City Council Minutes
Monday, July 8, 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 Mata seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.
Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 6/24/2024
Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions
- Utilities Board –6/11/2024
Item #3 – Payment of Bills
General Fund-Vouchers #99681-#99805
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 reported that Mayor Crespin and City Administrator Evans gave a presentation in Montrose for the DOLA Grant for the wastewater treatment plant design and engineering. They did a fantastic job and we want give a thank you to Shane White, our on-call engineer with JVA, for the assistance with this. City Treasurer Schwartz has reached out to Tara Marshall of DOLA to see if there was any feedback on the presentation.
City Treasurer Schwartz reported that we have not received any type of notice regarding the LAVAA grant that was submitted. They have had a change of directors so it has been delayed.
City Treasurer Schwartz stated that she did receive the draft audit last week and has been going over to answer any questions the auditor had and get it back to him for completion.
City Treasurer Schwartz mentioned that we have begun the early implementation of the Tyler software.
City Clerk Report
City Clerk Williams reported that the May revenue report reflected collections of $434,348.34 which was up 4.89% or $20,250.91. Year to Date collections were $2,800,468.07 which was up 8.91% or $229,088.71 from 2023.
City Administrator Report
Coffee with Rob
City Administrator Evans announced schedule for Coffee with Rob is below.
- July 17 – Daylight Donut
- July 24 – Brew Unto Others
- July 31 – Rivals
Friday with the Force
City Administrator Evans announced that Friday with the Force is July 19, 2024, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Willow Creek Park by the Swimming Pool.
Project Update
City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the below items.
- Police Department is working on recruitment possibly through some incentives
- Fire Department – Fireworks show was a great success, thank you to the department. Yearly ladder inspections are in the process.
- Public Works – Code Enforcement clean-ups and sidewalk by Community Building.
- Parks & Recreation Department – Archery Range still on-going and the 34th Annual Windmill tournament is schedule July 12-14, 2024.
- Community Development – Arby’s has made a lot of progress recently. Mayor Crespin added that he had a conversation with the general contractor on-site and he had stated that of all the communities he has worked with Lamar has been great to work with.
- LPI – Working on Corporate Cup scheduled for later in July.
- IT Department – Camera program on going, have finished Fire Department and next will be Airport. Security Audit will begin within the week.
- Library – MIT spokes program will finalize tomorrow and the Summer Reading Program ends this week.
Miscellaneous
Councilmember Gonzales asked again what was going on with the consultant regarding the Ute Tribe. City Administrator Evans stated that the goal was not met by the consultant per the agreement, we will not be renewing.
Councilmember Tamez stated that it looked like posts were going up for the dog park. City Administrator Evans state yes along with some turf and watering.
Councilmember Jenkins asked if during Friday with the Force if people could come out and meet the new chief and ask questions. City Administrator Evans stated that he thought that would be okay.
Reports and Correspondence from Council
Golf Board Update
Councilmember Gonzales reported that they just finished their July 4th tournament, very successful, they had 18 teams participate. The next tournament is scheduled for July 20-21, 2024 call the Club Championships. You have to be a club member to participate. They did have a water main break between tbox 5&6 and city crews worked during a rain storm to completed. Also the Elk’s shed has been fixed so the garage door opens, all spots are taken at this time. He also stated that the Hospice Angel Open is scheduled for August 18, 2024. This fills up quick so if interested you need to get signed up.
Councilmember Jenkins reported that all board positions have been approved and the next meeting is July 18, 2024.
Employee Thank You
Councilmember Zavala wanted to give a thank you to the city employees for all the hard work and dedication that they do.
LPI Update
Councilmember Bates wanted to remind everyone of the Corporate Cup held July 24-27, 2024. All teams have been filled but would love for spectators, council and employees to attend.
Councilmember Bates also gave a reminded of the SECCI Fight Night on July 20,, 2024 5:30-10:00 p.m. at the Pocket Park.
PMC Monthly Meeting
Mayor Crespin stated that they had to cancel their monthly PMC meeting but will meet again in August.
Fireworks
Mayor Crespin gave a thank you to the Lamar Fire Department and their volunteers for a wonderful firework show this year.
He also wanted to make the community aware that Council and Administration is aware of the fireworks going off around town, they are not ignoring them. They are looking into future options to help control some of this.
Miscellaneous
None
NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing for Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival
Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival.
- 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 a brief presentation regarding their request. Owner Jay Gruber explained to Council what the event was and the measures they have taken to secure the premise during the event.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival.
Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival.
Anthony Letteer, 2900 Memorial Dr., spoke against the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival.
Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival; none received.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival other than the applicants; none received.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival at 7:39 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 asked if they were going to provide designated drivers for anyone in need of one. Owner Jay Gruber stated that they would not, due to the liability of this. He stated that there are individuals that do offer rides.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if the fencing was going to take up the road adjacent to the Buzzard’s Roost along with the parking area. Owner Jay Gruber stated yes there will be no access to Hickory St. during the event.
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the Temporary Modification of Premise for Buzzard’s Roost to Host All-Day Music Festival and authorize the use of City Owned 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”.
Oath of Office for New Chief of Police
Mayor Crespin administered the Oath of Office to the New Chief of Police Al Fear.
Council gave some direction as to what they would Police Chief Fear to work on over the next 100 days. Highlights below:
- Focus on speeding on Main St.
- Drug Enforcement – locating extra resources to help with this
- Code Enforcement
- Public perception & interaction
- Bike riders and no lights at night
- Parking on wrong side of street
- Citizen Academy brought back
Police Chief Fear stated that he would begin work on these items. At this time he stated that they will begin a social media presence this week. He also stated to help with some of the items requested recruitment and retention are at the top of his list. They have four openings at the academy and he plans on having them filled.
Approval by Council of 2025 Budget Calendar
Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the 2025.
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”.
Amend Resolution No. 24-04-01 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 Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to table the Item Amend Resolution No. 24-04-01 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, 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 – For Discussion of Personnel Matter under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(f) For Mid-Year Staff Review for City Administrator
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to enter into an executive session – For Discussion of Personnel Matter under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(f) For Mid-Year Staff Review for City Administrator.
- 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 8:06 p.m.
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:07 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 Jenkins 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 9:07 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