Erie Town Council Meeting - February 27, 2024

The Erie Town Council met on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 6:34 PM. The meeting included public comments on ALO construction damages and oil well decommissioning, presentations from multiple town boards and commissions, and a proclamation celebrating Women's History Month. Council addressed resident concerns, discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, and received updates on economic development, airport, historic preservation, open space, planning, and tree initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and consent agenda unanimously via roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Wilde (HOA member, Canning Creek South): Expressed continued concerns about ALO contractor damages to properties and lack of communication. Also raised issues with the oil rig decommissioning, citing zero response from the oil and gas company to 50 voicemails, and damage to open space including removed sidewalks, landscaping, and 90 tons of dirt.
• Micah Frank (Old Town Erie resident): Urgently requested improved safety at the four-way stop at Cheeseman and County Line near Erie Elementary and Middle School. Cited outdated traffic study from October 2021, observed 255 people and 900 cars from 3-4 p.m. on three February days, and noted the intersection lacks stoplights and crossing guards unlike other schools.
• Dr. Sarah Amodio (Country Fields/Country Meadows resident): Echoed concerns about ALO's poor management, lack of notification before accessing property, and destruction. Also described a massive oil leak in the neighborhood, noting the town knew about it in November but residents received no communication. She stated her health (EGPA, a rare lung disease) has been impacted, and she blames the lack of information from the oil and gas company and the town.

Women's History Month Proclamation

• Deputy Town Manager Wiley introduced Girl Scout Troop 79256, who read the proclamation. Councilor Baer concluded by proclaiming March 2024 as Women's History Month in Erie. The troop joined council for a photo.

Erie Chamber of Commerce Presentation

• Pat Vero (Chamber of Commerce) highlighted 2023 achievements: 57 new members (17 already in 2024), 11 business after hours, 12 business unwinds, 37 ribbon cuttings, and events like Erie Town Fair (10,000 attendees), Balloon Launch (5-6,000 per morning, 4,000 at glow), Face concert (4,000), Brew Fest (900 patrons, 18 breweries), and Parade of Lights (7,000 attendees). The chamber's events brought an estimated 41,000 people to Erie.
• 2024 plans include moving events to parks, adding a second concert (Chris Daniels and the Kings on July 27), and increasing membership to 325. The chamber requests $82,325 in town funding, noting $30,000 covers the balloon launch.
• Council members praised the chamber's efforts and asked about strategic changes; Vero noted businesses are coming back and programming is more focused.

Erie Economic Development Council (EEDC) Presentation

• Victoria Meyer and Shannon Dodge presented the EEDC's 2023 accomplishments and 2024 plans, including merging with the Downtown Erie Business Association (DBA). Reported $76,000 income in 2023 (including $33,000 from the town, $18,900 memberships, and $19,728 from Top Golf sponsorships). Proposed 2024 budget of $63,000, with $30,000 for Brig Street concerts.
• Plans include a downtown discount card, continued Top Golf event in May, and a small business grant program. Council members asked about the DBA merge and airport air fair support; EEDC stated they have not yet discussed future backing for the airport event.

Airport Advisory Board Presentation

• Chair Paul Hufftlin provided updates: added new members, Angela Terry's term expiring, airport management contract executed, FBO tenant contract in progress, ABS report received, and AWOS system moved to expand hangar potential. The Erie Air Fair was a success but will be biennial; next one in 2025.
• Council asked about jurisdiction over aircraft (FAA) and leaded fuels. Hufftlin explained that unleaded fuel is coming but technical challenges remain; EPA mandate by 2030. Board members expressed support for transitioning to unleaded fuel. Councilor Baer noted residents' concerns and hoped for regional cooperation.

Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) Presentation

• Chair Mike Turner reported on activities: railroad history grant not awarded, planning to survey Eagle Mine, printed 150th anniversary books, tax incentive program stalled, and considering a historic district. Also discussed moving the historic pillars to 95th and Arapahoe with CDOT cooperation.
• Council discussed BIPOC history engagement, ordinance updates, and landmarking. Turner noted three properties were landmarked this year (most ever) but nominations must come from property owners. He shared fun facts about Biscuit Day origins.

Open Space Trails Advisory Board (OSTAB) Presentation

• Dave Tazak (member) presented OSTAB's role and recent activities: one development referral in last six months, support for East Boulder Creek and Prairie Run open space management plan, BERT initiative, and identifying trail connectivity gaps. Members thanked liaisons and staff.
• Council asked about public engagement for missing trail links and a specific gap between Canyon Creek 8/9 and the spine trail. Tazak said they will investigate and noted they haven't had formal public outreach yet.

Planning Commission Presentation

• Chair Burns (last name not stated) discussed the commission's role in the comprehensive plan update (Elevate Erie), noting they've had fewer applications but expect activity to pick up. All four commissioners who joined last fall are interested in reappointment.
• Council discussed challenges including accounting for approved but unbuilt development, infrastructure costs, and the need for interconnectivity. Burns noted gateway water/sewer costs were informative. Staff noted about 600-800 building permits per year recently.

Tree Board Presentation

• Patty O'Donnell and Brian O'Connor presented 2024 plans: school outreach (18 classrooms, ~400 kids), Arbor Day/Earth Day on April 27 with 150 trees giveaway, tree walks, and leaf composting event (21 smashes, reduced 17 dumpsters to 3). Encouraged use of tree rebate programs.
• Council praised the board's work, and Councilor Salwish suggested planting a ceremonial tree and more catalpa/maple trees. Board members noted they support diversity but will defer to town forester Tom Reed.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to continue working with ALO on corrective action plan, publish terms for lifting stop work order on the town website, and ensure ALO communicates with residents.
• Town manager noted ALO's problematic subcontractor has been terminated from ALO's contract. Staff will respond to oil and gas communication concerns and reach out to Civitas extraction regarding decommissioning communications.
• Council acknowledged plans for County Line Road improvements, with Xcel Energy work expected soon, and noted crossing guards are present at the intersection.
• Council directed staff to check lights on Erie Parkway and consider dog registration pilot program with veterinarians.
• Noted that Sustainability Advisory Board has enough members to continue (after appointments on consent); they will present later.

Board Reports & Announcements

• Council Member Bell thanked staff for accommodations and reported on road work updates; noted potential grass seeding at landfill.
• Council Member Bear shared a personal story about a dog attack, urging leash compliance and dog registration.
• Mayor Pro Tem Laughlin reminded about the Erie Celebration of Gratitude and Light on Friday, and condemned recent hate speech against the LGBTQIA community, expressing solidarity.
• Council Member Salwish asked about HPAB quorum and mentioned Erie Parkway lights; directed staff to follow up.