HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/16/2021 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 157, 2021, APPROPRI Agenda Item 14
Item # 14 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY November 16, 2021
City Council
STAFF
Nina Bodenhamer, City Give Director
Ken Mannon, Operations Services Director
John Duval, Legal
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 157, 2021, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves from the General Government
Capital Expansion Fee Account in the Capital Expansion Fee Fund for the Purchase of the Condominiums in
the Civic Center Parking Structure.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $975,000 from the reserves in the City’s General Government
Capital Expansion Fee Account in the Capital Expansion Fee Fund to be used for the acquisition of the eight
condominium units located at 144 North Mason Street and which are on the ground floor area along the
western face of the City’s Civic Center Parking Structure (the “Condominiums). The purchase price for the
Condominiums is $975,000, which is substantially below their appraised fair market value of $3,700,000. The
difference between the appraised fair market va lue and the $975,000 purchase price is being made by the
current owner of the Condominiums, Civic Center, LLC, as a charitable donation to the City.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
City Give
Since its inception in 2018, City Give has facilitated a range of donations of real property from 26 acres of
property for the expansion of the Two Trees Natural Areas to water shares; from mineral rights to five acres
adjacent to the Southridge Greens golf course.
The donation of real property is a tangible investment in the City’s mission, values and services to our
residents. Asset-based giving requires strict adherence to IRS guidelines and depends on the staff
determination if any potential donation is in the long-term best interests of the City. Per IRS requirements, an
appraisal must be performed by the seller within 60 days of closing to substantiate a charitable gift.
The Condominiums
The Condominiums are in a 15,629-square foot, urban office condominium building located at 144 North
Mason, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Constructed in 2001, and renovated in 2014, the Condominiums consist of
eight individual commercial condominium units within the City’s Civic Center Parking Structur e. Units 1 and 2
are currently combined for occupancy by Fort Collins Police Services. Units 4, 5, and 6 are combined and
operate as an executive office suite facility with private offices and shared conference and reception areas.
Units 3, 7 and 8 are each separately leased to businesses.
Agenda Item 14
Item # 14 Page 2
The Condominiums are owned by Civic Center, LLC (“Civic Center LLC”). However, the Condominiums are
located on real property currently owned by the City, which property is the ground floor area along the western
face of the City’s Civic Center Parking Structure (the “Property”). In 1998, the City entered into a ground lease
with Phelps Program Management LLC (“PPM”) leasing the Property to PPM for a term ending December 31,
2039, (the “Ground Lease”). The Ground Lease provides that when it terminates in 2039, the City becomes
the owner of the Condominiums without any payment obligation to the Ground Lease tenant.
In 2003, PPM sold the Condominiums and assigned its rights and obligations under the Ground Lease to Civic
Center LLC. Civic Center LLC has owned the Condominiums since then and leased the units to various
entities and businesses. As such, Civic Center LLC is also the current tenant under the Ground Lease.
Charitable Donation
Civic Center LLC and the City have been in negotiations to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement
(Agreement) under which Civic Center LLC will convey the Condominiums to the City and Civic Center LLC
and the City will agree to the termination of the Ground Lease. Civic Center LL C has agreed to do this for
$975,000 even though it has an appraisal (Attachment 1) that its interests in the Condominiums and Ground
Lease have a fair market value of $3.7 million. Civic Center LLC wishes to donate the difference between this
$3.7 million fair market value and the $975,000 as a charitable donation to the City. However, the City’s
obligation under the Agreement to purchase the Condominiums is contingent on the City approving this
Ordinance appropriating the $975,000 from the reserves in th e City’s General Government Capital Expansion
Fee Account in the Capital Expansion Fee Fund (General Government CEF Reserves). Also, Civic Center
LLC needs for this transaction be completed by the end of this year for tax reasons.
Use of General Government CEF for Acquisition
Council will also be considering a Resolution to approve the City’s Civic Center Master Plan (the “Master
Plan”) and to adopt the Master Plan as an element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Master Plan
identifies the Condominiums as capital improvements within the “Civic Center Area” to be acquired by the City
by end of this year to house the offices of the City’s Parking Services Division. Parking Services is currently in
the City’s 215 North Mason Street building. Moving Parking Services to the Condominiums will also allow the
Municipal Court offices to expand within the Mason Street building.
