HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-04/16/2024-RegularApril 16,2024
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS,COLORADO
Council-Manager Form of Government
Regular Meeting —6:00 PM
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
5:00 PM
A)PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
PP 1.Declaring April 21 through 27,2024 as National Crime Victims Rights Week.
Pp 2.Declaring April 21 through 27,2024 as National Volunteer Week.
PP 3.Declaring April 2024 as National Donate Life Month.
PP 4.Declaring April 2024 as Asian American,Native Hawaiian,and Pacific Islander
Heritage (AANHPI)Month.
Mayor Jeni Arndt presented the above proclamations at 5:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 PM
B)CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Jeni Arndt called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.in the City Council Chambers at 300
Laporte Avenue,Fort Collins,Colorado,with hybrid participation available via the City’s Zoom
platform.
C)PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Jeni Arndt led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
D)ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Jeni Arndt
Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis
Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
Councilmember Julie Pignataro
Councilmember Tricia Canonico
Couricilmember Melanie Potyondy
Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Kelly DiMartino
City Attorney Carrie Daggett
Interim City Clerk Heather Walls
City of Fort Collins Page 384 City Council Proceedings
E)CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Kelly DiMartino provided an overview of the agenda,including:
•All items on the consent agenda were recommended for approval with no changes.
•The items on the discussion agenda were reviewed.
F)COMMUNITY REPORTS
None.
G)PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY TOPICS OR ITEMS OR COMMUNITY EVENTS
(Including requests for removal of items from Consent Calendar for individual discussion.)
Sophia Babb,Fort Collins resident,discussed the high cost of housing in Fort Collins and spoke in
support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Chris Conway,teacher,and member of the Historic Preservation Commission,spoke on his own
behalf regarding the impacts of the high cost of housing and expressed support for the Land Use Code
revisions despite his statement that it does not go far enough to help solve housing issues.
Katie McMahon,Fort Collins resident,emphasized the critical need for affordable housing and spoke
in support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Janet Bramhall,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Peter Erickson,Fort Collins resident,commented on the need for affordable and missing middle
housing and spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions and urged Council to pass it
unamended.
Joel McGuire,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of the Land Use Code despite the revisions.
Ann Hutchison,Fort Collins resident and President of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce,
expressed support for the foundational Land Use Code revisions stating it will be part of the solution
that allows us to take on the housing crisis in the city.Additionally,Hutchison thanked City Manager
DiMartino and staff for bringing full service back to City buildings.
Kate Conley,YIMBY Fort Collins co-lead,Fort Collins resident,and architect specializing in designing
multi-family affordable housing,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Stefanie Berganini,Fort Collins resident and member of the Affordable Housing Board,spoke as Chair
of the DSA Fort Collins Housing Justice Committee in favor of the Land Use Code foundational
updates.
Vicki Rossen,Fort Collins resident,stated Fort Collins has never been an inexpensive place to live
and building additional housing will not automatically change that.Rossen urged Council to set a goal
to build affordable housing for essential workers who already live in Fort Collins.Rossen questioned
why the large apartment complexes under development do not contain affordable units and stated
Fort Collins should not become a Denver.
Paul Herman,Fort Collins resident and member of the Water Commission,spoke on his own behalf
regarding countering those speaking in support of a ceasefire in Gaza.
City of Fort Collins Page 385 City Council Proceedings
Ronald Hanser,Fort Collins resident,requested Council be accountable to those that signed the
petitions in support of repealing the Land Use Code in 2022 and 2023.
Karen Schwartz,Fort Collins resident,questioned what the resolution passed by Council related to a
ceasefire in Ukraine accomplished,noting it was not in response to community input,and stated
Council has no business in international affairs.Schwartz suggested Council should adopt a policy
barring it from weighing in on all international matters.
Kevin Cross,Northern Colorado Alliance for a Livable Future,spoke in support of Gaza ceasefire
resolution.
Anna Navarro,Fort Collins resident,spoke about the need for creative housing options in Fort Collins
and expressed support for the Land Use Code revisions as an important first step.
Jeff Gantman,Fort Collins resident,suggested there are better ways to achieve growth without
compromising the character of city neighborhoods and quality of life that makes Fort Collins special
for everyone.Gantman suggested development be focused on areas that are already suited for higher
density and redevelopment.
Charles Shobe,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Shimrit Yacobi,Fort Collins resident,thanked Councilmembers for their work and spoke in opposition
to Council adopting a ceasefire resolution.
Steve Kuehneman,Executive Director of Care Housing,spoke in support of the Land Use Code
revisions.
