Archive

Mesa Networks customers

Mesa Networks was purchased by Skybeam several months ago.  All Mesa Networks customers were migrated over to Skybeam.  It has come to my attention that Skybeam was continuing to charge the higher Mesa Networks rates to their "new" customers, even though the standard Skybeam rates were considerably lower.  While Skybeam sent notice that they were taking over Mesa Networks, they apparently did not send notice that the rates were different (at least, I received no such notice).  I imagine that if Skybeam's rates were higher than Mesa Networks, we all would have been paying the higher rate from day one.  I believe that Skybeam has shown tremendous disrespect to Erie residents, and their actions are unethical.  For this reason, I have personally changed ISPs to their competitor, who provides faster service for less money.  If you are a former Mesa Networks customer, I urge you to contact Skybeam and see if you are being charged the appropriate rate.

South Erie trails

At Tuesday's board meeting, OSTAB presented recommendations for the connection of the trails at the South end of Erie to Lafayette and Broomfield.  I am very excited to see this connectivity and the linking of our various communities.  There are some potential problems with the exact location of the recommended trail, and the board will need to work through the issue to determine the most appropriate route for this important connection.  Specifically, the proposed route will pass very near the airport and might impact the land available for commercial development.

From my perspective, safety is the most important issue.  It is my fondest desire that this trail be located in a safe manner that also does not inhibit economic development, while maintaining the intended trail experience and desired connectivity.

Airport economic RFP

Last Tuesday, the BOT received a draft RFP (request for proposal) for a consultant to provide the airport economic development study.  The board has directed the AAB to study this RFP and make recommendations for changes (if any) before the BOT finalizes the request.  The AAB will be meeting on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 pm in the community room to discuss the issue and solicit public input.  The AAB is scheduled to present their recommendation to the BOT at the 4/28/09 regular Board of Trustees meeting. If you have any thoughts on the subject, I encourage you to attend either the AAB meeting or the BOT meeting and let you thoughts be known.  The EEDC working group will also be looking at the RFP and making recommendations.

March 25, 2009

Web hosting issues

Due to the sale of my ISP and hosting provider, I had to migrate this domain to another provider, which caused some issues.  That, coupled with travel and illness have prohibited recent updates to the site.  Hopefully those issues are resolved (although I may still have a list server issue).

Airport economic development

The board has directed staff to put out an RFP for a consultant who can provide a study to determine how we can optimize economic activity at the airport and foster an economic engine that will help the entire town.  This airport-specific study is part of the larger economic development plan the board adopted last year, and will focus on the airport itself and surrounding areas.  Staff should have the RFP ready for the BOT's approval sometime in April.

Colorado Open Records Act

Transparency.  It is one of my most important values.  I have had a number of questions lately about how to obtain copies of various documents.  CORA, or the Colorado Open Records Act (similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act), guarantees that citizens have a right to all public documents.  In Erie, open records requests are processed through the town clerk.  There is generally a small fee associated with the request to cover the administrative expenses.

More information on public information requests can be obtained through the town's web site.

February 2, 2009

Happy Ground Hog Day

Here's hoping he doesn't see his shadow!

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What is lobbying?

Based on numerous question about the quasi-judicial process, I have received questions about what constitutes lobbying.  I will be posting an update to the FAQ section shortly, however, the short answer is that lobbying is any type of communication regarding wants or desires on a given subject.  For example, many people wanted to see tennis courts added to the Erie Community Park.  They phoned, sent e-mails, and came to the board meetings.  This is lobbying.  As the community park is a legislative issues, not quasi-judicial, trustees are free to listen to citizen input outside of board meetings, form our own opinions, and speak about those publicly.  This is why I have posted my thoughts on tennis courts, but have refrained on discussing specifics of any land use applications.

Unfortunately thanks to Washington, many people attribute lobbying with giving money.  State law and our own ethics ordinance tightly regulate this, and money or other inducements are generally not part of the lobbying process in municipal government.

In Erie, lobbying simply  means that a person is communicating with their elected officials.

January 29, 2009

The quasi-judicial process

I have received numerous communications lately involving a variety of issues that are quasi-judicial.  This is the most confusing and misunderstood of the board's responsibilities.  I have posted a summary of this process and all the BOT responsibilities on the Your Town Government page.  Please read this information and let me know if you have questions.

Erie Community Park

Staff presented the recommendation for the Erie Community Park, to be located north of the community center and library.  The park is beautiful in concept, however, I feel there is at least one under-represented amenity.  Several board members agree and we have asked staff to take the concept and work at least four tennis courts into the plan.  We look forward to seeing a revised plan in the coming weeks.

January 12, 2009

Web site updates

Due to a hectic personal holiday schedule, combined with a lack of meetings and general board business, I have not updated this web site in several weeks.  Now that we are into 2009 and have resumed "normal" board activities, I plan to post more regular updates.  Thank you for your patience.

