HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-11/12/2008-SpecialNovember 12, 2008
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Council -Manager Form of Government
Special Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
A special meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins was held on Wednesday, November 12,
2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City of Fort Collins City Hall. Roll Call was
answered by the following Councilmembers: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy, and
Troxell.
(Councilmember Brown was excused from Council meetings from October 28, 2008 through April
7, 2009, per Resolution 2008-104.)
Staff Members Present: Atteberry, Krajicek, Roy.
Citizen Participation
Bruce Lockhart, 2500 East Harmony Road, stated the proposed Climate Plan has goals that
unrealistic and not achievable. He did not support adoption of the Plan.
Katy Friedenfall, Director of Community Affairs, ASCSU, stated Colorado State University students
would like to have the 3-unrelated ordinance reviewed before May, 2009 and requested that Council
consider amending the ordinance so it is more friendly to students.
Citizen Participation Follow-up
Councilmember Manvel noted the review of the 3-unrelated ordinance is scheduled to include two
academic years, which would include data gathered through May 2009.
Councilmember Troxell stated the City is currently collecting data on the 3-unrelated ordinance and
he requested the review be done before May 2009.
City Manager Atteberry stated Neighborhood Services will create a work plan that will show what
the review of the 3-unrelated ordinance will entail. The input from students will be included in any
survey done as part of the review.
Resolution 2008-106
Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy
and Project Agreements with Colorado State University, Larimer County,
the Governor's Energy Office, and Other Entities, to Receive Grant Funds
for Development and Demonstration of a Coordinated and
Integrated System of Mixed Distributed Electric Resources, Adopted
The following is staffs memorandum on this item.
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"FINANCL4L IMPACT
The total budget for the project is $11.2 million. This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to
execute the agreement with the Department of Energy and enter into subcontract agreements with
the project partners that outline, per the grant submittal, how matching finds are contributed and
DOE f nds are distributed among the partners (a more detailed summary of the matching funds is
included as Exhibit to the Resolution).
Total project budget: $11,188,349
Total matchingfunds: nds: $ 4,864, 969
Funds requested from DOE: $ 6,323,380
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project will modernize and transform a portion of the electrical distribution system in the City
by developing and demonstrating a coordinated and integrated system ofmixed distributed electric
resources, including renewable generation (solar), rotary- and inverter -based generation, and
demand response methods, that will reduce peak loads on multiple distribution feeders in the
downtown area by up to 30% and deliver improved efficiency and reliability.
BACKGROUND
The applicant for the overall project is the City of Fort Collins. The project will address the
research, development, and demonstration of a coordinated and integrated system of 3.5 MW of
mixed distributed resources in Fort Collins to achieve a 20-30% peak load reduction on multiple
distribution feeders. Fort Collins is well positioned to execute this contract due to the unique
combination ofworld-class researchfacilities at Colorado State University, participation ofglobal
industry leaders and local entrepreneurs able to commercialize the technology, the City of Fort
Collins focus on and investments in clean energy as a key pillar offuture growth, the presence of
a city -owned utility and extensive community support.
The methods used in this project involve the monitoring, aggregation, distribution system
integration, dispatch, and verification of distributed generation, renewable energy, and demand
response resources (Distributed Energy Resources or DER) for reducing peak loading from 20 to
30% on 2 feeders within Fort Collins Utilities' electric distribution network Over 3.5 megawatts
(MW) of DER from approximately 5 participant locations will be aggregated with a mix of
distributed generation sources, including renewable generation, rotary- and inverter -based
generation. The demand response capabilities will be aggregated from a mix of heating, cooling,
and ventilation loads; process loads; and thermal storage. Intentional Islanding will be
demonstrated at one or more locations on one of the feeders.
The benefits of this smart -grid technology include enhancing the security and reliability of the
energy infrastructure, facilitating recovery f •om disruptions; saving costs; new distribution system
configurations; management friendly operations; andenvironmental rewardsfrom using renewable
energy with demand response solutions. The Project will be used to develop and demonstrate key
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technologies expected to have strong commercial application, including three interacting technology
platforms to manage the DER mix and demonstrate peak load reduction, advanced mixed fuel
technology, low-cost grid parallel switchgear, and simulation and robust controller design of DER
based solutions. The major impact of the project will be modernizing the local electric grid by using
the dynamic real-time state of the grid with the explicit benefit ofproviding a more efficient and
updated grid capable of incorporating more renewable sources.
