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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-05/18/1976-RegularMay 13, 1976 COUNCIL OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Council - Manager Form of Government Regular Meeting - 5:30 P.M. A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins was held on Tuesday, May 18, 1976 at 5:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers in the City of Fort Collins City Hall. Roll call was answered by Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Staff Members Present: Brunton, Kaplan, Bingman, Deibel, Holmes, Krempel, Harding and Lewis. Also: City Attorney Arthur E. March Jr. Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 4, 1976 Approved as Published Councilman Suinn made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gray to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 4, 1976 ' as published. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Ordinance Adopted on Second Reading Vacating an Alley in Block 52 of the City of Fort Collins Councilwoman Reeves made a motion, seconded by Councilman Suinn to adopt Ordinance No. 36, 1976 on second reading. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. ORDINANCE NO. 36, 1976 BEING AN ORDINANCE VACATING AN ALLEY IN LOT 2, BLOCK 52, IN THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO WHEREAS, the owners of property adjoining the same have petitioned the City of Fort Collins to vacate an alley in Lot 2, Block 52, in the Citv of Fort Collins, Colorado; and WHEREAS, said alley was conveyed and dedicated to the City by quit claim deed recorded in Book 171 at Page 457 of the Larimer County records; and 283 WHEREAS, said alley is not open to the public and no public purpose will require the opening or use of this alley in the future; and WHEREAS, it appears that the rights of the residents of the City will in no way be prejudiced by the vacation of said alley_ NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, that that certain alley over, and across the following described property, to wit: The North 15 feet of Lot 2, Block 52, in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado; be, and the same is, abolished, vacated and abated, provided that thereis hereby reserved unto the City of Fort Collins an easement for the installation, rein- stallation, maintenance,jervicing, removal and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances over WiRfracross the strip of land previously occupied by such alley. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 4th day of May , A.D. 1976, and to be presented for final passage on the 18th day of May , A.D. 1976. ATTEST: ( L s(/L.tA..O ^� t:4atstf City Clerk a Mayor ✓ Passed and adopted on final reading this 18th day of A.D. 1976. ATTEST: City Clerk First Reading: Second Reading: Dates Published Attest: ty Cler May 4, 1976 May 18, 1976 May 9, 1976 (Vote: Yeas (Vote: Yeas and May 23, 1976 284 6, Nays: 0) 7, Nays: 0) 1 1 Ordinance Adopted on First Reading , 4 Amending the Traffic Code Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "Ordinance No. 40, 1976, amends the basic speed laws in the city to make them more enforceable. The enclosed ordinance amends the Traffic Code doing away with the former system which established a prima facie speed limit with a system establishing a fixed speed limit. A prima facie system allows individuals issued citations to contend that despite the posted speed of 30 miles per hour a higher speed was reasonable. Besides taking out all reference to prima facie systems, this ordinance adds and takes away some speed limits in the present ordinance. The present ordinance only calls for a 25-mile per hour speed limit in the business district and a 30-mile per hour speed limit in the residential district. It goes .without saving that the 20-mile per hour speed limit exists in front of all schools. The proposed ordinance provides speed limits in school zones, alleys, on the CUS campus and the city in general. It deletes the speed limit in business areas." Councilman Suinn made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bloom to adopt Ordinance No. 40, 1976 on first reading: Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves,Russell, Suinn and. Wilkinson. `Nays: None. Ordinance Adopted on First Reading Relating to Loading Zones Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "Under our present regulations an individual may obtain a loading zone by making application, paying a $5 permit fee, and receiving approval from the Traffic Engineer. These permits are on a one-year basis and may be renewed if both parties agree for another year. Although an individual or business applying for and receiving a permit may feel the loading zone is for their own private use, in effect it is there for the use of all people using the loading zone function. It is not meant to be a private parking lot or space for an individual business. The public street ' should not be used by any one individual, but used on an equitable basis by all the using publics under the rules and regulations of the City. 285 Ordinance No. 38, 1976, would repeal the present ordinance provision on loading zone permits and in its place permits the Traffic Engineer to install loading zones to be used \ by anyone needing the same. The existing loading zone permits are valid through December 31st of this year. If the City Council adopts this ordinance, I assume