DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the January 2025 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on January 8th at 6:30 PM. These minutes are unofficial and unapproved, as the minutes for each meeting are approved and certified at the following Town Council Meeting. Therefore, these minutes are subject to change and won't be approved until the February 2025 Town Council Meeting.
All Town Meeting Summaries are also posted in the Fleming Focus.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
January 8, 2025
The Fleming Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 PM. The following council members were present: Andrew Muller (left at 7:37 PM), Cathy Castillo (left at 6:45 PM), Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales (left at 6:45 PM), Alex Gapter (left at 6:48 PM), and Bonnie Jackson. Also Present: Gary Schmidt (left at 6:40 PM), Dale Lousberg (left at 6:49 PM), Kamie Lambrecht, Melinda Hickey, Felicity Wales (left at 6:45 PM), Joelle and Daniel Gapter (left at 6:48 PM), Justin Hickey, Lewis Frank, and Michelle Asfeld.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley requested adding Council Resignation as Action Item number 5 and asked for any other additions or corrections to the agenda. Hearing no other additions or corrections, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Schmidt addressed the council regarding the Zoning Ordinance for placement of intermodular containers/storage containers.
Lousberg requested an additional month to get compliant with his ordinance infraction. Betley stated that the council will discuss the ordinance infraction later on in the meeting under Discussion Items and he is welcome to stay and be part of the discussion.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of the December minutes and bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Oath of Office:
Prior to swearing in the new council members, Betley took a couple moments to acknowledge the commitment and insight of the 3 outgoing council members; Wales, Castillo and A.Gapter. They were provided with a token of thanks.
The Clerk introduced the 2 new council members; Kamie Lambrecht and Milinda Hicky and administered the Oath of Office. Following the Oath of Office, Langridge was nominated as Mayor Pro-Tem.
With 3 outgoing council members and only 2 new council members seated, Betley formally declared a council vacancy.
Maintenance Report:
J.Hickey reported that the maintenance team is working on projects around the shop.
Treasurer’s Report:
Frank reviewed the financial reports. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk’s Report:
No report.
Action Items:
1. The council discussed the day, time, and location for the 2025 council meetings. It was moved and seconded to designate the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM, at the Fleming Town Hall as the regular council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
2. The council discussed posting places for the agenda. It was moved and seconded to designate the Fleming Town Hall, Fleming Post Office, and the Town Website (flemingcolorado.us) as the official posting places for the council agenda and publication location for legal notices. Motion passed unanimously.
3. The council discussed the designation of an official newspaper. It was moved and seconded to designate the Haxtun-Fleming Herald as the official newspaper. Motion passed.
4. Langridge shared with the council a synopsis of the interviews that were held for the community center custodian position. Three well-qualified candidates were interviewed. After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded to offer the position to Felicity Wales. Motion passed with Jackson abstaining.
5. Betley read a letter of resignation from Councilman Andrew Muller. With regret, it was moved and seconded to accept the resignation. Motion passed unanimously, leaving the council with 2 vacancies.
Discussion Items:
1. Betley gave an overview of the Council Committees. It was decided that the council will wait to make changes to the committees at a future meeting.
2. J.Hickey updated the council on the Resource Sharing Meeting he attended in December that was hosted by Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN).
3. The council is still in the process of attaining cost estimates for a new equipment/shop building.
4. The council discussed the Lousberg ordinance violation. It was determined to continue moving forward with prosecuting the infraction.
Upcoming Meetings:
Town Council meeting on February 12, 2025 @ 6:30 PM at Town Hall.
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:04 PM. Motion passed unanimously.