March 8, 2021

Reflecting on a Year of COVID-19

As I’m writing this there have been over 29 million cases and 525,000 deaths in the United States from the coronavirus. Those cases include nearly 4,000 Erie residents who have tested positive for the virus. This pandemic has created a health crisis, economic crisis, and mental health crisis affecting all of us in some way or another. Whether we or a loved one became ill, lost a job, suffered from isolation, or had to manage the challenges of juggling work and kids at home, these last 12 months have been tough.

There has also been joy and innovation through these tough times. Schools, businesses, and government embraced virtual spaces and found creative ways to reach residents. Friends and neighbors have gone to special lengths to care for each other and have donated or volunteered in the community in record numbers. As a community, and in spite of the social distance, we have come together and worked for the greater good.

Reflecting on the past year, I want to thank all of you for supporting one another and continuing to be a driving force for service and compassion. The Board of Trustees and Town staff all do what we do because we want to improve the quality of life for everyone in Erie. In a year when “home” became more important than ever, we are working hard to create the most welcoming, inclusive, fun, equitable, successful, safe, diverse and desirable hometown for each and every one of you.

Thank you for being a big part of what makes Erie great! We will have many opportunities in the coming months for you to share your voice and your ideas on the Comprehensive Plan, a Home Rule Charter, sustainability, housing affordability and many other issues. We want to hear from you and work with you to make the Town of Erie the best it can be.

Malcolm Fleming
Town Administrator

Boulder County Proposed Composting Facility

Boulder County withdrew their Application for Special Use for the proposed compost facility on Thursday, March 4. The Boulder County Commissioners directed their staff to continue looking for opportunities to support waste diversion and climate action goals, including composting solutions. For more details, please visit www.boco.org/compost-facility.

Seeking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board Members

The Town of Erie is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes diversity. To best support this commitment, the Erie Board of Trustees established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. The Town is seeking applicants for five positions in the seven-member Advisory Board to represent diversity (including racial, ethnic, LGBTQ, economic background, and disabilities). Applications are due Monday, March 22, 2020.

Women's History Month Challenge

From scientists to historians, activists to writers, the breadth of women's remarkable achievements in history are commemorated this month. For inspiration on how to celebrate, see the Women's History Month Challenge.

Stormwater Pollution

When it rains, stormwater flows over pavements and other surfaces, picking up pollutants such as debris, vehicle spills, animal waste, fertilizers, and chemicals. These pollutants are carried in runoff from the land surface to storm sewers and eventually local rivers and streams without being treated. Effective stormwater management starts by controlling runoff at the source, at our homes and properties. In the unforeseen circumstance that you witness stormwater pollution, please report the concern to the Town at www.erieco.gov/1815/stormwater. Together we can protect our waterways!

Police Youth Academy

Are you a young person between the ages of 12 and 17 interested in experiencing how the Erie Police Department operates? The 2021 Youth Academy offers a sneak-peek into law enforcement on July 16 and 17. In the two-day, fun-filled academy, participants will interact with crime scene investigations, physical agility testing, self-defense, patrol procedures and view a K9 demonstration. Space is limited; register here.

Emergency Rental Assistance - Weld County

Weld County Government is offering emergency rental and utility assistance to eligible households who apply. Priority will be given to households with income below 50 percent of the area median and those unemployed for 90 days before applying for assistance. To learn more and apply, please visit www.weldgov.com.

Parks and Recreation Made the Cover

Erie’s Parks and Recreation Department was featured on the cover of the Colorado Parks & Recreation Association Byline Magazine recognizing the ingenuity of Department staff during the COVID pandemic. Specifically, the magazine issue shares how the aquatic staff tackled the closure by revamping the pool deck, installing a new defender filtration system, collaborating on a fun Aloha Pool Party option, and more. The Guest Service team took customer service to new heights and discovered ways to grow through change!

Dave Stone Scholarship

The Erie Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications from graduating high school students for the Dave Stone Scholarship. The chamber will award two scholarships of $2,000 towards any university, college, or post-secondary institution. For scholarship information and to apply, visit www.eriechamber.org.