DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the February 2026 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on February 10th 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 March 2026 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, February 10, 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: Brittany Arellano, Jacob Helgoth, Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank, and Michelle Asfeld.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley asked for any additions or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
No public comment
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, consisting of the January minutes and bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Maintenance Superintendent’s Report:
Helgoth informed the council of the maintenance department work for the past month. Power was lost at the substation south of town caused by high winds. The substation is WAPA’s responsibility and they promptly restored power. A sewer line clog was reported and resolved.
Some repairs were made to the pumping station at the sewer pond. Several loads of gravel were delivered to a new road in the Wild Horse Ridge addition. The industrial arts students pulled the locate nails that were placed in the streets for locates prior to the installation of the fiber optic cable for PC Telcom. Some of streets have been graded. A new streetlight was installed at the railroad crossing. 10 new benches were assembled and distributed to the parks, cemetery, and the fishing pond. The divider wall in the old school bus barn/quonset has been removed. The building will be moved after the foundation work has been completed.
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.
Clerk’s Report: No report.
Action Items:
1. The liquor license renewal application for Kiki’s Bar & Grill was reviewed by the council. All the necessary paperwork was completed. It was moved and seconded to renew said liquor license. This motion requires a voice vote and each council member responded in the affirmative. Motion passed unanimously.
2. The MEAN Master Services Agreement was reviewed. It was moved and seconded to approve the agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
3. A request from the Northeast Rural Philanthropy Days (July 8-10 in Yuma) was reviewed and discussed. It was moved and seconded to donate $100.00 towards this endeavor. Motion passed unanimously.
4. An apparent typo was found while reviewing the zoning ordinance. It was moved and seconded to insert the correct section reference (4-04) under section 5-04, Temporary Uses Permitted. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Betley informed the council that he and Langridge interviewed 3 candidates for the community center custodian position. One candidate stood out as the best qualified and they recommend hiring Milinda Hickey. It was moved and seconded to offer Hickey the position. Motion passed with Hickey abstaining.
Discussion Items:
1. The possibility of a part-time road grader operator was discussed. Long-time maintenance superintendent, Keith Beck, is retiring at the end of March and Helgoth believes it would be beneficial to have a part-time person devoted to blading streets. This would allow him and Gorman to concentrate on other necessary work. The council decided to address this issue as an action item next month.
2. Walker discussed the possibility of a mural on the south side of the Town Shop. High school students are interested in the project and have come up with several ideas for a mural to help commemorate the 250/150 USA/Colorado birthday celebration. The council encouraged Walker to continue working on this project and bring a budget to the council next month.
3. Betley informed the council that Gorman had completed the necessary education and testing for Class S Water Treatment Operator Certification.
4. Betley shared with the council Ordinance #2, 1976, the last time council renumeration/pay was addressed. This Ordinance established pay for the mayor at $50/month and $25/month for council members. After a short discussion, it was decided to revisit this issue at a future meeting.
Upcoming Events:
1. March 10, 2026, Town Council Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. Town Hall
2. March 20, 2026, Employee Appreciation/Beck Retirement Party
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:42 P.M. Motion passed unanimously.