Monday, August 11, 2025

The City Council met in a regular session at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room with Mayor Crespin presiding.

Present:  Joe Gonzales, Shalah Mata, Gerry Jenkins, Kirk Crespin, David Zavala, Brent Bates, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark

Absent:   Manuel Tamez

Amend Agenda

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to Amend Agenda to add new item 10 Lamar Lions/Flag Pole Committee In-Kind Request and move Items 10 & 11 Miscellaneous and Executive Session to Items 11 & 12.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-3. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 7/28/2025

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 7/15/25

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #102762 - #102887 plus one ACH

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Audience Participation

Dee Perales, 304 S 13th St. addressed the Council in regards to a mobile home she owns at 604 N 6th St. and what she feels is unnecessary harassment by Code Enforcement Mike Bellomy.  The property is not rentable at this time and she is working towards improving and cleaning up the property.  He has also referenced 602 N 6th St. which is rentable but not rented at this time.  She has made visible improvements to the location and despite this she continues to receive citations, threats of fines or criminal charges against her and feels that this is counterproductive to what she is doing.  As of August 9, 2025 she received another violation to remove the mobile home, which she is not able to do.  She understands the need to maintain safety and community standards and is committed to doing so, however the frequency and tone of these code enforcement actions are beginning to feel less like regulations and more like harassment.  She is requesting that City Council consider the extent of these actions and if there is resources or other means out there to help with the removal of this mobile home, she is willing to comply if funding is made available.  If not she will continue to keep the properties clean and maintained.

Mayor Crespin stated that they will need to look into this further and requested she provide her phone number so that he can get in touch with her with the findings.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz announced that she included the 2nd quarter financials in the packet for review.  She did point out a few concerns.  The police department is running at 67% spent, he is aware and is going to try to keep his budget tight.  This was and inherited issue and out of his control.  She is always available to answer any questions Council may have at any time.

City Treasurer Schwartz gave a grant update on the following TAP Grant.  There was a meeting with CDOT to move forward, engineering work has begun.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they did the last data pull from ADG on Wednesday it went well but took all day.  Thursday and Friday worked on getting reports and today was balancing.  We will be going live this week in Tyler for financials.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the July revenue report reflected collections of $502,089.62 which was down .59% or $2,954.84.  Year to Date collections were $3,256,929.79 which was up 2.97% or $94,060.17 from 2024.

City Clerk Williams announced that anyone interested in running for Mayor or Councilmember there are positions open in all three wards and the Mayor position. 

City Administrator Report

Back to School

Mayor Crespin announced that students return to school this week, we ask that everyone remember to take extra precaution while in a school zone.

• o   Avoid distractions while driving, watch your speed, and be aware of your surroundings.

Fishing Day

Mayor Crespin announced that the Saturday, August 16, 2025 is fishing day at the new fishing dock 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Parks & Recreation department will have fishing poles on loan while supplies last and all participants must have a fishing license to participate.

Free Skate Camp and Showcase

Mayor Crespin announced that there is a free skate camp and showcase on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Willow Valley Skate Park.

• 8:00-10:00 a.m. Skate Camp
• 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Skate Showcase & BBQ

Featured Pro Skater Jud Heald

Department Updates

Mayor Crespin provided the department project updates below.

o   Park & Recreation Department fall sports registration is open

o   Fire Department has been busy with water rescue standby for the Corporate Cup, Firework Display ending the Saturday night Rodeo and celebrating their 138th Anniversary

o   Public Works is getting ready for their yearly paving project, they have been working on the parking lot at Escondido Park Community Field and their new trash truck is due to arrive this month.

o   Police Department has begun receiving their new Axon body cameras so they are compliant with the regulations from the State, the public safety building meetings continue with the engineer and the traffic study will begin soon.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin shared a thank you from Sand & Sage Fairboard member Diane Pool, thanking the City for all of their help during the parade and fair, it was enjoyable seeing the parade back on Main St. and downtown.

Council Liaison

Planning & Zoning

Councilmember Zavala stated that there will be a P&Z meeting on August 13th and 14th.

SECCI Fight Night

Councilmember Bates reported that the SECCI Fight Night was rained out, they were able to give out the prizes before the rain and due to the wonderful sponsorships they received the event turned out great.

Sand and Sage Parade

Mayor Crespin announced how excited people were to see the street sweeper following behind the parade picking up left over droppings and candy.

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment to Lamar Utilities Board

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the re-appointment of Robert Jay Brooke to an expired 5-year term expiring August 1, 2030

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Approve Sponsorship of AARP Funds for Lighting and Seating Improvements

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve sponsorship of AARP Funds for Lighting and Seating Improvements for the Main Street area and allow the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Intergovernmental Agreement Concerning Conduct of Coordinated Election – 2025

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement Concerning Conduct of Coordinated Election – 2025 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

C&L In-Kind Request

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve in-kind request of up to 50% discount with maximum being $2,000.00 in landfill fees to C&L Investment for the dumping of demolition materials from 1207/1209 S. Main St. and allow City Treasurer to move funds from the City of Lamar Special Project to Sanitation for reimbursement to the fund.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Motion to Ratify Council Approval of the City of Lamar’s Fiduciary Renewal Quote

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the motion to ratify Council approval of the City of Lamar’s Fiduciary Renewal Quote with Travelers.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Approval of Agreement Providing for Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services in Prowers County Colorado

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Agreement Providing for Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services in Prowers County Colorado and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Approval of Letter to Colorado Division of Environmental Health & Sustainability Regarding Annual Financial Assurance Requirement for the Landfill

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Letter to Colorado Division of Environmental Health & Sustainability regarding Annual Financial Assurance Requirement for the Landfill and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Award Bid 45-008 – Financing for a 2025 Pierce Saber Type 1 Engine – Fire Department

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve and award Bid 45-008 – Financing for a 2025 Pierce Saber Type 1 Engine for Fire Department to Community State Bank and authorize the Mayor Pro-Tem to sign.

Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Zavala, Bates

• Voting No:    
• Abstain:  Crespin

Mayor Crespin abstained due to working for Community State Bank.

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 5-0”.

Intergovernmental Agreement with Lamar School District

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve 2025-2026 Intergovernmental Agreement with Lamar School District and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Lamar Lions Flag Pole Committee In-Kind Request

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Lamar Lions Flag Pole Committee In-Kind Request of the City donating 250 red bricks which Public Works has in reserve from the Main St. re-paving project.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:    

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Miscellaneous

Lamar Lion’s member John Davis announced that they will be doing a flag pole dedication after the 911 Tribute on September 6, 2025 at the Court House lawn.

Executive Session – For the Purpose of Determining Positions Relative to Matters that May be Subject to Negotiations, Developing Strategy for Negotiations, and/or Instructing Negotiators Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(e) regarding the City Administrator Search

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into Executive Session – For the Purpose of Determining Positions Relative to Matters that May be Subject to Negotiations, Developing Strategy for Negotiations, and/or Instructing Negotiators Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(e) regarding the City Administrator Search.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:     None

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Regular meeting recessed and executive session convened at 7:48 p.m.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:03 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:     None

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that the meeting adjourn.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
• Voting No:     None

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk

Kirk Crespin – Mayor