City Council Minutes

Monday, November 11, 2024

The City Council met in a regular session at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room with Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem Manuel Tamez presiding.

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

Absent: Kirk Crespin

Councilmember Jenkins stepped out of meeting at 7:02 p.m.

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4, with removal of check #100705 Gonzales Unlimited.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 10/28/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a) Utilities Board –10/15/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #100655-100771

Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
Voting No: None

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

Approve Check #100705 to Gonzales Unlimited

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve check #100705 in the amount of $13,962.97 to Gonzales Unlimited for vehicle repairs.

Voting Yes: Mata, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
Voting No: None
Abstain: Gonzales

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 4-0”.

Councilmember Jenkins returned to meeting at 7:06 p.m.

Audience Participation

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz provided a brief grant update.

She reported that we were awarded the Colorado State Library Grant, which helps towards the purchases in the Library.

She stated that she, Tess, and Anne-Marie continue to work on the EPA Grant application, this is due on November 14, 2024.

She reported that they continue working on the Tyler software, trying to get the first upload to them in the correct format.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the September revenue report reflected collections of $453,170.06 which was down 3.34% or $15,641.72. Year to Date collections were $4,646,031.40 which was up 6.34% or $6.34 from 2023.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

November 20, 2024 – Rivals
November 27, 2024 – No Coffee with Rob

Lamar Public Library Holiday Food Drive

City Administrator Evans announced that the Library is hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive November 1, 2024 thru December 20, 2024. All items will be donated to Sparrow House Ministries

Domestic Safety Resource Center Fantasy Tree Auction

City Administrator Evans announced that the Domestic Safety Resource Center Fantasy Tree Dinner, Auction, and Dance is Saturday, November 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at the Lamar Elks Lodge.

Office Closure

City Administrator Evans announced that the City Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, 2024 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Christmas Party

City Administrator Evans announced that the City Christmas Party is Saturday, December 7, 2024 6:00 -11:00 p.m. at the Lamar Elks Lodge.

Parade of Lights

City Administrator Evans announced that the Parade of Lights is Saturday, November 30, 2024 beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Council Meeting

City Administrator Evans reported that the last meeting in December is scheduled for December 23, 2024. He is asking for guidance on how to proceed, re-schedule or cancel and permission for Treasurer to pay necessary bills.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:

Police Department is working on traffic control along with interviews for the Commander and new ACO officer position.
Public Works has been dealing with a building maintenance emergency, several of the buildings showed roof leaking with the recent storm. They are almost done with the paving for the year and gearing up for the Leadline Potholing project to begin. They are also continuing work on the Taxiway A project at the Airport.
Parks & Recreation has been working on the start of the Recreation Master Plan along with continued work on Escondido and the beginning of the Dog Park.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Gonzales asked about a Council float during the Parade of Lights. City Administrator Evans stated that they will be putting one together.

Councilmember Tamez brought up all the Veteran’s Day celebrations around the City of Lamar.

City Administrator Evans mentioned that Arby’s is closer to opening, probably closer to the beginning of December.

Councilmember Gonzales asked about the Burger King building, he noticed activity at the building. City Administrator Evans stated that the building has been sold and there will be something going in, at this time he cannot say what.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Tamez mentioned the recent ribbon cuttings for the Thunder Stadium and Tavern 1301, both great events.

Councilmember Bates asked when the RFP will be going out on the traffic study. City Treasurer Schwartz stated that the RFP went out last week. She guesses it will be around the first of the year before being able to get an agreement signed once bids have come in.

Councilmember Jenkins thanked the Police Chief for getting the solar speed limit sign up, it is located south of the stoplight at Savage Avenue.

Councilmember Gonzales asked if they could patrol the 14th Street area, they have lots of high speeds going up and down the street.

OLD BUSINESS

Adopt Resolution No. 24-11-01 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 Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve to Adopt Resolution No. 24-11-01 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, Zavala, Tamez, Bates
Voting No: None