If Council approves Resolution 2021-105, the General Government CEF Reserves may be used to acquire the
Condominiums. The City Code authorizes the General Government CEF Reserves to be used to fund the
construction or acquisition of capital improvements to be used to provide “general government services,” such
as offices for Parking Services, if such improvements are identified in an “applicable capital improvements
plan,” such as the Master Plan. Here, the Condominiums have been so identified in the Master Plan.
As required by Section 9 in City Charter Article V, the Interim City Manager is recommending this supplemental
appropriation and has determined the funds for it are available in and previously unappropriated from General
Government CEF Reserves.
The management, utilization and operations of the Condominiums will be guided per City strategic priorities
and the designation of “public purpose” which defines IRS charitable exemptions and must be used to provide
general government services, as opposed to more specific services such as utilities or uses covered by other
capital expansion fees. For example, the City collects a capital expansion fee to fund capital improvements to
be used for police, fire, community park, neighborhood park and transportation services.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Capital expansion fees are paid by new development to “buy -in” into the estimated value of the capital
improvements the City must provide its services related to transportation, fire, police, general government,
neighborhood parks, and community parks. The collected fees are then used to fund the acquisition,
construction and leasing of future capital improvements to provide such services needed due to new
development. The General Government CEF Reserves have a current balance of approximately $12 million.
Agenda Item 14
Item # 14 Page 3
This Ordinance, if adopted, will authorize the reduction of the General Government CEF Rese rves by
$975,000.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Appraisal (PDF)
2. Council Finance Committee Minutes (excerpt) (PDF)
CIVIC CENTER CONDOMINIUMS
144 NORTH MASON UNIT 1-8
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80524
CBRE FILE NO. 21-224NW-6118-1
CLIENT: POST MODERN DEVELOPMENT
APPRAISAL
REPORT
CBRE VALUATION & ADVISORY SERVICES
ATTACHMENT 1
VALUATION & ADVISORY SERVICES
3003 East Harmony Road, Suite 300
Fort Collins, CO 80528
T (970) 372-3872
F (970) 372-3839
www.cbre.com
Date of Report: September 20, 2021
Crystal Greylock
POST MODERN DEVELOPMENT
144 North Mason Street Unit 4
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
RE: Appraisal of: Civic Center Condominiums
144 North Mason Unit 1-8
Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado 80524
CBRE, Inc. File No. 21-224NW-6118-1
Dear Ms. Greylock:
At your request and authorization, CBRE, Inc. has prepared an appraisal of the market value of
the referenced property. Our analysis is presented in the following Appraisal Report.
The subject is a 15,629-square foot, urban office condominium building located at 144 North
Mason, in Fort Collins, Colorado. The improvements were constructed in 2001, and renovated in
2014. The subject consists of eight individual office/retail condominium units attached to the
Civic Center Parking Garage. Units One and Two were combined for occupancy by the Fort
Collins Police Department. Unit Three is leased to Innop, LLC a local coworking/incubation
space. Units Four, Five, and Six were combined and operated as an executive office suite facility
with private offices and shared conference and reception areas. The Health District of Northern
Larimer County occupies Unit Seven and Thom Kha Thai Bistro occupies Unit Eight.
Based on the analysis contained in the following report, the market value of the subject is
concluded as follows:
MARKET VALUE CONCLUSION
Appraisal Premise Interest Appraised Date of Value Value Conclusion
As Is Leased Fee Interest September 7, 2021 $3,700,000
Compiled by CBRE
The report, in its entirety, including all assumptions and limiting conditions, is an integral part of,
and inseparable from, this letter.
The following appraisal sets forth the most pertinent data gathered, the techniques employed,
and the reasoning leading to the opinion of value. The analyses, opinions and conclusions were
Crystal Greylock
September 20, 2021
Page 2
developed based on, and this report has been prepared in conformance with, the guidelines and
recommendations set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP),
and the requirements of the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice of the Appraisal Institute.
The intended use and user of our report are specifically identified in our report as agreed upon in
our contract for services and/or reliance language found in the report. As a condition to being
granted the status of an intended user, any intended user who has not entered into a written
agreement with CBRE in connection with its use of our report agrees to be bound by the terms
and conditions of the agreement between CBRE and the client who ordered the report. No other
use or user of the report is permitted by any other party for any other purpose. Dissemination of
this report by any party to any non-intended users does not extend reliance to any such party,
and CBRE will not be responsible for any unauthorized use of or reliance upon the report, its
conclusions or contents (or any portion thereof).
