Monday, October 14, 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 Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to amend agenda to add Item 13 under New Business – Possible Approval of Consulting Service Agreement with Warren Camp and moving Item 13 & 14 to Item 14 & 15.

• 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 Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4, with the removal of check #100436 Gonzales Unlimited and Item 4 A&B Liquor renewal to vote on separately.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 9/23/2024

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Board and Commissions

1. Utilities Board –9/10/2024

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #100407-100560

• 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 Check #100436 to Gonzales Unlimited

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve check #100436 in the amount of $6,537.69 to Gonzales Unlimited for vehicle repairs.

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

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

Approve Consent Agenda Item #4

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve Liquor Store License renewal for A&B Liquor, Inc, 804 E. Olive St.

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

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

Audience Participation

Gabe Beard, Lamar had questions.  (1) Was the resolution regarding the $350,000.00 being moved to the general fund passed? (2) Prowers Journal reported that citizens could expect some increase in electricity costs.  What would the percentage increase be per bill?  (3) Is this amendment just for the 2025 year or will this be taken from Lamar Light and Power for the foreseeable future?  (4) Is there going to be any of that money going to be used to reduce the cost of electricity.

Mayor Crespin stated that is what part of the discussion is later in the agenda.  There is a resolution to discuss this as well as an annual review of where those funds will go.  Regarding the percentage we will have to get back with him for the answers.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that a PO has finally been received from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for the grant that was awarded for the new fishing dock and fish cleaning station at North Gateway Pond in the middle pond.  This was $160,000.00 project and we are receiving $120,000.00 from CPW.  This project will be completed by December 31, 2025.  Anthony has begun discussion with JVA which you approved to be the engineers on the project.

City Treasurer Schwartz gave an update on Tyler.  We have done the first pull of financials to see how it is going to upload into the Tyler software.  We will begin working on the utility billing tomorrow to see how it goes.  We are looking at going live around the June time frame.  We are getting training set up, everyone will have individual training for the pieces of Tyler they will be working with.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that the August revenue report reflected collections of $440,663.38 which was up 2.46% or $10,585.47.  Year to Date collections were $4,192,861.34 which was up 7.50% or $292,608.12 from 2023.

City Administrator Report

Coffee with Rob

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

• October 16, 2024 – AM Breakfast House
• October 23, 2024 – AM Breakfast House
• October 30, 2024 – AM Breakfast House

Historic Preservation Workshop

City Administrator Evans announced that there will be a Historic Preservation Workshop on Monday, October 21, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Big Timbers Museum.

Lamar Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness

City Administrator Evans announced that the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness is Thursday, October 24, 2024 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Project Update

City Administrator Evans gave project updates on the items below:

• Library continues working on the Camp Amache tour along with Spooky Pajama Time on Thursday, October 17, 2024 and their annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
• Fire Department has been doing their annual Fire Prevention Week with all of the local schools, there has been over 300 students in attendance for their shows.  Fire Department also participated in the Black Hawk drug awareness held at the old stadium
• Public works continues milling and paving, annual sewer cleaning is taking place and the lead line service project is beginning.
• Parks and Recreation have been committed to Escondido Soccer Field rehab and working on the Master Plan.
• IT Department continues work on the security audit remediation.  They are also working on the upgraded Tyler software and new website for ADA compliance.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Jenkins asked for an update on the dog park.

City Administrator Evans stated that the priority has been Escondido Pond however we do have equipment ordered.

Parks & Recreation Director LaTour stated that they want to get equipment set and then they will lay sod in the Spring for the dog park.

City Administrator Evans gave an explanation as to what Coffee with Rob is about and why he does them.

Reports and Correspondence from Council

Golf Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales reported that the Two Shot Golf Tournament was a great event, they had a wonderful turnout.  Also the City of Lamar partners JVA donated $10,000.00 towards the tournament.  He also stated that the Board is wanting to raise the annual membership fees.

Officer Frisbee

Councilmember Jenkins announced that Ed and Carrie Herrera had done some research on Lamar Police Officer Frisbee.  He was killed in the line of duty on 12-26-1906.  They did a recognition of Officer Frisbee along with placement of a wreath on his headstone at Riverside Cemetery.

Flu Shots

Councilmember Jenkins announced that they will be doing flu shots outside of the Prowers County Annex on Thursday, October 17, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, October 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sprinkler System Reminder

Councilmember Tamez gave a reminder to everyone with sprinkler systems, get them shut off and checked prior to freezing.

