City Taking Steps to Move Storm Water off the Streets

Intersection of North 4th and East Washington Streets

The City of Lamar is seeking two $600,000 grants, one from a Community Development Block Grant and another from the Department of Local Affairs to help complete a storm water drainage improvement project. A $78,000 cash match from the city will bring the total cost of the project to $1,278,000.  The cash match has been budgeted for the project.  The council approved the motion to approve the grant submittal of the CDBG grant application.  The city completed the construction documents which will be used for bidding, construction and administration of the project.  Plans call for new storm water piping along 4th Street and Washington Street plus a new pump station to discharge the water into the Lamar Canal just east of Pizza Hut adjoining the Canal.  The improvements should reduce the frequency of flooding along Washington and Main Streets during heavy rainfalls.  Pat Mason, Director of Public Works for the city, said some improvements should be noted along the Maple and Main Street area.  “We did some excavation work earlier and found that the three pipes in the pumping system had become clogged with rocks which had to be chiseled out.  That helped the ability to run water from that area,” he explained.

Lamar Canal, Just East of North Main Street Bridge

The council authorized Mayor Stagner to sign a three year memorandum of understanding with Prowers Medical Center to use the Lamar Community Building in the event of a Mass Medical Emergency. Should a need arise; the entire facility will be at the disposal of PMC and in conjunction with the Community Building staff.  Karen Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of Prowers Medical Center and Rick Akers and Jeremy Brookhart from the city found everything to be in compliance following a site assessment of the building including a 30kw electric generator.  The agreement will be in effect until 2021, at which time, both parties can renew.

The Sand and Sage Round-Up Wild West BBQ Committee is working ahead of the calendar and was granted permission by the Lamar City Council to allow overnight parking for the annual cook-off contest. This marks the 15^th year the event has been held, scheduled again this year for Willow Creek Park Friday and Saturday, May 10^th and 11^th.

Gary Oxley will continue to serve on the Library Advisory Board, as the council approved the organization’s request for his re-appointment for a full five year term, expiring in February 2024. Oxley was first appointed to fill a vacancy on the board.

The council gave the go-ahead to submit an application to the Colorado Pet Over-Population Fund Grant. Lamar Police Chief, Kyle Miller explained the funding will defray expenses toward the spaying and neutering of all dogs prior to adoption or transferal to a new facility.  This eliminates the need for an owner to pay a deposit.  The grant also helps with costs of veterinary or emergency care should it be required.  Lamar’s local veterinarians provide the services as a discount rate.  The grant is for $13,400 of which $5,000 is for vet’s care.

Chief Miller presented the annual agreement for Law Enforcement and Security services to the Lamar Re-2 School District for after hour events. The new agreement, approved by the council, will be in effect until December 31, 2019.

Craig Brooks, Lamar’s Chief Building Inspector, explained that Kan Du Construction submitted a bid for a trail head to be put in at Willow Creek Park in Lamar for the almost completed Lamar Loop. A slab to hold two 24 by 24 foot shelters, three concrete spots for ADA parking and a concrete ADA sidewalk were included in the bid.  The cost, $22,693, was approved by the council.  The council also approved a bid of $103,478 from Mile High Play Systems as the low bid of five submitted for the two, 24 foot shelters for the March deadline.  Mile High Play Systems were used to install the three shade umbrellas for the Pocket Park.  Brooks said the roofs will be red for one shelter and blue for the other and will be located north of the skateboard park.

The city council approved the signing of a yearly agreement with the Department of Justice in order to receive unspent funding of equitable sharing money through the Drug Enforcement Agency. A form will be submitted in order for the City of Lamar to receive $1,092.24 that was not spent in 2018.

City Administrator, John Sutherland, noted the Lamar Library is creating a musical instrument lending library as well as posting information and guidelines to assist parents of young children when they want to limit adult content on Apple devices. Librarian Susan Lathrop explained that the library will not accept brass or woodwind instruments because of sanitation concerns.  City offices will be closed Monday, February 18^th for President’s Day.  The council discussed a request to sell cookies in front of the Municipal Building by local Girl Scout groups.  The council opted instead, to allow them to visit the offices of department staff, concerned that permission to the scouts would open the door to other similar requests.

The council went into executive session regarding the evaluation of the City Treasurer.

By Russ Baldwin