DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the January 2026 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on January 14th 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 2026 Town Council Meeting.
All Town Meeting Summaries are also posted in the Fleming Focus.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
January 14, 2026
The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stefan Betley at 6:30 P.M. The following council members were present: Bill Langridge, Milinda Hickey, Scott Walker, Josh Wernsman, Kamie Lambrecht, and Bonnie Jackson.
Also Present: Jacob Helgoth, Fletcher Gorman, Joelle Gapter, and Lewis Frank.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley asked that the Letter of Engagement from Lauer, Szabo, and Associates be added to Action Item 8 on the agenda. It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
No public comment
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, consisting of the December minutes and bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Maintenance Superintendent’s Report:
Helgoth informed the council that maintenance employees have been replacing burned-out streetlights. They will be inspecting fire hydrants with the fire department. One of the pumps at the sewer pond was not functioning. Repairs were made, and the pump is running. There hasn’t been any street maintenance due to the locate markers that were placed in the streets for the fiber optic cable install by PC Telcom.
Helgoth spoke with Cash Cochran, and they hope to have the footers for the quonset in place by the end of the month. The maintenance department is also working on clearing some of the rubbish from the former motel.
Helgoth asked the council to consider replacing the old bucket truck and digger truck.
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.
Action Items:
1. Designation of day, time, and location of council meetings was discussed. It was moved and seconded to hold council meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Motion passed unanimously.
2. It was moved and seconded to post the agenda at the Town Hall, U.S. Post Office, 1st National Bank of Fleming, and on the town website. Motion passed unanimously.
3. It was moved and seconded to designate the Haxtun Fleming Herald as the official newspaper for the Town of Fleming proceedings. Motion passed unanimously.
4. The council discussed the need for a custodian at the community center. It was moved and seconded to post the announcement of the position. Motion passed unanimously.
5. The council read through possible changes to the Loss Prevention Policy. It was moved and seconded to update the policy with all suggested changes. Motion passed unanimously.
6. The probation period for Maintenance Supervisor Helgoth has ended. It was moved and seconded to end Helgoth’s probation period and grant him full employment with benefits. Motion passed unanimously.
7. The council reviewed the Variance Permit for Niyol Wind concerning access to their shop. It was agreed to revisit the variance at the July 2026 council meeting to see what progress is being made to correct the physical address.
8. The Letter of Engagement from Lauer, Szabo, and Associates for the 2025 Audit was presented to the council. It was moved and seconded to sign and return the letter. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion Items:
1. The annual employee appreciation dinner has been scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at Kiki’s. This will also be a retirement party for Beck.
2. Betley reminded everyone of the proper process to address concerns, ie, through supervisors first.
Upcoming Events:
1. February 10, 2026, Town Council Meeting 6:30 P.M. Town Hall
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:40 P.M. Motion passed unanimously.