Monday, April 14, 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 Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 3/24/2025

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –3/11/2025

b)    Adjustment & Appeals – 2/12/2025

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #101772-101919

Item #4 – Licenses – New & Renewal

a)    Coin Operated Amusement Device License – Davis Delights, 301 S. Main St.

b)    Retail Liquor Store License – Coronica’s, 100 N. Main St.

c)    Retail Liquor Store License – Corner Liquor, LLC, 1201 S. Main St.

• 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

Lori Hammer, 410 Conifer Circle and Colleen Tinnes, 10250 Cty. Rd. SS both of Lamar wanted to share with the Council the upcoming 5th Christian Concert on May 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Lamar Community Building.  All of the concerts that have been held have been free to the public.  Most of the concerts have been paid for by donations at the door.  They are hoping that the Council will help pass the word around and also come to the concert.  They are expecting 500-700 people in attendance.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz included in the agenda packet an updated list of the grants we have applied for or have been awarded, along with the project list for them.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that we were denied the Water Smart Grant for Escondido Park practice field.  They will keep an eye on this once and maybe on the next round try to revamp the application to make it fit better, it had to focus on water conservation, ours was a little light and the grant was very competitive.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that she is working with CDOT regarding the TAP Grant for the sidewalks and getting a notice to proceed so that she can go out for bid for a contractor.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they received the go ahead from the EPA on CDS funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Work has begun on the engineering and design phase.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they just completed the onsite audit.  She will continue to work with him until about the end of June to complete the audit.  He will come back and give a presentation to Council regarding the audit.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that Tyler has developed a new schedule to move forward with the full conversion.  We will now start with the utility billing module now instead of the financial module first.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the March revenue report reflected collections of $389,449.62which was up 5.62% or $20,712.39.  Year to Date collections were $1,392,210.37 which was up 5.34% or $70,585.00 from 2024.

City Administrator Report

SBDC Ribbon Cutting at LCC

Mayor Crespin announced that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Ribbon Cutting will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at LCC

SDS Movie Night

Mayor Crespin announce that the SDS Movie Night is Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. featuring the movie HOP.

Harlem Wizards Game

Mayor Crespin announced that the Harlem Wizards Game will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at LCC.

KLMR Teen Club Night at the LaMar

Mayor Crespin announce that the KLMR Teen Club Night at the LaMar will be Friday, April 25, 2025, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Lamar Lions Club Flag Pole Fundraiser

Mayor Crespin announce that the Lamar Lions Club Flag Pole Fundraiser is Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Welcome Center.

Council Meeting Date Change

Mayor Crespin announced that the last Council meeting in May is Memorial Day.  He asked if the Council wanted to cancel meeting or move to the Tuesday following Memorial Day.  After discussion it was decided to give direction to move meeting to Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Project Update

