HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-07/16/2024-RegularJuly 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
None scheduled.
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 Tricia Canonico
Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
ABSENT
Councilmember Julie Pignataro
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Kelly DiMartino
Deputy City Attorney Jenny Lopez Filkins
City Clerk Delynn Coldiron
E)CITY MANAGERS 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.
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•Staff Report regarding the Police Explorers Program.
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.)
Kimberly Conner discussed two Instagram accounts regarding Pa estine and Gaza and requested
Council adopt a ceasefire resolution.
Cherie Trine discussed the famine in Gaza and stated Israelis still using bombs from the United States.
Trine discussed a peaceful protest at Prospect and 1-25 during wh ch a banner was torn down and
stolen,and a protestor was struck by the individual’s car.Trine discussed the lack of Police response
to the issue.
Rachel Griffin spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property.Griffin
cited air pollution and the negative health impacts of such a plant.
Greg Owsley spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property.Owsley
discussed studies indicating batch plants near residential communities lead to health damage and
premature deaths which far outweigh the economic development benefits.Additionally,Qwsley
discussed truck traffic and resulting air pollution.Owsley also noted the majority of the neighborhoods
that will be disproportionately impacted are of lower income.
Susan Rychel spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property.Rychel
read a letter from Kent Rychel regarding the effects of the plant on a Blue Heron rookery in Terry Lake
that is 200 yards from the proposed batch plant.
Andre Dunn discussed the illegal seizure of CSU land grant parcels from sovereign tribal nations,
including the former Hughes Stadium site.Dunn encouraged Council to repatriate the land to the
indigenous people enabling them to freely practice their spirituality and heal the land.
Tiff in Vaughn spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property and
discussed the memo from City Planner Puga outlining the reasons the plant does not fit City policies.
Claire Kopp discussed businesses in Colorado and Fort Collins that support the Israeli army and United
States defense contractors.Kopp suggested these are the reasons Council will not support a ceasefire
resolution.
Glenna Brissey spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property stating
it would be an eyesore for the area and is a heavily industrial and dangerous use.Brissey also
discussed water,sewer,and air quality concerns and spoke of detrimental impacts to wildlife.
Greg Brissey spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon property stating
the site is not zoned for such a use.Brissey discussed the impacts of increased truck traffic,toxic
diesel fumes,and dust and noise issues.
Elizabeth Hudetz discussed PRPA’s lack of investment in clean energy initiatives and continued
investment in methane fuel generation.Hudetz announced a rally at the PRPA facility on July 17th.
Joe Rowan discussed the limits of governmental restraint and commented on a Supreme Court
decision which scolded County Commissioners in California for foisting the cost of visionary plans upon
City of Fort Collins Page 472 City Council Proceedings
the future.Rowan discussed Council’s decision in 2017 to essentially double the development impact
fee through capital expansion fees.
Ann Hutchison,Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce,expressed support for the City’s street
maintenance program and expressed support for referring the extension of the tax measure to the
ballot.
Amanda Finch spoke in support of Item No.10,items Relating to Traffic Safety Initiative —Automated
Vehicle Identification System (AVIS)Corridors,and stated the key to a successful program is the
signage implementation to make people aware of the zones.Finch stated the goal of the program
should be to protect not to profit.
Jerry (no last name given)spoke in opposition to the concrete batch plant proposed for the Aragon
property and discussed the several variances that have been requested for the project pertaining to
onsite wastewater treatment,fire protection requirements,building height,and others.Additionally,
Jerry discussed the large number of conditions for the proposal.
Public comment concluded at 6:48 p.m.
H)PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP
None.
I)COUNCILMEMBER REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
None.