that we should make the effective dates of enforcing the new general area public use loading zones on January 1, 1976. This would give us time to prepare a comprehensive loading zone plan in the downtown area which would be reported to the City Council at a future work session." City Manager Brunton stated that if Council adopted the Ordinance, the present permits would be kept until December 31, and he would bring a map depicting all the loading zones to the Council for review. Councilman Bloom stated he felt the plan should be presented and reviewed prior to enactment of the ordinance. Councilwoman Gray made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bowling to adopt Ordinance No. 38, 1976 on first reading. Yeas: Councilmembers Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: Councilman Bloom. Councilwoman Gray made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bloom ' to instruct the administration to bring back a master plan on loading zones to the Council for approval. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Ordinance Tabled on First Reading Designating the Andrews House as an Historic Landmark Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "Mr. Richard L. Anderson, owner of the Andrews House located at 324 East Oak (Lot 22, Block 41) has requested that the house be designated as an historic landmark. The consent form was referred to our Cultural Resources Board who recom- mended that this designation take place." Councilmembers Russell and Suinn expressed a desire to have further backup information regarding the reason for designation. Councilman Suinn made a motion, seconded by Councilman Russell to table Ordinance No. 43, 1976 on first reading to the June 1, 1976 meeting, with further discussion from the Landmarks Committee on the designation. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. 286 Ordinance Adopted on First Reading Relating to Vacation of Alley in Block 1S4 in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "Block 1S4 is located between Magnolia and Whedbee, and Mulberry and Peterson. At.the present time a house is encroaching on the alley. The owners have agreed to rededicate this strip upon the demolition of the existing house." City Attorney March stated for the record, that he assumed Council would adopt the Ordinance only with the agreement; the signed agreement has not been received but is anticipated that it will be received prior to second reading of the ordinance. Councilwoman Gray made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Reeves to adopt Ordinance No. 41, 1976 on first reading. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Amendment to Harvard Subdivision, Second Filing P.U.D. Preliminary Plan Approved ' Planner II Paul Deibel identified the area in question and stated the original Harvard Subdivision consisted of three lots located on the southwest corner of South College Avenue and Harvard Street. Only one lot was developed. The present owners of the undeveloped lots do not plan to develop their lots exactly according to the originally approved P.U.D.. Both the staff and Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. Councilwoman Gray made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bowling to approve the amendment to the Harvard Subdivision, Second Filing P.U.D. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Windmill Apartments P.U.D. Preliminary Plan Approved Planner II Paul Deibel identified the area in question. The proposed P.U.D. is located on a 7.4 acre tract zoned R-M-P, Medium Density Planned Residential District on the north side of East Monroe between Stanford Road and Stover Street and consists of 114 units. The Staff and.Planning and Zoning Board have recommended approval. 2187 Councilman Russell expressed concern for the possibility that this type of development might revert back to "Section 8" programing. Councilwoman Gray made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Reeves to approve the Windmill Apartments P.U.D. Preliminary Plan. Yeas: Councilmembers Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: Councilmen Bloom and Russell. Bruce E. Miller Cedarwood, Fifth Filing, Final Plat Approved Planner II Paul Deibel identified the area in question located on West Lake Street a half mile west of Taft Hill Road. The Fifth Filing consists of 5.6 acres subdivided into 27 lots. The subdivider was required to obtain and pay for the ease- ment and development of a 220 foot section of Lake Street east of his property. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval. Councilwoman Reeves suggested that in the future that the staff provide a map which would indicate a mile, to provide an idea of the whole plan. Councilman Bloom made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gray ' to approve the Bruce E. Miller Cedarwood, Fifth Filing, Final Plat. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Bids for Street Improvement District No. 70 ADvroved Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "The bids for the curb and gutter, sidewalk and street improve- ments in connection with District 70 will be opened on Monday, May 17, 1976. Most of our bids for various improvements do not go to City Council since they are in compliance with our purchasing ordinance. However, it is specifically required that bids in connection with the special assessment district be submitted to the Council for final approval. We will have a tabulation and recommendation on this project available at the Council meeting for consideration." City Engineer Donald Parsons presented a tabulation of the bids and recommended the bid be awarded to Flatiron Paving Company. Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman ' Gray to award the low bid to Flatiron Paving Company for $31,041.60. Yeas: Councilmembers Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. (Bloom out of room) 288 Various Easements and Rights of Way Accepted Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: 111. Easement agreement with Sam Webster, Jr. for a buried sewer pipe line relating to the Alta Vista Sewer Project, to replace existing easements. A permanent utility ease- ment and a temporary construction easement are included in this agreement. Consideration: None. 2. Right-of-way agreement between the Jackson Ditch Company, the LaPorte Water and Sanitation District, Sam Brunswig, and the City of Fort Collins relating to a sewer line crossing on the Jackson Ditch on the north side of Highway 287 at the west side of LaPorte. The City is a fourth party to this agreement because the City operates and maintains the LaPorte Water and Sanitation District lines. Consideration: $100.00 (to be paid by"Sam Brunswig to the Jackson Ditch Company)." Councilman Russell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bloom to accept the above listed easement and right-of-way. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. Other Business 1. Mayor Wilkinson -called on Attorney Justus Wilkinson who had requested time to speak. Mr. Wilkinson commended Councilmembers for employing William Robb and William Brenner to appraise costs for the auditorium. 2. Resolution Adopted Authorizing Agreements with State Department of Highways. City Clerk Verna Lewis read the resolution at length. Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bloom to adopt the resolution. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. 289 RESOLUTION 7 6 - 3 0 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AUTHORIZING TILE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS, DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS, STATE OF COLO RADO WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins is eligible for assistance through the Federal Urban Systems Program; and WHEREAS, the City has applied for such assistance in connection with the following project: Project No. Description M8031(1) Engineering and installation of Traffic Signal at intersection of College Avenue and Horsetooth Road. and WHEREAS, it will be necessary for the City to enter into ' agreements between the City and the State Highway Department; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize the City Manager to execute such agreements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the City Manager and the City Clerk be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed to execute agreements between the City and the State Department of Highways, Division of Highways, State of Colorado, pertaining to the projects described above, after the form of such agreement has been approved by the office of the City Attorney. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 18th day of May A.D. 1976. 1 ATTEST: Mayor City Clerk 290 1 1 3. Review of Proposed Carnival Ordinance. City Attorney March stated what the ordinance effectively has to do is to provide for the licensing of the types of places of entertainment that are set forth in Section 73-36. Golf courses have been eliminated. The City Attorney reviewed the application procedure and recommended fees, the restructure provisions and.the sales tax provisions. The provisions for requiring fire lanes,electrical connections, and electrical equipment are in good order and have been built into the ordinance. Also provision for nuisances. Councilmembers stated they would like a bonding provision for clean up and perhaps some kinds of damage. This item will be back on the Council agenda for June 1, 1976. 4. City Attorney March reported to the Council that the City is being sued by Wood Bros. Homes, Inc. arising from their development and having to do with the water right's obliga- tion that they have to furnish. Therefore, he needed authority to enter -an appearance on behalf of the City in that action. Councilwoman Reeves made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gray to authorize the City Attorney to enter an appearance on behalf of the City in the Wood Bros. Homes, Inc. matter. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. S. Councilwoman Reeves stated, for the record, a request had - been received requesting an ordinance banning smoking in public places. Citizen Participation 1. Mr. Dick DeCicco, 1924 West Lake, requested Council consider reviewing the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, (appeal number 628). City Attorney March stated there is an ability to appeal the decisions of the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Council, if they are timely.made. If a permit has been granted and steps have been taken in compliance of that permit, then there is another problem. Mr. DeCicco stated no permit had been taken out. City Attorney March stated that under these circumstances, 291 it would be proper if Council would schedule a hearing date,and give notice to the petitioner. The proper way this should have been done would be for Mr. DeCicco to file a notice with the City Clerk, and then it would come before the Council in the proper form. On the basis that no permit has been issued, the City Attorney stated Council should set a date for the hearing and instruct the administration to give notice to the other party. Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gray to set June 1, 1976 as the hearing date and instruct the administration to give notice to the petitioner. Yeas: Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. 2. City Manager Brunton received another appeal (appeal number 632) which has also been under discussion. Councilman Bowling stated he had received a request for hearing on this matter also. Councilman Bowling then requested that the administration contact the protestants and determine if they wished to have Council review the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals. City Manager Brunton stated this would be done. 3. City Manager Brunton stated there had been a request presented regarding the Curfew Ordinance. Human Rights Officer, Rosita Bachmann had several persons she wished to introduce. Ms. Bachmann stated that at a previous Council Work Session, the Police Community Relations Task Force had presented a report on their activities; she then introduced Lupe Carbajal, Director of Equal Opportunity at CSU and Chairperson of the Task Force on Police Community Relations, and Attorney Paul Salas who presented the back- ground of the activities of the Task Force and the request for changes in the Curfew Ordinance. Mayor Wilkinson stated this item would be on the agenda for June 1, 1976. 4. Ms. Sandy Klug stated on behalf of the State Centennial/ Bi-Centennial Commission she wished to present a check for $7,265.00 for the City Arboretum. Dr. Karl Carson and City Arborist, Carl Jorgenson spoke to the location and facilities at the Arboretum. Mr. Jorgenson stated the dedication is July 4, 1976 at 12:00 P.M. 292 S. Proclamation for Older American Week. City Clerk, Verna Lewis read the proclamation of the week of May 23, 1976 to May 30, 1976 as Older American Week. Mr. Chester Hammon, Chairman of the Senior Citizens Commission received the proclamation. 6. Commendations'to Police Officers. Officers David Tomsick and Wayne Hall received awards in recognition of 50,000 accident free miles. 7. Mayor Wilkinson presented Gladys Foster with the following plaque: GLADYS FOSTER 1953 through 1976 In Appreciation For_23 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Fort Collins Fort Collins City Administration 8. Mayor Wilkinson presented a plaque of appreciation to Former Mayor Russell for his services to the City from April. 15, 1975 to April 6, 1976. 9. Police Chief Ralph Smith then introduced the new Division Chief in charge of the Investigative Division, David Feldman. City Manager's Report (a) The request to provide free water service to Lions Park has been reviewed. The staff recommended against this as charges are made to the City's-parks. (b) On the complaint regarding ticketing for having trash cans at the curb; Alley Inspector Frank Clack has not been enforcing the regulation in an arbitrary fashion. (c) The Administration has received a request from George Happ who is a member of a non-profit corporation trying to raise 293 funds for a translator so that KVOD can be received in this area. The City Manager stated this would be discussed further at a work session. (d) A letter had been sent to the new Highway Commissioner expressing concern over the Highway Department's interpretation for the use of Urban System's money. (e) The adminstration has been informed that the Colorado and Southern Railway has turned the City down on a grade crossing for a bicycle/pedestrian path going between Prospect and Drake. (f) The administration is setting a new policy of providing periodic physicals for all department heads. (g) A request has been received from the DMA for a carnival from July 1S through July 21. Also, the administration has had on hand a petition signed by 76 businesses requesting that the carnival be located elsewhere. This item will be on the June 1, 1976 agenda. (h) The City has received a letter of appreciation from the Fort Collins Symphony for the $2,000 contribution. (i) The City Council has received a letter from the Chamber ' of Commerce saying that the Chamber has two task forces; one working on the Downtown Redevelopment and one working on the Capital Improvement Program, with emphasis on the auditorium. (j) The City has received official notification regarding a change in the grant with the EPA for additional work with the prevailing wage law ---the addition totals $24,545.00 for Sewer Plant No. I. (k) Traffic Engineer Joe Rice would like to announce that parking will be removed on Drake Road between South College Avenue and Meadowlark Drive to continue the bicycle path program. (1) The administration has received a request for a "No Smoking" ordinance. The administration is concerned over enforcement. (m) The administration has received a request from Ron Heard to have some type of restrictive zoning between non- residential and retail outlets when they are in close proximity. (n) The City has received official word that $25,000 has been received from HUD for the 312 Program. 