Fleming Town Council Renews Liquor License, Addresses Staffing and Projects

The Fleming Town Council renewed a liquor license and approved a community center custodian hire at its regular meeting Feb. 10, while initiating staffing plans to cover longtime Maintenance Superintendent Keith Beck’s retirement at the end of March. Mayor Stefan Betley presided over the meeting as council members and town staff discussed near-term operational needs and personnel scheduling.

Mayor Stefan Betley called the meeting to order and "With no additions or corrections, the agenda was approved unanimously." Council members present included Bill Langridge, Milinda Hickey, Scott Walker, Josh Wernsman, Kamie Lambrecht and Bonnie Jackson. Town staff and attendees named in the meeting were Brittany Arellano, Jacob Helgoth, Joelle Gapter, Lewis Frank and Michelle Asfeld, along with interested residents. "No public comment was offered." The council also "approved the consent agenda, including the January minutes and bills."

Personnel items dominated the middle of the agenda. "Betley reported that he and Langridge had interviewed three candidates for the community center custodian position and recommended hiring Milinda Hickey as the most qualified applicant." The council acted to approve the hire. "The council approved the hire, with Hickey abstaining from the vote." The meeting record does not provide start date or compensation details for the custodian position.

Council members turned quickly to maintenance staffing once Beck’s retirement was raised. "Looking ahead, the Council discussed the possibility of hiring a part-time road grader operator in light of longtime Maintenance Superintendent Keith Beck's upcoming retirement at the end of March." Jacob Helgoth outlined the operational rationale: "Helgoth indicated that having a dedicated grader operator would allow other staff to focus on additional maintenance needs." The council "plans to revisit the matter as an action item next month," signaling a formal vote or job description could appear on the March agenda.

The council announced two upcoming dates tied to these personnel moves. "The next regular meeting of the Fleming Town Council will be held March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall." In addition, "An Employee Appreciation and Retirement Party honoring Beck is scheduled for March 20." Council members will return March 10 to finalize next steps on the grader operator and other action items stemming from Beck’s departure.