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, April 10. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:32 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Langridge, Bonnie Jackson, Suzanne Wales and Alex Gapter. Cathy Castillo was absent. Also present were Rebecca Stieb (left at 6:46 p.m.), Jack Devie (left at 6:46 p.m.), Kamie Lambrecht (left at 7:04 p.m.), Grace Rossignol (left at 7:04 p.m.), Joelle and Daniel Gapter, Keith Beck (left at 7:33 p.m.), Lewis Frank and Michelle Asfeld.

Additions/corrections to the agenda: Betley asked for 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: Rebecca Stieb introduced herself and Jack Devie as representatives from Milestone Community Wellness, located in Sterling. Their mission is to make outlying communities aware of the program/services they provide and the possible expansion of providing these programs within the Fleming community.

Rossignol shared with the Council the responses from the recent library survey. Rossignol has been training Lambrecht in the duties/responsibilities of the Town Librarian.

Lambrecht, the newly hired librarian, talked with the Council about some of her ideas to enhance the current library programs to increase the number of readers, young and old.

Media Relations Coordinator report: Gapter talked to the Council about the chili cook-off that was canceled last month due to lack of entries. She encouraged the Council to consider the cook-off again next year, perhaps at the end of January or beginning of February. Gapter also talked about the interest several residents have in a Town-wide Yard Sale in June.

Consent Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of the March minutes and bills. The motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance Report: Beck updated the Council on the damage from the windstorm last weekend. A tree was blown into a power pole, ultimately resulting in several broken poles and electrical service lost for several hours. Beck requested assistance from Altitude Energy out of Keenesburg. Two poles were replaced along with three transformers and over 200 feet of primary high voltage wire strung. Power was restored around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Additionally, blown fuses were replaced and plenty of branches removed from electrical wires.

Clerk’s Report: No Report.

Treasurer’s Report: Frank presented the Treasurer’s Report. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion passed unanimously. Frank also informed the council that Lauer, Szabo, and Associates will be conducting the annual audit during the week of May 20.

Health and Safety: No report.

Action Items:

1.The Council discussed Section 4-Discretionary Days, of the Employee Policy. After several minutes of discussion, it was moved and seconded to remove the word “Discretionary” from the section heading and change the heading to “Days Off.” The motion passed unanimously. A second motion was made and seconded to strike the word “prior” from subsection I and add “within 48 hours.” The motion passed unanimously.

2. The Council discussed updating the community center rental agreement due to the addition of internet/Wi-Fi service and a TV. Following a lively discussion, it was moved and seconded to raise the rental fee from $50 to $75. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items: None.

Upcoming Meetings: Town Council meeting – May 8 at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Colorado Municipal League District 1 Spring meeting – May 16 at Fort Morgan.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.