HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 12/14/2021 - WORK SESSION
City of Fort Collins Page 1
Jeni Arndt, Mayor
Emily Francis, District 6, Mayor Pro Tem
Susan Gutowsky, District 1
Julie Pignataro, District 2
Tricia Canonico, District 3
Shirley Peel, District 4
Kelly Ohlson, District 5
Remote Meeting
City Hall West
300 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado
Cablecast on FCTV
Channel 14 on Connexion
Channel 14 and 881 on Comcast
Carrie Daggett Kelly DiMartino Tammi Pusheck
City Attorney Interim City Manager Interim City Clerk
Upon request, the City of Fort Collins will provide language access services for individuals who have limited English
proficiency, or auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities, to access City services, programs and
activities. Contact 970.221.6515 (V/TDD: Dial 711 for Relay Colorado) for assistance. Please provide 48 hours
advance notice when possible.
A petición, la Ciudad de Fort Collins proporcionará servicios de acceso a idiomas para personas que no dominan el
idioma inglés, o ayudas y servicios auxiliares para personas con discapacidad, para que puedan acceder a los
servicios, programas y actividades de la Ciudad. Para asistencia, llame al 970.221.6515 (V/TDD: Marque 711 para
Relay Colorado). Por favor proporcione 48 horas de aviso previo cuando sea posible.
City Council Work Session
December 14, 2021
6:00 PM
A) CALL TO ORDER.
B) ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Fort Collins Connexion Update. (staff: Chad Crager; 10 minute presentation; 30 minute
discussion)
The purpose of this item is to provide Council and the public an overview and update of the
Connexion municipal fiber buildout.
2. Stormwater Utility Overview. (staff: Theresa Connor, Matt Fater, Ken Sampley; 20 minute
presentation; 10 minute discussion)
The purpose of this item is to provide an overview of the Fort Collins Stormwater Util ity, which
provides for public safety during flood events and environmental health through protecting and
enhancing our streams and the Cache la Poudre River. The utility takes a multi-disciplinary
approach to achieve these safety and environmental objectives, including education and
awareness, capital improvements, regulations, and on-going maintenance. While significant
investments have been made to improve the stormwater system, future investments are still needed
to address remaining flood risks, improve water quality, and rehabilitate urban streams.
C) ANNOUNCEMENTS.
D) ADJOURNMENT.
DATE:
STAFF:
December 14, 2021
Ginny Sawyer, Policy and Project Manager
Chad Crager, Outside Plant Director
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Fort Collins Connexion Update.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to provide Council and the public an overview and update of the Connexion municipal
fiber buildout.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What questions does Council have for the Connexion team?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Build and Take Rate
The Connexion team, along with Atlantic Engineering Group (AEG), and On Trac, continue to build and install
Connexion fiber throughout the community. With initial construction starting in 2019, it is anticipated that AEG will
be complete with construction by summer 2022 and that the project will remain on target with fiber available to all
premises by the end of 2022.
New neighborhoods continue to be offered Connexion service on a weekly basis. To date, Connexion is seeing a
31% residential take rate (measured in neighborhoods with service available for at least 90 -days.) This
penetration is above the 28% previously noted to achieve timely bond payback.
While build progress and residential take rate are at or above target, previous financial modeling was overly
aggressive on multiple dwelling unit (MDU) build-out and commercial availability. Connexion has steady interest
from these business types, and each brings a challenge for implementation. For 2022, Connexion has secured
Colorado Boring as a dedicated resource to provide fiber to MDUs. Fort Collins has over 500 MDUs and
Connexion has set a target of installing at least 150 in 2022.
Completing the fiber buildout and achieving MDU and commercial goals will require additional capital funding.
Capital Project and Funding Update
As stated above, the original business plan assumptions were more aggressive on the commercial side and the
updated financial modeling is utilizing assumptions based on market learnings to date. The modeling includes
additional boring costs on the fiber network, the dedicated costs for MDU buildouts, additional premises to be
served in the market and updated operating and installation costs reflecting actual results to date. The table below
highlights these primary assumption changes.
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In September 2021, Council appropriated an additional $8.2 million of project contingency funds, bringing the total
appropriated capital project budget to $117 million. AEG and On Trac have continued the fiber network buildout
and installation of Connexion customers. The table below includes the original Business Plan assumptions,
project spending to date and the Current Project Estimate that includes the assumption changes noted above.
The current project estimate is $143 million. The Connexion project currently has $123 million available ($117
million appropriated plus a re-deployment of operating budget funds of approximately $6 million). T he resulting
funding need is estimated at approximately $20 million.