J)CONSENT CALENDAR
1.Second Reading of Ordinance No.083,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the
Redlight Camera Fund Within the General Fund for Additional Staffing for Municipal Court
and City Attorney’s Office to Support the Increased Police Enforcement Cases.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,appropriates $179,122
from the Redlight Camera Fund to add additional staffing for Municipal Court (1 full time equivalent
[FTEJ)and the City Attorney’s Office Prosecution Team (2 FTE’s)to support the Traffic Safety
initiative and the increased number of enforcement cases that are already occurring.This new
staffing will handle increases in poilce enforcement cases and is in addition to the request for the
Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS)and speed corridors item also being presented
to Council on July &2024.
Adopted on Second Reading.
2.Second Reading of Ordinance No.084,2024,Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue
Received Through City Give for the Lincoln Center,Cultural Services.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,requests an appropriation
of $12,500 in philanthropic revenue designated for the Lincoln Center,Cultural Services
designated as a Sponsorship.
Adopted on Second Reading.
City of Fort Collins Page 473 City Council Proceedings
3.Second Reading of Ordinance No.085,2024,Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue
Received Through City Give for the Community Development and Neighborhood Services
2024 AARP Community Challenge.
The Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,requests an appropriation
of $20,000 in philanthropic revenue received through City Give for Neighborhood Services,
Community Development and Neighborhood Services,Planning,Development and
Transportation to support healthy outcomes for residents’homes through three,one-day,
homeowner workshops at Skyline,North College,and Harmony Village mobile home
communities.
Adopted on Second Reading.
4.Second Reading of Ordinance No.086,2024,Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue
Received Through City Give for NextGen,Volunteer Services.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,is to request an
appropriation of $20,000 in philanthropic revenue received through City Give for the designated
support of NextOen,Volunteer Services.
In 2019,City Give,a formalized enterprise-wide initiative was launched to create a transparent
non-partisan govemance structure for the acceptance and appropriations of charitable gifts.
Adopted on Second Reading.
5.Items Relating to the Repeal and Reenactment of Certain Ordinances.
A.Second Reading of Ordinance No.087,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.074,2024,and Making
Supplemental Appropriations in the Community Development Block Grant Fund.
B.Second Reading of Ordinance No.088,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.075,2024,and Making
Supplemental Appropriations in the HOME Investments Partnerships Grant Fund.
C.Second Reading of Ordinance No.089,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.076,2024,and Making
Supplemental Appropriation for the Charter Review Council Priority from General Fund Reserves.
D.Second Reading of Ordinance No.090,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.077,2024,and
Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue Received Through City Give for the Cultural Community
Program Through Cultural Services.
E.Second Reading of Ordinance No.091,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.078,2024,and
Appropriating Prior Year Philanthropic Revenue Reserves Received by City Give for the 9/11
Memorial at Spring Park.
F.Second Reading of Ordinance No.092,2024,Repealing Ordinance No.079,2024,and Making
a Supplemental Appropriation and Authorizing Transfer of Appropriations for The Gardens on
Spring Creek Internship Program.
These Ordinances,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,were requested by
staff to repeal each Ordinance as they were adopted on June 18,2024,due to a publication error.
These Ordinances were unanimously adopted on First Reading on June 4,2024.
All Items Adopted on Second Reading.
City of Fort Collins Page 474 City Council Proceedings
6.Second Reading of Ordinance No.093,2024,Calling a Special Election to be Held in
Conjunction with the November 5,2024,Larimer County General Election.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,calls a Special Municipal
Election to be held in conjunction with the November 5,2024,Larimer County Coordinated
Election,and to preserve the opportunity for Council to place initiated or referred issues on the
November baioL
Adopted on Second Reading.
7.Second Reading of Ordinance No.094,2024,Submitting to a Vote of the Registered
Electors of the City of Fort Collins Proposed Amendments to Article VIII of the City Charter
Relating to Elections.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,sets ballot language
regarding proposed amendments to Article VIII of the City Charter relating to election provisions.
Adopted on Second Reading.
8.Second Reading of Ordinance No.095,2024,Submitting to a Vote of the Registered
Electors of the City of Fort Collins Repealing and Reenacting Article IX of the City Charter
Relating to Recall.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,sets ballot language
regarding proposed amendments to Article IX of the City Charter relating to recall provisions.
