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

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, via Zoom, due to weather conditions. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:35 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Langridge, Bonnie Jackson, Suzanne Wales, Cathy Castillo and Alex Gapter. Also present were Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank and Karen Bretz.

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Betley asked for additions or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, it was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as printed, all voted and the motion passed.

Public Comment: No public comment.

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

Maintenance Report: Betley shared with the council that he had advised the maintenance employees to go home and get some rest. They have been working diligently yesterday and today clearing streets for the residents and the school. They have also been assisting residents with others assorted issues as they arise.

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.

Frank informed the Council that the certificate of deposit had matured on Dec. 8. There is a 10-day window to renew or redeem the CD. A motion was made and seconded to renew the CD for another 90 days, all voted and the motion passed.

Frank also presented the third draft of the 2023 Budget. After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded to approve the third and final draft of the 2023 budget, all voted and the motion passed.

Clerks Report: Betley informed the Council that council compensation checks would be printed and available next week.

Action Items:

1. A liquor license has been submitted from an establishment in Fleming. Unfortunately, a public hearing is needed prior to any council action.

2. Continued membership in the Logan County Chamber of Commerce was discussed. A motion was made and seconded to renew the membership, all voted and the motion passed.

3. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #5-2022, Supplemental Budget and Appropriation (General Fund) all voted and the motion passed.

4. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #6-2022, Supplemental Budget and Appropriation (Water Fund), all voted and the motion passed.

5. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #7-2022, Summarizing Expenditures and Revenues. Motion passed unanimously.

6. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #8-2022, Appropriating Sums of Money for the General Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

7. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #9-2022, Appropriating Sums of Money for the Electric Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

8. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #10-2022, Appropriating Sums of Money for the Water Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

9. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #11-2022, Appropriating Sums of Money for the Sewer Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

10. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #12-2022, Appropriating Sums of Money for the Conservation Trust Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

11. It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #13-2022, Levying Property Taxes for the year 2023. Motion passed unanimously.

12. The Mill Levy calculations were received from the Auditor, Scott Szabo. It was moved and seconded to certify the Tax Levy for 2023. Motion passed unanimously.

13. Betley asked for discussion regarding an employee Christmas bonus. It was moved and seconded to award all Town employees with a bonus. All voted with A. Gapter abstaining. Motion passed unanimously.

14. A change in the number of hours worked for the Clerk’s position was discussed. The clerk is currently on a 35-hour work week. It was moved and seconded to increase the hours worked to 40 hours per week, all voted and the motion passed.

15. Betley declared a State of Emergency, (Tuesday through Friday of the storm), due to the blizzard. He asked the Council to ratify his action. It was then moved and seconded to ratify the emergency declaration. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items: Utility rate adjustments were discussed. An analysis will happen in 2023.

Employee appreciation was discussed. Friday, March 24 was selected as the date to host a dinner to recognize the town employees.

Upcoming Meetings: Public Hearing, Jan. 11 at 6:15 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall; Council Meeting, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:22 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.