City Council Minutes
Monday, April 28, 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:
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.
Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 4/14/2025
Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions
- Utilities Board –3/25/2025
- Historic Preservation Board – 3/11/2025
- Water Board – 1/09/2025, 2/13/2025, 3/13/2025
Item #3 – Payment of Bills
General Fund-Vouchers #101920 – 102043
Item #4 – Licenses – New & Renewal
- Fermented Malt & Wine – Love’s Country Store #38, 301 E. Olive 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”.
Audience Participation
None
City Treasurer Report
City Treasurer Schwartz announced that the application for the CDS funding for phase II of the wastewater treatment plant project has been submitted.
City Treasurer Schwartz reported that she and Tess Camp met with CDOT representative that took Don Skanga’s place. She believes everything has been turned in that they needed and we are waiting on a notice to proceed with the TAP Grant sidewalk project.
City Clerk Report
None
City Administrator Report
Arbor Day
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Arbor Day is April 30, 2025
Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in and around the Enchanted Forest, to also include a Chihuahua race.
La Mission Villanueva
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that La Mission Villanueva is hosting a Music on the Patio, Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Hats & Horses Derby Party
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Cornerstone Resource Center is hosting their annual fundraiser the Hats & Horses Derby Party “Run for the Roses” on Saturday, May 3, 2025 2:00-6:00 p.m. at The LaMar.
Greater Than Events
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Greater Than Events is hosting Tenth Avenue North on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Lamar Community Building.
Lamar Legacy Horse Sale
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that LCC will be hosting their annual Lamar Legacy Horse Sale on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Common Grounds
Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Common Grounds in Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 7:00 a.m. in the Cultural Event Center featuring Public Works Department.
Project Update
Mayor Crespin gave project updates on the items below:
- Police Department held department meeting/dinner to recognize the employees. During the meeting a couple of the officers received medal of valor awards along with a few dispatchers receiving awards. Officer Hernandez received her plaque for Officer of the Year as well. Mayor Crespin reported that one of the main goals is to get traffic under control on Main St.
- Public Works Department continues work on the lead service line project and street and alley way paving repairs. There has been several meetings on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project regarding location and engineering.
- Community Development Department is moving to their new location in the Community Resource Center.
- Parks & Recreation will be hosting a grand opening at the Dog Park on May 16, 2025. Continued work at Escondido Park with the ground grubbing completed the new sod will be installed next week. They have been working hard on getting things ready for Spring and Summer.
- Library is gearing up for the Summer Reading Program, continue to view their Facebook page for events coming up.
- Human Resources will start doing a quarterly employee recognition for years of service. 1st quarter employees below:
- Thomas Sanchez – IT – 25 years
- Missy Mason – Senior Acct. Clerk – 15 years
- Ryan Cook – Fire Captain – 10 years
- Shiana Dashner – L&P Meter Reader – 5 years
- Jose Corral – Fire Engineer – 5 years
Miscellaneous
None
Reports and Correspondence from Council
Golf Board Update
Councilmember Gonzales announced that the board met on April 8, 2025. They are still working on the garage doors, they are going to purchase one from Lowes for the cart shed to see how it works out. Also Mr. Jennings is going to see if LCC Trades Department will install the door for them.
Councilmember Gonzales stated that the Two Shot Goose Hunt donated to the course improvement fund in remembrance of Larry Huddleston. Also the grounds superintendent reported that he has fertilized and aeriated everything, during this time the course was closed.
Councilmember Gonzales reported that the board is selling three golf carts with lithium batteries and want to replace with gas golf carts. They are also going out to bid for a bush hog mower. They are also trying something new, you can pay $100.00 to go out to the range and hit balls as many times through the year as you want. They are also working on trying to find a new security system, someone donated one but it does not meet their needs.
Planning & Zoning Update
Councilmember Gonzales reported Planning & Zoning met with Anne-Marie Crampton, they presented some information about the three-mile agreement and the comprehensive plan.
Airport Board Update
Councilmember Mata reported that the board met on the 16th, they were informed that they held interviews for the clerk position. Burt Heckman will not be reapplying for the board so there will be a vacancy.
