Town of Erie Council Meeting Summary - January 27, 2026

The Town of Erie Council convened on January 27, 2026, to approve seven routine consent items, hear public testimony regarding e-bike safety and KB Homes development impacts, and discuss three major legislative items: a preliminary plat for townhome development, a new e-bike ordinance, and a restriction on open burning. The meeting concluded with council member reports recognizing the passing of Affordable Housing Manager MJ Adams and celebrating a upgraded credit rating.

Consent Calendar

• Approved resolutions for the following: Amendment to the intergovernmental agreement for law enforcement dispatch services (2026-19); professional services task orders for Kinley Horn Associates for Morgan Hill and Compass Neighborhood Park design (2026-42, 2026-41); second amendment to the Schofield Barn rehabilitation contract with AM Renovations LLC (2026-43); construction contract for Colliers Hill detention pond improvements with GLH Construction LLC (2026-7); acceptance of dedications for Erie Four Corn Subdivision (2026-52); and second amendment to design services for Boulder Creek diversion structure with Civil Resources LLC (2026-73).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rose Murphy, Lyle Witham, John Murphy, John Ronda, and Meg Knof Singer addressed the council regarding the safety of e-bikes and the hydraulic impacts of the KB Homes development on neighboring properties.
• Rose Murphy expressed urgent support for immediate enforcement of new e-bike ordinances and noted gaps in public awareness regarding water bills and signage multi-use paths. She stated, "I strongly urge that it happen quickly before someone gets killed or hurt."
• John Murphy expressed full support for enforcing all e-bike ordinances, particularly for middle schoolers riding without licenses, stating, "We need enforcement... if you don't enforce an ordinance, what good is it?"
• Lyle Witham expressed strong support for the e-bike ordinance amendments and requested the formation of a task force. He proposed assigning authority to park employees for warnings and penalties, making parents legally liable for children's violations, and ensuring penalties for failing to stop when signaled.
• John Ronda and Meg Knof Singer (residents of 4242 North 119th Street) expressed deep concern regarding KB Homes' development activities. They argued that the removal of a subsurface monolith discharged groundwater into old mines, causing flooding and property damage. They requested a new comprehensive hydrological study and permanent engineering solutions. Meg Knof Singer expressed skepticism regarding the developer's willingness to engage, stating they were "telling us no" and "shut the door."
• Wade Fodd expressed conditional support for the Colliers Hill detention pond project but voiced strong opposition to the accuracy of provided engineering documents, stating the data shows water flowing past the Cottonwood extension ditch when it does not. He urged the council to review the data, noting the "inaccurate information" provided could affect safety for residents in Parkway Estates and Camel Car.

Discussion Items

• Canyon Creek Filing 11 Preliminary Plat (Item 2026-51): Staff and applicant presented the proposal for 81 townhomes. The applicant clarified that the project uses crawl spaces rather than basements to accommodate groundwater levels and detailed additional geotech borings to rule out mine subsidence. Council members discussed drainage basins, the impact on existing schools (Red Hawk Elementary, Middle, and High), and traffic implications, specifically regarding the 287 corridor.
  • Councilmember Bear requested coordination with CDOT regarding the upcoming 287 coalition design updates to ensure current development data is reflected.
  • Councilmember Mortalero and Councilmember Hoback questioned the separation of drainage basins, the use of crawl spaces versus basements, and the timeline for the 287 coalition's lighting and safety plans.
  • Councilmember Mortalero sought clarification on setbacks for plugged and abandoned wells, noting a reduction from 150-foot to 50x100-foot perimeters due to recent plugging dates.
• E-Bike Ordinance Addition (Item 2026-78): Council debated the new ordinance regulating Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles. Chief of Police Mathis expressed support for enforceability, noting the use of radar, LIDAR, and bike patrols. He emphasized an "education first" approach before issuing citations.
  • Councilmember Bear expressed full support for the ordinance, highlighting the need to protect seniors and children on trails.
  • Councilmember Mortalero expressed excitement for the ordinance and asked for clarification on the requirement for labeling e-bikes to ensure enforceability.
  • Councilmember Hobak acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement with limited staffing and emphasized the need for community vigilance.
  • Councilmember Mortalero noted the potential for non-sworn park rangers to issue citations for non-criminal violations.
• Open Burning Ordinance (Item 2026-79): Council discussed a new restriction prohibiting open burning of yard waste and garbage in fire pits unless contained within a 3-foot diameter mesh screen. Councilmember Kogan expressed concern that the ordinance would immediately put long-time residents in violation without grandfathering, while the Mayor argued that grandfathering creates enforcement difficulties.
  • Councilmember Hoveck requested robust communication to residents and HOAs regarding the new restrictions.
  • Councilmember Boban noted the goal is to prevent embers from causing wildfires, referencing the Marshall fire, and acknowledged enforcement would be complaint-based.

Key Outcomes

• Canyon Creek Filing 11: The Council adopted a resolution approving the preliminary plat (Resolution 26009) with the condition that the applicant executes a development agreement at the time of final plat and makes technical corrections as directed by staff.
• E-Bike Ordinance: Council adopted Ordinance 003-2026, adding a new section to the Erie Municipal Code to regulate e-bike operations. The motion carried.
• Open Burning Ordinance: Council adopted Ordinance 003-2026 (referenced as item 2026-79 in the agenda, though the text refers to it as 003-2026 again, context implies a distinct item) restricting open burning. The motion carried with a tally of 6 in favor and 1 opposed.
• Credit Rating: Director Sarah Hancock announced the Town of Erie has received a triple-A credit rating from Moody's, the highest possible rating, with COPs rated at Aa1.
• Executive Session: A motion to enter executive session regarding water supply development and legal advice was carried. The meeting adjourned following the session.
• Memorial: A tribute was paid to MJ Adams, the recently deceased Affordable Housing Manager.