HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Full - Legislative Review Committee - 10/23/2017 -
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Legislative Review Committee Agenda
October 23, 2017
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Commons Conference Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Ave., Building A
1. Agenda Review
2. Approval of minutes from October 9, 2017 Meeting
Attached: October 9 Minutes
3. Review latest draft of Legislative Policy Agenda and State and Federal Priorities
(Attached)
Changes:
o LRC Chair noted and members listed in alphabetical order
o Development Review-added: Supports funding for any state mandated
inspection requirements.
o Elections-added: Supports all efforts to ensure fair and transparent election
processes and Supports process improvements that encourage voter
participation.
o Marijuana-added historical context/removed Supports aligning federal
marijuana law with the Colorado Constitution.
o State Priorities-removed Objective: Support Local Control of Oil and Gas
Operations
4. Legislative Preview with Jennifer Cassell and Ed Bowditch
5. Other business (15 minutes)
Invitation from Broomfield Council to join on oil and gas related letter
(Articles and letter attached)
Other
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Legislative Review Committee Agenda
October 9th, 2017
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Commons Conference Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Ave., Building A
Councilmembers Present: Ken Summers, Bob Overbeck, and Ray Martinez
Staff Present: John Duval, Jeff Mihelich, Jeanne Sanford, Ginny Sawyer, Cassie Archuleta,
Jackson Brockway.
The meeting came to order at 3:04 pm.
September 27-29 Lobbying Trip Highlights
Councilmember Summers reviewed the annual lobbying trip. Major highlights of the discussion
include:
A reminder that Council reviewed the results of lobbying trip during Councilmember
reports at the last City Council meeting.
Overall a productive session. Many good conversations were held with HUD.
More work needs to be done regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and conversations
around Halligan Reservoir.
Policy Agenda and Priorities
The Legislative Review Committee provided feedback on the Legislative Policy Agenda. Points
of discussion include:
Air quality standards: Concern around local control regarding state regulations. This
priority is focused on showing preference to home rule. After the initial discussion, no
changes to the policy were suggested.
Development Review, Oppose additional mandated inspection work: Questions
were raised regarding the rationale for opposing safety-related inspection work. The
Legislative Review Committee supported changing language to, “Support funding for
state mandated inspection work.”
Elections: LRC discussed the need for adding additional language regarding election
positions. Councilmember Overbeck notified LRC that the election committee met
yesterday. The only major concerns at this time from the committee were focused on
transparency. Adds from LRC are focused on adding new language relating to fairness
and transparency. Legislative and legal staff will develop initial language.
Marijuana Legislation: LRC requested additional clarity for “aligning federal policy with
the Colorado Constitution”. Suggested changes include:
o Adding in, “Support federal research on the efficacy of marijuana for medicinal
use”.
o Being consistent throughout the document on providing additional historical
context, much as the oil and gas section of the agenda does.
o Considering language around the use of industrial hemp.
o LRC agreed to strike the position, “aligning federal policy with the Colorado
Constitution” from the document.
Municipal Courts: Clarity was requested on the use of private defense council for court
advisements of in-custody clients.
Oil and Gas: Councilmember Summers requested additional detail on Oil and Gas
policies as well as potential future development in the City of Fort Collins. Primary
concern of this item being a priority is due to the low level of activity in the area and the
need to prioritize various items that go into a state priority document. Cassie Archuleta
provided a highlight of future activities in the state and is impact on ozone, air quality,
and water quality. Major comments and questions include:
o Dollar awards to be received from the VW settlement.
o How is Fort Collins doing on its ozone attainment?
o The City has been able to exceed on its ozone reduction goals and make
significant progress on reduction emissions standards.
o The LRC voted to keep the item in the policy agenda, but to remove it as a state
priority. The vote passed on a 2-1 vote. Motion: Summers. Second: Martinez.
Nay: Overbeck.
Review CML Policy Action Info Items
Ginny Sawyer introduced the CML policy action info items for Councilmembers Summers and
Overbeck’s visit to CML next week.
Legislative Policy Agenda Adoption
Legislative staff will continue to update the changes to the document and will be discussing
these changes at the October 23rd LRC meeting.
Other Business
Ginny Sawyer will propose meeting with state representatives on December 11th during
their 1X1 sessions.
Meeting adjourned at 4:05pm
2018 Legislative Policy Agenda
Adopted November xx, 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ............................................................................... 2
Home Rule and Local Control ................................................................. 5
Affordable Housing .............................................................................. 5
Air Quality ........................................................................................ 6
Beer and Liquor ................................................................................. 6
Broadband and Cable ........................................................................... 7
Climate ........................................................................................... 7
Development Review and Land Use Planning ............................................... 8
Elections .......................................................................................... 8
Energy ............................................................................................ 9
Finance ......................................................................................... 10
Hazardous Materials Management .......................................................... 10
Human Resources ............................................................................. 11
Marijuana ...................................................................................... 11
Municipal Court ................................................................................ 12
Oil and Gas ..................................................................................... 12
Open records and data management ....................................................... 13
Parks and Natural Areas ...................................................................... 13
Public Health .................................................................................. 14
Public safety ................................................................................... 14
Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction ...................................................... 15
Risk Management and Liability .............................................................. 16
Transportation ................................................................................. 17
Urban renewal and Downtown Development ............................................. 18
Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater ...................................................... 18
City of Fort Collins Legislative Contacts ................................................... 20
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INTRODUCTION
Fort Collins is a community of 161,000 residents. Incorporated in 1873, the City
has grown to become the commercial, educational and cultural hub of Northern
Colorado. The City adopted a home rule charter in 1954 and operates under a
Council-Manager form of government.
The City is a data-driven municipal organization that strives to fulfill its mission,
“Exceptional service for an exceptional community”, through a vision of providing
world-class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of
innovation. City leaders seek innovative solutions to issues facing the community
and are often willing to leverage emerging technologies.
The Fort Collins City Council annually adopts a Legislative Priorities and Policy
Agenda ahead of the upcoming Colorado general Assembly session for the purpose
of guiding legislators and staff in supporting community goals.
The Legislative Priorities are broad issues Fort Collins is focused on during
the Colorado General Assembly and United States Congress sessions. The
Priorities may carry over year to year since they are larger, more
challenging issues that may take multi-year work to influence.
The Policy Agenda is broad set of policy statements meant to convey
positions on issues that affect the quality of life and the governan ce of our
community. It is structured to address areas of local concern and to also
reflect the strategic planning that guides City of Fort Collins organizational
resource allocation and decision making.
Fort Collins welcomes opportunities to work in partnership to leverage additional
resources and participate in regional dialogue to achieve shared outcomes.
The City has identified seven outcome areas to ensure appropriate and effective
resource allocation supporting the community’s priorities. Outcome areas include
Culture and Recreation; Economic Health; Environmental Health; High Performing
Government; Neighborhood Livability and Social Health; Safe Community; and
Transportation and Mobility. The Policy Agenda identifies this alignment as it is
important for City staff to ensure that advocacy supports specific desired
outcomes.