The City of Fort Collins and the City -owned Fort Collins Utility will provide leadership for this
project, with a strongfocus on growing and retaining clean energy companies, support for a wide
variety of clean energy initiatives, including the establishment of a Zero Energy District within the
city("FortZED ),and increasing thepenetration oflocal renewable energy sources. Otherproject
participants include Larimer County, CSU, InteGrid Lab, the Community Foundation of Northern
Colorado; and the Governor's Energy Office. Private sector participation spans local companies
and worldwide technology leaders. Manufacturers include; Advanced Energy (innovative power
and control technologies); Woodward (largest provider of energy control and optimization
solutions); Spirae, (renewable energy and distributed power controls and solutions); and Eaton,
(global leader in electrical systems and components). These companies are critical to
commercialize the technologies developed under this grant. Consultants and end users include The
Brendle Group (engineering consulting in energy efficiency) and New Belgium Brewing Company
(a leading craft brewery).
Mike Freeman, Fort Collins Chief Financial Officer, is project director and principal investigators
include Patty Bigner, Fort Collins Utilities; Dr. Peter Young, Colorado State Univ.; Dr. Sunil
Cherian, Spirae; GeoffHemsley, Woodward; Babette Cornell, Larimer County; Robert Yanniello,
Eaton; Eric Seymour, Advanced Energy; Judy Dorsey, The Brendle Group; and Jim Spencer, New
Belgium.
Councilmember Troxell withdrew from discussion of this item due to a conflict of interest
Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer, stated the resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign the
contract with the Department of Energy and allows negotiations with the partners in this Project.
Bruce Lockhart, 2500 East Harmony, asked what would be the cost-effectiveness of the Project
compared to the cost of $11 million.
Councilmember Roy asked how the Project will affect the Climate Action Plan and what are some
of the benefits of the Project. Freeman stated the Project must track carbon dioxide reduction, which
will affect the Climate Action Plan. Different technologies will be used for this Project to help
electric utilities determine how to reduce peak load. The goal is to reduce peak load in the summer
by 20-30% by using new technologies and energy efficiencies. At this time, this is the largest stated
zero -energy district in the world and the goal is to generate 45 MW of total power from alternative
sources. City Manager Atteberry stated this Project aligns with Council's priorities in sustainability,
economic development and seeking alternative funding sources.
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Councilmember Ohlson asked if this Project will create new jobs. Freeman stated the economic
impact of the Project has not been projected and was not a parameter requested in the grant from the
Department of Energy. New technologies will likely be patented as a result of this effort and that
will fuel growth within the participating companies which, in turn, will create more jobs.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, to adopt Resolution
2008-106.
Councilmember Roy stated Fort Collins is a leader in developing new technologies for energy
production and this Project will move the City forward in the new energy economy.
Councilmember Ohlson stated this Project will benefit both the public and private sectors.
Mayor Hutchinson stated peak load reduction is an important goal and the economic benefit will be
substantial.
The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, and Roy.
Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 2008-107
Declaring the Intent of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado to Issue
Economic Development Revenue Bonds to Provide Financing for a
Manufacturing Facility for Ambiance Incorporated, DB/A Fort Collins
Brewery; Prescribing Certain Terms and Conditions of Such Bonds; and Containing
Other Provisions Relating to the Proposed Issuance of Such Bonds, Adopted
The following is staffs memorandum on this item.
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Resolution declares the City's intent to authorize the issuance of an amount not to exceed
$5, 000, 000 of economic development revenue bonds for the Fort Collins Brewery project (a small
manufacturing company) from the annual statewide allocation the City receives. This is not the
receipt of dollars, but the intent to exercise the right to issue tax exempt bonds for purposes
prescribed in the Internal Revenue Code by the federal government. Economic development
revenue bonds are one type of bond that can be issued for private activity purposes. This action
does not authorize a bond issue.
The urgency of this inducement resolution relates to expenses related to a land purchase on
September 29, 2008. Fort Collins Brewery desires the ability to reimburse itself out of the tax
exempt bond proceeds for expenditures that accrue before the issuance of the bonds. The Internal
Revenue Code will permit such reimbursement provided that the public issuer (City of Fort Collins)
adopts an inducement resolution and the expenditure accrued no earlier than 60 days prior to the
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date such resolution was adopted. In order to meet this requirement, the resolution needs approval
prior to November 28, 2008.