Mara Johnson,Habitat for Humanity Chief Development Officer,stated those opposed to the Land
Use Code have falsely claimed the Land Use Code revisions do not support affordability given that
every affordable housing provider in the area has provided input that the updated Land Use Code is
a tool to support affordability in the community.
Rich Stave,Fort Collins resident,commented on the story of Pinocchio as an example of minority
versus majority opinion.
Jared Ross,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions.Ross also noted
walkability and increased equity are closely linked to quality of life.
Kristin Candella,Fort Collins resident and Habitat for Humanity Executive Director,discussed the
importance of everyone having the right to suitable housing.
Alex Statham-Lardner,Habitat for Humanity Communications Director,spoke in support of the Land
Use Code revisions.
Kelly Evans,Neighbor to Neighbor,stated the new housing normal is not affordable and the current
Land Use Code is not effective for the majority of residents today.Evans expressed support for the
foundational Land Use Code revisions.
Laura Lenhart spoke in support of the Council adopting a ceasefire resolution.
Adam Hirschhorn discussed FEMA and a possible solar array.Additionally,Hirschhorn spoke in
support of Council adopting a ceasefire resolution.
City of Fort Collins Page 386 City Council Proceedings
Bill King,Fort Collins resident,discussed the state legislature weakening Home Rule and opposed
Council not making statements in opposition to the state regulations.
Shannon Blasus,Fort Collins resident,opposed the non-participation fee for the City trash contract
and encouraged Council to table the Land Use Code decision.
Aaron Miripol,President of Urban Land Conservancy,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions
as a first step.Miripol stated the goals of Our Climate Future will only be met with greater density
along transit lines.
Brian Tracy,Fort Collins resident,opposed certain provisions of the Land Use Code,particularly
pertaining to multi-plex rental buildings allowed in the Old Town B zone.
Charles Howes,Fort Collins resident,commented on a program for the disabled which is ending
participation in Fort Collins due to the distance staff needs to travel.Howes spoke in favor of the Land
Use Code revisions as a first step.
Connor Flynn,Fort Collins resident,spoke in favor of the Land Use Code revisions but expressed
frustration about the small group of people who forced the repeal of the Code twice.
Jennifer Simpson,Fort Collins resident,spoke about the uniqueness of Fort Collins and stated a one
size fits all approach does not benefit the city.
August-Carter Nelson,DSA Fort Collins Co-Chair,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions
and stated it is short-sighted to claim Fort Collins is a small town.Additionally,Nelson expressed
support for the striking down of the U+2 ordinance and urged Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution.
Madeleine Grigg spoke in support of a ceasefire resolution.
Patricia Babbit,Fort Collins resident,stated many residents are not being heard and many remain
silent.Babbit also stated there is no good system in place to help people stop using their cars.
Jake Scarfe,Fort Collins resident,spoke in favor of a ceasef ire resolution.
Sue Ballou,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions.
Kimberly Connor,Fort Collins resident,spoke in support of a ceasef ire resolution.
Public Comment ended at 7:22 p.m.
H)PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP
Mayor Arndt requested an update on the solar array repair.Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr stated
there was an equipment failure at the Riverside Community Solar Garden and staff is working to
replace the inverter,though securing equipment has been difficult.Marr stated staff has attempted to
communicate clearly with the owners of the garden.
Councilmember Potyondy thanked the speakers and requested staff follow-up with Mr.Blasus
regarding the opt-out trash fee.City Attorney Daggett discussed a Supreme Court case related to
development impact fees,which would not affect fees for service.
Councilmember Ohlson concurred with Mr.King’s concerns about Home Rule and stated the state
legislature and governor are passing bad policies related to housing.
City of Fort Collins Page 387 City Council Proceedings
Councilmember Pignataro stated she serves with Councilmembers Ohlson and Canonico on the
Legislative Review Committee,and they had discussions about Home Rule issues.She stated she
does not support Home Rule if it is going to exempt the city from trying to help with the lack of housing.
Mayor Arndt noted the Colorado Municipal League has opposed the bills at the state level and the
Legislative Review Committee has taken a neutral position.Additionally,she noted there are many
bills at the state level that preempt local control,such as a water saving bill.
I)COUNCILMEMBER REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
None.
J)CONSENT CALENDAR
1.Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the March 19,2024 Regular Meeting.
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes of the March 19,2024 regular meetbig.
Approved.
2.Second Reading of Ordinance No.049,2024,Reappropriating Funds Previously
Appropriated in 2023 but Not Expended and Not Encumbered in 2023.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on April 2,2024,reappropriates monies
in 2024 that were previously authorized by Council for expenditures in 2023 for various purposes.
