HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/19/2000 - ITEMS RELATING TO ELECTIONS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 32 A-B
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL DATE: September 19, 2000
STAFF:
Wanda Krajicek
SUBJECT:
Items Relating to Elections.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on First Reading.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 121, 2000, Amending Section 7-127 of the City Code
Relating to Campaign Contribution Limits.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 122, 2000, Amending Section 7-129 of the City Code
Relating to Election Campaign Reports. (Options A and B)
These ordinances were presented for Council consideration on September 5, 2000, and after
discussion, consideration was postponed until September 19, 2000. Staff has made revisions to
Ordinance No. 122, 2000, in accordance with the direction received on September 5.
At its June 27,2000 Study Session,Council discussed the current limit($50)imposed on campaign
contributions. The consensus of the Council was that the limits should be increased to $100 for
Mayoral candidates and $75 for District candidates. If adopted, this Ordinance (Item A) will
implement those increases and will become effective well in advance of campaign periods for the
April 2001 election. The Ordinance will also conform several of the definitions in this Section to
those contained in the Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA).
s On September 5, Councilmember Mason asked that an option be brought forward requiring that all
campaign reports that are filed with the Municipal Clerk, either under the FCPA or the City Code,
be current as of two days prior to the filing date. Accordingly, two options of Ordinance No. 122,
r 2000 (Item B) are being presented for Council's consideration. Option "A" is essentially the same
ti} as the Ordinance presented to the Council at the September 5 meeting. It would make the
requirement for the additional campaign report that is required under the City Code consistent with
the state requirement, that is, the report would have to be current as of five (5) days prior to the
filing date. Option 'B" would require that all reports filed with the City Clerk be current as of two
lipx (2) days prior to the filing date.
��i
DATE: September 19, 2000 2 ITEM NUMBER: 32 A-B
BACKGROUND:
Campaign Contribution Limits:
The City Code presently imposes a$50 limit on the amount of campaign contributions made by any
one person to a candidate's campaign in a City election. The imposition of a limit on campaign
contributions has been consistently upheld by the courts. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has
recently held that a campaign contribution limit must not be so unreasonably low as to dramatically
affect the funding of campaigns and prevent candidates and political committees from amassing the
resources necessary for effective advocacy. While there is no indication that the $50 limitation
imposed by the City of Fort Collins has this effect on local elections, the amount of the limitation
has not been increased since December 1986.
A survey of eleven other Colorado cities(Arvada,Aspen,Aurora,Boulder,Colorado Springs,Grand
Junction,Greeley,Lakewood,Longmont,Loveland,and Thomton)revealed that seven of the cities
have no limit on campaign contributions. Of the remaining four,two have limits of$100, while the
other two have limits of$750 for Mayoral candidates and$500 for all other Councilmembers.
Staff has also included amendments to the definitions contained in Section 7-127 of the Code in
order to conform the definitions, insofar as applicable, to the definitions contained in the FCPA.
Election Campaign Reports:
The FCPA, as recently amended by House Bill 00-1095,provides that the reporting periods for all
reports required to be filed with the municipal clerk shall close five (5) calendar days prior to the
effective date of filing. Section 7-129 of the City Code requires an additional campaign report,and
requires that it be current as of two (2) days prior to the filing date. On September 5, staff
recommended that the reporting period for the additional report be changed to five(5)days prior to
the filing date to be consistent with the reporting periods contained in the FCPA in order to eliminate
any possibility for confusion.
On September 5,Councilmember Mason asked that an option be brought forward requiring that all
campaign reports that are filed with the Municipal Clerk, either under the FCPA or the City Code,
be current as of two days prior to the filing date. Accordingly, two options are being presented for
Council's consideration. Option "A" is essentially the same as the Ordinance presented to the
Council at the September 5 meeting. It would make the requirement for the additional campaign
report that is required under the City Code consistent with the state requirement,that is, the report
would have to be current as of five days prior to the filing date. Option "B" would require that all
reports filed with the City Clerk be current as of two days prior to the filing date.
ORDINANCE NO. 121, 2000
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 7-127 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS RELATING TO
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
WHEREAS, Article VIII, Section 8 of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins provides that
the City Council shall act by ordinance to establish a limit on the amount that any person or entity
may contribute in support of a candidate for Council on the ballot at any City election; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-127 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins provides that no person
may make contributions in excess of fifty dollars($50.00)to any candidate or authorized committee
of such candidate; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that Section 7-127 of the City Code should be
amended to increase the contributions limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that Section 7-127 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 7-127. Limits.
. (a) No person may make contributions or contributions in kind' ex
to any candidate' r
or committee of such candidate.
A9. r ,a eterd`+rt iri „fa
i Z
caiittdate, tttee o€'siYCl> ?dttdtdate Th rssg limitation., shall apply to all
contributions or contributions in kind, whether made directly to a candidate or
authorized 1,01 i calf and de committee or indirectly,.via earmarked gifts passed
through an intermediary, except that thrse limitation$ shall not apply to:
(1) Contributions or contributions in kind made by a candidate to his or her own
politicakandidate committee;
(2) Independent expenditures;
(3) Monetary loans that are: (a) personally guaranteed in writing by the
candidate,the candidate's immediate family or a business entity in which the
. candidate owns at least five (5) percent; or (b) secured by real or personal
property owned by the candidate, the candidate's immediate family or a
business entity in which the candidate owns at least five (5)percent; or
(4) The value of volunteer services provided without compensation by
individuals volunteering their time on behalf of a candidate or a
peiitiCA t£ committee.
(b) For the purposes of this Section,the following definitions shall apply:
Candidate shall mean any person who seeks election to the office
of Mayor or Councilmember at any city election. A person is a candidate if the
person has publicly announced an intention to seek such election or has filed
nominating petitions for the office of Mayor or Councilmember or has been chosen
to fill any vacancy in the office of Mayor or Councilmember.
committee shall mean the pincipal earn.
a . . .. '
C-0,jjj ibutiolt shall nean ally payntent, gift ot ptedge of trioney ot Wty loan no
of tfm candidate, fOL 170fiftal se.vices tendered to the candidate ot an authorized
the candidate dining the course of the candidate's nit
Cvittributiori shalt mean
( ) The paY nt;;ltian pietige�kit`aiivance of money, o ,guataitf of ;loan,
made-to aiiy eartdidate committee;
E1ny€phrtlettf`4ttade to'a;t}iiid party, fd the.bent t of.•ate. date
otinmitCee
(3) The fait. Af *gtfC br lda�z)f:pro�ecty ri ade to` y�" ��date
, r
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0 1 Kin
rmm
wo
Contribution in kin
cmididacy by wly person. fit determining the valtre ributions in
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Person shall mean any individual, partnership, committee, association,
corporation, labor organization or other organization or group of persons.
•
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
September,A.D.2000,and to be presented for final passage on the 3rd day of October,A.D. 2000.
Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 3rd day of October, A.D. 2000.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
• ORDINANCE NO. 122, 2000 OPTION "A"
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 7-129
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
RELATING TO ELECTION CAMPAIGN REPORTS
WHEREAS, Article 45 of Title 1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, commonly referred to
as the Fair Campaign Practices Act (the "FCPA"), contains provisions requiring certain election
campaign reports to be filed with the City Clerk; and
WHEREAS,the FCPA,as amended by the enactment of House Bill 00-1095,provides that
the reporting periods for all reports required to be filed with the municipal clerk shall close five
calendar days prior to the effective date of filing; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the reports required by the FCPA, the Council has required in
Section 7-129 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins that an additional preelection report be filed
with the City Clerk on the fourteenth day prior to the date of the election; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-129 provides that the additional report be current in all respects as
of two days prior to the filing date; and
WHEREAS,Council believes that the reporting period for the additional preelection report
should be consistent with the reporting periods contained in the FCPA.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that Section 7-129 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins be amended to read as follows:
See. 7-129. Additional preelection report required.
