Monday July 13, 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:    

Amend Agenda

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to amend agenda to add Executive Session after Item 1 in New Business, moving all items down consecutively.

• 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”.

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 6/8/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)  Utilities Board – 5/19/2026 (Special), 6/9/2026

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #105005 - #105242

Item #4 - License New/Renewals

a)    Tavern Liquor License – Fraternal Order of the Eagles #3898, 1220 S. Main St.

b)    Carnival License – Sun Valley Rides, 2820 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122

• 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

Twyla Batterton, 1903 S 10th St. stated her concerns about the fireworks, including the one the City puts on.  Her son recently mowed her yard and back by the alley was signs of a fire.  Her question is if something catches fire who’s responsible for the damages.  First question is did she report this, no because it wasn’t that big of a deal, but if the weeds had grown it would have been.  Mayor Crespin did state that prior to the 4th he had put a post out that stated if someone was caught starting a fire due to fireworks there would be tickets issued.  This is so that you can turn into home owners and the insurance more than likely would go after to ticketed person.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that the onsite audit began today.  She also stated that we were awarded $500,000.00 through the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant.

City Treasurer Schwartz also reported that her Grant Manager resigned and currently it will be herself and Kylie Parker taking care of the grants.

City Treasurer Schwartz gave a Tyler update:

We are still waiting on Aclara to fix the utility billing issue on the water reads

Inventory Module was started last week and Abrianna is doing the lead on this.

Courts, Parks & Recreation and Project Account Work Orders will be the next modules rolled out.

She also stated that she could not have done this without the help of Thomas and thanked him for all that he has done.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported the sales tax module is scheduled for a go live date of July 15th and then we will move into the accounts receivable module.

City Administrator Report

SECCI Fight Night 2026

City Administrator Hammes SECCI Fight Night 2026 is Saturday, July 18, 2026, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the Sand and Sage Pavilion at the Fairgrounds.

Prowers County Market Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Prowers County Market Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is Saturday, July 25, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lamar Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market

City Administrator Hammes announced the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market is Saturday, July 25, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

Back 2 School Bash

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Back 2 School Bash is Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Grace Family Worship Center, 110 W. Lee Ave.

Department Updates

City Administrator Hammes gave updates on the following Departments:

Parks & Recreation, Kolby Brubacher has increased ad space at both the Community Building and Merchants Park along with raising advertising costs.  The Windmill Classic was this weekend, great event and no issues.

Police Department has had an increase in traffic stops the months of May and June.

Airport, the fly-in was a success with about 62 planes and the Lion’s Club did about 150 pancake breakfasts.  Both Tim Jackson and Tim Fritz are headed to Oshkosh for apparently one of the country’s largest aviation events on July 20th and will be talking up Lamar.

Code Enforcement Officer is leaving for California for a 3-day seminar and training compliments of Code Compliance, the only cost to the City is flight, meals and motel.

CML Effective Governess Meeting will be August 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Cultural Event Center.

Council Liaison

Main St. Lamar

Councilmember Headlee stated that the Main St. Lamar group has been working hard on the Corporate Cup to make it a success for all in attendance.

Senior Center Update

Councilmember Headlee just gave a reminder for everyone to please check on your elderly neighbors during this time.

Public Safety Board

Councilmember Jenkins reported that they have 3 board appointments on the agenda tonight and that the Neighborhood Watch Program is going great

Water Board Update

Councilmember Bates asked Public Works Director Mason to give a quick update on the water levels as he was not able to make the last meeting.  Public Works Director Mason reported that the latest well levels show there has been a drop but not as much as anticipated, the recent rain has helped recharge the aquafer some.

Corporate Cup

Councilmember Bates stated that he has heard great things about this year’s Corporate Cup.

SECCI Update

Councilmember Bates reported that the SECCI Fight Night will be on July 18, 2026 at the Prowers County Pavilion, they will also be hosting a Drive for Hope Golf Tournament on August 1, 2026.