• Mayor Crespin and Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez gave project updates on the items below:
• Water Department continues replacement on the lead service lines, part of the requirements from the State was check for what lines contained lead and they would replace them.  Also starting in May the water restriction will begin.  You may water between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• IT Department they are installing new cameras at station 2, updating their networks and replacing their copper with IG fiber.  They completed their project at the Resource Center installing internet and wifi for the Community Development Department to move later in the month.
• Community Development Department will be moving to their new location by May 1, 2025.  Also Brenda May, Brent Bates, and Debbie Davis attended the Main St. National Conference.  They came back with some great ideas to help energize Lamar’s Main Street District.
• Community Clean Up Month runs the month of April.  There are three more dates to utilize the free dump times, they are April 19th, 26th, & 27th.  There is no door to door pickups but there are organizations out there that are volunteering to help.  You can contact Ethan at 719-336-2774 to schedule a time.
• Building Department has a lot of construction going on south of town in the industrial park area.  Permits have been pulled for three more metal buildings to go in.  
• Planning and Zoning has set meeting dates for the 2nd Wednesday of every month and Adjustment & Appeals has meeting dates set for the last Wednesday of every month.  They are currently working on by-laws for both boards.
• Police Department has their new K-9 dog “Taco”, Sergeant Peck finished up their training in Texas and will be back in Lamar this coming weekend.  This K-9 was fully funded through generous donations by community members.  Taco is a 1-year old German Shepard trained to find narcotics, handler protection, suspect apprehension, building searching and tracking.
• Police Department is also partnering with the FBI and starting a local investigations program for internet crimes against children.  Detective Sanger will be the local internet crimes against children detective and the program is now active.  Detective Sanger will be hosting informational sessions for the community in the near future.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin and Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez talked about the Water Department Fluoride Injection system that the City uses.  In the 50’s they began injecting fluoride into the city’s water system to help with cavities.  The City’s system is starting to deteriorate and will be a very large investment to replace.  The discussion is whether it is required or not.  Public Works Director Mason had made a call to CDPHE to inquire about it, as soon as they heard this they had concerns that we would stop using the system, many communities do not inject fluoride into their water.  This is being mentioned because over the next few months a decision is going to have to be made.  If we make this substantial investment for a new system and the federal government bans it we will be losing a large amount of funds.  The City is investigating their options at this time and if you hear about this nothing will be decided without coming back to Council for further discussion.  Just to let the public know that there is a small amount of fluoride added .07%.  The natural water already has .05% in it already without added an additional.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales announced that the board meets tomorrow.  They did have the three following tournaments Sod Busters, Ice Breaker, and Redneck Olympics.  Two boardmembers have resigned from the board, Rick Akers and JJ Ryberg.  They appointed two to their spots with only one accepting at this time Branson Jennings and are waiting to see if the other will accept the spot.  There is a scramble happening Memorial weekend. 

Mayor Crespin stated that one of the members appointed was also on the Council, prior to accepting the position he wanted to make sure that there were no issues with him being on the golf board as a citizen not a council member.  As long as he votes as a citizen and not a council member there should be no reason to not accept the position.

Jesus Walk

Councilmember Jenkins reported that Jesus Walk over the weekend had about 100 participants with 3 baptisms.  They thanked the City for the assistance and would like to see this become an annual event.

Fire Department Auxiliary

Councilmember Jenkins reported that the Fire Department Auxiliary held their annual bake sale and they raised $1,350.00.

Parks Department Thank You

Councilmember Jenkins reported that there was a family coming through Lamar headed to Denver that stopped at Willow Creek Park.  They got a flat tire while there and one of the Park Employees Jason Loveland helped them get the flat fixed.  They wanted to send a thank you to him and the staff members that may have helped as well.

Water Board Update

Councilmember Tamez reported that the water department will start recharging ponds in the next week.  The snow fall for this year is at 60% of normal but the good news is our ponds are still a foot above last year at this time.

Main St. Board

Councilmember Bates reported that he along with Brenda May and Debbie Davis attended the Main St. National Conference in Philadelphia.  There was some great information and he plans to set up some meetings between Council and DOLA regarding some of the ideas.  There is an idea that a Mayor in Maryland is doing that may be beneficial to Lamar and the State of Colorado that he wants to discuss with them.  We have new Welcome to Lamar Banners up on Main St. thank you to Leandra Chavez for the art work on the banners.  There is work being done on the building down from N. Loaf-n-Jug for the next mural going up.  He also stated that the board has a new energy right now with some of the new board members and are excited to move forward.  Also PEP meets next Monday.

PMC Update

Mayor Crespin had a meeting with PMC CEO Karen Bryant, PMC has their board member election coming up with three positions up for election.  They are looking forward to partnering up for the annual social.  They have a new surgeon starting in the near future.

Miscellaneous

None

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. 

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event.

• 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.  Chief Fear and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked for the Chamber of Commerce members to give an update on their event.

