DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the December 2023 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on December 13th at 6:30PM. 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 January 2023 Town Council Meeting.
All Town Meeting Summaries are also posted in the Fleming Focus.
The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 p.m. The following council members were present: Cathy Castillo, Bill Langridge, Suzanne Wales, Alex Gapter, and Bonnie Jackson. Andrew Muller was absent.
Also Present: Keith Beck, Lewis Frank, and Michelle Asfeld.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley shared that no communication had been received from the Logan County Chamber, therefore item #1 under Action Items, would be tabled for the January meeting. Hearing no other additions or corrections to the agenda, it was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Media Relations Coordinator Report
J.Gapter was unable to attend the meeting and did not submit a report.
Consent Agenda:
Betley asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the November 8th regular meeting and to pay the November bills. It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes and pay the bills. The motion passed unanimously.
Maintenance Report:
Beck informed the council that the shipment of utility poles has been delivered. Cement was poured around the new fire hydrant and the streetlight will be installed soon. The electric line is being changed by the new storage units north of Highway 6.
All the water tests have been completed for the year. Hickey and Gorman are working on obtaining the necessary credentials for the water tests.
Several areas of the streets are getting some work regarding drainage issues.
Treasurer’s Report:
Frank presented the Treasurer’s Report. It was moved and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All voted. Motion passed unanimously.
Frank presented the final draft of the 2024 budget. The council was shown that their requests for additional appropriations for project planning, project(s) and park enhancements had been included.
1. Resolution #4-2023 Supplemental Budget & Appropriation (General Fund) was discussed. This resolution is needed to address a deficiency in the General Fund balance. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution #5-2023 Supplemental Budget & Appropriation (Sewer Fund) was discussed. This resolution is needed to address a deficiency in the Sewer Fund balance. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Resolution #6-2023 Summarizing Expenditures & Revenue. The resolution is the acceptance of the 2024 budget that was presented. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Resolution #7-2023 Appropriating Sums of Money for the General Fund. $324,465 is budgeted to be expended in the General Fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Resolution #8-2023 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Electric Fund. $384,216 is budgeted to be expended in the Electric Fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Resolution #9-2023 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Water Fund. $239,281 is budgeted to be expended in the Water Fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Resolution #10-2023 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Sewer Fund. $206,970 is budgeted to be spent in the Sewer Fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
8. Resolution #11-2023 Appropriating Sums of Money for the Conservation Trust Fund. $12,500 is budgeted to be expended in the Conservation Trust Fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
9. The mill levies for 2024 were presented and discussed. It was moved and seconded to approve the mill levy at 29.285 mills.
Health and Safety: Nothing to report.
Parks & Recreation: Nothing to report.
Action Items:
10. A revision to the Employee Policy-Discretionary Days and Holidays was discussed. It was moved and seconded to accept the revisions to the Employee Policy - Discretionary Days and Holidays. Motion passed unanimously.
11. The council discussed employee bonuses. It was moved and seconded to give the full-time and part-time employees a bonus, in recognition of their outstanding performance. Motion passed with Gapter abstaining.
12. The council had the 2nd reading of Ordinance 3-2023 (5-2020 Town of Fleming Zoning Ordinance, Section 5-03 adding (B)(2)). It was moved and seconded to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 3-2023 (5-2020 Town of Fleming Zoning Ordinance, Section 5-03 adding (B)(2)). Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion Items:
1. Jackson brought up the possibility of adding a large screen T.V. and DVD player to the community center. Some discussion followed with the final decision to do some further investigation of prices.
2. The annual employee recognition dinner was discussed. Available March 2024 dates will be explored with Kiki’s.
Upcoming Meetings:
The next council meeting will be January 10th at the Town Hall at 6:30pm.
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:06pm. Motion passed unanimously.