The authorized expenditures were not spent or could not be encumbered in 2023 because:
•There was not sufficient time to complete bidding in 2023 and therefore,there was no known
vendor or binding contract as required to expend or encumber the monies;or
•The project for which the dollars were originally appropriated by Council could not be completed
during 2023 and reappropriation of those dollars is necessary for completion of the project in
2024.
Additionally,there may have been sufficient unspent dollars previously appropriated in 2023 to
carry on programs,services,and facility improvements in 2024 for those specific purposes.
In the above circumstances,the unexpended and/or unencumbered monies lapsed into individual
fund balances at the end of 2023 and reflect no change in Council policies.
Monies reappropriated for each City fund by this Ordinance are as follows:
General Fund $2,498,249
Cultural Services Fund 55,000
Recreation Fund 251,064
Museum Fund 61,265
Transportation Service Fund 1,288,625
Water Fund 52,500
Date &Communications Fund 390,600
Total $4,597,303
Adopted on Second Reading.
City of Fort Collins Page 388 City Council Proceedings
3.Second Reading of Ordinance No.050,2024,Approving the Conveyance of a Temporary
Construction Easement for the Construction of Permanent Stormwater Improvements on
City Property to DHIC-Enclave,LLC.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on April 2,2024,approves an Ordinance
that would permit the conveyance of a Temporary Construction Easement (the “Easement”)on
approximately 4.36 acres (189,996 sf)of City property known as the Redwood Detention Pond
and the Redwood Channel (collectively,the “City Property”)to D&IIC —Enclave,LLC
(“Developer”),in exchange for the construction of permanent storm water master plan
improvements on the City Property.
Please note that this Second Reading Agenda Item Summary has been amended to address
concerns brought up by Coundilmember Ohlson at First Reading (see below).
Adopted on Second Reading.
4.Second Reading of Ordinance No.051,2024,Approving the Conveyance of a Permanent
Easement for Stormwater Drainage,a Temporary Construction Easement for the
Construction of Stormwater Drainage Improvements,and a Temporary Construction
Easement for the Construction of Sewer Facilities on City Property to PS-Poudre River,
LLC.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on April 2,2024,approves an Ordinance
that would permit the conveyance of one permanent drainage easement (the “Drainage
Easement’),one temporary construction easement (the “Drainage TCE”)for the modification of
current drainage facilities,and one temporary construction easement (the “Sewer TCE”)for the
installation of public sewer facilities to P5-Poudre River,LLC (“PSPR”),on City Property located
at 101 1st Street,which is the current location of Buckingham Park (“Buckingham Park’).
Construction pursuant to the Drainage TCE will modify existing floodplain boundaries,and the
Drainage Easement will allow PSPR to store additional storm water on a portion of Buckingham
Park.The Sewer TCE is for the installation of public sewer facilities required by the City so that
PSPR may proceed with the development of the adjoining lands.The actual conveyance of the
easements will be conditional upon PSPR,or its successors and assigns,obtaining City
development approval of the contemplated work within the easements.
This Second Reading Agenda Item Summary has been amended to address questions raised by
Councilmember Ohlson at First Reading regarding review by Boards and Commissions (see
below).
Adopted on Second Reading.
5.Second Reading of Ordinance No.052,2024,Approving the Conveyance of One Permanent
Easement and One Temporary Construction Easement for the Construction of a Portion of
Phemister Trail on City Property to Colorado State University.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on April 2,2024,approves an Ordinance
that would permit the conveyance of one (1)permanent easement (the “Trail Easement’)and one
(1)temporary construction easement (the ‘TCE”)to Colorado State University (“CSU”),for the
construction,operation,and maintenance of a public multi-modal trail (the “Phemister Trail”)on
City Property located at 2145 Centre Street which is the current location of The Gardens on
Spring Creek (the “Gardens on Spring Creek’).
Please note that this Second Reading Agenda Item Summary has been amended to address
concerns brought up by Councilmember Ohison at First Reading.Specifically,amendments to
City of Fort Collins Page 389 City Council Proceedings
address Tree Restoration and Council/Board approvals.Kim Manajek from Cultural Resources
has also been added as a staff resource.
Adopted on Second Reading.
6.First Reading of Ordinance No.053,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Natural
Areas Fund and the Sales and Use Tax Fund for the Purpose of Land Conservation,Visitor
Amenities,Restoration and Other Related Natural Areas Stewardship Activities Not
Included in the 2024 Adopted City Budget.
