Tuesday May 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:    

Amend Agenda to add Executive Session as Item 8
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to amend agenda to add Executive Session as Item 8.

• 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 Jenkins moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-3 with removal of Riverside Communication Ck. #104894.

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 5/11/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 4/28/2026

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #104801 - #104906 – Minus check #104894 Riverside Communications

• 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 #104894 to Riverside Communications

Councilmember moved and Councilmember seconded to approve check #104894 in the amount of $720.00 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

Barbara Weed, 409 S. Main St. spoke with Council regarding the recent letter she received from L&P stating that they would be removing the alley light behind her building if she did not start paying for it.  She feels this is a safety concern and that light has been there since before she bought the property.  She would like this to be looked into and considered.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that she received an email from the Colorado Office of Economic Development which is the granting agent for the Welcome Center, they informed her that the funding for the Welcome Center was being reduced from $80,000 to $55,000 for the 2026/2027 period.  She stated that we will need to review the budget since this will effect July through December 2026.

City Clerk Report

None

City Administrator Report

Prowers County Youth Council “Chalk the Walk”

City Administrator Hammes announced that the Prowers County Youth Council “Chalk the Walk” event is Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting at the Lamar Bike Loop on 14th St. and Oak St.

PMC Spring Sprint 5k

City Administrator Hammes announced that the PMC Spring Sprint 5k is Saturday, May 30, 2026 beginning at Swimming Pool parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

Lamar Chamber of Commerce Glow Golf Tournament

City Administrator Hammes announced the Lamar Chamber of Commerce 5th Annual Glow Golf Tournament is Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Department Updates

City Administrator Hammes reported that Lamar Police Department Sgt. Peck and Officer Lozoya and Lamar Fire & Ambulance crew received a thank you for their quick response, kindness and professionalism.

Miscellaneous

City Administrator Hammes announced that Flixbus has started dropping off passengers, we are currently waiting on signs to have them installed.

City Administrator Hammes announced that on Thursday, June 18, 2026 6-7:30 p.m. in the Cultural Event Center Timothy Fritz & Tim Jackson who are Air Mobility Experts will be hosting a community meeting on advanced air mobility.  These are the consultants we have been talking with about how to make our airport viable and better use of the resources.

City Administrator Hammes announced that Mayor Crespin and Councilmember Gonzales have both received certificates from CML Muniversity.  Mayor Crespin received his leadership certificate for 100 hours of participation and training and Councilmember Gonzales received the foundation certificate for 60 hours of participation and training.

Council Liaison

Mayor Crespin reported that he had an individual reach out to him regarding piercing and tattoo establishments in Lamar.  Their concern is that some of these are being ran out of people’s houses and there is no proof of rules and regulations being followed, cleanliness and sanitary environment.  He is asking what the Council’s view is on this matter, he did call public health to see what their requirements were.  They have none unless there is a complaint.  To do tattooing or piercing you are not required to take and courses and the State does not issue any type of license like they do to do hair or nails.  Some communities have created their own process for doing business in their communities regarding these type of establishments, such requiring proof of HEP B testing and Blood Borne Pathogens certificate prior to obtaining a business license.

Council gave guidance to do some research from other communities and bring back for review.

NEW BUSINESS

Lamar Community College Bi-Annual Update

Dr. Reyes provided her bi-annual update on everything LCC with highlights below.

Enrollment continues to be strong with a 4.3% growth for spring enrollment, this put us as second in rural colleges in the system and fall enrollment was the highest since 2019.  The enrollment is made up of 44% in state, 47% out of state and 9% international.  The adult learner program increased 31% locally and overall the state increased 3%.  Graduation rate exceeds the system average by 5%, over the last decade LCC has graduated over 1,800 students and awarded over 2,500 credentials.

Fiscal position, LCC again presents a balanced budget for fiscal year 2027.  They continue to strengthen their financial position and invest in their students and staff.  Since 2023 the general fund balance has increased by 95%, the ancillary fund balance has increased 38%.  LCC now holds the second strongest composite financial index rating in the system.  This while investing in our employees they are investing 1.6 million in critical infrastructure to housing upgrades.  They expanded programs in workforce development and this year they started their first bachelor degree a year early in business administration and this year graduated 4 in Education and Early Development in our partnership with UC Denver.  They started their first rural high school tuition free program for adults, due to a bill passed last year this offers adults high school diplomas not GED’s.  It cost the student $50.00 with no other tuition costs, they take a maximum of 3 college courses and with successful completion they graduate with their high school diploma.  Seventeen adults began the program and 13 graduated, so far for the upcoming year there have been 25 enroll.

She gave an update on the ASAP program, LCC was selected about a year and a half ago to participate in the program which allows LCC to help with tuition gap funding, books, monthly stipend and housing if needed.  LCC was one of two colleges that received a 20 million dollar donation to the state for this program.  They have 100% retention on the students that started the program with a 94% course completion rate and an average GPA rates of 3.13.  All of the students enrolled in the program are on track to graduate.  Also due to a 1 million dollar grant students have extended access to counseling and wellness programming.  They were recently awarded an integrated learning grant which will support a paid internship for student work experience.  She also mentioned the nursing program job placement at 90-100 % within 6-months of graduation.  LCC is actively exploring the expansion of healthcare programs.  The equine agriculture program also has outstanding job placement upon completion of the program.  She state that the athletics programs are doing wonderful with the women’s basketball winning the championship for region 9 south and Coach Chris Godfey received region 9 south coach of the year, the men’s basketball made it all the way to finals as well. 

Permission to Apply for the Walmart Local Store Giving Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve submission of the Walmart Local Store Giving Grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to cover corporate sponsorship and team registration for the Corporate Cup.

• 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 27528 Hwy. 287 Kenneth Specht

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve request for Extra-Territorial Water and Sewer Services at 27528 Hwy. 287 for Kenneth Specht 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”.

Award Bid 46-001 Community Resource and Senior Center Roof Replacement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve and award Bid 46-001 Community Resource and Senior Center Roof Replacement to Weathercraft Companies in the amount of $23,903.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign construction contract once reviewed by City Attorney and City Treasurer.

• 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 Update on the Win Local Campaign

Mayor Crespin gave an update on the Win Local Campaign, there are signs, buttons, stickers and flyers regarding the campaign.  The idea behind the campaign is focusing on not just shopping local but what our businesses can offer, what are customers wanting, good customer service.  We need to change the mindset of people as to what Lamar has to offer, we will only grow Lamar with everyone working together and selling Lamar.

I-47 Letters of Support

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Letters of Support for I-47 Future Interstate Act.

• Voting Yes: Gonzales, Headlee, Crespin, Zavala, Johnson, Bates
• Voting No: Jenkins

Mayor Crespin stated “Let the record reflect that all Councilmembers voted an affirmative, motion passes 6-1”.

Miscellaneous

None

Executive Session – For the Purpose of Determining Positions Relative to Matters that may be Subject to Negotiations, Developing Strategy for Negotiations, and/or Instructing Negotiators Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(e)
Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to enter into Executive Session – For the Purpose of Determining Positions Relative to Matters that may be Subject to Negotiations, Developing Strategy for Negotiations, and/or Instructing Negotiators Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(e) regarding the Lamar Wastewater Treatment Plant Project, LRA Eminent Domain Processes, and Potential North Gateway Park Improvements.

• 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 8:13 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:41 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”.

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 9:41 p.m.