City Council Minutes
Monday, January 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, Brent Bates, Rob Evans, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark
Absent: Manuel Tamez
Amend Agenda to move New Business Item 1 before Consent Agenda
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to amend agenda to move New Business Item 1 before Consent Agenda.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Oath of Office and Officer Promotions
Police Chief Fear gave an introduction prior to the badge pinning and oath of office for the new officers.
- Mayor Crespin administered the Oath of Office to the following New Police Officers.
- Officer Ernesto Maldonado Jr., Pinning of Badge was done by wife Alyssa.
- Officer Jaime Madrid Jr., Pinning of Badge was done by wife Destiny.
- Officer Omar Carrillo, Pinning of Badge was done by wife Belem.
- Officer Rebeca Castillo, Pinning off Badge was done by Mother Veronica.
- Police Chief Fear announced Officer Promotions and new pinning’s for the following Officers.
- Sargent Reamy; Pinning of Badge by Mother Tami.
- Sargent Peck, Pinning of Badge by wife Jamie
- Commander of Support Services Ridder, Pinning of Badge by wife Alicia.
- Commander of Patrol Division Sherrill, Pinning of Badge by daughter Kadince.
Consent Agenda ITEMS
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.
- Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 12/09/2024
- Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions
- Utilities Board –11/26/2024
- Payment of Bills
- General Fund-Vouchers #100971-101206 with removal of #101013
- License – Renewals
- Hotel/Motel License – Shree Madhav LLC/dba Days Inn, 1302 N. Main St.
- Hotel/Motel License – Mahakali Investment LLC/dba Quality Inn, 1202 N. Main St.
- Hotel/Motel License – Palace Inn Keepers LTD/dba Historic Cow Palace Inn, 1301 N. Main St.
- Hotel/Motel License – Realty4Him LLC/dba Golden Arrow Motel, 611 E. Olive St.
- Hotel/Motel License – Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1304 N. Main St.
- Hotel & Restaurant Liquor License – Las Brisas, 302 S. Main St.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Approve Check #101013 to Gonzales Unlimited
Councilmember Mata moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve check #101013 in the amount of $8,285.00 to Gonzales Unlimited for vehicle repairs.
- Voting Yes: Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
- Abstain: Gonzales
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 5-0”.
Audience Participation
Kolby Brubacher, 1610 S. Main St. and Acacia Truitt, 810 S 5th St. both members of the Lamar Chamber of Commerce. They gave a thank you to the City Workers for their help with the Christmas Lights and the Police Department for their help with the Parade of Lights. They gave a personal invite of all Councilmembers to the annual Chamber Banquet. They also provided the following list of upcoming events.
- 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo, May 3, 2025
- Lamar Days, May 16-17, 2025
- Glo Golf Tournament, June 7, 2025.
City Treasurer Report
City Treasurer Schwartz provided a quarterly list of grants, right now there is 11.4 million in projects that are being paid for by 9.9 million in grants. They have received a denial on the Fire House Subs grant for SCBA’s, however they did encourage us to apply again when it opens back up.
City Treasurer Schwartz stated that the 2024 Audit dates will be March 31-April 9, 2025.
City Treasurer Schwartz gave an update on the Tyler software project they are moving forward on the utility billing and financial modules at this time.
City Clerk Report
City Clerk Williams reported that the November revenue report reflected collections of $430,490.14 which was up 9.84% or $38,563.40. Year to Date collections were $5,475,733.60 which was up 5.80% or $300,334.26 from 2023.
City Administrator Report
Lamar Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet
City Administrator Evans announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Historic Cow Palace Inn – Social Hour 5:00 pm, banquet 6:00 pm..
Snow Goose Festival
City Administrator Evans announced that the Snow Goose Festival is Saturday, February 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Lamar High School.
Project Update
City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:
- Library is installing fun benches at the Storybook Wall in the park and they have begun their creative writing contest.
- IT Department has been work on the Tyler software upgrade.
- Public Works is working on crack sealing at the airport.
- Water Dept. is currently doing valve maintenance.
- Community Development is fully staffed with the new hires of Brenda May for the Main St. Program and Courtney Recio for Marketing and Communications.
Miscellaneous
Councilmember Jenkins asked about the size of the dog park, it looks rather small.
City Administrator Evans stated that the area in question is for the dog park but that there is room for growth.
Councilmember Gonzales asked for an update on the Archery Range.
City Administrator Evans stated that we are waiting for the release regarding the closing of the pit. We recently submitted a letter from JVA showing the justification of the closing.
Mayor Crespin asked if notification was put out regarding the stocking of the ponds.
City Administrator Evans stated that there is notification put out that the ponds do get stocked, not necessarily when. Mayor Crespin would like to see this put out within a week or two of being stocked.
Councilmember Jenkins wanted to share a citizen’s appreciation for Lamar keeping the streets and cemeteries clean during snowy weather.
Reports and Correspondence from Council
Public Safety Board
Councilmember Jenkins stated that they are in need of two people on the Public Safety Board.
LPI Update
Councilmember Bates stated that LPI is now meeting on the first Monday of the month. During the last meeting there was a lot of preparation for their annual. They do have a new Boardmember, Deb Davis.
PMC Update
Mayor Crespin stated that the OB department is going well and PMC is working on improving the CT scanner.