Staff are currently evaluating funding alternatives, structure and timing. Connexion currently has in excess of
$20M available remaining capacity under the original voter approved initiative. The initial need for these additional
project funds is anticipated in early 2022. It is anticipated that these options will be discussed at the Council
Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for February 2022.
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Billing Update
Connexion and Utilities customer service staff have been working with vendors and a consultant team to
implement a new billing system (GLDS.) Loveland and Longmont both utilize this system for their telecom billing.
The system has been thoroughly tested and is going live by Dec ember 14.
GLDS is not only a functioning billing system, but it also has a self -service sales portal and online billing and
payment capabilities, and it offers the desired and needed reporting for FCC compliance and marketing. The
implementation of this system eliminates a previous hurdle to sales ramp-up.
Possible Federal Grant Funding
The recently signed Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $65B for Broadband. Federal funds
have typically been available for areas with internet speed s under 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload
speeds. As a comparison, Connexion has symmetrical 1,000 Mbps download speeds and 1,000 Mbps upload
speeds. These traditional federal speed requirements make it difficult for urbanized areas to apply for gr ant
funding as urban areas have higher speeds due to competition. Hopefully these speed requirements will be
updated as the federal funds become available.
While Connexion will be completed when grants are available from this federal funding, we are worki ng closely
with Larimer County to determine if other opportunities are available outside of City limits for future grant funding.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
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City Council Work SessionDecember 14, 2021ATTACHMENT 1B.1.1Packet Pg. 5Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Purpose21. Progress and Take Rate2. Updated Construction Schedule3. Capital Project and Funding Update4. New website and billing systemB.1.1Packet Pg. 6Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Progress and Take Rate3B.1.1Packet Pg. 7Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Updated ScheduleService Available to all premisesB.1.1Packet Pg. 8Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Business Plan vs. Current Project Estimates5Description Business Plan Assumptions Current Project EstimatePremises 70k 78kConduit Availability 72% 48%Installation Cost $592 per install $705 per installPremise Boring $0 $8.5MFull absorption 100% by Q4 2022 100% by Q4 2024Residential Take Rate 28% by end of 2022 35% by end of 2022Commercial Take Rate 45% by end of 2022 28% by end of 2024B.1.1Packet Pg. 9Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Financial Summary – Project Life to Date6Bond Proceeds 142.2$ Debt/Interest Pymts (16.5)$ Operating Revenue 6.9$ Cost of Sales (0.8)$ Interest 7.3$ Operating Expenses (12.3)$ Total Revenue 14.2$ Total Expense (13.1)$ Total Inflows 156.4$ Capital Project (111.4)$ Total Outflows (141.0)$ 15.4$ Inflows: Outflows:Connexion - as of November 30, 2021 ($M) - UnauditedCurrent BalanceB.1.1Packet Pg. 10Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Capital Project Spending UpdateDescriptionBusiness Plan Assumptions11/30/2021LTD SpentCurrent Project Estimate thruDec 2024Network Build (Primarily AEG ) $84M $95M $102MInstallations (On Trac, boring) $13M $7M $30MEquipment & All Other $12M $9M $11MContingency Appropriation – Sept. 2021 $8MTotal Capital Budget $117M $111M $143M7B.1.1Packet Pg. 11Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Capital Project Funding UpdateDescription TotalCurrent Project Estimate $143MTotal Capital Budget $117MRe-Deployed Operating Budget $6MTotal Currently Available $123MFunding Need $20M8Connexion has $20M available remaining capacity under the original voter approved initiative.B.1.1Packet Pg. 12Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
Financing Need and Next Steps• Financing Alternatives• Estimated Timing Requirement - Draws as needed• Next Steps:• Council Finance Committee – February 6, 2022Discuss/Decide Funding Options• Council – February/March 2022Appropriation/Ordinance approval sought9B.1.1Packet Pg. 13Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
New Connexion Website and Billing SystemPhased Rollout1. Website Core - November 232. GLDS Portal Launch – Mid December3. Support Hub – Mid January10B.1.1Packet Pg. 14Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
QUESTIONS?B.1.1Packet Pg. 15Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (11014 : Connexion Update)
DATE:
STAFF:
December 14, 2021
Matt Fater, Utilities Special Projects Manager
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Stormwater Utility Overview.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to provide an overview of the Fort Collins Stormwater Utility, which provides for public
safety during flood events and environmental health throu gh protecting and enhancing our streams and the
Cache la Poudre River. The utility takes a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve these safety and environmental
objectives, including education and awareness, capital improvements, regulations, and on -going maintenance.
