Council Approves Water Infrastructure Agreement

Almost 20,000 linear feet of water main which runs north/south along U.S. 287 is owned and maintained by the City of Lamar. That water distribution system will be impacted by CDOT’s highway reconstruction project, set to begin next spring. The City of Lamar is working with CDOT to replace all the affected water infrastructure connections and mains. JVA, the city’s contract engineer, has helped secure a $112,000 DOLA grant and is pursuing a Colorado Drinking Water Revolving Fund grant, also for $112,000 to pay for JVA’s services to the city. The council voted to approve the JVA agreement for their services through the life of the project.

Robbie Batdorff was introduced to the council and public as the city’s new Interim Water and Wastewater Superintendent, replacing Josh Cichocki. A joint city/county budget workshop has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 16 from 7pm to 9pm at the city’s Cultural Events Center. Both governing organizations meet to discuss shared budget concerns for the city and the county. The first annual, Back-to-School Community Block Party will be held in downtown Lamar on Saturday, August 22 from 4pm to 7pm.

Todd Schaefer has been hired by the City of Lamar as Librarian, officially replacing Debbie Reynolds who resigned this past spring. Schaefer has been acting as interim librarian since he was appointed to that post following Reynold’s departure.   The council approved the eligibility form for the annual Colorado State Grants for Libraries. Because funding was increased on the state level, the Lamar Library anticipates an increase for specific funding this year from $3,570 to $5,004. The money helps purchase books, e-books, database subscriptions and other educational resources for library patrons.

The annual concession contract at the Lamar Community Building was renewed for another year by the council. The Lamar Savage Booster Club has operated the stand for the past several years and the concession agreement, which pays the City of Lamar 8% of the annual proceeds, was renewed for the 2015-2016 year. The contract is unchanged from last year.

The council approved the purchase of a new 2015 or newer Ford F-250 pickup truck from Spradley Barr Ford in Greeley, Colorado in accordance with State Bid Pricing for 2015. Public Works Director, Pat Mason, said the Sanitation Capital Budget set aside $36,000 for a purchase this year.

This year’s general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 and the city council approved the agreement for a coordinated election with Prowers County. The Clerk and Recorder will act as the designated election official. Ballots are expected to be mailed to all active registered electors in the District beginning on September 19 and to all voters from October 12 through October 16, 2015. One item on the ballot requiring a vote is renewal of the city’s contract with Atmos Energy.

By Russ Baldwin