HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-12/13/2017-SpecialDecember 13, 2017
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Council -Manager Form of Government
Special Meeting — 6:00 PM
• ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Martinez, Stephens, Summers, Overbeck, Troxell, Cunniff,
ABSENT: Horak
Staff Present: Atteberry, Schmidt, Coldiron
• DISCUSSION ITEMS
Montava Project Pre -Application Hearing. (No Action Taken)
The purpose of this item is to allow the potential applicant of the Montava Project in northeast Fort
Collins to receive preliminary comments from the City Council regarding the applicant's overall
proposal in order to assist the developer in determining whether to file a development application.
Mayor Troxell state the purpose of the hearing was for the developer to make a presentation
regarding the overall project, receive comments from the public, and for Council to provide
comments regarding the overall project to assist the developer in deciding whether to file a formal
development application for the project. There is currently no pending development application
for this project and Council will not be making any decisions regarding the project at this hearing.
Mayor Troxell outlined the order of proceedings.
Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager, stated the criteria for a pre -application hearing involve a
project of communitywide significance. The developer has the option to move forward with a
formal development application, at which time, there will be many more opportunities for public
dialogue and comment. The development is 900 acres in size in the far northeast corner of the
City.
Max Moss, HF2M, discussed the history of his time in Fort Collins and. stated Montava is loosely
translated as "mountain sun". He discussed the charrette and various groups involved in the project
to this point. The project will involve an agri-urban farming component, will be built to a higher
energy standard, and has a goal of creating new utility interconnection.
Mr. Moss stated the key to transportation in this area is distribution. The plan is to keep the existing
grid and utilize planned connections. Mr. Moss discussed stormwater in the area, the view
corridor, and the proposed plan to move the PSD high school land and redistribute the elementary
and middle school land. The plan includes community commercial development, but no big box
commercial development, will rely heavily on Nature in the City, and will provide integrated
affordable housing.
Financial incentives are not being requested; however, challenges and opportunities do exist in
terms of raw water for potable use, rezoning to a new overlay zone, Code flexibility, long term
vested property rights, adequate public facilities, and metropolitan district formation.
Deputy City Manager Mihelich stated the proposed plan is very consistent with the Mountain Vista
Subarea Plan and its unique, scalable components are positive. He noted the plan as presented
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December 13, 2017
could not move forward following the strict application of the Land Use Code; therefore, the
recommendation is to create a planned unit development overlay district in the City Code. A
metro district should be considered given on -site and off -site utility challenges.
Jim Myles requested staff and Council pay particular attention to the impact of this development
on infrastructure, resources, and community interaction.
Linda Ripley, Ripley Design, Inc., stated she is representing land owners adjacent to the proposed
development. The overall proposed project vision is excellent; however, it will require significant
changes to the Master Street Plan and City zoning.
Al Panther stated he had been impressed with the Montava thought processes; however, he
questioned the affordable housing aspects.
Brian Devine questioned what steps have been taken to ensure current housing values will not
decrease and expressed concern about the proposed multi -family location.
Mr. Moss stated his direct contact information is on the Montava website.
Deputy City Manager Mihelich stated any new development follows a fee structure to ensure it
pays for itself in terms of utilities. He suggested community interactions hinge on appropriate
infrastructure and communication. Low to moderate -income house is typically 30% of median
income; however, ensuring there is true affordable housing in the development will involve
language in the development agreement and deed restrictions.
Councilmember Cunniff asked if the proposed metro district fits within the existing City policy.
Deputy City Manager Mihelich replied it would not meet the exact criteria at this point; however,
it is close. Josh Birks, Economic Health Director, stated it would be difficult to determine whether
certain aspects comply due to the lack of detailed information at this point in the process.
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Councilmember Cunniff suggested that the proposed metro district be required to comply as
closely as possible to the existing metro district policy. He asked about the progress of the Vine
and Lemay overpass and Vine and Timberline intersection. Deputy City Manager Mihelich replied
the creation of a special improvement district would cover more area and require more
undeveloped properties to contribute to those major infrastructural improvements. Chad Crager,
City Engineer, stated Council recently approved $1.4 million to move forward with the first phase
of construction of the Vine and Lemay project. Different funding alternatives will be presented at
an upcoming Council Finance Committee meeting. Joe Olson, Traffic Operations, stated the long-
term plan for Timberline and Vine is similar to the Lemay and Vine intersection; however, an
interim improvement of a traffic signal is being considered.