While significant investments have been made to improve the stormwater system, future investments are still
needed to address remaining flood risks, improve water quality, and rehabilitate urban streams.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council have any questions or feedback about the strategic direction or operations of the Stormwater
Utility?
2. Does Council support an out-of-cycle appropriation in early 2022 for an additional stream rehabilitation
project?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
An annual update will be provided on each of the four incumbent utilities to provide Council with an overview of
the utilities and an opportunity to address any questions on policy alignment or operations.
This is the fourth installment of the community-owned Fort Collins Utilities overview and covers the Stormwater
Utility, which is responsible for managing stormwater within the City for the protection of people, property, and the
environment.
Stormwater management is focused on the intersection of the natural and urban environments. The City must
manage this intersection so that precipitation from rain and snow can pass safely through the urban environment
without harm to the natural environment. Established in 1980, the Stor mwater Utility uses a multi-disciplinary
approach to manage a wide spectrum of storm events, from frequent low intensity events for water quality
treatment to less frequent high intensity events for flood protection. Continued investments in grey and green
stormwater infrastructure, stream rehabilitation, proactive floodplain management, regulatory compliance,
maintenance, and education all contribute to the community’s public safety and environmental health. These
investments also provide the City with opportunities to meet other community objectives such as: recreation, trail
corridors, wildlife habitat and community resiliency.
The Numbers
• Residential customer accounts - 40,000
• Commercial customer accounts - 7,500
• Stormwater Basins (within or partially within City limits) - 13
• Population served in 2020 - 171,380
• Number of employees - 32
• 2021 operating budget - $10.8 million
• 2021 Capital Budget - $10.7 million
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Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Stormwater Utility serves the entire population of the city, as the service area boundary is coincident with the
city limits. There are about 40,000 residential accounts and 7,500 commercial accounts.
The recent JD Power survey that was completed for the electric, water, and wastewater utilities did n ot include
the Stormwater Utility, as JD Power does not currently benchmark stormwater services. Future surveys will seek
to incorporate stormwater services.
The City’s 2021 Community Survey contains the most current customer perspective since the JD Powe r survey
was not available. The survey indicated:
• 73% of respondents rated stormwater as good or very good
• 94% of respondents rated natural areas, open space, parks, and trails as good or very good (the Stormwater
Utility partners with these departments to meet multiple objectives)
The Stormwater System
The stormwater system is designed to collect and treat stormwater runoff from urban areas, such as streets,
parking lots, commercial areas, and neighborhoods. Stormwater inlets capture runoff from st reets and convey it
to underground storm sewers and above ground conveyance channels. Detention ponds provide storage areas
to slow down stormwater before releasing it safely downstream. Water quality ponds and low impact
development measures treat stormwater by removing pollutants through settlement and infiltration. These basic
elements of the stormwater system allow for the safe passage and treatment of stormwater through the city and
discharge to streams and the Cache la Poudre River.
The system includes:
• 180 miles of storm sewers
• 4,400 manholes
• 8,300 inlets
• 393 low impact development measures
• 100+ detention ponds
• 60+ conveyance channels
All new developments are required to meet stormwater design criteria identified in the municipal code. These
requirements ensure the safe conveyance and treatment of stormwater while avoiding impact to adjacent
properties and the downstream system. New systems are designed for both low intensity storms for water quality
treatment and high intensity storms that can cause flooding, including the 100-year storm, defined as 3.67” in 2
hours. Goals of the design criteria include flood protection for buildings, safe roadway access, water quality
treatment, and long term operations and maintenance. Staff review each development project for compliance
with these standards.
Private stormwater systems such as those associated with homeowner’s associations and business parks also
have a role in the conveyance and treatment of stormwater. These systems were typically c onstructed as part of
the site development and serve only that development. For example, detention ponds and LID systems required
as part of the development process are owned and maintain by the owners of the development. However, these
systems ultimately drain into the City’s stormwater system, so on-going inspection and coordination are needed
so the City’s system can continue to function properly.
Stormwater Master Planning
Master plans identify mitigation solutions for flood risks as well as opportuni ties to improve stormwater quality,
rehabilitate urban streams, and partner with other City departments on multi-use opportunities, including open
space, trails, and recreation. Recommendations from master plans are carried forward into the capital
improvement plan for the utility. There are 13 stormwater basins within the Growth Management Area (GMA),
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each with their own master plan. Each master plan contains a comprehensive, multi -disciplinary approach
involving several City departments and public stakeholders to create a plan and vision for how stormwater
management can be implemented in each basin. Key outcomes of each master plan include:
• Identification and prioritization of capital projects that reduce flood risk from structures and major roadways.
• Opportunities to enhance riparian habitat along stream and river corridors and improve water quality.
