March 9, 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, Brent Bates, Kristin Schwartz, Mitch Hammes, Lance Clark

Absent:                  

Consent Agenda

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4 with the removal Ck. # 104287 to Gonzales Unlimited. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 2/23/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 2/10/2026

 Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #104233 - #104342

Item #4 – License New/Renewals

a)    Fermented Malt Beverage & Wine License – JR’s Country Store, 1115 N. Main St.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, 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 reported that they are working on an application for the fiscal year 2027 Community Project Funding for the WWTP.  She reminded them that they had gave approval for her to apply for all grants regarding WWTP without coming back each time for approval.  She stated that we have gotten two awards from this funding totaling 2.8 million, we are going to apply again for the construction phase of the project.  The Mayor has signed some letters of support along with a letter of support from the County to go with the application tomorrow.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that Mitch and Anne-Marie are working on the Mygov module in Tyler, they have everything turned in and Linda is working on the Sale Tax module.  The rest of them continue working on financials and utility billing and they are working on Time & Attendance.

City Clerk Report

None

 City Administrator Report

Cub Scout Flag Replacement Program - City Administrator Hammes announced that Cub Scout Pack 223 is doing a flag replacement program fundraiser.  Anyone who has a worn or faded flag, the troop will replace it with a 3’x5’ American Flag and take the worn flag to be properly retired at a ceremony.  Cost of flags is $20.00.

9/11 Tribute Banquet -  City Administrator Hammes announced that the 9/11 Tribute Banquet and fundraisers Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m. at Tavern 1301.

Prowers County Rally - City Administrator Hammes announced that there will be a Prowers County Rally with Victor Marx on Sunday, March 22, 2026, 5:00 p.m. at Tavern 1301.

Josh Abbott Concert -  City Administrator Hammes announced that there will be a Josh Abbott Band Concert on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. at The LaMar.

Department Updates

City Administrator Hammes reported that he has no department updates but they have begun the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

City Administrator Hammes mentioned that PMC has begun their strategic plan and are requesting input from the public.  Anyone interested helping with this need to contact Amber in Karen Bryant’s office.

Council Liaison

Senior Center Update

Councilmember Headlee stated that if anyone is interested in the Senior Center newsletter they should contact them.  The newsletter is full of a wealth of information and activities.

Citizen Concern

Councilmember Headlee stated that he had done some further research on how to keep animals out of someone’s yard.  There is a non-harmful spray you can make and spray around your yard that will keep them from coming in the yards.  The spray includes a combination either cayenne pepper or paprika.

Fire Department Auxiliary

Councilmember Jenkins announced that the Fire Department Auxiliary is doing their annual bake sale, anyone interested can call 719-691-1687.

Birthday Announcement

Councilmember Zavala wanted to wish his son Elijah a happy 25th birthday and his wife whose birthday is tomorrow.

Water Restrictions

Councilmember Bates announced that the community should be aware that with the lack of moisture there may be water restrictions implemented.

Birthday Announcement

Councilmember Bates wanted to wish his father Jerry Bates a happy 82nd birthday as well.

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Bates announced that the Ice Breaker tournament is March 21, 2026 and there are a few openings left.

Dog Park Concerns

Councilmember Jenkins asked that when using the dog park please clean up after your dogs.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for New Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor License to Prowers County Market, Inc.

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7.15 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve to open public hearing for new Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor License to Prowers County Market, Inc.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, 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.  Chief Ridder and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone from Prowers County Market Inc. who would like to speak.

Landon Brown, President of Prowers County Market Inc. gave a bit of background regarding the location of Prowers County Market, Inc. and that they were requesting a FMB and Wine retail liquor license for the store. 

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone else in favor of the new Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor License to Prowers County Market, Inc.; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the new Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor License to Prowers County Market, Inc.

Cory Daniels addressed the Council with information regarding the distance between the current liquor store and the location of Prowers County Market, Inc.  He first asked if this was a transfer of ownership or a new license.  He provided copies of the State of Colorado Bulletin 22-04 regarding FMB & Wine distance to a Retail Liquor Store cannot be within 500 feet.

City Clerk Williams and Attorney Clark both stated that they would need to do some further research into this since historically both locations have held licenses.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for new Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor License to Prowers County Market, Inc. at 7:25 p.m.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Mayor Crespin opened up Council discussion regarding the new license application; no further discussion.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to table Prowers County Market, Inc. FMB & Wine Retail Liquor License until further research and investigation can be completed by City Clerk and City Attorney.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Agreement for Law Enforcement and Security Services for Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair Board for the Wild West Cook-Off Contest

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve agreement for Law Enforcement and Security Services for Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair Board for the Wild West Cook-Off Contest

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Consider Approval of Sand & Sage Round-Up Request

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the Sand & Sage Round-Up Request for overnight parking during the Wild West BBQ Cook-Off Thursday-Saturday, April 23-25, 2026.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Ports to Plains Update

Ports to Plains Liaison Mike Duffy gave an in depth update on the Washington DC Fly-In regarding Ports to Plains, they met with Senators and Representatives, Federal Highway Administration and Commerce Department.

Councilmember Bates stated since there was a hold up with Colorado moving forward it is suggested maybe someone meet with local and state officials to see what the holdup is.

 Appointments to the Lamar Tree Board

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the re-appointments of Jane Felter and Jack VanHook the expired three-year terms expiring March 1, 2029.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Request for Extra-Territorial Water Service

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Extra-Territorial Water Service Agreement with Titus Sharpe at 9201 Cty Rd. HH, Lamar.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Appointment to Library Advisory Board

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve re-appointment of Janette Erdman to the Library Advisory Board for an expired five-year term expiring February 1, 2031.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

 Economic Development Incentive Agreement (Denny’s Restaurant)

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Denny’s Restaurant 805 N. Main St. for a five-year incentive and upon opening date no later than December 1, 2025.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Lease Extension – North Fork Farms (Domes)

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve lease extension to September 1, 2026 with North Fork Farms and continue the monthly lease payment from March to August 2026 in the amount of 2,083.33 per month.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

 Non-Disclosure Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approved Non-Disclosure Agreement with SECPA and allow the Mayor to sign.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Resolution 26-03-01 – Amending the Holly Street Annexation Resolution 26-02-01 Changing Public Hearing Date to April 13, 2026.

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Resolution 26-03-01 – Amending the Holly Street Annexation Resolution 26-02-01 changing public hearing date to April 13, 2026.

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

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 7-0”.

Schedule Public Hearing for Temporary Modification of Premises for Palace Tavern LTD dba/Tavern 1301

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to schedule public hearing for Temporary Modification of Premises for Palace Tavern LTD dba/Tavern 1301 for March 23, 2026.

Schedule Public Hearing for Special Event Permit to Lamar Chamber of Commerce for Cinco de Mayo Event

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Johnson seconded to schedule public hearing for Special Event Permit to Lamar Chamber of Commerce for Cinco de Mayo Event for March 23, 2026.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Gonzales wanted to give a thank you to Lamar Police Department for the recent drug bust.

Councilmember Johnson will be on KLMR in the a.m.

Mayor Crespin will be on KVAY in the a.m.

Executive Session – For Discussion of Personnel Matters Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f), for Annual Evaluations of City Clerk and City Treasurer

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to enter into Executive Session – For Discussion of Personnel Matters Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f), for Annual Evaluations of City Clerk and City Treasurer.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, 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 8:13 p.m.

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:49 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• Voting Yes:   Gonzales, Headlee, 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, Headlee, Jenkins, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, 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 9:50 p.m.