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $7,924,969 in prior year reserves in the Natural Areas
Fund and $269,466 in prior year reserves in the Sales and Use Tax fund to be transferred to the
Natural Areas Fund.These appropriations are for land conservation,resource management,
planning,construction of trails and other visitor amenities,restoration of wildlife habitat,and other
Natural Areas Department programs and activities to benefit the residents of the City,in
accordance with the Natural Areas Master Plan.
Adopted on First Reading.
7.First Reading of Ordinance No.054,2024,Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue Received
by City Give for FC Moves to Fund an Asphalt Art Installation.
The purpose of this item is to request an appropriation of $25,000 in philanthropic revenue
received by City Give for FC Moves,a department within the City’s Planning Development and
Transportation Service Area,for an asphalt art installation as designated by the grant award.This
installation is consistent with the City’s Active Modes Plan.
In 2019,the City of Fort Collins launched City Give,a formalized enterprise-wide initiative to create
a transparent non-partisan governance structure for accepting and appropriating charitable gifts.
Adopted on First Reading.
8.Resolution 2024-059 Supporting the Grant Application for the United States Department of
the Interior,Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grants:Planning and Project Design
for the Poudre Flows Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements
Regarding Such a Grant.
The purpose of this item is to obtain support for the City to apply for funds under the United States
Department of the Interior,Bureau of Reclamation’s (“Reclamation”)WaterS MART Planning and
Project Design (“WaterSMART”)Grant Program for the Poudre Flows Project.The Reclamation
requires a resolution demonstrating (1)Council’s support of the City’s request for funds under the
WaterS MART Grant Program and,assuming the City is selected to receive funding,(2)the City’s
commitment to work with Reclamation in finalizing an agreement that,among other things,
demonstrates the City’s adherence to meet financial obligations as represented in the grant
application.
Adopted.
9.Resolution 2024-060 Approving Fort Fund Program Support Disbursements.
The purpose of this item is to approve Fort Fund grants from the Cultural Development and
Programming Account and the Tourism Programming Account for the selected community events
in the Program Support Grant —March Deadline category,based upon the recommendations of
the Cultural Resources Board.
City of Fort Collins Page 390 City Council Proceedings
Adopted.
10.Resolution 2024-061 Finding Substantial Compliance and Initiating Annexation
Proceedings for the 1-25 &Mulberry Annexation.
The purpose of this item is to determ The substantial compliance and initiate annexation
proceedThgs for voluntary annexation of the 1-25 &Mulberry Annexation,located at the northeast
corner of East Mulberry Street and Interstate 25.The Applicant has submitted a written petition
requestthg the annexation and proposed zoning.The 1-25 &Mulberry Annexation totals 46.9216-
acres in size.
The requested zoning for this annexation is General Commercial (C-G)and Industrial (I),which
is in allgnment with the City of Fort Collins Structure Plan designation for this area.No project
development plan proposal was submitted in conjunction with the annexation application;
however,it is anticipated that the landowner will submit an application to construct public
infrastructure to prepare the site for future users and development.
The site is part of a county-approved metro district;however,this is not relevant to satisfying State
statue but will be an important consideration during First Reading.
This annexation request is in conformance with the State of Colorado Revised Statutes as they
relate to annexations,the City of Fort Collins City Plan,and the Larimer County and City of Fort
Collins Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Growth Management.
Adopted.
11.Resolution 2024-062 Approving a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Poudre School
District to Acquire Land for the Southeast Community Center.
The purpose of this item is to approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Fort
Collths and Poudre School District (“PSD”)for the acquisition of approximately 10 acres at the
southeast corner of Ziegler Road and Rock Creek Drive adjacent to Fossil Ridge High SchooL
This acquisition is for the City to construct a new Southeast Community Center Th accordance
with the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA),between the City of Fort ColiThs and PSD,previously
approved by Council by Resolution 2023-112
Adopted.
12.Resolution 2024-063 Confirming and Approving an Appointment to the Board of
Commissioners of the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority.
The purpose of this item is to accept the Mayor’s appointment to the Urban Renewal Authority
(URA)Board.
Adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,to approve the
recommended actions on items 1-12 on the consent calendar.
K)CONSENT CALENDAR FOLLOW-UP (This is an opportunity for Councilmembers to comment on
items adopted or approved on the Consent Calendar.)
City of Fort Collins Page 391 City Council Proceedings
Councilmember Gutowsky commented on Item No.7,First Reading of Ordinance No.054,2024,
Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue Received by City Give for FC Moves to Fund an Asphalt Art
Installation,noting the asphalt art installations work to calm traffic and enhance the quality and safety
of neighborhoods.Additionally,she commented on Item No.9,Resolution 2024-060 Approving Fort
Fund Program Support Disbursements and Item No.11,Resolution 2024-062 Approving a Purchase
and Sale Agreement with Poudre School District to Acquire Land for the Southeast Community Center.