It has been a pleasure to assist you in this assignment. If you have any questions concerning the
analysis, or if CBRE can be of further service, please contact us.
Respectfully submitted,
CBRE - VALUATION & ADVISORY SERVICES
Katlyn J Sullivan Jon Vaughan MAI, SR/WA
Senior Appraiser Director
Certified General Real Estate Appraiser:
State of Colorado No. CG20002474
Certified General Real Estate Appraiser: State
of Colorado No. CG100000631
Phone: 405-760-0893 Phone: 970-372-3872
Email: Katie.sullivan@cbre.com Email: Jon.vaughan@cbre.com
Subject Photog raphs
ii
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Subject Photographs
Aerial View
Subject
Certification
i
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Certification
We certify to the best of our knowledge and belief:
1. The statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct.
2. The reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions are limited only by the reported
assumptions and limiting conditions and are our personal, impartial and unbiased
professional analyses, opinions, and conclusions.
3. We have no present or prospective interest in or bias with respect to the property that is the
subject of this report and have no personal interest in or bias with respect to the parties
involved with this assignment.
4. Our engagement in this assignment was not contingent upon developing or reporting
predetermined results.
5. Our compensation for completing this assignment is not contingent upon the development or
reporting of a predetermined value or direction in value that favors the cause of the client, the
amount of the value opinion, the attainment of a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a
subsequent event directly related to the intended use of this appraisal.
6. Our analyses, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared,
in conformity with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, as well as the
requirements of the State of Colorado.
7. The reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been
prepared, in conformity with the requirements of the Code of Professional Ethics and
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Institute.
8. The use of this report is subject to the requirements of the Appraisal Institute relating to review
by its duly authorized representatives.
9. As of the date of this report, Jon Vaughan, MAI, SR/WA has completed the continuing education
program for Designated Members of the Appraisal Institute.
10. Katlyn Sullivan and Jon Vaughan, MAI, SR/WA have made a personal inspection of the property
that is the subject of this report.
11. Collin Peterson provided significant real property appraisal assistance to the persons signing this
report by way of researching and confirming comparable sales, researching market data and
estimating and reconciling values.
12. Valuation & Advisory Services operates as an independent economic entity within CBRE, Inc.
Although employees of other CBRE, Inc. divisions may be contacted as a part of our routine
market research investigations, absolute client confidentiality and privacy were maintained at all
times with regard to this assignment without conflict of interest.
13. Katlyn Sullivan and Jon Vaughan, MAI, SR/WA have not provided appraisal services, regarding
the property that is the subject of this report, within the three-year period immediately preceding
acceptance of this assignment. However, Jon Vaughan, MAI, SR/WA provided appraisal services
for subject property just over the three-year period in July of 2018, identified by CBRE file number
18-271PH-1382-1.
Katlyn J Sullivan Jon Vaughan, MAI, SR/WAS
Senior Appraiser Director
Subject Photog raphs
iii
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Westerly view of the west elevation Northerly view of the west elevation
Southerly view of the west elevation Exterior patio
Post Modern Development reception Post Modern Development waiting area
Subject Photog raphs
iv
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Rear hallway Additional view of the vacant office space
Shared break room for vacant space and
Post Modern Development Typical view of Innop LLC
Typical view of Innop LLC Health District of Northern Larimer
County’s reception / waiting area
Subject Photog raphs
v
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Health District of Northern Larimer County
supply’s room
Typical Health District of Northern Larimer
County’s office
Health District of Northern Larimer
County’s supply room break room
Tom Kha Thai Bistro’s reception/ dining
room
Tom Kha Thai Bistro’s bar Tom Kha Thai Bistro’s Kitchen
Executive Summary
vi
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