Adopted on Second Reading.
9.Second Reading of Ordinance No.096,2024,Submitting to a Vote of the Registered
Electors of the City of Fort Collins Repealing and Reenacting Article X of the City Charter
Relating to Initiative and Referendum.
This Ordinance,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,sets ballot language
regarding proposed amendments to Article X of the City Charter relating to initiative and
referendum provisions.
Adopted on Second Reading.
10.Items Relating to Traffic Safety Initiative —Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVIS)
Corridors.
A.Second Reading of Ordinance No.097,2024,Amending the Fort Collins Traffic Code to
Implement a New Automated Vehicle Identification System (A VIS)to Replace the Previously-
Approved A VIS to Support the Traffic Safety Initiative.
B.Second Reading of Ordinance No.098,2024,Designating Speed Corridors Pursuant to Fort
Collins Traffic Code Section 1106.
C.Second Reading of Ordinance No.099,2024,Making SupplementalAppropriations to Support
Additional Staffing and Expenses for Implementation of the Automated Vehicle Identification
System Traffic Safety Initiative.
These Ordinances,unanimously adopted on First Reading on July 2,2024,recommend a proposal
from Police Services and Planning,Development and Transportation (PDV,supported by the City
Attorney’s Office (CAO),and Municipal Court.This proposal stems from recent changes to
Colorado law related to the expanded use of unmanned speed enforcement with Automated
Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS),on sections of roadways designated by the Council as
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speed corridors.The initiative’s primary goal is to promote traffic safety through speed
enforcement and supports Vision Zero,the Council’s goal of eliminating Fort Collins roadway
fatalities and reducing injury crashes.
All Items Adopted on Second Reading.
11.Items Relating to Golf Enterprise Expenses.
A.First Reading of Ordinance No.100,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves for the Golf
Enterprise.
B.First Reading of Ordinance No.101,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Golf Fund
for the Replacement of Necessary Systems at the Southridge and Collindale Golf Courses.
The purpose of these items is to consider an appropriation of $730,930 from Golf Fund Reserves
for necessary system replacement and an appropriation of $350,000 from unanticipated excess
revenue to the 2024 budget to address the additional costs in Golf primarily related to higher
revenues.
All Items Adopted on First Reading.
12.First Reading of Ordinance No.102,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the
Conservation Trust Fund for Park Planning and Development Funding Community Bike
Park Feasibility and Community Engagement.
The purpose of this item is to request an appropriation of $70,000 to Park Planning and
Development to conduct a community-scale bike park feasibility study as directed by Council at
the June 11 Work Session.The feasibility study will include an evaluation of potential bike park
locations,associated capital and on-going costs,identification of park amenities and features,
and a community engagement process.This item is in response to public input from the 2021
Parks and Recreation Plan:Recreate,and recent significant community input.
Adopted on First Reading.
13.First Reading of Ordinance No.103,2024,Appropriating Philanthropic Revenue Received
by City Give for the Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Library as Designated by the
Donor.
The purpose of this item is to request appropriation of $100,000 in philanthropic revenue received
by City Give for The Community Center for Creativity as designated by the donor.
In 2019,City Give,a formalized enterprise-wide initiative was launched to create a transparent
non-partisan govemance structure for the acceptance and appropriations of charitable gifts.
Adopted on First Reading.
14.First Reading of Ordinance No.104,2024,Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the
Cultural Services and Facilities Fund for Artist and Musicians’Fees for Shows at the
Lincoln Center.
The purpose of this item is to consider an appropriation of $644,000 in unanticipated revenue in
2024 for expenses related to Artists and Musicians Fees for LC Live shows at the Lincoln Center.
Adopted on First Reading.
City of Fort Collins Page 476 City Council Proceedings
15.First Reading of Ordinance No.105,2024,Making a Supplemental Appropriation of Funds
from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,Environmental Justice
Grant for the Cultivating Community-Led Resilient Homes Project and Approving a Related
Intergovernmental Agreement.