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) is a representative group of Council
members that reviews and reacts to proposed legislation on behalf of City Council
and the City. In taking a position on particular bills, the LRC interprets and applies
the various policies that are included in the Legislative Policy Agenda.
Council Members presently serving on the Legislative Review Committee are:
Councilmember Ken Summers, Chair
Councilmember Ray Martinez
Councilmember Bob Overbeck
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW PROCESS
Bills introduced in the Colorado General Assembly, United States Congress and
federal, state or county regulations or rulemakings are reviewed by City staff or
the City’s contract lobbyist. Bills, regulations and rules that are identified as
having a potential impact on the City will be brought to the LRC for discussion. If
LRC adopts a position, staff and/or lobbyists will convey that information to the
appropriate state or federal representative and advocate for the adopted position.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of the General Assembly, if a bill’s subject
matter is explicitly addressed in this Policy Agenda, staff will proactively work
with state and federal representatives to advance the City’s position as expressed
in this legislative policy agenda and other Council-adopted plans and policies,
while updating the LRC until such time that LRC may take a position.
Staff liaisons support the LRC by contributing expertise in various areas of
municipal service. The City Attorney’s Office also reviews selected bills and may
provide confidential legal analysis. The input offered by staff and the City’s
attorneys is invaluable in analyzing impacts of legislative, regulatory and
rulemaking proposals to Fort Collins operations and the community. Fort Collins
also works with community partners to support local projects and staff
collaborates with representatives of other municipalities on mutually-held
priorities. Fort Collins actively seeks innovative partnerships to leverage positive
outcomes for residents.
The City works closely with the Colorado Municipal League (CML) and the National
League of Cities (NLC) on many legislative items facing cities. Fort Collins
maintains membership with Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities (CAMU)
which represents 29 municipal utilities throughout the state on utility issues,
Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) which represents municipalities
on climate issues. In addition, Fort Collins actively participates in various trade
organizations which represent specific areas of interest to City operations.
In 2018, Fort Collins will partner again with the lobbying firm Bowditch and Cassell
to maintain a fulltime presence at the state capitol.
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2018 LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENTS
HOME RULE AND LOCAL CONTROL
In order to consider and manage local conditions and desires, community issues and
needs should be addressed locally. For this reason, home rule authority is of utmost
importance to the City of Fort Collins. The City must be free to regulate local
activities that primarily impact the area within the City's boundaries, such as the
speed of local traffic or the effects of particular land use developments. The City
also understands the accumulative effect of these and other activities have statewide
ramifications that may call for statewide regulation, to effectively manage such
things as overall growth and development in the state, traffic congestion in major
transportation corridors and environmental quality.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports strengthening and preserving home rule authority of municipal
governments.
2. Opposes State or Federal intervention in matters of local concern or matters that
unnecessarily or adversely affect the City’s ability to manage and operate
pursuant to its home rule authority.
3. Opposes changes that increase (and support changes that lessen) the burdens on
municipalities associated with public or other government records, establishment
of ethics standards and procedures, operation of municipal courts, and other
matters of municipal operations or authority.
4. Supports enabling cities to choose the provision of services through private
enterprise in a manner that fosters cost effective, sustainable, quality services.
5. Supports local control of the awarding of contracts and the accountability of local
officials for those actions.
6. Opposes mandates that increase the complexity and cost of services without
improving those services.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
The City recognizes that the affordability and availability of decent housing is critical
to a vibrant and diverse community.
Therefore, the City:
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1. Supports maintaining or enhancing current levels of funding for affordable housing
throughout Colorado, including expanding the State Low Income Housing Tax
Credit program.
2. Supports increasing local government’s ability to regulate, manage or generate
alternative sources of funding for affordable housing, including public -private
partnerships.
3. Supports stronger amendments to construction defect laws to promote the
construction of owner occupied-attached housing.
4. Supports creating an adequate supply of housing for all income levels and
continued public and private sector support for these efforts.
AIR QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The City’s Air Quality Plan establishes a strong overall goal to “continually improve
Fort Collins air quality.”
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports programs and policies that improve public health and air quality, and
support rapid attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards , including
ozone.
2. Supports local government authority to improve air quality beyond minimum State
or Federal requirements.
3. Supports adequate authority and resource at all levels of government to enforce
air quality regulations.
4. Supports economic incentives, disincentives and other market approaches that
promote lower emissions, and fewer carbon-based fuels.
5. Supports strengthening standards for tailpipe emissions, aggregate vehicle
emissions and/or fuel economy for all vehicles. Supports programs and policies
that promote the use of electric vehicles and the development of infrastructure
needed to support the use of those vehicles.
BEER AND LIQUOR
SAFE COMMUNITY
The City issues and renews liquor licenses, enforces license rules, and holds hearings
for liquor license violations.
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Therefore, the City:
1. Supports clarifying the qualifications for what types and purposes a business may
obtain and use a state liquor license.
2. Supports definition of a “meal” when calculating the percentage of meals served
for a liquor license.
BROADBAND AND CABLE
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Reliable, high-speed, and affordable access to broadband and cable programming
throughout the community remains a priority and a long-term goal for the City to
ensure our economic vitality and allow for equal access for all residents and
businesses.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports maintaining local franchising authority to preserve local governments’
ability to negotiate in the public interest for cable channel space, institutional
networks and public education and government programming.
2. Supports allowing communities to offer and/or partner to offer high speed
internet, Wi-Fi and other enhanced telecommunication services to residents,
schools, academic institutions and businesses.
3. Opposes restrictions on providing telecommunication services within City-owned
facilities and on City property.
4. Opposes infringement on municipalities’ ability to compete in the broadband
marketplace.
5. Opposes right of way use contrary to existing aesthetic policies and practices,
including the addition of any above ground cabling.
CLIMATE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Making communities more resilient to disaster and the effects of a changing climate
has become more important to Colorado communities over the last several years as
natural disasters have caused significant human and property loss. Fort Collins has
adopted aggressive emission reduction goals and supports policies and legislation
helping communities and the state to achieve these goals and enhance the
environment as detailed in the Climate Action Plan .
Therefore the City:
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1. Supports greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, planning, and
implementation at all levels of government.
2. Supports market-based mechanisms to reduce emissions, including incentives,
enabling legislation, and other mechanisms to achieve emissions reductions and
increase resiliency in energy, waste reduction, transportation, and water sectors .
3. Supports protection of the Colorado self-audit law.
4. Supports reducing the emission of criteria pollutants.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND LAND USE PLANNING
ECONOMIC HEALTH, NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
Fort Collins has a well-established development review process, land use and building
code; all of which align with local priorities.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports financially compensation for additional work of inspectors through fees or
other means.
2. Supports funding for any state mandated inspection requirements.
3. Supports local governments’ authority to determine development review and
inspection timelines.
4. Encourages regional cooperation in land use and transportation planning, and
foster sustainable development.
5. Supports prohibition to the annexation of land that is located within the
boundaries of a Growth Management Area that was legally established by an
intergovernmental agreement between a municipality and a county by any
municipality not a party to the agreement.
6. Supports municipal discretion concerning the imposition of development fees and
requirements.
