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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/19/2023 - Transportation Board - Agenda - Regular Meeting07/19/2023 Agenda Page 1 Transportation Board Meeting SUMMARY AGENDA Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, 6:00 PM Online via Zoom This Transportation Board meeting will be conducted on-line via Zoom. Participants should join at least 5 minutes prior to the 6:00 p.m. start time. ONLINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: You will need an internet connection on a laptop, computer, or smartphone, and may join the meeting through Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/join Webinar ID:992 3667 9837, Passcode 735155. Keep yourself on muted status. For public comments, the Chairperson will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to comment. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BY PHONE: Please dial +1-719-359-4580 and enter Meeting ID 99236679837; Passcode 73515. Keep yourself on muted status. For public comments, when the Chair asks participants to click the “Raise Hand” button if they wish to speak, phone participants will need to press *9 to do this. Staff will be moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Board. When you are called, press *6 to unmute yourself. Documents to Share: Any document or presentation a member of the public wishes to provide to the Transportation Board for its consideration must be emailed to aiverson@fcgov.com at least 24 hours before the meeting. Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the Zoom platform or participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments to aiverson@fcgov.com at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If your comments are specific to any of the discussion items on the agenda, please indicate that in the subject line of your email. Staff will ensure your comments are provided to the Transportation Board. 07/19/2023 Agenda Page 2 Transportation Board Meeting SUMMARY AGENDA Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, 6:00 PM Online via Zoom AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (MAY AND JUNE 2023) 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7. NEW BUSINESS a. East Mulberry Plan (Megan Keith, Ryan Mounce) Information, Feedback (45 minutes) b. Discuss proposed changes to Bicycle Advisory Committee, Feedback (20 minutes) c. Snow Routes letter to City Council, Action, (20 minutes) 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Bicycle Advisory Committee Report b. City Council 6 Month Calendar Review c. Staff Liaison Report 10. ADJOURNMENT TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR May 17, 2023, 6:00 p.m. In Person at the Streets Department, with Virtual Option Via Zoom 5 /1 7 /202 3 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Cari Brown Vice Chair: Council Liaison: Ed Peyronnin Emily Francis Staff Liaison: Aaron Iverson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cari Brown, Chair Ed Peyronnin, Vice Chair James Burtis Nathalie Rachline Stephanie Blochowiak Jess Dyrdahl BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Owens Jerry Gavaldon Indy Hart CITY STAFF PRESENT: Darren Moritz Phil Martinez Steve Varnell James Reed PUBLIC PRESENT: None 3. AGENDA REVIEW Iverson stated there were no changes to the published agenda. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 2023 Rachline made a motion, seconded by Blochowiak to approve the April 2023 Transportation Board minutes as written. The motion was adopted unanimously. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 5 /1 7 /2023 – MINUTES Page 2 None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Streets Department Presentation and Facility Tour – Streets Staff Darren Moritz, Streets Department, stated the Streets annual budget is about $28 million with $18 million of that being dedicated to the Street Maintenance Program (SMP) which aims to extend the life of the city’s roadways. Phil Martinez, Street Maintenance Program Project Manager, noted roadways are the biggest asset of a city and he discussed the role of the SMP which includes street resurfacing, street reconstruction, sidewalk maintenance, pothole filling, asphalt patching, street sweeping, traffic control, and snow removal, among many others. Moritz discussed the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and noted roads that are in good condition cost less to maintain. He discussed the funding sources for Streets, including the quarter-cent street maintenance tax and the general fund. Additionally, specific projects have been funded from reserves. He discussed the data collection vehicle that is hired to take images of roadways every four years. Vice Chair Peyronnin asked if roundabouts are less expensive to maintain than signalized intersections. Moritz replied roundabouts move traffic more efficiently; however, repairs are complex and, if made of concrete, are very expensive. He also commented on the way Fort Collins developed and the lack of available right-of-way in developed areas for roundabouts. Rachline mentioned that the recent ThinkBike workshop included a number of concepts that we could look at to improve the street system, including the positive impacts of roundabouts. Rachline noted how important what Streets does in regard to impact on climate issues. Vice Chair Peyronnin also noted that during the recent ThinkBike workshop there was a discussion about making roundabouts the default intersection choice and traffic signals would need to be justified otherwise. Vice Chair Peyronnin asked if something could be changed to