HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-02/04/2025-Regular
February 4, 2025
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.
B)CALL MEETING TO ORDER
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 PM
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 Tern Emily Francis
Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
Councilmember Julie Pignataro
Councilmember Tricia Canonico
Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
Councilmember Kelly Ohlson
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Kelly DiMartino
City Attorney Carrie Daggett
City Clerk Delynn Coldiron
Councilmember Ohlson noted that due to a medical issue he would be watching from the Council
conference room and would rejoin the meeting after public comment.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 132
E)CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Kelly DiMartino provided an overview of the agenda, including:
•Corrected exhibit added to Ordinance No. 014, 2025 for Item No. 10, Items Relating to the 2025
City Classified Employee Pay Plan as Provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the\J
Fraternal Order of Police.
•Need to withdraw Item No. 4, Second Reading of Ordinance No. 006, 2025, Making Supplemental
Appropriations, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for
the West Elizabeth Corridor Final Design and Related Art in Public Places, for individual
consideration as Mayor Arndt needs to recuse herself.
•Items 1-13, minus 4, on the Consent Calendar recommended for adoption.
•For Item No. 14, staff is requesting Council amend Ordinance No. 009, 2025, Amending the Land
Use Code to Align with Two Adopted State House Bills Concerning Accessory Dwelling Units and
Parking for Multi-Unit Dwellings and to Clarify and Correct Certain Provisions to address conflicting
definitions.
•Possible Executive Session to discuss strategic matters related to Connexion.
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.)
Ryan Call discussed plastic pollution and stated he has worked on dozens of waste-related
campaigns. Call expressed support for any action the City can take to reduce single-use plastics and
packaging as recycling is not going to be sufficient.
Roxanne Griffin shared a slide entitled "Refills Not Landfills" and expressed support for Ordinance No.\_)013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to
Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance, which
aligns with the State's Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. Griffin discussed efforts to eliminate single-use
water bottles and encouraged the City organization to make a formal commitment to eliminate their
use.
Mary Anderson supported the "Refills Not Landfills" efforts and Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending
Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution
and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance. Anderson discussed microplastics,
the ways in which individuals are exposed to them, and their negative health impacts. Anderson also
discussed mitigation measures that minimize exposure and urged Council to ban single-use plastic
items under gallon size.
Guy Turenne supported the "Refills Not Landfills" efforts and provided information regarding the
impacts of microplastics on fish and therefore on individuals who consume them as part of their diet.
Turenne urged Council to approve Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of
the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact
the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance as a step in the right direction toward climate and health goals.
Psyche Spangler stated she is proud of the City's sustainability efforts and encouraged Council to
adopt Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt
Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag
Ordinance and form a plan to phase out single-use plastic water bottles under a gallon size. Spangler
discussed the negative impacts of microplastics on individuals, wildlife, and waterways.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 133
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Kimberly Inez Miller applauded the City for banning single-use plastic bags noting there are cost
effective replacements. Miller stated the same is true for water bottled in plastic and noted plastic
continues to impact the health of individuals and the environment. Miller urged Council to adopt
Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Co/fins to Adopt
Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag
Ordinance.
Elizabeth Mahon commented on the Urban Forestry Plan and expressed support for most of the Plan,
including planting trees along streets to reduce speeding; however, she expressed concern that those
trees could cause visibility issues and urged the City to keep that in mind.
Jerry Gavaldon discussed the year-end report from the Museo de las Tres Colonias noting over 1,000
people attended events throughout the year. Gavaldon stated the Museo will be doing a spring
planting of vegetables and flowers again, provided Thanksgiving packages to 21 families in the area
in conjunction with the Rotary Club, and provided school supplies for various families with the help of
Ray Martinez and other community members.
Rich Stave shared frustration about the Republic trash service and being charged for services he is
not receiving. He stated the arrangement is inflexible and questioned what would happen for
individuals who may be out of town and not see the bill. Stave stated Ordinance No. 013, 2025,
Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic
Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance is inflationary,
inconvenient, and prejudicial.
Kimberly Conner discussed the new federal administration and attack on individuals' rights that has
been causing mass panic and fear. Conner urged Council to take necessary risks to stand up for
people's rights and to keep Fort Collins safe.
Gailmarie Kimmel discussed the need to reduce plastic pollution and urged Council to adopt
Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt
Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag
Ordinance. Kimmel also urged Council to ban single-use plastics under one gallon size and discussed
the plastic pollution in oceans.