Miscellaneous
None
OLD BUSINESS
- Ordinance No. 1276 – “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Rezoning of the Property known as Lots 6, 7, 8 and Lots 13, 14, 15, Langston Heights Subdivision, a Subdivision to the City of Lamar, According to the Recorded Plat thereof, County of Prowers State of Colorado, also known as 1904, 1906, 1908 S. 8th St and 1903, 1905, 1907 S. 9th St.
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1276 – “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Rezoning of the Property known as Lots 6, 7, 8 and Lots 13, 14, 15, Langston Heights Subdivision, a Subdivision to the City of Lamar, According to the Recorded Plat thereof, County of Prowers State of Colorado, also known as 1904, 1906, 1908 S. 8th St and 1903, 1905, 1907 S. 9th St.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
NEW BUSINESS items
Public Hearing for New Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop
Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:41p.m.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Mayor Crespin asked if paperwork was in order and premises had been posted and publication given regarding the public hearing. Chief Fear and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone from UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop who would like to speak.
Joshua Torgler, Director of Market, 315 Arkansas St., Ordway, CO gave a brief presentation of what UPOP Holdings intentions are for the building.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop.
Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop.
Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop.; none received.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop; none received.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was any further questions of clarification needed by Council; none received.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to close the public hearing for new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop at 7:49 p.m.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the new Retail Liquor License for UPOP Holdings LLC/dba JR’s Bottle Shop.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Public Hearing for New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House
Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to open the public hearing for a new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Mayor Crespin asked if paperwork was in order and premises had been posted and publication given regarding the public hearing. Chief Fear and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone from AM Breakfast House who would like to speak.
Melissa Felan thanked Council for all of the support they have shown for her businesses and explained what her plan is for AM Breakfast House.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House.
Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House.
Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House; none received.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House; none received.
Mayor Crespin asked if there was any further questions or clarification needed; none received.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to close the public hearing for new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House at 7:59 p.m.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Mayor Crespin opened up Council discussion regarding the new license application.
Councilmember Gonzales stated his concern is that Melissa’s husband was not listed on the liquor application. This was a concern when we were reviewing The LaMar application.
Mayor Crespin asked what the distance requirement per state statute between a liquor establishment and a school.
City Clerk Williams stated that the distance has to be at least 500 feet and the current distance between the two is 708 feet.
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Melissa Felan dba/AM Breakfast House.
- Voting Yes: Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: Gonzales
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 5-1”.
Approve Staff to Apply for Colorado Pet Over-Population Fund Grant
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the submission of the Colorado Pet Over-Population Fund Grant in the amount of $11,000.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Approve Staff to Apply for Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant
Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the submission of the Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant in the amount of $19,600.00 for the purchase and installation of a new washer for gear.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Award Bid #44-014 – Aggregate Materials and Snow Removal
Councilmember Mata moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve and award Bid #44-014 – Aggregate Materials and Snow Removal to Brannan Aggregates for Base Material only. There were no bids for asphalt and concrete.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Award Bid #44-015 for Annual Main Street Flowers
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve and award Bid #44-015 for Annual Main Street Flowers to Home Store in the amount of $17,648.00 and allow the Mayor to sign contract upon attorney review.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Award Bid #44-016 – Annual T-Shirt Bid
Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve and award Bid #44-016 – Annual T-Shirt Bid to Printed Imagination.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Award Bid #44-017 for Annual Fertilizer Bid
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve and award Bid #44-017 for Annual Fertilizer Bid to Home Store in the amount of $17,082.00.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Award Bid #44-018 for Traffic Study
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to table the award of Bid #44-018 for Traffic Study due to some additional information received from CDOT regarding several resources available for this type of study.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Appointment to the Water Advisory Board
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the appointment to the Water Advisory Board of Elijah Adkins for an unexpired five-year term expiring February 1, 2026.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
New Public Safety Building Extension Request
Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the requested extension to complete the Phase I Environmental Inspection of the Public Safety Building.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Designation of Places for Posting Notice of Meetings of the Lamar City Council
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the designation of places for posting notice of meetings of the Lamar City Council.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Designation of Representative to the County Health Pool
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve the designation of representative to the County Health Pool.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
- Ordinance No. “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Concerning the Keeping of Bee Hives within the City Limits
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Concerning the Keeping of Bee Hives within the City Limits with corrections stated by Councilmember Bates.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
- Ordinance No. “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Stating the Intent of the City of Lamar, Adopting the 2018 Edition of the “International Property Maintenance Code” with Amendments”
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Stating the Intent of the City of Lamar, Adopting the 2018 edition of the “International Property Maintenance Code” with Amendments”.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Miscellaneous
Community Development Director Crampton announced that the new website has been completed.
Executive Session – (1) For Discussion of Personnel Matters C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f)Evaluations of City Administrator, City Clerk, and City Treasurer (2) 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 Parks & Recreation and Escondido Park
Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into Executive Session – (1) For Discussion of Personnel Matters C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f)Evaluations of City Administrator, City Clerk, and City Treasurer (2) 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 Parks & Recreation and Escondido Park.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Regular meeting recessed and executive session convened at 8:47 p.m.
City Treasurer Schwartz and City Clerk Williams left meeting at 8:58 p.m.
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:47 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded that the meeting adjourn.
- Voting Yes: Gonzales, Mata, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Bates
- Voting No: None
Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-0”.
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 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