Monday, October 13, 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 Tamez moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 9/22/2025 & Special Council Meeting

     Minutes 9/29/2025

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 9/09/2025

b)    Planning & Zoning Commission – 8/13/2025

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #103208 - #103350

Item #4 – License New/Renewals

           None

• 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

Timothy Eirhart, 907 S 8th St. Apt. 3 stated that he expected a statement from Council regarding changing the fossil fuel plant to a Hydro Electric Dam, why it has taken 5-years to complete Main St., why it took so long to get a Cyber Division and why are people being shielded from accountability.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they are currently working on quarterly reports for the grants that are open and that this week will be the first payroll completed in Tyler. 

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams stated since she is unable to supply a sales tax report with the software conversion going on she did want to let everyone know that the sales tax coming in is comparable to last year if not a little higher.  She stated that ballots have gone in the mail, due back by November 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

City Administrator Report

Prowers County Public Health Flu Shot ClinicsMayor Pro-Tem Tamez reported that the Prowers County Public Health Flu Shot Clinics will be the following.

• Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Prowers County Annex Tent
• Friday, October 17, 2025, 8:30 -11:30 a.m. at the Prowers County Annex
• Thursday, October 30, 2025, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Prowers County Annex

Candlelight Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that there is a Candlelight Vigil honoring Charlie Kirk on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.

Moonlight Madness

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Moonlight Madness is Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in downtown Lamar.

Election

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that election ballots were mailed out on Friday, October 10, 2025 and due back on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 by 7:00 p.m.

Common Grounds

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez announced that Common Grounds is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 7:00 a.m. in the Cultural Event Center.

Department Updates

Mayor Crespin and Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez provided the following department updates.

Fire Department is waiting on new fire truck to arrive, it has been delayed due to losing a piece off of the truck during transport.  They ordered a new part and will get it here as soon as installed.

Parks & Recreation Department, Archery Range fence and gate have been installed and targets should be in next week.  Soft opening by end of October.

Miscellaneous

City Administrator Mitch Hammes will begin on October 27, 2025.

Council Liaison

Main St. Board Update

Councilmember Mata reported that the board has decided that they would work on their fundraising event during the winter months.

Historic Preservation Board Update

Councilmember Zavala reported that the next meeting is October 21, 2025 and they will be giving their CLG annual report.

Parks & Recreation Board Update

Boardmember Zavala stated that they have completed their Recreation Activity Policy and it has been given out.  At this time they would like to see if there is anyone willing to help as volunteers, officials, and coaches.

Boardmember Mata stated that they had a visitor from DOLA that explained some of the grants that are available and how they are restructured now with the federal funding.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin stated that there has been some discussion regarding Shore Arts Center Park, thank you to Anne-Marie for help with this.

NEW BUSINESS

Lamar Community College Update

President, Dr. Rosana Reyes gave a report on current activity at LCC.  She stated that they ended the fiscal year strong and have a balanced budget for 2026.  Other highlights included the following:

• Infrastructure improvements at the main dormitory and Escondido Park collaboration
• Energy Improvement loan due to pay off in 2030 was paid off early in 2025.
• They are investing in their employees, over 80% have received additional wage increases and they have launched a new tuition reimbursement for staff at a 50% reduction.
• They have had a 5% enrollment growth
• Staff growth of 13 due to grant funding, LCC was 1 of 2 Colleges to receive this type of grant funding.
• Current strategic plan has been completed with most items meant and working on new plan five-year plan.
• Welding certification program has been expanded to include 4 additional high schools.
• COPERR program has expanded to where they are currently working on 2 construction projects at the same time.
• LCC has received formal approval for their first Bachelor’s Degree program
• They currently have 19 million dollars in projects going on which includes Library, Administration and parking lot improvements.
• Makerspace program reopened and rebranded.
• Small Business Development Center is going strong
• Finalizing plans for 3 types of certifications and 1 Bachelor’s degree in Health Care, Cyber Security certificate, Ag degree, and Ranch Management degree.

2026 Budget Hearing

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for the 2026 Budget 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”.

Proof of Publication – Published in paper of record and posted on site.

Opening Remarks –City Treasurer gave a brief review on the 2026 Budget.

Mayor Crespin asked for comments against the 2026 Budget Hearing; none received

Mayor Crespin asked for comments in favor of the 2026 Budget Hearing; none received

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to close the 2026 Budget Hearing 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”.

Parades on Main Street

There was discussion on parades on Main St. and the cost associated to having them on Main Street versus one of the side streets.  There was recommendation that possibly 2 parades on Main St. such as Lamar Days and Sand & Sage and the remaining parades on a side street.  It was requested that a work session be scheduled for October 27, 2025 to go over details and create a plan and cost for the different locations of parades.

Presentation of 2026 Proposed Lamar Utilities Board Budget to City Council

Lamar Utility Board Superintendent Hourieh presented the 2026 budget for Lamar Light & Power with a brief overview.

Permission to Apply for the Bureau of Justice FY25 Body-Worn Camera Grant

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve permission to apply for the Bureau of Justice FY25 Body-Worn Camera Grant and allow the Mayor to sign if awarded.

• 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 Agreement with Ayers for Consulting Services for the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve agreement with Ayres for consulting services for the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant and allow the Mayor to sign.

• 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 Resolution 25-10-01 – “A Resolution by the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado of the County of Prowers and State of Colorado Authorizing Participation in the Rural Jump-Start Program”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Resolution 25-10-01 – “A Resolution by the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado of the County of Prowers and State of Colorado Authorizing Participation in the Rural Jump-Start Program”.

• 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”.

Cooperative Service Agreement between City of Lamar and USDA

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to table Cooperative Service Agreement between City of Lamar and USDA.

• 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”.

Pool Repairs through Renosys Corporation

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the Renosys Corporation agreement for pool repairs and authorize 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”.

Re-Appoint Member to the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) Board of Directors

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the re-appointment of Robert “Jay” Brooks to the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) Board of Directors for a four-year term expiring December 31, 2029.

• 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”.

Vertical Bridge Sublease Request

Councilmember Mata moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the Vertical Bridge Sublease request allowing Verizon to utilize their tower and authorize the Mayor to sign.

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

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

“An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026”

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026”.

• 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 Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve “An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026”.

• 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”.

Miscellaneous

None

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 Evergreen and DZ Construction

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata 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 Evergreen and DZ Construction.

• 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 8:39 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:20 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 9:21 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk

Kirk Crespin – Mayor