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 Wednesday, April 14 at the Fleming Community Center. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Sue Einspahr at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Stefan Betley, DeeAnn Christopher, Nancy Glaspie, John Stone, Levi Lowe and Ken MacCrone. Also present were Clay Gorman, Michelle Asfeld, Keith Beck (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Kurt Christopher (left at 6:40 p.m.), Larry and Joyce Schaefer, Suzanne Wales, Jenae Totten, Aaron Nielsen, Gary Steele (left at 6:40 p.m.) and Andrew Muller (left at 6:40 p.m.).

There were no corrections or additions to the agenda.

Public Comment: Muller asked about tap fees and what it entailed.

Consent Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, all voted and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Gorman presented the Treasurer’s Report. The General Fund contains $101,953.01, Electric $146,936.34, Water $109,224.97, Sewer $183,711.23, for a NOW Account total of $541,825.55. The MMA balance is $2,543.68 and the CTF balance is $12,259.57 for a total of $556,628.80 in all accounts. Gorman told the Council the United States Department of Agriculture wired the town the $72,311.00 that was missed during the sewer project. Gorman also told the Council that Colorado Rural Water sent a notice concerning the sewer rates not being adequate to cover the sewer loans. He emailed Colorado Rural Water a letter, along with the resolutions, proving the sewer funds were sufficient.

Einspahr told the Council the Town is projected to receive $90,000 from the last stimulus bill.

Gorman said the audit is done and Szabo will give the audit report at the May meeting.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report, all voted and the motion passed.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld told the Council that only 15 to 20 people are reading the Fleming Focus on the Fleming website. She asked the Council if they still wanted the Fleming Focus on the school website since Fleming currently has a website. Betley will come up with a quicker way to put the Fleming Focus in the school website.

Electric Report: Beck said there was a power outage on Saturday, April 3 when a tree that was being cut down fell on the power line.

Water Report: Beck told the Council that the power outage caused the primary well to cease functioning and the backup well was used.

Sewer Report: Beck informed the Council that JVA and Velocity will be out on Wednesday, April 21 for the warranty walk around at the sewer facility.

Streets: Beck said a few streets were graded.

Health and Safety: Beck asked the Council members to notify him when they start seeing mosquitoes.

Parks and Recreation: NextEra has not donated funds for the Splash Park yet. There has been an increase in cost from Raindeck, so the Council will need to rebid the project. The Council is considering a different location for the Splash Park.

Christopher said Fall Festival will be Sept. 11. The activities at Fall Festival will depend on the COVID-19 Dial.

Action Items: A motion was made and seconded to approve the zoning change for the Wild Horse Ridge Subdivision on the second reading, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to annex the Heritage Museum Park and Recreation Area on the second reading, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to reauthorize MacCrone to offer the Fleming Fire District $5,000 for the 1990, F350 flatbed pickup, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to sign the Employment Contract with Tricia Matuszczak, the Town Judge, all voted and the motion passed. The Council discussed court fees.

A motion was made and seconded to accept Resolution #1-2021, concerning the annexation of a parcel of land, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to accept Ordinance #1-2021, approving the Resolution of Annexation, on the first reading of the ordinance, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and second to accept the resignation of Rob Hobbs, all voted and the motion passed. The Council asked Asfeld to place a help wanted ad in the newspaper for a full-time maintenance person.

Discussion Items: The Council decided to have an employee recognition picnic on May 22 at 4 p.m. It will be a potluck picnic in the park.

The Council discussed an addition to the disciplinary system. A recommendation will be made at the May council meeting.

Council Concerns: MacCrone and Beck will work together concerning Ordinance Enforcement. Christopher asked that a letter be sent to the landlord when a tenant is past due with their utility bill.

Upcoming Meetings: The next Council meeting will be May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Community Center.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:56 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.