Monday, June 23, 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:   

Amend Agenda to Add new Item 11 Approval for Mayor to Sign Proposal with Facilities Contracting for the Architectural and Engineering Design of the Public Safety Building and move Item 11 Miscellaneous and Item 12 Executive Session to Items 12 & 13.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to Amend Agenda to add new Item 11 Approval for Mayor to Sign Proposal with Facilities Contracting for the Architectural and Engineering design of the Public Safety Building and move Item 11 Miscellaneous and Item 12 Executive Session to Items 12 & 13.

• 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”.

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-3. 

• Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 6/9/2025
• Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions
  • Utilities Board –5/13/2025, 5/27/2025
• Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #10283 - #102493

• 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 stated that the she received award notice from the WPCRF (Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund) Grant in the amount of $10,000.00 to be used towards the planning portion of the Waste Water Treatment Plant project.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that she received award notice from the El Pomar Foundation for Police Department in the amount of $5,000.00 to be used towards the purchase of bullet proof vests.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported the average amount of sales tax returns received January-May along with new and terminated business licenses.  She provided amount of electric and water connects and disconnects for the same period and amount of cemetery lot sales for Riverside and Fairmount.

City Clerk Williams provided information on the upcoming 2025 Coordinated Election.  Positions that will be on this year’s ballot will be Mayor Crespin – 2-year term, Ward I Councilmember Tamez – 4-year term, Ward II Councilmember Zavala – 4-year term, and Ward III Councilmember Mata – 4-year term.  Call for petitions will begin advertising on July 17, 2025 and petitions will be available to pick up beginning August 6, 2025 with a return date no later than August 29, 2025.

City Administrator Report

Prowers Youth Council Movie in the Park

Mayor Crespin announced that the Prowers Youth Council will be hosting a free Movie in the Park on Friday, June 27, 2025, 8:30 p.m. Willow Creek Park by swimming pool.

SECO Pridefest

Mayor Crespin announced that the SECO Pridefest is Saturday, June 28, 2025, 12:00-5:00 p.m. at the Enchanted Forest.

Common Grounds

Mayor Crespin announced that Common Grounds is Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 7:00 a.m. at the Cultural Event Center, featuring Building Codes Department.

City of Lamar Fireworks

Mayor Crespin announced that the City of Lamar fireworks show will be on Friday, July 4, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.

Community Social

Mayor Crespin announced that the Community Social is Friday, July 11, 2025 at Willow Creek Park by swimming pool.

• Free Swim – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
• Meet + Greet + Eat – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.    

Movie: Inside Out 2 at 9:00 p.m.

Friday with the Force

Mayor Crespin announced that Friday with the Force has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a future date.

Office Closure

Mayor Crespin announced that the City Offices will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025 in observance of Independence Day.

Project Updates

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

Fire Department

• Fireworks have been delivered, weather permitting there will be a fireworks show.
• They have had regular calls for service

IT Department

• Waiting on next data pull for the Tyler Technologies upgrade
• Working on the PD storage issue
• Working on the Aclara project

Public Works

• Cement work done at North Gateway Pond for the floating dock
• Patching streets and alleyways

Parks & Recreation Department

• Continued work on Escondido Park Soccer Field
• Floating Dock at North Gateway Pond
• Archery Range

Library

• Summer Reading Program Fire Department presentation
• Story Hour with Beth Epley
• Over 400 people signed up for Summer Reading Program, highest number to date

Police Department

• New Vehicles arrived with the new graphics and will be rotated into the fleet
• Meetings with State and Federal agencies, looking forward to new partnerships with these agencies.
• Considering public survey to get additional community input

Employee Service Awards

• Brenda Appel – 911 Dispatcher 10-years
• Jerry King – Maintenance Worker Senior, St. Department 15-years
• Patrick Mason – Public Works Director 40-years

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Jenkins asked if there was an update on traffic stops on Main St.

Mayor Crespin stated that there has not been but could get one at a later date.

Council Liaison

Planning & Zoning Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Planning & Zoning Committee met with Michael Yearman to begin the review and update of the building & codes for the City of Lamar.  There will be additional meetings prior to any presentation to Council.

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that Brad Stonerock was voted as a new member of the board replacing Ron Wollert.  The club manager reported that LCC Golf Coach Patterson had some concerns over fees for the range use.  Boardmembers discussed and voted to waive the range fees for LCC golf teams.  Club Manager announced that green fees and cart rentals are all up, also one of his part time employees Manuel Chavira retired and he is looking for someone for replacement. 

Councilmember Gonzales stated that the board created a tournament committee to help with the upcoming tournament in July and there is the Wiley Panther Open this weekend.