make roundabouts the default intersection style in future developments. Moritz replied that is a good question for Engineering. (**Secretary’s Note: Board members took a tour of the Streets facility and equipment at this point in the meeting.) Moritz commented on the skills required by the Streets team to operate the equipment, including the rehabilitation and patching crew, traffic control crew, sweeping crew, graffiti abatement team, and crushing facility group. Steve commented on the recycling of asphalt, concrete, dirt, and toilets. He stated over 84,000 tons of material was diverted from the landfill in 2022 and Fort Collins TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 5 /1 7 /2023 – MINUTES Page 3 had the best industrial recycling rate in Colorado in 2022. Moritz commented on the street sweeping program and noted 3,034,000 pounds of debris was collected in 2022. Rachline commented on debris in the bike lanes on Shields. Moritz stated arterials are swept twice per month and the high volume of traffic on Shields makes that roadway particularly difficult. Rachline stated it is not safe to walk or ride a bike in many areas because of debris and the measure of satisfaction should be with residents, not in pounds of debris collected, and more out- of-the-box thinking needs to be utilized. Moritz noted the community and Council have been supportive of adding sweeping operations and sand has been eliminated from snow removal work. Burtis noted there are plans for protected bike lanes on a number of arterials in the Active Modes Plan and asked if there are plans for maintenance of those bike lanes. Moritz replied he recently demoed a vacuum sweeper on Mulberry and Streets will be putting in a BFO offer for a sweeper for the protected bike lanes and commented on the collaboration between Streets and FC Moves. Moritz discussed the graffiti abatement program noting it relies on reports from the public and the response time is less than one day. Moritz discussed the snow and ice removal program. They discussed the technology utilized in snow removal to help improve efficiency and reduce costs. He discussed the in-house salt brine program as well. Vice Chair Peyronnin asked if Streets also plows the paved trails. Steve replied they pave the Mason Trail but the Parks Department plows the others. Chair Brown noted several Board Members have expressed concern about debris in bike lanes. Burtis asked about prioritizing high-comfort bike lanes for snow removal. Moritz replied new drivers are trained to address bike ways. Steve commented on difficulty with on-street parked cars pushing plowed snow back into the bike ways. Steve also commented on the possibility of utilizing salt brine on bike ways to help prevent hard packing prior to plowing. Chair Brown asked why on-street parking during snow events is allowed. Moritz replied emergency plow routes used to exist; however, Council removed those in the early 2000’s. He acknowledged the plow routes would make snow removal much easier. Various board members requested that the Board elevate the issue of bringing back snow routes and would like to discuss at a future meeting with the potential of sending a recommendation to City Council. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 5 /1 7 /2023 – MINUTES Page 4 Iverson read Dyrdahl’s report regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission’s work session during which a basketball gym development, Land Use Code updates and outreach opportunities, and Board and Commission ethics were discussed. Additionally, she stated she was accepted as a recipient of the City’s E-bike program. Blochowiak reported Council will be considering 1041 regulations on second reading on May 16th. She stated those regulations would likely apply to the Mulberry and I-25 interchange. Burtis commended the maintenance work of the Streets Department. Chair Brown concurred with Burtis and reported on a community health survey from 2019 related to the number of people who reported sending or reading text messages while driving. Vice Chair Peyronnin reported on an upcoming bike trip on the Empire State Bike Trail through New York. Rachline asked how quick next steps will be implemented based on the recommendations provided by the group from the Netherlands and requested follow-up from staff. Additionally, she stated she will be working from France and will miss the next two meetings. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Bicycle Advisory Committee Report Iverson reported the BAC has been discussing bike parks and has put together a letter which will be forwarded to the Board on the topic. b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review Iverson noted Council will be discussing sustainable revenue, E-device parking updates, the East Mulberry Corridor Plan, and the Transportation Capital Project Prioritization Study at upcoming work sessions and regular meetings. c. Staff Liaison Report Iverson noted Owens will no longer be able to attend both the Planning and Zoning and BAC meetings. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. by unanimous consent. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR June 21, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Via Zoom 6 /21/202 3 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Cari Brown Vice Chair: Council Liaison: Ed Peyronnin Emily Francis Staff Liaison: Aaron Iverson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cari Brown, Chair Ed Peyronnin, Vice Chair Jerry Gavaldon James Burtis Indy Hart Jess Dyrdahl Rob Owens Stephanie Blochowiak BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Nathalie Rachline CITY STAFF PRESENT: Noah Beals Rachel Ruhlen Cortney Geary PUBLIC PRESENT: Anna (last name not given) Megan (last name not given) 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Brown suggested postponement of the last item on the new business agenda should the meeting go past 8:00 p.m. Iverson stated there were no other changes to the published agenda. