Town Administrator March 9, 2020

COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Yesterday Governor Polis declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. For details on the Governor’s declaration see this link. Town staff are coordinating Town planning and response with the Boulder and Weld County Offices of Emergency Management (OEM), along with State and County Public Health officials. We have a weekly update conference call, and daily information updates involving administrators from all area municipalities and agencies, including Boulder Valley School District, Saint Vrain Valley School District and the University of Colorado.

To minimize the spread of this virus, everyone should follow these actions:

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can. If that’s not possible, cover coughs/sneezes with your arm.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is crucial after using the restroom, before eating, after eating, upon blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If soap and water are not readily available, use a alcohol-based hand sanitizers which contain at least 60% or more alcohol.
Clean potential sources. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects to include countertops, cellular phones, desks, sinks, faucets, door knobs and other shared items.
Isolate if you are feeling sick. If you feel sick, are feverish, start coughing and cannot catch your breath, odds are you have caught a seasonal influenza or the common cold. Do NOT panic. Stay home, limit face-to-face contact with others as much as possible, call your doctor, and follow your doctor’s advice.

The Town Emergency Operations Plan establishes guidelines for the response to various types of emergencies and is applicable to a pandemic emergency. If needed, the Mayor may authorize an emergency declaration. You can view the Town’s current Pandemic Response Plan at this link. For statewide updates and recommendations see the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.

BACKGROUND

As of March 10, 2020, there have been 505 cases reported in Colorado. Of those cases, 11 have tested positive and one (1) is still pending. There are no reported cases in Boulder or Weld County at this time. The virus is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets. Symptoms take between 2 – 14 days after exposure. 80% of the cases thus far result in mild symptoms while 20% of the cases appear severe. The fatality rate is low. High risk groups are the elderly and patients with on-going illnesses.

Organizing Neighborhoods of Erie
The Organizing Neighborhoods of Erie (ONE) group met on Thursday evening to discuss the upcoming 2020 Census, communication and engagement opportunities, upcoming legislation that affects homeowners associations, and the Town of Erie's 2020 Municipal Election. The ONE group meets quarterly and provides:

• the opportunity for communication between the Board of Trustees and representatives of neighborhood associations on topics that may be of interest to the neighborhoods,

• a method for representatives of neighborhood associations to communicate their interests and concerns to the Town administration, and

• a conduit to residents via the neighborhood associations representatives for accurate information about Town programs and services.

For more information, and to get involved, please inquire with your homeowners association or email: ateetzel@erieco.gov.

Tree Rebates

The Parks and Recreation Department is offering tree rebates to residents! Formerly the 'Tree Certificate Lottery', the new rebates allows residents to receive a $150 credit to their utility bill with proof of a qualifying tree purchase! Visit www.erieco.gov/treerebate for eligibility information, details, and the application.

Town Center Master Plan

On Wednesday, the Planning Department and DPZ CoDesign presented the Town Center Master Plan to the Planning Commission. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.

To view the presentation to the Planning Commission visit the Town Center webpage.

Upstate Colorado

The Economic Development Department attended Upstate Colorado Economic Development Corporation's 2020 annual event. In 2019, Upstate Colorado approved 175 eligible companies who collectively earned $13.9M in state income tax credits by investing $1.75B, creating 273 new jobs and retaining 9,673 jobs through the Weld County Enterprise Zone. This economic development directly impacts Erie by providing commerce and employment, while diversifying the local economy.

Lock Doors, secure valuables, porch lights on

9 PM Routine

The Erie Police Department has launched a social media campaign to encourage residents to add a few routines to their evening to curb crime. While taking your pup out for their nightly routine check to make sure you have locked up your car, house, windows, garage, gates and shed. Also, turn on exterior lights, security cameras and alarm systems. As part of the 9 PM Routine campaign officers also are asking residents bring in valuables from your car, yard, or patio. Each and every night these small routines make a big difference!

Active Adults

The Active Adult program is walking their way to fitness! This winter, 65 active adults enrolled in the Erie Never Stops Walking program and logged a total of 1,643 miles in just 8 weeks! For more information about the Active Adults program, or get involved, contact Cindy Hickman at 303-926-2795.

Candidate Forum

The Erie Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidate Forum on Thursday, March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Vista Ridge Academy (3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie). For more information, contact the Erie Chamber of Commerce at 303-828-3440.