Councilmember Cunniff stated he is not supportive of a toll road and would rather see
developments fund those types of improvements. He asked if techniques such as conservation
easements will be considered. Mr. Moss replied the land will likely be donated to a co-op, which
will manage and maintain it under some type of management agreement between the community
and the operation. The only provision Montava may include would be allowing it to buy the land
back should the co-op not provide a farmer for the land.
Councilmember Cunniff discussed the importance of wildlife corridors, view sheds, Nature in the
City, and dark skies. He asked if the developer is aware of any pending oil and gas operations in
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December 13, 2017
the area. Mr. Moss replied they are buying the mineral rights and will not use them.
Councilmember Cunniff requested staff examine better tools and oversight for the affordable
housing component.
Councilmember Overbeck asked if organic farming is being considered. Mr. Moss replied Native
Hill is an organic farmer.
Councilmember Overbeck asked about the impact of Boxelder. Mr. Moss replied the cost of the
development will be about $30 million higher by building it in the Boxelder district. He committed
to finding solutions that will best address all concerns and have the least impact on existing
customers in the service area.
Councilmember Overbeck commended the multi -generational housing ideas. He discussed the
importance of making Nature in the City accessible for all.
Councilmember Martinez commended Mr. Moss on his presentation and requested he expand on
his renewable energy plans. Mr. Moss discussed the net zero concept which includes solar. He
stated it is not sustainable for the development to not rely on the utility grid to some extent;
however, he is working with the City to provide a long-term sustainable solution.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the 110 acres for industrial area is sufficient. Mr. Moss replied
the City is currently evaluating its employment and industrial needs. Distributing employment
will benefit the area and the development.
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Councilmember Martinez asked if there is any consideration for low-income housing. Mr. Moss
replied those considerations are just starting. ,
Councilmember Martinez asked if a day care center is being considered. Mr. Moss replied he is
aware of the need but cannot promise its inclusion.
Councilmember Martinez asked about Mr. Moss', comments relating to developing a housing
factory to quickly build homes. Mr. Moss replied he is working with another homebuilder on
creating a structure that brings automation to the home building process. This is currently being
done in other Colorado locations.
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Councilmember Martinez asked about the future of Turnberry in the development. Paul Sizemore,
FC Moves Program"Manager, replied it is actively under discussion as part of the City Plan process.
The area needs to be connected to the highway and to the downtown area.
Councilmember Martinez stated Timberline cannot be the only option. Sizemore stated Turnberry
and the Mountain Vista/Suniga corridor will be important connections.
Councilmember Martinez asked if addirig transit route's will be a goal for this project. Deputy City
Manager Mihelich replied in the affirmative, and•stafed cost sharing details -have yet to be worked
out.
Councilmember Martinez asked if commuriVy',gardens are being considered. Mr. Moss replied in
the affirmative.
Councilmember Summers asked about the full build out projection for number of homes. Mr.
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December 13, 2017
Moss replied it is approximately 2,500 single-family units and about the same number of multi-
family units.
Councilmember Summers asked how the farm products would be distributed. Mr. Moss replied
Native Hill currently sells to a CSA and restaurants and that model will continue.
Councilmember Summers commended Mr. Moss and his team on their entrepreneurship and
innovation.
Councilmember Stephens asked if designating a building for child care is not allowed in a metro
district. Birks replied that is being evaluated; however, metro district facilities must be accessible
for everyone and cannot necessarily benefit a private business that would operate inside the
facility.
Councilmember Overbeck asked about bicycle paths in the area: Deputy City Manager Mihelich
replied those details have yet to be determined; however, pilot projects and -the awareness of the
importance of a connected community will aid in that process.
Councilmember Cunniff requested staff provide an analysis of the impact of this project on P_oudre
River stream flows.
Mayor Troxell commended Mr. Moss and his team as well as the systems approach and integration.
He discussed the importance of distributed energy, urban agriculture, and transit and bike
integration. He commended the pre -application process and hearing.
Councilmember Cunniff discussed the importance of the project cost being born as much as is
practical by those receiving its benefit.
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RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
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• ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.
ATTEST:
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