294 (o). The City has received a plaque from RSVP thanking the City for providing space and money. (p) Public Information Officer Eleanor Gale has resigned rrj� her position and has given to the City mounted photographs to be placed in various parts of the City. (q) The burglar and fire alarm issues have been postponed being brought back.to the Council provided Guardian receives UL approval. The administration would prefer to have an ordinance in effect before new agreements are negotiated. (r) Roy A. Bingman has just received his MPA degree from the University of Northern Colorado.... Downtown Redevelopment Project and Recommendation Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "At a special work session on Tuesday evening,._May 11, 1976, the Fort -Collins City Council reviewed a -report from the Downtown Redevelopment Commission on the proposed downtown project. It was brought out that a limited number of financial solutions were open to the City and because of the lack of Federal or State funding, various parts of the project could not be financed by one method. The methods proposed of financing include the following: 1. The parking lot program is to be paid for through a general improvement district. The improvements are to be paid for over 20 years through a mill levy on the benefiting property owners. This mill levy would be spread equally throughout the entire district less parking credits for existing parking. 2. The landscaping program is to be paid for through a special assessment district. The improvements are to be paid over a ten-year period through a per -square -foot special assessment tax against the benefiting property owners. 3. Recommendation was made for the bypass to be paid for through general City-wide financing. At the present time, the State has indicated there is no revenue for this type of project. Urban Systems money cannot legally be used on a project of this type. Also, the General Fund is already over- committed. 29S Therefore, there appears to be only two sources of available revenue for the bypass: (a) the use of remaining portion of the $500,000 that has , been tentatively committed for the project, and (b) the use of community development entitlement money if and when it becomes available. The proposal was made that we use the initial money to acquire property for right of way and then build the bypass as money is available. However, there should be some commitment if the project is approved to commit various general City funds for this project when they are available. There was some discussion on tax increment financing. We have received letters from the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association recommending that we use tax increment financing. This form of financing has many advantages and some disadvantages. It would require that we establish an urban renewal district in downtown Fort Collins. There is also some litigation on tax increment financing at the present time. However, this could become a future viable way of paying for some of the present and future improvements and also paying for some of the increased operation and maintenance expenses in connection with the project. We will also keep in touch with the pending legislation creating ' a tax district in central business districts that also could be of some help in maintaining the area. We have a petition pending objecting to the Remington Street bypass. The City Council on two former occasions and the Downtown Redevelopment Commission has continually stated that the bypass was an integral part of this project. The petition, because it is signed by local citizens, is important; however, it does not carry any legal implications since there is no specific project at the present time for it to object to. If the City Council wishes, it can acknowledge the petition either by saying that the project proceed without the bypass or that the project be dropped entirely. If the Council authorizes us to proceed with the project, there are still a great many details to be worked out from both a financial and legal standpoint. We will do everything possible within the .framework and integrity of the present plan to work out detailed arrangements on some equitable basis. It should be clearly understood that if the Council does authorize the City to proceed, there will be ample time for the individuals in the project area to receive detailed information as to their costs and have ample time for objecting if they did not like the final package. The present ordinance on special assessment districts and the proposed ordinance on general improvement districts will provide the framework for this to take place. 296 Recommendation: The Administration recommends that the City Council authorize the City to proceed with the downtown redevelopment project as proposed by the Downtown Redevelop- ment Commission. To implement this, the following specific steps should be taken: (1) accept the report of the Down- town Redevelopment Commission and adopt the same, (2) direct the City Attorney to take steps to provide for tax increment financing in the downtown area, (3) direct the administration to proceed with the -general improvement district and special assessment districts, and (4) direct the adminstration to proceed with more specific short-range and long-range methods of financing the bypass." Mayor Wilkinson called first for discussion from the Council, then called for audience participation.,.. Those speaking were as follows: 1. Martha Trimble, 1909 Stover, who stated she felt it must be very clear what steps are to be taken in what order. 