Councilmember Gonzales stated that the Grounds Superintendent reported the greens are doing well.  Also they had repaired one of the mowers, still not working and they will be purchasing a new bush hog through Redland Equipment.  There was talk about trying to combine purchase of chemicals with the City and will have further discussion. 

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Spreading Antler’s Ad has been running on KVAY for T-off for Tuesday.  Also they are applying for a Huddleston-Butler Grant in hopes to use it towards the purchase of the bush hog mower.

Water Board Update

Councilmember Tamez reported that the City passed the Drinking Water Quality Report and passed the sanitation survey with zero violations.

PEP Update

Councilmember Bates announced that BMS will have their grand re-opening on July 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  He stated that the Workforce Center is in force again, contact Kristy Wollert for any needs.  PEP is currently utilizing the City of Lamar and Prowers County Comprehensive Plans to adjust course on moving forward.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round-Up to Host Beer Garden during the Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:22 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair.

• 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.  Interim Police Chief Ridder and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked for the Sand & Sage Round-Up members to give an update on their event.

Sand & Sage Round-Up members Mark Carrigan and Cindy Bennett provided information regarding the change in map for the Friday evening concert along with the additional steps they have taken to ensure that all alcohol stays within the fenced in area.  The map for beer garden area on Thursday and Saturday remains the same.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair other than the Sand & Sage Round-Up members who spoke earlier in the hearing; none received.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair at 7:31 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 Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair.

• 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 Lamar Housing Authority Board

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve re-appointment of Carol (Sue) Tecklenburg to the Lamar Housing Authority Board for an expired five-year term expiring June 1, 2030.

• 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”.

Ratification of Phone Poll to Submit Project Changes to DOLA for the Main St. Mini-Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve ratification of phone poll to submit project changes to DOLA for the Main St. Mini-Grant with correction of dates on the phone poll from April to June

• 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”.

Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative (S.E.C.C.I.) Fight Night Requests

The SECCI Board is hosting their annual SECCI Fight Night on August 2, 2025 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Pocket Park.  They are asking for the full-day rental fee be waived and the use of 9 picnic tables provided by Parks & Recreation department.  They are also requesting the alley way and the south end of the parking lot behind the pocket park be blocked off from through traffic.  They are expecting 3 food trucks and 2 vender to set up in that area.  There will be no alcoholic beverages served or allowed at this event.

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve all requests by the SECCI Board.

• Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Tamez
• Voting No:     None
• Abstain:         Bates

Councilmember Bates abstained due to being part of the SECCI Board.

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.

Approval by Council of 2025 Budget Calendar

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the 2026 Budget Calendar.

• 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”.

Main Street Lamar – Corporate Cup Challenge Sponsorship

There was money included in the 2025 budget in the amount of $2,000.00 to be used towards the Corporate Cup Challenge, no action needed.

Main St. Manager Brenda May reported that they are still needed additional teams, if a company doesn’t have enough members they can combine with another company for the 15 team members needed.  She also stated that they are still in need of some more sponsorships along with community participation in the event.

Crosses at Fairmount Cemetery Veteran’s Section

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve permission to the American Legion Post 71 members to place crosses on the headstones in the veteran section of Fairmount Cemetery.  To have crosses placed on any other military headstone located in the other section of Fairmount or Riverside the permission of the owner of those sites would have to be given.

• 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”.

USDA Cooperative Service Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Cooperative Service Agreement with USDA for assistance in managing the Black Tailed Prairie Dogs around the Northgate Way Ponds and Archery Range.  A corrected map will be provided for records.

• 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”.

About F.A.C.E (Families and Communities Engaged) Grant

Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Director LaTour provided some additional information regarding the About F.A.C.E Grant.  The funds will be used to allow 18 and under access to the Community Building and they are also working on a scholarship application with the help of the City Attorney to help the youth with registration fees the different programs.

Ordinance No. – “An Ordinance Adding a New Article III, Sections 16-55 to 16-57, to Chapter 16, Prohibiting Perpetual, Prolonged and Extended Yard Sales in both Residential and Commercially Zoned Areas of the City of Lamar, Colorado”

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve Ordinance No. – “An Ordinance Adding a New Article III, Sections 16-55 to 16-57, to Chapter 16, Prohibiting Perpetual, Prolonged and Extended Yard Sales in both Residential and Commercially Zoned Areas of the City of Lamar, Colorado”, prior to seconded reading City Attorney will add additional verbiage regarding Industrial Zones as well.

• 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 for Mayor to Sign Proposal with Facilities Contracting for the Architectural and Engineering Design of the Public Safety Building and move Item 11 Miscellaneous and Item 12 Executive Session to Items 12 & 13.

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Mayor to Sign Proposal with Facilities Contracting for the Architectural and Engineering design of the Public Safety Building.

• 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 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 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 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 8:24 p.m.

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:09 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 9:10 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk 

Kirk Crespin – Mayor