City Council Minutes
Monday, June 23, 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, Manuel Tamez, Brent Bates, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark
Absent:
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-3.
- Item #1 -Approval of Council Meeting Minutes - 5/27/2025
- Item #2 - Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions
- Utilities Board -5/2712025
- Planning & Zoning Commission - 5/14/2025
- Adjustments & Appeals Board - 3/26/2025
- Item #3 - Payment of Bills
- General Fund-Vouchers #102268 - #102382
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Audience Participation
Ron Clausen, 1408 S 8th St., member of American Legion Post 71, asked about an update on the crosses being placed on all veteran cemetery plots. Council requested he get in touch with the Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery Director LaTour and get it schedule to come back to Council for possible approval.
City Treasurer Report
City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they are currently working on a work plan for the EPA Brownfield Grant, this has to be turned in by the end of this week. This is the next step before we will have our grant agreement.
City Treasurer Schwartz reported that she received a notice to proceed on the TAP Grant for the sidewalks.
City Clerk Report
City Clerk Williams reported that the May revenue report reflected collections of
$446,353.66 which was up 10.39% or $41,996.10. Year to Date collections were
$2,320,629.85 which was up 4.37% or $97,156.03 from 2024.
City Clerk Williams gave an update on requirements to have chickens within the city limits along with the amount of active licenses that have been issued.
City Administrator Report
Fire Dept. Project Update
Mayor Crespin stated that the Fire Department had a crew at PMC last week working with the Prowers County Youth Academy, showing them different scenarios that they deal with. He also stated that they currently have 2 openings that they are taking applications for, one is an Engineer and the other is a Captain.
Community Development Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that they have added a permits and license applications to the City website for a variety of departments. They have assisted with various events around the City, the Community Social was postponed until July 11, 2025 due to weather.
Library Project Update
Mayor Crespin announced that the Library Summer Reading Program has started and their numbers are the highest that they have had in a long time if ever.
Public Works Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that Public Works Department is working on the sidewalk and parking lot for the floating dock at North Gateway Ponds along with alley maintenance around town and final planning is being done for the archery range.
Police Department Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that the Police Department had visits with the Prowers County Youth Academy, they are working on upgrading equipment per state laws. They are providing security and law enforcement services for various events.
Parks & Recreation Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that Parks & Recreation Department is also helping with the archery range final plans and specialized soil is being delivered to Escondido Park to begin work on the soccer field. He reported that there was a good turnout for their open house held on June 30, 2025. He stated that the repairs were completed at the pool and they were able to open last week.
Building Department Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that the access permit has been submitted to COOT for the Public Safety Building and Planning and Zoning is having a meeting on June 10, 2025.
IT Department Project Update
Mayor Crespin reported that the IT Department has been working on the Tyler Technologies software program. They have been working on the phone system at the Community Building.
Miscellaneous
Mayor Crespin stated that he has agreed to join the County Commissioners, Ty Winters, and Rod Pelton to host a town hall meeting on June 17, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Resource Center.
Councilmember Tamez gave brief update on the recent Common Grounds which highlighted the Fire & Ambulance Department. They gave a great presentation and update on what their department is doing.
Community Social
Mayor Crespin announced that the Community Social scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025 had been postponed and reschedule for Friday, July 11, 2025.
Friday with the Force
Mayor Crespin announce that Friday with the Force is Friday, June 20, 2025, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Willow Creek Park
Council Liaison
Public Safety Board Update
Councilmember Jenkins announced that the board met with Roger Graham of COOT. He stated that he will help try to get something done on Main St. regarding the speeding and also work on the light at the Middle School.
Main St. Lamar Board Update
Councilmember Bates reported that they are currently working on their 2025-2025 Strategic Plan, they are also selling Main St. merchandise. Currently you can purchase a Brew Unto Others or the Home & Season Store. They are trying to finish up the Main St. Mini Grant by doing repairs and upkeep to the story board at the Welcome Center. He thanked the lodging panel for their input of printing the necessary items for the story board. He also gave a reminder that they are still looking for sponsors for the Corporate Cup and they still have room for one or two more teams.