Public Safety Board Update
Councilmember Jenkins reported that they are still working on trying to get traffic to slow down on Main St. people are not obeying traffic signals on Main St. in front of the Middle School. She feels someone needs to be parked by the Middle School to help with this.
Historic Preservation Board Update
Councilmember Zavala reported that the board talked about Willow Creek Park walls, Caretakers house and Pike’s Tower and what needs to happen to get these cleanup and taken care of. CLG will be here on the 14th and discussion is to see what incentives may be available.
Main St. Lamar Board
Councilmember Bates reported that Main Street Lamar Board currently has an active online and hard copy public survey out to help with their strategic planning meeting on May 16, 2025. It is to help them engage the communities’ interest and opinions on the downtown sector and help guide Main St. Lamar on their decision for their next round of DOLA funds.
PEP Update
Councilmember Bates reported that the board voted in a new president and vice president. President is Lawrence Brase and Vice President is Ron Cook. Claudia Terrazes from CSU Extension office presented a program they are offering “English as a second language”. Classes are Monday’s and Thursday’s in the Library from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. thru the end of June, she can be reached at 719-940-0138.
Public Safety Building Update
Mayor Crespin mentioned that the Public Safety Building Committee met to begin the process in renovating the new location. They met with a company today that is a full service type of company they begin with the architecture and finish with the construction. Any decisions to be made with come back to Council for approval. They have received wish lists from both Fire/Ambulance and Police Departments, these will be looked over to see if everything will be able to fit is the building.
Miscellaneous
Councilmember Gonzales mentioned that he was able to participate as a judge for the Wild West BBQ cook-off, he wanted to give a thank you to the ladies who help make this event a success. They ask him how to get more locals involved and get better participation in the event.
NEW BUSINESS
Schedule Public Hearing for a Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the scheduling of Public Hearing for Transfer of Ownership/Retail Liquor Store License for Three Gen Investments, LLC dba/A&B Liquor on May 12, 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”.
Approve Proclamation No. 25-02 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring April 30, 2025 as Arbor Day and April 26, 2025 through May 2, 2025 as Arbor Week”
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Proclamation No. 25-02 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring April 30, 2025 as Arbor Day and April 26, 2025 through May 2, 2025 as Arbor Week”.
- 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”.
Re-Appointment of Municipal Court Judge
Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the re-appointment of Municipal Court Judge Porter to a two-year appointment expiring April 10, 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”.
Aqua-holics Lease Agreement
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve 2025 Aqua-holics Lease Agreement to use the Kayak building at North Gateway Ponds to rent kayaks, paddle boards, etc for use on the ponds with correction of dates from 2024 to 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”.
Facility Lease Agreement – Alyssa Jones
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the facility lease agreement with Alyssa Jones to provide prenatal and post-natal yoga at the Community Building with the correction of name in #10.
- 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 Amendment to IGA with LCC for re-construction costs of Escondido Soccer Field
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve amendment to IGA with LCC for re-construction costs of Escondido Soccer Field with the insertion of June 24, 2024 as original date of agreement.
- 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”.
Allen Aviation Commercial Lease Agreement
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the renewal of Allen Aviation Commercial Lease Agreement.
- 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”.
MOU between SECED and City of Lamar Regarding Code Review
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to MOU between SECED and City of Lamar Regarding Code 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”.
Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Submit Letter of Support to Congresswomen Lauren Boebert Regarding the House of Representatives Community Project Funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve motion to ratify Council approval to submit letter of support to Congresswomen Lauren Boebert regarding the House of Representatives Community Project Funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project.
- 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 Letter of Agreement for Engineering Services for South Lamar Sidewalk Improvements
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve Letter of Agreement for Engineering Services for south Lamar sidewalk improvements, pending 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”.
Miscellaneous
Councilmember Jenkins stated that she had been contacted by a citizen on S. 6th St. regarding the motorcycles speeding & noise in the evenings. Commander Ridder suggested they call the non-emergency dispatch number 719-336-3977 to report.
Executive Session – 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
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to enter into Executive Session – 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, regarding the City Administrator Search.
- 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 7:49 p.m.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 8:51 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 Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez
- 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 8:52 p.m.
Linda Williams – City Clerk
Kirk Crespin – Mayor