Erie Town Council Meeting - May 13, 2025

The Erie Town Council met on May 13, 2025, at 2:15 PM to discuss and approve several key items, including a roundabout project, a beneficial electrification plan, and flood control improvements. The meeting also featured public comments on police-community relations and affordable housing, as well as an update from the Erie Youth for Change council.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 22, 2025, Town Council meeting minutes.
• Recognized Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month via proclamation.
• Accepted transfer of rural property from Lanaire, Colorado LLC to the town.
• Appointed Nathan Rouane to the Tree Advisory Board.
• Approved a reimbursement agreement with the Erie Urban Renewal Authority for the Colliers Hill Urban Renewal Plan Area.
• Approved the fifth amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Franson Hitman Construction for the Town Hall Expansion Project.
• Approved a grant agreement with the Division of Aeronautics for Erie Municipal Airport improvements.
• Approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with Armstrong Consultants for an electrical vault relocation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kenzin Wooden and Sam Offan (325 Conrad Drive) thanked the Erie Police Department for the Community Police Academy program, which they said increased their understanding and respect for law enforcement.
• Shannon Taylor (1856 Marlowe Circle East, Morgan Hill) pleaded for phased installation of the Morgan Hill Park using $300,000 already provided by the builder, emphasizing the space is currently unusable.
• Christine Hackett Eisenberg (798 Limestone Drive) urged caution in defining "affordable housing" and argued that Ordinance 17-2023 is out of alignment with the town's affordable housing policy, Proposition 123, and principles of resident representation. She stated the ordinance's alternative standards are substandard to current town standards for buffer space, open space, and parks, and said the 12% affordable housing requirement is insufficient to meet the town's goal of 3,200 needed units.

Proclamations

• Memorial Day Proclamation – Mayor Moore proclaimed Monday, May 26, 2025, as Memorial Day in Erie, urging residents to honor fallen service members.
• National Public Works Week Proclamation – Councilmember O'Connor proclaimed the week of May 19–24, 2025, as National Public Works Week in Erie, recognizing public works professionals.
• Public Service Recognition Week – Councilmember O'Connor also acknowledged May 4–10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week.

Erie Youth for Change Presentation

• Savannah Schifrin (Parks and Rec) introduced the Erie Youth for Change (EYC) group. Members Pranavi, Neha, Tyler, and Brady presented the group's first-year accomplishments, including a "Tech Fist with Seniors" event on March 8, 2025, and the revival of the "Tiger Tales" reading program at the Erie Library. Goals for next year include recruiting more teens from local high schools and increasing collaboration with organizations like the town council to amplify youth voices in decision-making.

Discussion Items

• South Roundabout Project (Resolution 25075) – Public Works Director David Passick and project manager John Williams presented a $4.2 million (estimate) construction contract with Concrete Express for a five-leg roundabout at Austin Avenue and County Line Road, plus widening of County Line Road between Austin and Erie Parkway. Councilmembers discussed the design (traditional roundabout vs. peanut shape), coordination with nearby Aspen Ridge Charter School to mitigate traffic impacts, pedestrian crossings with rapid-flashing beacons, and bike/pedestrian safety within the roundabout. The project includes penalties for construction exceeding time limits; Austin Avenue closures are scheduled to be completed before the school year starts. The resolution was approved.
• Construction Management Services (Resolution 25069) – A companion resolution approving an agreement with Rock Soil Consulting Group for construction management services on the roundabout project was also approved.
• Prince Lake Tributary Drainage Improvements (Resolution 25080) – David Passick and Mile High Flood District project manager Wendy Palmer presented a $300,000 agreement (50/50 cost share between the town and MHFD) for design and construction of drainage improvements at 111th and Arapaho Road. The project is needed because the original design is no longer viable. Two concurrent efforts are underway: a shorter-term improvement on Schofield property (extending a detention pond) and a longer-term regional study. The resolution was approved.
• Erie Town Center DDA Amendment (Resolution 25071) – Ecco Development Director Julian Jackwin requested a second amendment to the disposition development agreement with Evergreen County Line, extending inspection and approval deadlines by 90 days (to August 14, 2025, and August 14, 2026, respectively) to allow continued negotiations. The URA is expected to be adopted by July 2025, with financial gap analysis completed by August 2025. The resolution was approved.
• Beneficial Electrification Plan (Resolution 25070) – Sustainability Manager Eric presented the completed beneficial electrification plan, developed with Partners in Energy, Excel Energy, and other partners. The plan aims to replace fossil fuel equipment with electric alternatives in homes, businesses, and transportation. Highlights include increased rebates (e.g., Excel tripled heat pump rebates), grant opportunities (including a $200 million climate pollution reduction grant), and EV charger installations. Staff noted 13 additional charging ports will be installed by end of 2025. The resolution was approved.
• Peace Officer Authority Ordinance (Ordinance 13-2025) – Police Chief Lee Mathis presented an ordinance amending the municipal code to allow civilian code officers (e.g., code enforcement, animal control) to issue civil citations for non-criminal violations like property and landscaping issues. The town manager will designate additional positions (e.g., park rangers, arborists). The ordinance was approved.

Councilmember Reports

• Councilmember Bear – Provided public comment to the PUC on Excel's just transition solicitation, advocating for renewable energy over new gas plants. Participated in the Northern Area Transit Alliance meeting. Thanked staff for Arbor Day/Earth Day success. Acknowledged community concerns about cuts to Medicaid and job security. Announced retirement of Sergeant Besco after 22 years.
• Councilmember Mortalero – Reminded residents of the town fair on Saturday (May 17) and OSTAB site walk for the Burt Trail. Praised the police academy program.
• Councilmember Hoback – Encouraged attendance at spring/summer events: town fair (May 17), Erie Pride (June 1), Erie Fest (August 2), garden walk tour (June 29), concerts in the park, and bee hotel workshop (June 28).
• Councilmember O'Connor – Thanked staff and boards for Arbor Day/Earth Day. Noted the bike pump track national championship event in Erie and upcoming farmer's market launch (May 15 at 5:30 PM). Honored late Mayor Tom Van Loan and indicated intention to propose a formal memorial.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Calendar – Unanimous.
• Appointed Nathan Rouane to Tree Advisory Board.
• Approved South Roundabout Project (Resolution 25075) – Motion by Councilmember O'Connor, second by Councilmember Hoback. Unanimous.
• Approved Construction Management Agreement (Resolution 25069) – Second by Councilmember Mortalero. Unanimous.
• Approved Drainage Improvement Agreement (Resolution 25080) – Motion by Councilmember Casseramelli, second by Councilmember Hoback. Unanimous.
• Approved Erie Town Center DDA Amendment (Resolution 25071) – Unanimous.
• Approved Beneficial Electrification Plan (Resolution 25070) – Unanimous.
• Approved Peace Officer Authority Ordinance (Ordinance 13-2025) – Unanimous.
• The meeting then moved into executive session to discuss legal matters, negotiations, and property acquisition. No further public business was conducted.