Karen Rose, Fossil Creek Meadows HOA Chair, discussed the intersection at Fossil Ridge Drive and
Fossil Ridge Drive West, which is dangerous during winter snows and has resulted in several vehicles
sliding down a slope into 5336 Fossil Ridge Drive. She urged Council to have the City build a barrier
in the location to prevent this from occurring.
Ethnie Treick urged Council to adopt Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of
the City of Fort Co/fins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact
the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance and ban single-use plastics under one gallon in size. Treick
discussed the negative impacts of plastic pollution and noted Colorado's plastic recycling rate is low.
Nicholas Sahwin spoke in support of the Connexion Workers' Coalition stating unions offer protections
against fascists and provide an economic and social platform to those who may not otherwise have a
voice. He stated the City has a moral responsibility to help create a municipal government that
protects people in Fort Collins. Additionally, Sahwin urged Council to move forward with a ballot
measure similar to Denver's 2U initiative.
Summer Karge spoke in support of the Connexion Workers' Coalition and requested the City
recognize the union and move forward with a ballot measure like Denver's 2U initiative.
August-Carter Nelson spoke in support of the City recognizing the Connexion Workers' Coalition and
commented on an item on the legislative policy agenda which relates to opposing proposals that
require a municipality to collectively bargain with its employees. Nelson also spoke in support of
reducing single-use plastics.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 134
Trevor Rothanzl spoke in support of the Connexion Workers' Coalition and encouraged the City to
move forward with a ballot item like Denver's 2U. Rothanzl also discussed the legislative policy
agenda item and expressed support for reducing single-use plastics.
Laura (no last name given) spoke about the importance of interconnectedness and urged the City to
stop criminalizing members of the unhoused community. \J
Kaori Keyser spoke in support of the Connexion Workers' Coalition and urged the City to recognize
the union and introduce something like Denver's 2U. Keyser also questioned the legislative policy
agenda item.
Greg Zoda spoke in support of the "Refills Not Landfills" efforts and urged the City to recognize the
Connexion Workers' Coalition. Zoda stated the City Manager is union busting and is urging Council
to follow in that direction. He commented on the City's training related to creating a workplace that
does not need unions.
Jonah Salehi spoke in support of the Connexion Workers' Coalition and asked the City to recognize
the union and bargain with these employees. Salehi expressed his frustration with the City not
engaging in collective bargaining and urged Council to move forward with a ballot measure like
Denver's 2U initiative.
Harry Strharsky supported reducing single-use plastic items in the community and urged Council to
adopt Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt
Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag
Ordinance. Strharsky discussed the negative impacts of microplastics and shared impacts to humans,
wildlife, land and water.
Renga Subramanyam spoke in support of reducing single-use plastic items in the community and
discussed the negative impacts of plastics, including health issues for humans. Subramanyam urged
Council to ban single-use plastic bottles.
Public comment concluded at 7:08 pm.
H)PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP
Councilmember Ohlson stated he would be pulling Item No. 9, First Reading of Ordinance No. 013,
2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce
Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance, to ask some
questions.
Councilmember Canonico requested staff input regarding the Fossil Creek HOA roadway item. City
Manager DiMartino replied staff will follow up.
Councilmember Potyondy thanked those who spoke and stated she looks forward to the discussion
on plastics. She also thanked Jerry Gavaldon for highlighting the work of the Museo, thanked Laura
for her comments, and requested additional information regarding the piece of the legislative policy
agenda that was referenced. Deputy City Manager Tyler Marr replied that the human resources
section of the policy agenda was modified after the 2022 legislative session and the passage of Senate
Bill 230 which granted automatic collective bargaining rights to County employees. He noted the City
had opposed that Bill in its original form as it included municipalities, and the section of the policy
agenda remains in place.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if staff could address the street tree issue that was discussed and
stated she was looking forward to discussing plastics.
Councilmember Gutowsky thanked the speakers who spoke regarding the plastics issue. She also
thanked Jerry Gavaldon for his report on the Museo and commented on some of the improvements
that have been made there since he became President.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 135
Councilmember Potyondy requested additional information regarding avenues that may be available
to address the legislative policy agenda. Deputy City Manager Marr replied a resolution could be
brought before Council should it wish to take a stance on an issue when a related bill is introduced.
Councilmember Potyondy expressed interest in the City taking a deeper look at the language since
other legislation has been approved recently.