• Guidance for new and future development.
• Guidance for acquisition of property for future capital improvements and areas for preservation or recreatio n.
• Opportunities to incorporate natural areas, open space, parks, and recreation into future stormwater CIP
projects.
Floodplain Management
Fort Collins has a long history of flooding. In fact, when Camp Collins was first established in 1862 near the t own
of Laporte, a roaring flood destroyed the camp, forcing settlers to relocate to higher ground near present -day
downtown Fort Collins. Other floods, such as those in 1904 on the Poudre and 1997 on Spring Creek, have
caused loss of life and washed away r oads, bridges, homes, and businesses, raising awareness to the risks of
flooding in the community. The 1997 Spring Creek flood resulted from 14.5 inches of rain in 31 hours in a portion
of west Fort Collins. Five (5) lives were lost, and there was over $20 0 million in damage. More recently, in 2013,
record-breaking rainfall over the Colorado Front Range created heavy flooding along several rivers, including the
Poudre River. Due to the City’s efforts in flood management since the 1997 flood, damage in Fort Collins was
minimal compared to other communities. However, urban flooding, especially in Old Town, is still a major
concern.
After the 1997 flood, the City increased efforts to reduce development in high -risk areas, installed a flood warning
system, began major stormwater outfall projects, improved floodplain mapping, updated the stormwater master
plans, and implemented ongoing public outreach and education to inform residents of their risk.
These steps reduce the impact future floods will have on Fort Collins, but there is still more work to do. While
there are still many capital improvement projects to design and construct, Fort Collins’ proactive floodplain
management program has earned national recognition with the Federal Emergency Management Agenc y (FEMA)
Community Rating System (CRS). The City has a Class 2 CRS rating, ranking Fort Collins as one of only eight
communities (out of 1,518 participating communities) in the entire nation with that rating or higher. This ranking
gives citizens and businesses a 40% discount on flood insurance premiums.
Key components of the City’s Floodplain Management Program include:
• Flood Awareness Outreach - Flood Awareness Week activities, annual mailer to floodplain residents, Turn
Around Don’t Drown bus bench signs, education programs with schools, community events, and outreach to
contractors, realtors, insurance agents.
• Floodplain Regulations - Some standards are higher than State and FEMA minimum standards, such as
critical facility prohibition regulations and no residential development in the Poudre River floodplain.
• Floodplain Mapping - In addition to the FEMA-designated floodplains (Poudre River, Spring Creek, Dry Creek,
Boxelder and Cooper Slough) there are also City designated floodplains (Old Town, F ossil Creek, West Vine,
Canal Importation, Foothills Channel, Mail Creek, and McClellands Creek). The flood risk mapping is updated
through the master planning process or in coordination with FEMA. The Poudre River is currently being
updated by FEMA as part of a program called RiskMAP.
• Preserve and Protect the Floodplain - Natural areas and parks provide a place for floodwaters to spread out
and slow down to prevent damages. Stormwater works with our partners to help preserve floodplain areas,
with 2/3 of the Poudre River floodplain being preserved as open space.
• Flood Warning System - The system has 75 sites (66 operated by Fort Collins Utilities) that monitor rainfall
and streamflow 24/7, with a special focus between April 1 and October 1 annually. Rea l time data is provided
at www.fcgov.com/floodwarningsystem. Stormwater staff are on-call 24/7 and use the system for awareness,
emergency preparedness, and emergency response. Staff works with the National Weather Service, as well
as the Emergency Preparedness and Security (EPS) Division, Poudre Fire Authority, Fort Collins Police, and
many City departments.
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Stormwater Quality
To protect surface waters, including streams and the Cache la Poudre River, from urban stormwater runoff
pollution, the City is required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment to operate under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The permit
is practice-based and requires implementation of the following pr ograms designed to minimize the discharge of
pollutants into the storm sewer system and downstream receiving waters. There are five (5) program
components:
1. Public Education and Outreach (businesses and the general public)
2. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (spill response)
3. Construction Site Stormwater Management (sediment and erosion control)
4. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment (Installation and long -
term maintenance of stormwater control measures like Low Impact Development)
5. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Education and outreach for businesses and the public address common urban pollutants, their effects on water
quality, and measures to protect our streams. City staff, in cooperation with Poudre Fire Authority, respond to
incidents involving hazardous materials, pollutants, and illegal dumping to the storm sewer system. The City
must ensure construction projects adhere to design criteria set forth in the Stormwater Criteria Manual and
inspect sites for pollutant management. Criteria include not only temporary sediment and erosion control
measures, but also engineering design standards for permanent water quality treatment. Once development is
completed, staff inspect permanent control measures and work with owners to ensure long -term operation and
management of the control measures. City-owned facilities and operations with potential to impact the
stormwater system operate under stormwater management plans and must implement best management
practices to minimize that potential.