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Anna tated she is present to observe. Megan stated she too is present to observe. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 2 (**Secretary’s Note: Blochowiak arrived at this point in the meeting.) 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 2023 Rachline provided additions to the snow removal discussion and the Think Bike workshop discussion. (**Secretary’s Note: Vice Chair Peyronnin arrived at this point in the meeting.) Gavaldon suggested postponement of the minutes item until the additions are complete. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Volunteer to attend Planning and Zoning Meetings Iverson stated Dyrdahl has offered to attend the meetings when available. Dyrdahl stated she missed the June meeting, but did attend the May meeting and will plan to attend as possible moving forward. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Land Use Code Updates – Noah Beals Noah Beals, Development Review Manager, stated staff has been directed by Council to begin a new public engagement process after the adoption and subsequent repeal of the updated Land Use Code. He stated walking tours throughout the city, virtual information sessions, an open house, and a deliberative forum have occurred as part of the outreach efforts. Additionally, he noted community engagement will continue once alternatives are developed per the first set of outreach efforts. He outlined the proposed schedule for the coming months culminating in bringing an ordinance before Council in late September. Beals stated the ultimate goal of this phase of the Land Use Code update is to implement adopted plans, particularly the Housing Strategic Plan, and the second phase will address non-residential uses, though its scope has yet to be finalized. He mentioned the five guiding principles used for this phase and discussed the six main topic areas that have resulted in the most public comment, including increasing housing choices, creating more affordable housing, ensuring new housing types fit within the existing character of neighborhoods, ensuring the development review process is clear, addressing the interaction of the Land Use Code with HOA’s, and addressing concerns with infrastructure and utilities. Beals stated there will be many factors in drafting the new language, includ ing input from Council which will be informed from the concerns and suggestions received during public outreach and aligning with the guiding principles. He went on to discuss how building types will be addressed and the importance of getting to a place where housing choices and capacity increase while also having neighborhood compatibility. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 3 Beals discussed the ways in which the repealed Code addressed private covenants, or HOA’s which stated the HOA could not create further restrictions that prohibit the City’s adopted housing policies from being implemented; however, it did not eliminate HOA’s. In terms of parking, Beals noted the repealed Code would have allowed for a reduction in off-street parking requirements for an affordable housing project to allow space for more units. He noted market-rate housing did not have any substantive changes to the parking standards. He also noted the repealed Code did not include a requirement to add an additional off-street parking space for an accessory dwelling unit and staff has heard a number of concerns related to that issue. Beals noted public engagement in the development review process is also being explored. He outlined the three existing types of development review noting the requirements for each level of review do not change; however, the decision maker does change, as does whether a public hearing or neighborhood meeting is required. He stated the possibility of moving housing projects through the development review process more quickly is being considered, though all projects would require public notice. He discussed the possibility of building in a public comment time period for basic development review projects. Beals stated preventing new accessory dwelling units from being short-term rentals will likely be a provision that moves forward and existing situations will need to be addressed. He stated staff is currently forming a memo that will go to Council at the end of the month that provides analysis and overview of the public engagement to date and that will be followed by another memo that will outline possible alternatives. Following that, on July 31st, more solid alternatives will be presented at Council’s work session and public drafts of the Code with additional public and Board outreach will occur subsequently. Gavaldon asked Beals if he plans to meet with the Board of Realtors. Beals replied he was unsure if anything has been scheduled; however, they frequently request presentations and may be waiting until alternatives have been developed. Dyrdahl commended staff work on outreach and asked if the comments and feedback received during this round of public outreach have differed from those received prior to the repeal. Beals replied the six main topic areas were identified in May and those remain the primary areas of comment and concerns. Gavaldon