Executive Summary
Property Name
Location
Parcel Number(s)
Client
Highest and Best Use
As If Vacant
As Improved
Property Rights Appraised Leased Fee Interest
Date of Inspection
Estimated Exposure Time
Estimated Marketing Time
Primary Land Area 0.38 AC 16,466 SF
Zoning
Improvements
Property Type Office
Number of Buildings 1
Number of Stories 1
Gross Building Area 15,629 SF
Net Rentable Area 15,629 SF
Year Built / Renovated 2001 / 2014
Effective Age 18 Years
Remaining Economic Life 32 Years
Condition Good
Buyer Profile Owner-User
Financial Indicators
Current Occupancy 64.0%
Stabilized Occupancy 95.0%
Stabilized Credit Loss 1.0%
Overall Capitalization Rate 6.50%
Comments
(Multi Tenant)
Civic Center Condominiums
September 7, 2021
Mixed-use
Mixed-use
144 North Mason Unit 1-8
Fort Collins, Larimer County County, CO 80524
POST MODERN DEVELOPMENT
9711469901, 9711469902, 9711469003,
9711469004, 9711469005, 9711469006,
9711469007, 9711469008
6 - 12 Months
6 - 12 Months
D (Downtown District) by the City of Fort Collins
Pro Forma Total Per SF
Effective Gross Income $326,771 $20.91
Operating Expenses $87,405 $5.59
Expense Ratio 26.75%
Net Operating Income $239,365 $15.32
VALUATION Total Per SF
Sales Comparison Approach $3,750,000 $239.94
Income Capitalization Approach $3,600,000 $230.34
CONCLUDED MARKET VALUE
Appraisal Premise Interest Appraised Value
As Is Leased Fee Interest $3,700,000
Compiled by CBRE
September 7, 2021
Date of Value
Executive Summary
vii
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS (SWOT)
Strengths/ Opportunities
• The subject property is attached to the Civic Center Parking Garage
• The subject is across Laporte Avenue to the south of the Downtown Transit Center
• The subject is located on City-owned land, which substantially reduces property taxes
Weaknesses/ Threats
• The subject property is situated behind the Larimer Courthouse, which reduces foot traffic on
this block
• The subject has relatively high vacancy
EXTRAORDINARY ASSUMPTIONS
An extraordinary assumption is defined as “an assignment-specific assumption as of the effective
date regarding uncertain information used in an analysis which, if found to be false, could alter
the appraiser’s opinions or conclusions.” 1
• None noted
HYPOTHETICAL CONDITIONS
A hypothetical condition is defined as “a condition, directly related to a specific assignment,
which is contrary to what is known by the appraiser to exist on the effective date of the
assignment results but is used for the purposes of analysis.” 2
• None noted
1 The Appraisal Foundation, USPAP, 2020-2021
2 The Appraisal Foundation, USPAP, 2020-2021
Executive Summary
viii
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
OWNERSHIP AND PROPERTY HISTORY
OWNERSHIP SUMMARY
Item Current
Current Ownership
Owner:Civic Center LLC
Purchase Price:$1,088,647
Transaction Date:Dec 8, 2003
Sale in Last 3 Years?:No
Legal Reference:20030156652
County/Locality Name:Larimer County
Buyer/Seller Relationship Type:Arm's length and reasonable
At / Above / Below Market:At Market
Comments:The property was purchased in
core-and-shell condition, and all
interior finishes were completed
subsequent to the 2003
purchase of the property.
Pending Sale
Under Contract:No
Current Listing
Currently Listed For Sale:No
Compiled by CBRE
The property previously sold on Dec 8, 2003 for $1,088,647, or $69.66 per square foot. We are
unaware of any additional ownership transfers of the property in the last three years. Further, the
property is not reportedly being offered for sale as of the current date. The current owner,
however, noted intentions to donate the property to the City of Fort Collins.
EXPOSURE/MARKETING TIME
Current appraisal guidelines require an estimate of a reasonable time period in which the subject
could be brought to market and sold. This reasonable time frame can either be examined
historically or prospectively. In a historical analysis, this is referred to as exposure time. Exposure
time always precedes the date of value, with the underlying premise being the time a property
would have been on the market prior to the date of value, such that it would sell at its appraised
value as of the date of value. On a prospective basis, the term marketing time is most often
used. The exposure/marketing time is a function of price, time, and use. It is not an isolated
estimate of time alone. In consideration of these factors, we have analyzed the following:
• exposure periods for comparable sales used in this appraisal;
• exposure/marketing time information from the PwC Real Estate Investor Survey; and,
• the opinions of market participants.
The following table presents the information derived from these sources.
