Lamar City Council holds first meeting of 2026 with an air of excitement on January 12

Lamar Mayor Kirk Crespin welcomed everyone to the night’s meeting with excitement in his voice, saying “It’s hard to believe it’s already 2026”.  He said that five years ago as a new mayor, he and Council had great things in mind – the city had a new Administrator, negotiations were underway for the Arby’s restaurant and that they were ready to “go gangbuster” only to be confronted with the COVID pandemic two months later.  As a result, several projects were stalled or delayed, losing momentum but eventually getting back on track..  He compared it to when former mayor Nelva Heath, twenty years ago in 2006, was confronted with the abrupt closure of Lamar’s Neoplan USA plant.  350 jobs were lost and Lamar was “changed forever” Crespin said.  He was proud to say that now, twenty years later, Lamar is again growing and thriving.  Crespin has posted several items recently on Facebook to speak about exciting things that are coming to the city and telling the audience to expect several new announcements in the near future, including news that a new grocery store that will soon be coming to city. He reiterated that “Lamar is open for business”!. As stated in a separate article in The Prowers Journal, I will be meeting with both the mayor and City Administrator Mitch Hammes next week for an exclusive interview where I will learn more about these new developments and will be reporting on them.

After roll call (all council members were present), the consent agenda was approved, which included approving eight Hotel/Motel License renewals (Quality Inn, Days Inn, Historic Cow Palace Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites, Holiday Motel, The Buzzard’s Nest, Lamar Hospitality, and Golden Arrow Motel) and two Retail Liquor or Fermented Beverage License renewals (Loaf and Jug #57 and #58).  No persons were in the audience wishing to speak during the Public Comments portion of the meeting.  Crespin again reminded the viewing audience that this is their time to air complaints or concerns or speak about any item not on the evening’s agenda. This is a great opportunity for residents to publicly ask questions or offer suggestions instead of resorting to negative Facebook or other social media posts or comments.

City Treasurer Kristin Schwartz told Council that the Willow Valley water line project has gone out for bids for a contractor.  The project is being paid for from COVID funding previously allocated by Council for the project.  A Brownfield grant for asbestos cleanup of the old Main Café has been approved.  City Clerk Linda Williams said that she still was unable to supply any sales tax reports for several months of 2026 due to the software conversion but hopes to be able to provide some info soon. City Administrator Mitch Hammes announced that the annual Snow Goose Festival will be held February 5-8.  He also gave thanks to city employees for their efforts after the recent heavy snowfall, particularly the Public Works department.  The Parks and Recreation department is making plans to top dress and fertilize parks.  The library is offering Spanish classes and holding auditions for the spring play as well as offering the Shared Memories lab for residents to make copies of old photos, films, etc.

Council members didn’t have much to report on about the boards they are members of due to the holiday season and lack of meetings during that time.  Mark Headlee said he had a constituent call him about ice on a roadway that needed attention. Brad Johnson said he had received calls about the Lamar Animal Shelter, saying that some of this was discussed during the last Common Grounds meeting including dog registrations as there were questions as to how to do so. He said he was told the city’s website was hard to navigate regarding this.  Brent Bates said that he was unable to attend a recent Parks and Rec meeting as the day and time that was announced when he offered to be on the board was incorrect.  He may have to switch with another council member, as he has conflicts on the correct nights for the meetings.  He said he was very excited to be on the water board saying “I can’t believe I’m saying that I’m this excited about water” but that it was of great interest to him.  Mayor Crespin said he received a thank you note from the family of Galan Burnett for flowers they received from Council. Galan passed away recently and Crespin said it was a hard loss for Council as Galan had attended nearly every meeting since at least 2009 and that they appreciated his diligence and input at meeting.  Crespin also said he would be attending the annual Mayors Summit next week which he enjoys as it provides a great opportunity to interact with mayors of other towns, both large and small, in Colorado.

The night’s agenda had 8 items under New Business.  The first item was to be a Public Hearing for a new Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine Retail Liquor license for All American Meat, Inc., dba as Farmers Country Market #12.  For undisclosed reasons, the business cancelled the public hearing.  Approved was the renewal of a third-party billing party for EMS.  Fire Chief Burkhart said they have used this company for three years and that they are great to work with.  Also approved was for staff to apply for a Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention grant.  They are applying for $20,000 with no city match and if the grant is approved will be used for new oxygen equipment for the fire department.  Approved was an agreement with CliftonLarsenAllen, LLP, for 2025 1095s.  The company verifies that information on the 1095s is correct before being uploaded to the IRS.  There was a slight price increase and Council member Bates asked if the city has shopped around for a different provider.  Ms. Schwartz said that it could go out for bids next year if Council wishes.  Resolution 26-01-01 which establishes a credit card and charge card payment processing fee was approved.  In the past, the city has “absorbed” the fee the credit card processing companies charge but have decided to pass the fee along (3%) so that this won’t be passed along to all taxpayers.  All council members agreed that nearly every business now charges customers the fee and that the city should as well.  People paying with cash or check will not be charged the 3%.  The fee will be assessed beginning February 1 and notification will appear on the next utility bills.  A letter of support request for SECRHA/SECED for a CHFA land banking grant was approved.  A new cooperative planning agreement with the county was approved.  The old agreement was for a three-mile radius while the new one will be for a one-mile radius.  This allows both the city and county to share information about any new developments within one mile of the city regarding utilities.  Lastly, Council approved using Willdan Certified Building Official Services on an as-needed basis for assistance with building construction questions.  During the discussion, it was stated that the city “has gaps in our building department” and doesn’t have someone with vast experience in Colorado building codes and needs to reach out to a professional at times for clarification.  Information received will be compiled into a “book of knowledge” that the city can pull from when needed in the future so that they don’t need to repeat requests.

The meeting then adjourned to go into Executive Session.  The next regular City Council meeting will be January 26 at 7 pm.

By: Barbara Crimond