Q3 Work Plan Update

Interactive Work Plan

This visual is intended to provide a high-level view of major projects in progress in the Town of Erie. The blue bands represent the timing for each project across the 12-month periof of 2024. The orange circles are clickable and provide a summary for the project. The percentages roughly estimate completion for each project. This is a review of 1st Quarter for 2024 do the months of January, February, and March have additional highlighting behind the projects. Click the arrows on the left/right of each page to switch to another page.

Grants Management Policy

Following a strategic planning session on March 25, the Grants Team commenced development of a comprehensive Grants Manual to cover the entire grant lifecycle. This includes gap analysis and process drafting, with the aim of establishing an overarching Grant Management Policy for the Town. Additionally, conversations have begun with Town departments to explore how external funding could align with and advance their missions, contributing to strategic grant utilization across the organization.Adoption of all approved grant policies scheduled for early 2025.

Enterprise Asset Management

Central Square

This software empowers local governments to streamline maintenance operations for a wide range of infrastructure assets, spanning water, electric, traffic, sanitation, and more. By utilizing Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), we aim to cut costs, boost efficiency, and uphold transparency in asset management, improving our public service delivery.COMPLETE: This project was substantially completed in June 2024.

Health Insurance Review

HR, in collaboration with our benefit brokers, is actively assessing our health insurance offerings to ensure competitiveness in the market. By prioritizing employee needs and market alignment, we aim to enhance our healthcare benefits while maintaining fiscal prudence.The HR team has hosted multiple education meetings with staff to share information about alternative health insurance providers. A survey will be completed by staff and quotes will be collected.NEW: Kaiser produced a significantly lower quote for health insurance and the Town will be switching to their coverage in 2025.

The Town of Erie was officially established on November 16, 1874. From January through December 2024, Erie is marking the sesquicentennial to honor our past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future.Town staff have partnered with external organizations, advisory boards, and other across departments to plan and host community events throughout the year.A final celebration is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in the ECC.

150th Anniversary

Visit Webpage

Launched on Feb. 9, 2024, after a year of meticulous preparation, the portal offers enhanced user-friendliness for both internal staff and residents. Notably, it delivers heightened security measures and reduced fees for the Town.

Utility Bill Payment Portal

Visit portal

Plan Creation

Affirmative Action

HR has commenced discussions with a specialized attorney regarding the necessity of a formal Affirmative Action Plan (AAP). By proactively developing an AAP, we aim to ensure compliance and enhance our eligibility for grant funding opportunities while fostering diversity and inclusion within our organization.

Landfill Task Force

Landfill Task Force Webpage

The Task Torce, initiated on April 30, aims to review, research, and advise Waste Connections on potential landfill expansion opportunities. A consulting team, Kearns and West, are facilitating these meetings, supported by Town of Erie staff and Waste Connections. The project involved developing the task force charter, appointing members, and establishing meeting processes, laying the groundwork for informed decision-making and collaboration.

All meetings are recoded and posted to YouTube and the project webpage. The Task Force has completed all scheduled meetings and their final recommendations go to Council in November.

Transition Implementation

Home Rule Charter

Actions include enacting ordinances for Initial Voting Districts, updating the municipal code, Rules of Procedure, and policies. Ordinances formalize Purchasing Policy and delegate signature authority. Resolution for Council approval of Town Manager succession is underway. Municipal code updates for all departments and distinct zoning for Open Space are in progress. Comprehensive code review to resolve conflicts with the Charter is complete.

North Water Treatment Facility

The North Water Treatment Facility (NWTF) project, crucially identified in the 2020 Water Master Plan, remains ongoing. Positioned near the North Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF), it strategically leverages re-usable water rights (Windy Gap and NISP) and native supplies (Boulder Creek and Filly Lake Well) to meet future demands, enhance system hydraulic balancing, and ensure redundancy. Initially focusing on treating native supplies, the facility will later incorporate NISP Supplies.

Plan documents for Phase 1 URA were presented to Town of Erie Urban Renewal Authority in March 2024. All TIF revenue sharing agreements were approved by June, to then post notice, public hearing(s) occurred and Town Council adopted new Plan Area in August 2024. Collaboration with future site developer to establish a Letter of Intent for the Town to sell the I-25 Gateway project area for future development.

I-25 Erie Gateway URA

Erie Gateway Webpage

In alignment with HB21-1110, the Town of Erie is diligently striving for full compliance by the July 1, 2024 deadline. This legislation mandates that all digital communications, both public-facing and internal, meet specific ADA accessibility standards. Our efforts encompass not only website redesign but also ensuring accessibility across a ll digital documents, signage, and other digital platforms. By prioritizing inclusivity, we're fostering a more accessible and equitable digital environment for all community members and employees.

ADA Compliance of Website & Digital Content

The new design of the website was launched on May 27. Ongoing updates and remediation of PDFs and other documents will continue through the next year.