I)COUNCILMEMBER REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
Councilmember Ohlson withdrew Item No. 9, First Reading of Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending
Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution
and to Update and Reenact the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance, from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Arndt noted Item No. 4, Second Reading of Ordinance No. 006, 2025, Making Supplemental
Appropriations, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for the
West Elizabeth Corridor Final Design and Related Art in Public Places, was withdrawn by staff to allow
for her recusal.
J)CONSENT CALENDAR
1.Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the January 21, 2025 Regular meeting.
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2025 Regular meeting.
Approved.
2.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 004, 2025, Vacating the Riverbend Court Right-of-Wayand Approving Easements.
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, vacates the public
right-of-way at Riverbend Court and creates drainage, utility, access, and emergency access
easements over the property.
Adopted on Second Reading.
3.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 005, 2025, Approving the First Amendment to the PUD
Master Plan Development Agreement for the Montava Planned Unit Development Overlay andMaster Plan.
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, adopts the First
Amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Plan Development Agreement for the
Montava PUD Overlay and Master Plan between the City and the Developer. The amendment would
extend the five (5)-year contingency for closing of the Developer's purchase from the Anheuser
Busch Foundation for two (2) additional years.
This item is a quasi-judicial matter and if it is considered on the discussion agenda it will be
considered in accordance with the procedures described in Section 2(d) of the Council's Rules of
Meeting Procedures adopted in Resolution 2024-148.
Adopted on Second Reading.
4.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 006, 2025, Making Supplemental Appropriations,
Appropriating Prior Year Reserves and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for the
() West Elizabeth Corridor Final Design and Related Art in Public Places.
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, appropriates
additional design/project development funds in the amount of $5.539M for advancing the design
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 136
to 100% for the entire corridor, necessary scope additions and design changes such as protected
bikelped infrastructure, BRT routing revisions and right-of-way services. The West Elizabeth
travel corridor is currently the highest priority pedestrian/alternative mode corridor for
improvement in the City and was highlighted in City Plan and the Transit Master Plan. This
appropriation would follow the same minimum grant/local match ratio of 80/20 that would apply to
the Small Starts grant. The local funding source identified for the local match is the "2050 tax. ''v
Details of the amounts requested for the grant funds and local match fund appropriation are
included in the Background/Discussion section of this AIS.
Removed from Consent Calendar -Adopted on Second Reading.
5.Items Relating to Adopting Landscaping Amendments to the City Code and Land Use
Code.
A.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 007, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of
Fort Collins to Revise Soil Loosening and Amendment Requirements.
B.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 008, 2025, Repealing and Reenacting Section 5. 1 o. 1 of the
Land Use Code and Amending Definitions in Section 7.2.2 of the Land Use Code to Advance
Adopted City Policy Goals to Reduce Water Usage in Landscapes to Comply with State Law and
to Clarify and Reorganize Landscaping, Tree Protection, and Irrigation Standards.
These Ordinances, unanimously adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, adopt City Code
and Land Use Code amendments related to landscape and soil that help to address Council's
adopted priorities for 2021-2023.
The proposed amendments to the Land Use Code are designed to minimize water consumption
in landscaping for most new and redeveloped properties; they would not apply to single-unit,
duplex, and accessory dwelling unit housing types. The code amendments ensure compliance
with Colorado Senate Bill 24-005 (SB 24-005), which prohibits specific landscaping practices. ''J
The proposed City Code amendments on soil amendment and soil loosening requirements aim
to enhance clarity for applicability and allow soil amendments to be tailored to specific site
conditions, which will support successful vegetation establishment and Jong-term growth.
Both Ordinances Adopted on Second Reading.
6.First Reading of Ordinance No. 010, 2025, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the
Transportation Capital Expansion Fee Fund for Eligible Reimbursement to the Mulberry
Metropolitan Districts No. 1-6, Bloom Filing One Development for Construction ofGreenfields Drive, International Boulevard, Sykes Drive, Donella Drive, and Delozier Road
Improvements.
