Monday, January 12, 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 Jenkins moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the consent agenda Items 1-4. 

Item #1 – Approval of Council Meeting Minutes – 12/08/2025

Item #2 – Approval of Minutes for Boards and Commissions

a)    Utilities Board – 11/25/2025

b)    Water Board – 11/13/2025

Item #3 – Payment of Bills

General Fund-Vouchers #103763 - #103951

Item #4 – License New/Renewals

a)    Hotel/Motel License – Mahakali Investment LLC/DBA Quality Inn, 1302 N. Main St.

b)    Hotel/Motel License – Shree Madhav/DBA Days Inn, 1202 N. Main St.

c)     Hotel/Motel License – Palace Innkeepers LTD/DBA Historic Cow Palace Inn, 1301 N. Main St.

d)    Hotel/Motel License – Holiday Inn & Suites, 1304 N. Main St.

e)    Hotel/Motel License – Holiday Motel, 404 N. Main St.

f)      Hotel/Motel License – the Buzzards Nest, 101 N. Main St.

g)    Hotel/Motel License – Lamar Hospitality LLC/DBA Cobblestone, 1215 N. Main St.

h)    Hotel/Motel License – Golden Arrow Motel, 1011 E. Olive St.

i)       Retail Liquor Fermented Malt Beverage – Loaf N Jug #57, 1107 S. Main St.

j)       Retail Liquor Fermented Malt Beverage – Loaf N Jug #58, 300 N. 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”.

Audience Participation

None

City Treasurer Report

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that for grant update they are having a bid opening this week for the Willow Valley Water Line Project contractor, she will have it on the next agenda for award.  This project is moving forward and as a reminder the project is being paid for by the ARP money received and council approved the use of that money for the project.  She also stated that they opened bids last week for the RFQ for the Qualified Environmental Professionals for the Clean-up Grant for the Main Café.  Staff and Administrator are reviewing them at this time and will be bringing to Council for award, the next step will be to go out for bid for a contractor.

City Treasurer Schwartz stated that she had some questions regarding the minimum wage increase for 2026 it went from $14.81 in 2025 to $15.16 in 2026.  The City of Lamar’s lowest pay grade which is 100 was already at $15.00 per hour in 2025 so this will be a .16 cent increase in 2026.  She did not have this information when the budgets were completed but will have a very low impact on the budget, they currently have nine positions in this pay grade five of which are seasonal.

City Treasurer Schwartz reported that HR was moved under the Treasurers position a few months ago.  They continue to develop strategies for communication.  Trying to get things lined out as far as whose responsibility it is to do what.  They are starting to move forward with some new policies and procedures, this falls in line with her department since they also take care of all payroll related items.  She reported that they will have an applicant tracking module set up in the Tyler software along with the new timekeeping.

City Clerk Report

None

 City Administrator Report

The LaMar Comedy Night - City Administrator Hammes announced that The LaMar will be hosting a Comedy Night on Friday January 23, 2026 from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. featuring Vinnie Montez.

Eric Paslay Concert - City Administrator Hammes announced that The LaMar is hosting and Eric Paslay Concert on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7:00 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 stated that the Police Department gave a great update earlier during the work session.

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

Public Hearing for New Fermented Malt Beverage & Wine Retail Liquor License for All American Meat, Inc. dba Farmers Country Market #12

Hearing cancelled per request of the business.

3rd Party Billing Renewal EMS

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve 3rd Party billing renewal with Griffin RMC for EMS billing and allow the 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”.

Approve Staff to Apply for Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Zavala seconded to approve staff to apply for the Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant for up to $20,000.00 with no cash match and to be used towards the purchase of 2 RIT packs, masks, and bottles and allow Mayor to sign if awarded.

• 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”.

ACA Reporting Agreement for 2025 1095’s with CliftonLarsenAllen, LLP

Councilmember Zavala moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to approve the ACA Reporting Agreement for the 2025 1095’s with CliftonLarsenAllen, LLP and allow the Mayor to sign.  Council requested that for 2026 a review of companies takes place before approving agreement.

• 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”.

 Adopt Resolution 26-01-01 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar Establishing a Credit and Charge Card Payment Processing Fee and Amending Fee Schedule to Reflect the Fee

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Jenkins seconded to approve Resolution 26-01-01 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lamar Establishing a Credit and Charge Card Payment Processing Fee and Amending Fee Schedule to Reflect the Fee 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”.

 Letter of Support for SECRHA/SECED Request for CHFA Land Banking Grant

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Headlee seconded to approve Letter of Support for SECRHA/SECED request for CHFA Land Banking Grant 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”.

City/County 1-Mile Cooperative Planning Agreement

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the City/County 1-Mile Cooperative Planning Agreement 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”.

Willdan Certified Building Official Services

Councilmember Bates moved and Councilmember Gonzales seconded to approve the Willdan Certified Building Official Services Agreement 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

Community Development Director Crampton reminded everyone that they were in the process of aligning the Planning & Zoning Board and Adjustment & Appeals Board to be the same board members, this will transition over the next few months.

Executive Session – For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Advice on Specific Legal Questions Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(b) regarding Eminent Domain and Potential need for Engagement with Specialized Legal Counsel and Direction in such Matter

Councilmember Gonzales moved and Councilmember Bates seconded to enter into Executive Session – For a Conference with the City Attorney for the Purpose of Receiving Advice on Specific Legal Questions Under C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(b) regarding Eminent Domain and Potential need for Engagement with Specialized Legal Counsel and Direction in such Matter.

• 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 8:04 p.m.

Councilmember Jenkins moved and Councilmember Bates seconded that executive session adjourn at 9:23 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 9:24 p.m.