Staff strive to implement effective programs and work towards continual improvement. Internal and third-party
MS4 program audits identify opportunities for improvement and inform th e planning process. To proactively
address evolving regulations and more prescriptive permit requirements, the City engages in special studies. For
example, in preparation of the forthcoming E. coli Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) in segments of the Poudre
River and related MS4 permit requirements, a study was conducted to identify sources of E. coli and measures to
reduce or remove those sources.
All new developments and some re-developments are required to meet our Low Impact Development (LID)
criteria. LID components include rain gardens, permeable pavers, bioretention, and wetland ponds. The benefits
of LID are that stormwater is treated and controlled at the source; it provides improved pollutant removal and
water quality through infiltration; it helps with heat island mitigation; and it helps reduce the impact of urbanization.
The Low Impact Development (LID) criteria was originally adopted in 2013 and was updated in 2016. The LID
criteria requires:
• A minimum of 75% of new impervious surface area to be treated by an LID-type device or technology (i.e.,
bio-retention cell, bio-swale) OR
• At least 25% of new pavement areas must be designed to be pervious OR
• Design alternative that provides equal or better treatment than the previous requirements
Capital Improvements
Significant investments in stormwater infrastructure have been made over the past several decades to improve
flood protection and water quality. These investments have protected an estimated 1,900 buildings up to the 100 -
year flood risk. In addition, several regional water quality detention areas have been constructed to treat urban
runoff before entering the Poudre River. Many of these investments have been made in areas of the City that
were developed prior to the 1980’s when floodplain regulations and stormwater design criteria were adopted.
These improvements have been necessary to provide similar service levels as newly developed areas. In several
cases, improvements to the stormwater system have provided the opportunity to partner wit h the City’s Natural
Areas Program and Parks Department to meet other community objectives such as: recreation, trail corridors,
and wildlife habitat. Examples of past investments by the Stormwater Utility include Spring Creek corridor, Locust
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St. outfall, Red Fox Meadows Natural Area, and Sheldon Lake stormwater improvements.
There is still more investment needed to address remaining flood risks, improve water quality, and rehabilitate
urban streams. There are an estimated 1,000 buildings still at risk f or damage in the 100-year storm with
approximately half of these in downtown. Flooding of roadways and intersections remain a concern for
emergency access, including along College Avenue. Approximately 15 miles of the city’s 10 urban streams
require rehabilitation after decades of alteration and erosion from agriculture and urban development.
The stormwater capital improvement plan (CIP) is a combination of projects from each of the thirteen basin
master plans to address these challenges with an estimated total cost of $556.1 million. The following table
identifies the proportion of the total cost by primary objective. Most of these improvements will also integrate
water quality treatment.
Table 1 - Stormwater Capital Improvement Plan
Primary Objective Estimated Cost (million)
Flood Protection and WQ $297.5
Roadway Only Flood Protection and WQ $70.0
Stream / River Rehabilitation and WQ $115.7
Asset Rehab and Renewal $34.2
Annexations $38.7
Total CIP (2021 dollars) $556.1
Flood Protection Projects
Structure and roadway protection represent the greatest cost of the capital improvement plan. The primary
objective of these projects is to minimize damage to residential and commercial structures up to the 100 -year
flood. The design of these projects seeks to optimize the risk reduction with the cost of improvements. In some
cases, removing the 100-year flood risk entirely from a building is not feasible or too costly. However, in most
areas the stormwater master plans have identified improvements that can cost-effectively address the flood risks.
The downtown area represents the greatest concentration of flood risk remaining in the city. The flood risk in
downtown can be characterized as urban flooding due to the lack of stormwater infrastructure or a de fined stream
channel. During intense rainstorms, flow depths in downtown streets can quickly reach 2 -4 feet, exceeding curb
heights and impacting adjacent homes and business. An estimated 550 structures remain at risk for damage
during a 100-year storm. Of these damaged structures, approximately half of them contain finished or partially
finished basements that are particularly vulnerable to flood risk and pose a safety risk for people that may occupy
these basements. A 2019 study noted the repetitive natur e of the flood risk with an estimated cost to the
community of $151 million to $165 million over the next 50 -years if no improvements are made. In addition, these
conditions create a risk in terms of economic, social, and environment impacts, such as publi c safety, business
closures, traffic disruptions, and sewer overflows.