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $2,069,417 of Transportation Capital Expansion Fee
(TCEF) Funds for expenditure from the Transportation Capital Expansion Fee Program Budget
to reimburse the Bloom Filing One developer's combined metro district, Mulberry Metropolitan
District Nos. 1-6 (Developer), for its funding of the oversizing construction of Greenfie/ds Drive,
International Boulevard, Sykes Drive, Donella Drive, and Delozier Road. As part of the Bloom
Filing One development plans and development agreement and permitted for construction under
the Development Construction Permit, the Developer has constructed to City standards
Greenfie/ds Drive and International Boulevard, each as a two-lane arterial street, and Sykes Drive,
Donella Drive, and Delozier Road as collector streets. Per Section 24-112 of the City Code, the
Developer is eligible for reimbursement from TCEF funds for the oversized, non-local portion of
Greenfields Drive, International Boulevard, Sykes Drive, Donella Drive, and Delozier Road, not
attributed to the local portion obligation.\..__)
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Poge 137
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Adopted on First Reading.
7.First Reading of Ordinance No. 011, 2025, Making a Supplemental Appropriation from the
Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant for the Fort Collins Police Services
Property Crimes Unit.
8.
The purpose of this item is to support the Fort Collins Police Services' Property Crimes Unit by
appropriating $80,790 of unanticipated grant revenue awarded by the Colorado State Patrol.
In December 2024 the Colorado State Patrol awarded Fort Collins Police Services $80,790 in
capacity as a partner agency of the Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE) Task
Force. The $80,790 award is under the BATTLE program's FY25 cycle as provided in the BATTLE
Grant Award Letter. These state funds will be used for purchase of a vehicle and equipment to
support multiagency and multijurisdictional BATTLE operations to identify, interdict, investigate,
enforce, and prosecute motor vehicle theft-related crimes.
Adopted on First Reading.
First Reading of Ordinance No. 012, 2025, Making Supplemental Appropriations from the
Colorado Department of Transportation Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Grant and
Authorizing Transfers from the Conservation Trust Fund for the Power Trail and Harmony
Grade Separated Crossing Project.
The purpos e of this item is to ef)able the City to receive and expend federal pass-thru funds for
the Power Trail and Harmony Grade Separated Cr ossing Project (the Project). The funds will be
used for construction of a pedestrian and bicycle underpass located approximately 500 feet west
of the intersection of Harmony Road and Union Pacific Railroad. If approved this item will
appropriate $3,239,300 of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funds for the
Project. Additionally, this item will transfer $1,600,000 in Conservation Trust Funds to the Capital
Project Fund for the Project
Previously appropriated funds will be used for local match requirements.
Adopted on First Reading.
9.First Reading of Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of
Fort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact
the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance.
The purpose of this item is to update municipal code to be consistent with the state's Plastic
Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA), in effect on January 1, 2024, that prohibits stores from providing
single-use plastic carryout bags and retail food establishments from distributing expanded
polystyrene containers. Updating the code to include a new Article XIV, Regulation of Disposable
Bags and Mitigation of Other Sources of Single Use Plastic Pollution, and sunsetting the City's
existing Disposable Bag Ordinance will expand enforcement against the distribution of plastic
carryout bags and establishes enforcement on the ban of expanded polystyrene foam cups and
food containers. Additionally, the Code revisions will provide the City Council with the opportunity
to enact more stringent policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics within Fort Collins.
Removed from Consent Calendar -Adopted on First Reading.
10.Items Relating to the 2025 City Classified Employee Pay Plan as Provided in the Collective
Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
A.First Reading of Ordinance No. 014, 2025, Adopting the 2025 Amended City Classified
Employee Pay Plan to Update Classified Positions as Provided in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 138
B.First Reading of Ordinance No. 015, 2025, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the General
Fund for the Cost of Police Services Salary and Benefit Increases as Provided in the Collective
Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
The purpose of this item is to recommend changes to the 2025 City Classified Employee Pay
Plan based on an annual market analysis conducted as agreed upon through the 2025-2027�
Collective Bargaining Agreement (the "Agreement') with the Northern Colorado Lodge #3 of the
Fraternal Order of Police ("FOP'). The Agreement was approved by Council by Resolution on
December 3, 2024. The Agreement specifies a salary data collection method and evaluation
process that includes market data as of early January. This data has been collected and analyzed,
resulting in the revised 2025 City Classified Employee Pay Plan.
Adopted on First Reading.
11.First Reading of Ordinance No. 016, 2025, Authorizing the Conveyance of a PermanentNon-Exclusive Utility Easement on Property Jointly Owned by the City of Fort Collins and
the City of Loveland at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport to the Fort Collins-LovelandWater District.
The purpose of this item is to authorize a permanent, non-exclusive utility easement over a portion
of Northern Colorado Regional Airport property to allow for the installation and maintenance of a
waterline to serve the Fort Col/ins-Loveland Water District's (the "District'? public water system.
