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

  Joe Gonzales, Mark Headlee, Gerry Jenkins, Kirk Crespin, David Zavala, Brad Johnson, Bob Seay, Kristin Schwartz, Kristin Schwartz, Mitch Hammes

Absent:  Lance Clark

Amend Agenda

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to amend agenda moving Item 18 to Item 4, moving all other items down consecutively and removing Item 13 entirely. 

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 Consent Agenda

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 9/28/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 9/15/2026

 Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #105763 - #105876

Item #4 – License New/Renewal – None

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

Audience Participation

The following citizens voiced their concerns regarding data centers and their impact on the Lamar area.

Jerry Scofield, 701 E. Beech St.

Angelica O’Rourke, 510 W. Olive St.

Shelly Williams, 305 S 9th St.

Kirk Carpenter, 600 W. Park

Lisa Sneed, 26 Lynn St.

Jeanie Schmelzer, 308 E. Parmenter St.

Devlin O’Neill, 221 Sage Dr.

Julianna Ellis, 1102 S 11th St.

Margaret Foster, 1010 S 14th St.

City Treasurer Report

None

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams gave a brief Tyler update on the Accounts Receivable, Sales Tax, and Cemetery modules.

 City Administrator Report

Halloween Classic Martial Arts Championship

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Halloween Classic Martial Arts Championship is Saturday, October 17, 2026 9:00 a.m. at the Lamar Community Building.

Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness

City Administrator Hammes reported that the Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness is Thursday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce and Enchanted Forest.

LCC Annual Craft Fair

City Administrator Hammes reported that the LCC Annual Craft Fair is Saturday & Sunday, October 31 & November 1, 2026 at the LCC Wellness Center.

Trunk or Treats

City Administrator Hammes provided the list below of Trunk or Treat streets.

·         Lamar Public Library is Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the City Complex parking lot.

·         Lamar Elks Lodge is Saturday, October 31, 2026, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

·         Grace Family Worship Center is Saturday, October 31, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

City Administrator Hammes gave a thank you to Stephanie Strube and Pat Mason for covering for him while he was attending conferences over the last two weeks, he also thanked Council for allowing him to be able to attend.

Department Updates

Animal Control Update – Animal Shelter Manage Alexis Qualls provided and update on the animal shelter, how things are going, projects in the works and looking forward to great things moving forward.

Miscellaneous

None

 Council Liaison

Townhall

TuesdayMayor Crespin talked about the new Townhall Tuesday that he has implement.  This is a way of getting feedback from the community.  Last week’s post provided some really good suggestions, one being to use surveys.  The city would provide a link on the page with surveys that citizens can respond to.  Surveys and feedback from the community would provide information to mayor and Council so they can respond to the concerns of the community.

Moratorium & Data Center Input

Mayor Crespin stated that on tonight’s agenda is a discussion regarding the Moratorium what the moratorium does is give the City time to set the regulations that the community is requesting.  He also answered the question regarding whether any type of MNDA has been sign, the answer is no.  There are no ongoing discussion with any company and after the last meeting where it was decided to do a moratorium he contacted the company letting them know that the community requested a moratorium and time to work out regulations before there can be any further discussion.  At this time the company then denied the MNDA.  The conversations have stopped, however he did state that is it possible that someone will request this in the future, yes.  It is important that the Council gets this right the first time along with the feedback from the Community.

Councilmember Gonzales gave his input on the 24-month moratorium and the need to get the regulations created and put into place.  He reiterated the impertinence to get these completed because no one knows what a future Council may decide to do.

Councilmember Headlee provided input regarding the moratorium and data center discussion.  He agrees with what the community members concerns are against the data center, however his frustration is that during this time only one citizen has actually come to speak to him about their concerns.

Councilmember Jenkins provided her concerns against the moratorium and date center, she wants things to be created correctly and does not want to see the City in the middle of a lawsuit.

Councilmember Zavala voice his concerns along with stating that there have been no citizens reach out to him.  He has reached out to a variety of citizens to ask their input on the subject.

Councilmember Johnson wanted to reiterate that no deals have been signed and there is nothing in the works regarding a data center.

Councilmember Seay asked for the citizens of Ward I to have patience while he gets his bearings.  He also stated that a moratorium is put into place to give time to establish the requirements needed.  He feels that if you do 24 months it will take 24 months to complete the requirements.  If you do a moratorium he feels that it should have bench marks along the way showing the progress made towards the creation of the requirements.

Ordinance No. 1287 – “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Amending Chapter 22 “Subdivisions” Regulations of the Lamar Municipal Code”

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1287 – “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Amending Chapter 22 “Subdivisions” Regulations of the Lamar Municipal Code”.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 NEW BUSINESS

Presentation of 2027 Proposed Lamar Utilities Board Budget to City Council

Lamar Utility Board Superintendent Hourieh presented the 2027 proposed budget for Lamar Utilities Board with a brief overview.

 2027 Budget Hearing

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to open the public hearing for the 2027 Budget at 8:12 p.m.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

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 – City Treasurer gave a brief review on the 2027 Budget.

