Erie Town Council Meeting Summary – May 14, 2024

The Erie Town Council met on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:31 PM in the Council Chambers at 645 Holbrook Street. Mayor Justin Brooks presided. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, public comments, recognition of Councilor Ari Harrison's service, and public hearings on zoning and development items. The meeting adjourned at 9:39 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 23, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes.
• Proclaimed May 20-24, 2024 as National Public Works Week and May 1-5, 2024 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week.
• Approved resolutions and ordinances including: consent to assignment of development agreements for Canyon Creek Filing No. 7 and No. 8; construction contract with Duran Excavating, Inc. for County Line Road improvements; ordinance to establish the Town's website as official publication method; utility easement to Public Service Company of Colorado for 645 Holbrook Street; service agreement with Broomfield Sign Company for park identification signs; resolution requesting Weld County to refer a RTD annexation ballot question; license agreements with RTD for Colliers Hill to Old Town pedestrian connection and Zone 3 Weld County Road 7 waterline improvements; construction contract with Sunland Asphalt for Disc Golf Course parking lot paving; Second Amendment to Sunwest North Development Agreement; ordinance enacting sections on duties of Town Attorney and Town Prosecutor; appointments to Planning Commission; ordinance repealing a superseded budget adoption section.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mimi Chavez (Erie resident) praised the Erie Police Department's Community Police Academy, advocating continued support.
• Jonte Roseboro (1373 Washburn Street) expressed concern about regular mowing of a wide path along the fence line and Cole Creek, arguing it harms wildlife habitat, creates a path for humans and wildlife, and is not effective fire mitigation. She requested leaving the west side of the creek natural.
• Stephen Roseboro echoed his wife's concerns, adding safety issues for pets and children, and requested consideration of taller fencing or narrower mowing.
• Julia Dumont (Mountain View Fire Rescue Community Outreach Coordinator) supported the Citizens Academy and thanked the council for supporting it.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Excellence Award Presentation: Julian Jacquin (Economic Development Director) and David Waldner (Erie Four Corners) celebrated the Erie Town Center receiving the Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) Downtown Excellence Award for Best Partnership for a Small Town.
• Recognition of Councilor Harrison: Deputy Town Manager Melissa Wiley and Mayor Brooks honored Councilor Harrison for nearly nine years of service, highlighting his contributions to the Compass neighborhood park and trail connectivity. Councilor Harrison announced his retirement, effective May 15, 2024.
• Vista Ridge PD Amendment No. 7 (Public Hearing): Applicant Real Estate Equities proposed an amendment to allow 64 age-restricted senior cooperative housing units on 3 acres currently zoned commercial. Senior Planner Harry Brennan presented staff findings (approval recommended). The applicant addressed prior concerns regarding traffic, drainage, groundwater, and building height. Public comments from Wendy Davidson (1922 Windmere) and Stephanie Trasca (1938 Windmere) acknowledged the project's merits but raised concerns about location, height, and stormwater. Council deliberation included extensive questions about construction (piers, groundwater), stormwater management, and traffic. The ordinance (009-2024) was approved unanimously.
• Reserved Open Space Zone District (Public Hearing): Planning Manager Kelly Driscoll presented Ordinance 017-2024 to create a new reserved open space zone district, mandated by Article 11 of the Home Rule Charter. The Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend moving 'parking lot' from permitted-by-right to special review use. No public comments were received. Council discussed the implications for parks and open space. Council passed the Planning Commission alternative (with parking as special review) unanimously.
• Manufactured Homes, Home Occupations, Family Definition (Public Hearing): Kelly Driscoll presented Ordinance 016-2024 to bring the town into compliance with HUD standards, allow home occupations up to 25% of floor area (or 1,000 sq ft), redefine 'family' as any housekeeping unit, and clarify development standards. No public comments. Council asked clarifying questions about HUD compliance and parking lot provisions. Ordinance 016-2024 was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Vista Ridge PD Amendment (Ordinance 009-2024): Approved unanimously. The applicant will construct 64 age-restricted senior cooperative units, with further design review at site plan stage.
• Reserved Open Space Zone (Ordinance 017-2024, PC Alternative): Approved unanimously. The alternative makes parking a special review use.
• UDC Amendments (Ordinance 016-2024): Approved unanimously.
• Redtail Ranch Reconsideration: The council voted 5-1 to reconsider the previous motion to continue; the subsequent motion to continue the Redtail Ranch hearing to June 25, 2024, was approved.
• Announcements: The town was named a top 25 workplace in Colorado for 2024; Mayor Brooks attended the African American Mayors Association conference; Councilor Bear noted the youth council outreach will begin at the Erie Town Fair on May 18, 2024; and congratulated graduates.