Chamber members provided an update on events for the day, they have also paid security for the event.  There set up for the event is the same as last year’s event with the exception of the main entrance they have made it more secure to ensure that everyone going in is asked if they are going to have any drinks, age verified and arms banded.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event.

Galan Burnett, 800 S 6th, spoke against the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event.

Mayor Crespin asked if there were any further comments against the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event other than the Chamber who spoke earlier in the hearing; none received.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the public hearing for the Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event at 7:44 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 the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Event and give permission to use city owned property.

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”.

Approve Proclamation No. 25-02 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring April 30, 2025 as Arbor Day and April 26, 2025 through May 2, 2025 as Arbor Week”

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Proclamation No. 25-02 – “A Proclamation of the City of Lamar Declaring April 30, 2025 as Arbor Day and April 26, 2025 through May 2, 2025 as Arbor Week”.

• 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”.

New Copy Machine Agreement

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the new copy machine lease agreement and addendum 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”.

Resolution 25-04-01 – Designation of Creaghe House to the Lamar Historic Register

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Resolution 25-04-01 – Designation of Creaghe House to the Lamar Historic Register.

• 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”.

Resolution 25-04-02 – Designation of D.C. Marker House to the Lamar Historic Register

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Resolution 25-04-02 – Designation of D.C. Marker House to the Lamar Historic Register.

• 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”.

Change City of Lamar SECED/SECOG Designee

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to change the designee from Mayor Crespin to Community Development Director Crampton for the SECED/SECOG Board.

• 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”.

Agreement for Law Enforcement and Security Services for Riverside Communication, LLC

Mayor Crespin turned meeting over to Mayor Pro-Tem Tamez to review and ask for possible approved on this item.

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the agreement for law enforcement and security services for Riverside Communication, LLC to host a Teen Club Night at the LaMar.

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

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

Review and Approve Contract Agreement with Golf & Sport Solutions for Escondido Field

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve Golf & Sport Solutions contract agreement upon written guarantee from LCC to share in the cost of the repairs.

• 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”.

Lamar Swimming Pool Repairs

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve RenoSys service & warranty evaluation agreement 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”.

Facilities Use Agreement for Fitness Classes

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the Facility Use Agreement for Fitness Classes with Kelsey Palmer.

• 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”.

Pocket Park Facility Rental Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve Pocket Park Facility Rental Agreement with new fee schedule and add compliance with rules & guidelines on application.

• 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”.

Concession Contract for the Lamar Sports Booster Club

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Concession Contract for the Lamar Sports Booster Club 2025-2026 year 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”.

Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Apply for Balance of Funds from the SECOG 2024 Technical Assistance Grant and Authorize the Mayor to Sign if Awarded

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the motion to ratify Council Approval to Apply for Balance of Funds from the SECOG 2024 Technical Assistance Grant and Authorize the Mayor to sign if awarded.

• 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”.

Motion to Ratify Council Approval to Accept the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund Grant and Authorizing Mayor to Sign

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the motion to ratify Council Approval to Accept the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund Grant and Authorizing 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”.

Authorize Staff to Accept and Sign the Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve and accept Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant in the amount of $19,578.62 for a new extractor 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”.

Permission to Apply for the Gary Sinise Foundation Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the submission of the Gary Sinise Foundation Grant in the amount of $57,138.00 with no match for the purchase of 12 new saws and “jaws of life”.

• 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”.

Review and Approval of Contract with Strategic Governmental Resources (SGR) as the approved Recruitment Firm for the Deputy of Public Works Search

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve contract with Strategic Governmental Resources (SGR) as the approved Recruitment Firm for the Deputy of Public Works 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”.

Review and Approval of Contract with Strategic Governmental Resources (SGR) as the approved Recruitment Firm for the City Administrator Search

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve contract with Strategic Governmental Resources (SGR) as the approved Recruitment Firm for 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”.

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 Jenkins 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, 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 8:57 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:51 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 9:52 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk                                   

Kirk Crespin – Mayor