Mayor Crespin asked for comments against the 2027 Budget Hearing; none received

Mayor Crespin asked for comments in favor of the 2027 Budget Hearing; none received

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to close the 2027 Budget Hearing at 8:14 p.m.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:     None

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

 Public Hearing for Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing for Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to open the Public Hearing for Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision at 8:15 p.m.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

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 – Community Development Director Strube gave a brief review the annexation and zoning request for the Valco Subdivision.

Mayor Crespin asked for comments against the Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision.; none received

Mayor Crespin asked for comments in favor of the Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision.; none received

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to close the Public Hearing for Annexation and Initial Zoning of Property Known as the Valco Subdivision at 8:18 p.m.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:     None

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

Moratorium Discussion

After lengthy discussion on the options for moratorium lengths to give staff direction to create the moratorium regarding data centers and with the attorneys input.  There will be an 18-month moratorium created regarding data centers in the Lamar area.  There will be a committee formed including a council member, city staff and citizens to help create clear guidelines regarding data centers or any other large type enterprise that may want to come into the Lamar area.

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve an 18-month moratorium to create clear guidelines on data centers and/or any other large type enterprise that may want to come into the area and form a committee to help create the guidelines.  Committee chairperson will be Councilmember Headlee, along with City staff and they will accept applications from citizens to fill the remaining seats on the committee.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Seay

Voting No:     Johnson

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-1”.

 ORDINANCE 2ND READING

 Ordinance No. 1288 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado, Annexing the Property Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described on the Plat; Also Known as, a Portion of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 30 and a Portion of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, Recorded under Reception Number 527423, in Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1288 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado, Annexing the Property Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described on the Plat; Also Known as, a Portion of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 30 and a Portion of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, Recorded under Reception Number 527423, in Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 Ordinance No. 1289 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado, Annexing the Property Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described on the Plat; Also Known as, a Portion of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 30 and a Portion of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, Recorded under Reception Number 527423, in Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1289 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado Stating the Intent of the City of Lamar, Initiating Zoning Proceedings for such Property Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described on the Plat; Also Known as, a Portion of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 30 and a Portion of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, Recorded under Reception Number 527423, in Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 E-911 Dispatch System Update

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Seay seconded to approve the Motorola Solutions Municipal Lease for the E-911 Communications Center Upgrades in the amount of $207,604.47 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

Permission to Apply for the Victims Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Grant for 2027

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve permission to apply for the Victims Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Grant for 2027 in the amount of $25,000.00.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

State of Colorado CDOT AVIS Corridor Implementation Application

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approved the State of Colorado CDOT AVIS Corridor Implementation Application and authorize the Mayor to sign.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Provide Letter of Support Endorsing City Administrator Hammes for Appointment to the Vacant Colorado Municipal League Executive Board

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to ratify Council Approval to Provide a Letter of Support Endorsing City Administrator Hammes for Appointment to the vacant Colorado Municipal League Executive Board with the correction of Councilmember Seay added to the phone poll as a yes due to missing from original document submitted by City Clerk.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

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

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Letter to Colorado Division of Environmental Health & Sustainability regarding annual Financial Assurance Requirement for the Landfill and allow the Mayor to sign.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

Consulting Agreement - Gallagher Benefit Services

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Consulting Agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services and allow the Mayor to sign.Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 Update Liaison Appointments to Boards and Commissions

After discussion by Councilmembers the changes made were the following:

Parks & Recreation – Brad Johnson

Airport – Joe Gonzales

Water – Bob Seay

Historic Preservation – Brad Johnson

Golf – Seay

Remove Prowers Area Transit Board and CML Policy Committee not filled.

City of Lamar New Year’s Eve Gala Benefitting the William Wootten Public Safety Building Grant Matching Renovation Fund

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the City of Lamar New Year’s Eve Gala Benefitting the William Wootten Public Safety Building Grant Matching Renovation Fund and allow Mayor to sign any/all agreements not to exceed total of $3,000.00.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

Social Media Policy Discussion

After lengthy discussion amongst Councilmembers they gave direction to the City Administrator to create a Social Media Policy and bring back for review.

“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, 2027”

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve “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, 2027”.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2027”

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2027”.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

 Miscellaneous

City Administrator Hammes will be on KVAY in the morning.

Councilmember Johnson thanked Street Dept. for street repairs in Willow Valley.

Councilmember Headlee thanked those that came to the meeting tonight to discuss some of the topics.

Councilmember Gonzales wanted to elaborate on why he voted no on the CML Executive Board appointment for City Administrator Hammes.  He wanted him to focus on the City of Lamar, not that he was capable of being on the CML Board.

 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) Personnel Matters

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to enter into 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 Personnel Matters

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

Regular meeting recessed and executive session convened at 9:56 p.m.

In attendance beside Mayor and Council were City Administrator Hammes, City Treasurer Schwartz, and Special Council Attorneys Kobi Webb and Bob Cole.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded that executive session adjourn at 10:43 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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 Zavala seconded that the meeting adjourn.

Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Seay

Voting No:    

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:44 p.m.

Bob Cole as Special Council 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.