The purpose of this item is to support the City’s commitment to advancing equity and
environmental justice for all Fort Collins community members by appropriating $168,874 of
unanticipated grant revenue awarded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment (CDPHE)for the Cultivating Community-Led Resilient Homes project.
Adopted on First Reading.
16.Resolution 2024-091 Approving the Acquisition and Installation of a Public Asphalt Art
Mural on Canyon Avenue.
The purpose of this item is to approve the acquisition and installation of a work of art at the
intersection of Canyon/MagnollaJShe,wood,which exceeds $30,000 in cost Council has
previously appropriated $25,000 (appropriated 5/7/24)from the Bloomberg Asphalt Art
Innovations Grant which will be used to partially fund the installation.Additional funds to be used
for this project will come from the Community Capital Improvement Program for Pedestrian
Sidewalk/ADA compliance and Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements,which will support the traffic
calming elements of the project The total project cost of $56,500 will cover artist honorarium,
materials,traffic plans,barricades,installation,ADA materials,site preparation striping and
community engagement supplies.
Adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
The motion carried 6-0.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,to approve the
recommended actions on items 1-16 on the Consent Calendar.
K)CONSENT CALENDAR FOLLOW-UP (This is an opportunity for Coundilmembers to comment on
items adopted or approved on the Consent Calendar.)
Councilmember Gutowsky commented on Item No.16,Resolution 2024-091 Approving the
Acquisition and Installation of a Public Asphalt Art Mural on Canyon Avenue,and discussed the traffic
calming effects of such instal ations.
Councilmember Ohison asked if the proposed schedule for Item No.12,First Reading of Ordinance
No.102,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Conservation Trust Fund for Park Planning
and Development Funding Community Bike Park Feasibility and Community Engagement,will work
in tandem with the process of outreach on the Hughes Stadium site.City Manager DiMartino replied
this item is coming forward now to ensure coordination between the two projects.Ginny Sawyer,
Senior Policy and Project Manager,stated the two project teams are working closely together.
Councilmember Gutowsky discussed the bicycle facility survey which showed a bike park to be of a
lower priority than other infrastructure and requested clarification.Sawyer replied there was some
question as to how people wanted to categorize their bike infrastructure priorities and there may have
been some overlap in distinguishing between the two.Sawyer stated it will be further addressed with
Parks.
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I..)STAFF REPORTS
A.Highlight the Explorer Program from Fort Collins Police Services.
The purpose of this item is to highlight and recognize the Fort Collins Police Services’Explorer
Program for the volunteer services the members provide to Fort Collins Police Services and the
community and to recognize the Explorers who recently participated in a national Explorer
competition.
Frank Barrett,Assistant Police Chief,provided an overview of the Explorer Program,which is a
volunteer program for youth ages 15-21 who are interested in the criminal justice field.Barrett
commented on the leadership,communication,teamwork,and conflict resolution skills provided by
the program.Barrett discussed the structure of the program and outlined the services provided by
participants in the community.Barrett recognized the Police Officer advisors who work with the
Explorers as mentors.Additionally,Barrett discussed a recent national Explorer competition in
Topeka,Kansas during which the Fort Collins group placed second overall.
Sage Madden,Explorer Program Lieutenant,and Emily Barrett,Explorer Program Seargent,
discussed working with the Explorer program.
Mayor Arndt asked how long an Explorer can serve.Madden replied Explorers can serve from
ages 15-21.
Councilmember Gutowsky commented on an individual who works with security operations within
the City who graduated from the Explorer program.
Councilmember Ohlson asked if any graduates of the program have gone on to become Police
Officers either in Fort Collins or elsewhere.Assistant Police Chief Barrett replied the program has
been very successful in recruiting efforts with Explorers and there are at least four Police Services
Officers who started out in the program,as well as one dispatcher and one professional staff
member.
Councilmember Potyondy thanked the Explorers for their service to the community.
M)COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
•Attended the event during which Transfort received a $2.4 million grant from the Federal
Transit Administration to fund its accessibility enhancement project which includes ten new
ADA compliant bus stops to help accommodate future service expansion on North College
Avenue.
Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
•Visit to the site for an upcoming solar project in Severance that will serve PRPA.
Councilmember Tricia Canonico
•Participated in a workshop in Washington,D.C.that was a collaboration between the
National League of Cities and the National Urban Research and Extension Center at
Washington State University.
•Reported on her neighbor,John Lambert,who was hit by a car on his bicycle at the end of
June and succumbed to his injuries on July 3m•She reminded everyone to be mindful of
vulnerable road users.
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(Clerk’s Note:Mayor Arndt called for a brief recess at 7:14 p.m.The meeting resumed at 7:30
p.m.)
N)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSION
None.
0)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PLANNED FOR DISCUSSION
17.Items Relating to the Civic Assembly Process.
A.First Reading of Ordinance No.106,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the General
Fund for a Civic Assembly Process in Relation to the Hughes Stadium Site.
B.Resolution 2024-092 Approving an Exception to the Competitive Purchasing Process to
Procure Professional Services from Healthy Democracy Fund Related to a Civic Assembly
Process for the Hughes Master Plan.
The purpose of this item is to appropriate one-time dollars in the amount of $150,000 to be used
for a Civic Assembly engagement process in relation to the Hughes Site Plan work.Staff is also
requesting that City Council approve a sole source exception for Healthy Democracy Fund to
provide services related to the design,coordination and implementation of a civic assembly
should grant revenue bring the project above $200,000.
Rupa Venkatesh,Assistant City Manager,stated the Council Futures Committee learned about
civic assemblies at a recent meeting and stated staff is proposing the idea of a civic assembly as
one engagement tool in the Hughes Site Master Plan process.
Rahmin Sarabi,American Public Trust,detailed the civic assembly process and stated civic
assemblies empower the wisdom of ‘we the people’to solve tough public problems and bridge
divides.Sarabi stated the Council ultimately has the final say and may choose to accept some of
the assembly’s recommendations and not accept others.Sarabi noted a civic assembly differs
from typical public engagement in terms of who is in the room,what is happening in the room,
and how recommendations are generated.Participants are selected through a civic lottery via
invitations and recommendations are typically generated with super majority support.
Linn Davis,Health Democracies,further detailed the selection by civic lottery process,which
includes sending invitations to random households allowing individuals to opt in to the lottery.
Davis noted the key aspect of the lottery is that it creates a representative microcosm of the larger
public.Davis discussed the standard compensation and benefits provided to members of the
assembly to help decrease barriers to participation.Davis went on to detail the way assembly
participation works to create supportive problem solving and discussed the super majority aspect
of recommendation generation.
Sarabi stated his organization would assist in this process by helping work with national funders
and to support City staff with any local or regional funders to match the City’s funds to allow for a
fuller,more robust assembly process.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Mayor Arndt noted the time for the process was referenced as four to eight days and requested
additional detail.Davis replied one of the things that makes these processes different is the
City of Fort Collins Page 479 City Council Proceedings
cohesion of the panel and building of camaraderie and stated panels are often done over a couple
weekends.Davis stated it is not a preference to do evenings for more full-fledged processes.
Councilmember Canonico asked how this process would ensure minority groups are well
represented.Sarabi replied this should not replace any existing engagement spaces the City has
created to welcome the minority voice.Additionally,the lottery process is meant to be as inclusive
as possible across demographics and key stakeholder groups would provide testimony to
assembly members.Davis reiterated the assembly process does not replace any of the other
public input processes that make democracy function and stated it is beneficial to have
assemblies work in concert with other processes.Venkatesh noted the Equity and Inclusion
Office has been doing ongoing work with the indigenous community and that work will continue
in conjunction with this process.
Councilmember Gutowsky asked how it will be ensured that all minority groups are represented
in the assembly.Ginny Sawyer,Senior Policy and Project Manager,replied there will be check-
in points with Council to ensure needs are being met as the process is designed.