North Water Treatment Facility

Solar Energy

Based on analysis from Iconergy construction will begin for a solar PV at the North Water Treatment Facility.

Two-Factor Authentication

Cyber Security

Following network penetration testing and consultations with our mission-critical consultant, the IT Department has advocated for the adoption of Two Factor Authentication (2FA) across all active email accounts. Previously, 2FA was implemented solely on admin accounts linked to M365. Leveraging existing licenses, there's no extra expense to the Town. Implementation is underway by division, with plans to extend across all councils, commissions, and boards, fortifying our defenses against cybercrimes.NEW: All emial users have been upgraded to 2FA.

This software suite improves process efficiency and citizen responsiveness for land-use planning, permitting, and inspections. It streamlines manual paperwork, reduces permitting time, and provides real-time information for better decision-making in community development activities.COMPLETE: The new portal launched on May 27 and final updates were complete in June 2024.

CentralSquare Community Development

The updated and integrated plans will provide a foundation for Erie to continue to thrive, while elevating the Town’s quality of life into the future. Erie’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2005 and a minor update in 2015.NEW: Final adoption by the Town Council was completed in October.

Elevate Erie - Comp Plan & TMP Update Process

Elevate Erie webpage

Development Plan

Page Property

Yearlong project to analyze and determine the appropriate site uses and mix for the newly acquired page property. Half of this property will be preserved for open space and trail corridors while the remaining acreage will be available for affordable housing and potential commercial use.Weekly coordination meetings taking place. Proposed demolition of the industrial building set for fall 2024. RFP is drafted for consulting help with concept planning.

Multiple project are underway along County Line Road. Town staff are coordinating with Xcel, ALLO, schools, and local businesses along the roadway to alleviate traffic pressures.

County Line Road Improvements

& Conversion to LED

Streetlight Ownership

The Town is purchasing more than 2,200 streetlights from Xcel Energy and United Power with assistance from acquisition consultant Tanko. The agreement with Tanko, signed in 2020, will conclude the first acquisition phase by the end of 2024. An LED conversion effort is scheduled for 2025, marking a significant step towards enhanced streetlight ownership and efficiency.Purchasing Agreements to be sent to Council for review and approval by the end of 2025.

EPD Expansion

Since June 23, 2023, Wold Architects and Engineers have been engaged for Facility Master Plan Update and Pre-Design Services. A Core Planning Team (CPT) was formed to commence pre-design work on the Erie Police Department expansion. Ensuring effective and safe operation as the Town grows remains the highest priority. Objectives for 2024 include obtaining council approval for design and funding the expansion. Construction is slated for 2025-2026. Construction anticipated to start in September 2025.

Advisory Boards & Commissions

Recruitment

Biannual appointments and reappointments necessitate the need for onboarding activities include setting up emails, providing training on rules of procedure, meeting schedules, and legal matters. This systematic approach ensures continuity and effectiveness in board operations, fostering informed and engaged community representation in decision-making processes.

Ordinance Creation

Inclusionary Housing

Development of an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that requires developers to include a percentage of affordable housing units in their residential projects, aiming to promote socio-economic diversity and provide housing for low to moderate-income individuals and families.Working with consultant now. Plan to bring to Council by the end of the year for review and approval.

Aug. 21 hearing with ECMC

Draco Wellsite Review

The Extraction facility, named “Draco Pad”, is proposing 26 wells and associated equipment to be located on approximately 19.45 acres outside of Erie limits in unincorporated Weld County, north of Weld County Road 6 and west of Weld County Road 7 near the Westerly Subdivision. The wells would be drilled down approximately 7,000ft and then turned horizontally and advanced ~5 miles to the west toward Highway 287. The oil and gas development was approved by Weld County on Feb. 29, 2024.A public hearing is scheduled in Erie on Oct. 29 at Erie Middle School.

Capacity Assessment

Leon A. Wurl Facility

This project aims to address space constraints by engaging more thn 100 employees from the Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments to collectively envision and creatively optimize shared workspace solutions. With the understanding that constructing a new shared workspace would exceed $30 million and is not feasible, this project focuses on generating solutions and plans to maximize the existing space.Facility assessment has been completed and staff have received the final report. The report recommends lists of immediate, near-term, and long-term space solutions. The Facilities Division has begun work on the list of "immediate" items.

The farmhous has already received major renovations and staff will be moving into the space to work later this spring.Two sub-projects are underway: site improvements involving drainage, access, trails, and landscaping, and rehabilitation of the historic barn for community events. Additionally, the original outbuilding is being renovated as a restroom facility.Staff have moved into the Schofield Farmhouse offices as of June 2024.