The Oak Street Stormwater Project is the first in a series of projects planned for downtown. The project will
extend an existing 78” storm sewer along Oak St. from Mason St. to City P ark. Streetscape and low impact
development improvements are also proposed to enhance pedestrian safety and improve water quality. The
project was funded for design in the 2020 and 2021 budgets with a budget offer for construction funding planned
for 23/24.
Stream and River Rehabilitation Projects
Projects have been identified for both urban stream rehabilitation and projects along the Poudre River. The City
contains ten urban streams that are tributary to either the Poudre River or Fossil Creek Reservoir . These streams
have been impacted and degraded over time due to agricultural practices and urban development. The stream
rehabilitation program was established in 2013 with the goals of improving habitat, protecting water quality, and
addressing erosion. In addition to urban stream rehabilitation, several projects along the Poudre River corridor
have been identified to enhance the river corridor while also improving flood safety.
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Accelerating the urban stream rehabilitation program was identified as a 202 1 Council priority. The annual
funding for this program has been increased in the CIP from $800,000 to $1.2 million in response to this priority.
Staff continues to look for ways to increase efficiency as projects are designed and constructed. One approach is
to combine stream segments into larger projects to be designed and constructed at the same time. This
approach will save time during the permitting process and save cost during the construction phase due to
economies of scale. Staff is looking for Council feedback on a proposed out of cycle appropriation in 2022 to
provide additional funding for another project on Fossil Creek adjacent to the current project on Mail Creek,
planned for construction in the fall of 2022. The additional project is expected to be in the range of $400,000 to
$600,000. If Council would like to move forward with an out of cycle appropriation, staff will develop a more
refined cost estimate for the appropriation.
Challenges
In addition to capital improvement needs, the Stormwa ter Utility faces other challenges with the potential for
changing water quality regulations and annexations.
As water quality regulations evolve, Colorado stormwater discharge permits may move from practice -based
permits to numeric effluent limitations. Permittees have experienced increasingly prescriptive requirements,
including stormwater outfall monitoring related to total maximum daily loads, specific water quality engineering
design standards, and increased source reduction practices.
As future annexations are considered, the ability of the Stormwater Utility to provide service to these areas will
need to be evaluated. For example, the properties along the East Mulberry corridor were generally constructed
prior to the adoption of stormwater design standards. As a result, these areas lack sufficient infrastructure for
water quality treatment and flood protection. An estimated 57 buildings are within the Dry Creek and
Boxelder/Cooper Slough 100-year floodplains, which are part of the East Mulberry corridor. Master plans for
these basins have been developed as a partnership with Larimer County to identify risks and associated capital
improvements. The master plans identify an estimated $38.7 million worth of improvements necessary to address
structure and roadway flooding along the corridor should this area be annexed into the City. In addition, local
street drainage improvements are also anticipated. A cost for these improvements has not been estimated at this
time.
Innovations and Opportunities
There are exciting opportunities for innovation as it relates to operations and the design of future capital
improvements.
The Water Treatment Residuals (WTRs) project aims at diverting waste generated by treatment operations at the
City’s Water Treatment Plant by exploring beneficial use for that waste. The project is researching the use of
water treatment residuals as an amendment to soil mixes in stormwater treatment areas such as rain gardens.
These treatment areas would capture phosphorus in stormwater that w ould otherwise end up in the City’s streams
and water bodies. This project cooperated with researchers at Colorado State University to evaluate the
effectiveness of using this technology on a lab scale as well as on a field scale. The next step in this pro ject will
be to apply for an approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the
application of this process on a large scale.
Also, the operations division has been developing a construction dirt recycling program. This program takes
excavated material from construction sites to a central location. At this facility, the material can be dried and
screened to remove asphalt, concrete, and large rocks. The material is then stockpiled for future projects. An
estimated 14,942 tons of material is recycled at this facility every year and an estimated 750 trips avoided to the
landfill every year. The 2022 budget includes an appropriation to evaluate the existing dirt management
operations and plan for strategic steps to ensure it remains, improves, and partners appropriately with other City
Departments.
There are opportunities to meet multiple objectives with many of the projects identified in the capital improvement
plan. For example, the West Vine Basin master plan in northwest Fort Collins identifies projects in the CIP to
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create a multi-functional corridor for stormwater, trails, and wildlife. The first phase of this corridor was already
construction in 2014 from the Poudre River to Vine Dr. Also, the Puente Verde Natural Area was purchased
jointly in 2012 by the Stormwater Utility and the Natural Areas program.
Another example of a multi-objective project is the Poudre River Flow Consolidation project at College Avenue.
