Fleming Town Council approves 2025 budget and documents

The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:46 p.m. The following council members were present: Cathy Castillo, Bill Langridge, Bonnie Jackson, Suzanne Wales and Alex Gapter. Andrew Muller was absent. Also present were Marvin Einspahr, Niyol Wind Representatives Joe, Nathan, Tyreen and Chris (left at 7:16 p.m.), Justin and Milinda Hickey (left at 6:52 p.m.), Joelle and Daniel Gapter, Michelle Asfeld and Lewis Frank.

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

Public Comment: There was no additional public comment as there had been a public hearing prior to the meeting on a Niyol Variance Permit and the 2025 Budget.

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

Maintenance Report: J. Hickey reported that time is being spent working on resolving issues with several pieces of equipment. The required copper and lead test for the town water supply have been submitted. Maintenance employees will be working on some street drainage issues on the north side of town.

Treasurer's Report: Frank presented the Treasurer's Report. Frank informed the Council that the Raymond James Investment account had been liquidated and the funds transferred to ColoTrust. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer's Report. The motion passed unanimously. Frank then gave a quick overview of the 2025 budget.

• It was moved and seconded to accept the third and final reading of the 2025 budget. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to approve Resolution #8-2024 Adoption of Budget. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #9-2024 Appropriating Sums of Money for the General Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #10-2024 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Electric Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #11-2024 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Water Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #12-2024 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Sewer Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #13-2024 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Conservation Trust Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution #14-2024 Set Mill Levy. The motion passed unanimously.

• It was moved and seconded to certify the Mill Levy. The motion passed unanimously.

Clerk's Report: No report.

Action Items:

• The Council discussed the variance request from Niyol Wind regarding access to their facility. It was moved and seconded to approve a variance for 13 months. The motion passed unanimously. The Council asked Niyol Wind to provide updates regarding their work with Colorado Department of Transportation. It was also suggested that other possible solutions be explored in the meantime, in case there is a denial from CDOT.

• The party involved with the dog compliance issue had stated in a written note that they would like additional time to find homes for the excess dogs. After giving the party an additional week, hoping they would come to the Council meeting to discuss the issues, the Town will move forward with notice of violation and associated process.

• A Christmas gift for town employees was discussed. It was moved and seconded to give the employees a Christmas gift. Motion passed. A. Gapter abstained.

Discussion Items:

• A notice advertising for a custodian for the community center will be in the Fleming Focus and on the Town website. Depending on the response, interviews will tentatively be scheduled for Jan. 3.

• Cost estimates for a new equipment/shop building are still awaited.

• Jackson talked to the Council about Fleming hosting a meeting for the Logan County Council on Aging group. The meeting would take place in the first quarter of the new year.

Upcoming Meetings: MEAN Resource Sharing meeting was scheduled for Dec. 12; Town Council meeting on Jan. 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.