Town Administrator December 9, 2019

Country Christmas and Parade of Lights
My hat’s off to the Erie Chamber of Commerce for presenting a wonderful Parade of Lights and Country Christmas event. The faces lighting up with glee complemented the parade exhibits. My personal favorite was the hot-air balloon torch!

Nine Mile Development Breaks Ground!

Contractors started working this week to relocate a portion of the irrigation ditch on the southeast corner of Highway 287 and Arapahoe Road. This is the first step to prepare the site for the Nine Mile development, including a Lowe’s home improvement store, other retailers and 290 apartments. Check out the site plan and other info at this link.

Infrastructure Improvements for Old Town
According to Xcel Energy, new development in Old Town is straining the capacity of Xcel’s gas and electric lines in the area. Xcel’s “very rough” estimate of the cost for necessary improvements is $1.5 million. Without these improvements, the existing utility infrastructure could limit development potential. To address this situation, the Town is taking a comprehensive look at infrastructure needed in Old Town, including: undergrounding power lines, broadband/fiber, water lines to buildings, conversion to LED street lights, storm drainage, alleyways, facade and signage, paving stones, street trees and more. With anticipated Tax Increment revenue from new development in the Old Town Urban Renewal Area, it should be possible for the Town Of Erie Urban Renewal Authority to finance improvements. We hope this comprehensive approach will facilitate businesses wanting to develop or redevelop their properties, minimize negative construction impacts on surrounding residents, provide the most cost effective solutions, and contribute to our ongoing placemaking efforts in Old Town.

Final Board Meeting of 2019
The Board of Trustee's final regular meeting in 2019 was a doozy, going until after midnight. During the meeting the Board recognized several STARs in the Police Department for their great work, reviewed and took action on almost a dozen land development issues including the Town Center Illustrative Master Plan, reviewed the Town’s approach to snow removal, extended the current moratorium on oil and gas applications to allow more time for the State to complete O&G rules that will affect the Town, adopted the Sustainability Master Plan, discussed fireworks and the Town’s 2020 July 3^rd/4^th celebration, scheduled discussion of the Historic Preservation Master Plan, approved a $1.8 million construction contract for Clayton Park, and much more! Phew! The Mayor and Trustees have stamina! Nice Work! You can view the meeting online, or download the Agenda at this link.

Hot Off the Press!

The Winter/Spring 2020 Program Guide is now available! The guide is your source for programs, activities, and special events from January 1 - April 30, 2020.

Registration is now open for residents! Registration for non-residents opens online and in-person on December 16^th at 7 a.m.

Police Department

The Optimist Club has provided a Giving Tree for Operation Santa this holiday season. Stop by the Erie PD lobby to choose an ornament to make an Erie kid's holiday wishes come true!

Officers from Erie PD responded to an officer involved shooting in Ft Lupton. Officers provided peer support and investigative assistance to the Ft Lupton Police Department.

Ditch Relocation

The South Boulder Canyon Ditch Company, in coordination with the Town, is working to relocate a portion of the irrigation ditch on the southeast corner of Highway 287 and Arapahoe Road (Nine Mile corner). Crews are beginning work this week in advance of the irrigation season to avoid disruption of services. The purpose of the relocation to the south of the parcel (represented by the blue line the image) is to continue operation and function in preparation for any development.

EV Charger Grant

The Town was awarded roughly $71,000 in grant funding for seven new charging stations by the Charge Ahead Colorado program. The Regional Air Quality Council remarked, "Your project scored highly and will provide a positive impact on the region's air quality."

Tree Removal

Blue River Tree Care was contracted to prune and/or remove failing cottonwoods on Town-owned property adjacent to Jasper Road.

The Public Works staff appreciates your patience during an extended road closure through Wednesday, December 11. The work will improve the health of existing trees and mitigate further risk of tree failure.