Councilmember Potyondy noted the lottery process does involve some stratification and is not a
pure lottery process.Additionally,she noted the civic assembly does not take away the
opportunity for engagement by all.
Councilmember Gutowsky asked about the overall timeframe for the process.Sawyer replied
staff has discussed running the assembly process in the first quarter of next year.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis expressed support for the item stating t is a creative approach to getting
a more representative and diverse set of inputs.
Mayor Arndt also expressed support for the item and applauded staff for bringing forth a new idea,
particularly citing the fact that the Hughes Stadium site was taken to the ballot.
Councilmember Gutowsky stated she would not support the item and expressed concern about
spending the money on a process that is superfluous.She stated voters directed Council to use
tax dollars to purchase the property for the purpose stated in the initiative,specifically low-impact
activities.She stated she does not believe a civic assembly process is necessary to answer a
question that has already been answered.
Councilmember Potyondy stated the decision about the use of the property has yet to be made
due to the broad ballot language.She supported the civic assembly process to determine the
vision of taxpayers and noted Council will be the ultimate decision maker.
Councilmember Canonico also expressed support for the item stating it will be an opportunity for
the community try a new process to provide input as to what exactly should be done with the
property.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis rnoved,seconded by Councilrnernber Potyondy,to adopt on First
Reading Ordinance No.106,2024,Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the General Fund
for a Civic Assernbly Process in relation to the Hughes Stadiurn site.
The rnotion carried 4-2.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Councilrnembers Canonico and Potyondy.
Nays:Councilmembers Gutowsky and Ohison.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis rnoved,seconded by Councilmernber Potyondy,to adopt
Resolution 2024-092,Approving an Exception to the Corn petitive Purchasing Process to
Procure Professional Services frorn Healthy Dernocracy Fund Related to a Civic Assernbly
Process for the Hughes Master Plan.
City of Fort Collins Page 480 City Council Proceedings
The motion carried 4-2.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tem Francis,Councilmembers Canonico and Potyondy.
Nays:Councilmembers Gutowsky and Ohison.
18.Items Relating to the Submission to the Voters of a Ballot Question Extending the Quarter-
Cent Sales and Use Tax for the Street Maintenance Program.
The purpose of this item is to set the ballot language and refer the Street Maintenance Program
tax renewal to the November 5,2024,election.
A.Possible Public Hearing and Motion(s)Regarding Protest(s)of Ballot Language.
B.Resolution 2024-093 Submitting to the Registered Electors of the City at the November 5,
2024,Regular City Election the Question of the Extension of the Expiring Quarter-Cent Sales and
Use Tax Used to Fund the City’s Street Maintenance Program.
Any protest of the proposed ballot language must be received no later than Monday,July 17,
2024,at noon.Protest(s)shall be heard,considered,and resolved by the Council prior to adoption
of the related Ordinance.If protests are rece Wed,copies will be included in Council’s “Read Before
the Meeting”packeL
Ginny Sawyer,Senior Policy and Project Manager,stated this item would refer a ballot question
for the City’s street maintenance program.Sawyer outlined the history of the tax,noting this is a
renewal,not an increase,and stated staff is recommending a 20-year term on the renewal as
opposed to a 10-year term.Sawyer discussed what is funded by the street maintenance tax
dollars,provided a history of the city’s dedicated taxes,and provided the proposed ballot
language.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Councilmember Ohlson asked why the 1/4 cent tax,which would ultimately raise $1 0-1 1 million
annually,is listed as $8.7 million per year.Travis Storm,Chief Financial Officer,replied the portion
of the tax that is going directly to the street maintenance program is $8.7 million,and the
remainder is used for traffic signals and other assets.
Councilmember Ohlson questioned why the entire amount is not committed to street maintenance
specifically to make things more transparent.Storm replied the language change is to clarify a
practice that has been an eligible use for the life of the tax,noting some of those types of assets
have been previously funded by the tax.
Councilmember Ohlson expressed concern about the concrete replacement program which has
flaws and lacks oversight and expressed concern about the ballot language,particularly the
wording ‘but not limited to.’
