Mayor Issues Emergency Declaration

Town of Erie, Colorado. Today, Mayor Jennifer Carroll has issued an emergency declaration. This declaration is important for two key reasons: establishing eligibility for emergency resources (County, State and Federal funding, staff and equipment), and allowing more flexibility to change Town procedures and/or implement facility closures if deemed necessary to help protect Town residents and visitors (especially those considered most vulnerable to COVID-19) and slow the spread of the outbreak. This declaration expires after seven (7) days unless the Erie Board of Trustees approves a longer duration.

This declaration follows similar declarations by the State of Colorado and Boulder County. This declaration is part of an emergency plan that facilitates federal support if needed, as well as access to public health services like testing and staff. In addition, this declaration allows Town staff to work with surrounding agencies more easily, and eases restrictions on what are normally mandatory meetings per Town regulations. We are planning and taking actions to slow and minimize the spread of COVID-19 and we want to ensure we have access to all available resources and maintain continuity of operations.

As a precautionary measure in line with school districts and other neighboring agencies, Town Administrator Malcolm Fleming has closed the following Town of Erie facilities to the public for the next two weeks, beginning Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 29. These closures will allow Town staff to conduct deep cleaning activities and limit utility operations staff’s potential exposure to the virus.
 
Facilities Closed to the Public

• Erie Community Center
• Maintenance and Operations Facility
• Water Treatment Facility
• Wastewater Treatment Plant

Town Hall will remain open to coordinate service delivery, but access is limited to designated Town staff and visitors with whom the Town has approved appointments in advance. The Erie Police Department and Municipal Court will remain open to coordinate Public Safety services and previously scheduled court dockets. All visitors must satisfy and follow public health criteria and required practices that are posted on each facility.

Events

In line with county, state and federal guidelines and recommendations, and in an abundance of caution, the Town will postpone, suspend or cancel Town events, community gatherings and engagements while monitoring developments with COVID-19 and will adjust this response as appropriate.

The March 17 Board of Trustee Study Session, March 18 Planning Commission meeting, and the March 24 Board of Trustee meeting will be  conducted in a “virtual” format with Town elected officials participating via audio/video feed and the meeting live streamed for the public.  For information visit www.erieco.gov/Agendas.

Services

• Essential services like public safety, water, wastewater and snow removal will not be affected and will continue as usual. Employees will continue to work, answer phone calls and support Town functions, oftentimes remotely. Personal contact will be at minimal levels in order to do our part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
• The Erie Police Department will have limited public access. In an emergency dial 9-1-1. For non emergency dial 303-441-4444.
• Municipal Court will take place as noted above.
• If you have questions about a specific Town service, visit www.erieco.gov and search for the topic. Many Town services are offered online.

The Town will continue to share with the community the latest infection prevention tips and information on the Town’s response to this emergency. We are also providing additional training to employees, ensuring adequate supplies of safety materials, and updating continuity of operations plans. The Town encourages all residents to continue to follow CDC and Boulder and Weld counties’ guidelines. Additional information and the most updated information is available at www.erieco.gov.