINESS:
Arbor Day Proclamation-
Retzer read the Arbor Day Proclamation encouraging residents to attend a tree planting
ceremony at the JES playground Thursday September 24"". Further encouraging residents to
plant and care for trees in Colfax for the well-being of this and future generations.

Regarding the tree planting: one tree will be planted in front of the school, one near the new
toddler area, and the remaining two will be placed near the site of the two removed trees.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Police:

Police Chief Michael Melcher reported Ivan Martinez has moved on to phase 2 of FTO, he will
be with Officer Perry Tate for another 3 weeks.

Martinez and Tate will both be at the upcoming Fall Festival.

Stats:

30- calls for service
34- traffic stops

10- infractions issued
4- criminal citations

Administration:
Finance Director Amanda Link reported staff has been busy with budgeting.
Link is also getting ready for the upcoming audit.

COMMITTEE/BOARD/COMISSION REPORTS:

Golden reported from the Park Board meeting: The McDonald Park Clubhouse currently has two
failing balconies. Board member Al Kirkpatrick met with Mike and Scott Parrish to discuss the
usage and necessity of the front deck. To assess the full extent of the damage, the balcony,
landing, soffits, and siding will need to be removed. They are hoping that the underlying damage
will not be extensive once fully exposed.

Golden informed the council that any capital in the park budget will likely go to this project for
2027.

OTHER BUSINESS:
Schaefer asked about North Palouse River Road, citizens have asked if it has been graded.
Kramlich stated public works crews have been out there with the recent rain.

Schefer also asked about the flock cameras and the public concems.
Chief Melcher confirmed that the cameras belonged to the county and have all been removed.

Retzer informed the council there will be a protest regarding flock cameras in October.

COLFAX CITY COUNCIL
September 21, 2026

McRae asked about the train engine, now that the temperatures are dropping and will start
running all hours again.

Retzer has been in touch with Baumgartner’s office and Hammer has been working with Kara
Riebold at the Port of Whitman trying to seek funding to move the engine’s maintenance pit.
Golden interjected on the flip side these people bought their houses next to the railroad.
McRae just didn’t want them to think we have forgotten about them.

McRae asked about the reduce speed sign and asked if the reader boards have been purchased.
Hammer is working on the speed signs and the reader boards have been purchased.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT:

MAYORS REPORT:

Retzer stated the Colfax Chamber is putting on a Fall Festival and an Arts Festival on October
3" The police and fire have been asked to participate in the pie eating contest.

Trick or Treat Main is going October 30°.

P1FCU is hosting a shred day tomorrow from 1-3 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Retzer adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.

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Jim Retzer, Mayor Lynda Kramlich, City Clerk