The request for Council to authorize the actual bond issue will occur later this year. If the actual
bond issue does move forward, it will not occur until 2009, with the source of the funds being the
City's allocation for 2009. In fiscal year 2009, the City of Fort Collins is estimated to receive a
private activity bond allocation of $5, 600, 000. If these bonds are authorized they will not be an
obligation of the City of Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Brewery relocation and expansion on a site within the city limits will result in
additional property taxes for the City as well as use tax on construction materials and equipment
purchases.
BACKGROUND
The Project
Under the federal and state laws governing the use of tax-exempt private activity bonds, the City
may issue the bonds, but may not use its own revenues to support the project. The project will
generate the revenue required to repay the bonds. In the event the project does not generate
sufficient revenue, the bondholders may request payment from the letter of credit provider or the
insurer of the transaction. The total amount of private activity bonds to be issued will not exceed
$5, 000, 000. The project proponent, Fort Collins Brewery, may use its resources to pay for the
bonds or issue additional taxable bonds to finance the project. Out West Properties, LLC, a
Colorado Limited Liability Corporation, is an affiliated holding company that purchased the
property and will construct the new facility
The proceeds of the bonds, together with the proceeds of certain taxable bonds to be issued by the
City concurrently with the Bonds, will be loaned to Out West Properties, LLC (the "Borrower') to
finance the acquisition of a manufacturing facilityfor the production of beer (the "Project'). The
Project consists of a purchase of a parcel of land located in the northwest corner of Lincoln Street
and Lemay Avenue. Construction of an approximately 30, 000 square foot building is to be located
there, as well as the purchase ofcertain equipment. The project will be owned by the Borrower and
operated and managed by Fort Collins Brewery, an entity under common ownership with the
Borrower.
In Fa112008, Fort Collins Brewery approached the Citywith the conceptfor this project. An inquiry
was made by Fort Collins Brewery as to the availability of private activity bonds for small
manufacturing. Fort Collins Brewery has been operated by the current ownership group since2003.
Today, it distributes its product along the Front Range and in various states in the Midwest and as
far east as Pennsylvania. The facility that Out West Properties, LLC will be constructing with the
bond proceeds is being designed to achieve minimal impact on the environment.
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The City's Prior Usage of Private Activity Bonds
The most recent direct usage of the City's annual allocation of private activity bonds occurred
earlier this yearfor Custom Blending, Inc., a multi functional manufacturer ofspices, spice blends
and liquid flavorings for wholesale operations and retail grocery stores. Their project was for a
new facility in the City's Harmony Technology Park.
City staff is consulting Fort Collins Housing Authority and other advocates for affordable housing
to determine whether they can utilize the private activity bonds. Staff will update Council later this
month or when the requestfor authorization ofthe bonds comes before the Council later in the year.
In the event an affordable housing project does come forward even after the bonds for Fort Collins
Brewery have been authorized, the City will recommend a project to the Colorado Housing and
Financing Authority (CHFA). CHFA has sent notices out this fall that funds are available at the
statewide level for housing projects.
The City's Role in Issuance of Private Activity Bonds
Under the federal tax laws and the Colorado Revised Statutes, the City's role in this transaction,
should it move forward, is to be the Issuer of the Bonds.
THE BONDS SHALL BE SPECIAL, LIMITED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY. THE CITY WILL
NOT BE OBLIGATED TO PAY THE BONDS OR THE INTEREST THEREON, EXCEPT FROM
THE ASSETS OR REVENUES PLEDGED THEREFOR. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE STATE, THE
CITY (OTHER THAN THE FROM THE BORROWER'S ASSETS PLEDGED THEREFORE) OR
ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF BE LIABLE FOR THE BONDS, AND THE BONDS
SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A DEBT OF THE STATE, THE CITY OR ANY SUCH POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION THEREOF.
