Monday August 24, 2026

The City Council met in a regular session at 7:14 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 Zavala seconded to Amend Agenda to Move Executive Session from Item 10 to before Consent Agenda and change from C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e) to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b).

• 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”.

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) Councilmember Gonzales 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).

• 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 7:17 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded that executive session adjourn at 7:39 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”.

Consent Agenda

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

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 8/10/2026

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 7/14/2026

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #105472 - #105539

Item #4 – License New/Renewal

None

• 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

Jerry Scofield, Mary Minor 104 Tamarac Circle, Anthony Gazotti 1506 S. 10th St., Hannah Dooley-Rogers 3001 Memorial Dr., Sarah Ausmus 38 Paseo Place, Julia Canales, Lisa Sneed 26 Lynn St., Devlin O’Neal 221 Sage Dr., Greg Ludwig 103 Woodland Lane, Margaret Foster 1010 S 14th St., Patrick Canterbury 6630 Rodeo Dr., Jacob White all gave their comments and concerns against a possible data center coming to this area.

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they had gone out for RFP for the contractor for the EPA Brownfield Clean-up Grant, the question period ended last week and bids are due by August 31, 2026.  Hopefully by the first meeting in September they will be bring it back for contract.  They have worked on the work plan and some of the sheets that EPA requires for the new assessment grant and it was turned in on time.  She stated that they had a meeting with the EPA last week that went well, they are pleased with the City’s progress and is moving forward as well.  The next step will be a grant agreement.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that they have a schedule for the Tyler Parks and Rec module and currently scheduling the benefit and applicant tracking module.  She stated that they are still working on the Aclara file transfer for utility billing.  The MyCivic will begin soon which will replace the CitybyApp.  There is some additional training secured for the mygov module.

City Clerk Report

City Clerk Williams reported that sales tax year to date is up 5%.  She gave a brief update on sales tax and accounts receivable time frame in Tyler.

City Administrator Report

CML Effective Governance on the Road

City Administrator Hammes announced that the CML Effective Governance on the Road will be Wednesday, August 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Cultural Event Center.

Colorado State Fair Parade

City Administrator Hammes announced the City of Lamar is participating in the Colorado State Fair Parade on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in Pueblo, Colorado.  The participants will be the Lamar City Council and some employees, Prowers Medical Center, Total Health & Wellness Center, Lamar School District, Lamar Chamber of Commerce and Honkers, TA Express, & Main St. Lamar Board.  They have put all of the Lamar participants in one area of the parade.

2026 CML Fall District 6 Meeting

City Administrator Hammes announced that the 2026 CML Fall District 6 meeting will be hosted by the City of Lamar on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Cow Palace Inn & Tavern 1301.

Office Closure

City Administrator Hammes announced that the City Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day.

Department Updates

Recreation Update – All the signs at the Community Building have been spoken for and with this increase in signage the revenue has gone from $12,000.00 to $31,000.00.

Yaniel Vidal, Leagues and Programs Coordinator provided a brief update of what his objective was when he was hired and what he has worked towards.  The average number of kids signed up for the spring and fall programs is 304 along with an increased number of adults in the fall activities.  He stated that he anticipates only seeing these numbers go up.  With this the more kids signing up makes the need for more coaches as well.

Miscellaneous

City Administrator Hammes reported that appointment to the LUB seat will not take place until after the outside counsel completes the document and internal review for which they have been engaged.

Council Liaison

Parks & Recreation Board Update

Councilmember Gonzales wanted to give a thank you to Kolby for providing the tour of the facilities.

Main St. Lamar Update

Councilmember Headlee announced that there are a few vacancies on the Main St. Lamar Board if there is anyone interested in applying.

Public Safety Board Update

Councilmember Jenkins stated that there is a board opening on the Public Safety Board.

Escondido Field

Councilmember Zavala asked what the status of Escondido Field is.  City Administrator Hammes stated that top soil has been laid and re-seeded, they had a contractor come in to do some weed and fungus treatments.  Our own internal team will be doing the repairs and maintenance on the field.

PEP Update

Councilmember Johnson stated that PEP meeting was for normal business and Executive Director Tallie Harmon is busy putting together the Career Fair that will be on September 16, 2026 at LCC.  Contact Tallie if interested.

PEP Update

Councilmember Bates wanted to clarify that the career fair is a collaborative effort with PEP, Workforce Center, and Cornerstone Resource

Thank You

Councilmember Bates wanted to thank all of the citizens that came out tonight and voiced their concerns.

Mayor Crespin reported that he had been contacted by Marla Pellish a couple of weeks ago.  She stated that her mother and grandmother had passed away and as they were going through their memorabilia they found a little coin that is a 1909 and it says keep me and never go broke, it has a good luck charm and a horseshoe that the up to date drug company from Lamar, CO.  She asked him if he would be interested in it, he told her no but that he would be interested in putting in the Big Timbers Museum on behalf of her mother and grandmother.

NEW BUSINESS

Data Center Development Discussion and Review

Discussion pertained to the following:

• A review of the preceding joint City Council and Prowers County Commissioners work session
• General information concerning data centers
• Community questions and feedback received through recent public outreach
• Development of proposed Community Benefit & Responsible Data Center Development Standards Current interest from parties considering Lamar and the surrounding area for potential development.

Council will also discuss a request to continue preliminary discussions with a potential developer for the purpose of gathering additional information and evaluating the feasibility, potential benefits, impacts and requirements of a possible project.

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to kill the mutual non-disclosure agreement and direct staff to prepare a moratorium for 24-months on all data centers and have it ready for Council to review within the next six weeks.

• 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”.

Resolution No. 26-08-01 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado, Stating the Intent of the City of Lamar, Initiating Annexation Proceedings for a Parcel of Land being Located within a Portion of the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 of Section 30 and a portion of the NW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, also Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described in the Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve Resolution No. 26-08-01 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar, Colorado, Stating the Intent of the City of Lamar, Initiating Annexation Proceedings for a Parcel of Land being Located within a Portion of the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 of Section 30 and a portion of the NW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 46 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Prowers County, Colorado, also Known as Valco Subdivision Lot 1, as Described in the Prowers County Clerk and Recorders Office”.

• 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”.

Schedule a Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest Event

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve the to schedule a Public Hearing for a Special Event Permit for the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest Event on September 14, 2026.

• 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”.

Resolution No. 26-08-02 – “A Resolution Amending Financial Policy No. 104.06 – Grant Management

Councilmember Johnson moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Resolution No. 26-08-02 – “A Resolution Amending Financial Policy No. 104.06 – Grant Management.

• 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”.

Lease Extension – North Fork Farms (Dorms)

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Lease Extension to North Fork Farms until February 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”.

Lamar Sports Booster Club Community Building Concession Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve 2026-2027 Lamar Sports Booster Club Agreement for Community Building Concession Stand.

• 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 Agreement Providing Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services in Prowers County, Colorado

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Agreement Providing Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services in Prowers County, Colorado.

• 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”.

FY 2026-2027 Colorado State Grants for Libraries

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve FY 2026-2027 Colorado State Grants for Libraries in the amount of $5,939.00 and authorized the City Treasurer to request drawdowns during the year.

• 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 read his letter of resignation effective upon close of tonight’s meeting.

Mayor Crespin asked who could be on KVAY in the morning.  City Administrator Hammes will take care of the radio time in the morning.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales 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 8:53 p.m.