The project will improve reliability and redundancy of the water system that serves the Airport and
surrounding area. The Airport will receive fair market value compensation for the easement.
Adopted on First Reading.
12.Resolution 2025-005 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental AgreementBetween the City of Fort Collins and the Fort Collins Downtown Development AuthorityRegarding the Renovation and Redevelopment of East Mulberry and Chestnut StreetvAlleys.
The purpose of this item is to request Council adoption of an Intergovernmental Agreement (!GA)
between the City and the Downtown Development Authority (ODA) for renovation and
redevelopment of the East Mulberry Street and Chestnut Street Alleys. The alley names listed are
temporary and only specified for the purpose of this /GA and for identification during design and
construction. They will be officially named in the future and with consideration of the City's theme
of naming downtown alleys to honor exemplary individuals who reflect the historic and cultural
geography of the downtown area.
Adopted on First Reading.
13.Items Relating to FLEX Route Regional Transit Services Intergovernmental Agreements.
A.Resolution 2025-006 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between
the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and the City of Loveland for FLEX Route Regional Transit
Services.
8.Resolution 2025-007 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between
the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and the Town of Berthoud for FLEX Route Regional Transit
Services.
C.Resolution 2025-008 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between
the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and the County of Boulder for FLEX Route Regional Transit
Services.\____,I
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 139
D.Resolution 2025-009 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between
the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and the City of Boulder for FLEX Route Regional Transit
Services.
E.Resolution 2025-010 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between
the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and the City of Longmont for FLEX Route Regional Transit
Services.
The purpose of these items is to authorize the City Manager to sign separate Intergovernmental
Agreements ("IGAs'? with the City of Loveland, the Town of Berthoud, the City of Boulder, the
County of Boulder, and the City of Longmont (collectively, the "FLEX Partners'? by which the
FLEX Partners will contribute funds toward the operating cost of the FLEX Route Regional Transit
Service bus route to further the goals of regional connectivity through transit.
Alf Resolutions adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ohlson, to approve the
recommended actions on items 1-13, minus 4 and 9, on the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried 7-0.
K)CONSENT CALENDAR FOLLOW-UP (This is an opportunity for Councilmembers to comment on
items adopted or approved on the Consent Calendar.)
None.
!'\L) STAFF REPORTS
None.
M)COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Jeni Arndt
•Attended Destinations International Conference with the Executive Director and Board Chair
of Visit Fort Collins -impressed by the work of Visit Fort Collins in being welcoming to tourists
while still providing for residents to not feel overwhelmed.
Councilmember Melanie Potyondy
•Announced a listening session Saturday at the Harmony Library at 10:00 a.m.
•Acknowledged the hard work of Sarah Kane who took her place in reading a proclamation at Moby
Arena during a CSU basketball game.
Councilmember Susan Gutowsky
•Attended the ribbon cutting at the new King Soopers opened on South College Avenue at the
old K-Mart site.
•Attended the Fort Collins Police Services award ceremony.
Councilmember Tricia Canonico
•Attended the Colorado Preservation, Inc. Saving Places Historic Preservation conference -
keynote speaker was a retired judge from Denver whose grandfather helped start one of the
few Colorado resorts for Black individuals in the 1920's. Attended sessions on how historic
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 140
preservation can be used to preserve and bring about more affordable housing in communities
and on funding that is available for brownfield development.
N)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSION
4.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 006, 2025, Making Supplemental Appropriations,
Appropriating Prior Year Reserves and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for the
West Elizabeth Corridor Final Design and Related Art in Public Places.
v
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, appropriates
additional design/project development funds in the amount of $5.539M for advancing the design
to 100% for the entire corridor, necessary scope additions and design changes such as protected
bike/ped infrastructure, BRT routing revisions and right-of-way services. The West Elizabeth
travel corridor is currently the highest priority pedestrian/alternative mode corridor for
improvement in the City and was highlighted in City Plan and the Transit Master Plan. This
appropriation would follow the same minimum grant/local match ratio of 80/20 that would apply to
the Small Starts grant. The local funding source identified for the local match is the ''2050 tax."
Details of the amounts requested for the grant funds and local match fund appropriation are
included in the Background/Discussion section of this AIS.
(Secretary's Note: Mayor Arndt withdrew from the discussion on this item due to a conflict of
interest.)