Mayor Pro Tem Francis requested clarification as to whether this is clarifying the ballot language
to be more transparent.Storm replied no eligible uses for the tax dollars are being added;
however,more specific definitions are being added to historic uses.
Councilmember Canonico noted a significant number of street miles have been added to the
network over the past ten years and asked how many more are anticipated over the next twenty
years as the city is nearing build out.Storm replied that will largely be driven by the growth
management area and annexations rather than construction of new lane miles.He stated specific
numbers could be provided in writing.
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Mayor Arndt expressed support for the item and the specifics provided in the ballot language.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,to adopt
Resolution 2024-093 Submitting to the Registered Electors of the City at the November 5,
2024,Regular city Election the Question of the Extension of the Expking Quarter-cent
Sales and Use Tax Used to Fund the City’s Street Maintenance Program.
The motion carried 5-1.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Counciirnernbers Gutowsky,Potyondy,and
Canonico.
Nays:Councilmember Ohlson.
19.Resolution 2024-094 Regarding the City’s Position on the Northern Integrated Supply
Project.
The purpose of this item it to update and clarify the City’s position on the Northern Integrated
Supply Project (NISP)in light of current project status and the potential that Northern Water may
seek a 1041 permit from the City.
Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr noted NISP has been ongoing for decades and stated the City
has taken positions on the project since 2008.Marr noted two major things have happened since
Council last took a position in 2020:Northern Water was awarded a 404 permit from the Corps of
Engineers,which signals the completion of the federal permitting process,and,in May of 2023,
Council adopted 1041 regulations which is a set of regulat ons pertaining to environmental
considerations for large infrastructure projects.Marr noted Northern Water may seek a 1041
permit from the City which would require a quasi-judicial process predicated on the notion of a
fair and non-prejudicial hearing;therefore,staff is recommending Council rescind its previous
positions on NISP.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Councilmember Potyondy asked if Council’s previous statements could be used as reason to say
it is not going into the process in a non-biased manner.Marr replied staff believes rescinding the
previous positions recognizes the new stage of the project.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilrnernber Potyondy,to adopt
Resolution 2024-094 Regarding the City’s Position on the Northern Integrated Supply
Project
The motion carried 5-1.
Ayes:Mayor Arndt,Mayor Pro Tern Francis,Councilmembers Potyondy,Canonico,and
Gutowsky.
Nays:Councilmember Ohlson..
20.Resolution 2024-095 Expressing Opposition to a Concrete Batch Plant Proposed within the
City’s Growth Management Area.
Larimer County is processing a development appilcation for a proposed concrete batch plant near
the intersection of Highway 287 and Terry Lake Road.Planning staff sent comments to County
Planning staff on January 29,2024.Planning staff commented that the development proposal
does not align with the vision and plans for Fort Collins in this area.As such,Planning staff do
not support the development proposaL
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On July 2,2024,City Council discussed the development proposal during Other Business and
requested a resolution to formally express their opposition to the development project.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Doreen Martinez commented on the importance of keeping up with the science in terms of
environmental issues,particularly environmental justice,and noted the populations that are
directly adjacent to the proposed concrete plant are primarily lower-income and Spanish
speaking.Additionally,Martinez commented on the number of variances and conditions being
sought by the proposal.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Mayor Arndt expressed support for the resolution and thanked those who spoke on the topic.
Councilmember Gutowsky asked about the zoning of the property.Clay Frickey,Planning
Manager,replied the property is currently zoned in the County,but if it were to be annexed into
the City,it would likely be zoned as a commercial property which would not permit heavy industrial
uses.
