Fleming Town Council approves budget

The Fleming Town Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9 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 Joelle Gapter (left at 6:40 p.m.), Grace Rossignol (left at 6:40 p.m.) and Lewis Frank.

Additions/Corrections to the agenda: Hearing no additions or corrections to the agenda, it was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as printed, all voted and the motion passed. 

Public Comment: Rossignol provided an update to the Council about the progress towards establishing of a book exchange box in the park.  

Media Relations Report: J. Gapter spoke to the Council about her ongoing efforts to secure grant funding for several town projects. She has reached out to surrounding communities to discuss their experiences and continues to talk with Greg Etl. She also updated the Council on her efforts to upload Fleming town history on the web page.

Executive Session: At 6:43 p.m. a motion was made and seconded to enter into Executive Session, Section 24-6-402(4)(f), for the purpose of discussing negotiations for employee wages, all voted and the motion passed.

At 7:30 p.m. a motion was made and seconded to conclude the Executive Session and return to the regular council meeting, all voted and the motion passed.

Consent Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.  All voted. Motion passed. 

Due to the Maintenance Superintendent being absent, no report was given.

Clerk’s Report: In the absence of the Clerk, Betley provided the unofficial results of Fleming’s ballot question. There were 176 votes cast with 128 in favor of moving the election to November and 48 apposed.

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 was passed.

Action Items

Second Reading of the 2023 Budget — Frank presented the second draft of the 2023 Budget. Following discussion, the Council addressed employee compensation. It was moved and seconded to accept the second draft of the 2023 budget with the adjustments to employee compensation, all voted and the motion passed.

CIRSA Optional Coverage Quotes — the Council considered the following Optional Insurance Coverage Quotes from CIRSA: Community Service Workers’ Accident Medical Plan, Equipment Breakdown Optional Coverage, No-fault Water Line Rupture and/or Sewer Backup Coverage and Occupational Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage. A motion was made and seconded to accept the prior listed coverages and premium quotes, all voted and the motion passed.

Discussion Items: The Christmas Festival is set to be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the fire station and Heritage Park.

Upcoming Meetings: Dec. 14, Public Hearing at 6 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall; Dec. 14, Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall.

Adjournment:  A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:25 p.m., all voted and the motion passed.