Monday, September 9, 2024

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, Rob Evans, Kristin Schwartz, Lance Clark

Absent:                     

Amend Agenda

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to amend agenda to add new item 7 FY2024-2025 Colorado State Grants for Libraries moving item 7 & 8 to item 8 & 9.

• 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”.

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 8/26/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board –8/13/2024

b)    Adjustment & Appeals Board – 7/31/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #100197-100288

Item #4 – License – New and Renewal - None

• 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”.

Audience Participation

Donna Giron, Lamar resident, asked what was being done about the vehicles parking on the sidewalks up and down Main St.

Mayor Crespin stated that they were aware of the issue and are currently working on it.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasure Schwartz provided a copy of all grants that are currently in process with beginning and ending dates.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they have a few new grants they are going to ask for permission to apply on tonight’s agenda.  She also stated that they have been working on the 2025 budget as well as continuing to work on the wastewater treatment plant funding.

Councilmember Tamez asked how the archery range grant was coming along.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that we have received the PO on the grant and we had to change the location of the range.  Right now we are waiting on CPW to approve the change in scope of work for the range and the new location.  We have however started purchasing items for the range at this time.  She stated that they are having Public Works Director Mason help them, currently the site is listed as a gravel pit and he is working on getting this closed out.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the July revenue report reflected collections of $446,685.43 which was up 7.29% or $30,332.06.  Year to Date collections were $3,752,197.96 which was up 8.13% or $282,022.65 from 2023.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

City Administrator Evans announced schedule for Coffee with Rob is below.

• September 18, 2024 – McDonald’s
• September 25, 2024 – Pit Stop

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:

• Human Resource department has schedule the employee wellness fair September 16-17, 2024.
• Library is continuing their Discover Amache program and will be host the annual trunk or treat again this year.
• Police Department helped with the 9-11 parade which was a success.  They have also been working on gathering information to provide a scope of work regarding the Traffic Study.
• Parks & Recreation are working on the upkeep of all of the parks.
• Public Works has completed the sewer line issue on Valco Rd. and the road is now open.  They have begun their paving project for the year.
• Community Development wanted to remind everyone of the plastic and e-waste recycling that is available.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin asked if there was an update on the sidewalk project. 

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they are waiting on the PO to begin the process.  Once the PO is received they will send out an RFP to begin the bid process.  Will probably not get started until 2025.

Councilmember Gonzales asked for an update on the old meat packing plant.

City Administrator Evans stated that there has been no updates at this time.

Councilmember Gonzales asked if there were any updates on the Burger King building.

City Administrator Evans and Mayor Crespin stated that the building is under contract and that is all that can be said at this time.

Councilmember Jenkins asked if the new speed sign has been put up yet and what is being done about the property at Logan and N. 11th St.

City Administrator Evans stated that he would have to look into the sign and he would get an update on the Logan location.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Golf Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the golf course was closed last Monday to aerate the course.  He also stated that the Labor Day Tournament went well, had great attendance.  The High School golf teams are still using the course and the match play event registration has closed and begun.  Completion will be at the end of September with champion being determined at that time.

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Two Shot Tournament will be September 27-29, 2024.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Bates wanted to remind citizens that the first course of action when they see a problem or concern would be to call dispatch.

Councilmember Bates announced that the Chamber of Commerce has asked if SECCI would host a Cornhole Tournament during Oktoberfest, which they will be doing.

Mayor Crespin stated that it is not only Lamar that is having issues with the homeless population, there are several communities having the same problems.

Mayor Crespin announced that PMC will start their convenient care clinic again in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS

Oath of Office for New Police Officer

Mayor Crespin administered the Oath of Office to New Police Officer Steve Sanger.  Pinning of Badge was done by Officer Sanger’s granddaughter Jezlyina.

Consider Amending Resolution 17-12-03 Authorizing Payment of $350,000.00 Per Year From the City’s General Fund to the Lamar Utilities Board

After discussion on different options Council gave direction to amend Resolution 17-12-03 moving money into General Fund to help with offset of multiple items.  This will be brought back to a future meeting for approval.

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

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve contract with Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAAA) in the amount of $25,589.00 with a 10% match by City of $2,844.00 to assist in the operating of the Community Resource and Senior Center for the state fiscal year 2025 which runs July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 and allow 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 Pursue Motorola Grant Program

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve permission to pursue Motorola Grant Program for dashcams and radios costing approximately 207,617.00 for both, this will be included in the 2025 budget in the 20 fund (Capital Improvement).

• Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Bellomy, Jenkins, Crespin, Duffy, 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 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve permission to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $90,000.00 for body cameras.

• Voting Yes:    Gonzales, Bellomy, Jenkins, Crespin, Duffy, Tamez, Bates
• Voting No:     None

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

Ordinance – “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Article I Regarding Mobile Food Trucks and Pushcarts”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Article I Regarding Mobile Food Trucks and Pushcarts”.

• 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”.

FY 2024-2025 Colorado State Grants for Libraries

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the submission of the FY 2024-2025 Colorado State Grants for Libraries and authorized electronic submission.

• 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

City Treasurer Schwartz reminded everyone that there will be a budget work session with departments on September 16, 2024.  She also asked if they would like the information for the work session in hard copy or email.  All of Council is requesting hard copies, they will be available for pick up on Friday.

City Administrator Evans reminded Council of the CML District meeting and asked that those interested in attending please notify Mary to get reservation sent in.

Executive Session – (1) For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding Municipal/District Legal Relationship (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f) to Review the Outcome of the City Clerk, City Treasurer, and City Administrators Annual Performance Reviews, Including a Review of the Performance of the Targets that were Provided

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into an executive session – (1) For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding Municipal/District Legal Relationship (2) For Discussion of Personnel Matters under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f) to Review the Outcome of the City Clerk, City Treasurer, and City Administrators Annual Performance Reviews, Including a Review of the Performance of the Targets that were Provided.

• 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 8:12 p.m.

Also in attendance were City Administrator Evans, City Treasurer Schwartz, and City Clerk Williams.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:39 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 9:40 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