Monday, August 12, 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 Jenkins moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 7/22/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –7/09/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #99930-100081

Item #4 – License – New and Renewal - None

• 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 provided 2nd quarter 2024 financials for review and questions, none received.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that we have received an award letter from CDPHE, we had applied for a 1306 Grant Award for abatement of the Main Café.  We applied for $250,000.00 of a $500,000.00 project, we were awarded $50,000.00.  She stated that they were going to go back and modify the scope of work with CDPHE, they will bring forth an agreement to move forward on this grant.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the June revenue report reflected collections of $505,044.46 which was up 4.68% or $22,601.88.  Year to Date collections were $3,305,512.53 which was up 8.24% or $251,690.59 from 2023.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

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

• August 21, 2024 – Ports to Plains Truck Stop
• August 28, 2024 – Hickory House

SCEDD – Free Business Resource Fair

City Administrator Evans announced that SCEDD is hosting a free Business Resource Fair on August 22, 2024 at the Cultural Event Center 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., open to the community.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the below items.

• IT Department – Phase I of camera system is complete and will be moving on to phase II.  Security audit has been completed and there will be a report given later in the meeting.
• Police Department – Replaced air conditioning at the Animal Shelter.  Personnel is still a top priority, they currently have 5 out on injury and a couple starting the academy and one former employee starts Monday.  He stated that the parade on Main Street went very well.  Mayor Crespin stated that he had received a comment from J&N Shoes thanking them for allowing the parade on Main St.  It was very beneficial for business.  Mayor Crespin also asked if in the future we could possibly coordinate with Public Works to have the street sweeper follow the parade to clean off all of the excess candy.
• Parks & Recreation – Equipment for the dog park has been ordered it will be 4-6 weeks for delivery then everything will be installed.  Archery Range supplies will be ordered later this week.
• Fire Department – Participated in the Kid’s Day at the Fair and set off fireworks after the rodeo on Saturday night.
• Public Works – They have completed a manhole stability on Valco Rd.  They had to do a by-pass pumping due to a manhole caving in causing a lot of rock, gravel, and sand to get into the sewer system.  We had a company come in to spray it, with one more coating to be applied to toughen it up.  Once completed they will clean out the sewer line and be back to regular business.  Street Department will begin prep work for the yearly paving to begin the following week.
• Library – Hiring a new Children’s Librarian along with August being get a book and a bag of popcorn.

LPI Update

Community Development Director Anne-Marie Crampton reported that LP has in its work plan to fund 2 murals.  They presented a draft guideline for Council to review.  Council feels this is a good starting point and will see what the final guidelines look like. 

Miscellaneous

None

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Board meets tomorrow to start the interview process for the Pro Shop.  He stated that the Angel Open is this weekend and that there is a Labor Day Tournament scheduled as well.  JVA is going to possibly put together a team in support of the Two Shot Golf Tournament.

PMC Update

Mayor Crespin reported that he was unable to attend the PMC meeting with City Administrator Evans today but that PMC is happy with the progress in the City.

Work Session Update

Mayor Crespin gave a highlight of the earlier work session regarding the 2025 budget and discussion on food trucks and food venders.  There will be a continued work session on a proposed food truck ordinance.

Miscellaneous

None

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest and Grant Permission for the Use of City Property

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest.

• 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 responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked Applicant to give their presentation regarding the application.

Colby Brubacher, 1610 S. Main St., Lamar and Tanisha Graham, 107 S. Main St., Lamar gave presentation regarding this year’s Oktoberfest and Beer Garden.  They have increased their security to 5 or 6 individuals from the 4 they had last year.  They will have an additional entrance/exit on the west side of the enchanted forest with a permanent security person at that location.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest.

Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the Special Event Permit for the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest.

Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest other than those who gave the presentation; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked Council if they had any questions or needed clarification on anything that had been presented.

Mayor Crespin asked what the status of their TIPS Certification was.  Chamber members stated that the majority of their boardmembers were TIPS certified.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest at 7:37 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 Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest and give permission to use City property.

• 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”.

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

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:39 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a New 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”.

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

Mayor Crespin asked Applicant to give their presentation regarding the application.

Gerardo Sanchez, co-owner of Casa Azteca Mexican Grill gave update of the business along with agreeing to get staff TIPS Certified.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill.

Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill.

Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill other than Owner; none received.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to close the public hearing for New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, LLC dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill at 7:48 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 Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the New 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”.

Presentation of New Uniform Patch for Lamar Police Department

Police Chief Fear presented the new uniform patch for the Lamar Police Department.  Council was pleased with the new patch and looking forward to the additional changes as budget allows.

Approval of Public Safety Board Bylaws

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the Public safety Board Bylaws with the two corrections in Article III and Article V.

• 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 44-009 for Recreation Master Plan Consultant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve and award Bid 44-009 – Recreation Master Plan Consultant to Ayres & Associates in the amount of $180,000.00.

City Treasurer Schwartz reminded Council that we were awarded a GOCO grant to cover $155,000.00, which requires a cash match from the City of $80,965.00 and the balance is going to be in-kind.

• 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 Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the appointment of Kenneth Davis to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for a two-year term expiring February 1, 2026.

• 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 Adjustment and Appeals Board

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the re-appointment of Todd Horning to the Adjustment and Appeals Board for an expired five-year term expiring July 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”.

Security Audit

IT Director Sanchez presented findings from the security audit performed by Artifice Security between July 22 & August 1, 2024.  He also presented and discussed the plans for whatever remediation that needed to take place.

Lamar Main Street Beautification Project Extension

Main Street Manager Martha Baird-Alvarez gave an update on the Lamar Main Street Beautification Project with all of the trash cans and benches being restored and painted and 45 of the 91 light poles being completed.  They are asking for additional time for the completion of the light poles, until end of September 2024.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the Lamar Main Street Beautification project extension until the end of December 2024 to Royalty Construction instead of the original request of September.

• 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

Councilmember Jenkins stated that she had a gentlemen ask if there was a gravesite that was a former Policeman that was killed in the line of duty at Riverside, someone could put flowers or a wreath in memory of him.  She will forward message to City Administrator for further research.

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 The Lamar Inn (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 future Annexation Petitions

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales 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 The Lamar Inn (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 future Annexation Petitions.

• 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 8:18 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:42p.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 9:43 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