In addition to the reports required to be filed pursuant to the provisions of Section
1-45-101 et seq., C.R.S., each candidate and campaign treasurer for candidates or
issues shall,_on the fourteenth day prior to the date of the election, file a campaign
report thakiii current m all respects, as of fiF days prior to the fi�ingdate
�vlrititt►pOrtAL
Cri Satd c�lorC 1s`to'ba fd`` hit report shall include all regttirec}
information t quired in Section 1-45 108, C.R.S.
•
Introduced and considered favorably on first reading and ordered published this 19th day of
September,A.D.2000,and to be presented for final passage on the 3rd day of October,A.D.2000.
Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 3rd day of October, A.D. 2000.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
• ORDINANCE NO. 122, 2000 OPTION "B"
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 7-129
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
RELATING TO ELECTION CAMPAIGN REPORTS
WHEREAS, Article 45 of Title 1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, commonly referred to
as the Fair Campaign Practices Act (the "FCPA"), contains provisions requiring certain election
campaign reports to be filed with the City Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the FCPA,as amended by the enactment of House Bill 00-1095,provides that
the reporting periods for all reports required to be filed with the municipal clerk shall close five
calendar days prior to the effective date of filing; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the reports required by the FCPA, the Council has required in
Section 7-129 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins that an additional preelection report be filed
with the City Clerk on the fourteenth day prior to the date of the election; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-129 provides that the additional report be current in all respects as
of two days prior to the filing date; and
. WHEREAS,Council believes that the reporting period for all campaign election reports filed
with the City Clerk should be the same, and that all such reports should be current as of two days
prior to the filing date of such report.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that Section 7-129 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 7-129. Additional preelection report required; timeliness of reports.
In addition to the reports required to be filed pursuant to the provisions of Section
1-45-101 et seq., C.R.S., each candidate and campaign treasurer for candidates or
issues shall on the fourteenth day prior to the date of the election file
ty,YP i 4 . ¢r wm Ea ¢4an�e
campaign report which ra mclud rar
108,C R ' Pb1 "camp aEgn,p reQO (S
Section 145��I'Q1, et ge
q.fr GzR;�S:��ai• underwt�tr provrsions cif�his'�t�ttgti;,» t
current in all respects;as of two(2)days prior to the filittgdate u on
report s tr,' r', cl.'
45--1-6&£-R:S-.
•
Introduced and considered favorably on first reading and ordered published this 19th day of
September,A.D.2000,and to be presented for final passage on the 3rd day of October,A.D.2000.
Mayor Pro Tern
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 3rd day of October, A.D. 2000.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
. OPTION A OPTION B
Reporting Reporting Report
Report Period Period Required
Deadline Due Date (5-day cutoff) (2-day cutoff) By
21 days before April Tuesday Beginning thru Beginning thru FCPA
Election 3/13/2001 3/8/2001 3/11/2001
14 days before April Tuesday 3/9/2001 thru 3/12/2001 thru City Code
Election 3/20/2001 3/15/2001 3/18/2001
Friday before April
Election (4 days Friday 3/16/2001 thru 3/19/2001 thru FCPA
before election) 3/30/2001 3/25/2001 3/28/2001
30 days after April Thursday 3/26/2001 thru 3/29/2001 thru FCPA
Election 5/3/2001 4/28/2001 5/1/2001
•
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
March 2001
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
End of
reporting
period for
report due
3/13
(Option A-
5 day cutoff)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
End of 21 days End of
reporting before reporting
period for election period for
report due report due
3/13 3/20
(Option B - (Option A-
2 day cutoff) 5 day cutoff)
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
End of 14 days
reporting before
period for election
report due
3120
(Option B-
2 day cutoff)
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
End of End of Friday before
reporting reporting election
period for period for
report due report due
3/30 3/30
(Option A- (Option B-
5 day cutoff) 2 day cutoff)
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday I Thursday Friday Saturday
April 2001
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
ELECTION
DAY
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
End of
reporting
period for
report due 5/3
(Option A-
5 day cutoff)
29 30
•
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
May 2001
1 2 3 4 5
End of 30 days
reporting after
period for election
report due
5/3
(Option B-
2 day cutoff)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
City of Fort Collins �,L� O
Women's Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday December 19, 2007
215 N. Mason, Room 1-A
Attendees: Pat Lewis, Beth Etter, Holli Kopp, Sue Baccari, Barbara Goff
Members absent: Stacey Arnold (excused)
Liaisons present: Marjorie McTaggart
Liaisons absent: Karen Gebhardt (excused)
Staff Liaison: Suzanne Jarboe-Simpson
Chairperson Beth Etter called the meeting to order at 6:40pm.
Announcements: This is the last Commission meeting for 2007.
Approval of November minutes
Pat moved approval of the minutes from the Commission's November meeting. Sue
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Annual Report
The Commission's 2007 Annual Report is due in the City Clerk's office by the end of
January 2008. Beth will forward to Pat the report that was filed in January 2007. Pat will
review the minutes from 2007 and create a summary report. Sue will forward to Pat an e-
tile containing the minutes from 2007 for review. Pat will distribute a draft report to the
Commission members via email for review and comment. The report needs to be
complete prior to January 18, because Pat is out of the remainder of January 2008.
Teen Parenting Program Update
The Commission agreed to draft a letter in support of the Teen Parenting Programs
offered by PSD, and send the letter to the School Board and the PSD Superintendent.
Assignments: Beth will compile statistics indicating the eaming power of someone
without a high school diploma versus someone with a diploma. Hollie will contact the
school district and/or high schools and middle schools to find out how many women the
various teen parenting programs serve. Pat will contact the Coloradoan to see if they're
interested in an article on teen parenting programs. Marjorie suggested the NoCoMom
blog might be an interesting place to create some discussion threads on this topic. Sue
volunteered to draft the letter once evervone gets their info to her. Pat will contact David
Roy and let him know what the Commission is doing.
Timeline: the Commission is targeting the end of January to have the letter in the mail.
Gender Composition of City Boards and Commissions
yrter a brief discussion of the gender composition of City Boards and Commissions. the
topic was tabled until the appointments for 2008 are published. This will provide more
current information Por review. The Commission is interested in reviewing the data and
,nav chose to write Citv Council with some suegestions recommendations.
New Member Orientation
The City Council appointed new Commission members at their December 18, 2007
meeting. With these appointments, the Commission is at full-membership.
The January Commission meeting will include new member orientation.
New member packets will be mailed in early January.
Packets will include:
Member Roster
Commission Bylaws
Commission Work Plan
Copy of the Commission's most recent newsletter
Welcome letter from the Commission Chair—including info about the next meeting, time
commitments, brief summary about the essay contest and the NRNW award
Newsletter Update
The Commission had previously agreed to publish the next edition of their newsletter in
January 2008. The newsletter focus will be affordable housing.
Marjorie shared some information about the city of Loveland's affordable housing scale.
She believes the scale they use is 200% of poverty. Barb indicated that Loveland uses the
tern "workforce housing' rather than `affordable housing'. The Commission's not clear
what scale the city of Fort Collins uses.
Beth had previously volunteered to contact the City's Affordable Housing Board. She left
telephone messages for the Board's chair and the Board's staff liaison and is waiting for a
call back.
Because of member turnover, the Commission agreed to post phone creation of the next
edition until after the new members come on board in January. A revised timeline will be
discussed at the January meeting.
Essay Contest
Hollie provided an update on the progress of the essay contest. She will have 200 fivers
printed at Kinko's (Olive Street) and charge them to the City of Fort Collins, Women's
Commission. She will distribute them to the various junior high schools by Friday (Dec
2007).
At the January meeting, the Commission will recruit volunteers to collect donations of
prizes for the essay contest winners.
