OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Erie Town Council Regular Meeting – March 10, 2026

Town Council — Tuesday, March 10, 2026
BodyErie, Colorado
SessionTown Council
DateTuesday, March 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:22:52

Transcript — Verbatim
0:57

Recording in progress.

0:59

Liberty adjustment.

1:05

Okay, well, the town clerk please take roll.

1:16

Councilmember, sorry.

1:19

Turn that off.

1:22

Councilmember Mortalero.

1:24

Here.

1:24

Councilmember Hoback.

1:26

Here.

1:27

Councilmember Passamarelli.

1:29

Present.

1:30

Mayor Pro Tembell.

1:31

Here.

1:32

Councilmember Bayer.

1:33

Present.

1:34

Councilmember O'Connor.

1:36

Present.

1:37

And Mayor Moore.

1:38

Here.

1:38

There you have a quorum.

1:39

All right.

1:40

Thank you.

1:42

All right.

1:42

We're going to pull one item off the consent agenda tonight.

1:45

It will come back to us on March uh 24th.

1:48

That's item 2026-175, a resolution of the town council of the town of Erie approving a fourth amendment to the agreement for services with ag finity for the purchase of fertilizer application services.

2:02

All right, with that pulled off.

2:04

Do I have a motion to approve the agenda?

2:07

So moved.

2:08

Second.

2:09

All in favor, say aye.

2:11

Aye.

2:11

All opposed, say no.

2:13

All right.

2:14

Motion carries.

2:15

We have an agenda.

2:15

Uh we have numerous items on the consent agenda tonight, so please bear with me.

2:20

The first item is 2026-163, approval of the January 6, 2026 Town Council special meeting minutes.

2:28

Item 2026-164, approval of the January 13th, 2026 regular town council meeting minutes.

2:35

Item 2026-165, approval of the February 10th, 2026 regular town council meeting minutes.

2:43

Item 2026-166, approval approval of the February 17th, 2026 town council special meeting minutes.

5:04

Now let me get back on track.

5:06

Next item is 2026 171, a resolution of the town council of town at Erie approving a fourth amendment to the assignment for agreement for services with fusion field services LLC for potable toilet rentals, portable toilet rentals, not potable distinction to make on that one.

5:27

2026 63, a resolution of the town council of the town of Erie approved an agreement with the Trojan Technologies Corporation for the purchase of upgraded ultraviolet treatment systems.

5:38

Two more 2026 ADA resolution of the town council of town of Erie approving a third amendment agreement for general services with the M concrete, LLC for concrete maintenance services.

5:49

N24-064.

5:52

And the last item is 2026 195, a resolution of the town council of town of Erie waiving the Keep Jobs Colorado requirement for Erie Lake Dam Repairs Project.

6:04

You have a motion to approve the consent agenda.

6:06

So we'll move.

6:07

Second.

6:08

We have a motion and second.

6:10

All in favor say aye.

6:11

Aye.

6:12

Aye.

6:12

All opposed say no.

6:14

Motion carries.

6:16

All right, we'll move on to public comment and see if anybody has signed up tonight.

6:22

We do.

6:26

All right.

6:27

Um so please remember that public comment is not an interactive question and answer forum, but rather a time for you to state your comments on a particular item or issue.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Oil And Gas Regulation██████████████14%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Municipal Governance████████████12%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%
Public Safety████████8%
Community Engagement██████6%
Racial Equity████4%
Fiduciary Responsibility████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Erie Town Council Regular Meeting – March 10, 2026

