By JILLIAN STAMBAUGH

After Colchester’s City Council completed business items during their Monday meeting, Mayor Danny Bice propositioned the council with his second choice for first ward alderman.

Larry Rickard’s name was proposed by Bice, who said the search for an alderman has been a struggle.

“You wouldn’t believe that no one wants that position,” he said.

The council considered the selection and voted to approve Rickard if he chooses to accept the assignment.

In other business:

• The council held first reading and waived the second reading to accept the prevailing wage ordinance.

• The council held first reading and waived the second reading to accept the appropriations ordinance as authorized by the law. The total appropriation for all purposes is $2.2 million, said City Clerk Donna Wetzel, who added the number is higher than last year by about 40 percent.

• The street department was approved to purchase the back hoe from the water department.

• The economic development transfer was approved.

• The amended 2009-2010 budget was approved to include the purchase of the back hoe by the street department, the economic development transfer and increased water revenues.

• John Tribbey was approved to hire for the annual audit with his services not to exceed $5,100.

• Approval was granted for LDS to proceed with leak detection for 22 miles of water line. The area covered will include all of Colchester, Tennessee and the line at Argyle. The cost to the city is $198 per mile for a total of $4,356.

• The council approved Wetzel attending the Illinois Municipal Clerks Seminar July 16-17 in Alton.

• Approval was granted for the two computer monitors and two memory sticks for the city clerk and treasurer offices with costs not to exceed $1,000.

• The council approved of hiring computer technician Mark Clark at $25 per hour.

• Jeremy Peters’ resignation was accepted by the council.

• The council approved the minimum wage increase of 25 cents for city employees as of July 1.

• Jerry Purscell’s request to create a drainage pipe along his property at 617 N. Coal St. was granted by the board. The city will provide the pip and a small amount of base rock for the project.

• The purchase of a janitorial cabinet not to exceed $280 was approved by the board.

• Bice informed the council that replacing the fallen light pole and lights at the Friendway Park baseball diamond would cost $5,600 with the 15-light fixture. If the city wanted to use the new three-light fixture, the cost would be $6,200. The replacement is covered by the city’s insurance and Bice stated West Prairie School District had offered to pay the deductible.

• Alderman Catherine Louderman requested the council’s permission to pursue developers who had previously shown interest in creating a business in Colchester and another who expressed interest south of the city. The council agreed to her request and Louderman said she would get in touch with the individuals to see if they are interested.

• Alderman Robert Bisby informed the council that they fire department requested permission to host a water fight during the city’s Labor Day festivities.

• Alderman Warren Abbot requested the old sickle bar mower be put up for bids as he found someone interested in its purchase.