Erie Town Council Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Erie Town Council met on October 22, 2024, at 7:32 PM (adjourned at 11:09 PM) to address a consent agenda, public comment, proclamations, public hearings on water tap fees, service charges, and the 2025 budget, and an update on the Transportation & Mobility Plan. Key decisions included tabling two public hearings to allow for further stakeholder discussion, while the budget hearing proceeded without a vote pending resolution of the fee issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of October 8, 2024, a proclamation for Law Enforcement Records Personnel Appreciation Week, resolutions for an Impact Assistance Fund grant, support for US 287 safety improvements, purchase of streetlights from Xcel Energy for $827,458.71, professional services agreement for Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Strategic Plan & Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study, and an amendment to lease agreements for 130 Wells Street and 570 Kattell Street. All passed unanimously via roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Martillaro (1732 South Street) commented on the Transportation & Mobility Plan, requesting inclusion of current and projected traffic volumes (2035 population of 73,000), evacuation plans, and detailed plans for Arapahoe Road and Erie Parkway. He cited RTD ridership down 46% since 2019 and crime up 53%. He expressed concern that bike/bus/pedestrian investments would not sufficiently address car volume and warned against following Boulder’s approach of ignoring road widening.
• Christine Hackett Eisenberg (798 Limestone Drive) spoke on the draft TMP, stating it is tilted toward pedestrian/bicycle/bus networks costing over 40% of tax dollars while not addressing the root problem of car traffic from population growth to 80,000+. She requested core values and policies explicitly addressing road network development, parking, and tying the TMP to the upcoming Parks plan.

Discussion Items

Native American Heritage Month Proclamation

• Staff DEI Coordinator Kat Hazel introduced Kelly Richinda Bergham (Kiowa, Cherokee, Oto-Missouri) who shared her family history and read the proclamation declaring November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month in Erie.

Public Hearing: Water Tap Fees, Fees in Lieu of Water Dedication, and Wastewater Tap Fees (Item 24-484)

• Staff Presentation: Utilities Director Todd Fessenden (via screen share) presented updated tap fees, showing a proposed increase of roughly $20,000 for a 3/4-inch residential meter (water dedication fee from $16,243 to $31,400). Wastewater tap fees unchanged. The total water/wastewater fee difference is $20,397 increase from existing.
• Water Attorney Andrea Carroll emphasized that delays could jeopardize capital projects (e.g., $7.5M design of $175M water treatment plant), bond financing, and lead to a moratorium on development. She noted that existing residents would otherwise subsidize growth. The proposed fees are a 36% reduction from initial calculations.
• Council Discussion: After debate about reopening public comment (denied), Councilmember Sawish moved to table the item for roundtable discussions with stakeholders. Motion passed 5-2 (Mayor Brooks, Sawish, Bell, Laflin voted yes; Hoback and Baer voted no). The item is tabled with no date certain; staff will work toward a December roundtable.
• Key Point: Failure to adopt the fees could impact the 2025 budget, as the water fund capital plan (funding $70M in cash for water projects) would need revision. Staff can prepare a budget with current fees and amend later.

Public Hearing: Water Service Charges and Storm Drainage Fees (Item 24-479)

• Council moved to table this item in alignment with the tap fees decision. Motion passed unanimously (6-0). The hearing was closed.

Public Hearing: Presentation of the 2025 Budget (Item 24-494)

• Finance Director Sara Hancock and Budget Manager Cassie Bethune presented the proposed budget. Highlights include $18M ending general fund balance, $64M revenues, 12% increase in salaries/benefits, 3% decrease in operations. Key priorities: managing growth, promoting economy, safe inclusive environment, sustainable amenities. 14 new positions proposed. CIP includes $4.5M for street maintenance, $350K for concrete maintenance, and $25K for FLIR camera (intrinsically safe for oil/gas sites).
• Discussion: Council asked about central charges increase (5.7M), budget process changes, and the transportation mitigation reduction. Staff clarified that the budget can still be adopted on November 12 as planned, with a supplemental amendment later once tap fees are resolved.
• No vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transportation & Mobility Plan Implementation Update

• Presentation: Senior Transportation Planner Miguel Aguilar announced a $47M grant for US 287 safety improvements. Consultant Carly Seif outlined the implementation strategy: 30% developer, 30% grant, 40% town funds in near term (shifting to 20/20/60 in long term). Modal distribution: 58% for roadways, 13% for bike/pedestrian, 10% for transit, 19% for intersection improvements, and other programs.
• Discussion: Council questions covered coordination with DRCOG on BRT (Colorado 7 not included in regional plan), bike/pedestrian safety in Vista Ridge, parking management, and the N Line extension. The plan will be finalized for adoption in December.

Key Outcomes

• Tabling of Water Tap Fee Ordinance (24-484): Motion to table passed 5-2. A roundtable discussion with stakeholders to be scheduled in December; if no alternative solution is found by end of January, the proposed fee structure will be brought back for approval.
• Tabling of Water Service Charges Ordinance (24-479): Motion to table passed unanimously.
• 2025 Budget Hearing: No action taken; second hearing scheduled for November 12, 2024. Staff will prepare a budget assuming current fees and amend later.
• Transportation & Mobility Plan: No vote; final formatted document expected in one week, with review in November and adoption in December.