The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Feb. 14. Mayor Stefan Betley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales, Alex Gapter and Bonnie Jackson. Cathy Castillo arrived at 6:54 p.m. Also present were Jess and Phyllis Smith (left at 6:41 p.m.), Joelle and Daniel Gapter, (Daniel left at 6:46 p.m.) Grace Rossignol (left at 6:46 p.m.), Michelle Asfeld and Lewis Frank.

Additions/corrections to the agenda: Betley asked for any additions or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as printed, the motion passed unanimously.

Public comment: Jess Smith spoke to the Council about his effort to bring a Junk Jaunt to northeast Colorado. This is an effort to organize garage sales across a large area (Logan, Phillips and Sedgwick counties) on a specific weekend. Smith was instrumental in organizing a Junk Jaunt in western Nebraska, that has now been occurring and growing for several years. Smith has set the last weekend in September, Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 29, as the date. The communities involved would be from Julesburg to Sterling along Highway 59; from Sterling to Holyoke on Highway 6 and back to Julesburg on Highway 385. The Council thanked Smith for his presentation and let him know they support his idea and will help to advertise it.

Rossignol updated the Council on a community survey that the Library Association is conducting to gauge current use of the library. The survey is set to roll out this weekend.

Media Relations Coordinator report: J. Gapter talked to the Council about bringing back the Chili and Cinnamon Roll competition. The Town sponsored event is set for Saturday, March 23, from 5-7:00 p.m. J.Gapter will be in charge of getting information posted about the event.

Consent agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, the motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance report: In Beck’s absence, Betley informed the Council that a used bucket loader had been found and purchased with the informal consent of the Council. It was moved and seconded to ratify this acquisition, the motion passed unanimously.

Clerk’s report: Asfeld informed the Council that three resumes have been received for the librarian position. She will coordinate a date and time for interviews with the Interview Committee with the intent of having a recommendation for the March council meeting.

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

Action items: Langridge updated the Council on the purpose of Eastern Transportation Planning Region and the need for Fleming to be involved. It was moved and seconded to join the ETPR. The motion passed unanimously.

Betley presented the Council with the letter of engagement from Lauer, Szabo, and Associates to conduct the annual financial audit. Following a brief discussion regarding audits and auditors it was moved and seconded to accept the letter of engagement from Lauer, Szabo, and Associates to conduct the 2023 financial audit. The motion passed unanimously.

It was moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #1-2024 Service Schedule M Agreement with Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. The motion passed unanimously.

It was moved and seconded to renew the liquor license for Kiki’s. The required voice vote followed the discussion, with all council members voting in the affirmative for the renewal. The motion passed unanimously.

The Council discussed utility rates as the Town has been notified of a rate increase from a supplier and a recommendation from the auditor. Utility rates from surrounding towns were reviewed along with Fleming’s current residential utility rates. After serious consideration, it was moved and seconded to increase the monthly electric base rate by $1.25 and increase the monthly water base rate by $3.75, starting with the April billing. The motion passed unanimously.

Upcoming meetings: Town Council meeting, March 13 at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.