Councilmember Pignataro moved, seconded by Councilmember Canonico, to adopt
Ordinance No. 006, 2025, Making Supplemental Appropriations, Appropriating Prior Year
Reserves and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for the West Elizabeth Corridor
Final Design and Related Art in Public Places, on Second Reading.
The motion carried 6-0. (Recused: Arndt)
9.First Reading of Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City ofFort Collins to Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact
the City's Disposable Bag Ordinance.
The purpose of this item is to update municipal code to be consistent with the state's Plastic
Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA), in effect on January 1, 2024, that prohibits stores from providing
single-use plastic carryout bags and retail food establishments from distributing expanded
polystyrene containers. Updating the code to include a new Article XIV, Regulation of Disposable
Bags and Mitigation of Other Sources of Single Use Plastic Pollution, and sunsetting the City's
existing Disposable Bag Ordinance will expand enforcement against the distribution of plastic
carryout bags and establishes enforcement on the ban of expanded polystyrene foam cups and
food containers. Additionally, the Code revisions will provide the City Council with the opportunity
to enact more stringent policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics within Fort Collins.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Shirley Whiting spoke in support of the item and noted research has shown that the amount of
microplastics in human brains has increased by 50% over the past eight years.
Ellen Richie commented on the need to move in a positive way and noted the plastic bag ban was
successful. Richie stated it is important for the City to move forward with this item as it is
something that can be controlled.
Doug Simons stated plastics have impacted our lives in countless ways, mostly positively; Uhowever, with the evidence of microplastic health and environmental issues, it seems an
intelligent choice to limit plastic use and ban single-use plastics.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 141
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COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Ohlson commented on the research related to microplastics in human brains
increasing by 50% over the past eight years. He questioned why no formal recommendation was
sought from the Natural Resources Advisory Board and commented on the fact that many items
do not include Boards and Commissions recommendations. He discussed the money from the
paper bag fee that was remitted to the City noting some of that money was to be spent on
programs. He questioned whether those dollars going towards ensuring compliance are still
necessary given the 100% compliance rate and discussed a mention of hiring an individual in
Environmental Services to oversee compliance.
Amy King, Environmental Services Director, stated the road to getting to 100% compliance
involved a great deal of business outreach and work with the tax office to ensure proper reporting.
King stated a new position was changed from contractual to FTE classified in the recent budget
using restricted revenue from the disposable bag ordinance and that position is meant to help
install the best processes in education around this proposed plastic ban which would include
retailers and restaurants.
Councilmember Ohlson commented on being involved in the creation of the then Natural
Resources Department and requested information as to what the grocers are doing with their 40%
share of the disposable bag ordinance fees. He questioned why he has not seen much product
out of the Environmental Services Department around plastics. Jacob Castillo, Chief
Sustainability Officer, replied movement has been made on waste reduction and recycling,
particularly related to plastics, and asked what type of product would be helpful. Councilmember
Ohlson stated it would be helpful to seek input from the Natural Resources Advisory Board and
stated he would attempt to come up with a more specific recommendation.
King stated staff will follow-up and noted her department has strengthened relationships with other
municipalities related to this.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis expressed support for the FTE position and asked if approving this
ordinance would allow for a future ban on single-use plastics. Castillo replied in the affirmative
noting this would open the door for that action, but it does not include it.
Councilmember Pignataro asked if this item did not go before the Natura l Resources Advisory
Board as the purpose of the Ordinance is simply to change the Code to align with the State's
Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA). Castillo replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Pignataro asked about the work that has been done around the Council priority
of accelerating zero waste. Castillo replied waste reduction and recycling with a component
focused on plastics will be discussed at the April 8th work session. He noted much of the work in
the plastics spaces has been in preparation for PPRA compliance and associated work with
retailers and restaurants.
Councilmember Potyondy noted the Ordinance includes a provision expanding to address single
use polystyrene carry-out containers and asked if there are any provisions in either the State
legislation or the local Ordinance that would curtail replacement of polystyrene with an additional
single-use plastic. Ted Hewitt, Assistant City Attorney, replied the State legislation and the City
Ordinance are limited to regulating expandable polystyrene and do not impact other forms of
plastic that are used as food containers. He noted Council could add additional types of plastic
to restrict.
King stated options that are recyclable or compostable can be identified and stated it would be
valuable to be deliberate about choosing any next product to be banned or limited.
Council member Potyondy suggested that could be a good topic for the April 8th work session.
Councilmember Canonico expressed support for this item and requested some consumer
education be associated with efforts moving forward.
