HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 11/17/20101
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
November 17, 2010
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For Reference:
Christophe Febvre, Chair 227-0282
Mayor Doug Hutchinson, Council Liaison 416-2154
Mike Freeman, Staff Liaison 416-2259
Wendy Bricher, Minutes 221-6506
Commission members present:
Christophe Febvre; Tom Clevenger, Jim Clark, Rick Price; Stu MacMillan; Bill Timpson;
Kevin Shaw; Beena Bawa
Commission members absent:
Blue Hovatter
Guests:
None
Staff Present:
Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer
Josh Birks, Economic Advisor
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Steve Catanach
Matt Wempe
Bill Switzer
Felix Lee
John Phelan
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order 11:05 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes dated 10/06/2010
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
Eric Sutherland provided a counterpoint regarding the SMART Grid Project; he opposes the project and
suggests that the data nationwide does not provide supporting data for this type of technology. Mr.
Sutherland cited the City of Boulder as an example.
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up discussion regarding previous meetings
Tom Clevenger requested to note in the minutes that the EAC provided a recommendation to City
Council on March 15, 2010 regarding the manufacturers use tax; The EAC recommended the
elimination of the manufacturing use tax if any sales tax increase is enacted for the City of Fort
Financial Services
300 LaPorte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
2
Collins. Mike Freeman provided an update that a resolution for staff to provide a recommendation on the
use tax by the end of March 2011. The EAC budget recommendation was well received and staff is
hopeful that additional funding will be provided for Economic Health in the 2011-2012 budget. City
Council is recommending that using 2b money to replenish reserves may be used for transportation only.
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/ Future Agenda Items Discussion and Vote (6 mo planning
calendar)
After discussion and unanimous approval, the EAC made the following recommendation to City Council
on 11/22/2010: The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) recommends to City Council that the
funding for the bicycle safety program ($50,000) be restored to the 2011 and 2012 budget. The
EAC believes the bicycling culture and environment that has been developed in Fort Collins has
had a positive impact on the City’s economy and the quality-of-life that is a valuable element of the
economy. The EAC feels that bicycle safety, and its coordination and promotion, is an important
component of the City’s bike-friendly environment which is worth funding.
Agenda Item 6: Approve/Edit Annual Work Plan
The EAC members brainstormed ideas for their 2011 Work Plan. It was suggested that the EAC work on
policies and advice to move programs forward; is it a good idea, recommendations, actions plans. A draft
was created focusing on four key areas including the Economic Health Action Plan, Midtown, Incubation
Status and Clusters. The plan will be finalized at the December meeting.
Agenda Item 7: Green Building Program Update
Felix Lee, Green Building Code Manager, and John Phelan, Energy Services Manager, provided an
update regarding the Green Building Program. In January 2010, advisory and technical committees were
created, and the July Council worksession focused on proposals for code amendment for current building
codes - “greening” our codes. Discussion included the impact on neighboring communities, incentives
for retrofitting existing homes, green jobs, and the poverty level. A cost/benefit analysis worksheet will
be provided to Council on December 14; staff will return in February 2011 for a formal recommendation
from EAC based on the cost/benefit analysis worksheet.
Agenda Item 8: Economic Significance of the 2 vs. 4-lane Lincoln arterial
Matt Wempe, Transportation Planner, provided information regarding the Lincoln catalyst plan.
Currently, Lincoln is noted as a 4-lane street on the Master Street Plan but staff is recommending a
downgrade to a 2-lane arterial with conditions. Factors to consider include the Link n Greens property
and flood plain issues.
Agenda Item 9: Electric Cost of Service Study and Rate Design Review/SMART Grid
Steve Catanach, Light & Power Operations Manager, and Bill Switzer, Utility Rate Analyst, provided
information regarding Electric Cost of Service Study and SMART Grid. The last Service study was
conducted in 2002; it is used primarily as a guide in adjusting rates fairly with each customer class and
determining proportionality of the system’s annual costs. Fort Collins rates our low compared to other
municipalities primarily due to management by Platte River. The City is moving forward with its
SMART Grid project. Annual operation savings are estimated at 1,361,668.00. The City has bonded for
our portion to match federal grant monies and payback is estimated at just over seven years using a 3.5
interest rate. It was noted that the City of Boulder’s program was researched based whereas the City of
Fort Collins is focusing on an installation program.
Meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2010 from 11:00-1:30