The motion carried,7-0.
(**clerk~s Note:Mayor Arndt called for a fifteen-minute recess at 7:32 p.m.The meeting resumed
at 7:47 p.m.)
L)STAFF REPORTS
Staff Report:U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Award to Natural Areas and Utilities
The purpose of this item is to give Council and the community an update regarding the U.S.Ash and
Wildlife Service A ward presented to Utilities and Natural Areas in acknowledgement of work supporting
the reintroduction of the Black-footed Ferret,an endangered species.Along with an update on Natural
Areas land management and recognition of the recent presentation of the Natural Areas Conservation
Award to Linda Stanley.
Mall Parker,Ecological Stewardship Manager,introduced staff receiving the award and presenters of
the award.
Tina Jackson,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Black-footed Ferret Species Recovery Coordinator and
Kimberly Fraser,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Outreach Specialist,discussed the award’s history and
presented the award to Christina Schroeder,Director of Plant Operations,Jen Ward,Utilities Senior
Supervisor,and Katie Donahue,Natural Areas Director.
Parker presented a report on landscape and habitat management and discussed necessary
collaboration and partnerships.
Katie Donohue,Natural Areas Director,discussed the Natural Areas volunteer program and announced
the second Kelly Ohlson Natural Areas Conservation Award went to Linda Stanley.
Councilmember Potyondy reported on a recent educational visit to District 4 Natural Areas.
M)COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
None.
N)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSION
None.
0)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PLANNED FOR DISCUSSION
13.Items Related to the Adoption of a New Land Use Code.
A.First Reading of Ordinance No.055,2024,Repealing and Reenacting Section 29-1 of the
Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt a Revised Land Use Code by Reference that
City of Fort Collins Page 392 City Council Proceedings
Advances Adapted City Policy Goals and Incorporates Foundational Improvements and
Separately Codify the 1997 Land Use Code as Transitional Land Use Regulations.
B.First Reading of Ordinance No.056,2024,Updating City Code References to Align with the
Adoption of the Revised Land Use Code.
C.First Reading of Ordinance No.057,2024,Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort
Collins to Rename All Neighborhood Conservation Low Density,Neighborhood Conservation
Medium Density,and Neighborhood Conservation BufferZone Districts to the Old Town Zone
District in Conjunction with the Adoption of the Revised Land Use Code.
The purpose of this item is to consider adoption of changes to the City’s Land Use Code.The
Land Use Code (LUC)Phase I Update implements policy direction in City Plan,the Housing
Strategic Plan,and the Our Climate Future Plan.Regarding Ordinance No.055,2024,corrections
to clean up inadvertent numbering in Article 4 are recommended,and a suggested motion to do
so is on page 5.
Additionally,this item updates City Code references to match changes to the Land Use Code
including updating section references and wording.
Finally,because the revised Land Use Code renames the Neighborhood Conservation Low
Density,Neighborhood Conservation Medium Density,and Neighborhood Conservation Buffer
zone districts to the Old Town zone district with corresponding subdistricts A,B,and C,updates
to the zoning map to reflect the name changes are proposed.This change only affects the name
of the zone districts and no changes to the boundaries are proposed.
Caryn Champine,Director of Planning,Development and Transportation introduced the item and
discussed the history and evolution of land use regulations.Champine also discussed the various
plans and policies that have influenced the Code revisions and commented on the two versions
of the Code that were repealed.
Noah Beals,Development Review Manager,reviewed the foundational revisions to the Land Use
Code noting the primary goals were to increase housing options and affordable housing and to
make the Code easier to understand with improved predictability.Beals discussed the nine items
of concern that were removed from this version of the Code,including removing accessory
dwelling units in the RL and UE zone districts,retaining current lot sizes and removing any
additional new housing types in the current NCL zone,retaining the current minimum lot sizes in
the current NCM zone,and removing restrictions on private covenants or HOAs.
Reals stated the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this
draft Code and suggested three revisions:to allow only an attached ADU in the RL zone district,
to allow both an attached and detached ADU in the UE zone district,and to reduce the minimum
lot size for an ADU to 9,500 square feet in the current NCM zone.Reals noted these
recommendations are not included in the Code before Council this evening.Additionally,Reals
stated a work session is scheduled for June 11 to begin scoping the second phase of Land Use
Code revisions.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joe Rowan,member of One Voice,spoke in favor of the Land Use Code revisions and thanked
Council for its dedication to the process.
Wayne Brothers,Fort Collins HOA coalition,cautioned Council to be careful about relying on the
State Legislature to dictate land use regulations and potentially overruling Home Rule.