Barb will check on donations for flowers for the teachers of the contest winners.
Pat will contact Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager and invite tier to share a story of a
woman who influenced her life, at the essav awards ceremony in March.
Outreach ad Liaisons with other Boards and Commissions
Marjorie suggested the Commission consider which boards and commissions thev might
want ro create a liaison-ship with br 2008. hitiai thoughts included the_ktfordable
Mousing 3oard. iie Transportation Board and the HRC. Marjorie will continue serving in
the liaison role with the Senior Advisory Board. It was suggested that the Commission
consider this topic at their February meeting.
Other Business
Both Beth and Stacey are leaving the Commission at the end of the month. Their terms
are completed. Sue 'officially' thanked Beth for all of her contributions and efforts as
Chair this year. (Stacey was excused from the meeting.)
Sue moved to adjourn the meeting at S:06Em. Barb seconded the motion. The meeting
was adjourned.
January 16, 2008
Meeting Agenda
New Commission Member Orientation
Essay Contest Update and Assignments
Teen Parenting Program Update
Newsletter Update and Assignments
Ivlv`W Update and Assignments
City of Fort Collins
Culture, Parks, Recreation and Environment
Golf Board
Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 16, 2008
Council Liaison to the Board: Councilman Diggs Brown
Staff Support to the Board: Jerry P. Brown, Manager of Golf at 221-6350, and Dawn
Worth, Administrative Aide at 416-2265
Call Meeting to Order: Board Chairperson David Johnson called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m. at the City Park Nine Clubhouse.
Agenda Review: There were no changes to the Agenda as printed.
Items of Note: Jerry said that he hadn't heard from Larry Buckendorf or Lauren DeRosa,
however he did receive an e-mail response that Larry was out of town.
Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Jay Kammerzell, seconded by Dan Preble, the
Board unanimously (7:0) approved the Minutes of the September 19, 2007 Regular
Meeting.
Citizen Participation: Jerry introduced City Park Nine Women's Golf Association
President, Jody Benzel. Jody then briefly discussed some of the issues that the
Association wanted to cover. She mentioned that membership has gone down and she
would like help recruiting new members by helping with advertising. She suggested that
we place an advertisement on the city's website. Jerry asked her to send him a draft press
release and he said that he would discuss this with our Recreation Marketing staff. Jay
Kammerzell stated that he may also be able to post something on the CSU website. Shane
Houska believes that the numbers for the men's associations are down too. David
Johnson feels that it is mainly due to the economy. Jody also mentioned that she saw that
there would be discussion of the City opening another course. Jerry stated that this is on
the Board's 2008 Work Plan for discussion, however it's not something that we feel
would be practical at this time. Jody agreed that it makes more sense to improve the
courses that we have.
She also mentioned there is an issue on#3 at City Park Nine, and that the carts need to be
better maintained, and that the gutters should be cleaned more often. David Johnson
informed her that City Park Nine only has 3 full-time staff members and they do the best
they can with the funds that are available. He also stated that most folks aren't aware that
the Golf Fund is self-supporting and that we do not receive any money from the City's
General Fund. Jerry also stated that each course gets new carts every six years and City
Park Nine is scheduled to get new ones in 2009. He also mentioned that the cart rentals at
City Park Nine in 2007 were the highest in history. Jerry then said that he would be
happy to meet with Mrs. Benzel to discuss any issues that the Association has.
Golf Board Minutes
January 16,2008
Page 2
Jody then asked if volunteers were allowed to help with the course, for example planting
flowers. Jerry stated that we do allow volunteers but they are limited to what they can
do. He then said that the one issue with planting is when volunteers say that they are
going to maintain the plants and they don't which then becomes an issue for the
maintenance staff. City Park Nine Golf Professional, David McCleave also suggested that
Jody put together a list for Jerry and the City Park Nine staff and they can discuss the
issues.
Review and Approval of the Golf Board 2007 Annual Report
Jerry previously sent a Draft 2007 Annual Report for the Board to review. He briefly
discussed the report and mentioned that it needed approval by the Board. On a motion by
Shane Houska, seconded by Grant Sherwood, the Board unanimously (7:0) approved the
Golf Board's 2007 Annual Report as submitted. Jerry also mentioned the Board Members'
2007 Meeting Attendance Report.
Review 2007 Financial and Statistical Reports
Jerry previously sent out various preliminary financial and statistical reports for the
Board to review. He informed the Board that we preliminarily carried over approximately
$35,000 in the Golf Fund, but that the Finance Department won't be closing their books
until the end of January so he will provide any final reports in February or March. Jerry
mentioned that he was surprised by the low number of rounds in 2007, and that the
weather played a big part in that.
Continued Discussion Regarding the Revised Golf Division Operations Policies and
Procedures Manual
Jerry distributed additional documents at the meeting. He reminded the Board that we
began this discussion in September. He discussed some of the additional operational
information and asked that they focus on the Collindale Golf Professional and the
SouthRidge Restaurant agreements since they are the most recently updated. He
requested all comments back from Board Members no later than January 315`
Board Member and Staff Comments/Reports
♦ Grant Sherwood mentioned holding another round table discussion with the Golf
Professionals. Jerry said that he wasn't aware that the Board was interested in
holding one annually and that is why it wasn't listed on the 2008 Work Plan. He
said that he would discuss this with the Professionals and asked the Board to keep
in mind that they may be a little hesitant providing certain information because
they are not certain what changes are going to take place upon my retirement.
Jerry also informed the Board that the Director of Parks, J.R. Schnelzer, will be
meeting with staff and the Board to get their input on the transition. Jerry will
schedule a Round Table Discussion with the Golf Professionals for either the
February of March Board meetings.
Golf Board Minutes
January 16,2008
Page 3
♦ Dan Preble asked if the City of Greeley Golf Courses were privatizing, and Jerry
said that they are planning on sending out an RFP to explore their options.
♦ Jay Kammerzell asked if we had found out anymore regarding the vandalism at
City Park Nine. Jerry said that the police aren't certain who did it, but that they
have assured us that they will increase the patrolling of the area.
Adjournment:
On a motion by Eric McCrery, seconded by Shane Houska, the Board unanimously voted
(7:0) to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
pectfully submitted,
ilauW1-4*4j
Dawn Worth
Administrative Aide
Meetine Attendance
Board Members Staff Guests
Deron Grothe Jerry P. Brown Jody Benzel
Shane Houska David McCleave
David Johnson Dawn Worth
Jay Kammerzell
Eric McCrery
Dan Preble
Grant Sherwood
or
Citizen Review Board Meeting ���'�AL
CIC Room, City Hall y
January 9, 2008
Present: Dennis Baker, Anne Berry, Dave Evans, Jim Dubler, Chris Kehler, and Glenn
Strunk
Excused Absence: Harry Edwards
Staff: Sgt. Russell Reed, Assistant City Attorney Greg Tempel, and Angelina Sanchez-
Sprague, Recorder.
Vice-Chair Dennis Baker called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Minutes:
Dave Evans made a motion to approve the December 12, 2007 minutes. Anne
Berry seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed 6:0.
Voice Mail Reports:
• CRB Voice Mail Message Report. Harry Edwards sent an e-mail reporting that
there were no messages in the mailbox as of Monday, January 7, 5:30 p.m.
• Bias Policing Voice Mail Report. Russ Reed reported that three messages were
received the end of December(One was from an anonymous caller and related
to a Sheriff's officer, one was making inquiry, and another was a compliment for
Officer Rick Reynolds. All Fort Collins related calls were forwarded to the
appropriate parties.)
Public Input: None.
New Business:
CRB 2006 Annual Report. Russ Reed had previously distributed a statistical report of
CRB cases with graphics for the past four years for inclusion with the annual report.