2. Pete Shaw, owner of Coast to Coast, expressed concern that the downtown area is made up of small businesses, _.,. and additionally spoke .in opposition to -the recommendation of the DRC. 3. Luther Hickman spoke in support of the DRC's recommendation and urged Council to move ahead on the project. 4. Mr. Widger, Silver Grill Cafe, inquired when Council would make a decision on this item as he feels.he is to be forced out of business and wants to know when. 5. — Betty Peterson of Black's Glass again stated she is opposed to the bypass and again wished to know the voting procedure and who would vote. City Attorney March addressed the voting procedure. "It is proposed that a vote could be required in connection with formation of the general improvement district to be formed for acquisition of parking lots. If sufficient taxpayers in the district object to formation of the district, the Council would either have to scrap the project or hold an election on the question of continuing with the district proceedings. Also the present provision in the special improvement district ordinance requiring 100% concurrence of the Council if a majority of the property in the district objects will continue to apply for the beautification district." Councilman Suinn addressed the recommendations of the admini- stration on this item specifically that financing would. come 297 back to the Council for action and secondly, that Council would be accepting the report but not adopting the same made by the DRC but rather adopting the three resolutions passed by the DRC. Councilwoman Reeves stated "Aren't we saying that the parking will be paid for by an improvement district, the beautifica- tion will be paid for by special improvement district or assessment district and that the bypass, or the traffic from College will be paid for by the general community through some method of funding." City Attorney March stated this is the proposal. City Manager Brunton stated he would like the letter from the Planning and Zoning Board regarding this project to be read into the record: May 18, 1976 The Honorable Mayor and City Council Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Re: Redevelopment Plan of Downtown Fort Collins Dear Council Members: The members of the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board feel that the redevelopment of downtown Fort Collins is essential if the downtown area is to remain a vital shopping and tax producing area of the City of Fort Collins. The Planning and Zoning Board is generally in agreement with the concept of the three-phase plan presented by the Downtown Redevelopment Com- mission. The three phases of the plan include purchasing additional parking areas, beautification of the downtown area and the Remington Street bypass to eliminate traffic congestion in the downtown area. The Planning and Zoning Board views the redevelopment of the downtown area as being a part of the overall comprehensive goal of making the downtown a more pleasant and convenient place in which to shop, thus increasing its revenue generating potential. If the redevelopment is properly executed, it will benefit a majority of the merchants in the downtown area, the surrounding residential neighborhoods, the North College Avenue commercial strip and the citizenry of Fort Collins in general. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Mabry, Chairman Planning and Zoning Board 298 1 1 Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Reeves to accept the recommendation of the administration and move to the next step of this program. Yeas: Council- members'Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. `Report on Auditorium Status Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "There has been a great deal of discussion on the Auditorium. Many reports and recommendations have been made. The major problem is that the needs of all .the various groups cannot be met within the budget limitation of $2,000,000 established by the City Council. At the May 4, 1976 meeting, an alternate proposal was submitted to the City for a different configuration and having an auditorium of only 1,000 seats. In this proposal, it was :.suggested for the first time that the Art Museum be located in the present auditorium at Lincoln Junior High School and that the gymnasium be used as a multi -purpose room. The present library would be used as a meeting room as planned in the past, hopefully using the Ludlow Estate money. One contention and conclusion of some people studying this issue was that the 1,200-seat auditorium was the bare minimum that could be developed to serve any use or purpose. In fact some members felt the minimum number of seats should be 1,500., This point should be clarified before going to some lesser number of seats. It appears we are getting our likes, wants, needs, and ability to afford co -mingled and out of focus. As indicated on several occasions in the past, we feel that the Capital Improvements Program has forced the City to impact many new functions into the General Fund too fast. Not only do these various services require additional operation and maintenance expenses, but also there are many-intangible..start=up and administrative costs. A good example of start-up costs would be the approximate $240,000 worth of books for the new Library that was taken from Revenue Sharing and not from the Capital Program. The City Council has not discussed the needs and priorities