Lamar City Council meeting of August 26, 2024

New Lamar Police officer Jose Lozoya being sworn in by Mayor Kirk Crespin

At the work session prior to the August 26, 2024 Lamar City Council meeting Ronny Farmer, CPA, presented the final audit report for 2023.  He told Council that the city’s finances are in good shape but cautioned against overspending, saying “it’s easier to spend money than to make money” in light of the present economic conditions and unknown results of what the upcoming election might bring.

Mayor Kirk Crespin opened the regular meeting by reiterating his comments from the past meeting regarding the abundance of positive Facebook comments about Lamar’s progress.  He then added that lately he has been seeing more negative comments about Administration and City Council that are proving frustrating to them all.  One example is comments made regarding last meeting’s discussion regarding the food trucks in the city.  He said that statements that the city is forcing the trucks out of the city are completely untrue.  Additionally, comments regarding the closure of the Hickory House restaurant have been made that imply the city did nothing to help it remain open.  He reminded the audience that it is not City Council’s decision as to whether or not a business chooses to close.  He again stressed that if the public wants to know the truth of what is going on with City Council, coming to a meeting or attending one of the myriad opportunities the city provides to encourage open discussion is the best way to do that versus believing everything they read on Facebook or through gossip.  As usual, there were no persons at the meeting wishing to address Council with questions or concerns.  Every meeting gives people the opportunity to do so.  He went on to give kudos to AM Breakfast who stepped up and hired several employees from Hickory House which then allowed the new business to expand its days of operation, providing not only jobs to the displaced employees but giving residents another place to enjoy meals.

Crespin announced that Roger Stagner has submitted a letter of resignation from positions he has held on the Lamar Utilities board and the ARPA board due to his recent election as a Prowers County Commissioner.  As such, there is a vacant seat on both these boards and interested persons should contact City Administrator Rob Evans.  Casa Azteca restaurant had a soft opening the night before Council met and was attended by invited guests, many of them city employees.  Crespin stated that the food and ambiance were wonderful and that the city is lucky to have another quality restaurant.  The restaurant officially opened August 26 and has received its liquor license.

Lamar gained a new police officer with the swearing in of officer Jose Lozoya.  Police Chief Al Fear introduced Jose, saying it was “an easy hire” and that Officer Lozoya loves his community and his family and will be an excellent addition to the force.  There were multiple family members of Lozoya in the audience, with his brother pinning his badge to his uniform.  Welcome, officer Lozoya!

Discussion was held concerning the need for a new Public Safety building to house the police and fire departments.  Two possible locations are being considered but they are not necessarily the only locations that will be looked at.  The departments have outgrown the current space and it has long been felt that the departments need a location that is separate from city offices, since there is currently no physical separation between them.   Council will further discuss this in the next few Executive sessions.

Jennifer Mortimeyer was reappointed to the Historic Preservation Board, with a term expiring June 1, 2027.  Council voted to accept FAA/CDOT/BIL grant offers for the Airport Taxiway A project at the Southeast Colorado Regional Airport.  A bid was awarded to WW Clyde and Company for reconstruction of portions of Taxiway A at the airport as well.

Approved was an intergovernmental agreement with CDOT for the TAP Grant.  This grant is for construction of sidewalks on Savage Avenue, 8^th Street, 9^th Street, 11^th Street and Main Street.  The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2027.  Council voted to approve and authorize Rob Evans to sign a letter of support for a Colorado Tourism Office marketing grant.  This grant would fund a tourism marketing campaign in Prowers County.  The Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel plans to promote an audio tour on the TravelStorys app that covers unique points of interest in the county.  Some of the suggested points of interest include Big Timbers Museum, Pike’s Tower, Camp Amache and museum, the 9-11 Tribute monument and several others.

Council then adjourned to go into Executive Session.  The next regular meeting will be Monday, September 9 at 7:00 pm.

By Barbara Crimond