Monday, September 23, 2024

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

Present:  Shalah Mata, Gerry Jenkins, Kirk Crespin, David Zavala, Manuel Tamez, Brent Bates, Rob Evans, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark

Absent:   Joe Gonzales

Amend Agenda

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to amend agenda to add Item 3 under Old Business – Approval for Mayor to Sign Purchase Agreement regarding 902 N. Main St. for Public Safety Building Site.

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

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

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4, with the correction in the 9/9/2024 minutes of council names in items 4 & 5 of new business.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 9/9/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –8/27/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #100289-100406

Item #4 – License –Renewal

a)    Tavern License – Desiree’s 104 E. Beech St., Lamar

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

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

Audience Participation

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz provided a brief grant update on the CDS funding also they have gone out to bid on the lead service line project.  Hopefully within the month we will hear from FEMA on the grant submitted for radios.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that in the month of August there were 1,835 returns posted, 5 Lamar and 3 non-Lamar new licenses and zero accounts closed.  For residential services there were 73 electric connects and 48 water connects along with 70 electric disconnects and 43 water disconnects.  For Commercial services there were 7 electric connects and 3 water connects along with 4 electric disconnects and 2 water disconnects.

She also reported that August was a pretty quiet month at the cemeteries.  There 4 opening/closings at Fairmount for the month.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

City Administrator Evans announced schedule for Coffee with Rob is below.  In October Rob will do all of his events at AM Breakfast.

• September 25, 2024 – Pit Stop

Career Fair & Business Expo

City Administrator Evans announced that the Career Fair & Business Expo is Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the LCC Wellness Center

LCC College Rodeo

City Administrator Evans announced that the LCC College Rodeo is Friday-Sunday, October 4-6, 2024 at the Prowers County Fairgrounds.

Lamar Chamber of Commerce – Oktoberfest

City Administrator Evans announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest is Saturday, October 4, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the SECCI Kick Cancer in the Cornhole Tournament at 2:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce and Enchanted Forest.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:

• Community Development continues working towards the Main Café completion along with news of 2 permits pulled for new homes.
• IT Department is working on their security audit remediation, moving to the new Tyler Software and helping PD with their electronic storage needs.
• Public Works has started their annual street paving project.
• Parks & Recreation is working on weed removal at all of the parks, ballfields, and cemeteries.
• Police Department still shorthanded with officers out and new officers in training.  They are asking if citizens see something to call it in and report it.
• Library is working on their annual Trunk or Treat for the children.

Miscellaneous

None

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Public Safety Board

Councilmember Jenkins announced that they have had one member resign from the Board so they will be advertising for an open position.

Fire Department

Councilmember Jenkins wanted to let the Fire Department know that they did a great job on the recent fire they had.

LPI Board

Councilmember Bates announced the DOLA Representatives were in Lamar for the recent LPI meeting along with touring the town, Main St. and visiting with local business owners.  LPI Board would like to schedule a joint meeting with the Council possibly in January.

SE Colorado Cancer Initiative (SECCI)

Councilmember Bates reported that SECCI will be sponsoring the Kick Cancer in the Cornhole Tournament during Oktoberfest.

CML District 6 Meeting

Mayor Crespin announced that most of Council and some staff will be attending the CML District 6 meeting in LaJunta on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Thank You

Mayor Crespin gave a thank you to everyone involved in helping to find Mykinthia.

Miscellaneous

None

Executive Session – (1) 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 Lamar Light & Power and Resolution 17-12-03, (2) 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 the Food Truck Ordinance

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into an executive session – (1) 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 Lamar Light & Power and Resolution 17-12-03, (2) 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 the Food Truck Ordinance.

Also in attendance were L&P Superintendent Houssin Hourieh, L&P Boardmembers Doug Thrall and Jay Brooke.

• Voting Yes:    Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, 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 7:17 p.m.

L&P Superintendent Houssin Hourieh, L&P Boardmembers Doug Thrall and Jay Brooke left the meeting at 7:41 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 7:46 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

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

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

OLD BUSINESS

Ordinance No. 1273 – “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Article I Regarding Mobile Food Trucks and Pushcarts”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1273 – “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Article I Regarding Mobile Food Trucks and Pushcarts”.

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

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

Consider Amending Resolution 17-12-03 Authorizing Payment of $350,000.00 Per Year From the City’s General Fund to the Lamar Utilities Board

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve adopting Resolution 24-09-01 Amending Resolution 17-12-03 Authorizing Payment of $350,000.00 Per Year from the City’s General Fund to the Lamar Utilities Board.

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

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

Approval for Mayor to Sign Purchase Agreement Regarding 902 N Main St. for Public Safety Building Site

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve for Mayor to Sign Purchase Agreement regarding 902 N. Main St. for Public Safety Building Site.

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

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

NEW BUSINESS

Approve CHP’s Quote and Funding of the Health and Dental Insurance Premiums for 2025

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the CHP Quote and Funding of the Health and Dental Insurance Premiums for employees in 2025 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Accept CIRSA’s 2025 Property/Casualty Preliminary Contribution Renewal Quote

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve to accept CIRSA’s 2025 Property/Casualty Preliminary Contribution Renewal Quote in the amount $810,443.90 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Accept CIRSA’s 2025 Worker Compensation Preliminary Contribution Quote

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve to accept CIRSA’s 2025 Worker Compensation Preliminary Contribution Quote and use prior year’s loss control credit of $13,512.13 to bring the total owed of $176,982.91 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Approve Streamline Agreement for New Website

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve Streamline Agreement and Addendum for new Website and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Permission to Apply for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the submission of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $25,000.00 with no required match to be used for the purchase of 2 SCBA’s and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Permission to Apply for the Animal Assistance Foundation Grant

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve submission of the Animal Assistance Foundation Grant in the amount of $15,000.00 with no required match to be used towards the animal shelter.

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

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

Permission to Apply for the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve submission of the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant in the amount of $371,000.00 for use to abate asbestos in the Main Café & the South Rhodes building.

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

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

Approve Letter Agreement with Ayres for Consulting Services for the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Letter Agreement with Ayres for Consulting Services for the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Approve Agreement with Ayres for Consulting Services for the Recreation Master Plan

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Agreement and Addendum with Ayres for Consulting Services for the Recreation Master Plan and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

Award Bid 44-011 for Internet Auction Company

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve and award Bid 44-011 for Internet Auction Company to Purple Wave for a three-year contract and allow Mayor to sign once received and reviewed by City Attorney and City Treasurer.

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

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

Miscellaneous

None

Executive Session – (1) 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 Property Annexation (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f) regarding Annual Performance Review Format and Scope

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into an executive session – (1) 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 Property Annexation (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f) regarding Annual Performance Review Format and Scope.

• Voting Yes:    Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, 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 8:30 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:28 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• Voting Yes:    Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, 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:    Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez, 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 9:29 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