of the various cultural resource services in the City. It is important that the City Council have a work session in the near future to discuss this entire problem. There has 299 been a great deal of material prepared by Designing Tomorrow Today on this subject that could be summarized and analyzed for the City Council's review. At the May 4th meeting the City Council authorized "that the City retain an estimator to ascertain the cost using the concept previously presented for the remodeling of the existing space and constructing either a 1,000-seat auditorium concert hall as proposed at this meeting or, as an alternative, a 1,200-seat auditorium concert hall (fan -shaped) previously proposed to the existing structure." We have tentatively received confirmation that Reid Burton of Reid Burton Construction Company, Inc., and Bill Robb of Robb and Brenner, Architects, will assist us in the total estimating process. Also, Stearns -Roger has received approval to provide 24 hours of professional staff time to provide the additional information needed for the estimating group. At the present time our informal committee consists of Mayor Earl Wilkinson, Bill Holmes, Special Projects Director, Bill Robb, Reid Burton, and me. The City Council may want additional representation on this committee. However, the allocation of space and the decision on the size of the auditorium should be discussed with the entire City Council. We are tentatively estimating that the report plus an overall ' comprehensive revision of our analysis of the Capital Program can be submitted to the City Council. We are tentatively estimating that the report plus an overall comprehensive revision of our analysis of the Capital Program can be submitted to the City Council at the July 6, 1976, meeting. We will work towards this date and keep the Council informed of the progress." Councilman Bowling stated that when Council "gave this charge, in the pricing of the auditorium, in the resolution it said to price a 1,000 or 1,200 seat auditorium or perhaps get prices on both. I would like to suggest to the Council at this time that we withdraw the pricing on the 1,000 seat auditorium because it has been said by all the committees that a 1,000 seat auditorium is not what is desirable for this community, it is not supportable. Therefore, I do not see why we should take Mr. Brunton's time and Mr. Robb's time to work on a 1,000 seat." Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Gray to remove from consideration the pricing of a 1,000 seat auditorium. Yeas: Councilmembers'Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. 300 Larimer County Policy Plan Following is the City Manager's memorandum on this item: "The Larimer County Policy Plan has been drafted and is being considered by the Larimer County Commissioners at the present time. Our Planning and Zoning Board held a special work session on this plan Thursday evening, May 13th, which did.not provide us sufficient time to prepare a summary to accompany the agenda. We will discuss any thoughts and recommendations they may have on this subject at the May 18th meeting. Also, we will have some staff comments. After.our discussion, the Council may want to direct that some City partic-ipation be used in this process." City Manager Brunton stated the Planning and Zoning Board has had two special work sessions on this item and they have prepared their comments which will be. passed out to the Council. Mayor Wilkinson stated it would take some time to review,and other than thanking the County Planning Staff, the Council will take it up at a later date. ' Planning Director Les Kaplan summarized the comments of the Planning staff: Water and Sewer Utility Director Roger Krempel spoke briefly regarding the metropolitan water and sewer district. No further action taken on this item. Other Business 1. Ordinance Adopted on First Reading Amending the Traffic Code. City Manager Brunton spoke to the proposed ordinance which would change the distance one may park a vehicle from the railroad track from SO' to 51. City Clerk Verna Lewis read -the ordinance at length. Councilman Bloom made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Reeves to adopt Ordinance No. 37, 1976 on first reading. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, and Wilkinson. Nays: Councilman Suinn. 2. City Manager Brunton passed out the 1975 Audit. Councilman Bowling made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Reeves to receive the audit. Yeas: Councilmembers. Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. 301 3. City Manager Brunton gave a brief report on the sales tax as follows: "The sales tax for the first four months of 1976 is running about 19% ahead of a year ago." 4. City Manager Brunton stated Councilman Bowling had presented a memorandum from the COG in which the Older Americans Organizations have requested that COG pass petitions for removing the tax on food. Council consensus of four alternates requested was recommendation number one: "The COG staff is not authorized to participate in this petition effort." S. Councilwoman Reeves requested Council set a date for a Review of the City Manager. This item was scheduled for May 25, 1976 at 7:00 P.M. Adjournment Councilman Bloom made a motion, seconded by Councilman Bowling to adjourn. Yeas: Councilmembers Bloom, Bowling, Gray, Reeves, Russell, Suinn and Wilkinson. Nays: None. ATTEST: V City Clerk 302 bayor