Erie Town Council Regular Meeting – November 12, 2024

The Erie Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, starting at 7:21 PM and concluding late. The meeting covered approval of the agenda, consent items, public comment (none), and several general business items including the 2025 legislative agenda, budget adoption, fee schedule, natural medicine regulations, firearm discharge rules, and round table appointments. Key votes and discussions are summarized below.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda after removing Item 24487 (2025 legislative agenda) to general business.
• Approved the remaining consent agenda items unanimously via roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were submitted either in person or online.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Legislative Agenda (Resolution 24-157): Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Wiley presented minor modifications to the existing 2024 agenda. Councilmember Sawish moved to table indefinitely until a new council is seated, citing the recent election and concerns about a new addition regarding a real estate transfer tax for affordable housing. After debate, the motion to table failed (2-4, with Sawish and Bell in favor, Laughlin, Brooks, Hoback, and Bear opposed). The resolution then passed (4-2, with Sawish and Bell opposed, Laughlin, Brooks, Hoback, and Bear in favor). The agenda includes support for allowing voters to approve a real estate transfer tax to fund affordable housing.
• Recreation Employee Appreciation: Luke Bollinger (Parks & Recreation Director) and Rachel Marsa (Recreation Division Manager) recognized staff for their response to a serious medical incident on September 17, 2024, at the Erie Community Center. Patron Zach Jaffey testified to the quick action that saved his life. The town awarded Safety Star Awards to 11 staff members including Jesse Escunce, John Carranko, Jacob Horacek, Hannah Shum, Jen Platt, Melanie Arbagast, Brandon Walker, Brandon Grassmick, Levi Moser, and Jay Maurer.
• 2025 Budget Public Hearing (Resolution 24-169): Finance Director Sarah Hancock presented the final budget, including adjustments from the decision to pause water rate and impact fee changes. Key points:
  • General fund: beginning balance ~$20 million, revenues ~$64 million, expenditures ~$69 million (including $6.5 million transfer to CIP), ending fund balance ~$12 million.
  • Water fund: balanced in 2025 but unsustainable without rate/fee increases; deficits begin in 2026, threatening debt capacity and planned projects (e.g., new water treatment plant, filter upgrades).
  • Storm drainage fund: $6.8 million deficit in 2025; even with project cuts, not sustainable.
  • General fund forecast shows healthy reserves through 2029.
  • 14 new positions approved; 3% market increase (4% for sworn officers); health insurance switch to Kaiser saved ~$900,000, used for family care support (lifestyle spending accounts, daycare discount). The public hearing was closed, and the budget was approved (5-0, with Laughlin absent).
• 2025 Fee Schedule (Resolution 24-168): Adopted with minimal changes, passed unanimously.
• Natural Medicine Businesses Ordinance (Ordinance 041-2024): Planning staff presented two versions: one with operating hours (healing centers 8 AM–8 PM Mon–Sat, other businesses 8 AM–5 PM Mon–Fri) and an alternate removing hours for healing centers. After discussion, council adopted the planning commission version with hours intact (unanimous 5-0). The ordinance allows natural medicine healing centers in business and community commercial districts, and other businesses in light industrial, with required setbacks from schools (1,000 ft) and residences (250 ft).
• Firearm Discharge on Agricultural Properties (Ordinance): Proposed to allow recreational firearm discharge on parcels designated Agricultural Holding (≥5 acres) and annexed from Boulder County. Only applicable to six of eight annexation properties. Chief Mathis confirmed enforceability. Adopted unanimously.
• Round Table on Water Rates and Fees (Resolution 24-172): Council appointed Councilmembers Hoback and Sawish to represent the council at a facilitated round table on December 3, 2024, from 6:30–9:30 PM. Participants will include town staff, HOA presidents, and home builders’ representatives. The event will use a lean methodology with a professional facilitator. Passed unanimously.
• Transportation and Mobility Plan Update: Staff presented the final draft of the TMP, including updates to maps, vision statement, and project ID system. Adoption is scheduled for December.

Key Outcomes

• Legislative Agenda Approved (4-2) after motion to table failed (2-4).
• 2025 Budget Adopted (5-0) with acknowledgment of urgent need to address water and storm drainage rates/fees.
• Fee Schedule Adopted (unanimous).
• Natural Medicine Ordinance Adopted (unanimous) with operating hours.
• Firearm Discharge Ordinance Adopted (unanimous) for Agricultural Holding parcels.
• Round Table Appointments Approved (unanimous) for Hoback and Sawish.
• TMP update reviewed; formal adoption set for December.
• Staff reports and council announcements concluded the meeting.