After queries to Sgt. Russell from the Board and using suggestions made by Harry
Edwards via e-mail and the 2006 Work Plan, the Board drafted the 2006 Annual Report.
Glenn Strunk made a motion to approve the CRB 2006 Annual Report with the
changes just discussed. Jim Dubler seconded the motion. There was no
discussion and the motion passed 6:0.
Sgt. Reed will draft the report based on the Board's direction and distribute to Board
members to make sure he has captured that direction before forwarding to the City
Clerk's Office.
Election of Officers in March.
Vice-Chair Dennis Baker reported that election of officers would take place at the March
12"' meeting by way of nominations from the floor. He encouraged members who were
interested in serving as an officer to let Chair Edwards know before the March meeting.
Pending Cases. None.
Old Business. None.
Adjournment: Anne Berry moved to adjourn the meeting. Jim Dubler seconded
the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 6 p.m., CIC Room, 300 Laporte Avenue.
Chair
2
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Regular meeting—February 6, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw Staff Liaison: Steve Budner,Recreation,221-6861
Board Chairperson: Matt Strauch
Board Members Present: Lee Swanson, Scott Umbreit, Matt Strauch, Joshua Disney, Kai Stuckey,
Laura Lamb
Board Member(s)Absent: none
Staff Members Present: Steve Budner, Administrator—Recreation Department
Carol Fahring, Staff Support—Recreation Department
Guest(s) Present: Maddie Snow, Healthier Communities Coalition
Ellen Martin, Arts in Public Places
Call meeting to Order:
The regular meeting of the Youth Advisory Board was called to order at 7:11 p.m. by Board chairperson
Matt Strauch.
Approval of Minutes from December 4, 2007:
On a motion by Lee and seconded by Josh, the minutes were approved unanimously.
(6-0).
Approval of Minutes from January 2, 2008:
On a motion by Kai and seconded by Laura, the minutes were approved unanimously(6-0).
Aeenda Review:
There was no agenda review.
Citizen Participation:
Maddie Snow from the Healthier Communities Coalition talked about training to help you become a more
effective board member. There is a training in Loveland on June 5 for the Loveland Youth Council. It is
still possible to attend this training or Maddie could set up a training for us in Fort Collins. She tries to
have an equal number of youth and adults both being trained and doing the training.
Arts in Public Places Update—Ellen Martin:
A 1% ordinance was passed in 1995 for Arts in Public Place, and there is a board to oversee it. Artists
work on a specific site with a project team.
Ellen gave us an overview of some of the 2007 projects:
1) Pedestrian pavers—Children drew pictures of transportation and life in Fort Collins. Fifteen out of
a total of 242 were selected to become pavers. They were sandblasted into 16"x 16"pavers and
put into sidewalks which were being repaired.
2) E. Prospect Road—scultures which look like organic forms.
Youth Advisory Board Minutes
February 6,2008
Page 2
3) Sheldon Lake—new modern gazebo which glows.
4) Spring Canyon Community Park—drawings on the bridge of animals present in the park. Also the
shelter in Inspiration Playground has an eagle on it. There are stone pods along the trail, tree
carvings and a mural in the restroom.
5) Police building—there is a water fountain which has etchings and there are also etchings on the
pillars.
6) Transformer cabinet—murals on the cabinets. There has not been any tagging by grafiti artists
since these murals have been done.
7) Mason Corridor Trail—sculptures
8) Resevoir Ridge—owners gave the house there to the city for use in projects.
9) NACC—drawings by children cast into concrete on the east side of the building. There is also a
exquisite bird sculpture at the top of the south entrance.
10) Streets building—large sculpture and seating area.
Everyone present was amazed at the both the quantity and quality of these projects. Most, like myself,
were unaware that they even existed. It was a very entertaining presentation.
Chairman's report:
1) Transportation survey—Matt wondered what the survey meant by both"safe" and"comfortable"
transportation. He thought the survey should clarify these 2 areas.
2) Reorganization plan—Marty Heffernan had some questions about the proposed size of the board
in the plan.
Other business:
1) Election of officers: Josh Disney, Matt Strauch and Kai Stuckey all ran for office. It was decided
that there would be just one round of voting, and that the top vote getter would be Chairman and
2od place would be Vice Chairman. The results were that Josh Disney was voted Chairman and
Matt Strauch Vice Chairman.
2) Speaker series - Currently the speaker series was to begin in March with Francis Gonzales from
Police, April with Mike Freeman, Finance and May a speaker on summer jobs. However since
summer job hunting starts earlier than May the thought was to move this topic to an earlier month.
There was also discussion about having some of the speakers in the fall, with the thought that it
was not necessary to have the speakers 3 months in a row,but interspersed throughout the year.
3) Liason Reports—Matt met with the NACC Advisory Board. Their meeting included being
introduced to the NACC staff. Matt felt that one of their first jobs needed to be to decide what
Youth Advisory Board Minutes
February 6,2008
Page 3
their mission statement and values are. Matt also met with ASCSU. Their current focus is on
getting college students to register to vote. Scott met with the Transportation Board. Their main
goals are transportation safety, building improvements on College Avenue, Harmony corridor
improvements, and problems with the train stopping and blocking traffic. Josh met with the
Library District. They are just beginning to talk about their future programs such as an expanded
book drive. Laura will report at the March meeting on the state of schools speech by the
superintendent.
4) The annual report was reviewed and approved.
5) A request was made by several members that we have healthier snacks at the meetings.
On a motion by Scott and seconded by Kai, the board voted unanimously(6-0)to adjourn at 8:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
644zW t 1
Carol Fahring, Staff support
The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 5 at 7 pm at NACC.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES MINUTES
Wednesday,January 16,2008
Lincoln Center Ludlow Room
Council Liaison:Lisa Poppaw Staff Liaison:Ellen Martin
Chairperson:Czaig Russell Vice Chair.York
MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Russell,Jane Nevrivy,York,RayTollison,Lilian Franc=
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jan Liska-Smith,Lee Needham
STAFF PRESENT:Ellen Martin,Charity Finnigsmier,Ann Bossert,Jill Stilwell,Erika Keeton,Doug Groves,
Jim O Neill and Council Member,Lisa Poppaw.
C RB LIAISON.Carol Ann Iixon
I. Call to order. 3:41 p.m.-Mr.Russell
II. Consideration of the current agenda
III. Review of Minutes from the meeting on December 12,2007:
Mr.York made a motion to accept the Minutes
Ms.Francuz seconded the motion
Unanimously Approved
IV.Citizen Participation:Non
V. 2008 Pedestrian Pavers Submission Review:
City Engineers and Project Team members Erika Keeton and Dough Groves joined the board along
with Jim O Neill from the Risk Management/Purchasing Department.Ms Martin gave an overview of
the Pedestrian Pavers Project,reviewed the Request for Proposal and guidelines,and presented the
process to the voting members of the board and Selection Committee. Ms.Keeton was asked to present
the board with additional information about what design techniques are easier to work with for
sandblasting onto the granite pavers.Some discussion was had and a selection was made.
Ms.Francuz made a motion to accept the 15 selected designs with 2 alternates for the Paver Program
Mr.York seconded the motion.
Unanimously Approved
VI.2007 Annual Report:
Ms.Martin passed out a revised version of the 2007 Annual Report to the APP board members,C:RB
liaison,and Council Member Lisa Poppaw for final review.Ellen spoke to the contents of the report and
explained that this report informs City Council about all aspects of the Art in Public Places Program and
will be given to them bythe end of the month.The board reviewed the document.Discussion bythe
board members,C RB liaison,and Council Member Poppaw was had and suggestions were made for
some additions to the report.
Mr. Tollison made a motion to approve the 2007 Annual Report with the addition of the 11 pre-
approved design consultants.
Mr.York seconded the motion.
Unanimously approved
VII.Staff Report
Staff showed a Power Point Presentation of completed projects for 2007.