Mayor Crespin reported that he had a visit from The Arc of Colorado, they did an engagement tour of Lamar.  There were several in attendance including Elizabeth Moran along with SDS personnel.  He received a letter thanking him for his attendance.

Mayor Crespin stated that Mitch had brought up the CML meeting in August, along with this the he stated that he had been meeting with the Mayor of LaJunta and they are wanting to try to set up a meeting for all of the Mayors in the SE Colorado region to be able to meet as well prior to the CML District Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round-Up to Host Beer Garden during the Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing at 7:27 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to open the public hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair.

• 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.  Police Chief Ridder and City Clerk Williams both responded as correct.

Mayor Crespin asked for the Sand & Sage Round-Up members to give an update on their event.

Sand & Sage Round-Up member Cindy Bennett provided information regarding the event, there are no changes from last year.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone against the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair; none received.

Mayor Crespin asked if there was anyone in favor of the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair other than the Sand & Sage Round-Up members who spoke earlier in the hearing; none received.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to close the public hearing for the Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair at 7:32 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”.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Special Event Permit for Sand & Sage Round-Up to host a beer garden during Sand & Sage Round-Up Fair.

• 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”.

Executive Session – For Conference with City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402-(4)(b) Regarding Waste Discharge Permit

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to enter into Executive Session – For a Conference with City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice on Specific Legal Questions under C.R.S. 24-6-402-(4)(b) Regarding Waste Discharge Permit.

• 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”.

Regular meeting recessed and executive session convened at 7:33 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 7:55 p.m. and open meeting was reconvened.

• 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”.

Appointments to the Public Safety Board

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve appointment of Mike Duffy & John Dykes Jr. both 4-year terms expiring June 1, 2030 and Jennifer Mortimeyer 2-year term expiring June 1, 2028.

• 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”.

Escondido Field Turf Management Services Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the Escondido Field Turf Management Services Agreement with Lawnco 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”.

Council would like Parks & Recreation Interim Director Brubacher to reach out to Golf & Sport regarding their accountability to the loss of grass.

Request for Extra-Territorial Water and Wastewater Service

Councilmember Headlee moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve request for Extra-Territorial Water and Wastewater Service to DZ Construction at 6634 Cty. Rd. HH.5 and allow 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”.

Consulting Service Agreement with Warren Camp

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve Consulting Service Agreement with Warren Camp for building consultation 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”.

Main Street Lamar – Corporate Cup Vender Permit Waiver

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve to waive vender permit fees for food venders that are set up at the Corporate Cup venues.

• 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”.

Approval of the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs Lamar Expanding Affordable Housing Capacity Grant Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve to accept the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Lamar Expanding Affordable Housing Capacity Grant Agreement in the amount of $50,000.00.

• 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”.

Award Bid 46-003 for Janitorial Services at Welcome Center

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve and award Bid 46-003 for Janitorial Services at Welcome Center to Daniel Neuhold. 

• 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 and Direction Regarding Wastewater Discharge Permit Strategy

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to reject proposal from LUB regarding the wastewater discharge permit and direct staff to hire independent Council to for consultation moving forward.

• 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 of an Offer to Purchase a City of Lamar Enterprise Asset

Mayor Crespin announced that there has been some interest from Southeast Colorado Power to purchase Lamar Light & Power

Consultant Engagement for Valuation of a City of Lamar Enterprise Asset

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to direct staff to present contract for Consultant Agreement for the Valuation of a City of Lamar Enterprise Asset.

• 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 and Possible Action Regarding First Reading of an Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS)

Police Chief Ridder gave an explanation of what the Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS) is and is not to the same as the Flock Cameras.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Ordinance Adding new sections 26-13 to Chapter 26 of the Lamar Municipal Code Establishing Regulations for Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVIS).

• 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

Councilmember Bates wanted to give a thank you for all that helped with the Community Social.

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:

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.