DISCLAIMER: These are unofficial minutes for the April 2026 Town Council Meeting hosted at the Town Hall on April 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 May 2026 Town Council Meeting.
All Town Meeting Summaries are also posted in the Fleming Focus.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
April 14, 2026
The Fleming Town Council held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 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: Scott Szabo (left at 6:51pm), Jacob Helgoth, Joelle Gapter, Keith Beck (arrived at 6:56pm), Lewis Frank, and Michelle Asfeld.
Additions/Corrections to the Agenda:
Betley asked for any additions or corrections to the agenda. He requested adding Action Item 9-Temporary Water Operator. He also suggested adding a discussion item, Rowan/Carwin Water Agreement, ahead of Council Concerns. Hearing no other additions/corrections to the agenda, it was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Szabo presented the audit findings to the council. The town remains in a good financial position with more than adequate reserves to accommodate unforeseen expenditures. Szabo did indicate that perhaps sewer rates may need to be raised. At the conclusion of his presentation, he let the council know that the threshold for annual audits has been raised from $750,000 to $1 million. This would allow for the council to request an exemption from the audit, as the town of Fleming budget falls under the threshold. The council thanked Szabo for that information and his presentation.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of the March minutes and bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Maintenance Superintendent’s Report:
Helgoth informed the council that the March incident at the well house caused the well motor to burn up. Work is still required to reconnect power to the well. Several additional electrical issues were identified with the recent power outage, that will be addressed at the next planned power outage. A clogged sewer line at the mobile home park was resolved. Repairs to the road grader have been completed. The foundation forms are in place at the new site for the quonset (old school bus barn).
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 from the clerk. Gapter, the Media Relations Coordinator, stated that the Town wide garage sale is Saturday, June 6th .
Executive Session
An executive session was not needed.
1. Betley shared 2 resignation requests with the council. Fletcher Gorman resigned on March 13th, and Jacob Helgoth is resigning on April 30th. It was moved and seconded to accept both resignations. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Betley informed the council that with Helgoth’s resignation, he exercised his authority to hire Beck as an emergency hire, following Beck’s retirement on March 31st. The length of employment will last until a permanent employee can be hired and trained. A short discussion followed. It was moved and seconded to ratify the mayor’s action. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Langridge told the council that he and Wernsman had interviewed 2 candidates for the part-time road grader position: Justin Hickey and Zach Morris. Both candidates are well qualified. They recommend hiring Morris for the position. It was moved and seconded to offer Morris the part-time road grader position for up to 20 hours per month, with Morris doing daily maintenance and repair work to the road grader. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Langridge and Wernsman felt strongly about Justin Hickey’s experience and, due to the need for a maintenance employee, suggested to the council that Hickey be offered a full-time maintenance position. After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded to offer Justin Hickey a full-time maintenance position with a 45-day probation period. Motion passed with M.Hickey abstaining.
5. The need for a Maintenance Supervisor was discussed. It was moved and seconded to advertise for a Maintenance Supervisor. Motion passed unanimously.
6. The need for a seasonal groundskeeper, primarily to mow and trim weeds, was discussed. It was moved and seconded to advertise for a seasonal groundskeeper position at minimum wage. Motion passed unanimously.
7. The council discussed a proclamation for child abuse prevention and awareness. It was moved and seconded to sign a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. Motion passed unanimously.
8. WAPA Contract #17-SLC-0844 concerning scheduling, accounting, and billing was reviewed. It was moved and seconded to accept Contract #17-SLC-0844. Motion passed unanimously.
9. The mayor suggested that the last 2 Action Items go together. Notification has been received from CDPHE that the town of Fleming is out of compliance with state requirements, regarding a certified water operator on staff. AquaVein LLC, out of Sterling, has offered to provide certified water operator services for a fee of $1,000/month. It was moved and seconded to accept the offer from AquaVein LLC, on a month-to-month basis. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion Items:
1. Walker updated the council on plans for a mural on the south wall of the town shop. He has been in contact with Jared Reitz, an artist from Haxtun, who is interested in the project and has offered to paint the mural for $500. It was agreed upon to move forward with the mural project. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Replacement of the well house was discussed. The town’s insurance carrier will pay a portion of the replacement cost. A few bids have already been received. After a short discussion, it was agreed to advertise in the Fleming Focus and the Town Website for bids for the well house. The bids will be reviewed at the May meeting.
3. Betley shared with the council that Marilyn Carwin had contacted the town about the sale of property on which the town water wells are located. Carwin will retain the water rights following the sale and the lease agreement will remain in place over the length of her life.
Upcoming Meetings:
May 12th, 2026, Council meeting at Town Hall-6:30 PM.
May 21st, 2026, CML District meeting at Brush!
Adjournment:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:03 P.M. Motion passed unanimously.