Fleming Focus

January Town Council Summary

The council met for their regular monthly meeting on January 14, at the Town Hall. Mayor Sue Einspahr called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The following council members were present: Stefan Betley, DeeAnn Christopher (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), Nancy Glaspie, John Stone, Pam Harms, and Ken MacCrone. Also present were: Pat LaGuardia, Richard Kerker (left 6:07 p.m.) and Jeff Otto (left 6:12 p.m.).

Additions/Corrections to the Agenda: Asfeld asked that Ordinance #1-2020 be added under Action Item #4. Betley asked to add Focus update to the Clerk’s report. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. All voted. Motion passed.

Public Comment: Kerker asked what could be done about barking dogs. Einspahr said there are ordinances concerning the matter. Beck will take the dog owner a warning.

Otto said the Haxtun Hospital District is close to starting their remodeling project at the Fleming Clinic. He said part of the remodeling project will require a 2-inch water line for fire suppression. Einspahr told him the town won’t charge for a water tap but the clinic will need to pay for the supply line. Otto also said they are looking into refurbishing the outside of the clinic. Betley said they will need a building permit.

Consent Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda. All voted. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Gorman presented the Treasurer’s Report. He said some of the NOW account funds were used to pay for the Sewer construction and will be replenished when the DOLA Grant funds are reimbursed. Gorman would like to cash in the CD because funds will be needed to pay for a portion of the next phase of the sewer bill. When the DOLA funds are received, he will replenish the CD and add the $30,000 budgeted for the addition to the CD. A motion was made and seconded to cash in the CD. All voted. Motion passed.

Gorman received two engagement letters from Lauer, Szabo & Associates for the 2019 audit. The audit for the town is contained in one letter and the second letter is for the Sewer Account audit. A motion was made and seconded to accept the audit engagement letters. All voted. Motion passed.

Clerk’s Report: Asfeld told the council she published the Fleming Focus to the Fleming School’s website on January 10th, but the Focus has not been linked to the school’s webpage yet.

Electric Report: Beck said the new poles should be here January 16th. The council talked about the solar transmission fee the town is being charged. A motion was made and seconded to charge solar users the transmission fee starting in February. All voted. Motion passed.

Water Report: Beck visited with the council about purchasing three study guides/books that will be beneficial to Hobbs to complete his certification training.

Sewer Report: Beck would like permission to change the new pump house from green treated sheetrock to OSB. It will be cheaper and sturdier. The current shed at the pumping station will be moved and utilized at the cemetery.

Health and Safety: Beck said there are trees that need to be trimmed or cut down in an alley of the sewer problem area. He said there will be short power outages while they are working on the trees. He would like to move the sewer line to the center of the alley. Velocity will determine the additional cost of moving the sewer line.

Parks and Recreation: A motion was made and seconded to donate $100 to Rural Philanthropy Days. All voted. Motion passed.

Action Items: A motion was made and seconded to designate the 2^nd Tues. of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Fleming Town Hall as the regular council meeting. All voted. Motion passed. A motion was made and seconded to designate the town hall, First Natl Bank and the Post Office as the official posting places for Agenda. All voted. Motion passed. A motion was made and seconded to designate the Haxtun-Fleming Herald, the official newspaper. All voted. Motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to accept emergency Ordinance #1-2020 accepting the loan from the USDA for $897,000 for the sewer project at the decreased interest rate of 1.625%. All in favor by voice vote. Motion passed. The loan papers will be signed on February 3, 2020 with the first payment due on March 3, 2020 and the last payment on February 3, 2060.

Einspahr discussed a few additions to the employee handbook. After much discussion, a motion was made and seconded stating that the town pickup is to be in the possession of the individual on call. All voted, with Stone voting no. Motion passed. The council discussed their goals for each employee.

Discussion Items: The council discussed the following items: a fire hydrant by CHS/Grainland for fire truck usage, repairing the backhoe, fixing street lights, consider allowing a licensed boat or camper to be parked on the side of a house. Further discussion on the parking of a boat or camper on the side of the house will be addressed at the February meeting.

Workshops: CO Rural Water Conference-February 10th –13th.

Executive Session: At 7:53 p.m. a motion was made and seconded to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Section 24-6-402(4)(f) Colorado Revised Statutes for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter regarding an employee. All voted. Motion passed. At 8:15 p.m. a motion was made and seconded to conclude the Executive Session and return to the regular meeting. All voted. Motion passed.

Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. All voted. Motion passed.