Erie Town Council Organizational Meeting and First Session

The Town of Erie Town Council held its organizational meeting and first regular session on January 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at 645 Holbrook Street. The meeting featured the swearing-in of newly elected officials, the election of a Mayor Pro Tem, approval of routine consent items, and three general business items related to law enforcement dispatch, an I-25 interchange study, and bus stop design. The meeting also included public comments, staff and council reports, and concluded with a recess for an Urban Renewal Authority meeting and an executive session. The meeting saw a full council with all seven members present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (December 10, 2024): Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Resolution 25-001: Designated the Town's official posting location for 2025.
• Resolution 25-006: Approved a professional services agreement with RockSol Consulting Group, Inc., for Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Alley Final Design.
• Resolution 25-003: Approved a Fourth Amendment to the agreement with KG Facility Solutions, Inc., for janitorial services.
• Ordinance 25-029: Corrected clerical errors in Ordinance 039-2024 regarding water tap fees.
• Resolution 25-030: Appointed Amy Demeyer to the Tree Advisory Board.
• Resolution 25-012: Approved a construction agreement with JOC Construction for the Ballpark at Erie Painting/Fencing Project.
• All consent items were approved; a roll call vote was conducted (7-0 in favor) because the items involved expenditures.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shannon Taylor (resident of Morgan Hill neighborhood): Urged the Council to prioritize the planned city park in Morgan Hill, noting that the neighborhood has over 500 kids and no walkable access to parks. She described the current city lot as a "wasted space filled with goat heads and weeds" and requested that the park be considered in the next budget.
• Dan Woog (State Representative, District 19, Frederick): Congratulated the new council members and offered his support, mentioning his committee roles on transportation/local government and energy/environment. He invited council members to tour the Capitol and emphasized his commitment to outreach.

Discussion Items

• Law Enforcement Dispatch IGA (Resolution 25-005): Police Chief Lee Mathis presented the amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with Boulder County Sheriff's Office for dispatch services. The fee is increasing approximately 14% due to rising costs and a growing share of calls as Erie's population surpasses 40,000. Councilmember Baer asked about switching to Weld County; Chief Mathis explained that Boulder County is preferred due to strong relationships, SWAT team access, and drug task force participation, though other options were explored. The resolution passed 7-0.
• I-25 Interchange Study (Resolution 25-015): Transportation Planner Miguel Aguilar presented an IGA with CDOT to accept a $500,000 grant for the I-25 Interchange and Multimodal Study, which will examine the corridor between Erie Parkway and Highway 7/52, including interchanges, transit connections, a multi-use path, and a wildlife crossing under I-25. Councilmember Bell noted the study's importance for extending bus service and transit plans. The resolution passed 7-0.
• Bus Stop Design (Resolution 25-018): Mr. Aguilar presented an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates for designing 24 ADA-compliant bus stops for the JUMP route. The project, budgeted at $175,000, will reroute and extend the JUMP to serve the Flatiron Meadows neighborhood and westerly development, with some stops improved by developers. Construction is estimated at $1.2–1.5 million, to be funded through grants. Councilmember Baer raised concerns about high school access; Mr. Aguilar noted that the terminal stop is at the westerly development due to school district constraints, but future plans include extending to the high school. The resolution passed 7-0.

Organizational Actions

• Outgoing Member Tributes: Staff read letters of appreciation for outgoing Mayor Justin Brooks, Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Laughlin, and Councilmember Andrew Sawusch. Mayor Brooks sent a video message highlighting achievements like the affordable housing program (Cheesman Street residences) and thanked the community.
• Swearing-In of New Officials: Newly elected Mayor Andrew Moore and Councilmembers Anil Pesaramelli, John Mortellaro, Dan Hoback, Brandon Bell, Emily Baer, and Brian O'Connor took their oaths of office.
• Election of Mayor Pro Tem: Councilmember John Mortellaro nominated Councilmember Brandon Bell; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Dan Hoback. The vote was unanimous (7-0), and Bell was elected Mayor Pro Tem.
• Roll Call of New Council: All members were present.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent agenda items (roll call 7-0).
• Approved Resolution 25-005 (dispatch IGA) with a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Approved Resolution 25-015 (I-25 study IGA) with a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Approved Resolution 25-018 (bus stop design) with a roll call vote of 7-0.
• Unanimously elected Brandon Bell as Mayor Pro Tem.
• Recessed for the Urban Renewal Authority meeting, followed by an executive session on legal matters regarding Stratus/Redtail Ranch litigation and Northern Integrated Supply Project litigation.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2025; a council retreat is planned for Saturday, January 18, 2025.