In the event a bond is authorized, the proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned to Out West Properties,
LLC. according to the terms of a future loan agreement to provide the financing of the project.
SUMMARY OFACTION: Inducement Resolution
The primary reason for adopting an inducement resolution is also found in federal tax law. If a
municipal borrower or private activity bond beneficiary (e.g., Out West Properties, LLC) desires
the ability to reimburse itself out of the tax exempt bond proceeds for expenditures that accrue
before the issuance of the bonds, the Internal Revenue Code will permit such reimbursement
provided that the public issuer adopts an inducement resolution and the expenditure accrued no
earlier than 60 days prior to the date such resolution was adopted. Accordingly, inducement
resolutions are often adopted very early in the bond process to maximize the project costs to which
the tax exempt proceeds can be applied. However, as is made clear in the resolution, adoption does
not create an obligation on the part of the City to authorize the bonds. "
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Chuck Seest, Finance Director, stated Fort Collins Brewery has expansion plans and has already
purchased land for the expansion The Brewery has asked the City to consider issuing private activity
bonds for small manufacturing. Staff has determined the company is a credit -worthy applicant. This
inducement resolution is needed to allow the Brewery to capture the real estate expense as part of
the bond proceeds and meet IRS requirements. The issuance of bonds will come before Council in
December.
Mayor Hutchinson stated the City can facilitate economic development by issuing private activity
bonds and asked if there was a maximum amount of this type of bonds that can be issued in one year.
Seest stated the State receives a certain amount of funding for private activity bonds from a federal
allocation. The State allots a certain amount of those funds to municipalities, based on population.
The City received $5.6 million last year and used most of those funds for the Custom Blending bond
issue. If another project is not identified to use the funds, the funding is relinquished to the State and
returns to the statewide pool.
Councilmember Troxell asked about the selection process for businesses that qualify for private
activity bonds. Freeman stated the City has typically used its allocation of private activity bonds for
affordable housing projects and the Housing Authority has stated it does not need the City's
allocation of funds in 2009. The projects emerge at different times of the year and, once it is
determined they meet the criteria and qualify as manufacturing and fit within the targeted industry
groups and need help financially to enable the project to move forward. No prioritization scheme
is used at this time.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Troxell, to adopt Resolution
2008-107. Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Items Pertaining to the Annexation and Zoning of the Eagle View
Natural Area Adopted on First Reading
The following is staff s memorandum on this item.
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 138, 2008, Annexing Property Known as the Eagle View
Natural Area First Annexation to the City of Fort Collins, Colorado.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 139, 2008 Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort
Collins and Classifying for Zoning Purposes the Property Included in the Eagle View
Natural Area First Annexation to the City of Fort Collins, Colorado.
C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 140, 2008, Annexing Property Known as the Eagle View
Natural Area Second Annexation to the City of Fort Collins, Colorado.
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D. First Reading of Ordinance No. 141, 2008, Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort
Collins and Classifying for Zoning Purposes the Property Included in the Eagle View
Natural Area Second Annexation to the City of Fort Collins, Colorado.
The above items will accomplish the annexation andzoning ofapproximately 86 acres ofland solely
owned by the City known as the Eagle View Natural Area and place the area into the POL — Public
Open Lands Zone District. The annexations are in conformance with the State of Colorado Revised
Statutes as they relate to annexations, the City of Fort Collins Comprehensive Plan, the Larimer
County and City of Fort Collins Intergovernmental Agreement, the City of Fort Collins Land Use
Code, and the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan.
BACKGROUND
Applicant and Property Owner: City of Fort Collins
The City of Fort Collins acquired the property known as the Eagle View Natural Area, containing
a total ofapproximately 86 acres, in October 2002. City staffis recommending that the City Council
annex the property into the City limits. Due to the size of the property and the limited amount of
contiguity to the existing City limits, the property is being annexed via two annexations, the Eagle
View Natural Area First Annexation (containing 66.9 acres) and the Eagle View Natural Area
Second Annexation (containing 19.1 acres). The first phase consists of 66.9 acres and the second
consists of 19.1 acres. The Eagle View Natural Area is located south of Kechter Road, one -quarter
mile west of I-25, and north of the Fossil Creek Reservoir. As indicated, the property is preserved
as a City -owned natural area and, thus, the proposed zoningfor the annexations is the POL —Public
Open Lands District, consistent with the property's designation on the City Structure Plan.. The
existing land uses and zoning of surrounding properties are as follows:
N.- County - FA-1 Farming, undeveloped
E: County - C, Commercial, boat sales; and FA-1 Farming, undeveloped
S: Fossil Creek Reservoir
W. City - LMN, Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood, residential development; and County
-FA-1 Farming, undeveloped
Compliance with Existing Policies and State Law
The natural area property is located totally within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area
(GMA). According to policies and agreements between the City and Larimer County contained in
the IntergovernmentalAgreementfor the Fort Collins Growth ManagementArea, the City will agree
to consider annexation of property in the GMA when the property is eligible for annexation
according to State law. The Eagle View Natural Area First Annexation parcel gains its required
116 contiguity to existing City limitsfrom a common boundary with the McClelland's Creek PD &
PLD Second Filing Annexation (September 2007) to the west ofthe parcel. The Eagle View Natural
Area Second Annexation parcel gains its required 116 contiguity to existing City limits from a
common boundary with the Eagle View Natural Area First Annexation to the north of the parcel.
