Erie Town Council Meeting - September 24, 2024

The Town of Erie Town Council met on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 6:32 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Justin Brooks presided. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, proclamations for state championship sports teams, several public hearings, and a discussion on community-wide waste hauling. The meeting adjourned at 10:11 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the September 10, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes.
• Proclamation declaring Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Month.
• Proclamation declaring Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2024).
• Ordinance 030-2024 repealing and reenacting Section 6-8-7 regarding false reports.
• Resolution 24-131 approving a construction contract with Adiona Transportation Solutions for the Sheridan Parkway Ridge View Intersection Traffic Signal Project.
• Resolution approving two 2024 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trails Grant applications.
• Ordinance 033-2024 amending provisions regarding the Director of Utilities.
• Resolution 24-139 approving a construction contract with Hudick Excavating for Zone 3 Weld County Road 7 Waterline Improvements.
• Resolution 24-138 approving a third amendment with Burns & McDonnell for construction management services.
• Resolution 24-144 urging voters to approve St. Vrain Valley School District Ballot Issue No. 5C.
• Resolution 24-140 approving a third amendment to the lease with Vector Air Management. All consent items were approved unanimously via roll call vote.

Proclamations

The council honored the Erie High School Boys Lacrosse team and Girls Golf team for winning 4A state championships in 2024. Mayor Brooks read proclamations declaring May 20, 2024 as Erie High School Lacrosse Day and May 21, 2024 as Erie High School Golf Day. Student-athletes were present and recognized.

Public Hearings

Purchase of Real Property (Ordinance 036-2024)

Luke Bolinger, Parks & Recreation Director, presented a proposal to purchase two parcels north of the Erie Airport and two south of Vista Parkway using open space tax funds (TNAC). The parcels will preserve open space and enable future trail connections. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (6-0).

Water Tap Fees and Water Dedication Fee (Ordinance – continued)

Todd Fessenden (Utilities Director) and Todd Cristiano presented an update to water tap fees and water dedication fees. The proposed increase for a ¾-inch water tap from $12,050 to $17,290 (43% increase) and water dedication fee from $16,243 to $31,400 (93% increase) to fund infrastructure improvements. Wastewater tap fees remain unchanged. Public comment included three speakers: Matt Jenkins (Richmond American Homes), Dan Galasso (TriPoint Homes), and Morgan Cullen (Home Builders Association of Metro Denver) all requested a delay for further discussion with staff. Council elected to continue the item to October 22, 2024, to allow for review of a discrepancy in small home/townhome/condominium fees and to engage stakeholders. Vote was unanimous.

Supplemental Appropriation for Fleet (Ordinance 037-2024)

Finance Manager Cassie Bethune presented a supplemental appropriation to purchase fleet vehicles and equipment due to ordering windows. The appropriation includes replacement and new vehicles for various departments. Approved unanimously via roll call (6-0).

Marijuana Licensing (Ordinance 031-2024, Option 1)

Stephanie Pitts-Noggle, Amy Teetzel, and Kelly Driscoll presented two options for licensing retail marijuana businesses. Option 1 (staff recommendation) prohibits locations within 1,000 feet of schools and 250 feet of residential zones, with a 5,000 sq ft limit and a maximum of two stores. Option 2 (Planning Commission recommendation) adds a 500-foot buffer from parks and open space. Public comment: Liz Zukowski (Native Roots) and Truman Bradley (Marijuana Industry Group) argued that the proposed zones offer no viable commercial locations. Council adopted Option 1 with an amendment to Section 11 making the ordinance effective on January 1, 2025 only if voters approve Ballot Issue 3C (5% excise tax) in November 2024. Vote: 4-2 (Councilors Bell and Sawish dissented).

Flood Damage Prevention (Ordinance 035-2024)

Planning Manager Kelly Driscoll and Civil Engineer Wendi Palmer presented a new chapter to the Erie Municipal Code for flood damage prevention, based on updated FEMA maps. This ensures continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Public comment: none. Approved unanimously (6-0).

Discussion: Community-wide Waste Hauler

Environmental Services Director David Frank, Sustainability Specialist Emma Marino, and Sustainability Manager Eryka Thorley presented findings on potential single-hauler waste and recycling services. Key points: 89% of residents have curbside recycling but only 5% have curbside compost; costs vary widely across HOAs; previous RFP in 2022 received high bids due to small scale. Recommendations include enforcing the 2020 pay-as-you-throw ordinance and re-issuing an RFP with longer contract terms and broader participation. Council members expressed interest in continuing the conversation, noting the need for more data and engagement with HOAs and residents. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Proclamations for Erie High School lacrosse and golf champions.
• Ordinance 036-2024 for open space land purchase approved (6-0).
• Water tap fee ordinance continued to October 22, 2024 for further discussion.
• Supplemental appropriation for fleet approved (6-0).
• Marijuana licensing ordinance (Option 1) approved with conditional effective date (4-2).
• Flood damage prevention ordinance approved (6-0).
• No action on waste hauler discussion; staff to continue research and engagement.