Erie Town Council Meeting – July 23, 2024

This meeting of the Erie Town Council convened at 6:53 p.m. on July 23, 2024, under Mayor Justin Brooks. The agenda included a consent calendar, public comment, presentations from the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) and the town's Affordable Housing Manager, a discussion on regional homelessness meetings, and staff reports. The council approved several resolutions, discussed future policy directions, and designated representatives for regional homelessness efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 9, 2024, Town Council meeting minutes.
• Approved Resolution 24-101: construction contract with Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company for the Erie Airport Apron, Taxiway, and Runway Rehabilitation.
• Approved Ordinance 028-2024: repealing and reenacting Section 4-8-13 of the Erie Municipal Code regarding entertainment districts, common consumption areas, and promotional associations.
• Approved Resolution 24-110: grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for the Taxiway and Apron Rehabilitation Project at the Erie Municipal Airport.
• Approved Resolution 24-111: grant agreement with the Colorado Division of Aeronautics for the Erie Airport Apron, Taxiway, and Runway Rehabilitation.
• Approved Ordinance 24-348: amending Section 8-1-18 of the Municipal Code concerning shutoff of service for nonpayment.
• Approved Resolution 24-108: submitting a ballot issue to the registered electors for the November 5, 2024, regular election. All items passed unanimously via roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Gaines (1420 Skyline Drive) expressed concerns about excessive traffic noise on Vista Ridge Boulevard and Mountain View, especially near Black Rock Elementary. He requested speed bumps or camera enforcement similar to Longmont and left a signed petition from neighbors.
• Lou Miller (2050 Cedarwood Place), representing the Rotary Club of Erie, requested a proclamation for a paint recycling event on August 17, 2024 (9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Calvary Church). He described the club's community activities and asked for town support.

Discussion Items

• SVVSD Superintendent Dr. Don Haddad presented school performance data: i-Ready growth scores exceeded 100% in all Erie elementary and middle schools (e.g., Soaring Heights: reading 157%, math 117%; Erie High School: 99.1% on-time graduation rate, 78% of AP students earned college credit, state championships in lacrosse and golf). He outlined a proposed bond measure (board decision August 7, 2024) to fund four new schools (including an elementary school and a new high school for Erie), safety upgrades, and a career and technical education center—without increasing taxes, extending the existing debt at a reduced mill levy rate. Discussion included capacity at Erie High School (currently 92% with modulars, projected 98% by 2028 without bond), teacher retention (highest base pay in state at $62,500, fully staffed special education), and closing the Hispanic graduation gap (approaching 90%). Council members expressed support and directed staff to draft a letter of support for the bond.
• Affordable Housing Manager MJ Adams presented an inclusionary housing and affordable housing impact fee proposal. Key points: housing costs have outpaced wages (rents up 101%, home values up 89% over 12 years). The proposed inclusionary housing ordinance would require 15% of units in developments of 8+ units to be affordable (75% at 120% AMI for ownership, 25% at 100% AMI; for rental, 75% at 80% AMI, 25% at 60% AMI). Options include on-site units, land dedication, or a fee-in-lieu. An affordable housing impact fee would apply to already-entitled units (about 5,000) and small developments. A consultant study is underway; results expected late August. Discussion focused on balancing affordability with development viability, potential chilling effects, and timing relative to capital fund projections. The council will continue study in September.
• Boulder County Invitation to Regional Homelessness Meetings: Town Manager Malcolm Fleming presented the county's request for a designated elected official to attend a series of meetings. Council discussed the importance of engagement, given invisible homelessness in Erie (e.g., couch surfing, use of Sister Carmen services). Councilors agreed to designate Mayor Brooks as primary and Mayor Pro Tem Laughlin as alternate, with staff support, to ensure Erie's voice at the table.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Mayor Brooks authorized to sign a proclamation for the Rotary Club paint recycling event (to be ratified at the next meeting).
• Direction to draft a letter of support for the SVVSD bond measure (board to decide on August 7, 2024).
• Continued study of inclusionary housing and impact fee ordinances; consultant report due late August; further council discussion in September.
• Mayor Brooks (primary) and Mayor Pro Tem Laughlin (alternate) designated as representatives for Boulder County regional homelessness meetings.
• Council will consider a letter of support for safety improvements on Highway 287, following two fatal crashes in July 2024.

Staff Reports

• Utilities Quarterly Report (Q2 2024) – information only.
• Planning & Development Monthly Report (June 2024) – information only.

Council Member Reports and Announcements

• Mayor Pro Tem Laughlin: requested traffic update on Vista Ridge (related to highway 7 and 119th access).
• Councilor Sowish: announced concert in the park (July 27), firearm safety event (July 25), board vacancies, and candidate training for the November 5 municipal election (August 5, 5:30 p.m.).
• Councilor Bear: noted traffic concerns on Vista Ridge and Highway 287; urged safety improvements; appreciated town hall expansion and Cheesman Street groundbreaking.
• Mayor Brooks: highlighted that the Cheesman Street residences groundbreaking was the first Prop 123 building permits in Colorado, delivering 35 affordable units within two years.