The two parcels are being annexed concurrently which is permitted by the State of Colorado Revised
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Statutes as they relate to annexations. Because the parcels are solely owned by the City, they may
be annexed without notice and hearing.
Proposed Zoning
The proposed zoning for the Eagle View Natural Area is the POL — Public Open Lands, which is
consistent with the City Structure Plan and with recommendations from the adopted Fossil Creek
Reservoir Area Plan, an element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The POL District is for large
publicly ownedparks and open lands which have community -wide emphasis or other characteristics
which warrant inclusion under this separate designation rather than inclusion in an adjoining
neighborhood or other zoning district designations.
Findings
In evaluating the proposal for the annexation and zoning of the Eagle View Natural Area, staff
makes thefollowingfindings offact:
1. The annexation of the natural area is consistent with the policies and agreements between
Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins contained in the Intergovernmental Agreement.
2. The natural area meets the eligibility requirements included in State law to qualify for a
voluntary annexation to the City of Fort Collins of land solely owned by the City.
3. The requested Zone District, POL — Public Open Lands, is in conformance with the City's
Comprehensive Plan and City Structure Plan.
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the requested annexation and zoning of the Eagle View
Natural Area at its regular monthly meeting of October 16, 2008. Staff informed the Board that
three adjacent property owners had called to express opposition to the annexation, but that none of
the owners indicated they were going to attend the meeting. The property owners indicated to staff
they would like the City's open space area to remain in the County. The Board then voted 6-0 (1
member absent) to recommend to the City Council approval of the Eagle View Natural Area
annexations and requested POL, Public Open Lands, zoning. "
Ken Waido, Chief Planner, stated the annexation is 86 acres in size and entirely owned by the City
as a natural area. The annexation is proposed in two parts to meet contiguity requirements in State
law. County road rights -of -way have not been included in this annexation, so Kechter Road, Strauss
Cabin Road and the county road between the two parcels are not part of the annexation.
Shawna Swift -Ferrara, owner of property next to Eagle View, stated she represented other property
owners around Eagle View. The property owners did not receive a notice of the annexation and did
not support the annexation of the property into the City. She expressed concerns that the annexation
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will create an "island" of City property surrounded by property located in the County and asked how
the annexation will affect nearby homes, located in the County.
Councilmember Manvel asked what affect the annexation will have on neighboring homes. Waido
stated the annexation should not affect neighboring properties. A letter was sent to neighboring
property owners notifying them of the annexation. Under an intergovernmental agreement with
Larimer County, when any contiguous property to the City begins development, the County will
require that property to annex into the City prior to development so it can be processed according
to the City's zoning and development regulations. Existing property owners, not developing their
property, should not be affected by the annexation and will remain in the county.
City Manager Atteberry noted the City owns several natural areas that should have been annexed into
the City some time ago and the intent is to annex those properties into the City as soon as possible.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, to adopt Ordinance No.
138, 2008 on First Reading. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel,
Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Manvel made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Roy, to adopt Ordinance No.
139, 2008 on First Reading, The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel,
Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Manvel, to adopt Ordinance No.
140, 2008 on First Reading. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel,
Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Manvel made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, to adopt Ordinance
No. 141, 2008 on First Reading. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson,
Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Items Relating to the City's Ownership, Administrative Control, and
Maintenance of Certain Portions of Harmony Road, Adopted on First Reading
The following is staff s memorandum on this item.
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"FINANCIAL IMPACT
Any additional costs ofoperating andmaintaining Harmony Road will be covered in existing Streets
and Traffic Operations budgets.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Resolution 2008-108 Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Modification and Ratification
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 14Z 2008, Amending Ordinance No. 067, 2005, to Clarify
the Portion of Harmony Road that is Owned, Controlled and Maintained by the City.