Executive Summary
ix
Civic Center Condominiums, Fort Collins, Colorado
EXPOSURE/MARKETING TIME DATA
Exposure/Mktg. (Months)
Investment Type Range Average
Comparable Sales Data 3.0 -19.0 6.0
PwC Suburban Office
National Data 1.0 -15.0 7.3
Local Market Professionals 6.0 -12.0 9.0
CBRE Exposure Time Estimate
CBRE Marketing Period Estimate
Various Sources Compiled by CBRE
6 - 12 Months
6 - 12 Months
B.Civic Center Parking Structure – Real Estate Opportunity
Nina Bodenhamer, Director, City Give
Ken Manon, Director Operations Services
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Tentative Purchase & Charitable Donation of Civic Center Condominiums
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this items is to discuss the tentative purchase by the City of the real
property and improvements located at 144 N. Mason St., Units 1 through 8, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524.
The City has negotiated a cash sale price for the property of $975,000, substantially below the property’s
appraised market value of $3,300,000.
The $2,325,000 difference between the estimated market value in the Appraisal and the $975,000 purchase
price will be awarded as a charitable donation to the City.
The seller, Civic Center, LLC, provided the City with a written appraisal performed by CBRE, Inc. in July 2018
which estimates the market value of the property at $3,300,000. An updated Appraisal is currently being
performed as the Seller’s responsibility and expense per IRS regulation.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee support an Appropriation of $975,000 from the General Government Capital
Expansion Fund for the tentative purchase of the real property located at 144 N. Mason St., Units 1 through 8,
Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Since its inception in 2018, City Give has facilitated a range of donations of real property: from 26 acres of
property toward the expansion of Two Trees Natural Areas to water shares; from mineral rights to five (5) acres
adjacent Southridge Greens golf course.
The donation of real property is a tangible investment in the City’s mission, values, and service to our residents.
Asset-based giving requires strict adherence to IRS guidelines and depends on the staff determination if any
potential donation is in the long-term best interests of taxpayers.
Civic Center Condominiums is a 15,629-square foot, urban office condominium building located at 144 North
Mason, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Constructed in 2001, and renovated in 2014, the building consists of eight (8)
individual commercial condominium units attached to the Civic Center Parking Garage. Units l and 2 are
combined for occupancy by the Fort Collins Police Department. Units 4, 5, and 6 were combined and operated
as an executive office suite facility with private offices and shared conference and reception areas.
Ownership of the Civic Center Condominiums provides the City with potential revenue sources as well as options
for the expansion of City offices.
Per IRS requirements for the donation of real property above $5,000, an Appraisal must be performed by the
Seller within 60 days of the signed Purchase and Sale Agreement in order to substantiate the charitable gift.
ATTACHMENT 2
At this time, a Purchase & Sale Agreement has not been finalized. However, if the final terms and current
Appraisal satisfy staff’s decision points, a closing date must be met no later than 10/15/2021. Hence, the need
an Appropriation of $975K from the General Government Capital Expansion for the tentative purchase.
Capital expansion fees are paid by new development to underwrite a proportionate share of infrastructure costs
to “buy-in” to the level of service the City of Fort Collins provides for Fire, Police, General Government facilities,
Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks.
The current General Government Capital Expansion Fund has a current balance of $12M. Authorized
expenditures include, but are not limited to, the cost of purchasing or leasing real property; construction,
acquisition or expansion of capital improvements or assets.
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS:
Ken Mannon; The city has spent over $60K per year in rent for Police D1 space in the building - they have been
in this building for 10+ years
Nina Bodenhamer; $975K - appropriation out of General Government Capital Expansion Fund
Current fund balance is approximately $12M – this falls within the authorized expenditures
There is still an opportunity to walk away if the deal becomes unattractive / not viable.
Kelly Ohlson; it seems like there is more to this story - Are we going to have eyes on the appraisal? The deal
makes sense to me – Let’s make sure the appraisal passes the straight face test and is fair
Nina Bodenhamer; that is a huge concern – IRS rides herd very carefully because of that potential - we are
talking about a property that will be appraised at $3.3M with a large charitable contribution. Ken and his team
reviewed an extensive appraisal that was done in 2018 by TBRE – was done by a gentleman who we have
worked with on other charitable contributions - he understands the IRS law / guidelines as well as the city’s
vulnerability in that space – they have launched a new appraisal and we have accepted terms based on Ken and
his team’s review of the appraisal.
Kelly Ohlson; I just want to make sure we are trying to do the right thing. As long as the city staff will put eyes
on it and make sure we are close.
