The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

The Fleming Town Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Town Hall in Fleming. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Sue Einspahr at 6 p.m.

The following council members were present: Stefan Betley, DeeAnn Christopher, John Stone and Pam Harms. Nancy Glaspie and Ken MacCrone were absent. Guests included Pat LaGuardia, Matt Salvador, Jodie Harless (left at 6:04 p.m.) and Jeff Rice with the Sterling Journal Advocate.

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, all voted in favor and the motion passed.

Public comment: Harless asked if the Fleming Community Center could be used for a non-denominational service once a month, free of charge. The Council said they thought it was a good idea but also stated that if someone would like to rent the community center, the party renting it will have priority over the non-denominational service. Harless agreed and thanked the Council.

Salvador shared with the Council about a sales tax issue he had when he purchased a vehicle from another Fleming resident. He was charged sales tax and use tax for the vehicle. He talked to the Logan County Treasurer and was told it was an error on their part and he would be reimbursed for the double taxation.

Consent Agenda: a motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, all voted in favor and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Gorman stated the General Fund contained $204,543.57, the Electric Fund $88,025.48, Water Fund $73,141.98, and Sewer Fund $-43,849.09. The MMA balance is $2,534.20 and the CTF balance is $7,760.12 for a total of $332,156.26 in all accounts. Gorman also stated the loan from the United States Department of Agricutlure was actuated and the interim loan with COBank was paid off. The closing of the loan was on Feb. 3. The first payment of $2,548 will be due on March 3 and the third of every month thereafter until the loan is paid off. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report, all voted in favor and the motion passed.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld shared with the Council that the Focus is on the school website. Christopher mentioned that she would like to see the Focus web address on the utility bills that are mailed out in February. Asfeld asked about the appreciation supper scheduled in March.

Electric Report: Beck, being absent from the meeting, left a written report for the Council. All of the electric parts for the sewer project have been ordered.

Water Report: Beck and Hobbs were at the Colorado Rural Water Conference through Feb. 13.

Sewer Report: sewer testing will continue to be done until the new sewer ponds are in use. Bypass pumping is no longer needed and Sunbelt will come get their equipment when it is convenient for them.

Action Items: a motion was made and seconded to accept Resolution #1-2020 cancelling the municipal election, all voted and the motion passed.

The Council reviewed Ordinance #1-2000 and Ordinance #2-2017 regarding parking and storing campers. Ordinance #2-1990 dealing with animal enforcement was also reviewed. The Council will have a work session on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. to discuss making changes to these ordinances.

Discussion Items: the agreement for the Public and School Library between the Frenchman School District RE-3, The Fleming Library Association and the Town of Fleming was discussed. A motion was made and seconded to sign the agreement, all voted in favor and the motion passed.

Council Concerns: Einspahr gave a “State of the Town Address.” She said she is happy with the direction the Town is going. She also stated that the Town is financially viable and the employees are working hard to make the town a nice place to live. She continued by saying that it is now time to let the maintenance department do their thing and stop micromanaging.

Executive Session: none.

Adjournment: a motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:02 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.