Monday, May 12, 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:                     

Amend Agenda to Add 2 Items Lamar Girls Softball Concession Contract and Dedication of Dog Park as Items 15-16 Moving Miscellaneous and Executive Session to Items 17-18

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve to Amend Agenda to add 2 Items Lamar Girls Softball Concession Contract and Dedication of Dog Park as Items 15-16 moving Miscellaneous and Executive Session to Items 17-18

• 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”.

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 4/28/2025

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

• Utilities Board –4/15/2025
• Main Street Lamar Board – 3/31/2025
• Planning & Zoning Board –4/16/2025

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #102044 – 102171

Item #4 – Licenses – New & Renewal

1. Tavern Liquor License – Lamar Lanes, LLC, 1704 S. Main St.

• 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”.

Approve Check #102094 to Gonzales Unlimited

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve check #102094 in the amount of $589.05 to Gonzales Unlimited for vehicle repairs.

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

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

Audience Participation

Kolby Brubacher, Chamber of Commerce President gave an update on their Cinco de Mayo event.  Attendance was good and events were well attended.  They received good feedback from venders as well as those that attended the event, they had no security issues.  Chihuahua race was a success with three entries. 

Councilmember Jenkins stated that it was a good event and well attended, she did see that there were several beer cans thrown on the ground and felt that those should have been picked up. 

He also stated that they have had sponsors for the Lamar Days BBQ, Renew Energy sponsored all First Responders, Colorado Energy Office sponsored all City Employees and Prowers County sponsored all County Employees.  BBQ is at the Chamber of Commerce on May 16, 2025 between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  No Booze Cruise Rod Run is Friday night, Parade is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning followed by all the events at Willow Creek Park with 57 venders both local and out of town.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz announced that Anne-Marie was contacted by the EPA requesting an updated budget for the Brownsfield Cleanup Grant for the Main Café.  Both Anne-Marie and Tess worked on the budget and submitted.  This tells us that they are working on the grant and trying to push it forward. 

City Treasurer Schwartz also provided copies of the 1st quarter financials in the packets for everyone’s review; with no questions at this time.  She informed Council that audit isn’t completed so there have been no journal entries made at this point.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the April revenue report reflected collections of $482,065.82 which was down 3.10% or $15,425.07.  Year to Date collections were $1,874,276.19 which was up 3.03% or $55,159.93 from 2024.

City Administrator Report

Fire Department Update

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez reported that Jose Corral’s last day is May 14, 2025.  Fire Department is needing a replacement ladder and the staff attended a career fair on Monday at the Community Building.

Community Development Department Update

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez reported that the department has moved locations to the Community Resource Center, they are looking forward to working with the Senior Center staff.

Library Update

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez reported that the final story hour for the homeschool activities is this week and the Library will be moving into their summer activities.

Public Works Department Update

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez reported on the following:

• Street Department has finished the removal of sod and dirt at Escondido Park.
• Building Maintenance has been working on the repairs at the Senior Center.  Repairs should be done by Friday or Saturday, once the base boards arrive.
• 2-million gallon water tank is being cleaned today, they have divers in the tank to complete this.
• Water Department sent in for a fluoride quote.
• Ramp at 1st St. and Wilson Pl. has been completed for the Lamar Family Dental Office.
• Water Department is working on replacing MTU’s that are not working or reading correctly along with working on manhole issues on Maple St.
• April clean-up month, transfer station had 480 vehicles and landfill did 123 vehicles.

Police Department Update

Mayor Crespin reported on the following:

Department is doing a lot more traffic stops and have published this on their Facebook page for citizens to be aware.

Police Appreciation Week

• New vehicle equipment has been delivered, they are hoping within the next 2-weeks they can begin work on the first car.  One of the vehicles will be equipped with the proper kennel for our new K-9 Taco.
• Friday Night with the Force is tentatively scheduled for June 20, 2025.
• Police Department was involved in the Career Fair at the Community Building.
• They will be working on getting more patrols around the ball fields in the evenings to prevent some of the issues that have been taking place.