Recreation amenities

As you may have seen, our consultant, GreenPlay, has been working on a new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master plan.  Many of you have e-mail expressing interest in one type of amenity over another (i.e. tennis courts instead of baseball fields).  The BOT has not made any final decisions on specifics yet, however, any decision will likely be based on community desires (as shown by the survey and other input), needs, and feasibility.  All pertinent information will be considered.  Thank you all for your input.  I encourage everyone to attend board meetings and contact us with your feelings on this matter.  GreenPlay will be providing a report at tomorrow night's BOT meeting.

Airport governance

One item that I am interested to learn more about is different options for governing the airport.  Currently the BOT has the final authority over the airport, with day-to-day management of town facilities by town staff, and a private vendor to oversee the fuel concession and other items.  Some other airports are managed in a different way, and I am interested to learn what other models are available, the pros and cons, and if there might be a more efficient and effective way to govern our airport for the benefit of the entire community.  Staff has done some preliminary research and should be presenting some information at tomorrow's meeting.

December 14, 2008

Spotlight on business

I have added a new section to the website called Spotlight, where I will highlight a different Erie business each week (or so - results may vary).  Please see the spotlight box directly under The Boardroom.  I have also added a page listing various Erie businesses.

December 13, 2008

Museum Opens Its Doors... in Erie!

On Thursday I had the privilege to tour the Spirit of Flight Center, located at Erie Municipal Airport.  This museum and event venue recently relocated from Lafayette and celebrates the "past, present, and future of flight," with a focus on World War II vintage memorabilia.

I believe this center is a wonderful amenity for the town.  I cannot even begin to do justice to the museum and center in this short posting, so I encourage everyone to check out their web site and visit the museum.

Gordon Page and his team are doing a great job with the center and have plans for future expansion of the facility.  They have acquired some truly unique aircraft and artifacts, many of which are being restored to flying condition.  I applaud their efforts to keep this essential history alive, and I am thrilled they have chosen Erie as a location.

Different parts of the facility can also be rented for events, such as corporate training and retreats, receptions, weddings, and almost any other occasion.  With both indoor and outdoor venues, as well as commercial cooking facilities and meeting rooms, Spirit of Flight can meet just about any need.

The center and also helps make our town a destination to attract visitors.  Whether coming in for an event or traveling to visit the museum, it gives people a reason to experience Erie.

I believe having a unique history museum located in our town is just another jewel in the crown that is Erie.

December 6, 2008

Public Hearings

There are a number of public hearings scheduled for this Tuesday's BOT meeting.  See the summary at the right or consult the agenda.

2009 Budget

The BOT will be voting on the proposed 2009 budget this Tuesday.  If you have any thoughts or input, please contact the BOT or attend the public hearing.  Citizen input is vital and appreciated!

Current proposed expenses are about $13.5 million from the general fund and $20 million from the various other town funds. 

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December 2, 2008

Airport Culvert Update

Town staff has worked out a temporary agreement with the users of the crossing in order to keep it operational while options for a final resolution are considered.

November 30, 2008

Judicial Appointment

The board voted to appoint Judge Willard Hardesty as our new municipal judge, pending a background check.

Airport Culvert

There is a culvert at the airport that provides a crossing over Coal Creek for two airport businesses.  Previously, there was an agreement in place that the businesses would pay the maintenance costs of this culvert.  According to town staff, these businesses recently informed the town that they did not wish to renew this agreement and maintain the culvert.  It was reported to the BOT by staff that this culvert may be falling into disrepair and could create a safety issue.  As such, the BOT voted to temporarily close the crossing until the issue could be studied and an appropriate long term solution reached.  Personally, I want to ensure the safety of all airport facilities, which is why I voted for the closure.  At the same time, I didn't feel we were sufficiently prepared to make a long-term decision on the future of this culvert, which is why I would like to see further study on the issue.

Prior to the businesses declining to renew the maintenance agreement, the town had applied for a grant to repair / replace this culvert.  The board voted on Tuesday to accept the grant funds.  This vote does not require that we replace the culvert, but it simply keeps the option of the grant open for the future.  Had we not voted to accept the funds, the grant would have been lost, thus reducing our options.

The BOT has directed the Airport Advisory Board (AAB) to review this situation and make recommendations to the trustees.  The next AAB meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 pm at town hall.  Public attendance is welcomed.

November 23, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to my new web site.  Here I plan to post issues and events surrounding your town government that are of interest to Erie residents.  Please feel free to e-mail with any questions you may have and I will attempt to answer your questions and/or concerns via this public forum.

Municipal Judge

Due to the recent passing of our municipal judge, Fred Steel, the Board of Trustees last Thursday interviewed three candidates to fill the position.  We expect to make a decision and appoint a new municipal judge at this Tuesday's board meeting.

Commercial Development

Walgreens has broken ground and is currently under construction at the SE corner of Leon A. Wurl and County Line.