expressed concern regarding reducing parking requirements for affordable housing which will force cars onto streets. He also suggested staff may need to look at HOA’s more closely and do some test cases related to bylaws and architectural review controls. He noted people frequently buy into neighborhoods with HOA’s and metro districts for a reason. He asked if staff has met with the group that initiated the repeal. Beals replied staff has met with certain members of the group and have TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 4 engaged with the group as much as they have wanted to engage. Chair Brown stated Rachline’s husband, who is on the Energy Board, recently expressed concern that some of the parking changes could eliminate some options for people to have electric vehicles. She also expressed concern about accessory dwelling units being used for short-term rentals and stated she believes many people buy homes in neighborhoods with HOA’s because they are less expensive. Blochowiak commended staff on public outreach efforts and the mention of alignment with adopted long-range plans and policies. She noted those plan efforts also included a great deal of public outreach. She commended the proposals for development review and public comments which aim to streamline the process while also allowing for a specific public comment period. Burtis asked why transportation is not more obviously tied into the Land Use Code, specifically why more infill around the College and Harmony area is not being pushed given the number of large empty parking lots in the area. He asked why a requirement for mixed-use or some type of reduction in parking requirements is not part of the consideration in the Harmony and College area. Beals replied his presentation focused mainly on the six broad areas of concern, but he noted sta ff looked at the CG, Harmony Corridor, and Employment zone districts that do allow for some residential development and examined the review type. He stated the repealed Code did include some incentives to encourage mixed -use development in those districts found mostly around College. Additionally, staff examined the zone districts around current and future bus rapid transit lines and found them to be primarily LMN. The repealed Code increased the maximum density in the LMN from 9 to 12 units per acre, and eliminated the maximum density requirement entirely for affordable housing developments in the LMN. He noted the second phase of Land Use Code updates will include a deeper look at the TOD zone district. Owens stated it would be helpful to know the times and estimated costs of the various review processes. Beals replied he does not have the exact estimates; however, he noted time is money and the review process timeline particularly affects 100% affordable housing projects as those suppliers are competing for grants. Owens commented on questions related to why more development is not happening around bus rapid transit lines. Beals noted phase one was attempting to not remap anything and future efforts could look at mapping other areas of the city for TOD overlay or refining the existing TOD overlay zone. Owens asked if Fort Collins has such a demand that would cause a massive spike in utilizing accessory dwelling units as short-term rentals. Beals replied a great deal of work has already gone into the short-term rental guidelines; therefore, it was not a focus of the Land Use Code work. However, concerns have been raised regarding using new ADU’s as short-term rentals and the repealed Code stated that would only TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 5 be allowed in the zone districts in which short-term rentals are already allowed. He stated the City’s short-term rental licenses fluctuated between 350 and 400 units and he could not speak to whether increasing ADU’s would increase that number. Chair Brown commended public outreach efforts. b. E-scooter Code Changes, Letter to Council from BAC – Rachel Ruhlen Rachel Ruhlen, FC Moves, discussed the history of the SPIN micromobility share program and work to complete a study on SPIN device parking behavior. She outlined the parking counter measures that were developed as a result, including parking boxes, six of which have been installed around town, rider penalties, and education about how to park properly. She noted existing regulations are very strict about where shared micromobility devices can be parked and vary from where personally owned bikes or E-bikes can be parked. She outlined the proposed changes that would simplify the Code to remove language specific to shared micromobility. Additionally, she stated staff can work with SPIN outside of the ordinance to be more restrictive in certain areas, such as downtown, for example. Ruhlen noted the BAC wrote a memo in support of the change. Chair Brown noted the BAC is requesting the Board take action on this item by voting to send the memo to Council. Hart made a motion for the Transportation Board to support the Code changes and forward on to Council the May 22nd E-scooter memo from the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Hart stated it appears the City staff and the BAC put a great deal of effort, analysis, and data into the memo. Blochowiak seconded the motion. Burtis commended the proposed changes and stated additional education may be helpful. Gavaldon stated the red striping on the parking boxes seems to be sending a mixed message and requested it be removed. He questioned whether motor scooters or motorcycles could use the parking boxes and opposed using vehicle parking spaces for bicycles. He stated he is not impressed with the efforts of SPIN to relocate its vehicles. Burtis stated many of the vehicles he has seen strewn into lawns or other areas were moved because they were in the way in the sidewalk and expressed support for other parking options. Gavaldon agreed with Burtis’ statement; however, he stated SPIN should be doing a better job. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 6 The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Brown, Peyronnin, Burtis, Blochowiak, Dyrdahl, Owens and Hart. Nays: Gavaldon. THE MOTION CARRIED. Chair Brown commended the staff work on the item. c. Bicycle Advisory Committee Letter to Council Regarding Recreational Bicycle Facilities – Cortney Geary Hart made a motion for the Transportation Board to support and forward on to Council the April 28th recreational bicycle facilities memo from the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Hart stated it appears the BAC did a great deal of work to produce the memo. Burtis seconded the motion. Cortney Geary, FC Moves, provided some background on how the BAC opted to make recommendations for the City to provide support for recreational bicycling amenities, which started with a discussion about the Hughes Stadium site, though this memo does not mention that location specifically. She noted the memo recommends that FC Moves and Parks and Recreation work together to plan for recreational bicycling facilities. She noted this does have a tie to the adopted Active Modes Plan. Chair Brown noted this memo and Transportation Board support would not require any action on the City’s part. Gavaldon asked if the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder is similar to something that would be contemplated. Geary replied that is the type of facility the BAC is recommending the City plan for. Gavaldon asked if the BAC is recommending the City fund this type of facility at the expense of taxpayers or if the advocacy group will be funding the project. Geary replied the BAC is recommending the City plan for it and that recreational bicycling facilities be prioritized and funded by City dollars; however, it would not preclude some type of public/private partnership for funding. Gavaldon asked about the acreage requirements for such a facility and expressed concern it could be too large for the Hughes Stadium site, which was intended for open space. Geary noted there is no reference in the memo to Hughes Stadium or an acreage amount. Gavaldon thanked Geary for work on the item but stated he would oppose the motion as he does not believe this type of facility is appropriate, particularly for the Hughes site, and it should be privately funded. Burtis noted the Parks budget is running at a deficit and given the expense of TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 7 maintenance, he asked if not just the construction of the facility, but also its long-term maintenance would be more costly than other potential recreational uses. Geary replied Parks is one of the areas that is under consideration for sustainable funding and increasing maintenance funding. Additionally, she noted the BAC memo recommends not only prioritizing the creation of the facilities, but also the funding for their maintenance. She stated a new funding source, such as a grant, would need to be found as this is not something the Parks Department could cover in its existing budget. Burtis expressed concern a grant would cover the construction of the facility, but not necessarily the long-term maintenance. He stated he is having a difficult time justifying support for recreational bicycling facilities as the city already has a number of recreational facilities of other types. Vice Chair Peyronnin noted that while this topic started with the discussion of the Hughes property, it evolved into more of a community-wide issue with some acknowledgment that Hughes may not be an appropriate location. He stated the suggestion is more around directing part of the funding pie toward bicycling infrastructure as Fort Collins is a cycling community and it lacks areas to train and teach cycling. Dyrdahl stated this type of a facility has been shown to be a priority for residents and she will support the motion. Owens noted the Active Modes Plan aims to increase ridership to 50% of trips, which will not necessarily just come from increased street infrastructure. He suggested creating spaces for people to ride recreationally does support the Active Modes goals and will likely increase on-street ridership and commuter trips. Hart noted the Board could forward the BAC memo while sending its own letter indicating what it may disagree with, and a motion could be rephrased depending on the vote. Chair Brown noted this item also does not require any action by the City. Burtis stated he would prefer dollars to be spent on bicycling transportation rather than recreation. Geary noted the BAC referenced the survey which indicated mountain bike courses and bike parks being supported by 12.1% and 6.8% of respondents stating these are the highest need for a type of recreation facility in the community, which in combination makes them the highest identified need, and yet there is no reference to future bike parks within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. She also noted this does not commit Council to providing any funding. Per Burtis’ comment, Hart stated it is also possible a pot of money could be used for bike infrastructure versus street widening for vehicles. