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, Aug. 9. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:33 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Cathy Castillo (arrived at 6:43 p.m.), Bill Langridge, Alex Gapter and Bonnie Jackson. Suzanne Wales was absent. Also present were Matt Johnson, Rick Unrein (left at 6:47 p.m.), Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank, Keith Beck (left at 8:09 p.m.), Linda Grauberger (arrived at 7 p.m. and left at 8:09 p.m.) and Michelle Asfeld.

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Betley asked if there were any 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: Unrein, speaking on behalf of the Fleming Historical Society, updated the Council on the group’s activities and encouraged participation from the Council. He also asked that the Council consider an annual addition to the town budget in the amount of $750 for the Historical Society.

Media Relations Coordinator Grant Report: J. Gapter updated the Council on changes to the Monday Market schedule. Moving forward, the Monday Market will coincide with four town functions: 4th of July, Fleming Fall Festival, Christmas Festival and a Spring event. Gapter also let the council know that she is aware of a Preservation Planning and Assistance Grant. She has emailed them with several questions asking for some additional information about this grant.

Consent Agenda: It was moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, all voted and the motion passed.

Maintenance Report: Beck reported Western Area Power Authority discovered a transformer problem at the substation. They will keep Beck informed of their remedy so that the town can make any necessary adjustments. Maguire Iron has completed refurbishing work on the water tower at Heritage Park. The final inspection will be in two weeks. There was a power issue at the sewer pond but after resetting the control panel, everything appeared to be running properly. Beck also reported that the insurance adjuster determined sufficient damage from this summer’s hailstorm to roofs on town properties. Beck asked the Council to consider requesting bids for the flat roof on the town hall and the community center.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld reported that she will be attending training in Pueblo on Friday for clerks. Hickey is attending a personal development class in Pueblo last week.

Public Comment: Betley recognized Grauberger at this time, as she arrived after the earlier Public Comment. Grauberger would like to donate a couple of benches at the fishing pond in memory of her husband, Dennis. The Council thanked her for her potential donation and suggested she speak with Beck about placement of the benches at the pond.

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: Beck reported that the fire hydrant, to be located at CHS, will be installed after the Mini-Ex is delivered.

Parks and Recreation: The Council asked Beck to price a stainless-steel toilet and sink for the park restrooms.

Action Items:

J.Stone’s Variance Permit – Betley asked for any discussion regarding review of John Stone’s Variance Permit from 6-11-2021. No issues or complaints have been reported. It was moved and seconded to extend the variance for one year, all voted and the motion passed.

Fall Festival Donation – Betley read a letter from the Fall Festival committee requesting a donation. It was moved and seconded to donate up to $1,000 to the Fall Festival Committee for insurance coverage and the movie in the park, all voted and the motion passed.

Resolution #2-2023-Signing Authority for the Town Hall Purchase (Second reading) – The Council briefly discussed the purchase of the Town Hall from the Library Association. It was moved and seconded to approve the second reading of said Resolution. A voice vote was taken with all the council members voting yes, with the exception of Wales being absent, all voted and the motion passed.

Resolution #3-2023-Signing Authority for 105 West Weston (Donated property) – Betley read a letter from Vanda Black, the owner of the old motel, donating the property to the Town of Fleming. After some discussion, it was moved and seconded to accept the donation as well as the Resolution. A voice vote was taken with all council members voting yes, with the exception of Wales being absent, all voted and the motion passed.

Assistant Utility & Maintenance Operator Job Description-Change to 30-mile radius – The Council considered a change to the Assistant Utility & Maintenance Operator job description, adding the area of consideration to a 30-mile radius. Following a short discussion, it was moved and seconded to add ‘within a 30-mile radius’ to the Assistant Utility & Maintenance Operator job description, all voted and the motion passed.

Discussion Items: The Council asked J. Gapter to move forward with pursuing a grant to help construct a Master Plan for the Town.

Two resumes have been received for the maintenance position. Interviews will be scheduled for Aug. 25.

Upcoming Meetings: The next Council meeting will be September 13th at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. There is a Colorado Municipal League Fall District meeting in Sterling on Sept. 20, from 4-7:30 p.m.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:11 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.