Erie council appoints Josh Malm to Erie Highlands Metro District No. 1 after residents urge action

Erie Town Council voted to appoint Josh Malm to the Erie Highlands Metropolitan District No. 1 Board of Directors following a public comment period in which multiple neighbors urged the council to intervene in a board stalemate.

Residents described recent board dysfunction and a pending recall of a seated director. Barry Luganville, who said he lives in Erie Highlands, told the council the district has been "unable to function responsibly" after the board failed to fill a vacancy and accused the board president of refusing to follow procedures. He urged the town to appoint Malm to restore stability.

Christie Bowers, who identified herself as a resident of Erie Highlands Metro District 1, described the board as "paralyzed by dysfunction" and said one applicant, Tony Filias, should be disqualified because his spouse is a sitting board member and is the subject of a recall election. Bowers said more than 320 neighbors had signed a recall petition for Christine Philias.

Josh Malm, who addressed the council, said he previously served as director and president of the district and that town action to fill the vacancy would help the district meet its statutory obligation to adopt a 2026 budget before the December 15 deadline. "By acting tonight, you're also helping the district fulfill its statutory responsibilities to adopt a 2026 budget," Malm said.

Mayor Pro Tem stated on the record that he would recuse himself from the appointment decision because he had, in his words, recommended Malm to the Weld County commissioners by personal email and sought legal counsel; he said his recusal was to avoid any appearance of impropriety. The mayor pro tem's recusal was noted on the record prior to council discussion.

Several council members cited resident outreach and Malm's prior service and professional experience in supporting the appointment. The council made a motion to appoint Josh Malm; the presiding officer called the question and stated the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote or a named mover and seconder for the motion; the presiding officer congratulated Malm following the announcement.

What happens next: The town's appointment fills the district's board to allow it to complete regular business, including adoption of its 2026 budget. The council noted the unusual circumstances that prompted town involvement and said it would follow up if additional implementation or statutory questions arise.