Monday, October 28, 2024

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, Rob Evans, Kristin Schwartz, Don Steerman

Absent:  Lance Clark

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 10/14/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –9/24/2024

b)    Planning and Zoning Board – 9/25/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #100561-100654

• 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

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz provided a copy of the 2023 write-offs for the water/sewer and sanitation accounts.  They wrote off $7,418.33 for water/sewer accounts which was .25% of the $2,969,346.61 billed and $6,213.36 for sanitation accounts which was .42% of the $1,479,048.84 billed.

City Treasurer Schwartz provided a brief grant update; she, Tess, and Anne-Marie have been working on the EPA grant, which you will see a public hearing on tonight.  They have been looking at some grants they are going to apply for in 2025.  We received notification that we were denied the grant from FEMA for the Fire Department radios.  They have had a few meetings on the TAP grant and are waiting on CDOT to move us forward with a notice to proceed so we can go out for bid.  There was a meeting for the funding on the waste water treatment plant, we are still moving forward on the CDS funding processed through the EPA.  We are waiting to hear if we need to go out for bid for engineer for the design of the project.  We should know about this sometime this week.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that she and IT Director Sanchez have been working many hours on the Tyler conversion.  We have had several meetings with them and are working on trying to get the data in the correct format for them.  Tyler has requested about 16-25 hours’ worth of meetings the first week of January.

Councilmember Jenkins asked what the status of the traffic study was.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that she is working on the RFP, she received information on the scope of work to create the RFP.  She wants to get a draft to both Rob and Al before it gets sent out.  She is anticipating right after the first of the year once we get the bids back and evaluate prior to Council approving the award of bid.

Chief Fear found several venders that we will send bid packets to.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that in the month of September there were 1,792 sales tax returns posted.  For new licenses we have had 2 Lamar and 6 non-Lamar and 2 Lamar accounts closed.

She stated that for residential services there were 59 electric and 42 water connects along with 47 electric and 30 water disconnects and for Commercial services there were 7 electric and 1 water connect along with 4 electric and 0 water disconnects.

In the Cemeteries for September there was 1 lot purchased at Fairmount along with 2 opening/closing and 1 opening/closing in the Veteran’s section.

Mayor Crespin asked about the City Christmas Party.  City Clerk Williams stated that the party is schedule for December 7, 2024 at the Elk’s, she is currently working on menu and pricing to bring back to Council for discussion.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

• October 30, 2024 – AM Breakfast House

Trunk or Treat

City Administrator Evans announced that the Library Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 31, 2024 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the City Complex Parking Lot.

Lamar PD Auxiliary

City Administrator Evans announced that the Lamar PD Auxiliary will be hosting a Day of the Dead Celebration on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the North Gateway Park.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:

Library will begin their winter reading program on November 1, 2024.

IT Department has been working on the Tyler Conversion, meeting with hardware reps and the SAN purchase will be done by the end of the week.

Police Department continues pushing their social media page and increase participation has been noticed on their page.  They are also going to participate in the Toys for Tots fundraiser with both the Highway Patrol and Sheriff Department at Wal-Mart on November 29, 2024.  They are also partnering with the CBI on a drug enforcement task force issue.

Parks & Recreation just finished up their youth flag and tackle football along with soccer season.  They are going to do as much repair as they can, along with sending more soil and water samples out for inspection.

Rob gave a thank you to public works for all that they do.  He also stated that the Taxiway A project is still in progress.  The Lead Service Line Inventory starts on November 13, 2024.  He stated that they will continue some further crack sealing and paving but the milling machine is cleaned up and sent back.

Mayor Crespin asked about temporary handicap parking for those in need during the Trunk or Treat.  City Administrator Evans stated that they have a plan in place for the parking.

Councilmember Jenkins asked about the camera in the park, City Administrator Evans stated that the city will put up the cameras, they do not want a citizen putting them up in the cemetery.  This came about due to some damage done at Riverside Cemetery.

