Erie Planning Commission Meeting - October 17, 2023

The Erie Planning Commission met on October 17, 2023, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at 645 Holbrook Street, Erie, CO. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, an affordable housing update from staff, legal training for commissioners, staff reports, and commissioner discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The October 4, 2023 (sic) Planning Commission meeting agenda was approved unanimously by roll call vote (5-0).
• Approval of Minutes: The September 6, 2023 meeting minutes were approved with a correction (spelling of "SISU") by a unanimous roll call vote (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. No individuals were present in the audience or virtual waiting room.

Discussion Items

• Affordable Housing Update (Item 23-490): MJ Adams, Affordable Housing Manager, presented an overview of Erie's housing needs and strategies. Key data: 83-85% of homes are single-family; 85% owner-occupied (vs. ~68% national average); average home price $850,000; income needed to purchase $150,000. The town has made a commitment to Proposition 123 (increase affordable units by 3% per year) and has purchased a 2.3-acre site for ~35 affordable homeownership units. Adams outlined ongoing efforts: fast-track development process, metro district affordable housing requirements, inclusionary housing ordinance (drafting), regional partnerships with Boulder County and Weld County, and a partnership with a developer for the Cheesman site. Commissioners asked about definitions of affordability (up to 120% AMI for ownership, 80% for rental), metro district service plan caps, public safety/ first responder housing, infrastructure feasibility studies, density capacity, and collaboration with Weld County. Adams noted the Regional Housing Partnership may host a Housing Summit in January 2024.
• Legal Training for Planning Commission: Sam Light (Deputy Executive Director & General Counsel, CIRSA) and Kunal Parikh (Town Attorney) provided training on quasi-judicial proceedings, due process, ethics, ex-parte communications, open meetings law, and proper deliberation techniques. The training emphasized the Commission’s role as quasi-judges, the importance of impartiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and following procedural rules. Commissioners discussed scenarios involving social media, email communications, and public interactions. A specific Erie Municipal Code and Unified Development Code overview was given by Parikh, including membership requirements, removal procedures, and social media policy.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The September 6, 2023 minutes were approved with a spelling correction (5-0).
• Legal Training Completed: Commissioners received training on quasi-judicial responsibilities and ethics.
• Staff Update: Lisa Ritchie announced her departure (accepted Director position in Superior); Melinda Helmer remains interim contact until replacement is named.
• Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Braudes raised potential future agenda topics, including water rights and a performing arts center; the chair noted positive feedback from the Board of Trustees about the Commission's direction. IT security training reminders were given.
• No Substantive Votes: No applications or decisions requiring a vote were made beyond the consent items.

Staff Reports

• Lisa Ritchie, Planning Manager, announced her last meeting with the Commission; she is leaving for a Director role in Superior. She thanked the Commission. Melinda Helmer will be interim point of contact. Doug Trettin is training as Commission Secretary.

Commissioner Reports & Discussion Items

• Commissioner Braudes raised potential future topics (e.g., water rights, performing arts center discussions with Boulder Philharmonic). The chair suggested a work session to brainstorm agenda items. Discussion clarified the Commission’s role in quasi-judicial vs. policy matters.