Fleming Town Council rejects lone bid on motel/café property

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 10. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:31 p.m. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller, Bill Langridge, Bonnie Jackson and Alex Gapter. Suzanne Wales and Cathy Castillo were absent. Also present were Brad Combs, Fletcher Gorman (left at 6:45 p.m.), Joelle and Daniel Gapter and Lewis Frank.

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Betley requested adding Junk Jaunt as item number five under Action Items and asked for any other additions or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment: No public comment.

Consent Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of the June minutes and bills. The motion passed unanimously.

Maintenance Report: Gorman shared with the Council that the shipment of transformers has been received. The maintenance employees will be working on repairing several large potholes. The splash pad surface needs to be repainted and clear coated.

Clerk's Report: No clerk's report. No media relations report.

Treasurer's Report: Frank presented the Treasurer's Report. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer's Report and the motion passed unanimously. Following-up from the June meeting, Frank shared additional information about several investment options for the Council to consider. After a brief discussion, a decision was reserved for next month.

Executive Session: At 7:01 p.m. Muller made a motion to enter into Executive Session, C.R.S Section 24-6-402(4)(a) to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal or other property for the Fleming Cemetery. Jackson seconded the motion. All voted and the motion passed unanimously.

At 7:14 p.m. a motion was made by Langridge and seconded by A. Gapter to conclude the Executive Session and return to the regular council meeting. All voted and the motion passed unanimously.

Action Items:

1. Betley told the Council that following the June meeting, he had spoken with Greg Etl with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Etl advised that grants are available for projects such as a shop/equipment building. The town should continue to get cost estimates in order to move forward with a grant application.

2. Frank informed the Council that he had spoken with Spelts Roofing at the beginning of the week. They hope to get Fleming's roof replaced in the next two to three weeks. They are struggling to accomplish an inordinate amount of work after last year's storms.

3. The Council discussed the possibility of additional land for the cemetery. It was moved and seconded to grant Mayor Betley authority to negotiate with Cochran for the potential acquisition of land to the east of the current cemetery. The motion passed unanimously.

4. The Council opened the one bid received for the former motel and café building. The bid was from Brad Combs, who owns the property directly east of the motel/café. The Council was unable to accept the bid as it was less than the required minimum bid. The Council discussed with Combs his vision and agreed to continue exploring various options.

5. The Council discussed the possibility of a donation to the Junk Jaunt for the purpose of advertising the event. It is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-6. It was moved and seconded to donate $100 to the Junk Jaunt. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items:

1. Betley shared with the Council that Fleming (and other northeast Colorado counties and towns) were successful with the RAISE grant application. The exact details/grant dollar amounts have not yet been shared.

2. The Council discussed dates for a work session. It was agreed to hold a work session on Aug. 7 at the community center, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Meetings: Council and staff work session – Aug. 7 at the community center at 6:30 p.m. Town Council meeting – Aug. 14 at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:39 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.