ELECTIONS
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins conducts municipal elections in April of odd years and special
elections upon initiative referrals. The City is committed to conducting a clear, legal,
and trustworthy elections process.
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Therefore, the City:
1. Supports all efforts to ensure fair and transparent election processes.
2. Supports process improvements that encourage voter participation.
ENERGY
ECONOMIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
As a municipally-owned electric utility, the City is committed to providing affordable,
reliable, and clean energy services to residents and businesses, as detailed in the
Energy Policy.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports all efforts that promote energy affordability, safety, and reductions in
fossil-fuel generated consumption for residents, businesses and institutions
2. Supports reductions in environmental damage caused by energy extraction and
production.
3. Supports opportunities for energy efficiency, production, and operation in local
economies.
4. Opposes barriers to coordinating integrated planning for energy supply and
demands.
5. Supports state and federal funding for resilience efforts to mitigate potential
energy and climate related disruptions.
6. Supports federal and state incentives for renewable energy production, including
wind power, and provide for “State Implementation Plan” credits for renewable
energy (excluding residential wood burning and corn-based ethanol) and energy
efficiency.
7. Opposes attempts to prevent or inhibit provision of municipal electric service in
newly annexed areas.
8. Supports smart grid technology adoption and grid modernization.
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FINANCE
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
Strong fiscal planning, prudent debt management and investment policies, and
preservation of the City’s revenue base are vital in maintaining and improving the
City’s financial health. Considering the known impacts of legislation on the City’s
business community can help foster a stronger tax base and retain a strong quality o f
life.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports expanding municipal authority to establish alternative funding
mechanisms, including financing tools such as public improvement fees (PIF) and
certificates of participation (COP).
2. Supports increased funding for K-12 and higher education, specifically Colorado
State University and Front Range Community College.
3. Encourages the equitable treatment of sales and use taxes to residents and
corporations residing or doing business in Colorado by limiting exemptions.
4. Supports the equitable distribution sales tax collections on e-commerce
transactions.
5. Opposes efforts that inhibit the City’s ability to increase its revenue base (sales,
use and property taxes).
6. Supports protections that do not unnecessarily restrict the investments of
government entities.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
SAFE COMMUNITY; ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
It is an important concern of the City to safeguard Fort Collins’ health and
environmental safety by reducing risks from the unauthorized release of hazardous
materials or hazardous waste.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports strengthening the enforcement of hazardous materials regulations.
2. Supports increasing diversion of hazardous waste from landfills.
3. Supports greater flexibility and more options for local government in the
management of publicly-owned areas thought to have asbestos-containing soils
while maintaining responsible site management practices.
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4. Support City’s ability to review and approve locations of facilities that use or store
hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
HUMAN RESOURCES
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins is committed to the health, safety and well-being of its
employees. The City works diligently to be efficient and responsible stewards of tax
dollars ensuring that employee compensation and benefits are fair, market -based,
and competitive. The City believes that its citizens, through their elected
representatives on City Council, are in the best position to determine appropriate City
employee compensation, benefits, appeal rights related to disciplinary action and
policies.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports the City’s ability to make decisions on employment issues, including
collective bargaining, arbitration, compensation, appeal rights related to
disciplinary action and benefits to further an equitable work environment.
2. Supports expansion to the City’s ability to determine how best to manage health,
welfare and wellness services for employees.
3. Supports current state funding levels for police officer death and disability
benefits.
4. Opposes proposals that would allow employees and/or retirees with defined
contribution plans to move into defined benefit plans if there is a cost to local
government.
5. Opposes proposals that would limit the City’s ability to test job applicants or
employees at work for impairment due to consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or
other controlled substances or to set limits related to such testing.
MARIJUANA
SAFE COMMUNITY
In 2012, Colorado voters approved legalization of medical and recreational marijuana.
During the same election, Fort Collins residents voted to approve a citizen referred
ballot measure to approve the use of medical marijuana within the city.The City of
Fort Collins has a licensing program that supports the state dual-licensing system for
medical and recreational marijuana businesses.
Therefore, the City:
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1. Supports communities’ ability to raise necessary funds to maintain public safety and
enforce marijuana possession laws.
2. Supports additional state marijuana enforcement resources, especially for field
enforcement.
3. Opposes under-21 access to marijuana.
MUNICIPAL COURT
SAFE COMMUNITY; HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The Fort Collins Municipal Court is responsible for administering the operations of the
judicial branch of City government according to the City Charter and ordinances
adopted by City Council. Cases adjudicated in Municipal Court include traffic
violations, misdemeanors, civil infractions, and civil cases. Generally, cases are
brought to Municipal Court by Fort Collins Police Services, Colorado State University
Police Department, Animal Control, other City departments, and private citizens.
Therefore, the City:
1. Opposes limitations on the authority of municipalities to enforce their own
ordinances in municipal courts.
2. Opposes the imposition of state surcharges on municipal court fines for the
purpose of funding state programs.
3. Opposes the unfunded mandate imposed by CRS Section 13-10-114.5, currently
effective 07/01/2018, of having private defense counsel present for first
advisements of in-custody defendants rather than continuing to have the Court
appoint counsel after advisement if such a request is ma de by an indigent
defendant.
OIL AND GAS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Oil and gas extraction activity and associated health and environmental impacts are a
concern for Fort Collins. . Fort Collins residents have expressed continuing concern
about the human and environmental health impacts from oil and gas operations,
particularly from the hydraulic fracturing treatment used on most Colorado wells. In
November 2013, voters approved a five-year moratorium on oil and gas extraction in
order to study its property value and human health impacts but this was overturned
by the State Supreme Court in 2016. Additionally, transported emissions from oil and
gas operations outside of City limits have been demonstrated to contribute to ozone
formation.
Therefore, the City:
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1. Supports greater local authority to regulate oil and gas exploration activities
within municipal boundaries, including ability to inspect sites, ensure operator
compliance, and regulate location of extraction, storage and transmission
activities.
2. Supports state, federal, and academic studies evaluating impacts of oil and gas
operations on human health and property values.
3. Supports air pollution monitoring, emission characterization and modeling studies
to better understand the contributions of the oil and gas industry to air pollution.
4. Supports the current formula allocation of severance tax to impacted jurisdictions
so that they might address impacts from resource extraction.
5. Supports industry information sharing and collaboration with local governments on
the planned development of resources within communities’ Growth Management
Areas.
OPEN RECORDS AND DATA MANAGEMENT
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City is the collector and keeper of hundreds of datasets and recorded information.
and is legally bound and responsible for responding to Open Record requests. The City
supports transparency and open data initiatives.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports reasonable requests and timeframes for providing information that is
legally available.
2. Opposes mandates that include unrealistic timeframes and and requests that require
additional staff time with no means to recuperate costs.
3. Supports cybersecurity efforts that protect the City, consumers, and infrastructure.
PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH; CULTURE AND RECREATION
The City is committed to providing the community with excellent parks and recreation
services and facilities. Our citizens enjoy a better quality of life, improved health, less
crime and a greater sense of community because of our quality parks and recreation
programs.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports maintaining or enhancing funding for parks, trails, forestry, horticulture and
recreation services and facilities.