In 2005, the City and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) executed a series of
documents, including an intergovernmental agreement (the "IGA'), that transferred ownership,
administrative control, and maintenance of Harmony Road to Fort Collins. The City and CDOT
staff are recommending an amendment to the IGA to clarify the jurisdictional limits of the two
entities. In addition, the City has agreed with CDOT to assume operation and maintenance
responsibilityfor the traffic signal at the intersection of Harmony Road and the Harmony Transit
Center. This is easier and more efficientfor Fort Collins than for CDOT, and can be assumed under
existing budgets.
BACKGROUND
The City and CDOT entered into an intergovernmental agreement on July 15, 2005, regarding the
transfer ofownership, administrative control, and maintenance of State Highway 68/Harmony Road
from CDOT to the City. Fort Collins agreed to assume ownership, control, and maintenance of East
Harmony Road and in return, CDOT agreed to pay Fort Collins the sum of $13,700,000 in
accordance with the 2005 Agreement. This amount represented the estimated O&M costs for 20
years (2005 dollars). The text of the agreement, as well as an earlier resolution of the State
Transportation Commission, made reference to mile marker 4.468 as the point at which the City's
ownership responsibilities of Harmony Road would end and CDOT's would begin. The original
intent of the agreement was for Fort Collins' jurisdiction to extend to a point east of the Harmony
Transit Center. However, mile marker 4.468 actually extends to the eastern edge of the HarmonylI-
25 interchange.
The City and CDOT have worked together to develop a mutually agreed -upon terminus near the
west access ramp ofl-25. In addition, CDOT has requested that the City assume responsibilityfor
the operation and maintenance of the traffic signal at the intersection of Harmony Road and the
Harmony Transit Center. This poses no problem for the City's Traffic Operations group; it is
actually easier and more efficient to incorporate the signal into the Fort Collins system. Costs
associated with operation and maintenance of Harmony Road and the traffic signal will be absorbed
into existing Streets and Traffic Operations budgets.
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The proposed Resolution would authorize the execution ofa new agreement with CDOT to reflect
the change in maintenance responsibilities and clarify the point at which the City'sjurisdiction ends
and CDOT's begins. The Ordinance would amend Ordinance No. 067, 2005, to reflect these same
changes."
Mark Jackson, Transportation Group Director, stated the City and the Colorado Department of
Transportation entered into an intergovernmental agreement in 2005 to transfer ownership of
Harmony Road, west of US 287 to I-25. This fall, CDOT notified the City that an error in the
agreement incorrectly identified the mile marker for the eastern boundary of the agreement. The
proposed modification to the IGA identifies a point on the west I-25 interchange ramps as the eastern
boundary. The City will also assume ownership, operation and maintenance of the traffic signal
located at the Transit Center on Harmony Road, which provides greater efficiency for signal use.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Manvel, to adopt Resolution
2008-108. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw,
Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Manvel made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Ohlson, to adopt Ordinance
No. 142, 2008 on First Reading. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson,
Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 2008-100
Adopting the 2008 Update to the Three Mile Plan for the City of Fort Collins. Adopted
The following is staffs memorandum on this item.
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Three -Mile Plan is a policy document that is required to ensure that the City complies with the
regulations of the Colorado Revised Statutes. This is the 2008 update to the Three -Mile Plan for
the City.
BACKGROUND
The current Three -Mile Plan has been in use since it was last amended by Council on November 21,
2007. According to law, the plan should be updated and revised annually. This update is presented
for Council review.
The Three -Mile Plan describes each ofthe items listed in Section 31-12-105 ofthe Colorado Revised
Statutes, dealing with annexation. The four categories specified in the statute are as follows:
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Transportation -related items:
• Streets
• Subways
• Bridges
• Parkways
• Aviation Fields
• Other Public Ways
• Terminals far Transportation
Parks, Natural Areas and Open Lands -related items:
• Waterways
• Waterfronts
• Playgrounds
• Squares
• Parks
• Grounds
• Open Spaces
Utilities and related items:
• Public Utilities
• Terminals for Water, Light, Sanitation, and Power Provided by the Municipality
Proposed Land Uses:
• Inside Growth Management Area (GMA)
• Outside Growth Management Area (GAM)
The Three -Mile Plan lists the plans, policies, maps, and other documents adopted by the City
Council that generally describe the proposed location, character and extent of the specific
topographic features, infrastructure, and facilities listed above. In addition, there are some plans
and policies that have been adopted not by the City, but by Larimer County, CSU or adjoining
municipalities, as these are also located within the boundaries of the Three -Mile Plan for the City
of Fort Collins, Colorado."