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 8 The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Brown, Peyronnin, Blochowiak, Dyrdahl, Owens and Hart. Nays: Burtis and Gavaldon. THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Discuss Letter to Council Regarding Car Removal on Snow Routes Chair Brown stated this item will be postponed to the next meeting. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Vice Chair Peyronnin reported on a bike ride from Montreal to Manhattan down the Empire State Bike Trail and suggested the infrastructure here could make that type of experience a tourist attraction. (**Secretary’s Note: Chair Brown had to leave the meeting at this point and Vice Chair Peyronnin took over.) Hart congratulated the Board on having a good meeting last month. He reported on going on a number of bike rides, one of which was on the trails and roads out toward I-25 to investigate Poudre Trail connections. He stated nothing has changed in the area, though he knew the concrete work for Timnath to complete the underpass has gone to bid. He questioned Fort Collins’ plan to make the connection once Timnath finishes its part, or if Timnath is completing the trail. Iverson replied he will follow up. Hart noted the Board was previously told the connection would be complete by the end of the summer. Hart suggested Fort Collins needs to look at the trail connections between existing trails and what will be done for the Poudre Trail. Vice Chair Peyronnin stated the underpass trail under I-25 is complete and the connection for Fort Collins is supposed to go back across the development to the Environ mental Learning Center, which he thought would be done around 2025. Owens stated the BAC received an update at its last meeting from Geary though he could not recall the details. Iverson stated he would send out an email update. Hart reported there is no connection from the existing Poudre Trail to Arapaho Bend, and once in Arapaho Bend, there is no connection to where the trail will be. He stated Fort Collins needs to be prepared to make those connections when the other pieces are complete. He also commented on the need for the Harmony overpass. Dyrdahl thanked Iverson for sharing his board member report at the last meeting and reported on Salida’s excellent mountain biking infrastructure. She stated she was chosen as a participant in the E-bike program for the City. (**Secretary’s Note: Chair Brown returned at this point in the meeting.) Gavaldon concurred Harmony Road needs to be addressed for bike infrastructure but expressed concern about funding. He also reported on witnessing a bike accident on Drake TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 6 /21/2023 – MINUTES Page 9 Road and stated cyclists need to take some responsibility for their safety. He announced the bike-in Day of the Dead celebration in October at the Museo de las Tres Colonias and a boat model sailing event Saturday at City Park. Burtis reported he had his first bike accident at the train tracks on North Mason just south of Cherry. He stated he has spent the past two weeks at a workshop at CSU and suggested the possibility of working with CSU to provide visitor bike rentals. Owens reported on the Bike the Rockies event which is a ride from Fort Collins, across Rocky Mountain National Park, to Granby and Winter Park, and back. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Bicycle Advisory Committee Report Owens noted Bike to Work Day is June 28th and the closing ceremony will be at Foothills Mall. He also reported the BAC received a presentation on the update to the Strategic Paved Trails Master Plan which will begin in early 2024. b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review Iverson stated Council will be considering E-Scooter Code updates at its July 18th meeting and will be considering sustainable funding options, the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Council Committee on Boards and Commissions, the transportation capital projects prioritization study, and the Downtown parking study at upcoming work sessions. c. Staff Liaison Report Iverson reported the Ad Hoc Council Committee on Boards and Commissions has one more formal meeting in July and will be discussing the Bicycle Advisory Committee. He noted the Active Modes Plan includes a recommendation to refresh the BAC to be an Active Modes Committee and there will be a discussion as to whether the Committee should be its own Board rather than a subcommittee of the Transportation Board. Gavaldon asked if there is still a possibility of combining the Parking Board with the Transportation Board. Iverson replied he has not heard anything about the Parking Board for a number of months and he will follow up. Hart questioned if the Transportation Board would become a ‘motorized’ vehicle Board if the BAC became its own Board. Iverson acknowledged there are many different structures that could be put in place. