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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/20/2021 - RESOLUTION 2021-077 ADOPTING THE 2021-2023 CITY CO Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY July 20, 2021 City Council STAFF Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager Carrie M. Daggett, Legal SUBJECT Resolution 2021-077 Adopting the 2021-2023 City Council Priorities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to consider formal adoption of Council’s priorities for 2021-2023. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Every two years, following a Council election, the newly seated Council sits for a planning retreat to identify priorities and confirm strategic direction. Priorities are identified for specific focus and action by the organization on items that fit within the broader context of the City’s Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan and ensuring world class service provision 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Following the April 6, 2021 election, Council held their initial retreat over a two-day period on May 7 and 8 and then a follow up retreat conversation on June 29. Through a process of priority identification and selection, Council identified 31 items as priorities for its 2021-2023 term. The priorities are reflected in the table below, where staff has provided an expected outcome statement of the work anticipated over the next 21 months based on council dialogue at the retreats. Staff is working to schedule a work session after Council’s August recess to discuss the expected outcomes of the adopted priorities to ensure alignment with council as work plans commence. Strategic Outcome Priority Outcome Statement Safe Community More stringent penalties for animal cruelty and neglect Evaluate existing penalties and policies to ensure alignment with Council, then if needed explore possible options with Legislative Review Committee to influence state law, or pursue policy changes within the City’s purview. Juvenile diversion Develop proposal for a pilot juvenile diversion program based on evidence-based practices to provide educational and restorative age-appropriate interventions targeting top two or three behaviors. Transportation and Mobility Advance transit initiatives that remove barriers • 2021: Complete funding and fare study to begin by the end of 2021 to assess cost benefit analysis of fare collection and alternatives. This Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 2 study will inform future action such as ballot initiatives. • 2022 BFO Offer submitted with a focus on collaboration with PSD. • 2021: Complete Preliminary Design on W. Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit project and continue to explore funding sources for final design and construction. • 2021: Complete North Transit Facility Design and Study. • 2021: Complete the North College Transit Oriented Development Plan, which considers an extension of Bus Rapid Transit to North College area. • WS 2021: Report on progress on these projects and to seek guidance on funding and fare study. • 2022: Budgeting For Outcomes Offer submitted with a focus on collaboration with Poudre School District. Improved traffic compliance Police will evaluate methods for enhancing traffic compliance, and continue/increase traffic enforcement at locations where concerns have been raised. High Performing Government Advance Regionalism - collaboration regionally while maintaining the unique character of Fort Collins Establish a framework and relationships for continued progress toward numerous issues that have impacts and likely solutions at the regional level, such as water, transportation, housing, and air quality. Look into changing the April election to November with School Board years to have all local elections at once Gather information and present findings at a future work session to identify and evaluate advantages and disadvantages, resource needs, policy changes, and calendar implications of moving to November elections. If Council determines a change should move forward, staff would prepare an implementation plan to support the transition and Charter amendment. Advance gender equity in City Sales Tax Code Establish a Pink Tax or Menstrual Equity Ordinance for the City of Fort Collins to exempt certain products from sales tax. Input will be sought from residents and businesses to provide feedback to Council prior to consideration on first reading. Attract and retain competitive and diverse talent to meet the needs of the community The first phase will be to determine current and future childcare needs of our employees and then recommend strategies and solutions within a financial model that is sustainable. Working very closely with the County as they desire to have an onsite childcare facility and welcome any possible alignment. Environmental Help bird species recover Explore opportunities to become a certified bird- Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 3 Health friendly city through organizations such as the Audubon Society. Accelerate composting - (Curbside and business) Work toward implementation of Our Climate Future (OCF) Big Move 2: Zero Waste Neighborhoods, specifically: • Collaborate through Regional Wasteshed to identify opportunities to accelerate development of yard trimmings and food scraps composting facilities on Larimer County property adjacent to the Larimer County Landfill. • Commence policy development regarding yard trimmings and food scraps per Council direction. Adopt grey water statute to allow grey water systems in new buildings Explore and implement, if feasible, a Graywater Ordinance for the City of Fort Collins to promote the use of the "right water for the right use". Staff will present policy issues related to this priority in a work session in late 2021 timeframe. An update to the Plumbing Code would be needed in addition to an implementing ordinance. Districted system for garbage, recycling and compost Utilizing