Fox concerns brought to Fleming Town Council meeting

The Fleming Town Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Fleming Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Cathy Castillo, Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales, Alex Gapter and Bonnie Jackson. Also present were Lewis Frank, Joelle Gapter (left at 7:28 p.m.), Daniel Gapter (left at 6:55 p.m.), Grace Rossignol (left at 6:55 p.m.), Tola, Mathias and Felicity Wales (left at 6:50 p.m.), Sandy Kinzie (left at 6:50 p.m.) and Michelle Asfeld. Felicity shared cupcakes with everyone at the meeting in honor of her 15th birthday.

Additions/corrections to the agenda: It was requested to move the Media Relations Report after the Clerk’s Report. Hearing no other additions/corrections to the agenda, it was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as corrected, all voted and the motion passed.

Public Comment: No public comment.

Summer Reading Report: Rossignol reported on the Summer Reading Program. Because of the library remodeling project, the Summer Reading Program was only held for two weeks. Rossignol stated that she’s looking forward to next year’s Summer Reading Program. Kinzie reported that 43 families checked out boxes of books before the remodeling project started.

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

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.

Clerk’s Report: Nothing to report.

Media Relations: J. Gapter reviewed the meeting that was held with the GOCO representative on Sept. 9. A planning and capacity grant was discussed.

In the absence of Maintenance Supervisor Beck, Mayor Betley gave the maintenance report.

Electric: The Town received three transformers. New service was connected to the bus barn at the school.

Water Report: The Town water distribution system has been converted to bleach (for chlorination).

Sewer Report: Nothing to report.

Streets: Nothing to report.

Health and Safety: The fire hydrant at North Park has been changed. There was no update on the fire hydrant at CHS/Grainland.

Parks & Recreation: The Council discussed potential landscaping options around the newly completed splash pad. Fundraising to assist with expenses for the splash pad was also a topic of discussion.

Action Items: Updated job description for Town Librarian - It was moved and seconded to approve the updated job description for the Town Librarian, all voted and the motion passed.

2023 Worker’s Compensation Preliminary Quote - The annual cost for the insurance will be $3,603.00, an increase of $309 from the prior year. It was moved and seconded to approve the 2023 Worker’s Compensation Preliminary Quote, all voted and the motion passed.

2023 Property/Casualty Preliminary Quote - The annual cost for the insurance will be $15,595.30, an increase of $509 from the prior year. It was moved and seconded to approve the 2023 Property/Casualty Preliminary Quote, all voted and the motion passed.

Discussion Items: The Council was given information on Family and Medical Leave Insurance. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that at present, the Town of Fleming is considering declining all participation in FAMLI. The employees can decide to participate in FAMLI at any time in the future if they choose to do so. FAMLI will be on the October Agenda for employees that wish to comment on said insurance.

A concern was brought to the Council’s attention regarding foxes on the south side of town. State, county, and town ordinance/regulations were discussed and it was determined because of said ordinances/regulations no action could be taken at this time.

Langridge and Muller will coordinate their schedules to conduct Employee Evaluations prior to the November council meeting.

A brief discussion was held concerning the Christmas Festival and possible dates. The Council would like to invite Santa to the Town Hall this year.

Upcoming Events: Town Council Meeting, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:23 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.