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Mayor Pro Tem Francis moved, seconded by Councilmember Potyondy, to adopt
Ordinance No. 013, 2025, Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to
Adopt Requirements to Reduce Plastic Pollution and to Update and Reenact the City's
Disposable Bag Ordinance, on First Reading.
The motion carried 7-0.
0)CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PLANNED FOR DISCUSSION
14.Second Reading of Ordinance No. 009, 2025, Amending the Land Use Code to Align with
Two Adopted State House Bills Concerning Accessory Dwelling Units and Parking for
Multi-Unit Dwellings and to Clarify and Correct Certain Provisions.
This Ordinance, adopted on First Reading on January 21, 2025, by a vote of 6-1 (Nay: Ohlson)
adopts revisions, clarifications, and organization to the Land Use Code provisions that address
specific areas that are the subject of two Colorado State House Bills passed last year. HB24-1152
requires the ability to build an ADU in more areas of the City, and HB24-1304 removes the
minimum parking requirements for new multi-unit and residential mixed-use development. This
item also includes clean-up to the Land Use Code.
Attached to this AIS is Section 1 o of the Ordinance, which shows the changes adopted on First
Reading. Since this Ordinance was adopted on First Reading, staff has identified the need to
clarify the definitions in Section 7.2.2 of the Land Use Code related to the identification of an ADU.
As a result, staff is requesting that Council move to amend the Ordinance on Second
Reading to fix these conflicting definitions in the manner described below.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Rich Stave opposed this ordinance specifically citing increased utility requirements and increased
costs associated with basic services such as police, fire, and Code enforcement. He stated thereuare impacts to him from neighbors, including parking, insurance, and neighborhood conflicts.
Additionally, he stated the City collects fees from development, but the onus is on property owners
to pick up the slack when things happen. Stave questioned why the City is moving forward with
these changes.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Pignataro requested staff input regarding some of the changes that have
occurred since First Reading. Noah Beals, Development Review Manager, replied the changes
added clarity to definitions and to the fact that a single-unit dwelling could add an attached
accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Councilmember Ohlson requested clarification regarding the intent of the Planning and Zoning
Commission related to having utilities, water, or sewer services in an accessory building. Beals
replied that was brought forth as an item to help ensure accessory structures are safe and, if they
have utilities, water, or sewer services should just be considered an ADU. However, currently, an
ADU comes with additional capital expansion fees and development review fees, and the
Planning and Zoning Commission did not feel it was appropriate to add that burden to projects
that are just adding water and sewer for garages or studios, et cetera. Therefore, staff removed
that from the recommendation for this item. He stated staff plans to bring the topic of making a
clear distinction between an accessory building with water service and an ADU to the March work
session.
Councilmember Ohlson asked why the primary building size went from 1,335 to 1,667. Clay -
Frickey, Planning Manager, replied the State statute requires permitting accessory dwelling units U
between 500 and 750 square feet and the primary building size change allows for the percentages
to align with the State requirements.
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Councilmember Gutowsky asked if both items are included in a single vote, and that was
confirmed. She stated she voted yes on First Reading; however, she has reconsidered that given
concerns about removing parking minimums she has heard from constituents.
Mayor Arndt noted this item does relate to alignment with State statute as required by law and
stated she would support the item as amended.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis moved, seconded by Councilmember Potyondy, to adopt
Ordinance No. 009, 2025, Amending the Land Use Code to Align with Two Adopted State
House Bills Concerning Accessory Dwelling Units and Parking for Multi-Unit Dwellings and
to Clarify and Correct Certain Provisions, with the following amendment: that Section 22 of
Ordinance No. 009, 2025, be amended as follows: one, to the definition of accessory
dwelling unit (ADU) detached, add to the end of the second sentence the words 'as
provided in Section 3.1.9,' two, to add to the definition of accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
attached, add to the end of the first sentence the words 'and attached thereto,' and add to
the end of the second sentence the words 'as provided in Section 3.1.9,' three, add to the
end of the current Land Use Code definition, dwelling, single-unit, and the phrase 'whether
or not it also contains an attached accessory dwelling unit,' four, add to the current Land
Use Code definition of dwelling, single-unit detached, before the phrase 'by any means,' a
comma and the phrase 'whether or not it also contains an attached dwelling unit,' and five,
add to the end of the current Land Use Code definition of dwelling, two-unit, a comma and
the phrase 'not considering any attached accessory dwelling units and meeting the description of a duplex under Section 3.1.5.