IT Department Update

Mayor Crespin reported on the following:

• They have installed a lot of the cameras in the various buildings.
• Working on the Aclara server for the water department.
• Working on the Tyler software conversion.
• Waiting on the ICAC server for the Internet Crimes Against Children system to kick in.

Building Department Update

Mayor Crespin reported that the building department continues to stay very busy with permits and inspections.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin reported on the following:

• They are close to the end of the 30-day waiting period on the pit so we can move forward on the archery range.
• Anthony will give an update during the meeting on the Fishing for Fun Grant and the new dock.
• Parks has been very busy getting the ball parks and parks ready for Spring and Summer.
• Delay on the repairs at the swimming pool, hopefully will be completed by Memorial weekend or the following week.
• The new sod at Escondido Park should be being installed soon.

Mayor Crespin announced that he had asked Chief Fear to attend tonight’s meeting however due to flight delays was not able to make it.  Chief Fear did send a letter and asked the Mayor to read it to the public.  Chief Fear has resigned his position effective the end of May.  Chief Fear has made an impact to our community over the last year, changing things within the City regarding the Police Department.  Mayor Crespin read Chief Fears letter giving his reasoning for having to resign.  In the letter he did make the recommendation to place Commander Ridder as the Interim Police Chief, he also recommended Commander Ridder to be the next Chief of Police for Lamar.

Mayor Crespin stated that the Council and he will be meeting later tonight regarding the open position and will be making an announcement over the next couple of weeks regarding this position.

Police Appreciation Week

Mayor Crespin announced that Police Appreciation Week in May 12-17, 2025

Rhett Uhland Concert

Mayor Crespin announced that the Rhett Uhland concert is May 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at The LaMar.

Dog Park Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Crespin announced that the Dog Park Dedication and Ribbon Cutting is Friday, May 16, 2025, 11:00 p.m. at North Gateway Pond.

Lamar Days Events

Mayor Crespin announced that the Lamar Days Events begin Friday, May 16, 2025 with a BBQ at the Chamber of Commerce at 11:00 a.m. and No Booze Cruise at Sonic at 6:00 p.m.  Parade is May 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. and Lamar Days Rod Run Car Show at Willow Creek Park following the parade.

CML District Meeting

Mayor Crespin announced that the CML District Meeting is Thursday, May 22, 2025 in Ordway and the CML Annual Conference is June 24-27, 2025 in Breckenridge.

Office Closure

Mayor Crespin announced that the City Offices will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.  Council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Bates just wanted to ask that the Police Department do patrols through the park on Saturday to make presence known and people aware of their speed around the area.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Planning and Zoning Update

Councilmember Zavala announced that the board reviewed the Comprehensive Plan and tabled the decision until May 21, 2025.

Water Department Update

Councilmember Tamez reported that the water wells are up from last year and starting to recharge.  A drinking water inspection is next week, this happens every 3-5 years.  The lining of pipes for the wastewater continues along with preparing for the Willow Valley water line project to begin in the fall and they continue to look for funding for the WWTP project.

Main Street Lamar Update

Councilmember Bates stated that the board met last Monday, reminder Corporate Cup is July 30-August 2, 2025.  Reach out to Brenda May to sign up your team and they are also looking for Corporate Sponsors for the event.  He also stated that Main Street Lamar will be selling Lamar merchandise, currently the merchandise will be at the Home & Season Store and Brew Unto Others.

Councilmember Bates pointed out that at Poplar St. and Main St. a mural is going up on the North side of the building.

Councilmember Bates also stated that they will be holding their strategic planning meeting with DOLA on Friday, May 16, 2025 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Board and Commission Update

Mayor Crespin announced that there was a public notice released on the boards that have vacancies.  He listed the boards that had vacancies below:

• Airport Advisory Board – 1 opening
• Water Advisory Board – 1 opening
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board – 1 opening
• Lamar Tree Board – 1 opening
• Lamar Historic Board – 2 openings
• Lamar Housing Authority Board – 1 opening
•  Adjustment & Appeals Board – 1 opening

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for A&B Liquor LLC

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:29 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor.

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”.

