January 26, 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. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 1/12/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 12/09/2025

 Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #103952 - #104055 – Minus Ck. #104041 – Riverside Communications $100.00

Item #4 – License New/Renewals

a)    Hotel/Motel License – Malkan LLC dba Blue Spruce, 1801 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 #104041 to Riverside Communications

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve check #104041 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 that for grant update that Council had approved that we accept a gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York for the library for $10,000.00.  We received the check today along with a letter stating there are no condition or expectations on how to utilize the funds, it was gift to them for the 250th anniversary.  Librarian Lathrop can decide on how she wants to spend those funds.

She reported that the team has been working on the application to turn in for the next round of Brownsfield Grant that is due this week, they have been doing an excellent job.

Mayor Crespin asked how the Tyler conversion was going.  City Treasurer Schwartz stated that they have meetings all of this week on utility billing.  There was a data dump last week and they have been working through balancing it this week to ensure that it mapped correctly.  Kristin and Tom also did a session today on the online bill pay so that we can roll this out at the same time.  Goal is to run utility bills as normal on Thursday and then continue with some intense training on the utility module.  Mayor Crespin asked how the financials was going in Tyler.  Kristin stated that she continues to work with Tyler in between the other trainings.  She stated once she gets through September things should move faster.  She stated that the auditor did contact her and asked if it would be better to move the audit out until later in April from the original March date.

Councilmember Johnson stated that he had received a couple of calls regarding the utility billing.  One was when will they be able to pay with a credit card again, she stated that this was probably going to be next week before we can accept credit cards.  The next question was regarding the people have their utilities set up on auto draft, are they going to be able to continue this.  She stated that this is supposed to roll out with this billing just as it always has.

City Clerk Report

None

City Administrator Report

Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet - City Administrator Hammes announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is January 30, 2026 at the Historic Cow Palace Inn.  Social hour starts at 5:00 p.m. and Banquet begins at 6:00 p.m.

High Plains Snow Goose Festival - City Administrator Hammes announced that the High Plains Snow Goose Festival is Thursday-Sunday February 5-8, 2026.

Department Updates

City Administrator Hammes reported that along with himself, Pat Mason, Robbie Batdorf, and Tresa Holbert will be touring a WWTP in Meade, CO very similar to the one we are looking at building here, very excited to get to tour this facility.

City Administrator Hammes announced that the building department will be moving to the Community Resource Center.  This will begin the week of February 2nd, this will help for those needing permits and help with someone being at the Community Resource Center and the Seniors have ask that there is staffing during the open business hours.  He also mentioned that they have made an offer to someone for a Communications and Publication Specialist.

City Administrator Hammes stated that if one of the team members has an item on the agenda they will be in attendance to present their item and answer any questions that may come from the agenda item.

Police Chief Ridder announced that he has promoted Sgt. Chad Miller to the position of Commander of Support Services.  He has 19 years of service with the Lamar Police Department, 11 of those being as Sargent and 7 of those as Detective Sargent.  He has a good amount of detective investigation and tactical training.  Commander Miller’s son Garrett and wife Tia did his badge pinning.

City Administrator Hammes reported that this past Friday during the snow the Fire Department was very proactive in getting their equipment ready for the weather.  He stated that Public Works did some snow plowing, first of the season.

Parks & Recreation is working on a schedule to get the top dressing and fertilizer done at Escondido Park.  Wrestling has started at the Recreation Department and Parks has worked on the fencing at Riverside Cemetery.

Library has resumed Spanish classes and holding auditions for the spring play.  They have a shared memories lab that is up and running for those interested in digitalizing their old videos and pictures.

City Administrator Hammes stated that the Strategic Planning session held on Friday and Saturday went really well.  We will be getting a formal plan over the next week and roll out a formal presentation following that.

Council Liaison

Citizen Concern

Councilmember Headlee stated that he had his first citizen concern regarding the south canal road by 10th St. they asked if in the future this could be an area of focus for the ice since it is a sloped road.

Planning & Zoning Update

Councilmember Zavala reported that they reviewed Chapter 22 to prepare for the upcoming Ordinance, they also reviewed the contract license application for changes.

Citizen Concern

Councilmember Johnson stated that he has had calls regarding the animal shelter concerns, he stated that there was a great session during Common Grounds regarding the animal shelter which he passed on to the citizens.  He also stated that they are trying to streamline the process when adopting and licensing the animal so that the customer does not have to go several places to get this accomplished. 

Mayor Crespin also stated that there is information on the website under living in Lamar to help with some of the pet requirements as well.

Water Advisory Board Update

Councilmember Bates reported that the well report is at a normal reduction for this time of year, however year to year they are up with the exception of one well.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin reported that there were several calls about the snow removal, they ask that people be patient with the removal.

Mayor Crespin read a thank you from Galan Burnett’s family for the arraignment they received in his passing.

Mayor Crespin stated that he attended the Mayors Summit held in Denver.  He pointed out the Lamar is Open for Business and Growth.

NEW BUSINESS

Historic Preservation Board Appointment

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve appointment of Stephanie Gonzales to the Lamar Historic Preservation Board for an unexpired term ending June 1, 2028.

• 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”.

Approve Lease Agreement with the Department of Navy

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Lease Agreement with the Department of Navy for optics equipment in the amount of $1,500.00 per year with the change of adding City of Lamar/Lamar Police Department and Mayor to sign.

• 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”.

Award Bid 45-014 for Annual Fertilizer Bid

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve and award Bid 45-014 for Annual Fertilizer Bid to Van Diest in the amount of $15,468.00.

• 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 45-016 for Construction of Willow Valley Water Distribution Improvements

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve and award Bid 45-016 for Construction of Willow Valley Water Distribution Improvements to Carrigan Excavating, LLC in the amount of $1,175,115.00 and allow Mayor to sign construction contract upon approval by Public Works Director, City Administrator, 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”.

Award Bid 45-009 Request for Qualifications for EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve and award Bid 45-009 Request for Qualifications for EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the Main Café to Ayres Associates, allowing the City Treasurer, City Administrator, and Community Development Director to negotiate agreement and allow Mayor to sign upon approval by 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”.

Introduction of Flixbus Services in Lamar

City Administrator provided information on the Flixbus Service.  They are a new Dallas to Denver bus service that would like to make a short stop in Lamar twice a day and are looking at potential locations for this.  They are looking at a location near the Colorado Welcome Center.  There is a service agreement that will be brought back for Council approval if they would like to move forward with this request.  Council is in agreement that this should come back for approval.

Approve Resolution No. 26-01-02 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar Colorado Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Engagement Letters and Enter into Contractual Agreements for Specialized Legal Services”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve Resolution No. 26-01-02 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar Colorado Authorizing the Mayor to execute Engagement Letters and Enter into Contractual Agreements for Specialized Legal Services” 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”.

Miscellaneous

Mayor Crespin stated that he will be on KLMR in the morning and if there was anyone interested in being on KVAY.  He would like to see a rotation begin for the KLMR, KVAY radio spots after each meeting, there will be further discussion at the next meeting.  Councilmember Johnson will attend KVAY tomorrow morning.

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

Councilmember Bates 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 Administrator, City Clerk, City Treasurer, Municipal Judge, and City Attorney.

• 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 8:00 p.m.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded that executive session adjourn at 8:37 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 8:38 p.m.