Keith Hanson; we will enter into a purchase and sale agreements where there is a time frame for our due
diligence - we will look at everything - I will review it from cover to cover - we have a good idea of the market –
we will double check to make sure it conforms to what we need
Nina Bodenhamer; per IRS guidelines, the selling party initiates the appraisal – the City can’t initiate or be a part
of the appraisal.
Emily Francis; why didn’t it go forward when it came to Council before?
Nina Bodenhamer; I think the seller approached the city in the past with different configurations, but I don’t
think it made it to Council before. This is the first time it has come forward to my knowledge under the
charitable giving umbrella and as a deal whereby Keith and Ken were both interested in moving forward.
Ken Mannon; earlier he was trying to swap for water shares - It did not go to Council previously. He first
approached Darin on this - reevaluating his assets (looking to retire some assets) which no longer fits his
portfolio, and he is ready to get rid of it.
Emily Francis; How are we able to use the Governmental Capital Improvement Fund for this since it is not new
development?
Travis Storin; the fees are collected from new development - the need to be used for expansion of governmental
facilities but not necessarily newly development of governmental facilities. This is the overall structure of
‘development pays its way in Fort Collins’ we collect general government, fire, police and the two types of parks.
That comment is really on how fee is generated not applied.
Nina Bodenhamer; It includes the cost of purchasing or leasing real property, construction, acquisition, or
expansion of capital improvement. Those are the parameters of how the Capital Expansion Fund can be used.
Emily Francis; I am supportive – if this comes to Council, I would request that we put a requirement on the city
that the space has to be leased by a nonprofit or a disadvantaged business added to the agreement if we move
forward.
Nina Bodenhamer; Let me check into his – due to IRS contribution guidelines, I am not sure we can bolt it to a
designated purpose. Needs to fall into general purpose for the IRS to recognize the charitable gift but let me
have a conversation with Travis.
Emily Francis; the city can internally set its own policy for how we use the building - this is a perfect opportunity
– we will acquire these spaces and we will earmark them for what we are hoping to do / serve
Ken Mannon; it will impact our repayment to the fund – impact the payback - if we keep spaces rented as they
are our payback is 6 years but beyond that I would say fair game
Emily Francis; we could figure out how to do that - I understand it would take longer for a payback, but we have
a commitment to our community
Julie Pignataro; It seems like a great deal – I am cautiously curious as to why he would be doing this
Insight into why - retiring his portfolio but this is huge - can you give insight into why - tax kickbacks from this
donation?
Nina Bodenhamer; it is about taxes – it is a reflection of what their tax debt is for any given year – based on
short- or long-term depreciation, capital gains. There is an incredible financial interest to take the tax deduction
and what we see with donors is that they typically try to buckle them to a deal they are making where they take
in a lot of cash –maybe he is making a sale on another property, so he is looking for a deduction to relieve his
overall tax debit – it does seem enormous, but it does makes sense. We aren’t responsible ultimately for what a
donor does afterwards - our job is to certify the charitable contribution up to the 82 83 IRS filing then they apply
it – that is not our responsibility – we just accept and certify the donation. It is often why these come up at
certain times -They were looking at their tax debt - For that reason, the IRS doesn’t like these types of deals that
are structured in December.
Kelly Ohlson; choice between retail to offset the debt and to help legitimate appropriate non-profits – I am open
to that - First consideration might be for city offices – if that is where they make sense – that location has had
challenges due to geography – design – location – not a lot of foot traffic – a natural for appropriate offices –
maybe we can write it in such a way to allow some flexibility – but seriously not pretending to benefit nonprofits
Emily Francis; if we need it for city office space – sure - Who are we leasing it to? What is our priority there?
Affordable space is an issue and is really hard to come by
Nina Bodenhamer; overall portfolio of city leasing – I hear from nonprofits - who gets that cheap space -
rumbling of city favorites - we would be wise to develop a large policy portfolio? The who and why and what
rates so there is equity among nonprofits who want to step forward. I will work on that wording in terms of how
we encourage a larger vision for that rental space to non-profits – who gets that space? What are the metrics?
Is it the first person who knows about it and applies which doesn’t seem like an equitable process – look at a
process to triage that.
