November 2, 2020

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board

On September 22, the Board of Trustees appointed seven members to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board. The Founding Members of this Advisory Board had their first meeting on October 1^st, and followed that with another meeting less than two weeks later on October 14^th to review the proposed ordinance setting the Advisory Board’s purpose and duties. Based on the Advisory Board’s recommendations, on October 27^th, the Board of Trustees adopted the ordinance formally establishing the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board. The Advisory Board’s next meeting is scheduled for November 14, and after that meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Read the Board of Trustees’ welcome letter and view the DEI Advisory Board webpage.

Median Policy

The Town is pleased to announce the recent adoption of a new Median Policy that will help guide the design, construction and maintenance of medians in arterial roads located in Erie. This project was a collaborative effort by several departments and the Sustainability Advisory Board, Open Space and Trails Advisory Board and the Tree Board. The policy is an amendment to the previously adopted Transportation Master Plan and outlines how medians will be designed using sustainable landscape material, reduced irrigation water consumption, improved pedestrian safety measures and vehicle access control. Median function, design and location are crucial to roadways and provide a sense of place making in Erie. View the conceptual design, and other considerations in the Erie Median Policy.

Need Your Input - Bus Rapid Transit

Boulder County regional partners are starting a multi-phased re-visioning of the US 287 corridor between Broomfield and Longmont. The initial phase examines the feasibility of Bus Rapid Transit implementation to address growing congestion and travel demand. If you can, please attend a virtual public meeting to learn more and share your perspective on November 12 at 5:30 p.m. Register here and learn more on the project webpage.

Boo at BPE - A SPOOKtacular Event

The Parks & Recreation Department hosted Boo! at BPE over the weekend for kiddos ages 2-13 and their families. Activities included a candy hunt in a graveyard, a trick-or-treat street around a ball field, and a spooky story time. After dark, participants enjoyed a glow in the dark candy hunt. A special thank you to our partners at the High Plains Library District and to our great vendors!

COVID Temperature and Symptom Scanners Coming Soon!

The Town’s Erie Community Center and Leon A. Wurl Service Center will soon be equipped with state of the art, FDA approved thermal checkpoint scanners. This particular system measures body temperature at the tear ducts for a more accurate reading. Then, the touchless system requests additional screening information via text messaging. All other Town facilities, including Town Hall, and the Police Department, will be equipped with a device that scans forehead temperatures and also asks symptom-related questions. This device self-cleans between users with ultraviolet lights and users have the option to answer the questions via their own mobile device. If the readings are outside of the acceptable range, the user is allowed to re-test. The scanners are ADA compliant and will be used by staff and visitors alike. The Town purchased these systems with CARES Act funding.

COVID-19 Exposure Notifications

Have you turned on COVID-19 Exposure Notifications? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment introduced the exposure notifications app in October. Knowing about an exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested, and reduce risk to the community. The app uses technology that disguises phone identities and exchanges information via Bluetooth to maintain users’ privacy. Learn more at addyourphone.com.

Snow Control - How You Can Help

As we enter snow season in Erie, the Town is busy preparing plows and material to keep Town roads passable and safe when the storm hits. There are several things you can do to assist plow drivers! Use off street parking whenever possible, shovel and/or blow snow toward your lawn and not into the street, (trees and plants needs all the moisture they can get in this dry climate!) and maintain a safe distance when following a plow truck. Learn more about plow priorities and view an interactive snow removal map on the snow removal webpage.

Traction Laws

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Traction Law. During the Traction Law, all motorists are required to have either: 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth, tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth, winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth, tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth, chains or an AutoSock®.