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. by unanimous consent. East Mulberry Plan & Potential AnnexationJuly 19, 2023Transportation Board Update 2Mulberry ContextCooper SloughVine Dr.Mulberry St.Link Ln.Lemay Ave.Timberline Rd.Prospect Rd.Timberline Rd.MosaicBloomCloverleafClydesdale ParkSunflowerKingfisher Point Natural AreaCollins AireTimbervineDry CreekRoselawn CemeteryAndersonvilleNueva VidaCountryside EstatesPleasant AcresThe VillasBoxelder EstatesWaterglenTrailheadBoxelder Creek 2002 East Mulberry Plan32002 East Mulberry Corridor Plan• Jointly adopted by Fort Collins and Larimer County • Primary plan objective was to implement the 1997 City Plan for the East Mulberry Corridor. Also addressed key issues such as: • Provision and maintenance of public facilities and services• Annexation • Costs of improvements• Redevelopment• Streetscape Design • Plan acknowledges that continued growth and change may impact quality of life in the area• Community members shared concerns about traffic congestion, safety, and infrastructure decline • Respond to changed conditions after 20 years• Creation of the enclave and eligibility for annexation occurred after the 2002 Plan was adopted • Align with the 2019 City Plan update and other comprehensive plan documents• Major new and planned developments that may be catalysts for other development in this area (Bloom and Peakview) • The plan area still has substantial portions of undeveloped land or areas that are likely to redevelop in the future East Mulberry Plan Update4Why Update? Why Now? East Mulberry Plan – Where We’ve Been Project Milestones2018• Enclave formed in August through a Council-approved annexation2021• Enclave became eligible for annexation in August of 2021• Phased annexation approach was explored• Met with Board of County Commissioners Nov. 20212022• Robust community engagement regarding future vision of the area• Met with full Council 4 times• Met with Council Finance committee 2 times• Joint City Council and Board of County Commissioners April 20222023• Engagement summary and Memo shared with City Council • Threshold annexation concept formalized• Plan scheduled for 1streading with City Council in September 20236 Key Takeaways • Council wants to move slowly and deliberately • Lessons learned from Southwest Enclave annexation• Requests for additional analysis (costs, opportunities, tradeoffs)• Landed on a strategy around thresholds for annexation (aka tipping points)7Direction from Council Community Engagement • Community Advisory Group• February Super Issues Meeting• Community Q&A SessionsLatest Events9Summary of Public Engagement:2,200+ Mailed Postcards200+ In-Person Business Visits100+ Virtual & In-PersonQ&A Session Participants300+ Newsletter Subscribers350+ Website Visitors150+ Thresholds Video Views • Maintaining mix of current uses, accommodating similar industrial uses as today.• Interest in aesthetic and improved function of Mulberry and other key corridors.• Desire for greater connectivity, continuity, and safety for all modes of transportation.• Some who hope for increased resources and attention toward transportation, policing, utilities, and other topics.What we heard from the community10General Perspectives• The impact of annexation on small businesses, especially in the near-term• Questions about what financial impact studies have been done• Questions regarding electric rates when switched over to FC electric service, future street maintenance and increased taxes and feesRecent Questions and Concerns 11Business Engagement•Recent engagement with local businesses:• FIBERLOK• Forney• Lamar•Poudre Valley Coop:• 5,000 total members, 2,000 voting members• Would like to maintain the opportunity to grow and expand.• Generally looking forward to the benefits of annexation•Business Engagement Meeting:• June 7th Plan Goals & Strategies 13East Mulberry Draft Plan TOCThe Draft East Mulberry Plan has three sections: 1. Introduction 2. Goals and Strategies (Big Ideas) 3. ImplementationSection 1: IntroductionAn Introduction to East Mulberry• Demographics Snapshot• History of East Mulberry• Enclave & Annexation (Terms to Know)Planning for East Mulberry• Planning milestones over time • 2002 East Mulberry Corridor PlanWhy Update, Why Now?• Existing & Changing Conditions • Community Priorities and What We’ve Heard• East Mulberry Enclave: History of Policy Guidance Section 2: Goals and Strategies Big Ideas for the Plan Update• 7 Plan Goals• Goal StrategyImplementation Action ItemSection 3: Implementation Framework Plan and Character AreasDevelopment Framework Annexation Thresholds Framework 14Plan Goals & PoliciesPlan Goals•Goal 1: Commercial/Industrial Hub (industrial/ag uses)•Goal 2: Stormwater infrastructure •Goal 3: Multimodal (mobility, streets)•Goal 4: Community Access (amenities & services)•Goal 5: Housing Affordability•Goal 6: Historic, Cultural, Natural Features (ecological health)•Goal 7: Gateway AestheticThe creation of the goals for this plan were driven by extensive community input, ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and aspiration of local businesses and residents. Just a few of the key themes that led to the establishment of the seven goals includes: • Maintain diversity of uses, preserve small businesses and industry• Preserve agricultural and industrial function• A big picture plan is needed to manage stormwater issues and flooding• Preserve affordability and rural character • Improved access to community amenities and grocery store• An integrated transportation system connecting neighborhoods to the surrounding area 15East Mulberry Plan GoalsCommercial and Industrial HubStormwater InfrastructureMultimodal ConnectivityCommunity AccessHousing AffordabilityHistoric, Cultural, and Natural FeaturesGateway Aesthetic 16Full Goal Text• Explore mechanisms to maintain housing affordability and existing character of residential neighborhoods. • Foster a healthy and prosperous commercial and industrial hub for the City, while remaining viable for small businesses and industry. • Improve visual appearance of the East Mulberry “Gateway” into Fort Collins.• Increase access for residents and businesses to community amenities and services. • Master plan, construct and maintain stormwater infrastructure to provide safe conveyance of stormwater flows and reduce flood risk. • Plan and support safe and comfortable infrastructure for multi-modal transportation. • Protect and promote significant natural, historic, and cultural resources that support a cohesive and resilient community using nature-based solutions. 