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 Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Bill Langridge, Bonnie Jackson and Alex Gapter. Cathy Castillo joined the meeting at 6:54 p.m. via conference call. Andrew Muller and Suzanne Wales were absent. Also present were Tim Edgar, Joelle Gapter, Grace Rossignal, Keith Beck and Lewis Frank.

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 and the motion passed unanimously.

Public comment: Rossignal updated the Council on the progress of the book box to be installed at the North Park. FFA students will be building and installing the box and they have the necessary materials for construction.

Jackson had met with the Logan County Council on Aging and came away with several programs/activities that might be of interest to Fleming residents. She will work on making that information available.

Tim Edgar, Investment Advisor with the Bank of Colorado, attended the meeting to make the Council aware of their service and competitive interest rates.

Media relations: J. Gapter updated the Council on her efforts to make the town ordinances available on the Town of Fleming website. She has started with ordinances of most interest (zoning, animals, nuisance, etc.). They can be found under the resident resources tab on the web page. She also let the Council know she is diligently working on a federal grant application, to be submitted at the end of the month.

Consent agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the Jan. 11 council meeting minutes and payment of the bills and the motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance report: Beck reported the maintenance department is working to provide electrical service to a new house in the Wild Horse subdivision. Snow needs to be cleared to access the alley for the electrical installation.

Beck is learning that with the new chlorination system, more testing is required by the State. He is making sure the town is in compliance. He and Justin Hickey are also scheduled for the necessary training for recertification as water/wastewater operators.

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.

Health and safety: Work on the fire hydrant at CHS had been put on hold due to weather and snow cover.

Action items:

An electric fence variance permit renewal was discussed. After hearing no issues/concerns with the variance, it was moved and seconded to extend the variance for another six months. The motion passed unanimously.

Second and final reading of Ordinance #1-2023-Changing Town Election from April to November per registered electors was discussed. It was moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #1-2023. The motion passed unanimously.

The snow removal policy was reviewed, specifically the suggested change from the January meeting (item 4 under Priorities: business and church parking). It was moved and seconded to adopt the revised snow removal policy. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion items: Fringe benefits for full time employees were discussed for the purpose of employee retention. Several ideas were brought forward with the council deciding to continue this discussion at future meetings.

Upcoming meetings: Council meeting, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:07 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.