Miscellaneous

None

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Planning & Zoning

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Planning & Zoning Board will be holding a public hearing in December for a zoning change in Langston Heights for the new build of six residential homes

Historic Preservation Board

Councilmember Zavala reported that he attended a meeting regarding Historic Preservation with Community Development Director Crampton.  Great meeting lots of good information and looking forward to future meetings.

LPI Board

Councilmember Bates stated this was the first meeting since Martha left so they were working on some reorganization and upcoming changes.

Miscellaneous

None

OLD BUSINESS

Amend Resolution No. 24-10-02 to Repeal Section 6 Donated Leave and Replace with Chapter III, Section 6 Sick Leave Sharing Program in the City of Lamar Personnel Policy Handbook

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to table the Amend Resolution No. 24-10-02 to Repeal Section 6 Donated Leave and Replace with Chapter III, Section 6 Sick Leave Sharing Program in the City of Lamar Personnel Policy Handbook.

• 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”.

Ordinance No. 1274 – “An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1274 – “An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Ordinance No. 1275 – “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1275 – “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 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”.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing Regarding EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to open the public hearing for the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application at 7:36 p.m.

• 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”.

Proof of Publication – Published in paper of record and posted on site.

Opening Remarks – Grant Manager Camp, Community Development Director Crampton, and City Treasurer Schwartz gave a brief review of the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application along with providing a copy of a condensed version of the draft application for Council’s review.

Mayor Crespin asked for comments against the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application; none received

Mayor Crespin asked for comments in favor of the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application; none received

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application at 7:45 p.m.

• 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”.

Resolution 24-10-02 to Adopt 2025 Rates and Fee Schedule

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Resolution 24-10-02 to Adopt 2025 Rates and Fee Schedule with modification of correct Resolution # of 24-10-02 instead of 24-10-01 as published in agenda.

• 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”.

Award Bid 44-012 for Legal Paper of Record

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve and award Bid 44-012 for Legal Paper of Record to Kiowa County Press for the remainder of 2024 thru 12-31-2025 and send new bids out for 2026.

• 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”.

Review and Possible Approval of Mobile Food Vender Special Event Permit Application

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the Mobile Food Vender Special Event Permit Application with the $5.00 permit fee and make changes to application per Council’s request and with City Attorney approval.

• 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”.

Appointment to Lamar Utilities Board

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the appointment of Elmer Grett to an un-expired (5) five-year term expiring August 1, 2027.

• 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”.

Approve Letter of Agreement with JVA for Lamar Water Distribution Improvements

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Letter of Agreement with JVA for Lamar Water Distribution Improvements and authorize 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”.

Social Media Archive

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the Social Media Archive Agreement with SMARSH 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”.

Miscellaneous

Community Development Director Crampton wanted to acknowledge the Stanley Trust for their generous donation to the Lamar Animal Shelter and future Dog Park.  With their donation adoptions have been free to citizens along with providing a doggy swag bag.  The Animal Shelter also applies for a Pet Overpopulation Grant yearly which goes to help chip any of the dogs that are adopted out.

Councilmember Jenkins asked if there was an update to the Dog Park.  City Administrator Evans stated that they have had some items come in and will begin construction in the near future.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that the SECOG Grant has an ending date of March 31, 2025, this grant was going to be used towards the purchase and laying of the sod for the Dog Park.

Executive Session – For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding ongoing negotiations for a Public Safety Building

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to enter into an executive session –For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding ongoing negotiations for a Public Safety Building.

• 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 8:19 p.m.

City Treasurer Schwartz and City Clerk Williams were also in attendance at the Executive Session.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 8:54 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”.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales 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 8:55 p.m.

Lance Clark as City Attorney attests pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(2)(d.5)(II)(B) that a portion of the executive minutes not recorded constituted a privileged attorney-client conversation.

Lance Clark

Linda Williams – City Clerk 

Kirk Crespin – Mayor