Lamar City Council meeting of August 12, 2024

All Council members were present for the August 12, 2024 meeting.  Mayor Kirk Crespin opened the meeting by speaking about the many positive Facebook posts he has seen recently regarding Lamar.  People have commented on the attractive new signage around town as well as the progress of the new McClave State Bank building construction, Arby’s construction, Community State Bank’s addition, Casa Azteca (the new Mexican restaurant) and more.  He stated that the city needs to keep the momentum going and that we have a great community.  Council then voted to approve minutes from the July 22 meeting, the Utilities Board meeting minutes from July 9 and payment of bills.

City Treasurer Kristin Schwartz told Council that the Second Quarter Financial Report was in their packets.  City Clerk Linda Williams outlined the most recent Sales and Use Tax Report, which The Prowers Journal will print in detail later.  City Administrator Rob Evans announced the next two Coffee with Rob dates of August 21 and 28.  He also told Council that Animal Control received a new air-conditioning unit which was much-needed.  The Sand and Sage parade ran very smoothly and he said the crowd was well-behaved.  He did get a suggestion from Council regarding that in the future, having city street sweepers follow the parade route would be helpful.  He told Council that a new Children’s Librarian has been hired, and commended the Fire Department for the fireworks show and the Public Works Department for their extra efforts recently.

In New Business, first was a public hearing for a Special Liquor Event Permit to the Lamar Chamber of Commerce to host a Beer Garden during Oktoberfest as well as for permission to use City of Lamar property for the event.  Colby Brubacher spoke on behalf of the Chamber regarding the event and answered questions from Council.  The Beer Garden is slated to run from 11 am to 10 pm on the date of the event and Brubacher stated that all 12 servers are TIPS certified.  The setup will be similar to the Chamber’s Cinco de Mayo event, with the addition of a second exit towards the back of the venue.  The City Attorney as well as Police Chief Fear said they saw no concerns with the permit application.  Since there were no issues with the Cinco de Mayo event, Council said they feel confident that the Oktoberfest will run smoothly as well. The permit was approved unanimously.   Also approved was a New Hotel/Restaurant Liquor License for Villa Azteca, dba/Casa Azteca Mexican Grill.  The owner, Gerardo Sanchez, spoke at the meeting, saying they expect to open within 2 weeks while waiting for the liquor license to be approved by the State.  He said that currently no servers are TIPS certified but that he will act on this immediately.  Councilmember Brent Bates explained the process and Mr. Sanchez was appreciative of the information.

Police Chief Fear showed Council the new patch that Lamar Police Officers will be wearing on their uniforms.  He explained that he wants to give the department a fresh new look and feels that the new design will be easier to recognize.  The department’s vehicles will also get a new look, doing away with the “ghost lettering” currently on them, which isn’t easily read.  Several council members also said they felt the lettering was too hard to read.  Chief Fear wants the cars to be easily seen and recognized as police vehicles by motorists.  The possibility of a Neighborhood Watch Program was discussed.

Todd Horning was re-appointed to a 5-year term on the Adjustment and Appeals Board.  His term will expire July 1, 2029.  Washington Elementary Principal Kenny Davis was appointed to a two-year term on the Lamar Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The meeting was adjourned so that Council could enter into Executive Session.  The next regular meeting of City Council will be Monday, August 26, 2024.

By Barbara Crimond