Steve Olt, Interim Current Planning Director, stated in order to annex property, Colorado law
requires any municipality to have a plan in place for the area within three miles in any direction from
any point of its municipal boundary. The plan should be updated and revised annually by a
municipality. The purpose of the plan, prior to the completion of any annexation within the three
mile area, is to describe the proposed location character and extent of transportation network,
waterways, parks and open space, aviation fields, public utilities to be provided and proposed land
uses for the area.
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City Attorney Roy noted a letter had been received from the Mayor of the Town of Timnath that
expressed Timnath's objection to the adoption of the Three -Mile Plan. The letter stated Timnath's
concerns that the Plan could set the stage for the City of Fort Collins to attempt to annex east of I-25,
within the Town of Timnath's growth management area.
City Attorney Roy stated the City would be remiss if it failed to update its Plan, as required by the
State's annexation law. This is routinely done each year because the annexation law prohibits the
City from annexing anywhere outside of its limits unless it has in place an annually updated Plan,
showing, within a 3-mile radius, the character, location and extent of certain kinds of facilities. The
intent of adopting this Plan is not to set the stage for any particular annexation anywhere, but it is
a statutory requirement that the City must comply with in order to do any annexations at all.
Mayor Hutchinson asked if the Council was required to update the Plan before November 21, 2008
as that is one year from the previous update. City Attorney Roy answered in the affirmative, if the
City wishes to pursue any annexations within the three-mile area.
Councilmember Ohlson asked what was changed in the Plan from last year. City Attorney Roy
stated the only change to the text was a paragraph added to the introduction to clarify that the City
will not annex all land within three miles outside of its limits because some of those areas are in
other municipalities and to clarify that not all the plans referenced in the Three -Mile Plan apply to
all areas within the three-mile limit.
Councilmember Troxell asked for an explanation of the waterways map included in the Plan. Olt
explained the southwest corner has City limits outside the growth management area because those
areas are City -owned natural areas that have been annexed outside the growth management area.
Councilmember Troxell asked if Christman Field was still an operational airport, as listed on the
Airport Map. City Manager Atteber y stated Colorado State University owns the airfield but it is not
currently in use.
Councilmember Poppaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Roy, to adopt Resolution
2008-100. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw,
Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 2008-109
Accepting an Amended Petition, Finding Substantial Compliance, and
Initiating Annexation Proceedings for the Portions of the Gateway Annexation
Not Claimed by the Town of Timnath. Adopted
The following is staffs memorandum on this item.
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"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed Resolution makes findings that the voluntarypetition for annexation for the Gateway
Annexation, containing a total of approximately 256.3 acres, substantially complies with the
Municipal Annexation Act, accepts the petition, and determines that a hearing should be established
regarding the annexation of the portions of the Gateway Annexation not claimed by the Town of
Timnath, and directs that notices be given of the hearing. The hearing will be held at the time of
second reading of the annexation and zoning ordinances scheduled for December 16, 2008. Not less
than thirty days prior notice is required by State law. The annexation request is in conformance
with the State of Colorado Revised Statutes as they relate to annexations, the City of Fort Collins
Comprehensive Plan (City Plan), the Lorimer County and City of Fort Collins Intergovernmental
Agreements, the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, and the Harmony Corridor Plan.
BACKGROUND
Applicant and Property Owner: Fort Collins Capital Leasing Corporation
In 1995, the City acquired the property known as the Arapaho Bend Natural Area (the "Natural
Area') containing a total of approximately 277.5 acres, and annexed the property into the City
limits as part of the Arapaho Bend First and Second Annexations in 1999. On October 14, 2008,
the City transferred ownership ofapproximately 195.3 acres ofthe Natural Area to the Fort Collins
Capital Leasing Corporation ("FCCLC'), aspermitted under Section 23-111 ofthe City Code. The
Council then received from FCCLC an application to disconnect from the City the portions of the
Natural Area owned by the FCCLC, as permitted under a newly established section of the City's
Land Use Code (Section 2.12.6). Council then adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 130, 2008, which
authorized the disconnection of those portions of the Natural Area, as well as portions of Harmony
Road, Strauss Cabin Road, and Kechter Road.