Kelly DiMartino; we did go through a process a couple years ago to really look at how we determine how we
apply discounts to our nonprofit community - we do have a process and a rubric in place and this gives us an
opportunity to continue to expand on that and provide a bit more equity and objectivity in how we are doing
that so there is a rubric and some scoring in how we award those spaces.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee support an Appropriation of $975,000 from the General Government Capital
Expansion Fund for the tentative purchase of the real property located at 144 N. Mason St., Units 1 through 8,
Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524?
Result;
Travis Storin; I am hearing support for deal itself. We will schedule an appropriation for First Reading with the
Council. We will incorporate in the agenda materials, an order of operations for city office facilities and for non-
profit or disadvantaged enterprises. We will consult with the CAO on the best way to document and reflect
those intentions. Some additional description around the appraisal selection process would be appreciated.
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 157, 2021
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES FROM THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT
CAPITAL EXPANSION FEE ACCOUNT IN THE CAPITAL EXPANSION FEE FUND
FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE CONDOMINIUMS IN THE
CIVIC CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE
WHEREAS, located at 144 North Mason in Fort Collins are eight condominium units built
within and located on the ground floor of the western face of the City’s Civic Center Parking
Structure (“Condominiums”); and
WHEREAS, the Condominiums are currently owned by Civic Center, LLC (“Civic
Center LLC”), but the City owns the real property on which the Condominiums sit (the
“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the City is the lessor and Civic Center LLC is the lessee under a 1998
ground lease that authorizes the Condominiums to be located on the Property for a term ending
December 31, 2039 (the “Ground Lease”); and
WHEREAS, the Ground Lease provides that when the Ground Lease terminates at the
end of 2039, the City becomes the owner of the Condominiums without any payment obligation
to Post Modern; and
WHEREAS, Civic Center LLC wishes to convey the Condominiums to the City now and
agree with the City to the termination of the Ground Lease; and
WHEREAS, Civic Center LLC has obtained a formal appraisal of its ownership interests
in the Condominiums and the Ground Lease that appraises them as having a total fair market
value of $3.7 million; and
WHEREAS, Civic Center LLC has, however, agreed to convey the Condominiums to the
City and to the termination of the Ground Lease in return for the City paying Civic Center LLC
only $975, 000, and thereby making a charitable donation to the City for the difference between
the $3.7 million appraised value and the $975,000 payment; and
WHEREAS, Civic Center LLC and the City intend to enter into a Purchase and Sale
Agreement memorializing their agreement for this purchase, the termination of the Ground Lease
and the charitable donation (the “Purchase Agreement”), which transaction Civic Center LLC
needs to be completed by the end of this year for tax reasons; and
WHEREAS, the City’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement to purchase the
Condominiums for $975,000 and agree to the termination of the Ground Lease, will be subject to
and contingent upon the City Council adopting this Ordinance on second reading and it
becoming law 10 days after such adoption, as provided in the City Charter; and
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WHEREAS, the purchase is proposed to be funded with this appropriation from the prior
year reserves in the City’s general government capital expansion fee account in the capital
expansion fee fund (“General Government CEF Reserves”); and
WHEREAS, City Code Section 7.5-22(a) provides that General Government CEF
Reserves may be used for the acquisition of capital improvements to be used to provide general
government services if such improvements are identified in an applicable capital improvements
plan that is part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution 2021-105
which adopted the 2021 Civic Center Master Plan as an amendment to the City’s Downtown
Plan, which Downtown Plan is an element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (the “Civic Center
Master Plan”);
WHEREAS, the Civic Center Master Plan identifies the Condominiums as buildings to
be acquired by the City for use by it in the near future as offices to provide general government
services, thereby making the General Government CEF Reserves available for use to acquire the
Condominiums; and
WHEREAS, this appropriation benefits the public health, safety and welfare of the
residents of Fort Collins and serves the public purpose of facilitating the acquisition of City
offices to provide general government services; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council, upon the
recommendation of the City Manager, to appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal
year such funds for expenditure as may be available from reserves accumulated in prior years,
notwithstanding that such reserves were not previously appropriated; and
WHEREAS, the Interim City Manager has recommended the appropriation described
herein and determined this appropriation is available and previously unappropriated from the
General Government CEF Reserves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated from the General Government CEF
Reserves the sum of NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($975,000)
to be expended for the acquisition of the Condominiums as provided under the Purchase
Agreement.
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Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 16th day of
November, A.D. 2021, and to be presented for final passage on the 7th day of December, A.D.
2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Interim City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 7th day of December, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Interim City Clerk