Town of Fleming's attempts to reach DOW go unanswered

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:32 p.m. The following council members were present: Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales, Alex Gapter, Bonnie Jackson and Cathy Castillo (arrived at 6:38 p.m.). Andrew Muller was absent. Also Present: Joelle and Daniel Gapter, Grace Rossignol (left at 7:16 p.m.), Michelle Asfeld, Lewis Frank and Justin Hickey (arrived at 6:43 p.m.).

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

Public Comment: Rossignol updated the Council on the book box. It is ready to be installed at North Park.

Media Relations Coordinator Grant Report: J. Gapter will be working on a master plan. She also shared information from the Town Project Committee meeting that had recently met.

Consent Agenda: Betley asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. It was moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, the motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance Report: In the absence of Maintenance Supervisor Beck, Maintenance employee Hickey gave the Maintenance Report. Hickey reported that the Town had been experiencing some issues with low voltage in August. The cause of the problem has not been identified. The low voltage may also have been the cause of an issue at the well. The potholes have been filled on main street. Main street will be swept this coming week in preparation for the Fall Festival.

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, all voted and the motion passed unanimously. Work has also begun on the initial draft of the 2024 Budget.

Health and Safety: Hickey reported that work is in progress on installing the fire hydrant located at CHS High-Plains. Excavation has occurred to expose the water line. The correct tap has been ordered and work will be completed prior to the Fall Festival.

Parks & Recreation: Jeff Schiel, Schiel Construction, will meet with the maintenance employees to go over the correct procedure to winterize the splash pad.

Hickey shared with the Council his concerns about the fishing pond. He has tried several times to communicate with the Division of Wildlife regarding restocking fish, as well as who is responsible for eliminating some of the weeds in the pond. Unfortunately, DOW has not responded.

Action Items:

• The Council passed the final reading of Resolution #2-2023-Signing Authority for the Town Hall Purchase. It was moved and seconded to approve the final reading of said Resolution, the motion passed unanimously.

• The Council discussed the Library Agreement. With the Town purchasing the building, there will no longer be a need to pay rent. The Town has agreed to financially support the Library Association at a rate of $100 per month through December 2034. It was moved and seconded to ratify this change to section 2c of the Library Agreement. The motion passed unanimously.

• The Council considered the 2024 Workers’ Compensation preliminary quote from CIRSA, in the amount of $3,132.90. After some brief discussion, it was moved and seconded accept the preliminary quote from CIRSA. Motion passed unanimously.

• The Council considered the 2024 Property/Casualty preliminary quote from CIRSA. Quotes for three deductibles were discussed. It was moved and seconded to accept the preliminary quote with a $500 deductible. The motion passed unanimously.

• Langridge, representative of the Personnel Committee, gave a brief report on the candidates they interviewed for the full-time maintenance position. Both candidates were very good candidates, making it a tough decision, but it was recommended to offer the position to Fletcher Gorman. A motion was made and seconded to offer the full-time Town Maintenance position to Fletcher Gorman, the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items:

• Fall Festival was discussed. The Town Council will be having a table with a few sign-up sheets.

• There was no new information on the Master Plan.

• The Council had a brief discussion regarding the frequency of reports at Council meetings. It was determined to revisit this issue at the beginning of the new year.

• The Council directed the treasurer to present three scenarios for possible employee wage increases (three percent, five percent and eight percent) for the 2024 budget.

• Betley brought two concerns to the Council. The owner of the motel is asking that the Town share half of the cost of title insurance for deeding the property to the Town. The Council is willing to pay the entire cost of the title insurance if the owner transfers a vacant property. The second issue is about some trees that have been planted on top of a sewer line and the request that the town help with the cost of removal of the trees. The Council is not inclined to agree to helping pay to remove the trees.

Upcoming Meetings: There is a Colorado Municipal League Fall District meeting in Sterling on Sept. 20 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The next Council meeting will be Oct. 11 at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.