City of Fort Collins Page 393 City Council Proceedings
Trudy Haines,Fort Collins HOA Coalition,urged Council to follow through on the removal of the
nine items.Additionally,Haines requested Council look at changing the size of triplexes and four
plexes allowed in the new CT-B zone and asked Council to protest the loss of Home Rule.
Rich Stave,Fort Collins resident,questioned Section 4 regarding permits and stated Section 7
regarding definitions could be a backdoor for making changes without public comment.
Ross Cunniff spoke on his own behalf,not as a Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
Member,requested the provisions removed not be restored or revisited.Additionally,Cunniff
suggested the CT-B zone issues be revisited prior to Second Reading.
Joy Sullivan,President and CEO of United Way,commended the community engagement
process and spoke in support of the Land Use Code revisions as a foundational first step.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Ohlson stated he is planning to support the Land Use Code revisions but
requested additional information regarding height and square footage for triplexes and apartment
buildings in the CT-B zone.Beals replied that the allotted floor area for the two building types did
increase from what is existing;however,the number of units allowed per lot did not increase.
Additionally,Beals stated the wall height can be 28 feet with the ability to go higher if the building
needs to be raised due to floodplain issues.
Councilmember Ohlson asked about the reasons for making those specific changes.Beals
replied the changes improve aesthetics and help to ensure the units can be varied in size.
Champine also noted floor area constraints have made it difficult for Old Town zone district owners
to implement duplexes up to four-plexes depending on lot size.
Councilmember Potyondy expressed support for the Land Use Code revisions and noted the
Planning and Zoning Commission did make a recommendation which she would also like to see
included related to ADUs.She stated it is critical to move forward with the changes that have
been made.
Councilmember Pignataro asked why staff did not include the ADUs per the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommendation.Beals replied it was not included as staff felt it was opposed to
the Council direction;however,it could be included per Council direction.
Councilmember Pignataro expressed support for the revisions and stated if ADUs pass at the
state level,there will be less strict regulations than what were included in the original proposed
Code.
Councilmember Canonico asked how many additional lots would be opened for ADUs by reducing
the lot size to 9,500 square feet in the current NCM zone.Beals replied roughly 10%of the lots
allow for carriage houses today,and decreasing the minimum lot size would increase that number
by another 10%for a total of about 400 lots.
Councilmember Canonico noted the Colorado Municipal League aims to protect Home Rule for
municipalities and the Colorado Community for Climate Action actively lobbies to ensure policies
that will protect and further the climate goals of its member municipalities and counties.She stated
she will support the Land Use Code revisions as written and commended staff’s work on the
process.
Councilmember Gutowsky opposed doubling the size of four-plexes and stated the changes to
CT-B,while not increasing the number of units,do increase capacity.Additionally,she expressed
City of Fort Collins Page 394 City Council Proceedings
concern about impacts on infrastructure and parking.She asked about affordable housing
incentives to help make developers partners in the development of affordable housing.Champine
replied this Code includes incentives for affordable housing projects based on the Area Median
Income (AMI),including reducing parking requirements,and incentivizing additional density in
higher-density zone districts.Additionally,she noted Council could provide guidance for staff to
explore the inclusionary housing ordinance or linkage fees.
Meaghan Overton,Housing Manager,noted the incentives proposed in this Code have not
changed from previous iterations,but for a development to qualify for any affordable housing
incentives,it would have to provide 10-20%of the units as affordable depending on how
affordable they are.
Councilmember Ohlson noted many compromises have been made by parties on all sides of the
issue and stated he would prefer the nine items removed not be revisited unless required by state
action.He requested less animosity moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis requested clarification on the floor area increase noting that because
80%is allowable,setbacks and other requirements must still be met.Beals replied that all
setbacks and building height limitations must be met as well as the rear lot floor area ratio.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis stated she is pro-housing,and everyone has the right to a home.
Mayor Arndt expressed support for the Land Use Code revisions and discussed voter support of
pro-housing Council candidates.She discussed the current state of growth in Fort Collins and
thanked staff for their work.
Councilmember Gutowsky commended the renaming of the zone districts.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Potyondy,to adopt on First
Reading,Ordinance No.055,2024,repealing and reenacting Section 29-1 of the Code of
the City of Fort Collins to adopt a revised Land Use Code by reference that advances
adopted City policy goals and incorporates foundational improvements,and separately
codify the 1997 Land Use Code as Transitional Land Use Regulations,with amendments
to the revised Land Use Code to include the version of Article 4 that has corrected
numbering as described in,and attached to,the Agenda Item Summary.
