VIPS Appreciation

Last week, the Erie Police Department honored volunteers in celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week. The Department appreciates the 16 Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) and eight restorative justice volunteers who logged more than 1,000 hours in 2020, yielding a cost-savings to the Department of approximately $28,000 (national average hourly rate of $27.20). The average tenure of a volunteer is seven years, with the most tenured volunteer donating 17 years! Thank you, volunteers, for making a tremendous difference!

From Homes to Creeks

Chemicals applied to lawns and gardens often end up in nearby creeks, harming aquatic life and causing excessive algae growth which can be harmful to pets and children. Thanks to the Keep it Clean Partnership, residents have access to resources for healthy lawns and gardens that require fewer pesticides and fertilizers, a do-it-yourself soil test to determine if additional nutrients are needed, and more. Help keep storm drains that lead to creeks (Coal Creek and Boulder Creek) pesticide-free by using alternative pest management techniques. Learn more at the Keep it Clean Partnership webpage. 

Traffic Advisory: 119^th Street

On Wednesday, April 28, the paving contractor for the Brennan by the Lake Development will begin road milling on 119^th Street for a new asphalt overlay. This work will be south of the roundabout at Erie Parkway to approximately 600 feet south of Austin Avenue in the northbound lanes. For details, view the news release.

Traffic Advisory: County Line Road

On Thursday, April 29, the utility contractor for the Parkdale Development will begin constructing a new waterline in County Line Road. This work will be between Highway 7 and Arapahoe Road during daytime hours and is projected to last through the middle of May, weather permitting. For details, view the news release.

Community Survey

Some residents will receive an invitation to complete the official Community Survey in their mailbox next month. If you receive an invitation, you've been selected to participate in the random, statistically valid sample group. All residents will also have an opportunity in the coming weeks to respond to an online open-participation survey. Details are available at www.erieco.gov/CommunitySurvey.

Coexisting with Coyotes

In the spring of each year, the Erie Police Department receives reports of coyotes. Coyote sightings are not new to Town, and these clever canids have readily adapted to our food and habitat-rich environments. As sightings begin to rise, please take a moment to share some reminders to help avoid negative coyote encounters in your neighborhood:

• Keep pets on a leash when walking.
• Pick up small pets if confronted by a coyote.
• Do what you can to discourage a coyote's approach - yell, stomp your feet, throw small rocks or sticks.
• Always supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Never leave cats or dogs outside after dark.
• Don't leave food or water outside for pets.
• Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations.

Seasonal Mud

Spring and fall are known as transition seasons and come with a side effect of mud. Muddy trails and parks are not only annoying for your washing machine, but heavy use while the ground is muddy can cause major erosion and other environmental damage. The Parks & Recreation Department monitors parks and trails for adverse conditions and may close some areas when conditions are particularly bad. The areas most likely to experience mud closures are the Erie Singletrack Trails, the Boneyard Dog Park, or the Disc Golf Park. Sign up to get text alerts about any closures and know before you go, www.erieco.gov/alerts.