Councilmember Gutowsky asked what impact this resolution would have on the situation.Frickey
replied the passage of the resolution would give Council the ability to speak to the County
Commissioners when there is a hearing for the project and would also require staff to keep Council
updated as to the progress of the project as it goes through the County’s development review
process.Additionally,Frickey noted the County Land Use Code requires the County to ask the
City to provide comments as to whether the plan is in concurrence with the future vision for the
City if the property were to be annexed and whether it is eligible for annexation.Frickey noted
City planning staff provided information to County planning staff regarding the fact that this project
is not in concurrence with the City’s vision for the future of the corridor and that the property is not
eligible for annexation as it is not contiguous with City limits.
Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr noted adoption of this resolution ups what would normally be
done for any standard review and would allow staff to represent Council at any County hearing.
Councilmember Canonico expressed support for the resolution and thanked staff for working
quickly to bring it forth.
Councilmember Ohlson expressed support for the resolution but noted it took public comment for
Council to be made aware of the issue.He asked what can be done in the future when a County
project is opposed by City staff.City Manager DiMartino replied this issue has started to spur
some internal dialogue around the threshold for these mailers.She noted the process has
historically been for the City to provide written comments and only to engage at more of an
advocacy level if so directed by Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis noted this issue was brought up by staff at Leadership Planning Team.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Gutowsky,to adopt
Resolution 2024-095 Expressing Opposition to a Concrete Batch Plant Proposed within the
City’s Growth Management Area.
The motion carried 6-0.
City of Fort Collins Page 483 City Council Proceedings
P)OTHER BUSINESS
OB 1.Possible consideration of the initiation of new ordinances and/or resolutions by
Councilmembers.
(Three or more individual Councilmembers may direct the City Manager and City Attorney to
initiate and move forward with development and preparation of resolutions and ordinances
not originating from the Council’s Policy Agenda or initiated by staff)
None.
OB 2.Consideration of a Motion to go into Executive Session.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved,seconded by Councilmember Canonico,that the City
Council go into executive session pursuant to:
-City Charter Article Roman Numeral Two,Section 11(2),
-City Code Section 2-31(a)(2),and
-Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-6-402 subsection (4)(b)
for the purpose of discussing with the City’s attorneys and appropriate management
staff the following:
1.specific legal questions related to oil and gas regulatory compliance and
enforcement actions pending for the Fort Collins field;and
2.the manner in which the particular policies,practices or regulations of the City and
existing or proposed provisions of federal,state or local law may affect oil and gas
regulatory compliance and enforcement for the Fort Collins field.
3.specific legal questions related to collective bargaining with the Fraternal Order of
Police and the manner in which particular policies,practices or regulations of the City
related to collective bargaining and employment may be affected by existing or
proposed provisions of federal,state or local law.
And pursuant to:
-City Charter Article Roman Numeral Two,Section 11(1),
-City Code Section 2-31(a)(1)(d),and
-Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-6-402 subsection (4)(f)(l),
for the purpose of discussing with the City’s attorneys and appropriate management
staff personnel and strategy matters relating to negotia lions with the Fraternal Order
of Police.
The motion carded 6-0.
The Council met in executive session beginning at 8:54 p.m.with a recording made.Present
were:
•Mayor Jeni Arndt
•Mayor Pro Tern Emily Francis
•Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
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•Councilmember Tricia Canonico
•Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
•Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
•City Manager Kelly DiMartino
•Deputy City Attorney Jenny Lopez Filkins
•Chief Sustainability Officer Jacob Castillo
•Special Counsel Mall Saura
•Assistant City Attorney Ted Hewitt
•City Clerk Delynn Coldiron
•Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr
All the same attendees were present at the conclusion of the first portion of this the executive
session at 9:22 p.m.
The Council met in a second discussion executive session beginning at 9:26 p.m.with a
recording made.Present were:
•Mayor Jeni Arndt
•Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis
•Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
•Councilmember Tricia Canonico
•Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
•Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
•City Manager Kelly DiMartino
•Deputy City Attorney Jenny Lopez Filkins
•City Clerk Delynn Coldiron
•Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr
•Police Deputy Chief Greg Veager
•Human Resources Executive Teresa Rosche
All the same attendees were present at the conclusion of the executive session at 10:14 p.m.
0)ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council,the meeting was adjourned at 10:16 p.m.
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