College Avenue north of the Poudre River can become inundated during a flood on the river. The 2022 budget
includes funding to evaluate the feasibility to address this flooding of College Avenue while also enhancing the
river corridor from upstream of College Avenue through Legacy Park.
Financial Outlook
The CIP with the current projection of capital improvements is shown below.
The amount of anticipated capital investment is much greater than what has been made over the previous
decade. This will require significant operational planning and project managem ent to ensure that the bond
revenue is utilized efficiently.
Stormwater Operations
Operating revenues have grown modestly over the past decade, primarily through annexations and infill
development, along with some modest rate adjustments.
The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
Stormwater O&M has increased as more infrastructure is built requiring O&M. The financial forecast recognizes
this but assumes that the growth can be managed to increase at t he rate of inflation. The largest increases were
seen in drainage and detention, as well as in the administrative charges.
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December 14, 2021 Page 8
The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025202620272028202920302031Operating Income 2011 -2031
Operating Income Operating Revenue Operating Expense
The growing divergence between the operating revenue and operating expense is necessary to increase the net
pledged revenues necessary to cover the increased outstanding debt over the next few decades.
Stormwater Rate and Debt Forecasts
As the strong operating income generated every year in this utility only provides a fourth of the anticipated capital
investment required to fully build out the infrastructure for the community over the next 25 years, it will be
necessary to issue significant debt to complete the remaining stormwater infra structure. Significant rate increases
could be implemented rather than, or in conjunction with, issuing debt, but the capital needs are not ongoing.
Rates are usually adjusted to fund ongoing operational and capital needs. There is significant debt capacit y in this
fund that operates with an operating margin of 40%. Increasing rates would increase the operating margin but
does not necessarily allow for the initial infrastructure to be built on an accelerated schedule because of the
relative scale of the capital investment compared to the operating revenues. The anticipated levelized annual
capital investment required to complete the initial build out over the next 25 years, along with minor capital
investments required on existing infrastructure, is $2 milli on per year. Infrastructure that is expected to last for at
least 50 years into the future could be financed over that period, with those customers benefiting from the new
investment paying for its cost rather than increasing rates substantially. The table below shows the amount of
debt that would need to be issued over the next decade to establish this 25 -year build out schedule while
adhering to the financial boundary conditions of gradual, modest rate adjustments, positive operating income, and
a debt coverage ratio of at least 2.0.
As the table below shows, there will be the need to issue debt for several capital investments over the next
decade. The first such issuance should be done in 2023 as part of the 2023 -24 BFO cycle. Modest rate
adjustments can be made to increase the net pledged revenues available for debt service as the debt is issued, or
more modestly over two or three years ahead of the next issuance.
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December 14, 2021 Page 9
The debt capacity should be sufficient to meet the anticipated cost of the buildout of the protective infrastructure
assuming a 25 year build out period rather than the 10 -year schedule. The need to issue debt will drive some rate
increases over the next 10 years to maintain the targeted debt coverage ratio of at least 2.0.
Updating the ten-year Capital Improvement Plans ahead of the budget cycle allows for an assessment of
potential rate adjustments and debt issuances that may be necessary soon. The Strategic Financial Plan
provides a financial path forward to meet the operational needs of each utility.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
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Stormwater Utility OverviewDecember 14, 2021Protecting People, Property and Our EnvironmentTheresa Connor – Interim Utilities Executive DirectorATTACHMENT 1B.2.1Packet Pg. 25Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
2Questions for City CouncilAre there any questions or feedback about the direction of the Stormwater Utility?Does Council support an out-of-cycle appropriation in early 2022 for an additional stream rehabilitation project?B.2.1Packet Pg. 26Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Overview1 | Strategic Alignment2| Customer Overview & Voice 3| What We Do4| Innovation & Opportunities5| Financial Considerations6| How it Happens 7| Questions, Comments & Discussion3B.2.1Packet Pg. 27Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
