Monday, November 24, 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, Mark Headlee, Gerry Jenkins, Kirk Crespin, David Zavala, Brad Johnson, Brent Bates, Kristin Schwartz, Mitch Hammes, Lance Clark

Absent:                   

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 11/10/2025 Outgoing & 11/10/2025 Incoming

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 10/28/2025

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #103541 - #103679 – Minus Ck# 103660 Riverside Communications $100.00.

Item #4 – License New/Renewals

a)    Hotel/Restaurant – AM Breakfast House, 410 S. Main St.

b)    Hotel/Restaurant – Las Brisas, 302 S. 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”.

Approve Check #103660 to Riverside Communications

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve check #103660 in the amount of $100.00 to Riverside Communications for advertising.

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

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

Audience Participation

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported they are working on getting the archery range grant closed with CPW.  Also working on closing the fishing dock grant, we are waiting on seeing if the fish cleaning station comes in so we can close by the end of the year.

She stated that they had a meeting with CDOT regarding the TAP grant to get the CDOT rep caught up on where we were with the grant, met with JVA and did a walk through.  There is also a bid out for the Willow Valley Water Line Project

City Clerk Report

None

City Administrator Report

Office Closure

City Administrator Hammes reported that the City Offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 27-28, 2025 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cocoa Crawl

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Cocoa Crawl is Saturday, November 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in downtown Lamar.

Parade of Lights

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Parade of Lights is Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Common Grounds

City Administrator Hammes announced that Common Grounds is Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 7:00 a.m. in the Cultural Event Center.

City of Lamar Christmas Party

City Administrator Hammes announced that the City Christmas Party is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lamar Elks Lodge.

Department Updates

Community Development Department is looking at some virtual training opportunities for the building department.

Code Enforcement has a meeting on December 4, 2025 along with City Administrator Hammes and Prowers County regarding rabies risk management and testing.

City Administrator Hammes reported that he along with City Treasurer and City Clerk will be setting up times to meet to keep communications open between departments.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Johnson asked if the reason for the meeting regarding rabies was because there are cases in the area.  City Administrator Hammes stated that he is not aware of any cases but will find out during the meeting and report back.

Council Liaison

PEP Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the PEP Board had a guest speaker from Southeast Colorado Regional Housing Authority.  She gave an update on what they are working on regarding housing and development that they hope to accomplish.  She gave a price range of $200,000.00 to $275,000.00 per home, they won’t be built until they are sold.  She mentioned that they are looking at Lamar, Holly, Crowley County, and LaJunta.

Public Safety Board Update

Councilmember Jenkins asked that City Administrator Hammes give report on the Public Safety Board meeting.  City Administrator Hammes reported that during the meeting they had a CDOT Engineer in attendance to talk about some traffic issue that they had found.  He provided some resources from the federal highway safety administration has some quick build projects for pre-designed traffic calming and other traffic safety projects.  This is defiantly something that we will be looking into further.  There are also some other things such as painting areas to help remind people to reduce their speed.  He also stated that there are some ongoing grant opportunities available, Mitch will be sharing this information with the City Treasurer.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for a New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors

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

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors.

• 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 Los Juniors who would like to speak.

Litzy Perez Valle gave an explanation as to why they are requesting the liquor license thanked Council for their support to her business.

Mayor Crespin asked if her employees were tips certified. 

Ms. Perez stated that she was just informed of the need to be tips certified and that she would get those that would be serving certified.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was any further questions or clarification needed; none received.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to close the public hearing for new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors. at 7:20 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 Gonzales seconded to approve the new Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Litzy Perez Valle dba/Los Juniors.

• 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”.

Ms. Perez will make sure that her staff is tips certified within the next two weeks and provide copies to the City Clerk.

Lamar High School Student Council Presentation

Lamar High School Student Council were not present and did not give presentation.

Public Safety Building Update

Both Fire Chief Burkhart and Police Chief Ridder provide a verbal update along with copies of the architect drawings that are about 80% complete on the Public Safety Building.  They have not only tried to include the needs of now but looking into the future for growth of both departments.

Appointment to the Lamar Housing Authority Board

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve the appointment of Debbie Widener to the Lamar Housing Authority Board for an un-expired (5) five-year term expiring June 1, 2027.

• 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 the Airport Advisory Board

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the appointment of Matthew Carrigan to the Airport Advisory Board for an expired (5) five-year term expiring February 1, 2030.

• 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 and Sewer Service at 3101 Memorial Drive

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve the Extra-Territorial Water and Sewer Service at 3101 Memorial Drive, Lamar Community College.

• 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”.

Approve DocAccess/Streamline Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve DocAccess/Streamline Agreement for three years and authorize 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”.

Cooperative Service Agreement between City of Lamar and USDA

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Cooperative Service Agreement between City of Lamar and USDA in the amount of $18,921.78 expiring December 2026 and authorize 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”.

Authorize the Staff to Accept and Sign the John Henry Eldred Jr. Grant Agreement

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve and accept the award of John Henry Eldred Jr. Grant Agreement in the amount of $6,500.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign.  No match or reporting required for this grant.

• 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”.

Approve Staff to Apply for Colorado Pet Over-Population Fund Grant

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve staff to apply for the Colorado Pet Over-Population Fund Grant in the amount of $11,000.00 and allow Mayor to sign if awarded.

• 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”.

Permission to Apply for the History Colorado Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve to apply for the History Colorado Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant in the amount of $1,000.00 for scholarships 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”.

Discussion Regarding December 22, 2025 Meeting

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve to cancel December 22, 2025 and give City Treasurer permission to pay the bills.

• 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”.

Discussion Concerning 2026 Liaison Positions

Mayor Crespin asked that Council review the different Liaison positions and think about what they may be interested in or if they have not been a liaison to a particular board to think about trying it.  City Administrator Hammes will asked his Administrative Assistant to send out information on each board as to when they meet to allow Council to see if it would fit into their schedules.

EV Charging Stations

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the change in ownership from EV Charging Holdings LLC to prospective buyer who is also assuming original license agreement and allow Mayor to sign Consent to Agreement.

• 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”.

2025 Strategic Planning & Facilitation

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve a Strategic Plan Work Session scheduled in January and not to exceed $4,000.00.

• 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”.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin asked that we keep Galan Burnett and family in our thoughts and prayers as he deals with some health issues.

Mayor Crespin asked who would be in attendance for the Parade of Lights float.  Majority of Council will be in attendance.

Executive Session – For Discussion of a Personnel Matter and Not Involving: any Specific Employees who have Requested Discussion of the Matter in Open Session; any Member of the City Council or any Elected Official; the Appointment of any Person to fill an Office of the Body or of an Elected Official; or Personnel Policies that do not Require the Discussion of Matters Personal to Particular Employees Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f)

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to enter into Executive Session – For Discussion of a Personnel Matter and Not Involving: any Specific Employees who have Requested Discussion of the Matter in Open Session; any Member of the City Council or any Elected Official; the Appointment of any Person to fill an Office of the Body or of an Elected Official; or Personnel Policies that do not Require the Discussion of Matters Personal to Particular Employees Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(f).

• 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 8:17 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:39 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• 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”.

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 9:40 p.m.

Linda Williams – City Clerk 

Kirk Crespin – Mayor