Ms Martin distributed the staff report to the board members with updates of the program's art projects.
VIII.Other Business:
Proposal for a roof for the Cob Wall at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility by artist Lynne Hull:
Ms Martin presented an overview of the cob wall construction art piece associated with the Drake Water
Reclamation Project by artist Lynne Hull and the request of the artist for an addition of a roof to the
cob wall.The wall is deteriorating due to the weather.The artist has requested that she make a roof for
the cob construction with her own budget and is asking the board for approval to do so. Discussion was
had and suggestions of solutions were offered.The Art in Public Places staff will speak with the artist
and present the APP board's concerns and recommendations with this addition.
Mr.York made a motion to accept her proposal to do as she suggests and try it out.
Ms.Francuz seconded the motion.
Unanimously approved.
Ms.Martin informed the board members that the regional public art meeting for program administrators
has been rescheduled for Friday,February29,2008.
Ms.Martin informed the board about a special project,associated with the program's Trash Can
Program RockyMountain High School student,Camille Febvre painted a trash can as a final project for
a semester long class.She used art techniques such as air brushing and spray-paint(graffiti art technique)
that she had spent the semester studying for this special project.An image of the finished can was
presented in the staff report to the board members.The Trash Can Project works in collaboration with
the City of Fort Collins Parks Department.
APP staff is currently-working on updating and maintaining files as well as other general organizational
tasks.
Ms.Martin informed the board that an upcoming meeting will discuss the Transformer Cabinets Mural
Project.
Council Member Lisa Poppaw suggested we present the power point presentation of 2007 completed
Art in Public Places Projects to City Council and offered to help connect APP to UniverCity at the
suggestion of Cultural Resources Board liaison,Carol Ann Hixon.
M.Adjournment:Meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m by Mr.Russell
Respectfully Submitted,
CltantyL.Firr gsmier J
MEETING MINUTES of the
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
January 16,2008
6:00 p.m.
215 North Mason Street
Community Room
Fort Collins, CO 80521
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Gary Thomas 482-7125
Vice Chair: Ed Robert 2244864
Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416-2029
Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 224-6058
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT:
James Clausen Mark Jackson, Staff Liaison
Sara Frazier Polly Bennett,Executive Administrative Assistant
Bill Jenkins Mike Herzig, Capital Projects& Street Oversizing Manager
John Lund Lucinda Smith, Senior Environmental Planners
Kip McCauley
Shane Miller
Ed Robert
Sid Simonson
Garry Steen
Gary Thomas
Scott VanTatenhove
ABSENT: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison Neil Grigg. Citizen and former Board Member
Bruce Votipka, Citizen
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas at 6:00 p.m.
2. AGENDA REVIEW
The Agenda was approved.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Bruce Votipka, citizen.Bruce lives east of Fort Collins High School. Bruce is here regarding
a safety issue near the intersection of Timberline&Horsetooth. He's lived there 11 years. The
intersection used to have a sign that said,"Stop when pedestrians are present."That since
changed to"Yield when pedestrians are present."Cars making a right turn take the right-of-way,
and if more vehicles are backed up, they continue turning. It has increased significantly since the
sign change. There is a finding in a staff advisory group that most accidents occur with cars
turning right or left don't yield right-of-way to pedestrians. He understands that there may be
some traffic flow concerns from an engineering standpoint.
Thomas. Is there a crossing signal?
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Votipka: Yes, but cars turn even if he has the light.
Jackson: I will check with our Traffic Engineer to see if it is in keeping with a change to the
MUCTD.
Votipka: He called and spoke to someone and was told that the change was made for traffic flow.
Robert: Does the intersection have turn lanes?
Jackson: No.
Robert: Is it programmed for that?
Jackson: I don't know. We'll take a look.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (November 2007)
Robert. Question on pg. 4. What does"AND"stand for?
Jackson: It was a clarification of Sara's question, above.
Clausen: It was he who was omitted from the October minutes.
After Bennett was tarred and feathered for the misidentification of Clausen,Robert moved to
approve the revised November Transportation Board meeting minutes. There was a second by
Clausen (yes, Clausen). The motion carried unanimously.
5. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison
Mr. Troxell was not able to attend.
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Introductions
Each existing and new board member, and staff support person introduced themselves.
Jackson: New members,please don't leave tonight without getting a packet from me. I have a
copy of the Transportation Master Plan and the new Master Street Plan map for each of you.
I have three staff members here tonight. Mike Herzig, from Engineering is here to talk about the
Railroad Task Force; Lucinda Smith, from Natural Resources is here to discuss the Climate Task
Force; and Helen Migchelbrink is our new City Engineer. Helen comes from Eagle County. She
is a great leader and engineer and we are thrilled to have her on our team.
Migchelbrink: I've been here a month now and am entrenched, having bought a house in
Parkwood. My husband is also an engineer. I am a mechanical engineer, cross-dressing as a civil
engineer.
Simonson: I took the Cityworks 101 class last year and highly recommend it. It is a fantastic time.
Jackson: We had all 6 Transportation departments there with all their vehicles and personnel and
had a wonderful time.
b. Climate Task Force
Lucinda Smith
Jackson: Lucinda Smith is the Coordinator of the Climate Task Force. Gary Steen is our
representative to the group.
Lucinda presented an update from the Climate Task Force and asked for comments and questions
from the Board before the Task Force goes to Council at a Work Session.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 41h Assessment Report, 2007)came out with
several reports. Key highlights:
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Temperature has increased since the mid 20th century very likely due to human greenhouse gas
emissions.
The impacts of climate change are very likely to impose net annual costs which will increase over
time as global temperatures increase.
Many impacts can be avoided, reduce, or delayed by mitigation.
Colorado Climate Action Plan:
Reduce statewide emissions by 20%GHG reduction below 2005 levels by 2020
Reduce statewide emissions by 80%GHG below 2005 levels by 2050
55 recommendations to reduce emissions
Reduce>40,000,000 metric tons CO2 by 2020
Net savings of$2.6 billion by 2020
Can directly benefit Fort Collins
In 1999, the goal was set by the City of Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% (1.1
million tons)below 2010 levels. Fort Collins has made good progress,but is not on track to meet
the 2010 reduction goal. Activities at other cities and at the state level will help.
Council Resolution March 2007: Appointed a task force of citizens, boards&commissions, and
City staff.
Existing/Pending measures represent 406,000 tons CO2e (recycling, renewable energy programs,
landfill methane capture, 2004 Residential Energy Code,E-waste ban, etc.)
New measures: solid waste reduction/recycling; mixed(multi-media); energy; transportation.
Specific funding mechanism is not addressed at this point.
Measures under consideration: Push to meet City's 50%waste diversion goal; enhance Climate
Wise program; local carbon offset program(voluntary; revenue source); government leading by
example; community-wide climate challenge.
Other measures still pending: Parking Management for the downtown area; importance of
funding. Transportation sector would be responsible for 3%of the reductions.
Schedule: Board and internal City input complete by the end of January. January 31,
recommendations taken to the City's Strategic Issues Team.
Robert. What is the impact of the 19,000 oil wells in Weld County?
Smith: It is very significant for ozone, and there are some greenhouse emissions as well. The Task
Force is focused on Fort Collins emissions and hasn't studied that.
Robert: What about LED street lights?
Smith: Ours are high pressure sodium and are quite efficient.
Robert: The landfill is scheduled to move to a new site north of Fort Collins in 10 years. Is there
new technology for that?
Smith: I will ask Susie Gordon for information on that. New data indicate the Latimer County
landfill has —24 years of life at its current location before it will need to move to the new
location near Wellington.
Robert: Grade separators are another consideration.
Smith: I believe they are in the new master plan
Robert: Feedback from Traffic Operations on how they control traffic flow?
