Einspahr requests letter of support from Fleming Town Council

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 10. 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, Bonnie Jackson, Suzanne Wales and Alex Gapter. Cathy Castillo arrived at 6:46 p.m. Also present were Sue Einspahr (left at 6:43 p.m.), Tola Wales, Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank, Michelle Asfeld and Keith Beck (left at 7:44 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 approve the agenda as printed, the motion passed unanimously.

Public comment: Einspahr spoke to the Council about the effort of counties and municipalities in northeast Colorado to garner a RAISE Grant. She and Betley have been participating in meetings about this grant for several months. The grant will focus on project planning, with the Town of Fleming looking at resurfacing the main street along with curb/gutter/drainage work. The grant is to be submitted in a month and Einspahr is encouraging the Council to add their letter of participation for this grant.

J. Gapter spoke in the absence of the town librarian. The book box is full of books and is serving its purpose.

Media Relations Coordinator report: J. Gapter informed the \Council about adding a form to the website that a person would fill out and it would be emailed to the proper person/organization that it’s intended for. She also presented the idea of a chili and cinnamon roll competition in March at the Fleming Community Center.

Consent agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, the motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance report: Beck informed the Council that enhanced water testing will be required again this year because of switching over to bleach. He reviewed the Western Area Power Administration contract with the Council. Approval of the contract is scheduled later on in the meeting. Beck reminded the Council of the policy about blading snow to the outside edge of streets. This moves as much snow as possible from the center of the street, decreasing the amount of melting snow and hopefully creating less mud in the center of the street. The maintenance employees will be taking down Christmas lights as the weather permits. The wastewater system is operating properly.

Clerk’s report: Asfeld has been contacted by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension for a monetary donation in order to bring several educational programs and activities to the Wednesday noon gathering. The Council approved this expenditure.

Treasurer’s report: Frank presented the Treasurer’s Report. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report, the motion passed unanimously.

Health and safety: No report.

Parks and recreation: Beck asked the Council to take a more active role in helping to promote the Fleming Fall Festival. Beck also informed the Council that he received the bush hog mower attachment.

Action Items:

• It was moved and seconded to designate the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall as the regular council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to designate the Fleming Town Hall, Fleming Post Office, First National Bank of Fleming and the Town website (flemingcolorado.us) as the official posting places for the council meeting agenda and publication location for legal notices. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to designate the The Haxtun-Fleming Herald as the official newspaper. The motion passed.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #1-2024-Setting Mill Levy. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #2-2024-Contract with WAPA Rocky Mountain Region. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded adopt Resolution #3-2024-Setting day, time and posting places of the council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to submit a letter of participation for the RAISE Grant and to allow the mayor authority to sign documents on behalf of the Town. The motion passed unanimously.

• The Council decided to table the Eastern Transportation Planning Region Intergovernmental Agreement. This will allow further review of the agreement and a better understanding of what it entails.

•  It was moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #3-2023 (5-2020 Town of Fleming Zoning Ordinance) on third and final reading. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items:

• The Council discussed the frequency of the media relations and maintenance reports. It was decided to hear the media relations report every other month and rotate the maintenance report between all three maintenance employees.

• The Council looked at and discussed water rates from neighboring towns. The Council directed the administrative staff to gather electric rates as well so that both water and electric rates can be reviewed at the next meeting.

• The Council directed Asfeld to post the town librarian position with the departure of Rossignol coming in May.

Upcoming meetings: Public Hearing for liquor license renewal, Feb. 14 at the Town Hall at 6:15 p.m.; Town Council meeting, Feb. 14 at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.