Erie Town Council Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Erie Town Council held its regular meeting on September 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included a consent agenda with routine approvals, public comments on non-agenda items, a public hearing for a supplemental appropriation to the 2025 budget, a discussion on the Village at Coal Creek concept plan options, and a feasibility study for parks and open space facilities. The meeting concluded with council member reports and an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: June 17, 2025 Special Meeting, August 5, 2025 Special Meeting, September 2, 2025 Special Meeting.
• Proclamation: Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Month (sponsored by Council Member Anil Pesaramelli).
• Resolution 25-153: Professional Services Agreement with Merrick & Company for the Coal Creek Strategic Plan South of Erie Parkway.
• Resolution 25-145: Construction Contract with A&M Renovations LLC d/b/a Heritage Window Restoration for the Rehabilitation of the Schofield Barn.
• Resolution 25-148: Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for Summerfield Filing No. 1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben Hempel (District 2 resident): Expressed concern about a 4-3 vote at the September 16 meeting to reduce board/commission terms, arguing it conflicts with the Home Rule Charter (Section 10.01, part 5) and could allow removal of members with simple majority. He urged a motion to reconsider and instead align terms with the election cycle.
• Christine Hackett Eisenberg (with Rob Eisenberg, 798 Limestone Drive): Presented a detailed tally of 6,697 community survey responses, stating the top priorities are infrastructure (65%), commercial/retail development, managing growth to preserve small-town character, and expanding recreation amenities. She emphasized that affordable housing ranked 10th (3%) and should not be a funding priority, and that residents support lower-density housing and higher taxes for infrastructure.
• Jesse Levy (Erie resident): Introduced a new free monthly community magazine ("Greet") launching in 30-60 days, delivered to 10,000+ homes, aiming to strengthen community ties via resident- and business-generated content.
• Dan Molloy (Erie resident): Criticized two council members for comments following the assassination of a political activist, specifically mentioning a council member describing the activist as a "loudmouth loser" and another donating to a publication that called the individual a "Nazi." He called for repudiation of such rhetoric and withdrawal of donations.
• Cord Patrick Kamholt (Erie resident): Raised concerns that proposed commercial development at Filing 17 (County Road 5 and Erie Parkway) – including a gas station, McDonald’s, Chipotle, and oil change facility – contradicts the town’s comprehensive land use plan, which designates the area for neighborhood commercial (non-vehicular-oriented uses). He requested council review.
• Colton Johnson (neighbor): Echoed Kamholt’s concerns, noting the development plans directly contradict the town's stated land use guidelines.
• State Representative Dan Woog: Greeted council, pledged to share relevant state legislation early, and expressed support for local control.

Discussion Items

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (October 2025): Council Member Pesaramelli read the proclamation; council adopted it.
• Public Hearing: Supplemental Appropriation for 2025 Budget (Fleet Purchases): Finance Director Sarah Hancock explained the need to appropriate funds early for 2026 fleet purchases due to long lead times. The plan includes 8 new vehicles (3 EV/hybrid) and equipment totaling $2.9 million across all funds. Staff clarified that 26 replacement vehicles were eliminated by extending leases, and the new vehicles are additions. The resolution (25-156) was approved unanimously.
• Village at Coal Creek Concept Plan Options: Senior Planner Allie Burkhalter and DIG Studio presented three concepts for the 46.5-acre Page Property (purchased 50-50 with ARPA and TNAC funds). Options vary in acreage for agricultural holding (potential housing), open space, and protected view corridors. Staff noted ARPA funds do not require affordable housing; the land purchase is complete. OSTAB had recommended considering a no-development option. Council discussion highlighted concerns about TNAC value, UDC open space compliance, transportation access (likely only one access off County Road 1.5), and floodplain constraints. No vote was taken; Council directed staff to schedule a study session (tentatively November 18) to further explore options, including potential alternate sites for housing and the parks facility, and to involve OSTAB and legal counsel.
• Village at Coal Creek – Feasibility Study for Parks & Open Space Facilities: Facilities Manager Chad Alexander and Essenza Architecture presented a conceptual campus design to relocate Parks & Open Space operations, reusing the existing house as administrative offices and adding new maintenance and storage buildings. The estimated total cost is $18.8 million, funded through the Public Facilities Impact Fund. Discussion centered on funding sources (impact fees, potential new taxes), whether other sites were explored (staff noted only this site or a major expansion at the Laws Service Center), and the need to balance with other capital projects (e.g., Erie Community Center expansion). Council did not take action; additional study and prioritization were suggested.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month adopted.
• Supplemental Appropriation (Resolution 25-156): Approved unanimously. Appropriates $2.9 million for 2026 fleet purchases; 8 new vehicles (3 EV/hybrid) added; 26 replacements deferred.
• Village at Coal Creek Concept Plan: No decision. Council directed a study session on November 18, 2025, to further discuss options, including potential alternative uses and a no-development scenario, with input from OSTAB and legal counsel.
• Parks & Open Space Facilities Study: No action taken. Council requested additional information on funding and site alternatives before proceeding with design.
• Executive Session: Council moved into executive session at approximately 9:15 PM to confer with water counsel on legal questions (C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b)). Meeting adjourned after executive session.