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Smith: The traffic system was significantly upgraded in 2005. The Traffic Engineer plans to
optimize the signal timing again to optimize flow.
Robert: They did on College, but Harmony and Lemay need it.
McCauley: Cost effectiveness is broken down up to the point of Transportation Issues.
Smith. The Task Force hadn't weighed in on those strategies when this package was prepared.
The cost benefit analysis for Transportation will be available when this goes to Council.
McCauley: Transportation is set at 3%reduction, which is the least effective. Are there studies on
the $2,000 tax incentive and possible parking incentives for purchase of Low Emission Vehicles
(LE V s)?
Smith. I believe there are studies, although I don't have them. The quantification is not based on
historic success,but rather on numbers of hybrids in the current mix.
Frazier: As far as parking incentives, I see the efficient automobile as being parked while the less
efficient automobiles are driving around looking for parking. Perhaps there is a better solution.
Miller. One of the issues being debated is if you increase the rate at which people acquire new
vehicles, does it offset the amount of GHG being produced?Is there actually a net gain? Studies?
Are you creating an extra demand that wouldn't be there without adding the new vehicles?
Thomas: It takes"x-amount"of GHG to make a car.
Jenkins: Definition question. Cost effectiveness x-dollars per ton?
Smith: In this case it means the cumulative tons of CO2 if the program is implemented to 2010
over the costs out to 2010.The savings come in where there are more reduction savings than
costs. One time savings and ongoing savings are both considered.
Miller. You are familiar with these tradeoffs. Of all of these ideas for decreasing GHG, which
one do you think has the most potential to exceed the aggressive expectations? Where are we
underestimating? What is your personal opinion?
Smith: Maybe the smart meters. They have three scenarios. The first has only 300 meters. The
second has 600. The third has all residential meters replaced. And, perhaps the local carbon offset
program. One study showed offsets of$10 billion(?).
Steen: A couple of them. One transportation-related is getting people out of their cars. It is a
behavioral and cultural change. There is a very small change coming from Transportation, but we
contributed 33% to Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2004. We could have a much larger impact.
Robert In several European countries, they have plans to keep older,junk vehicles off the
highways. As an incentive to keep them off the highways, they increase licensing fees as years go
on. That hasn't caught on here.
Simonson: 800 subsidized cars at $2,000...is that funded somewhere?
Smith: That will come as funding opportunities are discussed. Increasing motor vehicle
registration fees, eliminating registration fees for LEVs and finding a funding source are all being
considered.
Simonson: To provide an incentive for a product where supply doesn't meet demand seems
adverse. I am driving a car that is older,not new, and would be paying taxes to fund someone
else's new car.
Jenkins: In terms of marketing the plan to Council, the 2004 Emissions vs. Reductions slide is
important to include. Everything is based on energy consumption.
VanTatenhove: Was there any weigh-in on Trash Districting?
Smith: It is not part of the 50%waste diversion goal.
Lund: Looking at the two pie charts,Transportation generates 33%, electricity 47%
Smith: That is what is purchased and used here in Fort Collins.
Steen: The Task Force is recommending two compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs)per
household, and 15%renewable energy use.
Lund: Looking at rebates/incentives for LEVs...what about rebates/incentives for CFLs, solar
panels, and wind power, etc.?
Smith: That is also being considered.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
VanTatenhove: Where are incentives for the private business sector(i.e. private delivery trucks
(liquor trucks in particular idle while delivering)?
Smith: A great suggestion to consider. There is no focus on fleets.
Thomas: It would be nice to show the interrelation of the Ozone Non-Attainment situation with
this.
Smith. Please see fcgov.com/ctf where you can submit comments.
c. Railroad Task Force,Mike Herzig,Engineering; Neil Grigg,T-Board representative
Herzig: Over the last few years, train issues have elevated from blocked crossings and horn noise.
A new track was built parallel to the tracks behind The Coloradoan which impacted us
significantly. We were getting significant blockages while cars were being switched. The Federal
Railway Administration also enacted a longer/louder horn regulation. They have five years to
remodel their old engines. That created all kinds of complaints from people living near the tracks.
A number of things were tried to mitigate the problem, including involvement of a State Senator.
The Bill failed,and the City Manager's Office formed this Task Force,consisting of five citizen
members, 3 Boards& Commissions members, 3 key staff members. We met September—
December. I just received a draft of the Task Force's report at 4:30 this afternoon. The report has
not yet been given to Council, so I can't release it to the Transportation Board tonight.
They are addressing five issues:
Horn noise
Blocked crossings (Riverside, specifically)
Grade separated crossings
Rail line relocation
Hazardous materials being transported by the railroads through town
There are 17 primary recommendations, including a quiet zone study(an area where the train will
not blow their horns—safety measures must be present to prevent vehicles from crossing in front
of a train); and staff allocated to work on railroad issues. This committee was formed directly by
the City Manager's Office and is going straight to Council next week.
Grigg: Mike knows more about railroad issues than anyone in town. The issues are very difficult
and will require long-term work. My main message to you is that it is an issue the T-Board should
track.
Simonson: What is the horn regulation?
Herzig: 96 decibels now, going to 100; time 15 —20 seconds of blasting, two shorts and a long.
The train engineer is held responsible for any infraction/resulting accidents and can lose his/her
job.
Robert The switching delays are caused when waiting for a switchman to manually switch the
train. Can't they install remote control switches?
Herzig: The railroad is cooperating to some degree. They used to deliver 82 cars that had to be
sorted. UP agreed to sort some of them in Cheyenne and sort empty cars in Milliken. However,
there is significant exchange still occurring due to increase in business in Windsor. The question
is whether Fort Collins should be the one bearing the brunt of Windsor's good fortune.
Clausen: Should we add another Board member to the Task Force?How do we keep an eye on it?
Herzig: The Task Force is over now. They recommended having a staff member on board. We
have to see what Council says.
VanTatenhove: Are other communities along the line involved?They might listen more.
Grigg: We are recommending a consortium to continue the work.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Thomas: There is some discussion about putting the switch back in Greeley so they could pull
into Windsor from the other direction.
Herzig: That is one thing we heard they are looking at. The location used to be there.
Clausen: Wasn't the Railroad guy who came last year rather obstinate about going through
Greeley?
Thomas: Yes,and Greeley isn't too hot on it either.
Herzig: Railroads are willing to do something if we pay for it.
c. Transportation Board Planning—Mark Jackson,Interim Transportation Director
Thomas: It occurred to me that we should have a retreat for all of us on what is our Street
program and Master Plan and how does that work?
Jackson: I have a couple of ideas I'd like to bounce off of you to see where your interests lie for
the next year. We may want to hold meetings at other locations so you can see more of
Transportation. What is the interest of the Board for a special session to discuss the
Transportation Master Plan?I was the Project Manager for the TMP and can bring you up to
speed on it.
Jenkins: I would really like to participate in something like that and know more about the Plan. It
would be nice to have a reference point when things come before the Board.
Miller: I second that.
Thomas: There is more science to it that I first admitted.
Jackson: It starts with"What is our vision?"and then goes on to"How do we get there?"There is
a complete inventory of Capital Projects that are required to get there, including funding
potential.
Lund: Does it show linkages to other Plans?
Jackson: Yes, it does.
Lund: Are the Plans shelf-ware or plan-ware?
Jackson: It is a matter of cash flow. The Transportation Master Plan is implementable. It is
elegant in that it was done simultaneously with City Plan (the comprehensive plan).
VanTatenhove: Are the Capital Project costs updated?
Jackson: They were done in 2003. It was my plan before being appointed Interim Director, to
update them yearly. We did it for the first 2 years,but then staffing reductions took their toll and
will for another 2 years.
Robert I'd like to see us start with City Plan. We haven't touched the long project list, which
includes 200+projects.
