Monday, July 22, 2024

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, Rob Evans, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark

Absent:                     

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 7/08/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –6/25/2024

b)    Public Safety Board 6/17/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #99806-99929

Item #4 – License – New and Renewal

a)    Carnival License – Sun Valley Rides Carnival, 2820 N. Pinal Ave. Ste 12-459, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

b)    Fermented Malt Beverage & Wine – Walmart #2672, 1432 E. Olive St., Lamar, CO 81052

• 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”.

Audience Participation

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported we have received official word that we were awarded the DOLA grant for the waste water treatment plant project, design and engineering.  We have been awarded the CDS funding as a match.  JVA is assisting with the CDS funding grant process.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they are actively working on the potholing project and the archery range is also moving forward.  She also just completed the closing of the 911 Authority Board equipment upgrade grant.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that the audit has been completed and uploaded to the state, she will set a work session for the auditor to present the 2023 audit. 

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they will begin the budget meetings with departments for their capital improvement requests.  She stated that they have three more meetings scheduled with Tyler on the software conversion.

City Treasurer Schwartz wanted to recognize her Deputy City Treasurer Karen Woodard for her 40 years with the City of Lamar.  Karen will be retiring May of 2025.

Councilmember Gonzales asked how much the DOLA grant was for the wastewater treatment plant project.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that the DOLA portion was $688,000.00 and the CDC portion in 1.8 million.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported in the month of June there were 1,578 sales tax returns processed, 7 new licenses for Lamar and 15 for none Lamar businesses along with 2 terminated Lamar businesses.  There were 3 cemetery lots purchased, 1 in Fairmount and 2 in Riverside along with 6 opening/closings at Fairmount and 1 at the Veteran’s section of Fairmount.  She also stated that they processed 65 electric connects, 60 electric disconnects, 38 water connects, 42 water disconnects for residential customers and 9 electric connects, 4 electric disconnects, 5 water connects, and 2 water disconnects for commercial customers.

City Clerk Williams made Council and the public aware of some changes to both yard sales and mobile concessions.  Over the last few weeks I have been gathering information from other communities to come up with a plan of action to help alleviate some of the issues with both on going yard sales and the concerns with mobile concessions within the City of Lamar.  She asked for guidance on how Council would like to proceed with the information.  Council would like a work session to go over materials and documents emailed prior to the work session so they have additional time to review.  Work session will be schedule for Monday, August 12, 2024.

City Clerk Williams reported that the City was informed last week that the Lamar Ledger’s final publication will be July 25, 2024.  Lamar Ledger was the City’s legal paper of record.  Both she and City Treasurer Schwartz have been looking into options inn Prowers County and surrounding counties.  She stated that there are two local newspapers, the Tri-State Exchange and The Prowers Journal with both showing some interest in becoming a paper of record.  In the interim of getting a legal paper of record it is the suggestion of the City Clerk to us the Bent County Democrat or such other action Council directs.

Council gave guidance to use the Bent County Democrat and set up a bid process for those that may be interested in becoming Lamar’s paper of record.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

City Administrator Evans announced schedule for Coffee with Rob is below.

• July 24 – Brew Unto Others
• July 31 – Rivals

Friday with the Force

City Administrator Evans announced that Friday with the Force was July 19, 2024, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Willow Creek Park by the Swimming Pool.  Great event with a good showing of public support.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the below items.

• Fire Department in partnership with Cornerstone Resource Center will host Fun with Fire Department in the upcoming weeks
• Police Department has begun the hiring process of some vacant positions along with receiving a thank you letter regarding two of Lamar’s officers.
• Parks & Recreation – Hosted Windmill Classic with 14 teams in attendance, they have begun the irrigation at the Dog Park and with some changes to the Archery Range hey are waiting on final go ahead from CPW prior to ground breaking
• Public Works has been replacing well houses that they were able to obtain local through CF Maier’s.
•  Library – Summer reading program has come to an end with their end of season pool party being held tonight, also there are some improvements to the Cultural Event Center schedule in the near future.
• IT – They should begin the camera installation at the Airport this coming Friday.
• Community Development – Arby’s is making great progress with their construction.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Zavala asked if there were any plans to update crosswalks around the TA Express.  City Administrator Evans stated that there is nothing in the process at this time.  The next CDOT main street project for that area begins in 2 years.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

PEP Update

Councilmember Bates stated that during PEPs recent meeting they approved a letter of support to High Plains Community Health to apply for a CHAFAA grant.  Also they are working on the job fair scheduled for this October at Lamar Community College.

LPI Update

Councilmember Bates reported that LPI would like to partner with the Parks & Recreation Department on some improvements to the Pocket Park.

Water Board Update

Councilmember Tamez stated that the Water Board has vacancy for anyone that may be interested to apply for.

Fire Department Auxiliary

Councilmember Jenkins wanted to give a thank you to the Fire Department Auxiliary fundraiser.  They are selling reflective address signs for those that may be interested. Also they just completed their ice cream fundraiser.  They raised $1,025.00 which goes towards additional purchases within the Fire Department.

Public Safety Board Update

Councilmember Jenkins reported that they had a good meeting, they had two citizens attend to meet the new Police Chief.

Airport Board Update

Councilmember Mata reported that during the meeting the reviewed cost estimates for the reconstruction of taxiway A.

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the manager of the Pro Shop has quit with his last day being July 25, 2024, they will going out to a 3rd party to recruit a new Pro Shop manager.  He stated that Brock Reedy won the Club Championship Tournament, you had to be a member of Spreading Antlers to participate in this tournament.  The Elk’s Golf tournament is this upcoming weekend and they are still taking teams for the Angel Open tournament.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin gave condolences to the Mata family on the loss of their mother.

NEW BUSINESS

Schedule a Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to schedule a public hearing for a Special Event Permit to the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to host Beer Garden during Octoberfest.

• 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”.

Schedule a Public Hearing for a Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to schedule a public hearing for a Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill.

• 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”.

Monitoring Agreement with Great Plains Security, LLC for Investigations Office Alarm System

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the monitoring agreement with Great Plains Security, LLC for the PD Investigations Office alarm system.

• 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”.

Appointment to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the appointment of Nathan Losa to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term expiring February 1, 2027.

• Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Bellomy, Jenkins, Crespin, Duffy, Tamez, Bates
• Voting No:     None

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

Appointment to the Water Advisory Board

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the re-appointment of Chris Henderson to the Water Advisory Board for a five-year term expiring February 1, 2029.

• Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Bellomy, Jenkins, Crespin, Duffy, Tamez, Bates
• Voting No:     None

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

Miscellaneous

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that the second speed limit sign has been ordered and will be installed upon arrival.

Councilmember Bates reminded everyone that the Corporate Cup begins this week and the community is invited to watch the events.

Councilmember Bates let everyone know that the SECCI event was a great success.

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 City Council CIRSA Training.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into an 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 City Council CIRSA Training.

• 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 7:58 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:01 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 Bates 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 9:02 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