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2. Supports local discretion to use Great Outdoors Colorado and other sources for funding
municipal government projects addressing local needs and priorities.
3. Supports equal or greater funding levels of Great Outdoors Colorado grants awarded to
municipalities
4. Supports maintaining or enhancing tax incentives to private landowners for
voluntary land conservation.
5. Supports additional funding for conservation programs, including reinstating
Colorado Parks and Wildlife license fees to at least 2005 levels.
6. Supports protection of the Cache la Poudre River and local urban streams.
PUBLIC HEALTH
SAFE COMMUNITY; NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
The City of Fort Collins strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all,
including residents who may be experiencing the challenges of homelessness, mental
health issues, addiction, depression, and other challenging life situations.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports maintaining or increasing the funds available through the state and
federal government for community-focused non-profits to provide human services
and housing support.
2. Supports providing communities with resources to address chronic homelessness,
supportive housing, mental health, and substance abuse, including tobacco
prevention programs.
3. Supports a standardized statewide approach to addressing homelessness.
4. Supports statewide efforts to enforce retail tobacco sales compliance.
PUBLIC SAFETY
SAFE COMMUNITY
The Fort Collins City Council recognizes the critical importance of maintaining public
safety, providing a safe environment, and protecting the lives and property of the
citizens of Fort Collins on a daily basis as well as through preparedness and resilency
planning efforts.
Therefore, the City:
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1. Supports greater protections to victims of crime.
2. Supports the City’s right to use camera enforcement of traffic laws, reduce
operational restrictions on the use of camera enforcement, and increases the fines
associated with violations.
3. Supports protocols and funding for shared, statewide emergency response
communications, including supporting Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority
(LETA) and other efforts to resolve the 911 redundancy issue.
4. Opposes initiatives that have the potential to compromise officer safety.
5. Supports minimum training criteria and professional mediator certification that
formally legitimizes the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
6. Supports maintenance of a statewide database of concealed weapons permits.
7. Opposes municipal liability for prisoners’ self-inflicted wounds while in police
custody or detention facilities.
8. Opposes efforts to undermine local control or enforcement of activities on public
property.
9. Supports a state fire code, the code of choice being the International Building and
Fire Code, and allowing municipalities to adopt their own amendments.
10. Opposes limits to local enforcement of the International Fire Code as adopted with
local amendments, imposing inspection requirements or preventing collection of
permit or inspection fees as required by the local jurisdiction.
11. Opposes restricting any local jurisdiction from requiring the installation of fire
sprinklers.
12. Supports the City’s ability to prohibit the use and sale of fireworks and allow
counties and fire districts to prohibit and otherwise control fireworks with in City
boundaries.
13. Supports efforts to reduce abuse and improper disposal of prescription drugs.
14. Supports exclusive digital communication networks for public safety personnel
during emergencies.
RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE REDUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The City of Fort Collins endorses a multi-pronged approach to waste minimization that
includes recycling, re-use, composting, and source reduction, and which also applies
Sustainable Materials Management principles such as redesigning systems to reduce
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pollution and waste. Additionally, the City has adopted a goal of diverting 75 percent of
community waste by 2020; 90 percent by 2025, and 100 percent by 2030.
Therefore, the City:
1. Encourages integrated waste management planning and implementation, including
but not limited to the creation of a state waste diversion goal.
2. Supports a regulatory authority role for local government to ensure the efficient
management of recyclable material and solid waste.
3. Encourages “buy recycled” or “environmentally preferable purchasing” policies for
government agency procurement.
4. Supports incentives and funding for programs that promote waste reduction, reuse
and recycling, and development of related infrastructure.
5. Supports continued or increased funding for programs to collect and monitor data
on trash volumes, rates of diversion from landfill disposal and economic impacts of
recycling.
6. Supports greater producer responsibility initiatives, such as “take back”
regulations that assist consumers to appropriately recycle packaging materials or
certain products (e.g., electronic equipment or mattresses)
7. Opposes CRS Section 25-17-104, which currently limits local authority to regulate
packaging materials (e.g., single-use plastic bags).
8. Supports establishing deposit fee on beverage containers and that would be used
to pay for recycling programs.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND LIABILITY
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins recognizes the dual purpose of the workers’ compensation
system – providing benefits promptly to injured employees in a cost -effective manner
and minimizing costly litigation. Council also recognizes that the City’s self-insurance
program is a cost-efficient method to insure workers’ compensation and that
government intervention or taxation can negatively impact the City.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports improving administrative efficiency of the Division of Workers’
Compensation.
2. Opposes increased insurance premium costs to employers.
3. Opposes administrative burdens or taxes to self-insurance programs.
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4. Supports limits to insurance claim litigation.
5. Opposes limiting the City’s options and ability to manage workers’ compensation
claims; including actions like removing existing off-sets to workers’ compensation
benefits or limiting the City’s ability to designate treating physicians.
6. Opposes efforts to presumptively expand workers’ compensation coverage to
illnesses or injuries that are not work related.
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
The City actively promotes the safety and ease of traveling to, from and throughout
the community using a variety of modes of transportation. Additionally, the City’s
policy is to encourage the use of alternative transportation whenever appropriate.
Therefore, the City:
1. Opposes reductions to the present allocation formula of 60 percent state, 22
percent counties, and 18 percent municipalities for Highway User Tax Fund (HUTF)
or any appropriations from the state using the same formula.
2. Supports alternative methods of funding transportation infrastructure needs.
3. Support funding the analysis and implementation of inter- and intra-regional
transit linkages, including future commuter rail connectivity.
4. Encourages flexibility in federal funding and regulations in order to better meet
the needs of small to medium-size communities.
5. Supports guaranteed levels of federal funding for transportation and allocation of
all federal motor fuel taxes and other federal transportation trust funds for their
intended transportation purposes.
6. Supports broadening the definition of the gasoline tax to a “fuel tax” that
encompasses other fuel options as they become more prevalent.
7. Supports enhanced ability to implement railroad quiet zones in municipalities and
a reduction in train horn decibel and duration requirements.
8. Opposes divesting highway roads in urban areas from the state and making them
the sole responsibility of local jurisdictions.
9. Supports safe operation of railroads through timely track inspections, joint training
and communication between railroad and emergency personnel, and the use of
safe equipment.
18
10. Supports funding for the build out of Interstate 25 improvements, which may
include a ballot measure.
11. Opposes reductions in federal dollars for alternate travel modes.
URBAN RENEWAL AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC HEALTH
The state of Colorado has empowered local authorities to use Urban Renewal Authorities to
encourage revitalization and the elimination of blight. The main funding tool for URA is Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) generated through property taxes. In its best intention, urban
renewal restores economic vitality and improves the safety of a designated area , with
limited financial impact to other government jurisdictions
Therefore, the City:
1. Opposes limitations on municipalities’ ability to utilize financing mechanisms such as TIF
or Metro Districts.
2. Opposes efforts to allow non-City jurisdictions to have influence over the use of TIF
within City limits
3. Supports maintaining the ability of downtown development authorities to utilize urban
renewal tools.