The motion carried,6-1.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Councilmembers Pignataro,Ohison,Potyondy,
and Canonico.
Nays:Councilmember Gutowsky.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,to adopt on First
Reading,Ordinance No.056,2024,updating City Code references to align with the adoption
of the Revised Land Use Code.
The motion carried,7-0.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tem Francis,Councilmembers Gutowsky,Ohlson,
Potyondy,Canonico,and Pignataro.
Nays:None.
City of Fort Collins Page 395 City Council Proceedings
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Pignataro,to adopt on First
Reading,Ordinance No.057,2024,amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort Collins to
rename all Neighborhood Conservation Low Density,Neighborhood Conservation Medium
Density,and Neighborhood Conservation Buffer Zone Districts to the Old Town Zone
District in Conjunction with the Adoption of the Revised Land Use Coda
The motion carried,7-0.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Councilmembers Ohlson,Potyondy,Canonico,
Pignataro,and Gutowsky.
Nays:None.
(**cIerk~s Note:Mayor Arndt called for a ten-minute recess at 9:10 p.m.The meeting
resumed at 9:20 p.m.)
Prior to moving into appeal,Mayor Arndt recognized Lockie Woods and his contributions as the
Graduate Management Assistant over the previous year.
14.Appeal of Planning and Zoning Commission Approval of the Union Park Project
Development Plan.
The purpose of this quasi-judicial item is to consider an appeal of the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s decision on February 15,2024,approving the Union Park Project Development
Plan (#PDP230005)located on the west side of Ziegler Road between Front Range Village and
The English Ranch neighborhood.
A Notice of Appeal was filed on February 29,2024,alleging the Planning and Zoning Commission
failed to conduct a fair hearing when it considered evidence relevant to its findings which was
substantially false or grossly misleading and failed to properly interpret and apply relevant
provisions of the Land Use Code,City Code,and/or Charter.
Participation in an appeal hearing is limited to persons who qualify as parties-in-interest as defined
in the City Code.Time for presentation of argument for and against the appeal is limited and the
appellant will determine who may speak during the time allocated for support of the appeaL Those
parties-in-interest opposing the appeal must coordinate and share the time allocated for opposing
the appeaL
City Attorney Daggett reviewed the appeal hearing process.She noted the appellant provided a
presentation for the hearing late in the day today which did not meet the deadline for submission
due to some miscommunication with City staff last week and the Mayor will need to decide whether
that presentation will be allowed to be displayed during the hearing.
Clay Frickey,Planning Manager,reviewed the proposed Union Park project and associated
modifications of standard and discussed the history of the project and the Overall Development
Plan (ODP)for the site.Frickey noted the subject of the appeal is a roadway connection from the
property to Paddington Road in English Ranch,which would not go in at this time but at such time
as the intervening property redevelops if that occurs.Frickey outlined the appeal allegations
related to whether the Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a fair hearing and
interpretations and applications of the Land Use Code and Larimer County Urban Areas Street
Standards (LCIJASS).
Councilmember Pignataro stated she is familiar with the area as it is in her district.
Councilmember Gutowsky stated she attended the site visit to further understand the lay of the
land.
City of Fort Collins Page 396 City Council Proceedings
Mayor Arndt stated she visited the site on her own also to get a lay of the land.
Jeff Janelle,Dan Bartran,Stephen Moffett,Barbara King,Jennifer Simpson,and Stephen
Tenbrink identified themselves as parties-in-interest in support of the appeal.
Bob Choate,representative of Landmark Homes,the applicant,identified himself.Lacey Joyal
identified herself as a party-in-interest opposed to the appeal.
Mayor Arndt outlined the time allotments for presentations and rebuttals.She asked if there is
any opposition to the new evidence included in the notice of appeal.Mr.Choate replied the
applicant has no opposition.
Mayor Arndt asked if there is any opposition to the appellant’s slideshow presentation that was
submitted after the deadline.Mr.Choate replied that the applicant has not seen the presentation
and would reserve the right to object if it contains new evidence.
Matt Perkins,English Ranch resident,indicated he did not receive any notifications related to this
project despite living down the street from Mr.Janelle.City Attorney Daggett indicated the notice
area is set by a distance from the site to be developed and it is possible that line cuts through the
English Ranch subdivision.Ryan Mounce,City Planner,confirmed that information.City Attorney
Daggett noted Mr.Perkins would not be an eligible party-in-interest given he did not receive a
notice or participate in a previous hearing.
(**clerk~s Note:Mayor Arndt called for a five-minute recess at 9:45 p.m.for the appellant to confer
with other parties-in-interest.)
