Planning Commission Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Town of Erie Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, public comment, election of officers, and a detailed discussion of the annual report to Town Council. The meeting concluded at 7:40 PM.

Approval of Agenda & Minutes

• The agenda for June 3, 2026 was approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Dreckman, seconded by Commissioner Booth.
• The minutes of the May 20, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Vice Chair Braudes, seconded by Commissioner Dreckman.

Public Comments

• Sam Badger, resident of 1324 Brookfield Place, Parkdale neighborhood, expressed concern that the Parkdale subdivision lacks dedicated parks and usable open space. He stated that the developer paid a fee-in-lieu of park dedication and residents were told a future school would provide recreational fields. With the school now reportedly delayed indefinitely, residents worry they will be left without local recreation despite the fee and neighborhood bonds. He noted that the neighborhood’s open space is a wetland not usable by humans.

General Business

Item 2026-334: Election of Chair and Vice Chair

• Chair Hemphill explained the election process (secret ballot per Robert’s Rules) and opened nominations.
• Chair election: Nominees were Chair Hemphill (nominated by Vice Chair Braudes) and Commissioner Sawusch (nominated by Commissioner Booth). Both accepted. By secret ballot, Commissioner Sawusch received 5 votes and was elected Chair for a one-year term.
• Vice Chair election: Nominees were Commissioner Dreckman (nominated by Commissioner Booth) and Vice Chair Braudes (nominated by Chair Hemphill). Both accepted. By secret ballot, Commissioner Dreckman received 5 votes and was elected Vice Chair for a one-year term.
• Chair-Elect Sawusch then led the remainder of the meeting.

Discussion of Secretary Election

• Chair-Elect Sawusch noted that Section 3-1-4 of the municipal code requires election of a Secretary from among the Commission’s membership. Deputy Town Attorney Eliot Schaefer confirmed the requirement.
• The Commission discussed whether the agenda (which only listed election of Chair and Vice Chair) provided sufficient notice. Deputy Town Attorney Schaefer recommended noticing the Secretary election for the next meeting. The Commission agreed to elect a Secretary at a future meeting.
• Questions were raised about the Secretary’s role (e.g., taking notes if staff absent) and about signature lines on resolutions. Deputy Town Attorney Schaefer noted the board could adopt bylaws to memorialize processes.

Item 2026-335: Discussion of Annual Report to Town Council

• Commissioner Hemphill presented a draft presentation covering September 2025 through May 2026, including a high-level overview of land use cases (Canyon Creek, Erie PD, Spring Hill, Sierra Vista, Erie Junction), UDC recommendations, and a rules and procedures review for new commissioners. He noted potential updates: adding new staff (Jaime Medina), the CIRSA training, outlining 2026 goals, and future responsibilities.
• Deputy Town Attorney Schaefer confirmed the municipal code now requires only one annual report (formerly bi-annual), though the Commission may request additional appearances.
• The Commission discussed expanding the report with statistics—such as number of cases, types of applications, approved units, and canceled meetings—to better characterize its work. Staff indicated data could be compiled if the Commission specifies what it wants.
• Goals for 2026: The Commission agreed to prioritize drafting bylaws (with Deputy Town Attorney assistance) and developing a formal work plan, in coordination with staff to respect workload. Other ideas included creating an annual report comparing approved development to the Comprehensive Plan, holding joint study sessions with other boards/commissions (e.g., Open Space and Trails Advisory Board), and organizing “Town Hall 101” educational sessions on topics like user guides, capital improvement fund, and water allocations.
• Deputy Town Attorney Schaefer noted that expanding the Commission’s role may require UDC or code amendments.

Staff Reports

• Chris LaRue, Principal Planner, noted upcoming meeting dates: June 17, 2026 and July 1, 2026. The land use case scheduled for July 1 has been removed; items are now on the July 15 agenda.

Commissioner Reports and Discussion Items

• Commissioner Schatz informed that he will be unable to attend in person on July 15. Vice Chair Braudes advised submitting an excused absence request.
• Chair Sawusch stated he will incorporate attendance policies into the meeting policy and has no objection to hybrid participation for those who notify staff and are able to join remotely.
• Commissioner Leef will participate remotely for the June 17 meeting. He thanked former Chair Hemphill and former Vice Chair Braudes for their service.
• Vice Chair Dreckman echoed thanks.
• Commissioner Hemphill thanked the Commission and said he will send the presentation to Chair Sawusch.
• Commissioner Braudes congratulated the new officers and promoted the Erie Pride Celebration on Sunday, June 6 from 2-6 PM with 44 booths, 6 food trucks, and entertainment.
• Commissioner Booth congratulated the new officers and thanked Commissioner Braudes and Hemphill, noting ongoing learning.
• Chair Sawusch thanked former Chair Hemphill and former Vice Chair Braudes for their leadership and guidance, and commissioners for their faith in him.
• Chair Sawusch noted that the Commission continues to receive comments about the Parkdale school delay (a Boulder Valley School District matter) and asked staff to consider a website statement.
• Chair Sawusch reported that Town Council passed an emergency resolution on May 25 regarding water credits and annual allocations: only 125 acre-feet remain, with 65% reserved for residential development (approximately 182 units). This will significantly slow growth (compared to 900 units two years ago and 400-500 last year) due to delays in Windy Gap and NISP water projects. He recommended the Commission study this item and assist Council.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Officers: Commissioner Sawusch as Chair and Commissioner Dreckman as Vice Chair, each for a one-year term, by 5-vote margins.
• Secretary Election Deferred: The election of a Secretary will be noticed for a future meeting; legal questions about duties and resolution signing will be researched.
• Annual Report: Staff will update the draft presentation to include new statistics, mention of CIRSA training, and acknowledgment of staff. The final report is due to staff by July 10, 2026 for the July 28 Town Council meeting.
• Bylaws and Work Plan: The Commission committed to drafting bylaws and a work plan in 2026, with input from the Deputy Town Attorney and staff, respecting staff capacity.
• Next Steps: The next meeting on June 17 will continue discussion of the annual report. The Commission will explore joint study sessions with other boards and develop a “Town Hall 101” educational series.
• Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Booth, seconded by Vice Chair Dreckman, carried unanimously at 7:40 PM.