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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/08/2025 - TRANSPORTATION BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting10/8/2025 Agenda Page 1 TRANSPORTATION BOARD SUMMARY AGENDA October 8, 2025, 6:00PM – 8:00PM In person at 281 N. College, Conference Room A or online via Teams This hybrid TRANSPORTATION BOARD meeting will be conducted in person at 281 N College Ave, Conference Room A, or you may join online via Teams. 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 Teams at Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 224 295 374 904 8, Passcode J2eU2dG7. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). 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. 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 mdempsey@fcgov.com at least 24 hours before the meeting. Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the Teams platform or participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments to mdempsey@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. (Continued on next page) TRANSPORTATION BOARD SUMMARY AGENDA October 8, 2025 6:00PM – 8:00PM 10/8/25 Agenda 1.CALL TO ORDER [10 minutes for items 1-6] 2.ROLL CALL 3.AGENDA REVIEW 4.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION [3 minutes per participant] 5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.NEW BUSINESS [80 minutes] a.Discussion about City Traffic Engineer Position (Caryn Champine and Drew Brooks) [50 minutes] b.Work Plan 2026 [30 minutes] 8.BOARD REPORTS [20 minutes] a.Action Item Recap 9.OTHER BUSINESS [10 minutes] a.Staff Liaison Report b.City Council 6 Month Calendar Review 10. ADJOURNMENT TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR September 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Online Via Zoom or In-Person at 281 North College 9 /17/202 5 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Ed Peyronnin Vice Chair: Council Liaison: Alexa Nickoloff Susan Gutowsky Staff Liaison: Melina Dempsey 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Peyronnin called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2.ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Peyronnin, Chair Alexa Nickoloff, Vice Chair David Baker Lourdes Alvarez Michael Hooker James Burtis BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Amanda Finch Ryan Noles Emily Felton CITY STAFF PRESENT: Clay Frickey Megan Keith PUBLIC PRESENT: Michelle Schiffbauer 3.AGENDA REVIEW Chair Peyronnin stated there were no changes to the published agenda. 4.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Michelle (no last name given) commented on the Transfort schedule changes impacting TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9/17 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 2 CSU students. She asked if there could be some research into the changes to route 7 which has decreased to once an hour and arrives on the hour, which is the time most classes start. Dempsey noted she replied to Michelle via email and stated she forwarded the concern on to Transfort service planners. She also noted route frequencies have decreased given the current funding reality and continued driver shortages. She stated she would follow up with additional information. Chair Peyronnin and Vice Chair Nickoloff encouraged Michelle and her daughter, who is a CSU student, to reach out to CSU with the concerns particularly given the fees paid by CSU for Transfort. 5. APPROVAL OF MINTUES – AUGUST 2025 Alvarez made a motion, seconded by Burtis, to approve the August 2025 minutes as written. The motion was adopted unanimously. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chair Peyronnin noted Cortney Geary reiterated her appreciation for the Board’s input regarding the Safer Streets Northwest project. Additionally, Chair Peyronnin noted the Board has laid out three main points of focus: Transfort, parking, and safety, and he noted the Land Use Code presentation does not mention Vision Zero or safety, nor do the Council priorities. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Land Use Code – Commercial Corridors and Centers Update (Clay Frickey and Megan Keith) Megan Keith, Senior Planner, and Clay Frickey, Planning Manager, introduced themselves. Keith noted they are seeking a recommendation from the Board to City Council on the adoption of the Land Use Code at some point prior to First Reading on October 21st. She stated the focus of this update is the future of commercial corridors and centers with a focus on commercial zone districts, and aligning the Land Use Code updates with other City policies and community needs, including 15-Minute City goals, City Plan, Our Climate Future, and others. She outlined the guiding principles that were developed to align with various Council priorities. Keith provided an overview of proposed Code changes, including changes to the transit-oriented development overlay district related to eliminating parking minimums and adjusting allowed uses, changes to Employment (E) and Harmony Corridor (HC) zone districts, adding new building types, cleaning up design standards in Article 5, and forming a new change-of-use process. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9/17 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 3 Chair Peyronnin asked if there will be efforts to repurpose existing parking lots should the parking minimums be eliminated. Keith replied the change would only apply upon some type of redevelopment proposal. Burtis asked if the resistance to removing car dealerships from the TOD is coming from community or business feedback. Keith replied it is coming from businesses and other groups, though additional prohibitions on other uses could be considered in the future. Alvarez asked if there are separate designations for used car lots versus new dealerships. Staff replied in the negative. Alvarez suggested there may be a way to distinguish those given the differences in character of the two. Keith detailed the proposed changes for the Employment and Harmony Corridor zone districts, including adjusting to a 50/50 primary/secondary use split, allowing stand alone residential to replace existing parking lots, allowing certain primary use exceptions for mixed-use buildings, allowing residential buildings to be a maximum of six stories, and allowing affordable housing projects to be exempt from the primary/secondary use split. Alvarez asked if the Land Use Code speaks to maximum speed limits. Keith replied in the negative. Frickey replied that information, along with all street design standards, is in