Town of Erie Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Town of Erie Council convened on November 18, 2025, to approve the agenda, review the consent calendar, adopt the 2026 budget and fee schedule, and conduct a study session regarding the Village of Cole Creek concept plan. The meeting featured extensive deliberation on long-term financial planning, land use strategies, and the future of a 46.5-acre property jointly owned with OSTAP. Notably, the Council postponed the Resilience Action Plan resolution for future review before moving into detailed discussions on budget allocations and the controversial use of the Cole Creek property.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes for the October 7, October 28, and November 4, 2025 meetings.
• Resolutions Adopted:
  • Approved a second amendment to the construction manager contract with France & Pittman Construction for the Police Department expansion.
  • Approved the assignment of an energy performance contract from Icon Energy Limited to Icon Energy CEGLC.
  • Approved amendments to professional services agreements with Burns and McDonald Engineering and A.T. Operations LLC for waterline and bridge improvements.
  • Approved an amendment to the interim agreement with the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP).
  • Approved a second amendment to the development agreement for Westerly Filing Number Two.
  • Approved construction contracts with JOC Construction LLC for the Sunset Area Trails Phase 1 and Coal Creek Reuse Waterline Upsizing.
  • Approved a certificate of appropriability for the demolition of the siren tower at the Old Town Hall.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No Public Comments: No residents registered to speak on the 2026 budget or the fee schedule items during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Budget Adoption (Resolution 25610):

  • Staff Presentation: Finance Director Sarah Hancock and Budget Manager Cassie Bethune presented the budget, noting a balanced projection with a spendable fund balance of $15.3 million (or $19.7 million including the turn-back). The budget includes $47 million appropriated for the Police Department (PD) expansion and significant capital improvements for water treatment and storm drainage funded via anticipated debt (COPs).
  • Speaker Positions:
    • Councilmember Mortalero: Expressed full support for the budget, acknowledging the extensive study sessions and staff work.
    • Councilmember O'Connor: Expressed a position of seeking clarification regarding the $86 million in total PD budget figures (combining current year unspent funds with next year appropriations), ultimately accepting the explanation that only $47 million is newly appropriated for the building.
    • Councilmember Bear: Inquired about a $1 million line item for Public Works property conceptual planning; confirmed it is for the Village of Cole Creek Parks and Open Space Facility design, contingent on future council direction, and will not be spent without specific authorization.
  • Outcome: The budget was adopted with a vote of all in favor.

• 2026 Fee Schedule (Resolution 25603):

  • Staff Presentation: Proposed increases in cemetery fees (including a new non-resident fee), water hydrant meter deposits, and the addition of late fees for business licenses to improve compliance.
  • Speaker Positions:
    • Councilmember Burton: Expressed concern regarding the impact of fee increases on residents facing life-changing events; supported the rationale for fee structures relative to other jurisdictions.
    • Councilmember O'Connor: Expressed a position of opposition to the proposed business license late fee structure in its current form; argued that the late fees (4x commercial, 8x home occupancy) were disproportionate to the base fees and recommended striking them for further review.
    • Director Jacqueline (Economic Development): Argued that late fees are necessary to ensure compliance with the reinstated license renewal program, noting that without such measures, the town loses contact with business owners.
    • Mayor Moore: Expressed willingness to explore alternative funding sources, including sales tax, for capital improvements rather than relying solely on fund balance.
  • Outcome: The Council Approved the resolution with the exception of the late fees for business licenses, directing staff to revisit the fee structure at a later date.

• Village of Cole Creek Concept Plan (Item 25549 Study Session):

  • Context: Staff presented five options ranging from mixed-income housing (Options 1-3) to 100% open space (Option 4) or no development (Option 5). Staff also presented a revised cost estimate of $19 million for a Parks and Open Space facility on-site versus $40 million to expand the Law's facility.
  • Speaker Positions:
    • Mayor Moore: Expressed a position of interest in alternative uses beyond housing, specifically exploring the feasibility of a place of worship (St. Scholastica) and/or Catholic Charities affordable housing to support Old Town economics and preserve the "small town feeling," while acknowledging the need for feasibility studies.
    • Councilmember Hoback: Expressed a position of strong preference for 100% open space; stated a lack of confidence in the financial plan for the facility, raised concerns about industrial traffic impacts on residents, and noted the high cost ($19M vs $40M) as a deterrent to any facility construction in that location.
    • Councilmember Mortalero: Expressed support for Options 1-3 (mixed-income development) to create a "front porch community"; noted that keeping the park facility is likely necessary regardless of location and that delaying decisions could increase construction costs.
    • Councilmember O'Connor: Expressed confusion and "whiplash" due to the shifting discussion; expressed a preference for 100% open space but acknowledged the financial constraints (lack of funds to reimburse the affordable housing fund for the TNAC share of the land).
    • Mr. Allie Burkhalter (Senior Planner): Clarified that OSTAP (Trails Natural Areas Commission) prefers the northern 35 acres of the property to be preserved as contiguous open space and expressed concerns that development might dilute their open space value.
    • Councilmember Bear: Highlighted the need for a financial plan before proceeding with either a facility or development; suggested that if 50% of the land is open space (satisfying OSTAP), the remaining 50% could be explored for the proposed church or housing uses.
    • Councilmember Passamarelli: Expressed concern that the discussion appeared to be driven by a desire to avoid affordable housing rather than finding the best use for the property.
  • Deliberation: The Council discussed a potential "Option 6" involving splitting the property to preserve the ridge for open space and develop the remainder. However, members expressed uncertainty regarding the legal ability to reimburse the affordable housing fund from the Trails Natural Areas Fund and the lack of immediate funding for any $19M+ facility.
  • Decision: A show of hands indicated a position of opposition (thumbs down) to proceeding with the Parks and Open Space facility on the Village of Cole Creek site at this time due to lack of a financial plan and community concern. The Council agreed to postpone further action on the property until after an Executive Session to discuss negotiations and address legal constraints regarding land acquisition and fund usage.

Key Outcomes

• Budget 2026: Adopted Resolution 25610; budget includes $47M appropriated for PD expansion and $15.3M projected spendable fund balance.
• Fee Schedule 2026: Adopted Resolution 25603; Business License late fees were struck from the resolution for future review.
• Cole Creek Property: No immediate development or facility construction approved; Council direction is to pause public discussion and move to Executive Session to discuss negotiations with potential partners (regarding church/housing) and legal implications of fund transfers. The Parks and Open Space facility at this specific location is effectively paused pending financial planning and further legal review.
• Agenda Adjustment: Item 25246 (Resilience Action Plan) was postponed to a future meeting to allow for further questions and email clarification.