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

The Fleming Town Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Fleming Community Center. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem, Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: DeeAnn Christopher, Nancy Glaspie, John Stone, Ken MacCrone and Levi Lowe (arrived at 6:36 p.m.). Sue Einspahr was absent. Also present were Clay Gorman, Keith Beck and Michelle Asfeld.

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Betley asked to move the first reading of the 2021 Budget to the Treasurer’s Report and that Discussion Items be amended as such: 1. Fleming Website, 2. Temporary Maintenance Position, 3. Town Library hours, 4. Employee Recognition, 5. Council Concerns. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Agenda as amended, all voted and the motion passed.

There was no public comment.

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 presented the Treasurer’s Report. The General Fund contains $125,051.28, Electric $78,862.10, Water $81,338.25, Sewer $111,783.13 for a NOW Account total of $397,034.76. The MMA balance is $2,540.52 and the CTF balance is $10,097.22 for a total of $409,672.50 in all accounts. He told the Council that the funds changed because $261,974.42 was placed into a three-month CD. He also told the Council that the Town will receive $13,968.51 from CIRSA for the well control and motor replacement that were destroyed when the transformer failed. Gorman reviewed the first reading of the budget with the Council. The Council was informed that the General Fund is in good shape because of Sales and Use Tax. A three-percent increase on all normal expenses was used to develop the budget. The Council is weary about increasing electric and water rates because of the effect it will have on the citizens of Fleming. A motion was made and seconded to accept the preliminary budget as presented, all voted and the motion passed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report, all voted and the motion passed.

Electric Report: Beck was asked about the weather guard that is detaching from some of the electric wires. He said it doesn’t have a negative effect on the wire and the wire doesn’t need to be replaced.

Sewer Report: Beck invited the Council to look at the sewer ponds and see how they are functioning.

Streets: Beck told the Council that they are working on improving the streets around town.

Health and Safety: Beck told the Council that the barricade around the memorial at Jeff’s Pond is finished. Code enforcement was discussed.

Parks and Recreation: The Parks and Cemetery Committee will discuss some ideas they would like to see at the North Park.

Discussion Items: Betley told the Council that the website is done and usable. It can be accessed through the app store on your smart phone by typing in Town of Fleming and downloading the app.

The Council discussed the temporary maintenance position. A motion was made and seconded to extend the temporary maintenance position to the end of this calendar year, all voted and the motion passed.

The Council asked Asfeld to place an ad in the paper for a full-time maintenance worker to start in January 2021. A motion was made and seconded to hire a full-time maintenance person to begin January 2021, with wages based on experience, all voted and the motion passed.

The Council gave its approval for the town librarian position to be split between Mekelburg and Kinzie.

The Council decided to host an employee recognition event at the Fleming Community Center on Dec. 12.

Upcoming Meetings: Employee evaluations were discussed. Evaluations are set for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. Evaluations will be reviewed at the council meeting on Nov. 10.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:31 p.m., all voted and the meeting was adjourned.