APPELLANT PRESENTATION
Jeff Janelle stated this appeal represents concerns by most English Ranch residents,over 500 of
whom signed a petition in opposition to a street connection.He discussed the history of the
connection issue.He noted Paddington Road was built prior to the adoption of LUCASS and
therefore does not meet most of the collector level street criteria.He showed slides of streets in
English Ranch and discussed the safety issues that would arise with additional traffic.He
discussed the traffic study submitted by the applicant and commented on the use of active modes
in the neighborhood and discussed the previously approved alternative compliance for a bike and
pedestrian only connection rather than a roadway connection.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis requested clarification on the Overall Development Plan (ODP)versus
the Project Development Plan (PDP)and whether this item is appealable to Council.City Attorney
Daggett explained the history of the project stating the ODP was remanded to the Planning and
Zoning Commission and there was a time period during which the decision on remand could have
been appealed to Council;however,that time period passed without an appeal being filed and the
approved ODP remains the controlling document for any PDPs that come forward and the Land
Use Code requires any PDP to comply with the ODP.She stated Council could conclude that it
has not heard a case that would lead it to overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission decision
and make two motions,one on the fair hearing issue,and one on the interpretation and application
issue.
City of Fort Collins Page 397 City Council Proceedings
APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Bob Choate noted this is the sixth public hearing that has been held on the project and the result
has been a year-long delay.He noted this iteration of the project plan fully meets the Code without
the previously approved alternative compliance.He also noted the traffic study submitted by the
applicant was accepted by the City’s Traffic Engineer and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
APPELLANT REBUTrAL
Mr.Janelle stated there were no appeals filed after the ODP remand decision because the
residents had been led to believe it was not an appealable decision.He stated it would be
irresponsible to place the additional traffic on the English Ranch streets given the number of
vulnerable road users.He also stated a bike and pedestrian connection could help set an example
for an active modes addition to the area.He expressed concern about the notification boundary
and stated the ‘one size fits all’approach is not working.
APPLICANT REBU17AL
None.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION
Councilmember Pignataro asked if a neighborhood meeting occurred between the September
Planning and Zoning Commission remand decision and the end of the 14-day appeal window.
Ryan Mounce,City Planner,replied that the neighborhood meeting for the PDP was held in
November.
Councilmember Ohlson requested clarification as to whether the neighborhood had been told it
could not appeal the remanded decision.Mounce replied that the question about whether the
September decision could be appealed did not come until the neighborhood meeting in November
which was outside the appeal period.
Councilmember Ohlson asked if the City assists neighborhoods to help with these types of issues
and dates.Frickey replied planners are always available for questions and there is a Development
Review Liaison who attends all meetings as a resource for neighborhoods.
Councilmember Ohlson asked about the project developer’s opinion on the connection.Frickey
replied the developer was comfortable with the pedestrian and bicycle connection and noted there
is a Land Use Code requirement that development connects to adjacent properties,which is why
Council remanded the decision back to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if the same requirement is present in the forthcoming
foundational Land Use Code.Frickey replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Gutowsky asked if there is a protocol related to informing residents of the 14-day
appeal period.Frickey replied every decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission is
appealable,per the Land Use Code,and he did not provide any guidance to anyone asking about
that at the Commission hearing in September.
Councilmember Pignataro noted the PDP must adhere to the ODP which was decided in the fall,
and because it was not appealed at that time,Council cannot change the result.She indicated
her commitment to help install speed tables in English Ranch to make it inconvenient to cut
through the neighborhood if the connection occurs during her tenure on Council.
City of Fort Collins Page 398 City Council Proceedings
Councilmember Ohlson stated Council does not have the authority to eliminate or alter the
connection in deciding this appeal as that needed to occur at the ODP level.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilrnernber Canonico,related to appeal
question one,that the Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a fair hearing.
The rnotion carried,7-a
Ayes:MayorArndt,Mayor Pro Tem Francis,Councilrnernbers Ohison,Potyondy,Canonico,
Pignataro,and Gutowsky.
Nays:None.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis rnoved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,related to the
appeal question two,that the Planning and Zoning Commission properly interpreted and
applied the Land Use Code in Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards.
The motion carried,7-0.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Coundllmernbers Ohlson,Potyondy,Canonico,
Pignataro,and Gutowsky.
Nays:None.
P)OTHER BUSINESS
OS 1.Possible consideration of the initiation of new ordinances andlor resolutions by
Councilmembers.
None.
0)ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council,the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
/
~A.a
n erim City Clerk
ATTEST:
I
I
A LA..t
City of Fort Collins Page 399 City Council Proceedings