Thomas: If we don't have the list, we can't find the money.
Robert We need a dedicated funding source for Transportation. I'd like to look at the big picture
and then study funding.
Jackson: Would you like to do this during a regular meeting?It will take more than one meeting.
We could do a special session on a weekend...half a day.
Robert: Could we do it a couple times a month?
Lund: In the summer I'm gone on weekends.
Miller: I think the 30,000 foot presentation during a regular meeting would allow everyone to get
that part. Going into details could be done at a special meeting and if you aren't available you'd
still get the overview during our regular meeting.
Lund: Is it possible to do an overview and have individual sessions?
Jackson: Yes. I can talk about it in a lot of different ways. I need direction from you on how to
structure it.
Thomas: Would you prefer a weekend or an alternate Wednesday night?
VanTatenhove.• I prefer an alternate Wednesday night.
Jackson: I can perhaps do something toward the end of the first quarter.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Robert. Can you assign us homework so we don't go into this unprepared? I'd like to recommend
that we invite the City Council.
Thomas: Mark will come back to us with a proposal.
Jackson: A couple of things for your feedback. I would like to get you out into the field more. We
had such positive feedback when we got people out to the facilities, I would like to hold a
meeting at Transfort, at the Streets Facility, at Traffic Operations so you can learn more about
what we do. Does that interest you?
YES!
Thomas: There are other Transportation Boards(Loveland, Greeley)that have suggested that we
get together.
Robert: After we know the ABCs.
Jackson: The other thing I'd like to do is have you get some more face-time with our other
Department Heads. You see the Transportation Planners when they come make presentations. I'd
like to have them run the meetings when we meet at their facilities. Polly and I are still your go-to
people.
Robert: Could we go on a field trip? i.e. Harmony Corridor?
Frazier: Mason Corridor, Poudre River District.
Jackson: I will investigate that.
Jackson: You will hear a lot about finance this year; parking district proposal,major project
updates on Mason Corridor, Harmony, Bayer's Front Range Village with a roundabout at
Horsetooth&Ziegler. You may see conversations on regionalizing transit and if it is feasible to
form a district. You will receive updates on major development proposals and their impacts. Are
there other things you are interested in as a group?We don't have to solve it tonight, but be
thinking about it.
Robert: I haven't heard much about what triggers us to look into safety issues. Does the City have
a system through which they identify problem intersections?Preventive safety programs.
Jackson: It depends on how proactive you want to be. By modes?Yes, we collect that data.
Thomas: As citizens,we should all bring those things to Mark's attention and he will bring it
back to staff.
7. ACTION ITEMS
None.
8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Lund. None.
Miller: None.
VanTatenhove: PSD Choice Busing finished meeting and has handed the work to the
Superintendent.
McCauley: None.
Simonson: What will happen for Mr. Votipka's request about the sign?
Jackson: I meet with my Department Heads tomorrow morning and will pass it off to the
Traffic Engineer for verification and response. We take it very seriously.
Clausen: The City's response is amazing. When I was in high school, my mom hassled
someone in the City about the railroad crossing at Harmony and it was fixed very
quickly.
Frazier. UniverCity is a very exciting concept. We are going into our second year, and I'd
like time in the coming year to update the Board. We met the new Executive
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
Director,Doug Johnson, yesterday. We heard a good presentation about the
homeless situation and the National Association of Integration here in Fort
Collins that helps organizations get their act together. We will be having a
workshop in May. I got to see the Seaboard Walk in Corpus Christie and
Galveston,and their"wayfinding"was interesting,but not much.
Robert Polly, please add the telephone numbers of presenters to the minutes. Two
railroad crossings need attention: Timberline &Vine and the one near the
brewery at Mountain Vista Drive.
Lund: The one on westbound Harmony—one lane is smoother than the other.
Jackson: The railroad will fix their tracks and nothing else. It is an unfunded mandate for
the City.
Steen: The Wayfinding meeting today was good...I appreciated the invitation. It was
interesting how wayfinding affects transportation. Question on potholes: is there
a way to report them?There is a bad one at Whaler's Way and Boardwalk.
Jackson: You can call the Streets Department at 221.6615. Or go online.
Steen: Is there an asset management system in the City? Does it include Transportation?
Jackson: The new CFO is heading it up. No, it doesn't include Transportation,just
facilities.
Thomas: The Council didn't fund Pavement Management adequately in the last BFO.
Jenkins: DK was interviewed by the Coloradoan a few weeks ago. It was astounding...the
best article I've seen in years.
Thomas: Next Wednesday at Mugs on College, 7pm.All About Transit-Oriented
Development. Video produced by the American Institute of Architects. Good
way to get grounded. Also,Bruce Hendee is working on Stoner's development at
Harmony and 1-25 and will come speak to us that night. I attend the MPO
meetings from time-to-time...if you think the RTA is dead, it isn't. A new
committee was formed. The Govemor also formed a Blue Ribbon Panel to look
at Transportation Issues. There is also one on Education and one on Health Care,
so they will be competing for money.
9. STAFF REPORTS
Jackson: I was at a CDOT conference with members of the Blue Ribbon Panel and asked
how they felt their work would rate against the other two and they were stymied.
One person finally said they don't think it's going to go. It will likely be
Education,at this point. I also had coffee with Salazar's aide, who agreed.
PDT Reorganization: Two services areas linked together.Jeff Scheick, from
Oregon Department of Transportation is our new PDT Director. He will have
oversight of Transportation, Community Planning,Development Review,
Permits&Zoning, and Transfort. I will retain my role as Transportation Group
Director. He begins with a soft-start next week and will be on-board February 1".
Hopefully, you will meet him at the February meeting.
I-25 Corridor: Lots coming up (i.e. Prospect interchange, SH293 & Harmony
Road, Timnath's upcoming development plans). Big discussion—one of the most
important we will see in the next 5 years. Council scheduled a retreat work
session on a Friday evening,February 8, from 5 —9. It will be an open meeting,
but not in Council Chambers where you can just drop in. It may be video taped,
but there won't be a live feed. No public comment at work sessions. There may
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9
Transportation Board
January 16, 2008
not be seating for attending public. My hope is that we will be able to make the
Council more comfortable with what the adopted plan is and that CDOT simply
can't help with the projects.
The Price of Government: Expectations vs. funding stream need to be reconciled.
A lot has to do with Transportation, Police, Fire. You will see this ratchet up in
March.
There is a regional air quality low-cost seminar on February 6 about commute
options. $40. Polly will email the information to you tomorrow.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
11. ADJOURN
The meeting adjoumed at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
�cut.i -UC L� ft
Polly Benu ett
Executive Administrative Assistant
January 16,2008- Transportation Board Meeting
FOLLOW-UP ITEMS:
a. Response to Mr. Votipka, Citizen,regarding his concern about signage at Timberline and
Horsetooth.
From Ward Stanford, Interim Traffic Engineer:
I spoke with Mr. Votipka and let him know we would review the intersection for the possibility of further
changes to try and help improve the problem he described. (cars not giving him the ROW when he rides
east/west on the north crosswalk).
He made mention that there were some different signs in the past,but that was not accurate. The signs
existing are the only signs that have been in place. Nothing has been removed or added since the
installation of the current signs many years ago.
I reviewed the current signage and have sent Rich Brewbaker a work order to install additional signage at
the intersection. We will add"Turning Traffic Must Yield To Pedestrians" signage on each leg of the near
side of the intersection. Currently we have "Yield to Pedestrians" signage on the far side of each leg of the
intersection(as is appropriate). The signage was approved last week and is to be installed by end of day,
Wednesday, February 27th.
b. Landfill move/new technology.