information from previous studies about districting trash and recycling services in Fort Collins and best practices from peer communities, develop a strategy and timeline to explore districting in Fort Collins. Explore climate emergency messaging and action Work with the community to identify the most effective messaging to intensify progress towards goals and implement Our Climate Future. Effective soil amendment policies and compliance (water usage), Optimize staff resources to modernize the current soil amendment code while evaluating best practices in the industry. Coordination with multiple City departments will be necessary in addition to aligning the timing appropriately with Land Use Code updates. Protect and Enhance Instream River Flows Continue efforts currently underway, including: • Developing and using regulatory and infrastructure/resource mechanisms • Multiple BFO offers are included in the 2022 budget process. Reduce Plastic Pollution • Explore what technologies are available for washing machine microfibers and if there is enough evidence to warrant the City endorsing and incentivizing them as a whole. • Continue comprehensive plastic policy development: Re-engage community to understand what items and policy interventions have support. Bring engagement results and best practices to Council for further consideration. Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 4 • Implement disposable bag ordinance: Work with historically underrepresented groups and highly impacted community members to identify potential equity impacts of disposable bag ordinance and work to alleviate them. Work with grocers and community as a whole to implement disposable bag ordinance in 2022. Improved Air Quality Continue to implement a full spectrum of options , including engagement, incentives and regulation, that focus on prevention of air pollution at the source, including: • Incentivizing and promoting use of electric or low-emission alternatives to non-road gas and diesel engines such as lawn and garden maintenance equipment, for residential, municipal and commercial use. • Supporting reductions in oil and gas production and development related emissions, through regional collaboration and updates to local regulations. • Continuing to support outreach and enforcement related to local air quality regulations, such as outdoor wood burning and fugitive dust policies. • Electrification of buses in progress and work toward reducing Single Occupancy Vehicles. • Improved understanding of regional impacts on local air quality through enhanced monitoring. Make real progress on the road to Zero Waste (with focus on multi-family and commercial recycling and construction and demolition recycling) • Implement the Community Recycling Ordinance, which brings recycling to multi-family complexes and businesses in 2021. • Improve enforcement of recycling requirements at construction and demolition sites. • Continue to work toward construction and demolition sorting facility as part of Regional Watershed Project. • As part of regional and state efforts, work to develop construction and demolition materials recycling markets. • Could consider the value of evolving our demolition ordinance to deconstruction ordinance. Xeriscape – Increase rebates and education, less green lawns with new development Optimize City resources, including funding and staff, to promote and implement xeriscape landscaping where appropriate. Landscape code requirements will be coordinated with the Land Use Code update efforts. Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 5 Enhanced recycling education • Implement OCF strategy to explore barriers to recycling, reuse, and sharing experienced by historically underrepresented groups and the broader community, including but not limited to education. • Implement recommendations to remove barriers where feasible, including those related to how the City provides recycling education. • Depending on input from the community, possible actions could include enhanced partnerships with community organizations or more focus on language justice. • Build trust and maintain more relationships in the community to ensure ongoing feedback instead of one-off engagement. Improved and accelerated stream (riparian) restoration Continue and enhance the Stream Rehabilitation program in stormwater by implementing stream rehabilitation projects such as successful work on Spring Creek at Edora Park and Mail Creek, including work with Natural Areas on additional projects, with the goal of optimizing the balance of floodplain safety and rehabilitation work. Economic Health Raise the minimum wage Evaluate and consider raising the minimum wage locally as allowed under HB19-1210 within Fort Collins to address the rising cost of living. Potential activities include: • Prepare and implement a public engagement plan that meets the state statute requirements. • Conduct an economic analysis of the impacts of a local minimum wage on the local economy. • Present the results to City Council, Boards and Commissions, and other key stakeholders. • Based on direction from Council prepare a local ordinance establishing a local minimum wage consistent with state law. Develop a Circular Economy Plan Consider a circular economy plan and tech incubator as part of a holistic update to the City's Economic Health Strategic Plan and in partnership with implementation of Our Climate Future: • Encourage innovation and the local use of materials that are either the by-product or waste of another industry. • Incorporate Austin Tech incubator as a model. Partner with Poudre School District (PSD) for workforce development Engage with PSD to support identifying a site for the Futures Lab and continue to consider the role of the Urban Renewal Authority in supporting Power House II. Partnership opportunities include the development of internships, fellows, and work/study or mentoring programs. Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 6 Affordable, Quality and Accessible Childcare Infrastructure With a focus on workforce development/retention, expand the City's support for system-level childcare projects; capacity expansion for school-age summer care spots; increase support for accessibility resources for vulnerable populations; mental health resources built into childcare programs. Additional activities may include: • Provide direct care services (Recreation), policies and partnership efforts that align with the City’s role/scope. • Prioritize efforts to catalyze entrepreneurial opportunities for home-based providers. • Integrate childcare infrastructure into the City Recovery Plan and Economic Health Strategic Plan update. • Reduce development review barriers to center- based childcare, particularly when it involves reusing or expanding existing buildings. Create a targeted, specific plan for community recovery Adopt a City Recovery Plan in December 2021 to direct the administration of various federal programming, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) proceeds. Culture and Recreation Access funding for parks (maintenance and operations, refresh, and new parks) Increase funding for parks refresh and asset management; • 2022 BFO offers have been submitted • Long-term funding strategy is an identified priority for new Community Services Director. Improved tree policies Analyze opportunities for improved tree policies in the Land Use Code. Work in collaboration with Development Review to include amendments focused on tree protection guidelines and mitigation requirements that highlight the sliding scale of value of mature trees. Tree planting subsidy Develop a 2022 BFO offer that increases the size of the Community Canopy program that provides a subsidy to private property owners for tree planting. Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Implementation of 15-minute community concept 2022: BFO offer submitted to analyze existing citywide plans and metrics for alignment with 15- minute concept in coordination with the update to our Active Modes Plan; identify critical next steps and implementation priorities. Homelessness Initiatives: City will collaborate with partners on 24/7 shelter community engagement and planning in addition to supporting Outreach Fort Collins enabling expansion into mid-town and continue in North Fort Collins to: 1. Increase service referrals for people experiencing homelessness and respond to reported disruptive behaviors. 2. Foster relationships among businesses, service providers, and residents in mid-town. Agenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 7 Upon adoption of these priorities, staff will begin to take initial actions and formulate plans on these items. Subsequent to the work session, like in previous terms, progress will be reported usin g a revised Council Priority Dashboard, which is intended to be provided to Council on a bimonthly basis. Other changes to the dashboard will be made to ensure that planned council and staff actions are clearly noted, as well less repeat information being provided from version to version. Additional information on reporting can be discussed as part of the work session. CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS This item is not expected to have a financial impact on the City. Individual priorities may require appropriations or budget requests that will be considered in the future. -1- RESOLUTION 2021-077 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS ADOPTING THE 2021-2023 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES WHEREAS, the Fort Collins City Council met at a Council Retreat on May 7 and 8, 2021, to initiate and discuss plans for their new Council term; and WHEREAS, Council further discussed and refined plans and priorities as part of a June 29, 2021, follow-up meeting; and WHEREAS, in these discussions, Council worked together to develop Council priorities to guide the work of the City organization over the next two years (“Council Priorities”); and WHEREAS, the Council Priorities supplement the City’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan, City Plan and other adopted plans and policies and the funding priorities embodied in the adopted budget for 2021-2023; and WHEREAS, Council priorities are identified for specific focus and action by the organization on items that fit within the broader context while ensuring provision of world class service to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and WHEREAS, the Council is committed to continuing and building on longstanding and important City efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion, climate action, attainable housing, enhancing environmental health, broadband and a safe and accessible community for all Fort Collins residents; and WHEREAS, City Council may amend the list of retreat priorities from time to time, based on community needs, available resources, and new opportunities. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, that the Council hereby adopts as its priorities for action during the 2021 -2023 Council term the initiatives within the seven Key Outcome Areas to supplement approved Strategic Plan, Budgeting for Outcomes and other approved programs and plans described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 20th day of July, A.D. 2021. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ Interim City Clerk CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2021-2023 Strategic Outcome Priority Outcome Statement Safe Community More stringent penalties for animal cruelty and neglect Evaluate existing penalties and policies to ensure alignment with Council, then if needed explore possible options with Legislative Review Committee to influence state law, or pursue policy changes within the City’s purview. Juvenile diversion Develop proposal for a pilot juvenile diversion program based on evidence-based practices to provide educational and restorative age- appropriate interventions targeting top two or three behaviors. Transportation and Mobility Advance transit initiatives that remove barriers •2021: Complete funding and fare study to begin by the end of 2021 to assess cost benefit analysis of fare collection and alternatives. This study will inform future action such as ballot initiatives. •2022 BFO Offer submitted with a focus on collaboration with PSD. •2021: Complete Preliminary Design on W. Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit project and continue to explore funding sources for final design and construction. •2021: Complete North Transit Facility Design and Study. •2021: Complete the North College Transit Oriented Development Plan, which considers an extension of Bus Rapid Transit to North College area. •WS 2021: Report on progress on these projects and to seek guidance on funding and fare study. •2022: Budgeting For Outcomes Offer submitted with a focus on collaboration with Poudre School District. Improved traffic compliance Police will evaluate methods for enhancing traffic compliance, and continue/increase traffic enforcement at locations where concerns have been raised. High Performing Government Advance Regionalism - collaboration regionally while maintaining the unique character of Fort Collins Establish a framework and relationships for continued progress toward numerous issues that have impacts and likely solutions at the regional level, such as water, transportation, housing, and air quality. EXHIBIT A Look into changing the April election to November with School Board years to have all local elections at once Gather information and present findings at a future work session to identify and evaluate advantages and disadvantages, resource needs, policy changes, and calendar implications of moving to November elections. If Council determines a change should move forward, staff would prepare an implementation plan to support the transition and Charter amendment. Advance gender equity in City Sales Tax Code Establish a Pink Tax or Menstrual Equity Ordinance for the City of Fort Collins to exempt certain products from sales tax. Input will be sought from residents and businesses to provide feedback to Council prior to consideration on first reading. Attract and retain competitive and diverse talent to meet the needs of the community The first phase will be to determine current and future childcare needs of our employees and then recommend strategies and solutions within a financial model that is sustainable. Working very closely with the County as they desire to have an onsite childcare facility and welcome any possible alignment. Environmental Health Help bird species recover Explore opportunities to become a certified bird-friendly city through organizations such as the Audubon Society. Accelerate composting - (Curbside and business) Work toward implementation of Our Climate Future (OCF) Big Move 2: Zero Waste Neighborhoods, specifically: •Collaborate through Regional Wasteshed to identify opportunities to accelerate development of yard trimmings and food scraps composting facilities on Larimer County property adjacent to the Larimer County Landfill. •Commence policy development regarding yard trimmings and food scraps per Council direction. Adopt grey water statute to allow grey water systems in new buildings Explore and implement, if feasible, a Graywater Ordinance for the City of Fort Collins to promote the use of the "right water for the right use". Staff will present policy issues related to this priority in a work session in late 2021 timeframe. An update to the Plumbing Code would be needed in addition to an implementing ordinance. EXHIBIT A Districted system for garbage, recycling and compost Utilizing information from previous studies about districting trash and recycling services in Fort Collins and best practices from peer communities, develop a strategy and timeline to explore districting in Fort Collins. Explore climate emergency messaging and action Work with the community to identify the most effective messaging to intensify progress towards goals and implement Our Climate Future. Effective soil amendment policies and compliance (water usage), Optimize staff resources to modernize the current soil amendment code while evaluating best practices in the industry. Coordination with multiple City departments will be necessary in addition to aligning the timing appropriately with Land Use Code updates. Protect and Enhance Instream River Flows Continue efforts currently underway, including: •Developing and using regulatory and infrastructure/resource mechanisms •Multiple BFO offers are included in the 2022 budget process. Reduce Plastic Pollution •Explore what technologies are available for washing machine microfibers and if there is enough evidence to warrant the City endorsing and incentivizing them as a whole. •Continue comprehensive plastic policy development: Re-engage community to understand what items and policy interventions have support. Bring engagement results and best practices to Council for further consideration. •Implement disposable bag ordinance: Work with historically underrepresented groups and highly impacted community members to identify potential equity impacts of disposable bag ordinance and work to alleviate them. Work with grocers and community as a whole to implement disposable bag ordinance in 2022. EXHIBIT A Improved Air Quality Continue to implement a full spectrum of options—including engagement, incentives and regulation—that focus on prevention of air pollution at the source, including: •Incentivizing and promoting use of electric or low-emission alternatives to non-road gas and diesel engines such as lawn and garden maintenance equipment, for residential, municipal and commercial use. •Supporting reductions in oil and gas production and development related emissions, through regional collaboration and updates to local regulations. •Continuing to support outreach and enforcement related to local air quality regulations, such as outdoor wood burning and fugitive dust policies. •Electrification of buses in progress and work