Monday September 14, 2026

The City Council met in a regular session at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room with Mayor Crespin presiding.

Present: Joe Gonzales, Mark Headlee, Gerry Jenkins, Kirk Crespin, David Zavala, Brad Johnson, Kristin Schwartz, Mitch Hammes, Lance Clar

Absent:

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 8/24/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a) Utilities Board – 8/11/2026 

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #105540 - #105660

Item #4 – License New/Renewal

None

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Presentation of Years of Service Plaque to Brent Bates, Councilmember Ward I and Mayor Pro-Tem

Mayor Crespin presented Brent Bates with a plaque for his years of Service to the citizens of Lamar and City of Lamar as Councilmember Ward I and Mayor Pro-Tem.

Audience Participation

Mike Duffy, 310 W. Cedar St. stated his concerns for the length of grass and the divots in the youth soccer field, feels that this needs to be addressed.

Brent Bates, 7 Paseo Place would like to see the Council go more, read the agendas and do their research.

Anthony Gazotti, no address, talked about rural areas being hunted, non-disclosure agreements or contracts, and charter appropriation.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they received an update from Jacob Topping with Senator Bennett’s office regarding the grant application for CDS funding we submitted letting us know that the application is still being considered but Congress has passed a continuing resolution.  This means that the CDS funding vote has been pushed out until December 11, 2026, full funding has to be completed by this date or there will be a full government shut down.  This funding was applied for the Public Safety Building, we have some matches to go with this.  If this should not be approved we will have to go out for some other sources of funding.

City Treasurer Schwartz provided an audit update.  We had done an extension to the audit until September 30, 2026 which it is on track for completion prior to that date.  On September 8, 2026 she received the proposed work trials and journal entries, they are reviewing those and making any changes that are needed.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they received good news regarding insurance increases for the upcoming year.  Property/Casualty increased 1.34% and went down a band, Worker’s Comp decreased by .05%, this would be the first year that there has been a decrease.  She stated that the health insurance is only going up 1%, dental zero and vision 3%.  She stated that they will be bring the agreements to the next meeting for Council review and possibly approval.

City Clerk Report

None

City Administrator Report

2026 CML Fall District 6 Meeting

City Administrator Hammes announced that the 2026 CML Fall District 6 meeting will be hosted by the City of Lamar on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Cow Palace Inn & Tavern 1301.

LCC Suicide Prevention & Awareness Night

City Administrator Hammes announced the LCC Suicide Prevention & Awareness Night is Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at Lamar Community College large lecture hall.

Chamber of Commerce

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Chamber of Commerce will host the last evening Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 26, 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chamber parking lot.

Department Updates

Street Department Update – Public Works Director Mason provided an update on the yearly asphalt paving, there has been a delay this year due to the milling machine availability.  He provided a list of streets that will be completed this year.

• 1 block of W. Walnut between 8th & 9th
• 2 blocks of Grant St. from Main to 6th
• Avenida Colonia approximately 3 blocks
• Sandoval Lane entirety
• Willow Valley will have some partial blocks repaved in the 800, 900, & 500 blocks

PW Director Mason stated that this year there was $400,000.00 budgeted for re-paving and the estimate that he just listed for materials alone comes to $380,362.00.  He did state that with the increase in asphalt over the years if there was a time they could increase the budget would make the street paving go a little farther.  He also added that due to the water line project in Willow Valley, the streets affected will have repairs done to them as well.  He also stated that they had another water project on W. Oak St. that will require a couple of blocks be repaired as well.

PW Director Mason stated that PMC has also asked for some assistance re-paving there parking lot, they will pay for all materials and we will provide the work as in-kind.

City Administrator provided an additional positive comment regarding the Street Dept., what the community doesn’t see is the street sweeping that is provided or the barricades being set up for parades, there is a lot of unseen things that the department does that no one sees.

Miscellaneous

None

Council Liaison

Main St. Lamar Update

Councilmember Headlee announced that there are a few vacancies on the Main St. Lamar Board if there is anyone interested in applying.

Senior Center Update

Councilmember Headlee gave a reminder of all the things going on at the Senior Center that is open to any senior that wants to participate.

Planning & Zoning Update

Councilmember Zavala reported that they talked about the upcoming annexation for the Valco property.

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 7:32 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Zavala 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, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• 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.  Police Chief Ridder and City Clerk Williams responded as correct.

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

Kolby Brubacher gave presentation regarding this year’s Oktoberfest and Beer Garden.  There will be no changes regarding set up or security from last year. 

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone 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; none received.