Later that same day, a petition was filed by FCCLC to re -annex the Natural Area, together with
Harmony Road; Strauss Cabin Road between Harmony and Kechter Roads; Kechter Road between
Strauss Cabin Road and Interstate-25; and Interstate-25 from Kechter Road to Harmony Road. On
October 29, 2008, FCCLC filed an Amended Petition with the City Clerk making certain changes
to the property to be annexed. The total size of the annexation, as now proposed, is approximately
256.3 acres. Portions of I-25 are still contained in the area, including the highway right -of way
from about three-quarters (314) of a mile north of Harmony Road to about one (1) mile south of
Harmony Road. However, Kechter and Strauss Cabin Roads are no longer included in the
annexation.
There is a portion of the Gateway Annexation (Harmony Roadfrom Strauss Cabin Road to the east
side ofl-25) which overlaps a proposed annexation to the Town of Timnath known as the Riverwalk
Annexation Number 1. The Colorado Annexation Act requires that, upon application of the City,
the District Court must hold an election of the landowners in the area claimed by both the City and
Timnath in order to determine which municipality can annex that area. The Act also authorizes the
City to proceed, by the adoption of this resolution, with the annexation of that portion of its
annexation that is not also claimed by Timnath. The resolution must contain the legal description
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November 12, 2008
of that portion of the annexation, which areas are shown on Exhibit "B " attached to the resolution.
Due to the size of the property and the limited amount of contiguity to the existing city limits, the
property is being annexed via three annexations.
The existing land uses and zoning of surrounding properties are asfollows:
N: County - FA -I Farming, undeveloped; and Strauss Cabin Park
E: Town of Timnath RC, Regional Commercial, Zoning, Wal Mart Supercenter (under
construction); and City -owned open space east of I-25
S: County - FA-1 Farming, undeveloped; and County C Commercial for small parcels both
north (owned by the State of Colorado) and south of Harmony Road (convenience store/gas
station and a landscaping business)
W: County -FA-1 Farming, including about 160 acres of land owned by Larimer County; the
Meadow Heights Subdivision (23lots); and City POL, Public Open Lands, District (Arapaho
Bend Natural Area)
The Gateway First Annexation parcel gains its required 116 contiguity to existing City limits from
common boundaries with the Arapaho Bend First and Second Annexations (January 1999). The
Gateway Second Annexation parcel gains its required 116 contiguity to existing City limits from a
common boundary with the Arapaho Bend Second Annexation to the west of the parcel. The
Gateway Third Annexation parcel gains its required 116 contiguity to existing City limits from a
common boundary with the Gateway Second Annexation to the north of the parcel. The last two
parcels are being annexed in a series which is permitted by the Colorado Annexation Act.
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation:
The Planning and Zoning Board will conduct a public hearing on the annexation and zoning
requests at their regular monthly meeting on November 20, 2008, and will make its
recommendations at that time. The Board's recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council
in time for public hearing and second readings ofthe annexation and zoning ordinances which are
scheduled for December 16, 2008. "
Ken Waido, Chief Planner, stated this annexation brings in property that is not currently being
considered for annexation by the Town of Timnath. The Gateway annexation is 256 acres and
includes portions of the Arapaho Bend Natural Area and portions of I-25. The annexation is divided
into three separate annexations to provide contiguity.
City Attorney Roy stated the resolution has three exhibits attached, containing legal descriptions.
Exhibits A and B have legal descriptions that essentially describe the same property. Exhibit A was
attached to the petition filed by the Fort Collins Capital Leasing Corporation and describes a certain
part of the property on the Interstate as going to the east right-of-way line, then in a southerly
direction. Exhibit B is a revised description that describes the metes and bounds of the east right-of-
way line. He gave the City Clerk an affidavit from the City Surveyor that described the differences
between Exhibits A and B.
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November 12, 2008
Mayor Hutchinson asked if the difference between the Exhibits was that one gave a more accurate
description of the area. City Attorney Roy stated the Exhibits describe the total area that the City
is seeking to annex through the Gateway annexation. By law, since a portion overlaps Timnath's
Riverwalk annexation, the City cannot proceed with the annexation of the overlap portion, the area
claimed by both. Exhibit C of the Gateway annexation describes everything but the overlap portion
and is the area that is the subject of the annexation. The annexation of the disputed portion will not
be resolved until after an annexation election has been held by the court. The City has applied to the
court for the holding of that election within the time period required by annexation law.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, to adopt Resolution
2008-109. The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw,
Roy and Troxell. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
ATTEST:
All.�iw<
City Clerk
Adjournme�
245