4Strategic AlignmentSafe Community Environmental HealthCommunity BenefitsOther Areas of Alignment• Municipal Sustainability Action Plan• Our Climate Future• Resiliency• Multi-functional approachStormwater Policy Guidance• Water quality• Flood protection• Stream rehabilitation• Low impact developmentB.2.1Packet Pg. 28Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Our Customers548,000 Stormwater AFFRXQWV7,500 Commercial.5HVLGHQWLDOResults from 2021 Community Survey• 73% rated stormwater service good or very good• 94% rated natural areas, open space, parks and trails good or very good• 18% believe more effort needs to be put into community safety B.2.1Packet Pg. 29Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Education & Outreach6B.2.1Packet Pg. 30Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Stormwater Utility History19791980s199520032012-2013201619972023First floodplain regulationsUtility formedFirst master plan adoptedHigher floodplain regulationsSpring Creek FloodMunicipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) PermitMaster plans updated & low impact developmentCommunity Rating System (CRS) class 2 ratingPoudre River RiskMAP7B.2.1Packet Pg. 31Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Service Area8N13 Stormwater BasinsGrowth Management Area (GMA)Stormwater system networkOutfalls into streams and creeksNB.2.1Packet Pg. 32Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How Does a Drainage Basin Work?B.2.1Packet Pg. 33Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Flood History1904Poudre River1938CSU1951CSU1992Downtown1997Spring Creek,Downtown,West Side,CSU 1999Poudre River2013Poudre River2017Downtown2018Downtownk,2PoRDo10DoB.2.1Packet Pg. 34Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
11Flood Risk Mapping100-Year Floodway100-Year Floodplain500-Year FloodplainB.2.1Packet Pg. 35Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
12Floodplain ManagementEducateRegulateWarning SystemPreserve2013 flood debris lineCapital ProjectsMappingRehab & MaintenanceB.2.1Packet Pg. 36Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Master Planning13Stormwater master planning creates a plan and vision for how stormwater management can be implemented in each of our 13 basins.Master-Planned ImprovementTwo-Dimensional Flow ModelingB.2.1Packet Pg. 37Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Water Quality: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System PermitEducation & OutreachIllicit DischargeConstructionPost-ConstructionMunicipal OperationsMS4 Permit&RQWLQXDO,PSURYHPHQW• Audits & audit response• Post-con program LPSURYHPHQWV• Winter runoff study• E. coli study14E. coli contributor**No raccoons were harmed in the making of this presentation.B.2.1Packet Pg. 38Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Low Impact Development (LID)Museum of DiscoveryLibrary ParkLake and RemingtonMitchell BlockMitchell BlockWolverine PressLibrary ParkOdell Brewery15B.2.1Packet Pg. 39Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Stream RehabilitationBeforeAfterMail CreekMcClelland’s CreekBeforeDuringAfter16B.2.1Packet Pg. 40Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Stream Rehab PrioritizationRank1-1011-2021-3031-40>40Fossil CreekMail CreekMcClellands CreekSpring CreekFoothills ChannelBoxelder CreekB.2.1Packet Pg. 41Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Capital InvestmentsRed Fox MeadowsCastlerock Storm SewerUdall Natural AreaWest Vine OutfallRemington Storm Sewer Oak Street Storm Sewer18B.2.1Packet Pg. 42Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Downtown Stormwater Improvement Plan (DSIP)19B.2.1Packet Pg. 43Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Parks and Natural Areas20Legacy Park and Salyer Natural AreaTwin Silo ParkPoudre Whitewater ParkRed Fox Meadows Natural AreaSpring Canyon ParkCattail Chorus Natural AreaB.2.1Packet Pg. 44Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
MaintenanceMagnolia Storm Sewer ReplacementClearing Storm Inlet after HailstormTrash Rack Replacement Bank Repair Inlet Debris21Mowing OperationsB.2.1Packet Pg. 45Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
ChallengesAnnexationsWater Quality RegulationsFloodplain Regulations22B.2.1Packet Pg. 46Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Innovation & Opportunities23Innovative Operations• Creating a circular economy• Residuals from Water Treatment Plant into LID Soil Amendments• Optimizing dirt recycling opportunities – 40% of the City's overall waste diversionPlacemaking• Using Stormwater infrastructure as part of the community design• NECCO Pond• Future West Vine Basin – stream or channel corridor versus large pipe• Poudre River flow consolidationB.2.1Packet Pg. 47Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Operating Income24B.2.1Packet Pg. 48Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Planned Capital Improvements25B.2.1Packet Pg. 49Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Forecasted Rates and Bonds26B.2.1Packet Pg. 50Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
SW Service FeesHow We Compare27B.2.1Packet Pg. 51Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens28B.2.1Packet Pg. 52Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens29B.2.1Packet Pg. 53Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens30B.2.1Packet Pg. 54Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens31B.2.1Packet Pg. 55Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens32B.2.1Packet Pg. 56Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens33B.2.1Packet Pg. 57Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens34B.2.1Packet Pg. 58Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens35B.2.1Packet Pg. 59Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
How It Happens36B.2.1Packet Pg. 60Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
For More Information, VisitTHANK YOU!FCGOV.COM/STORMWATERB.2.1Packet Pg. 61Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)
Stormwater Policy GuidanceMultidimensional Criteria• Water quality• Flood protection• Stream rehabilitation• Low impact development38B.2.1Packet Pg. 62Attachment: Powerpoint Presentation (10980 : Stormwater Utility Overview)