DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the March 2025 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on March 12th 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 April 2025 Town Council Meeting.
All Town Meeting Summaries are also posted in the Fleming Focus.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
March 12, 2025
The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 pm. The following council members were present: Bill Langridge, Scott Walker, Josh Wernsman, Kamie Lambrecht, and Bonnie Jackson. Milinda Hickey arrived at 6:33 pm.
Also Present: Steve McCracken (left at 6:55 pm), Randy Stahley (left at 6:55 pm), Joelle Gapter, Keith Beck (left at 7:21 pm), Lewis Frank, and Michelle Asfeld.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley asked for additions and/or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
McCracken introduced Stahley and proceeded to share with the council the revised plans for a new school complex. An integral part of the plan is the abandonment of three several streets. The council had a brief discussion with McCracken and Stahley and proceeded to add another action item to the agenda for a letter of support. McCracken then addressed the issue of the old bus barn. Regardless of whether a new school is built, the old bus barn needs to be removed. The council expressed to McCracken their continued interest in acquiring and moving the old bus barn.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of the February minutes and bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Maintenance Superintendent’s Report:
Beck reported on the power outage that occurred this past Sunday morning. The issue was a blown capacitor at the substation south of Town. The exact cost of the repair is not yet known, but Beck suggested it will be substantial.
Beck said that the materials needed for extending the water line to the cemetery should be delivered in the next couple of weeks. The Colorado Rural Water Conference is next week. Hickey and Gorman will be attending.
Beck also reported municipal court was held on Monday, March 3rd. The resident has been given a time frame to come into compliance with the associated ordinance before a monetary fine is levied.
Treasurer’s Report:
Frank reviewed the financial reports that had previously been provided to the council. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed unanimously. The council instructed Frank to liquidate the remainder of the Raymond James investment account. Frank also informed the council that the annual audit will be conducted on June 2nd and 3rd.
Library Report:
Lambrecht reported that the Dr. Seuss night drew 108 attendees. A slight increase from the previous year.
Clerk’s Report:
Asfeld reported on the status of conceptual drawings for the potential addition to Town Hall.
Gapter shared that the town-wide garage sale has been set for June 7th. She will be posting that information on the town website.
Action Items:
1. The council reviewed the WAPA/MEAN Contract #24-SLC-1348- Purchasing & Scheduling Agent Services. The initial discussion of this contract was at last month’s council meeting. It was moved and seconded to approve the contract. Motion passed unanimously.
2. The council discussed the possible abandonment of a total of three street blocks which consist of two street blocks of North Lincoln Avenue (west of the current school building and bus barn) and one street block of West Champa (south of the current school building) contingent upon the Frenchman School District receiving the BEST Grant, the passing of the school bond, and approval of the engineering report for the relocation of utilities. It was moved and seconded to prepare a letter of support for the proposed new school project with associated contingencies. Motion passed. Lambrecht abstained.
Discussion Items:
1. The council discussed the possibility of moving the old bus barn to Town property. Beck is in charge of getting cost estimates for cement and Frank to get an estimate for moving the building.
2. Betley informed the council that no new information has been shared regarding the RAISE Grant.
3. Jackson brought to the council the information she had gathered on benches for North Park and the pond. It was determined to table further discussion on this issue until contact has been made with the school construction program.
4. Betley reviewed the various committees and associated responsibilities with the council members. Council members then proceeded to make their make their committee choices.
5. Discussion on footstones at the cemetery was tabled until the cemetery committee has a chance to meet.
6. Frank discussed with the council a possible change to the employee retirement plan, specifically eligibility, to provide more flexibility. The council asked that he present specific wording for the changes at the April meeting.
7. Town clean-up day is Friday, April 25. After encountering several issues last year, the council decided that if people don’t follow the posted regulations that are in the Fleming Focus, on the Town website, or on the bulletin board at the Town Hall and post office, the resident will be responsible for hauling away their own stuff when it doesn’t get picked up.
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:21 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.