WATER, WASTEWATER, AND STORMWATER
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH; SAFE COMMUNITY
The City operates a water, wastewater, and stormwater utility in a financially sound,
reliable, safe, and environmentally acceptable manner. The availability of water supplies is
critical to this mission and is managed by both the Water Demand and Supply Policy, and the
Water Efficiency Plan.
Therefore, the City:
1. Supports expanding the authority delegated to the state to administer federally
mandated water, stormwater and wastewater environmental regulatory programs .
2. Supports reasonable water quality regulations that are cost effective and can show
identifiable benefits.
3. Supports municipal flexibility to manage in-stream flows to preserve or improve the
natural environment of the stream while protecting the integrity of Colorado’s
appropriation doctrine and City water supply.
4. Opposes unfunded mandates.
19
5. Opposes barriers to financing for water conservation projects.
6. Supports funding for the recovery and treatment of the Cache la Poudre and other
waterways impacted by natural disasters.
7. Supports enhanced municipal authority to protect and increase the flexibility and
resiliency of its water supply under Colorado’s appropriation doctrine without adversely
affecting in-stream flows or the natural environment of the stream.
8. Supports streamlining federal and state permitting requirements for water development
projects that increase coordination between permitting agencies, reduces administrative
and financial burdens on permit applicants, and ensures robust and enforceable
environmental protections.
9. Supports the enlargement of Halligan Reservoir as a common-sense, cost-effective, and
environmentally beneficial approach to meet Fort Collins’ future water supply needs.
20
CITY OF FORT COLLINS LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
Legislative Review Committee
Name District/Title Email Phone
Councilmember Ken Summers,
Chair
District 3 ksummers@fcgov.com (970) 221-6878
Councilmember Ray Martinez District 2 raymartinez@fcgov.com (970) 690 3686
Councilmember Bob Overbeck District 1 boverbeck@fcgov.com (970) 221-6917
Jeff Mihelich Deputy City Manager jmihelich@fcgov.com (970) 416-2899
Carrie Daggett City Attorney cdaggett@fcgov.com (970) 416-2463
Ginny Sawyer
Tyler Marr
Legislative Staff gsawyer@fcgov.com
tmarr@fcgov.com
(970) 224-6094
(970) 416-4205
Legislative Staff Liaison Members
Topic Area Name Title Email Phone
Affordable Housing
and Social
Sustainability
Beth Sowder Social Sustainability
Director
bsowder@fcgov.com (970) 221-6752
Air Quality Cassie
Archuleta
Environmental
Program Manager
carchuleta@fcgov.com
Cable Television
Franchise
Carson
Hamlin
Cable Television
Manager
chamlin@fcgov.com (970) 221-6510
Climate Lindsay Ex Environmental
Program Manager
lex@fcgov.com (970)224-6143
Environmental
Protection
Lucinda Smith Environmental Services
Director
lsmith@fcgov.com (970) 224-6085
Elections, Liquor
and Marijuana
Licensing
Delynn
Coldiron
Interim City Clerk dcoldiron@fcgov.com (970) 416-2995
Cultural Services,
Parks and
Recreation
Mike Calhoon Director of Parks mcalhoon@fcgov.com (970) 416-2079
Energy Tim
McCollough
John Phelan
Light and Power
Operations Manager
Resource Conservation
Manager
tmccollough@fcgov.com
jphelan@fcgov.com
(970) 416-2622
(970) 416-2539
Finance Mike
Beckstead
Chief Financial Officer mbeckstead@fcgov.com (970) 221-6795
Economic Health Josh Birks Economic Health
Director
jbirks@fcgov.com (970) 221-6324
Fire Protection and
Hazardous
Bob Poncelow Division Chief, Poudre
Fire Authority
bponcelow@poudre-
fire.org
(970) 416-2871
21
Materials Mgmt
Legislative Staff Liaison Members
Human Resources Janet Miller Assistant Human
Resources Director
jamiller@fcgov.com (970) 221-6826
Natural Areas,
Open Lands and
Cache la Poudre
River Issues
John Stokes Natural Resources
Director
jstokes@fcgov.com (970) 221-6263
Building Services Russ Hovland Chief Building Official rhovland@fcgov.com (970) 416-2341
Planning and Land
Use
Tom Leeson Community
Development and
Neighborhood Services
Director
tleeson@fcgov.com (970) 221-6287
Public Safety Greg Yeager Deputy Chief gyeager@fcgov.com (970) 416-2185
Recycling and Solid
Waste
Susie Gordon Environmental
Program Manager
sgordon@fcgov.com (970) 221-6265
Risk Management Kelly Bernish Safety, Security, and
Risk Management
Director
kbernish@fcgov.com (970) 221-6774
Stormwater Matt Fater Water Engineering
Field Operations
Manager
mfater@fcgov.com (970) 221-6671
Transportation Mark Jackson Planning, Development
and Transportation
Deputy Director
mjackson@fcgov.com (970) 416-2029
Utilities Customer
Service
Lisa
Rosintoski
Utility Customer
Connections Manager
lrosintoski@fcgov.com (970) 416-2432
Water Supply and
Quality
Carol Webb Water Resource and
Treatment Operations
Manager
cwebb@fcgov.com (970) 221-6231
City of Fort Collins
2018 State
Legislative Priorities
Fort Collins Legislative
Representation
United States Senate
• Cory Gardner
354 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
P: 202-224-5941
• Michael Bennet
458 Russell
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
P: 202-224-5852
United States House
of Representatives
• Jared Polis
1433 Longworth
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
P: 202-225-2161
Colorado Governor
• John Hickenlooper
136 State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-2471
Colorado State Senate
• John Kefalas
Senate District 14
200 East Colfax, Room 338
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-4841
Colorado House
of Representatives
• Jeni Arndt
District 53
200 East Colfax, Room 622
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-2917
• Joann Ginal
District 52
200 East Colfax, Room 301
Rm 626
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-4569
Larimer County Commissioners
• Lew Gaiter III, District 1
• Steve Johnson, District 2
• Tom Donnelly, District 3
200 W. Oak Street, Second Floor
PO Box 1190
Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190
P: 970.498.7010
2
Introduction and
Legislative Review Process
Fort Collins is a community of 167,000 residents located at the foot of
the Rocky Mountains along Colorado’s Front Range. Incorporated in 1873,
the City has grown to become the commercial, educational and cultural
hub of Northern Colorado. The City adopted a home rule charter in 1954
and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.
The City is a data-driven municipal organization that strives to fulfill its
mission, “Exceptional service for an exceptional community,” through a vision
of providing world-class municipal services through operational excellence and
a culture of innovation. City leaders seek innovative solutions to issues facing
the community and are often willing to leverage emerging technologies.
The Fort Collins City Council annually adopts Legislative Priorities and a
Legislative Policy Agenda the purpose of guiding legislators and staff in
supporting community goals. The City’s Legislative Priorities are broad issues
Fort Collins is focused on and they may carry over year to year since they are
more challenging issues that may take multi-year work to influence.
The City works closely with the Colorado Municipal League and other regional partners
to leverage resources and participate in regional dialogue to achieve shared outcomes.