PMC Update
Mayor Crespin reported that the new CT Scan is in place and working well. They have also hired a new general surgeon Dr. Scott Clark. They wanted to stop any rumors going around that PMC was turning away expectant mothers. This is not a true statement as PMC is accommodating all expectant mothers. Also the PMC health fair is every Wednesday in July, call for and appointment.
Miscellaneous
Councilmember Bates asked that if you hear rumors to please contact the organization to confirm the information.
OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1279 - "An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Vacating Mullen Street between Lots 3 and 4 in Block 2 in First Subdivision of J.W. Bent's Cottage Place Addition also known as 700 East Beech Street; and Lots 1, 2, and 3 in Block 3 in First Subdivision of J.W. Bent's Cottage Place Addition also known as 701 East Beech Street, City of Lamar, Colorado"
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Ordinance No. - "An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Vacating Mullen Street between Lots 3 and 4 in Block 2 in First Subdivision of J.W. Bent's Cottage Place Addition also known as 700 East Beech Street; and Lots 1, 2, and 3 in Block 3 in First Subdivision of J.W. Bent's Cottage Place Addition also known as 701 East Beech Street, City of Lamar, Colorado".
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion Regarding Properties on W. Oak St.
Mr. Campbell addressed the Council regarding land he purchased years ago on W. Oak St. that has old mobile homes still on the land. He owns the land but not the mobile homes on the land and every year gets calls on cleaning up the property. He has worked with both building department and code enforcement and is asking for some guidance on next steps. After discussion between Mr. Campbell and Council which provided some information and recommendation to Mr. Campbell it was stated that if he gets through the beginning process he can return to Council for some further guidance and possible help in removing them.
Resolution 25-06-01 Adoption of City of Lamar Comprehensive Plan Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Resolution 25-06-01 Adoption of City of Lamar Comprehensive Plan.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
About F.A.C.E. (Families and Communities Engaged) Grant
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the submission of the About F.A.C.E. (Families and Communities Engaged) Grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to be used towards youth sport registration fees at the Community Building and use of the Community Building by the youth.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Realignment of Positions and Pay within the Fire Department
Discussion regarding the advancements of staff and demands of EMS and Fire services there was a need to do an alignment to pay grades. Fire Engineers will now have 3 pay grades and will be placed in one of the three depending on their level of EMT training.
Fire/Basic will be grade 140, Fire/Advanced will be grade 150, and Fire/Paramedic will be grade 160 with updated pay schedules. Salaried employees rates will remain the same but their pay grade will be advanced by one to accommodate the realignment.
Revised position descriptions and salary grade by title will be provided as well. The increase to this year's budget will be a total of $9,486.47 split between the general fund and ambulance fund.
Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the realignment of positions and pay within the Fire Department.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Renewal of LCC Inspection MOU
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the renewal of LCC Inspection MOU for fire and building inspections.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates Voting
- No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Councilmember Jenkins stepped out of meeting.
Letter Agreement Amendment for Additional Services with JVA Inc. Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the Letter Agreement Amendment for Additional Services with JVA, Inc. for the Willow Valley waterline project.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0".
Councilmember Jenkins was back in meeting.
Proposal Agreement for Law Enforcement and Security Services
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approved the Agreement for Law Enforcement and Security Services with SEGO Pridefest and allow the Mayor to sign.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Discussion of Yard Sales in both Residential and Commercial Zoned Areas City Clerk Williams drafted an Ordinance regarding yard sales in both residential and commercial zoned areas for review by Council. Interim Police Chief Ridder gave a lengthy discussion on the issues and complaints that have been received regarding yard sales both in residential and commercial areas.
Council provided guidance to place the ordinance on the next agenda for possible reading and approval.
Schedule a Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round-
YR
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the
scheduling of a public hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round Up on June 23, 2025.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Approval of Change Order #3 with Tyler Technologies for Community Development Module that includes Tyler's upgrade of the Original Module Purchased
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve change order #3 with Tyler Technologies for Community Development Module that includes Tyler's upgrade of the Original Module Purchased.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Miscellaneous
None
Executive Session - For the Purpose of Determining Positions Relative to Matters that May be Subiect 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 Mata 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, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Regular meeting recessed and executive session convened at 8:25 p.m.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:22 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
Adiournment
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that the meeting adjourn.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated "Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0".
The meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
Linda Williams - City Clerk
Kirk Crespin - Mayor