Erie Town Council Meeting – June 25, 2024

The Erie Town Council met on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 7:03 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing and votes on several major items, including approval of the first homeownership public-private partnership, a street maintenance program expansion, and denial of the Redtail Ranch preliminary plat after extensive public comment and council deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the June 11, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes.
• Approved a proclamation declaring July 2024 as Park and Recreation Month.
• Approved a resolution for professional services with HDR Engineering for Erie Lake Dam seepage rehabilitation.
• Passed an ordinance amending the emergency telephone service charge.
• Adopted the updated Housing Needs Assessment and Affordable Housing Strategy and the Affordable Housing Policy (Resolutions 24-095 and 24-094).
• Approved a public right-of-way vacation at Baseline Road and East County Line Road (Ordinance 026-2024).
• Approved a construction contract with Power Products Co for Erie Community Center skylight replacement.
• Approved a contract with Sunland Asphalt for Community Center parking lot repairs.
• Approved a second amendment to the lease with Vector Air Management.
• Approved a professional services agreement with Wenk Associates for Schofield Farm concept design.
• Approved a second amendment with Wold Architects for the Town Hall expansion (initially pulled to general business).
• Approved the Lafferty Subdivision final plat and development agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Redtail Ranch Public Hearing: Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the 524-lot preliminary plat near Vista Ridge. Concerns included:
  • Health risks from a former IBM landfill (drums, solvents) and proximity to two active landfills.
  • Inadequate traffic infrastructure on Weld County Road 5.
  • Overcrowding in schools.
  • Complaints about the developer’s neighborhood meeting format and comments made by the owner about a council member’s cancer battle.
• CDPHE Representative: Stated the cleanup of the landfill area is protective of human health and the environment, and that Stratus worked cooperatively with regulators. He noted the program’s goal is to facilitate redevelopment and recoup loan funds.

Discussion Items

1. Town Hall Expansion – Second Amendment (Item 24-308)

Councilor Sawish asked about the change in use of a previously unfinished space from potential lease to town staff. Chad Alexander and the town manager explained that finishing the space now is more cost-effective than later, will reduce leasing costs, and accommodates projected staff growth (23 additional employees in that space). The amendment adds $297,000 in construction costs to the existing $18.6 million project. Approved 4-1 (Sawish opposed).

2. Disability Pride Month Proclamation (Item 24-310)

Deputy Town Manager Melissa Wiley introduced two mothers, Carol Backis and Morgan Norris, who shared personal stories of raising children with disabilities. They urged the town to lead in adaptive sports and inclusive community spaces. Mayor Brooks and Councilor Baer read the proclamation, designating July 2024 as Disability Pride Month in Erie.

3. 2024 Street Maintenance Program (Item 24-208)

Acting Public Works Director Todd Fessenden presented the annual program. Thanks to lower-than-expected bids, the town can expand milling and overlay from Vista Ridge to include Vista Point and all of Arapahoe Ridge. The total budget is about $4.5 million. The resolution approves a contract with Western Plains Construction for work in Vista Ridge/Vista Point (154,000 square yards of mill and overlay). Council discussed communication with residents and coordinating with St. Vrain schools on bus routes. Approved unanimously.

4. Cheesman Street Residences – Affordable Homeownership (Item 24-297 & Ordinance 027-2024)

Senior Planner Aly Burkhalter and Housing Manager MJ Adams presented the first public-private partnership for affordable homeownership: 35 townhomes and single-family homes on town-owned land. Half of the homes will be affordable to households earning ≤90% AMI (about $131,000 for a family of four); the rest up to 110% AMI. The development agreement includes a 20-year deed restriction. Council discussed lender default provisions (bank can remove deed restriction if developer defaults, but town has first right of purchase), income verification (annual certification of primary residence), and the shared parking agreement with Calvary Bible Church. Councilor Sawish expressed concerns about long-term enforceability and staff capacity for compliance. The resolution approving the development agreement and final plat passed 4-1 (Sawish opposed). The emergency ordinance authorizing property transfer to HousePAD Erie LLC also passed 4-1 (Sawish opposed).

5. Redtail Ranch Preliminary Plat (Item 24-192) – DENIED

Senior Planner Harry Brennan and applicant representatives presented a revised plan reducing lots from 587 to 524, increasing the oil and gas setback from 350 to 500 feet, moving the spine trail 150 feet north, and adding traffic-calming measures. The developer held an optional neighborhood meeting on June 13. Public comment focused on environmental hazards, health risks, and developer conduct. Council deliberation centered on the UDC’s requirement to promote public health, safety, and welfare (Section 10-1-3A). Councilor Baer, Mayor Pro Tem Laughlin, Mayor Brooks, and Councilor Hoback voted to deny, citing cumulative impacts of active oil and gas operations, two adjacent landfills, inadequate traffic infrastructure, and insufficient environmental remediation. Councilor Sawish supported approval, arguing the plan met all UDC criteria and had CDPHE endorsement. The motion to deny with findings of fact passed 4-1.

Key Outcomes

• Town Hall Expansion Amendment: Approved 4-1.
• Disability Pride Month: Proclaimed July 2024.
• 2024 Street Maintenance Contract: Approved unanimously.
• Cheesman Street Residences (DA and Ordinance): Approved 4-1 for both items.
• Redtail Ranch Preliminary Plat: Denied 4-1; findings of fact to be drafted.
• Council Reports: Reminded public of July 3 fireworks event, wildfire danger, and upcoming RTD district consolidation discussion.
• Adjournment: 11:00 PM.