Mayor Crespin requested to close the meeting.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to close the public hearing for Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to Host Beer Garden during Oktoberfest at 7:35 p.m.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No: None

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

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee 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, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No: None

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

Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Submit Letter of Support to High Plains Community Health Center for Application regarding HRSA-27-099, Fiscal Year 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services (ENS)

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Submit Letter of Support to High Plains Community Health Center for Application regarding HRSA-27-099, Fiscal Year 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services (ENS) 

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Southeast Colorado Regional Airport SITA Lease Agreement

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Southeast Colorado Regional Airport SITA Lease Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Contract with Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA)

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Contract with Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA) in the amount of $12,500.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Approve Extension Request Letter to the Department of Local Affairs for Grant #9894 WWTP Design and Engineering of the Waste Water Treatment Plant

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Extension Request Letter to the Department of Local Affairs for Grant #9894 WWTP Design and Engineering of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Approval of Amendment to Agreement with JVA, Inc. for Providing Engineering Services to the City of Lamar for the Design and Engineering of the Waste Water Treatment Plant

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Amendment to Agreement with JVA, Inc. for Providing Engineering Services to the City of Lamar for the Design and Engineering of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Approve Renewal Agreement with Tesla for Charging Stations at 109 E. Beech St.

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Renewal Agreement with Tesla for Charging Stations at 109 E. Beech St.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Approve Engagement Letter with Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley P.C.

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve engagement letter with Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley P.C. to allow Rachel Bolt to continue working on the Wastewater Treatment Plant design team and JVA engineers.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Clarification on Council Directive Related to Data Center Moratorium

City Attorney Clark provided a draft of data center moratorium as well as some additional information regarding setting lengths of moratoriums.  With the information provided Council has requested some additional information be brought for review prior to approving moratorium ordinance on data centers.  Direction provided to City Administrator and City Attorney to research appropriate time frames for moratoriums and allow the additional time past the original 6-weeks given to produce the ordinance.  This will be presented by the October 12, 2026 Council meeting.

Appointment of Mayor Pro-Tem

Councilmember Gonzales nominated Mark Headlee

Councilmember Jenkins nominated David Zavala

City Clerk requested written votes from Mayor and Council on their choice for Mayo Pro-Tem.  She read each of the written votes with Councilmember Headlee receiving 4 votes and Councilmember Zavala receiving 2 votes.  Councilmember Headlee with be the new Mayor Pro-Tem.

Explain the Process for Councilmember Appointment

City Administrator Hammes explained the process for appointing an individual to a council vacancy.  It was advertised that there was a vacancy in Ward I and that applications could be picked up through 4:00 p.m. today September 14, 2026.  Council will go into Executive Session tonight and review applications submitted.  There will be a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to interview the applicants then Executive Session for Council to talk about the interviews, coming out of Executive Session to make appointment to position.  The new candidate will then be sworn in at the next meeting on September 28, 2026 and continue in office until the November 2027 coordinated election.

Discussion on Selected Topics Brought Forth by Councilmembers

There have been several questions brought to Councilmembers from their constituents, this is a way for council to share the questions and give answers in an open meeting.

1. Question asked is for Council to consider whether Lamar’s utility rates and fees are affordable, transparent, and reasonably competitive.  Explanation of charges was provided, comparison of Lamar’s rates to similar communities is in current rate studies, identify practical improvements for efficiencies, reliable services and infrastructure.
2. Franchise Agreements & Telecommunications – Identified franchise agreements, terms, & expirations dates.  Explained where the City can consider other providers and what the process is.
3. Mayor and Council Compensation – provided what the current stipend is for the Mayor and Councilmembers and that this has been in place pre 1955.
4. Lamar Light & Power – the issue of the $350,000.00 and why the City has not provided the funds to Lamar Light & Powers was explained.  Explain who proposed the possible purchase of Lamar Light & Power and explain what the process for the possible sale, this would go to a vote of the citizens.
5. Photo Radar & Speed Cameras – explained what the time frame is for installation, warning periods and when the citations dates would become effective.
6. Valco Property and North Gateway Park – Confirmed that the Valco property is not owned by the City of Lamar and the City is not putting an RV Park into that location.  If the property owner wants to put an RV Park into that location and it is zoned correctly the City would not be able to deny the owners request.
7. Economic Development – Briefly touched on the Economic Development as there are many entities involved in bringing new businesses to the area.
8. Wooten Public Safety Building – There is money set aside for a match to the funding that has been applied for, currently waiting to see if it will be awarded.

Approve Toth & Association Master Service Agreement and Scope of Work

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to Table agreement with Toth & Association Master Service Agreement and Scope of Work for the independent valuation of the Lamar Light & Power system and assets until the 9-28-26 meeting and confirmation that SECPA will be paying ½ of the independent valuation.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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 Amending Chapter 22 Subdivisions Regulations of the Lamar Municipal Code”

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Ordinance No. – “An Ordinance of the City of Lamar, Colorado Amending Chapter 22 Subdivisions Regulations of the Lamar Municipal Code”.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

Miscellaneous

Denny’s soft opening will be on Monday, September 21, 2026 with grand opening being on Moonlight Madness.

Mitch will be on KVAY in the morning.

Executive Session – (1) 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 Economic Development (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f) regarding Council Vacancy

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to enter into Executive Session – (1) 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 Economic Development (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f) regarding Council Vacancy.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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 9:30 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Johnson seconded that executive session adjourn at 10:20 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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 Headlee seconded that the meeting adjourn.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson
• Voting No:

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.