Town Administrator April 13, 2020

Now is the time to be…
In this time of uncertainty and ambiguity it is important now, more than ever to be generous, gracious, and cautious.

Generous
You're providing a huge service to public health when you volunteer and donate. Now is the time to be generous if able. You might:

Donate to food banks
Donate blood
Donate personal protective equipment
Contribute to the Colorado COVID-19 Assistance Fund

The United Ways of Colorado are answering calls and making referrals to help the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. 2-1-1 provides personal referrals for the following needs: food, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits enrollment by phone, children with special health care needs, child care options, older adult needs, medical and dental care, immigration, prescriptions, mental health, home repairs, clothing, housing, rent/utility aid, emergency shelter, volunteer/donation opportunities and more.
For those needing assistance, dial 2-1-1 or (800) 559-5590 toll free, text your zip code to 898-211 and search the database or live chat (Weld County) www.unitedway-weld.org/211 and (Boulder County) https://unitedwaydenver.org/.

Gracious
The Town’s Economic Development team acted on Board direction quickly to support Erie’s small businesses and initiated an emergency relief grant program. In the first few days the team received more than 50 applications.

We are pleased to announce that the Grant Review Committee has selected the first set of businesses to receive grants. These 16 brick-and-mortar businesses in Erie, with at least two employees, will be awarded either $5,000 or $10,000 in grant funds this week.

The Grant Review Committee continues to review the remaining 35 applications this week. In total, the grant program will provide $300,000 in funding to local businesses.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we thank the review committee and Economic Development team for their quick and thorough work extending emergency resources to small businesses in need during this time of economic challenge.

Cautious
Unfortunately, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have been targeted by ‘bad actors’ using the Federal agency to ‘spear phish’. During this time, Spear Phishing is on the rise in an attempt to exploit the current events and induce individuals to reveal confidential information. To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, especially now, be wary of answering calls from numbers you do not recognize. Most importantly, Federal agencies do not request donations from the general public. Be careful when prompted to download the latest apps and free websites. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, requiring us to be more cautious in these times.

Board Seeking Volunteers

The Board of Trustees is seeking residents who are interested in volunteering their time in public service to the community by serving on various boards and commissions. Applicants who have education and/or experience in any of the following areas are greatly encouraged to apply: Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Open Space and Trails Advisory Board, Sustainability Advisory Board, Tree Board. To be considered for appointments applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020. All Board and Commission members must be a resident of the Town of Erie. The application and more information about meeting dates and times can be found here.

Dispatch Appreciation Week

The Erie Police Department would like to formally thank the wonderful folks at Boulder County dispatch during National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week. The service dispatchers provide is anything but routine, and positively impacts the lives of others in our community day in and day out. Thank you!

Engaging Erie's Economy

Calling all local businesses! The Erie Economic Development Council (EEDC) is highlighting local businesses in a campaign called ‘Engaging Erie’s Economy.’ Feature your business on their Facebook page, and be included on the ‘Open for Business Map’. Complete the EEDC survey to begin!

Parks and Recreation

We love seeing so many of you enjoying our parks, trails, and open spaces, but please remember to enjoy them safely through physical distancing of at least 6 feet apart, and wearing a mask.

The Erie Community Center staff are using the unexpected closure to complete building improvement projects otherwise scheduled for August. Projects include painting, pool equipment replacement, new flooring, and more.

2020 Census

Overall, the national response rate is 38.4%; Colorado is at 40.3% and Boulder County has a response rate of 47%, and Weld County at 46%. Erie’s response rate is around 60%. It has never been easier to respond to the 2020 Census on your own, whether online, by phone, or by mail - all without having to meet a census taker.

We encourage Coloradans to self-respond as soon as possible and make Colorado the state with the highest 2020 Census self-response rate in the nation!