Town of Erie Town Council Regular Meeting - August 26, 2025

The Town of Erie Town Council held a regular meeting on August 26, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The meeting covered a consent agenda, public comments on multiple community issues, and discussions on the town flag policy, a performing arts center feasibility study, the PROS Playbook adoption, and a potential land acquisition. Key votes included adoption of a revised flag policy restricting flags to U.S., state, and POW/MIA flags (excluding the University of Colorado awareness calendar) and unanimous adoption of the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROS) Playbook.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of August 12, 2022, meeting minutes – Approved unanimously.
• Purchase of optical gas imaging camera from Champion X LLC – Approved.
• Certificate of appropriateness for barn rehabilitation at Schofield Farm – Approved.
• First amendment to general services agreement with BC Interiors for Town Hall Phase Two furniture – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

14 community members addressed the council. Key topics and positions:

• Oil spill cleanup (Arapahoe Ridge well site) – John Mund (resident) expressed deep concern over the slow pace and safety of remediation, citing neurotoxins and carcinogens (e.g., benzene, chromium-6). He requested the town be more actively engaged, expedite cleanup, improve barriers, and provide air/soil testing. He urged regular council updates.
• Airport noise and low-flying aircraft – Valerie Tekovic (resident) described daily disruption, safety concerns, and loss of quality of life. She urged the council to investigate impacts and exercise caution before changing airport funding ordinances. Don Colicino (Clear Skies Erie) read an open letter requesting public records, data sharing, inclusion of the group in an airport advisory board, and creation of a community survey and noise complaint tool. Tony Gamby (business owner) spoke on cemetery issues: the cemetery will be full in five years, taxpayers subsidize burials (especially non-residents), and 75% choose cremation. He recommended raising fees, allowing up to four burials per plot, and creating a cremation walkway.
• Community unity – Ed Gionon (new resident) encouraged the council to focus on actions that bring the diverse community together, citing his experience in a similar growing town.
• Flag policy – Several speakers advocated for inclusive flags on municipal poles:
  • Skylar Weitzel criticized the conservative majority for delaying a flag policy and ignoring planning commission recommendations; he urged adoption of a policy allowing pride and Juneteenth flags.
  • Christina Pizzano argued that restricting flags sends a message of exclusion; pride and Juneteenth flags are symbols of identity and should fly on municipal poles.
  • Becky Lesser, a former counselor, described the positive impact on LGBTQ+ youth when the pride flag was flown.
  • Christine Hackett Eisenberg recommended the mayor decide flag policy, limit banners to town events, and opposed adding the POW/MIA flag.
  • Janet Brown criticized delays and equating marginalized groups with Nazis; she urged inclusivity.
  • Alex Vaughn (online) stressed that flags signal belonging and urged the council to sit with discomfort and choose inclusion.

Discussion Items

1. Town Banner, Flag, and Street Decor Policy (Item 25463) – Town Manager Malcolm Fleming presented three options:

   • Option 1: Keep existing policy (flags only with presidential/gubernatorial proclamations).
   • Option 2: Add local proclamations via council resolution.
   • Option 3: Limit flags to U.S., Colorado, town (if adopted), and POW/MIA flags; add banner/street decor policy (including University of Colorado awareness calendar). Council debate was passionate. Councilmembers Baer, Hoback, and Pessomarelli argued for Option 2 to show inclusivity and align with the town charter. Mayor Pro Tem Bell, Mayor Moore, Councilmembers O'Connor, Mortolaro, and others supported Option 3 to avoid government picking sides and potential legal issues. Councilmember O'Connor noted the CU calendar was intended to be inclusive but could be revised. After a roll call vote, the motion for Option 3 (without the CU calendar for flags/banners) passed 4-3 (O'Connor, Bell, Moore, Mortolaro in favor; Baer, Hoback, Pessomarelli opposed). Councilmember Baer left the meeting after the vote.

2. Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study – Consultants Stacy McMath and Chris Weinman presented findings:

   • Market analysis: High arts participation potential in Erie (per capita spending above average) but small population; a 15-mile radius holds 1 million people.
   • Needs assessment: A clear gap exists for a 600-700 seat venue (non-school venues 500-999 seats are missing). Nonprofit arts organizations (dance, classical music, theater) could activate the center ~155 days per year.
   • Facility recommendations: 46,000-50,000 square feet including a 650-700 seat main hall, rehearsal studios, multipurpose rooms, and flexible spaces.
   • Cost estimate: $85.8 million total (including escalation to 2027), with economic impact during construction of $137 million in output and 462 person-years of employment; ongoing operations would support 22 new jobs and $3.2 million in annual sales.
   • Challenges: Limited community support indicated in surveys (lower priority than other amenities) and potential need for subsidies. Council asked about corporate sponsorship (typically 10-15% of capital), partnership with schools (both districts declined), and operating subsidy requirements. Council noted the need to reconcile with community survey results and discuss funding via sales tax at a future retreat.

3. 2025 Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROS) Playbook (Item 25461) – Presented by Parks Director Luke Bullinger and consultant Michelle Regan. The 10-year strategic plan:

   • Engagement: Over 720 survey responses, 4 stakeholder interviews, 3 focus groups, 2 public events (~250 each), and online mapping (182 comments).
   • Key priorities: Expand recreation facilities, enhance trail connectivity, preserve open space, add aquatic amenities, and develop cultural/maker spaces.
   • Goals: Equitable access, stewardship, connected systems, community identity, fiscal sustainability, and growth resiliency.
   • Implementation: Action plan with timelines and responsible parties; staff will create a public dashboard. Council unanimously approved Resolution 25143 adopting the PROS Playbook.

4. Land Acquisition at 119th and Baseline – Mayor Moore requested council support for pursuing a joint acquisition of the corner property with Lafayette and Boulder County, calling it a "100-year opportunity." Luke Bullinger confirmed staff is interested but needed council direction after misunderstandings with county staff. Council expressed unanimous support for staff to pursue feasibility with partners. The site is in Lafayette's annexation area; a joint meeting of advisory boards is scheduled for October.

Key Outcomes

• Flag policy: Motion to adopt Option 3 (restrict flags to U.S., Colorado, town, POW/MIA; allow banners/street decor per policy, without CU calendar) passed 4-3. Policy will be updated accordingly.
• PROS Playbook: Unanimously adopted via Resolution 25143.
• Performing Arts Center: No formal vote; council directed staff to consider funding options and continue discussions at the upcoming retreat.
• Land acquisition: Council directed staff to actively engage with Lafayette and Boulder County to explore joint acquisition of the 119th and Baseline property.