Schofield Farmhouse & Barn Restoration

Following the return to work after the worst of the pandemic, the Town began concepts, design, engineering, and other planning for an expansion and renovation of Town Hall. The new building is set for completion at the end of 2024 with renovations beginning on the historic building in 2025.Currently projected completion in early December with staff move-in complete for January. Renovations will begin in the current building immediately following opening of the expansion.

Town Hall Expansion

Investment Grade Energy Audit Phase II

Iconergy is assessing various energy efficiency measures including solar PV installations, battery storage feasibility, electrification, ground source heat pump, and solar PV parking canopies across North Water Treatment Facility and other Town locations. The scope includes technical assessments, energy audits, preliminary design, and grant applications. The findings will inform potential amendments to the current EPC contract.

2024 Election

Tasks include coordinating candidate paperwork, ballot language, and county IGAs. Additionally, Town Hall 101 sessions are being conducted to provide candidates with essential information from staff and Council, ensuring a well-informed and prepared election process for all stakeholders.All ballots have been sent to registered voters and must be received in a County-managed drop-box, through the mail, or in person by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5.

Public Education & Engagement

Ballot Items

As directed by Town Council, staff conducted education and engagement activites with the residents on the topics of Marijuana Excise Taxes and RTD Annexation. All education and outreach was completed when ballot language is officially adopted by the Council in August.Outreach to voters about how to return ballots is ongoing until Nov. 5.

Investment Grade Energy Audit Phase II

Iconergy is assessing various energy efficiency measures including solar PV installations, battery storage feasibility, electrification, ground source heat pump, and solar PV parking canopies across North Water Treatment Facility and other Town locations. The scope includes technical assessments, energy audits, preliminary design, and grant applications. The findings will inform potential amendments to the current EPC contract.

Pay Equity Study

HR is collaborating with our Market consultant to conduct an Internal Pay Equity study. Our objectives include establishing clearer guidelines for negotiating initial pay for new or promoted employees and developing robust internal criteria to ensure parity among like positions within the organization. By addressing potential pay disparities and mitigating compression issues, we're committed to fostering a fair and equitable work environment conducive to employee satisfaction and organizational success.

This initiative involves the transformation of old wastewater treatment lagoons into a stormwater quality wetland pond, aimed at treating stormwater from Old Town. Additionally, the project includes the demolition of treatment basins at the old South Wastewater Treatment Facility. Trail, shade shelter, recreation amenities, and utilities are all complete. Boardwalk, small shade shelter, and plantings are nearly complete.

Lagoon/Wetlands Project

Downtown Infrastructure Improvements

Engagement for this project began in 2021 with 100% design plans were completed in Dec 2023 for streetscape improvements on 500/600 blocks of Briggs Street using 2021 Erie Commons bond issuance from Old Town URA. Improvements will include new trees, planters, a supproting irrigation system, new benches, pavers, bicycle racks, updated lighting, and more.NEW: Construction began at the end of Septermber and sill be substantially complete by December with some landscaping and final pieces later in the spring.

Initial Updates - More Upcoming

UDC Code Updates

Unified Development Code revisions to address manufactured housing, home occupations, definition of family, creatin of a reserved Open Space Zoning District, and Drive-through regulations.

Coordination with future site developer to establish conceptual site plan and purchase and sale agreement. Staff aims to have a purchase and sale agreement finalized in 2024, site entitlements in 2025 and begin construction in 2026. NEW: The Developer Agreement with Evergreen was approved in October 2024.

Town Center Purchase Agreements

Street Maintenance Program

Vista Ridge

The project involves the application of a 2” mill and overlay on sections of various roads in Vista Ridge, covering approximately 42,184 square yards. Activities include repairing pre-marked subgrade failures, profile milling, inspecting, and addressing surface cracking, adjusting valves and manholes, and replacing all pavement markings. Through meticulous maintenance, we aim to enhance the durability and safety of road infrastructure within Vista Ridge, ensuring smoother and safer travel experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The Cheesman development plan proposes 35 new homes. Construction is expected to take place in Spring/Summer 2024. With an anticipated buy selection process taking place in December 2024. And move-in set for mid-2025.NEW: The Pre-Applications for interested residents are due on Nov. 16.

Cheesman Affordable Home Ownership

Cheesman Webpage

Reach 1, spanning from Cheesman Street to approximately 250 feet downstream of the Briggs Street bridge, is slated for completion by the end of May, with a waterline replacement scheduled for mid-August. Reach 3, encompassing County Line Road to Kenosha Street, including a new trail connection, is on track for completion in October.

Coal Creek Realignment

Project webpage

Contracted with Form+Works to prepare 100% design and construction documents for Quonset Hut at Schofield Farms. Working with Planning, Building, Parks & Rec, and Makerspace 501(c)(3) to finalize interior and exterior design. Survey now distributed to identify activities to incorporate into design. Scheduling for construction documents to be finalized in 3Q24, then select contractor and begin construction by end of 2024.

Makerspace

Makerspace webpage