The Policy Agenda and Priorities identify specific City Council-adopted goals
associated with the policy objectives and statements. This alignment is important
for City staff to ensure that advocacy supports specific desired outcomes.
City of Fort Collins
Legislative Review Committee
The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) is a representative group of Council members
that reviews and reacts to proposed legislation on behalf of City Council and the City. In
taking a position on particular bills, the LRC interprets and applies the various policies
that are included in the Legislative Policy Agenda.
Council Members presently serving on the Legislative Review Committee are:
• Councilmember Ken Summers, Chair
• Councilmember Ray Martinez
• Councilmember Bob Overbeck
Wade Troxell
Mayor
970-416-2154
wtroxell@fcgov.com
Gerry Horak
Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
970-217-2993
ghorak@fcgov.com
Bob Overbeck
District 1
970-817-1411
boverbeck@fcgov.com
Ray Martinez
District 2
970-690-3686
raymartinez@fcgov.com
Ken Summers
District 3
970-221-6878
ksummers@fcgov.com
Kristin Stephens
District 4
970-217-5817
kstephens@fcgov.com
Ross Cunniff
District 5
970-420-7398
rcunniff@fcgov.com
Use cityleaders@fcgov.com to e-mail all City Councilmembers
and the City Manager at once.
3
Legislative
Priorities
Objective:
Support local control and home rule
Issue:
The City of Fort Collins fundamentally
supports and encourages local control
and home rule which allows maximum
flexibility and discretion in the
implementation of local policy, delivery
of service, and municipal finance.
The City will support all efforts and
measures to preserve the authority of
local municipalities while opposing efforts
that unnecessarily or adversely affect
the City’s ability to manage and operate
pursuant to its home rule authority or
that increase burdens upon the City
Objective:
Support transportation
infrastructure connectivity with
an emphasis on funding an
integrated, multi-modal system
Issue:
Funding for vital transportation
infrastructure will continue to be
a high priority for the City of Fort
Collins. Transportation infrastructure
is a critical element to supporting
community and regional economic
health, safety and quality of life.
Actions that may expedite the continued
improvement and expansion of
northern sections of I-25 include:
• A Transportation Revenue Anticipation
Notes (TRANS) bond II ballot initiative
(TRANS) bonds were previously
used to help fund the $1.67 billion
T-REX I-25 improvements in the
south Denver Metro area)
• State of Colorado General Fund
dollars going to transportation
(maintenance & capital construction)
• Tax credit legislation for
specific highway projects
A key transportation funding priority for
Fort Collins is Interstate 25 (I-25) in
Northern Colorado. Immediate funding to
widen north I-25 is needed to sustain the
region’s economic growth. The City is an
active part of the I-25 Coalition whose
primary goal is to accelerate construction
of a third lane in each direction of I-25 as
identified in the I-25 North Project (from
State Highway 6 to State Highway 14).
Colorado Department of Transportation
recently received TIGER grant funding for
I-25 improvements. This, in combination
with local match commitments, private
sector funds, and other scheduled funds,
has accelerated improvements in Northern
Colorado by fifteen years. Improvements
between SH-14 and SH-402 are welcomed
and sizeable funding gaps remain in terms
of needed I-25 improvements between SH-
402 and SH-66.
Objective:
Support efforts to address
increased availability
and access to mental and
behavioral health systems.
Issue:
The City of Fort Collins strives to be a
welcoming and inclusive community for all,
including residents who may be experiencing
the challenges of homelessness, mental
health issues, addiction, depression,
and other challenging life situations.
The City is not a direct provider of social
services or healthcare, however, the City
works closely with community partners
to reduce homelessness and to increase
access to needed services. These needs
are persistent in our community and in
the region. Increased data collection,
collaboration, and regional solutions
are needed to impact these issues.
The City is committed to supporting
increased coordination of all partners,
the creation of a regional detox facility,
greater access to mental health services,
and a coordinated regional approach
to suicide prevention/intervention.
Objective:
Support efforts to ensure
regional resiliency and achieve
Climate Action Plan goals
Issue:
Making communities more resilient to
disaster and the effects of a changing
climate has become more important to
Colorado communities over the last several
years as natural disasters have caused
significant human and property loss.
Making Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
more resilient involves providing decision-
makers hazard mitigation analysis and
scientific data to inform investment in
effective and complementary infrastructure
systems. Resilience must be a regional
effort that pays off through coordinated
advanced planning and investment.
4
Resiliency efforts impact a broad set of
critical services including utility operations,
transportation infrastructure, emergency
response, and disaster recovery.
Fort Collins has adopted aggressive
emission reduction goals and supports
policies and legislation that help achieve
these goals, gather scientific data and
investments in needed infrastructure
to ensure a clean energy future.
The City acknowledges the role that state
legislation can, and should, play in the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
criteria pollutants, and waste through
policies, legislation, incentives, and other
mechanisms.
Objective:
Support comprehensive water
resource management
Issue:
Water resources in Colorado and throughout
the West are stressed by many factors. Local
water resource planning efforts ensure
adequate supply to residents through
managing the City’s water rights portfolio,
encouraging increased efficiency and
expanding storage. Fort Collins supports
efforts to address local and regional water
needs, preserve its water rights portfolio,
and to encourage conservation of water
resources. The conservation of water
resources extends to support for Cache
la Poudre River restoration projects.
Fort Collins will participate in
implementation of the Colorado Water Plan
by the Legislature and any State agencies,
rulemakings by water-related State
agencies, and the federal U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers’ and Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) rulemakings affecting water
storage, use, quality and conservation.
Objective:
Support a comprehensive approach
to reduce the impacts of poverty
and housing affordability
City of Fort Collins Legislative Contacts
Legislative Review Committee
Name District/Title Email Phone
Councilmember Gino Campana District 3 gcampana@fcgov.com 970-460-6329
Councilmember Ross Cunniff District 5 rcunniff@fcgov.com 970-420-7398
Councilmember Ray Martinez District 2 raymartinez@fcgov.com 970-690 3686
Jeff Mihelich Deputy City Manager jmihelich@fcgov.com 970-221-6684
Wendy Williams Assistant City Manager wwilliams@fcgov.com 970-416-2899
Carrie Daggett City Attorney cdaggett@fcgov.com 970-416-2463
Ginny Sawyer
Tyler Marr Legislative Staff gsawyer@fcgov.com
tmarr@fcgov.com
970-224-6094
970-416-4205
Issue:
Poverty and lack of affordable housing
are on-going issues in Fort Collins and
across Colorado. The City is interested in
developing local and regional solutions
to these persistent problems through
collaboration and innovation. The City
plays both a convening and leadership
role among the many community
service providers – seeking to foster
sustainable solutions to complex
social issues through a combination
of City involvement and leadership.
