Town Administrator March 30, 2020

COVID 19 – Small Business Support
The Town’s Economic Development staff has been coordinating with regional and local economic development partners and financial institutions on a strategy and resources to help support small businesses throughout Erie. The strategy has three phases.

Phase 1 Business Outreach: Businesses please fill out this survey! We know businesses throughout Erie are impacted by COVID-19 in many different ways. The help available through the Federal CARES Act and other assistance at the State, regional and local level, are designed to help support the unique needs of each business. The Town is working with the Erie Chamber & Erie Economic Development Council to market the survey and make sure we connect businesses to service providers.
Phase 2 Funding Preparation: This Funding Checklist will be included in the email blast to registered businesses in Erie. Applying for the CARES Act funds will require most if not all of the items on this checklist. Being prepared with this information prior to the application process will ensure a faster response.
Phase 3 Evaluation of Gaps in Aid: Once survey responses are in, we will work with Colorado Lending Source and local finance partners to determine if there are gaps in aid that don’t meet the critical needs of local businesses or if there are ways we can expedite processes or increase access to funding for Erie businesses. If there are other viable strategies to fill gaps at the local level, Economic Development staff will recommend those to the Board of Trustees.

Town Services
Reminders about Town services:

Access is limited to Town Hall and by appointment only. Employees continue to answer phone calls and support Town functions; oftentimes remotely.
The Parks and Recreation Department closed the Community Center, cancelled classes and activities until further notice, and closed playgrounds.
Special events have been cancelled through the end of May. Event permits are not being accepted.
Municipal Court is temporarily closed. For details visit Municipal Courts webpage.
The Erie Police Department continues to provide its normal public safety services, with limited public access at the facility.
The Recycling Center is temporarily closed.
Essential services like public safety, water, wastewater and snow removal are not affected and will continue as usual.
Boards and commissions will hold meetings virtually. Visit the Town Calendar for detailed information.

Voter Service Center

The Voter Service Center is now open (with appropriate physical distancing and precautions in place) for ballot drop off, to request a replacement ballot, update your voter registration information and register to vote. Voters may register through Election Day and be eligible to cast a ballot.

If you have not received a ballot please visit www.erieco.gov/vote to complete a Replacement Ballot Application.

For information on voting procedures, drop-off locations, and a video on how the election is run please visit www.erieco.gov/vote.

Parks and Recreation

Registration for Summer programs opened as planned for residents. Non-residents may register on Monday, April 6 at 7 a.m. The Summer Program Guide, which covers the months of May-August, is available online and for pick up at King Soopers (1891 CO-7, Erie). In-person registration will not be available during the closure of the Erie Community Center. If you have trouble registering online, please call 303-926-2550 for assistance.

Professional Standards Review Panel

In the midst of all the COVID-19 information, the EPD held the Professional Standards Review Panel meeting on Thursday afternoon. The virtual meeting was the first time the Department has been assisted by community members Internal Affairs processes.

Lunch in the Park

Its hard to know how soon life will be returning to normal, but at this point Erie Uplink confirms the Community Lunch in the Park series will proceed as planned.

Gather family, neighbors and friends, and join SVVSD Nutrition Services and Erie Uplink for Community Lunch in the Park this summer! From June 1 to July 30, every Monday-Thursday enjoy a hot lunch along with themed activities at Coal Miners Park from 11:15 a.m. - noon. This no-cost community event is open to all ages.