Lamar Council Accepts Valco Property, Agrees on Conduit Payments

Mayor Roger Stagner swears in Chief of Police Gary McCrea

O.J. Pierce took his oath of office for Police Officer

The Lamar city council voted to accept a donation of 108 acres of land belonging to Valco, Incorporated. There is no set date for the closing because the state must sign off on a reclamation plan for the property. Valco must re-plant vegetation and make certain changes to the land before it will be accepted by the city. The city will be responsible for the care of the vegetation for the five years stipulated by the state Bureau of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Initial plans call for the acreage to be used as a park, featuring fishing and picnic areas. One pond will be filled in, and the remaining ponds will be regraded to make them more accessible to the public. The ponds may be stocked with fish as well.

A Memorandum of Agreement between the city and Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District was approved, with the recommendation of the city’s water attorney, David Shohet. The MOA concerns the proposed Arkansas Valley Water Conduit which will pipe potable water to various subscribers between Pueblo and Lamar. The MOA provides for payment and guidelines for the Environmental Impact Statement currently underway. The agreement will call for the bills to the city to be paid as they are received.

Two police officers were sworn in during ceremonies at the council meeting, May 9. Commander Gary McCrea was sworn in as the new Chief of Police and O.J. Pierce also took his oath of office. The council approved an annual contract between the police department and organizers of the Holiday Basketball Tournament, December 16 and 17 for this year. Two officers will be used at a standard rate of $30 per hour, per officer. The council approved the acceptance of the VALE, Victim’s Assistance and Law Enforcement board grant by the police department, to purchase a Computerized Voice Stress Analyzer for $3,195. Approval was given by the council to Blake Mundell who has scheduled a music event for Willow Creek Park for June 5. The youth oriented event will feature Christian music between 6 and 8pm.

Shawna Hodge, Lamar Main Street Director, informed the board the city’s annual membership fee in the Downtown Colorado Inc. program has been reduced to $1,000 a year. The membership allows the city to participate as a Main Street Community in the state wide program, focusing on developing and improving the business climate for downtown businesses.

A five year contract with Jviation, an engineering and planning firm was approved. Because the city airport can receive federal funding for various projects, specific FAA guidelines must be followed and the firm will consult with the city on projects of that nature. The annual agreement with Judy Douglass, director of the state Welcome Center in Lamar was approved, contingent on receiving the annual award from the state. Douglass stated there are few changes expected in the renewal.

Two proclamations were read at the council meeting; one recognized Youth Week, sponsored by the Lamar Elks Lodge, #1319, and the second designated May 6-12 as National Nurses Week. Prowers Medical Center is holding its annual Health Fair, Tuesday through Thursday of this week from 7 to 11am. The council issued a reminder that city offices will be closed Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day.

by Russ Baldwin