Fort Collins supports collaborative
solutions that may include:
• Fully resource a state
affordable housing fund
• Implement funding for the
Earned Income Tax Credit
• Develop or expand programs that
ensure a smooth transition from
foster care to independence
• Increase funding for mental and
behavioral health care/programs
• Pilot innovative programs
to address housing
City of Fort Collins
2018 Federal
Legislative Priorities
Fort Collins Legislative
Representation
United States Senate
• Cory Gardner
354 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
P: 202-224-5941
• Michael Bennet
458 Russell
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
P: 202-224-5852
United States House
of Representatives
• Jared Polis
1433 Longworth
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
P: 202-225-2161
Colorado Governor
• John Hickenlooper
136 State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-2471
Colorado State Senate
• John Kefalas
Senate District 14
200 East Colfax, Room 338
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-4841
Colorado House
of Representatives
• Jeni Arndt
District 53
200 East Colfax, Room 622
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-2917
• Joann Ginal
District 52
200 East Colfax, Room 301
Rm 626
Denver, CO 80203
P: 303-866-4569
Larimer County Commissioners
• Lew Gaiter III, District 1
• Steve Johnson, District 2
• Tom Donnelly, District 3
200 W. Oak Street, Second Floor
PO Box 1190
Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190
P: 970.498.7010
2
Introduction and
Legislative Review Process
Fort Collins is a community of 167,000 residents located at the foot of the Rocky
Mountains along Colorado’s Front Range. Incorporated in 1873, the City has grown to
become the commercial, educational and cultural hub of Northern Colorado.
The City is a data-driven municipal organization that strives to fulfill its mission,
“Exceptional service for an exceptional community,” through a vision of providing world-
class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of innovation. City
leaders seek innovative solutions to issues facing the community and are often willing to
leverage emerging technologies.
The Fort Collins City Council annually adopts Legislative Priorities and a Legislative
Policy Agenda for the purpose of engaging our United States Congress Senators and
Representative in supporting community goals. The City’s Legislative Priorities are broad
issues Fort Collins is focused on during the Congressional session. The Priorities may
carry over year to year since they are larger, more challenging issues that may take multi-
year work to influence.
The City works closely with the Colorado Municipal League and other regional partners to
leverage resources and participate in regional dialogue to achieve shared outcomes.
City of Fort Collins
Legislative Review Committee
The Legislative Review Committee (LRC) is a representative group of Council members
that reviews and reacts to proposed legislation on behalf of City Council and the City. In
taking a position on particular bills, the LRC interprets and applies the various policies
that are included in the Legislative Policy Agenda.
Council Members presently serving on the Legislative Review Committee are:
• Councilmember Ken Summers, Chair
• Councilmember Ray Martinez
• Councilmember Bob Overbeck
Wade Troxell
Mayor
970-416-2154
wtroxell@fcgov.com
Gerry Horak
Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
970-217-2993
ghorak@fcgov.com
Bob Overbeck
District 1
970-817-1411
boverbeck@fcgov.com
Ray Martinez
District 2
970-690-3686
raymartinez@fcgov.com
Ken Summers
District 3
970-221-6878
ksummers@fcgov.com
Kristin Stephens
District 4
970-217-5817
kstephens@fcgov.com
Ross Cunniff
District 5
970-420-7398
rcunniff@fcgov.com
Use cityleaders@fcgov.com to e-mail all City Councilmembers
and the City Manager at once.
3
Legislative
Priorities
Objective:
Support transportation
infrastructure connectivity with
an emphasis on funding an
integrated, multi-modal system
Issue:
Funding for vital transportation
infrastructure is a high priority for the City
of Fort Collins.
The City supports Congress’s recent long-
term reauthorization of the nation’s surface
transportation law and we strongly support
preservation or increase of federal levels of
funding and allocation of all federal motor
fuel taxes and other federal transportation
trust funds for their intended purposes.
In addition, we urge development of a new,
more stable, long range transportation
funding mechanism that doesn’t rely upon
fuel tax revenues. Allowing the Highway
Trust Fund to become insolvent would be
devastating.
A key funding priority for Fort Collins is
Interstate 25 (I-25) in Northern Colorado.
The highway has become a pinch point that
limits access for residents, visitors, and the
delivery of goods and services. The City is
an active part of the I-25 Coalition whose
primary goal is to accelerate construction
of a third lane in each direction of I-25 from
State Highway 6 to State Highway 14.
Colorado Department of Transportation
recently received $15 million in TIGER grant
funding for I-25 improvements. This, in
combination with $25 million in local match
commitments and private sector funds has
accelerated improvements by fifteen years;
however, sizeable funding gaps remain in
terms of needed I-25 improvements between
SH-402 and SH-66.
Actions that may expedite the continued
improvement and expansion of northern
sections of I-25 include:
• A Transportation Revenue Anticipation
Notes (TRANS) bond II ballot initiative
• State of Colorado General Fund dollars
going to transportation
• Tax credit legislation for specific
highway projects
Objective:
Advocate solutions to nuisance
and safety issues related to
railroad proximity
Issue:
Railroad proximity issues including
blockages of intersections, transport of
hazardous materials, train horn noise
impact quality of life for residents and
businesses and can pose safety hazards.
Fort Collins has two active railroad corridors
and three rail companies servicing the
community. Trains have regained preference
for transporting goods and materials and
the increased use of rail has added pressure
to the system and increased concerns.
Fort Collins has fostered relationships
with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Great
Western Railway, and Union Pacific railroad
companies as well as with the Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA).
As communities work to, and are encouraged
to, bring residents closer to transit lines
so that they can use mass transportation,
and so that downtown revitalization can
occur, the rail proximity issues need to be
addressed in new and innovative ways. The
FRA train horn rule is a prime example as it
is discouraging the development community
and residents from locating around transit.
Reform is needed.
• Fort Collins is actively seeking national
level assistance in our efforts to:
• Engage with railroad companies and
develop a “proximity issues” dialogue
• Obtain notifications about hazardous
material shipments
• Ensure track maintenance and train car
safety
• Develop solutions, technology and
innovations to improve conflict areas
Objective:
Support the innovation economy
Issue:
Innovation is a key attribute of the City
organization and community. With an
educated resident base, Colorado State
University, federal research labs, and a long
list of innovative companies Fort Collins
has numerous drivers of innovation and
a support system that serves as a living
laboratory for ideas and new technologies.
The City supports efforts to simplify the
commercialization of intellectual property,
increase the available capital to support
innovation and new business formation, and
the application of innovative technologies
and approaches to improve programs and
services.
A regional example of supporting the
innovation economy is bringing remote
tower technology into operation to serve and
revitalize Colorado’s regional airports.
4
Objective:
Support Funding for Waste
Reduction, Composting,
Recycling and Reuse
Issue:
Financial tools are needed to provide critical
investment in recycling infrastructure and
technologies that will reduce the country’s
reliance on foreign processors and fragile
international markets for recyclable
commodities.
The U.S. needs to re-invest in domestic
processing plants, mills, and manufacturers
that will put our recyclables to work. A Zero
Waste Development and Expansion Act (H.R.
3237) calls for creating a U.S.EPA grant
program to fund local government efforts to
stimulate recycling and composting.
By encouraging financial investments
in local infrastructure, local jobs can be
developed when materials collected in our
regional community are re-manufactured
into useful, sale-able products.
Federal funding can help address the
disproportionate environmental, health, and
economic burden of waste disposal that
local communities bear. .