Mayor Crespin asked if paperwork was in order and premises had been posted and publication given regarding the public hearing.  City Clerk Williams and Commander Ridder both responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone from Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor who would like to speak.

Kolby Brubacher, 210 Willow Valley gave a brief presentation of what Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor plans are, there will be no changes to the business besides putting in a drive thru window.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor.

Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor.

Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was any further questions of clarification needed by Council; none received.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to close the public hearing for Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor 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”.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor.

• 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 Proclamation No. 25-03 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring May 22, 2025 as Southeastern Developmental Services Awareness Day”

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Proclamation No. 25-03 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring May 22, 2025 as Southeastern Developmental Services Awareness Day”.

• 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 Discuss the Proposed Location for the Lions Club Flagpole

The Lion’s Club gave a brief review and held discussion with Council regarding the placement of an 80 ft. flagpole.  Their preference was at the Welcome Center, Council did not feel that there was sufficient room at the Welcome Center and made the suggestion of a location in Bicentennial Park.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the location of the Lions Club Flagpole at Bicentennial Park.

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

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

Main Street Lamar Mural Agreement

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Main Street Lamar Mural Agreement with Mr. Nidey and Ms. Mauch for the location of 123 N. Main St.

• 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”.

Permission to Apply for the Title III-B Grant for Senior Center Operations from the Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA)

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve permission to apply for the Title III-B Grant for Senior Center Operations from the Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA) in the amount of $25,000.00

• 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”.

An Agreement to Purchase the Bundle Program of Magnet Forensics

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to table the agreement to purchase the Bundle Program of Magnet Forensics

• 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”.

Property Lease Agreement – Lillian Norman

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the Property Lease Agreement with Lillian Norman regarding vacant land north of Escondido Soccer Field for public parking space in the amount of $2,500.00, pending attorney review for legal description.

• 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”.

Fishing for Fun Grant Progress Update

Park, Recreation and Cemetery Director LaTour reported that they were awarded the Fishing for Fun Grant in the fall of 2024 and grant runs from 9-15-2024 through 12-31-2025.  They recently received the quote for the ADA fishing pier and Public Works will begin construction within the next 60-days building the parking lot and the walkway to the dock.  Parks will then install the dock and there will be an engineer from EZDock to assist with the installation.

Approval of Agreement for Contractor Services with Home Store, LLC for Annual Flower Maintenance of Pots on Main Street to include the Pocket Park

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve Agreement for Contract Services with Home Store, LLC for Annual Flower Maintenance of Pots on Main Street to include the Pocket Park.

• 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 #2 with Tyler Technologies for Full Data Conversion of Sales Tax Information, to Add the Accounts Receivable Module and Remove Employee Time & Attendance

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Change Order #2 with Tyler Technologies for full data conversion of Sales Tax information, to add the Accounts Receivable Module and remove Employee Time & Attendance.

• 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”.

Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification, allow Mayor to sign and authorize City Treasurer to sign and submit.

• 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”.

Authorize City Treasurer to Receive Unclaimed Fund on Behalf of the City of Lamar from the State of Colorado Unclaimed Property Division

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to Authorize City Treasurer to received unclaimed funds on behalf of the City of Lamar from the State of Colorado Unclaimed Property Division.

• 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 45-005 for Financing for Wheel Loader for Streets

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve and award Bid 45-005 for Financing of Wheel Loader for Street Department to GN Bank and authorize the Mayor to sign upon Treasurer and Attorney review.

• 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”.

Intent to Participate in a Coordinated Election

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the Intent to Participate in a Coordinated Election with Prowers County.

• 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 Concession Contract at Lamar Sports Complex

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez moved to approve and award Concession Contract at Lamar Sports Complex to the Lamar Girls Softball Association 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 and Possible Approval of Naming Rights for Dog Park

There was discussion regarding the naming rights of the dog park due to generous donation from the Stanley Trust Foundation.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the name of Maggie Stanley Dog Park.

• 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 – (1) 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 (2) 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 Chief of Police

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to enter into Executive Session – (1) 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 (2) 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 Chief of Police.

• 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 9:05 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:55 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 Mata 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 9:56 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk                                   

Kirk Crespin – Mayor