The Erie Town Council held a regular meeting on March 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM MT. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda (with one item pulled), public comments, adoption of proclamations, a public hearing on supplemental appropriations, and discussion of Planning Commission appointments. Council members also provided updates and the meeting concluded with an executive session.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 2026-175 (agreement for fertilizer application services with Ag Finity) was pulled from the consent agenda and will return on March 24, 2026.
  • The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously, including:
    • Approval of minutes from January 6, 13, February 10, and February 17, 2026, meetings.
    • Resolution 2026-171: Fourth amendment for portable toilet rental services with Fusion Field Services LLC.
    • Resolution 2026-63: Agreement with Trojan Technologies for upgraded ultraviolet treatment systems.
    • Resolution 2026-ADA: Third amendment for concrete maintenance services with M Concrete LLC.
    • Resolution 2026-195: Waiving the Keep Jobs Colorado requirement for the Erie Lake Dam Repairs Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Shannon Milliken (Thornton resident, daughter in Erie schools) expressed concern about fear among residents of color regarding ICE activity. She urged the council to acknowledge this fear, citing the town charter's commitment to inclusivity and the mental health impacts on children. She asked the council to consider a proclamation affirming that all families belong in Erie.
  • Steve Drew (Colliers Hill homeowner) spoke about potential negative impacts on property values from oil and gas expansion related to mineral rights leasing. He cited a 13–22% decrease in home values from fracking and requested a public meeting, transparency, and a slower process. He also raised concerns about hiring a former COO of Civitas as a consultant.
  • Amy Becker (Erie Commons) voiced concerns about the council's partisan voting bloc, decisions to stop recognizing Pride Month, the firing of the town manager, and the process for selling mineral rights. She asked for open public meetings and slower deliberation.
  • Casey Hedrick (Country Meadows) asked about the mineral rights appraisal process, the potential to stop the Draco Pad project, and requested a public hearing before any decision.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamations: Councilmember Baer read and the council adopted two proclamations:
    • March 2026 as the 24th Annual March for Meals Month, recognizing Col Creek Meals on Wheels (which served over 77,000 meals in 2025, including 8,700 to Erie residents).
    • March 2026 as Women's History Month, with the theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
  • Public Hearing and Resolution on Supplemental Appropriations (2026-145): Finance Director Sarah Hancock and Budget Manager Cassie Bethune presented the rollover of unspent 2025 funds to 2026. Key points:
    • General fund beginning balance increased by about $10 million.
    • Capital improvement fund projections show a funding gap for future projects (e.g., rec center expansion, public service center). The council plans to survey residents on a potential sales tax increase.
    • The water and wastewater funds are in good standing.
    • The affordable housing fund ($1.3–1.4 million) is rolled over, but no specific project is tagged. Councilmember Baer noted matching funds are needed for grants; Mayor Moore noted the community survey showed preference for federal/state funding over local taxpayer money. A study session will be held.
    • Councilmember Mortalero clarified that the rollovers are for existing projects, not new revenue. Councilmember O'Connor asked about streetlight acquisition (approximately $1.5 million) – staff confirmed it is about halfway complete.
    • After the public hearing (no additional comments), the council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-049.
  • Planning Commission Appointments: The council discussed 11 applicants for three open seats. Council members expressed gratitude for the strong applicant pool and considered the Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation for two reapplicants. The council narrowed the list to six interviewees: Alex Schatz, Laurie Height, Paul Leif, Sherry Booth, Tim Burns, and Tanya McKnight. Interviews will be held at the April 7 special meeting.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved (with one item pulled).
  • Proclamations: Both adopted unanimously.
  • Supplemental Appropriations Resolution 2026-049: Approved unanimously.
  • Planning Commission Interviews: Six candidates selected for interviews at the April 7, 2026, special meeting; appointments will follow.
  • Executive Session: The council entered executive session to discuss water supply strategies and legal advice (items 2026-192 and 2026-193). No further public business was conducted.

Council Member Updates

  • Councilmember Baer reported on state transportation committee meetings, Dr. Cog updates, and the upcoming Bustang service on Colorado 7. She also supported a public town hall on mineral rights.
  • Councilmember Mortalero reminded residents to be respectful on roads and trails.
  • Councilmember Hoback raised concerns about the mineral rights process, emphasizing the need for a public listening session before a contract is presented. He noted he had consulted the town attorney regarding executive session confidentiality.
  • Mayor Moore acknowledged Women's History Month and announced a blood drive on April 6 at the Erie Community Center.
  • Councilmember O'Connor encouraged blood donations and thanked departing Deputy Town Manager Patrick Hammer.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Bell thanked all applicants, clarified that the mineral rights appraisal was recommended by staff, and reiterated that no decision has been made. He also announced that the March 24 meeting will include a recognition for Jacob Slavin, Erie's first Olympic gold medalist and NHL player.
  • Mayor Moore reported on meetings with BizWest, Sister Carmen, and constituents, and announced a town hall on April 2 at 6 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Recording in progress. Liberty adjustment. Okay, well, the town clerk please take roll. Councilmember, sorry. Turn that off. Councilmember Mortalero. Here. Councilmember Hoback. Here. Councilmember Passamarelli. Present. Mayor Pro Tembell. Here. Councilmember Bayer. Present. Councilmember O'Connor. Present. And Mayor Moore. Here. There you have a quorum. All right. Thank you. All right. We're going to pull one item off the consent agenda tonight. It will come back to us on March uh 24th. That's item 2026-175, a resolution of the town council of the town of Erie approving a fourth amendment to the agreement for services with ag finity for the purchase of fertilizer application services. All right, with that pulled off. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? So moved. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. All opposed, say no. All right. Motion carries. We have an agenda. Uh we have numerous items on the consent agenda tonight, so please bear with me. The first item is 2026-163, approval of the January 6, 2026 Town Council special meeting minutes. Item 2026-164, approval of the January 13th, 2026 regular town council meeting minutes. Item 2026-165, approval of the February 10th, 2026 regular town council meeting minutes. Item 2026-166, approval approval of the February 17th, 2026 town council special meeting minutes. Now let me get back on track. Next item is 2026 171, a resolution of the town council of town at Erie approving a fourth amendment to the assignment for agreement for services with fusion field services LLC for potable toilet rentals, portable toilet rentals, not potable distinction to make on that one. 2026 63, a resolution of the town council of the town of Erie approved an agreement with the Trojan Technologies Corporation for the purchase of upgraded ultraviolet treatment systems. Two more 2026 ADA resolution of the town council of town of Erie approving a third amendment agreement for general services with the M concrete, LLC for concrete maintenance services. N24-064. And the last item is 2026 195, a resolution of the town council of town of Erie waiving the Keep Jobs Colorado requirement for Erie Lake Dam Repairs Project. You have a motion to approve the consent agenda. So we'll move. Second.

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