toward reducing Single Occupancy Vehicles. •Improved understanding of regional impacts on local air quality through enhanced monitoring. Make real progress on the road to Zero Waste (with focus on multi-family and commercial recycling and construction and demolition recycling) •Implement the Community Recycling Ordinance, which brings recycling to multi-family complexes and businesses in 2021. •Improve enforcement of recycling requirements at construction and demolition sites •Continue to work toward construction and demolition sorting facility as part of Regional Wasteshed Project •As part of regional and state efforts, work to develop construction and demolition materials recycling markets •Could consider the value of evolving our demolition ordinance to deconstruction ordinance. Xeriscape – Increase rebates and education, less green lawns with new development Optimize City resources, including funding and staff, to promote and implement xeriscape landscaping where appropriate. Landscape code requirements will be coordinated with the Land Use Code update efforts. EXHIBIT A Enhanced recycling education • Implement OCF strategy to explore barriers to recycling, reuse, and sharing experienced by historically underrepresented groups and the broader community, including but not limited to education. • Implement recommendations to remove barriers where feasible, including those related to how the City provides recycling education. • Depending on input from the community, possible actions could include enhanced partnerships with community organizations or more focus on language justice. • Build trust and maintain more relationships in the community to ensure ongoing feedback instead of one-off engagement. Improved and accelerated stream (riparian) restoration Continue and enhance the Stream Rehabilitation program in stormwater by implementing stream rehabilitation projects such as successful work on Spring Creek at Edora Park and Mail Creek, including work with Natural Areas on additional projects, with the goal of optimizing the balance of floodplain safety and rehabilitation work. Economic Health Raise the minimum wage Evaluate and consider raising the minimum wage locally as allowed under HB19-1210 within Fort Collins to address the rising cost of living. Potential activities include: o Prepare and implement a public engagement plan that meets the state statute requirements. o Conduct an economic analysis of the impacts of a local minimum wage on the local economy. o Present the results to City Council, Boards and Commissions, and other key stakeholders. o Based on direction from Council prepare a local ordinance establishing a local minimum wage consistent with state law. EXHIBIT A Develop a Circular Economy Plan Consider a circular economy plan and tech incubator as part of a holistic update to the City's Economic Health Strategic Plan and in partnership with implementation of Our Climate Future • Encourage innovation and the local use of materials that are either the by- product or waste of another industry. • Incorporate Austin Tech incubator as a model. Partner with Poudre School District (PSD) for workforce development Engage with PSD to support identifying a site for the Futures Lab and continue to consider the role of the Urban Renewal Authority in supporting Power House II. Partnership opportunities include the development of internships, fellows, and work/study or mentoring programs. Affordable, Quality and Accessible Childcare Infrastructure With a focus on workforce development/retention, expand the City's support for system-level childcare projects; capacity expansion for school-age summer care spots; increase support for accessibility resources for vulnerable populations; mental health resources built into childcare programs. Additional activities may include: • Provide direct care services (Recreation), policies and partnership efforts that align with the City’s role/scope. • Prioritize efforts to catalyze entrepreneurial opportunities for home-based providers. • Integrate childcare infrastructure into the City Recovery Plan and Economic Health Strategic Plan update. • Reduce development review barriers to center-based childcare, particularly when it involves reusing or expanding existing buildings. Create a targeted, specific plan for community recovery Adopt a City Recovery Plan in December 2021 to direct the administration of various federal programming, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) proceeds. Culture and Recreation Access funding for parks (maintenance and operations, refresh, and new parks) Increase funding for parks refresh and asset management; • 2022 BFO offers have been submitted • Long-term funding strategy is an identified priority for new Community Services Director. EXHIBIT A Improved tree policies Analyze opportunities for improved tree policies in the Land Use Code. Work in collaboration with Development Review to include amendments focused on tree protection guidelines and mitigation requirements that highlight the sliding scale of value of mature trees. Tree planting subsidy Develop a 2022 BFO offer that increases the size of the Community Canopy program that provides a subsidy to private property owners for tree planting. Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Implementation of 15-minute community concept • 2022: BFO offer submitted to analyze existing citywide plans and metrics for alignment with 15-minute concept in coordination with the update to our Active Modes Plan; identify critical next steps and implementation priorities. Homelessness Initiatives: City will collaborate with partners on 24/7 shelter community engagement and planning in addition to supporting Outreach Fort Collins enabling expansion into mid-town and continue in North Fort Collins in order to 1. Increase service referrals for people experiencing homelessness and respond to reported disruptive behaviors. 2. Foster relationships among businesses, service providers, and residents in mid-town. EXHIBIT A