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, Oct. 13 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 and Levi Lowe. Ken MacCrone was absent. Also present were Bill Langridge, Lewis Frank, Michelle Asfeld and Keith Beck (arrived at 6:36 p.m.).

Approval of the Agenda: Hearing no additions or corrections to the agenda, there was a motion and second to accept the agenda as presented, the motion passed.

Public Comment: None.

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

Treasurer’s Report: Frank provided the treasurer’s report. The fund balances are as follows; General $213,579.75, Electric $73,364.98, Water $119,733.90, Sewer $115,161.46, for a NOW Account total of $521,840.09. The Money Market Account balance is $2,546.87 and the Conservation Trust Fund balance is $13,801.19 for a total of $538,188.15 in all accounts. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report, the motion passed.

The first reading of the 2022 Budget was tabled until after the Council talked about some of the goals for the Town so Frank could get an idea of the priorities the Council would like to do and budget accordingly.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld reported that Frank will be training on the Power Manager software program tomorrow. She also congratulated Hickey on receiving his pesticide license.

Electric Report: No report.

Water Report: Beck met with Rich Eymann, Electric Distribution Operations and Maintenance Specialist from NMPP about Advanced Metering Infrastructure system. Eymann told Beck the Itron meters are compatible with the Town’s current electric meter sockets.

Sewer Report: Beck informed the Council that he will have to start putting water in the center sewer pond to keep the liner from bubbling.

Streets: Hickey has been road grading.

Health and Safety: Councilman Lowe reported that they haven’t changed the spotlight ordinance, it’s still dealing with unlicensed/abandon vehicles. Councilman Stone presented a list of addresses with vehicles that are in violation of Ordinance #5-2020. The list was handed to Beck to verify the violations before any warnings go out.

Mayor Einspahr reported briefly on court that was held on Oct. 4. There was a little discussion about a dog.

Parks and Recreation: The updated bids for tree trimming from Camden Goss and Gary Mayhill were discussed. Councilman Lowe mentioned that he would like to keep the bid local. Councilman Stone suggested splitting the work between the two tree trimmers. A motion was made and seconded to accept Camden Goss’s bid for the tree trimming, all voted, with Stone voting against, and the motion passed.

Action Items: A motion was made and seconded to approve changing North Railway Street to Railway Street on the first reading of Ordinance #2-2021, the motion passed.

A list of goals was presented to the Council to look over and discuss. Utilities were the main topic. A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2022 Budget on the first reading with the addition of poles, fire hydrants, water tower maintenance/painting, bucket truck and five transformers, the motion passed.

Discussion Items: There was a discussion on a fee schedule for Court. Asfeld will inquire about the statutory maximum court costs with the Town attorney.

Executive Session: At 8:30 p.m. a motion was made by Christopher and seconded by Stone to enter into Executive Session, Section 24-6-402(4)(e) for the purpose of discussing negotiations for employee wages, the motion passed.

At 9:11 p.m. a motion was made by Betley and seconded by Glaspie to conclude the Executive Session and return to the regular meeting, the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to increase Hickey’s hourly wage effective immediately, the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to offer Frank the position of Town Administrator and end his 90-day probation period with an increase in his hourly wage, the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to post the job opening for the full-time Town Maintenance position with the Workforce Center with a starting wage of $15 per hour.

Upcoming Meetings: Public Hearing, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the community center. Town Council meeting, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the community center.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 9:16 p.m., the motion passed.