17Goal Intent and Purpose: Support walking, rolling, bicycling, driving and commercial activities. Focus connections on safety and comfort, utilize creative design elements to ensure safe and efficient travel for all modes. Goal: Plan and support safe and comfortable infrastructure for multi-modal transportation.Some Strategies and Implementation Actions Supporting this Goal:• Augment existing streets to create safe and comfortable multi-modal connections prior to improving streets to full LCUASS standards• Identify deficiencies and prioritize opportunities to augment with safe infrastructure and traffic calming• Collaborate with CDOT, business owners, and other stakeholders on the redesign or augmentation of East Mulberry and frontage roads for multi-modal transportation• Active Modes Plan calls for side paths along East Mulberry. Coordinate implementation and design with CDOT • Upon annexation, create a transportation-specific plan for East Mulberry to analyze transportation needs• Establish safe and direct multi-modal connections within the East Mulberry Enclave• Improve transit serviceMultimodal ConnectivityWhat we Heard:• Transportation infrastructure needs improvements for all modes and at key intersections, especially for bikes and pedestrians• Improved bicycle and pedestrian activity to trails, open space, and downtown• Preserve access to key business and manufacturing corridors Annexation thresholds are a set of conditions that would determine when annexation would occur.• Follows a natural progression for annexing and offers flexibility in the size, location, and time when annexation occurs. • May help ensure the City can adequately serve annexed areas.Examples of Thresholds • Maintain logical boundaries to avoid a patchwork• Proactive Resource Protection (e.g., Cooper Slough)• Redevelopment risk (e.g., mobile home parks) • External Funding (e.g., I-25 Interchange or Mulberry Frontage)18Examples of ThresholdsEnclaveCity Limits‘Natural’ Annexations OccurIsland FormedCity Buffer StandardCounty Buffer StandardEnclaveCity Limits 19What does this all look like going forward? Threshold opportunities may take a significant amount of time. • Commercial vs. Residential – commercial areas more likely to be developed and be annexed than existing residential areas.• Residential communities have an option to pursue voluntary annexation. • Areas may be annexed even as utility and infrastructure investments remain years away.Thresholdand annexation consideration5+ yearsThresholdand annexation consideration10+ years15+ yearsThresholdand annexation consideration Transportation Strategies 21Transportation Framework Map• Key assumption is that long-term, the corridor will meet LCUASS standards and achieve the vision of Master Street Plan, Active Modes Plan, etc.• Framework map is geared towards priority and interim needs in the corridor 22Transportation Strategies• Create a transportation-specific plan for the East Mulberry corridor, analyzing transportation needs – focusing on multi-modal travel, opportunities, and defining strategies for implementation.• Timing dependent on annexation progress & resources• Focus on funding and implementation strategies• Detailed analysis of transportation opportunities at two locations:• Mulberry/Timberline/Lincoln/Summit View intersections• Mulberry & I-25 In interchange 23Transportation Strategies• Augment existing streets to create multi-modal connections that support safe and comfortable mobility, and potentially, traffic calming prior to improving streets to Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS).Potential corridors for augmentation:- Mulberry Street / Frontage Rds- Summit View-Link Ln 24Transportation Strategies• Collaborate with CDOT, adjacent business owners and other community stakeholders on the re-design or augmentation of Highway 14 (East Mulberry) and frontage roads for multi-modal transportation. Potential idea / further anlaysis: shared use paths along medians between Mulberry and Frontage RoadsMulberry StFrontage RdFrontage Rd 25• Plan and identify strategies, costs, funding, and timelines for City acceptance of public streets for maintenance. This includes CDOT ROW, existing and future improvement districts, and all street classifications. • Many streets in the corridor are not built/maintained to City standards• Under existing City policies, streets will only receive similar maintenance to what is provided by Larimer County• Improvement Districts are the most likely mechanism to help fund ongoing maintenance or street upgrades 26• Establish safe and direct multi-modal connections between destinations/character areas within the Mulberry sub-area, as well as primary travel corridors and to adjoining areas within the City of Fort Collins such as Downtown, natural areas, and the Mulberry & Lemay Crossings commercial area. • Continued implementation of existing City plans/policies• Active Modes Plan, 15-Minute Cities, Transit Master Plan• Trails Strategic Plan (2024)Air Park Drive Connectivity:Evaluate for possible future MSP Amendment 27Next Stepsfcgov.com/mulberryannexationTo read the draft plan and provide feedback/comments:Next Steps:•Plan Sections One and Two (Introduction and Goals & Strategies)• Mid-July Public Release (~1-month public review period)•Section Three (Implementation)• Late July Public Release (~1-month public review period)•September 19thFirst Reading (Anticipated)1 month+ review time of all plan sections for members of the public, stakeholders, and boards/committees Resource Slides