Erie Town Council Meeting Summary – April 9, 2024

The Erie Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at 645 Holbrook Street. Mayor Brooks attended virtually from the National Space Symposium. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, two items pulled for discussion, a public hearing for a special review use, an ordinance establishing home rule election districts, staff reports, and council announcements. Key actions included adoption of an amended purchasing policy, unanimous approval of a duplex special review, and selection of districting Plan Two for council elections.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was amended by moving two items to general business: Resolution 24-180 (Erie Highlands Filing 16 development agreement amendment) and Ordinance 24-185 (purchasing policy). The remaining consent items were approved by roll call vote (9-0). Consent items included:
  • Approval of March 26, 2024 meeting minutes
  • Resolution approving overflow pipeline license agreement
  • Resolution approving professional services amendment for taxiway rehabilitation
  • Ordinance adopting purchasing policy (moved to general business)
  • Resolution approving permanent easement agreements
  • Climate Emergency Proclamation

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Prater (685 Moffat St) spoke during the general public comment period requesting a three-way stop at Moffat and County Line due to speeding concerns, especially near the school. He noted a recent citation for 50 mph and mentioned a missing school zone sign at County Line Lumber.
• During the public hearing for 675 Moffat Street, Mr. Prater again addressed the council, expressing concerns about the proposed garage being built within an easement between the property line and the school fence. He stated that his questions to staff had gone unanswered. The council acknowledged his concerns and assured follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Erie Highlands Filing 16 Development Agreement Amendment (Item 24-180): Council Member Hoback introduced the item, explaining that the amendment addresses a discovered methane leak from an oil and gas well on the site, requiring replugging before certificates of occupancy. Several council members expressed distrust of Oakwood, the developer, and requested stronger enforcement provisions. After discussion, the council voted to continue the item to the April 23 meeting to allow Senior Planner David Frank to be present and to explore additional resident protections.
• Purchasing Policy Ordinance (Item 24-185): Staff presented updates to align with the home rule charter, including changing references from Board of Trustees to Town Council, raising the division manager approval threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 (inflation adjustment), and eliminating petty cash. Council Member Cobak requested adding a tier requiring finance director approval for purchases between $25,000.01 and $50,000. The council approved the ordinance with that amendment by roll call vote (9-0).
• 90 Second Celebration Video: Deputy Town Manager Melissa Wiley and Recreation Supervisor Levi Moser honored Brandon Grasmick, Special Events Coordinator, for receiving the National Recreation and Park Association’s “30 Under 30” award—the only recipient from Colorado. Grasmick oversees 15 large-scale events drawing over 14,000 attendees annually and generated $50,000 in new revenue through marketing and sponsorships.
• Bi-Monthly Vector Air Airport Report: Airport Manager Jason Hurd presented a reformatted, data-driven quarterly report. Highlights included a new weather station (KEIK-AWOS.live) accessible to the public. He noted gradual cost increases and the need for future fee adjustments. No action was taken.
• Public Hearing: Special Review Use for 675 Moffat Street (Item 24-178): Senior Planner Harry Brennan presented a proposal for a duplex (two units, ~5,000 sq ft plus detached garage) in the Old Town Residential zone. The applicant, Sarah Hall, described plans to downsize and stay in Erie. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. During public comment, Tony Prater questioned whether the garage setback encroaches on an easement. Council discussed the issue and confirmed the garage is 5 feet from the rear property line with an apparent easement beyond. The council approved Resolution 24-055 unanimously (9-0).
• Ordinance Establishing Election Districts (Item 24-191): Director of Administrative Services Amy Teetzel presented two districting plans, both developed by Magellan Strategies following community engagement (219 survey participants). Staff recommended Plan Two. Council Member Bear asked about growth impact on redistricting triggers. The council approved the ordinance selecting Plan Two by roll call vote (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously after moving two items to general business.
• Erie Highlands Filing 16 Amendment: Continued to April 23, 2024, for further discussion with staff and applicant.
• Purchasing Policy: Amended to include a $25,000–$50,000 tier requiring finance director approval, then approved as Ordinance 015-2024 (9-0).
• Special Review Use (675 Moffat): Resolution 24-055 approved unanimously (9-0).
• Election Districts: Ordinance establishing districting Plan Two approved unanimously (9-0).
• Executive Session: Council moved into closed session (9-0) to discuss open space property negotiations pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(a) and (e).
• Future Agenda Items: Staff will flag remaining home rule charter implementation items; council requested an Excel Energy briefing on power outage protocols and a legislative update from the state capitol.

Note: The meeting adjourned to executive session at approximately 8:05 PM; no further public business was conducted.