City Council Okays New LUB Board Member, Olive Street Station Liquor License Transfer

The Olive Street Station transfer of ownership and retail liquor store license from Ken Roe to Donald Compton and T.J. Sanders was approved following a brief public hearing. The business at 403 East Olive Street was recently purchased and both Sanders and Compton told the council there are no plans for any changes to the operation.

Michael Horning was approved as the newest member of the Lamar Utility Board. The council approved his application and Horning will replace Michael Bryant whose term expired several months ago.  His term will expire in 2020.

Lamar Librarian, Todd Schaefer, presented two requests for contract renewals for library programs. The first was a renewal fee for $862 for a youth-oriented database called PebbleGo which helps develop computer research skills for young students.  The second was for $860 for an online database which provides access to electronic editions of record for local, regional and national newspapers.

How secure is the city’s computer system and related internet sites? The council approved a recommendation from Thomas Sanchez, IT Manager, to authorize an agreement with Tobin and Associates to provide a security audit, as recommended by CIRSA, the city’s risk agent.  Sanchez said the company will periodically attempt to hack into the city’s computer system from within and without to determine any areas that require improvement.  The program will cost $7,500.

The City will continue to receive discounts for surplus federal property. Lamar Police Chief Kyle Miller said a renewal agreement is required so the city can continue to pay only 10% of the initial acquisition value of the property, ranging from vehicles to construction equipment.  The agreement is with the Colorado Surplus Property Agency.  Miller also outlined a requested grant application for VALE funds from the 15^th Judicial District.  The grant will provide funds to assist with the salary of the victim advocate and ensure victims receive the necessary information about their rights.  The $11,987 grant application was approved.

Rick Akers, Lamar Parks and Recreation Director, presented a resolution request to the council to approve a grant application for a Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program. This will help complete the city’s proposed Lamar Loop Project.  Akers said the city will need to contribute 3% or $6,000 to the $200,000 funding.  Akers said there’s no guarantee that the city will receive the grant, but CPW, he said, wants to try to get some funding in our area.  He added the funds will be used to help develop North Gateway Park, mostly for the corridor under the Arkansas River and on the Park property.  Healthy Places and Conservation Trust Fund monies will be used for the match.

The council passed a resolution to terminate a hangar lease at the Lamar Municipal Airport. Administrator Sutherland said the city has struggled with the tenant to keep current with the lease.  He added that it has been time consuming for various department heads to try to resolve the situation.  The city attorney will be authorized to file the needed paperwork in County Court for forcible entry and judgement of rents and fees.

Administrator Sutherland reminded the council about approaching events including the next city council informal breakfast at Lamar Community College from 7am to 8am on Wednesday, November 4^th; the annual Farm/City Banquet, sponsored by the Lamar Chamber of Commerce and featuring Michael Martin Murphey will be held on Saturday, November 14^th, a CDOT Main Street hearing is set for Wednesday, November 18^th from 6pm to 8pm at the Cultural Events Center, the annual Fantasy Tree Auction to benefit the Domestic Safety Resource Center will be held at the Elks Lodge on Saturday, November 21^st and City offices will be closed Thanksgiving Thursday and the following Friday.

By Russ Baldwin