Fleming Town Council hears reports of newly installed book box and fire hydrant in Fleming

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales and Bonnie Jackson (arrived at 6:36 p.m.). Cathy Castillo and Alex Gapter were absent. Also present: Grace Rossignol (left at 7:10 p.m.), Keith Beck (left at 6:50 p.m.), Lewis Frank and Michelle Asfeld.

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: Betley read an email from Jamie Grim, with Colorado Department of Transportation. The email was her means of introducing herself and sharing her contact information for future reference.

Rossignol shared that the book box has been installed at North Park and thanked the Council for their support of this project.

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: Beck reported that the cost of light poles has increased. He can purchase poles with the Town of Fort Morgan to reduce the transportation cost. Issues at the water wells have been identified and resolved. Hickey and Gorman will work on obtaining their water system certification. Andria Cox from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (Wray office) will be conducting a site visit to the wastewater project as part of the loan agreement.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld reported that 70 bags of popcorn were handed out during the Fall Festival on behalf of the Council.

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 addressed the Council on an employee’s behalf. The employee is interested in being paid bi-monthly instead of monthly. Mayor Betley feels that bi-monthly isn’t a feasible option because the Town doesn’t have the resources or employment to do bi-monthly.

The first draft of the 2024 budget was presented and discussed. The Council directed Frank to add expenditures for Capital Project planning, Capital Projects and Park Improvement. The second draft of the budget will be reviewed and discussed at the November meeting.

Health and Safety: The fire hydrant has been installed on the northeast side of the Highway 6 intersection into Fleming. The plan is to pour cement around the hydrant and install a streetlight and several traffic bollards.

Action Items: The probation period for the newly hired maintenance employee was discussed. Following positive comments from Beck and council members, it was moved and seconded to end the probationary period for Gorman, the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items: Muller and Langridge will be conducting Employee Evaluations on Oct. 26.

Betley opened a discussion on additional ways to positively impact the town employees. After a brief conversation on this issue, it was decided to make this an action item for the November meeting.

Upcoming Meetings: The next Council meeting will be Nov. 8 at 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.