Objective:
Other Impactful Local Priorities
Issue:
• Federal Housing/
Community Development
The City of Fort Collins supports
maintaining existing funding levels in
this area. These dollars support over xxx
in local grants supporting housing and
services needs
• Water Storage
The City has been diligently working
on permitting additional water storage
through our Halligan Reservoir project.
We support and will meet any regulatory
requirements and seek an efficient and
clear process.
City of Fort Collins Legislative Contacts
Legislative Review Committee
Name District/Title Email Phone
Councilmember Gino Campana District 3 gcampana@fcgov.com 970-460-6329
Councilmember Ross Cunniff District 5 rcunniff@fcgov.com 970-420-7398
Councilmember Ray Martinez District 2 raymartinez@fcgov.com 970-690 3686
Jeff Mihelich Deputy City Manager jmihelich@fcgov.com 970-221-6684
Wendy Williams Assistant City Manager wwilliams@fcgov.com 970-416-2899
Carrie Daggett City Attorney cdaggett@fcgov.com 970-416-2463
Ginny Sawyer
Tyler Marr Legislative Staff gsawyer@fcgov.com
tmarr@fcgov.com
970-224-6094
970-416-4205
October 25, 2017
Governor John Hickenlooper
Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Director Matt Lepore
Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission
cc: Leadership/members of General Assembly
Dear ___________,
As Colorado local elected officials we are reaching out to you. We represent jurisdictions that are dealing
with controversial future proposals for oil and gas development and hydraulic fracturing near homes,
schools, open space, water supplies, and local businesses in our communities. Colorado has grown since the
COGCC and the State last took a serious and comprehensive review of how we handle mineral rights,
property rights and the urbanization of the Front Range. It is now time to make this happen.
The risks and dangers associated with oil and gas development have our constituents concerned and
frightened (e.g., recent explosions and deaths in Firestone and Mead underscored the risks and dangers
associated with oil and gas development). Public health risks to our families include harmful air emissions
and spills and leaks that could threaten water supplies with contamination. Additionally, residents who live
near large-scale oil and gas sites are worried about the associated noise, vibrations, dust and traffic
undermining their quality of life and property values.
We recognize that our society currently depends on oil and gas. We also recognize that this resource is not
being developed in a safe manner in urban areas. Regardless of whether one supports or opposes oil and gas
development, there is a large and growing consensus that this intensive industrial activity does NOT belong
in residential neighborhoods, near schools or hospitals, or in close proximity to drinking water supplies.
These concerns need to be considered.
Additionally, we question whether the statutes and rules that regulate this activity are still adequate to
address this controversial issue; many rules and statutes were adopted many years prior to the combined
application of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Stronger statewide protections are needed to
assure that new wells and pipelines are not located near where people live, work and play, and that these
facilities meet the strongest public health and environmental standards. At the same time, we as local elected
officials need to partner with the State and have greater local control over oil and gas, so that we can ensure,
just as we do with every land use in our communities, that any development meets public health, safety and
welfare standards and is compatible with surrounding land uses.
Consequently, and in the spirit of cooperation and mutual aid, we are calling upon you to work with us to
achieve these goals and address this controversial issue, which is dividing our communities and undermining
the sense of health and safety our constituents feel in their homes and neighborhoods. Without joining
together to solve this matter, this issue will not go away.
Thank you for your consideration and hearing our concerns. We await your response.
Sincerely,
Broomfield County
Adams County
Boulder County
City of:
Boulder
Lafayette
Longmont
Louisville
Westminster
Erie
Broomfield invites local governments to join
effort for stronger state, local oil and gas
regulations
By John Fryar
Staff Writer
Posted: 10/04/2017 06:37:29 PM MDT | Updated: 14 days ago
Schlumberger Oil Field Services employees work on the Crestone Peak Resources Woolley
Becky Sosa location in Erie in June. (Jeremy Papasso / Staff Photographer)
Broomfield has invited area municipal and county governments to jointly urge state officials to
work with those local governments to provide better safeguards from the potential health and
safety hazards of oil and gas operations.
"Stronger statewide protections are needed to assure that new wells and pipelines are not located
near where people live, work and play," Broomfield officials have written in their draft of a letter
that's to be sent to Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission.
Broomfield's draft letter — copies of which are being distributed to a number of other cities,
towns and counties for those governments to consider joining Broomfield in signing — would
further tell the governor and the state agency's staff and commissioners that "we as local elected
officials also need greater local control over oil and gas ..."
That's necessary, the letter says, "so that we can ensure, just as we do with all other land uses in
our communities, that any development meets public health, safety and welfare standards and is
compatible with surrounding land uses."
Broomfield has invited the Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Boulder, Westminster and Fort
Collins city councils, the Erie Town Board and Boulder and Adams counties' commissioners to
join what Broomfield Mayor Randy Ahrens said would be "a coalition of impacted cities and
counties in signing the letter before it's sent to Hickenlooper and the Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission."
Ahrens said on Wednesday afternoon that representatives of the Erie Town Board and
Westminster City Council have already said that they support the initial letter draft letter. He said
representatives from Adams County and Thornton have said they agree with the idea but "would
like some slight revisions" in the letter's language.
He said there may be some further wording changes before the final letter is sent to the governor
and the COGCC later this month. Thus far, however, "No one has said, 'No, we're not signing
on,'" he said.
Longmont Councilman Jeff Moore said Tuesday that Ahrens contacted him on Monday to invite
Longmont to join the effort and co-sign the letter. Longmont's council colleagues agreed to
formally consider voting on it at their next meeting, on Oct. 10.
The Boulder County commissioners have not taken formal action on Broomfield's request yet,
but they plan to sign on to the letter, Michelle Krezek, the commissioners' staff deputy, said on
Wednesday morning.
Said Ahrens: "I quite frankly think that if we can speak as one voice," area local governments'
expressions of their concerns about oil and gas exploration and production will have "more
credibility" with the governor's office and the state agency that regulates oil and gas operations.
The draft letter says local officials "do not believe extraction of this resource is appropriate in
urban areas. Regardless of whether you support or oppose oil and gas development there is a
large and growing consensus that this intensive industrial activity does not belong in residential
neighborhoods, near schools or hospitals, or in close proximity to drinking water supplies."
The draft letter further calls on Hickenlooper and the state agency to work with those local
governments to "address this increasingly controversial issue which is dividing our communities
and undermining the sense of health and safety our constituents feel in their homes and
neighborhoods."
Broomfield's letter comes while there have been several oil and gas proposals throughout the
region.
• Extraction Oil & Gas Inc. has proposed drilling 99 wells in Broomfield.
• Crestone Peak Resources has proposed drilling on 12 square miles near U.S. 287 and Colo. 52
between Lafayette and Longmont.
• 8 North LLC, a subsidiary of Extraction Oil and Gas LLC, has applied for a state drilling and
spacing order on a 1,280-acre area between Arapahoe and Baseline roads in the Lafayette-Erie
area; as well as a 2,720-acre area between Oxford and Quail roads, also along East County Line
Road.
John Fryar: 303-684-5211, jfryar@times-call.com or twitter.com/jfryartc
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