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, June 8 at the Fleming Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Landridge, Suzanne Wales, Alex Gapter and Bonnie Jackson. Cathy Castillo was absent. Also present were Ken MacCrone (left at 6:40 p.m.), Jeff Schiel (left at 6:45 p.m.), Keith Beck, Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank, Mathias Wales, Tola Wales, Michelle Asfeld and Sandy Nichols (arrived at 7 p.m., left at 7:12 p.m.).

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Betley asked to add Emergency Declaration due to water system failure under Consent Agenda. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended, all voted and the motion passed.

Public Comment: Ken MacCrone spoke on behalf of the Fleming Fire Department. He asked the Council for a suggested donation of $750. Betley thanked him for addressing the Council and they will consider the request under Action Items.

Jeff Schiel of Schiel Construction, spoke about his interest in installing the splash pad. He had looked at the package the town purchased, but needs additional information.

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

Treasurer’s Report: Frank presented the Treasurer’s Report. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report, all voted and the motion passed.

Clerk’s Report: With the Clerk having nothing to report, Betley took this opportunity to let the Council know that municipal court was held on Monday night, June 6. He also thanked Beck and Justin Hickey for everything they did to get the water back on and communicating with Joelle Gapter so she could get the information on the webpage.

Electric: Beck reported that work has been completed in providing electricity to the new homes in the Wildhorse subdivision.

Water Report: Beck explained the circumstances around the water system failure over Memorial Day weekend. An issue arose that caused the primary well to fail and then there was an electrical issue at the secondary well that caused a failure there. The water system had lost sufficient pressure before these issues were resolved, resulting in a boil water advisory for 72 hours. Residents were advised of the situation via phone call or text message from the Code Red Emergency Alert (if they signed up for the emergency alert) and the Town’s web page.

Sewer Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets: Nothing new to report.

Beck advised the Council of a vole infestation at the cemetery. There are also a few voles at the parks. Kaufman Pest and Weed Control Company submitted a bid for a three-phase vole process to eliminate the vole population.

Betley acknowledged Sandy Schumacher-Nichols. Schumacher-Nichols addressed the Council about sending out courtesy letters before citations.

Health and Safety: A new fire hydrant is ready to be installed by the school.

Muller would like to see a Town of Fleming sign, as well as a speed limit sign and a school zone sign on County Road 36 also known as Broadway, as you come into Fleming from the cemetery.

Parks and Recreation: The Splash Pad was discussed earlier in the meeting.

Media Relations Coordinator Report: Joelle Gapter discussed her efforts at several grants she is pursuing on behalf of the town/community. She’s also interested in possibly setting up an emergency preparedness meeting. Joelle Gapter also talked about the Revitalize Fleming meeting on Thursday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fleming Community Center.

Action Items: The Logan County Chamber membership renewal is due. Following a discussion of the benefits with this membership, it was moved and seconded to renew the membership, all voted and the motion passed.

A letter was received from the Logan County Clerk/Recorder asking if the Town of Fleming had any ballot questions for the General Election in November. The Council decided to table this item until the July meeting.

Mowing and spraying fees were discussed. Currently the fee is $50 per lot for spraying and $50 per lot for mowing. After some discussion, it was moved and seconded to increase the fee to $100 per lot for spraying and $100 per lot for mowing, all voted and the motion passed.

Following the review of the Employee Policy at the May meeting, the Council moved forward with adopting changes.

After reviewing the job descriptions for the Utility Superintendent, Assistant Utility and Maintenance Operator and Town Clerk at the May meeting, the Council added Ordinance Enforcement to the Assistant Utility and Maintenance Operator. The job descriptions for the Treasurer, Town Librarian and Media Relations Coordinator will be reviewed at the July council meeting.

A motion was made and seconded to donate $750 to the Fleming Fire Department for the 4th of July fireworks, all voted and the motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to hire Kauffman Pest and Weed Control to take care if the vole infestation at the cemetery and the parks, all voted and the motion passed.

Discussion Items: Wales shared with the Council members about the Colorado Municipal League regional meeting that she attended in Yuma last month. She felt it was beneficial to meet with surrounding town officials, sharing and discussing town projects and information.

Upcoming Events: Town Council Meeting July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:44 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.