the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS). He also mentioned that an important part of Vision Zero is trying to ensure the built environment is more friendly for pedestrians; therefore, requiring large parking lots is counter to Vision Zero. Chair Peyronnin suggested calling out safety of residents as being important. Alvarez asked if the Land Use Code contains information as to business access to roadways. Keith replied the Land Use Code contains information about block sizes and access points in relation to intersections. Keith detailed the proposed changes to building types and design standards, including adding non-residential buildings types ‘shopfront,’ which replaces ‘mixed-use’ and broadens the category, and ‘general,’ consolidating, clarifying, and updating standards in Articles 3 and 5, and converting text standards to illustrations and tables whenever possible. Keith outlined the updates to the change of use process which aim to improve predictability of the Land Use Code, especially to support small business owners. She noted there are new tables that outline proposed exterior and interior changes that determine amendment type: no amendment, micro and parkway landscape amendment, minor amendment, and major amendment. Additionally, a table has been created that lists site improvements and which are applicable based on amendment type. Keith noted public review versions of the Land Use Code articles are available on the City’s website and there are several resources available to aid review of the draft. She TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9/17 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 4 stated First Reading is planned for October 21st and Second Reading is planned for December 2nd. Burtis asked if any of the changes apply to the Community Commercial district. Frickey replied the changes are concentrated to the TOD, Employment, and Harmony Corridor zone districts. He stated staff is planning to look at the rest of the commercial zone districts next year to determine whether they can be consolidated or better differentiated. Members commented on the benefits of filling in surface parking lots with housing. Chair Peyronnin stated the Board will discuss writing a memo of support, but noted they would likely request a more direct inclusion of safety. 8. BOARD REPORTS Chair Peyronnin commented on the recent Vision Zero Super Issues Board meeting noting more than half of the Board members were present. He stated his opinion of the presentation was that it was unimpressive in the way it was delivered, and it was more operational and less strategic. He stated he believes better work could be done and noted he requested a meeting with Caryn Champine and Drew Brooks, which will be happening tomorrow. He noted a new Traffic Director is being sought and stated this is an opportunity for the Board to provide some input to encourage forward movement with Vision Zero. Vice Chair Nickoloff stated she would like to be part of the interview process for the Traffic Director and stated that position has a great deal of power over people’s day-to-day lives and how interactions with trains occur. Additionally, she expressed concern over traffic signal timing, particularly at rush hour. She commented on a new free AI project called Green Light that is meant to review how traffic flows in a city and reduce emissions, and stated it would be great if the Board could recommend that be put in place. Hooker stated he would like to see the Traffic Director be someone who knows how traffic works while also being innovative. He stated it will be important to have a willingness to look at other communities where things are working well. Members commented on the importance of the Traffic Director job description and Alvarez stated it should highlight the City’s commitment to Vision Zero. She stated it is important to measure safety for all modes as well as traffic flow. Chair Peyronnin commented on utilizing AI to generate a presentation on the benefits of roundabouts and stated it showed an 80% decrease in severe accidents. Additionally, he used AI to give suggestions about where to install roundabouts in Fort Collins. Burtis stated there is a baseline issue with the fact that the standards prioritize things that are unsafe. He stated the primary measures of success are traffic speed and travel time for vehicles, and if that is how success is measured, that is what will be standardized. He discussed the Drake and College intersection redesign and stated there is resistance to TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9/17 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 5 cutting out any infrastructure for cars to donate it to pedestrians which would make it safer. Vice Chair Nickoloff commented on the importance of having the Traffic Director understand the biking city culture of Fort Collins and that it is important to have active modes be part of the transportation system. Alvarez suggested setting up Vision Zero as one of the standards against which the Traffic Director’s performance will be measured. She asked if the City has ever had prospective candidates for a high-powered position such as this give public statements. Dempsey replied the City does that for City Manager and stated both the Transfort Director and Planning, Development, and Transportation Director search processes were long and open, though she could not recall if members of the public were involved specifically. Hooker stated it is important to acknowledge there are other places around the world that are doing things we would like to do and suggested leaving enough room in the required minimum qualifications to be able to have someone who has been working in such a community, though perhaps not at the highest level. Chair Peyronnin commented on the importance of avoiding the mindset of ‘resting on our laurels,’ particularly given that Fort Collins is essentially built out and is now attempting to fix or improve existing corridors. Burtis announced an upcoming meeting at Horse and Dragon on the Larimer County transportation tax. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Staff Liaison Report Dempsey stated the Transfort Optimization Plan will be discussed in November and noted there are no planned topics for October or December. She stated she has reached out to Police Services twice to see about getting an update on AVIS, the red light and speed cameras. She also recommended keeping one of those meeting dates open to discuss the 2026 Work Plan and agendas. b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review Dempsey outlined upcoming Council work session topics, including Which Wheels Go Where, Safer Streets Northwest, the Transfort Optimization Plan outcome and recommendations, the Our Climate Future strategic funding plan, the parking study engagement report and implementation strategies, and Sound in the City community engagement follow-up. Members discussed which work sessions they would like to watch and report back on. Vice Chair Nickoloff stated she would report on the Sound in the City meeting, Alvarez stated she would report on the Safer Streets Northwest work session, Hooker stated he would report on the Transfort Optimization Plan meeting, Burtis stated he TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9/17 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 6 would report on the parking study meeting, and Chair Peyronnin stated he would report on Which Wheels Go Where. Chair Peyronnin stated he would be willing to write a memo in support of the Land Use Code Commercial Corridors and Centers Update that will include a request for the inclusion of a mention of safety. Burtis suggested including a recommendation to consider similar updates to the other commercial districts. Alvarez commented on the desirability of building housing in the Foothills Mall parking lots. Hooker stated the new plans for the development are housing focused. Alvarez made a motion, seconded by Hooker, that Chair Peyronnin draft a letter in support of the Land Use Code changes and that it also include language suggesting the inclusion of a mention of safety and Vision Zero and language supporting next steps in extending updates to other commercial districts. The motion was adopted unanimously. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. by unanimous consent. Ed Peyronnin, Chair Alexa Nickoloff, Vice Chair Transportation Board 2025 WORK PLAN The goal of the Transportation Board is to promote the implementation of a balanced transportation system that is consistent with the City sustainability goals and provides choice, mobility, access, congestion mitigation and safety for all people while achieving: 1) Efficient and effective movement of people and goods throughout the community; 2) Advocacy for per capita reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled; 3) Enhanced and widespread mobility for people of all ages and abilities; 4) Emphasis of modal shifts; 5) Support for the City’s Climate Action Plan. I. Advise City Council and City Staff on transportation and mobility issues by proactively raising concerns and recommending solutions. II. Advise City Council and City Staff on City plans. Including City Plan, Our Climate Future, the Transportation Plan, Transit Plan, the Master Street Plan, Vision Zero and City Council 2024 - 2026 priorities related to transportation. III. Support innovative mobility solutions that use creative ways of thinking about parking, transportation, and development. IV. Coordinate periodically with the Active Modes Advisory Board (AMAB) to support the City’s efforts to create a balanced transportation network. This coordination is intended to provide an integrated review of transportation issues. V. Examine financing options to address transportation needs, including, but not limited to, dedicated funding mechanisms. Actively participate in and provide input for the City Budgeting for Outcome (BFO) process. VI. Continue to be an avenue to hear citizens’ concerns regarding transportation needs and issues and communicate them to staff and Council. VII. Continue to reach out to and participate with other City boards and commissions to solicit input and provide information on transportation issues. VIII. Maintain communication links as appropriate with other agencies interested in transportation issues in Fort Collins and throughout the region. Including the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, CDOT, Downtown Development Agency, the Chamber of Commerce, CSU, Poudre School District, Larimer County, and other various business associations. IX. Promote transportation safety and congestion mitigation as it affects all modes of transportation, via consideration of the “6 e’s” which include engineering, education, enforcement, evaluation, encouragement and equity. Approved by the Transportation Board on 8/21/24 X. Advocate for greater education on alternative means of transportation and transit related resources provided by the City and provide feedback to city staff to help increase the impact and visibility of these resources to Fort Collins’ residents. XI. Promote equitable access to and expansion of all sustainable modes of travel, with emphasis on growing transit ridership (locally with Transfort and on regional transit as well such as Bustang) and increased active transportation, supporting first – last mile trips. XII. Review Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Mitigation planning for the City’s transportation system as needed. XIII. Consider the impact and interaction of transportation on the triple bottom line, which includes environmental health, economic health, and social well-being of Fort Collins residents. XIV. Support the implementation of transportation related recommendations within the Our Climate Future plan, specifically Big Moves #4 Convenient Transportation Choices, Big Moves #5 Live, Work and Play Nearby, and Big Move #13 Electric Cars and Fleets. This includes the related next moves for each. XV. Explore and promote the equitable and inclusive provision of transportation services to senior citizens, people with disabilities in the community, and others experiencing difficulty accessing transportation services. Transportation Board – October 2025 Staff Liaison Report •Upcoming agenda topics include: o Transfort Optimization Plan (November) o Potentially AVIS (red light and speeding camera) updates from FCPD (December) •Other Information o August minutes update with member names to be provided in November packet. o The White Line: Route2Change event in Fort Collins on 10/30/25. 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Location TBD Counc il 6 -month calendar o October 14th (work session): Safer Street Northwest project update o October 21st (meeting): The Future of Commercial Corridors and Centers: Land Use Code Update: Ordinance - 1st Reading, Items Relating to Development Contributions to Transportation Capital Projects: Ordinance - 1st Reading o October 28th (work session): Transfort Optimization Plan Outcome and Recommendations; Our Climate Future Strategic Funding Plan o January 27th (work session): Sound in the City Follow-Up from Community Engagement