Thank You

Councilmember Bates gave a thank you Martha for all that she has done with the City, she will be missed.

Miscellaneous

None

OLD BUSINESS

Amend Resolution No. 24-04-01 to repeal Section 6 Donated Leave and Replace with Chapter III, Section 6 Sick Leave Sharing Program in the City of Lamar Personnel Policy Handbook

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to table the Amend Resolution No. 24-04-01 to Repeal Section 6 Donated Leave and Replace with Chapter III, Section 6 Sick Leave Sharing Program in the City of Lamar Personnel Policy Handbook.

• 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 BUSINESS

Discussion on Escondido Soccer Field and Possible Task Force Help

Parks, Recreation, Cemetery Director LaTour gave an update on what steps they have taken to fix Escondido Soccer Field, which include meetings with professionals in the area of golf courses, soccer fields, etc, water samples, soil samples and training for our employees.  He introduced Larry Musser with PRZ Consulting, Larry gave an overview of what he has done in the past and what he will be doing for Lamar regarding Escondido Field.

Lamar Community College Dr. Reyes and VP of Administrative Services DeBono both spoke of the importance of the partnership between the City of Lamar and Lamar Community College and moving forward with this project.

Presentation of 2025 Proposed Lamar Utilities Board Budget to City Council

Lamar Utility Board Superintendent Hourieh presented the 2025 budget for Lamar Light & Power with a brief overview.

2025 Budget Hearing

Mayor Crespin requested to open Public Hearing.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to open the public hearing for the 2025 Budget at 7:53 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”.

Proof of Publication – Published in paper of record and posted on site.

Opening Remarks –City Treasurer gave a brief review on the 2025 Budget.

Mayor Crespin asked for comments against the 2025 Budget Hearing; none received

Mayor Crespin asked for comments in favor of the 2025 Budget Hearing; none received

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to close the 2025 Budget Hearing at 7:55 p.m.

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

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

Adopt Resolution 24-10-01 Amending Resolution 24-09-01 To Add Requiring City Council to Annually Review and Determine the Specific Allocation or Appropriation of the $350,000.00

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve adopting Resolution 24-10-01 Amending Resolution 24-09-01 to Add Requiring City Council to Annually Review and Determine the Specific Allocation or Appropriation of the $350,000.00.  Council decided in 2025, the money will go towards capital improvements.

• 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 Victims Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Grant for 2025

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve permission to apply for the Victims Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Grant for 2025

• 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”.

Award of Bid for Lead Line Service Inventory Project

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve and award bid for Lead Line Service Inventory Project to Reconn Holdings in the amount of $175,340.00 and allow Mayor to sign pending review by City Attorney.

• 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”.

Joint Ownership Agreement for 112 S. Main and Amendment to City/Rhodes Agreement for Main Café/Warehouse Properties

Councilmember Tamez moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Joint Ownership Agreement for 112 S. Main St. and Amendment to City/Rhodes Agreement for Main Café/Warehouse Properties.

• 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”.

Appointment to the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) Board of Directors

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to appoint Jay Brooke to an un-expired (4) four-year term for the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) Board of Directors expiring December 31, 2025.

• 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”.

Appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to appoint Rod Dunn to an un-expired (5) five-year term for the Planning and Zoning Commission expiring February 1, 2027.

• 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”.

Appointment to the Adjustment and Appeals Board

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to appoint Chris Wilkinson to an un-expired (5) five-year term for the Adjustment and Appeals Board expiring December 1, 2029.

• 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”.

“An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Tamez seconded to approve “An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of Revenues and Expenditures and Adopting the Budget for the City of Lamar, Colorado, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”.

• 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”.

“An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Mata seconded to approve “An Ordinance to Levy and Collect Taxes in the City of Lamar, Colorado for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025”.

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”.

Approval of Consulting Service Agreement with Warren Camp

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Consulting Service Agreement with Warren Camp 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”.

Miscellaneous

None

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 Boards and Commissions (2) 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 ongoing negotiations for a Public Safety Building

Councilmember Tamez 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 Boards and Commissions (2) 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 ongoing negotiations for a Public Safety Building.

• 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 8:41 p.m.

City Treasurer Schwartz and City Clerk Williams left meeting at 9:32 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:52 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 9:53 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