The motion carried 5-2.
Ayes: Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Councilmembers Pignataro, Canonico, and Potyondy.
Nays: Councilmembers Ohlson and Gutowsky.
15.First Reading of Ordinance No. 017, 2025, Adopting Rooted in Community, Fort Collins'
Urban Forest Strategic Plan as a Component of City Plan.
The purpose of this item is to formally adopt Rooted in Community, Fort Collins' first Urban Forest
Strategic Plan. The adopted plan will align and guide future growth strategies for sustaining and
growing a healthy and resilient urban forest for the people of Fort Collins and benefit the greater
community as a whole.
Staff recommends scheduling second reading of this Ordinance on March 4, 2025, to allow the
Planning and Zoning Commission to provide a recommendation during their meeting on February
20, 2025.
STAFF PRESENTATION
Dean Klingner, Community Services Director, noted this presentation is very similar to that heard
by Council at a work session.
Kendra Boot, City Forester, commented on the community engagement process for the Urban
Forest Strategic Plan and discussed the importance of trees in the community and the ways in
which they support Council priorities related to climate adaptation and mitigation, making active
modes of transportation more comfortable, and providing access to recreation and nature. Boot
noted staff is recommending adoption of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan as a component of City
Plan and stated staff will be seeking a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning
Commission at its next meeting with Second Reading going before Council in early March.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 144
Adam Hirschhorn commented on the acceleration of climate change and the importance of
protecting the existing trees to create a more complete interaction of the ecosystems.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council member Pignataro requested staff input regarding collaboration with other departments,< ___ ,)
including Streets. Boot replied Fort Collins is over 150 years old and many Old Town intersections
have trees that predated stop signs; however, today, there are efforts through the development
review process regarding not planting trees within the site triangle at stop signs or too close to a
stop sign or signal. Boot also noted there are staff enforcing those regulations within
developments as well.
Councilmember Ohlson thanked staff for their hard work on this effort and stated his concerns are
organizational, not individual or departmental. He stated it has taken too long for this and other
public good work to occur, yet policies that support developers seem to occur right away. He
stated there was too much special interest involved and there are no changes to the tree
protection standards, which he wanted to see. He opposed the language related to utilizing
feedback from frequent Code users and stated tree users, including wildlife with no voice, are not
represented. Council member Ohlson stated his comments are not directed at staff, but rather the
organization and senior management and he will be opposing the item.
Councilmember Gutowsky thanked staff for the work that has been done and asked about the
protections that exist for the larger trees in the community. Boot replied the tree protection and
tree mitigation policy is forthcoming and noted staff is attempting to parallel that work with the
work around the commercial corridors in the Land Use Code. She stated staff is anticipating a
work session in the second quarter.
Councilmember Gutowsky commended the meandering sidewalk at the new King Soopers that
incorporated the existing trees.
Mayor Arndt commended the work that has been done on this complex topic and stated this Plan''-../
will ensure the beauty of the city will remain. Boot noted there is funding to plant an additional
1,000 trees each year, hopefully for ten years.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis thanked staff for their work on this Plan and stated it is important to have
a strategic plan to help prioritize the effective use of resources. She stated it is important to
include the Code users as part of those providing input.
Councilmember Canonico thanked staff as well and stated staff has been responsive to what
Council has asked for.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis moved, seconded by Counci/member Canonico, to adopt
Ordinance No. 017, 2025, Adopting Rooted in Community, Fort Collins' Urban Forest
Strategic Plan as a Component of City Plan, on First Reading.
The motion carried 6-1.
Ayes: Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Councilmembers Potyondy, Canonico,
Pignataro, and Gutowsky.
Nays: Councilmembers Ohlson.
P)RESUMED PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 145
r
None.
Q)OTHER BUSINESS
OB 1. Possible consideration of the initiation of new ordinances and/or resolutions by
Council members.
(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.)
OB 2. Consideration of a motion to go ,into Executive Session to discuss Connexion:
Mayor Pro Tem Francis moved, seconded by Councilmember Potyondy, that City
Council go into executive session to consider matters pertaining to issues of
competition in providing telecommunication facilities and services including matters
subject to negotiation , strategic plan, price, sales and marketing, development
phasing and any other related matter allowed under Colorado Law, as permitted under
Article XII, Section 7(d) of the City Charter and Section 2-31(a)(5) of the City Code.
The motion carried 7-0.
R)ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
City of Fort Collins City Council Proceedings Page 146