From Stephen Gillette, Larimer County Solid Waste Division Manager
New data indicate the Larimer County landfill has—24 years of life at its current location before it will
need to move to the new location near Wellington. Current technology exists to allow a landfill to be built
there. It is difficult to predict what new technologies might develop over the next twenty years. For more
detailed info, please contact Stephen Gillette at Larimer County, (970)498-5762, sgillette@larimer.org.
c. RR switching delays-Unfortunately, the City has no jurisdiction over the types of switches the RR
installs. Contact Mike Herzig, Street Oversizing& Capital Projects Manager. Mike is the City's Railroad
contact, at 221.6583.
d. Response to concerns about several RR crossings
From Mike Herzig, Street Oversizing& Capital Projects Manager and Railroad Contact for the
City of Fort Collins:
We are familiar with the crossing that Ed is concerned about at Timberline at Vine. The BNSF will be
rehabilitating their crossing, the northerly track, this spring in April or May. The Southerly track belongs
to the Great Western. Along with the BNSF, we will be doing some paving to help smooth out the
crossing.
The best person to contact at this time is me at 221-6583. I maintain contact with the railroad crossings
that need repair or replacement. With multiple railroads in the City, we help to direct the complaint to the
right railroad. If something is critical at a crossing,there is an emergency 800-number on the signal
bungalows at each crossing. That is the best option for alerting the railroads about immediate problems.
MEETING MINUTES of the
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
November 28,2007
5:45 p.m.
City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Building
626 Linden Street
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Gary Thomas 482-7125
Vice Chair: Ed Robert 224-4864
Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416-2029
Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 224-6058
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF:
James Clausen Mark Jackson
Don Edmondson Polly Bennett
Sara Frazier Kurt Ravenschlag
Neil Grigg Clark Mapes
Bill Jenkins
Shane Miller
Ed Robert
Gary Thomas
Scott VanTatenhove
ABSENT: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison Suzette Mallette, MPO
Garry Steen
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas at 6:00 p.m.
2. AGENDA REVIEW
The Agenda was approved.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES(October 2007)
Robert moved to approve the October Transportation Board meeting minutes,which were revised
to reflect Clausen's request a presentation on the Harmony Road/I-25 Corridor plan when
possible. There was a second by Jenkins. The motion carried unanimously.
5. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison
Mr. Troxell was not able to attend.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Traffic Safety from a Police Perspective,Officer Jeff Groves
Officer Groves began with a story of the secret to a long life...no left turns! Jeff has been full-
time with the Traffic part of the Police Department for 14 years.There are five officers on his
complaint-driven team. They take complaints on nearly everything, including speeding,
neighborhood problems,etc.and work closely with Rich Brewbaker,Dan Holland, and Steve
Gilchrest of Traffic Operations to resolve issues when the complaint involves striping, signage,
speed studies, traffic light issues,etc. The Traffic Unit members work 7am-5pm,drive unmarked
vehicles and are all motorcycle certified.
Right-turn arrows at some intersections(Horsetooth&Lemay, College&Laurel)speed up traffic
flow. The safety issue with them is slim to none.
In general,we have very few severe crashes and fatalities. His team would recommend having the
red/yellow flashing signals be red in all four directions because people assume that is how it is.
Two red-light camera systems in operation(Drake&College,north and south-bound only, and
Timberline&Harmony). 40- 50 tickets per week at Drake&College,down from a high of 70—
80 before they lengthened the caution cycle, although the accident rate has gone back up. 100+
tickets per week on the left turns at Timberline&Harmony. There are 3 speed oriented camera
vans out, and a 4''operator working into evening hours. There is no loss for violations there.
Photos are not suitable for framing,but do a pretty good job. It costs $9k-$14k per intersection
to install the red light camera systems. Overall,the systems are paid for completely by violators.
Edmondson: You hinted about the politics of traffic operations. Do you care to elaborate?
Groves: For instance, in some areas if you start to run a median down the middle of a road that
blocks access to a business,you could have an intense political issue very quickly. From our
standpoint, do politics figure in to our jobs daily?No. But issues can and do come down from the
City Manager to the Police Chief to us.
Edmondson: How about the politics of working with the Traffic Operations Department?
Groves: None. I've worked with them successfully for over 10 years with solutions arrived at
jointly.
Edmondson: My experience has been that responses are quick. It may not always be what one
wants, but responses are always quick.
Groves: Another example of the cooperation between departments is that Sandy Aragon of
Traffic Operations was integral in getting the$35 surcharge added to speeding tickets. It pays for
one officer's salary,the speed indicator trailers,etc.
Grigg:
Groves: Longmont has 12 traffic officers, Greeley has 10, Loveland has 8,we have 5. At any
time there are 7 officers on duty plus an overlap shift. There is no specific dedication to Traffic
by daytime officers. They have assigned districts and respond to calls as necessary. Laser guns
are specific to the Traffic Officers, although there are two older radar guns out there too. Lasers
are $4,500 apiece.
Frazier: Pedestrian/motorist concern: Crossing light on Mountain Avenue in Old Town,the
motorist can't see the indicator as well as the pedestrian can. Same thing on Elizabeth Street in
the Campus West area.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
Groves: An indicator might be able to be added.Traffic Operations is working on solutions to a
couple of other similar locations.
Miller: I assume the signs that tell motorists what their speed is,work. What is your opinion?
Groves: There will always be a percentage that will ignore them because they realize it isn't a
violation. It is critical that we continue with increasing the number of reminders like these signs.
Miller: I've heard that speed humps don't work in neighborhoods.Is that consistent with your
observation?
Groves: They work temporarily. The noise level goes up because cars screech to a halt to cross
them and then roar off.They also run about$14,000 each to install. The speed signs run$5,000
each and are portable.
Jackson: We've had people call and ask to have them removed.
Groves: We don't have specific data, but we installed a speed camera on Dunbar for awhile and
there was no shortage of violations. The money could be more wisely spent.
Robert: What is the status on bicycle patrols in the downtown station?
Groves: They are still in use. They are most effective during the Brewfest and other major
activities.
Robert: I haven't seen a patrolman on a bike in over a year.
Robert: Have you considered using a blinking light system?
Groves: When you approach an intersection in Europe/Mexico,the green light flashes when the
light is about to change. That would be an issue to address with Traffic Operations department.
Robert: If you want your unmarked vehicles identified at times, how about magnetic logos?
Groves: I don't want them marked at any time.
Robert: Data to report how we're doing?
Groves: Sandy Aragon compiles crash data after the fact.No data relating to bicycle/vehicle
crashes.
Robert: What is the status of bicycle enforcement?Do you ticket for infractions?
Groves: There are certain things more contributive to accidents than others. I would stop for those
things (i.e. riding a bike on the wrong side of the street). If a bicyclist runs a stop sign in front of
me am I going to do something?Sure.Am I looking for it,no.
Robert: Is it limited because of budgetary issues?I didn't hear the Chief say he needs more
Traffic Unit Officers.
Groves: No, you didn't. He was requesting more officers for the Annexation.
Robert: So he hasn't asked for more public safety officers?
Grove: I believe he's made the request through BFO, but it hasn't been funded. The$35
surcharge helped us add two officers in the last year and a half.
Robert: Using Mountain/College intersection,could that be considered for a full crossing for
pedestrians including diagonal crossing?
Grove:No. You are on a secondary federal highway and the City can't even put up a speed
control sign without going through CDOT.
Jackson: In a"barn dance"crossing,you hold all phases of traffic on red, giving up mobility.It is
a dance we do between mobility and safety.
Robert: Perhaps this Board can identify the squeaky wheels a little more through data that would
allow us to speak up as a Board.
Groves: Data isn't always the best way. Someone has to collect and file it. We only have one
crime analyst who would be our data collection person. You are asking them to capture even
more data from all records.
Robert: Which goes to the need of additional funding.
Groves: I don't think the data is that beneficial for what you are asking.
Miller: You made three recommendations tonight regarding traffic safety, based on data,your
observations over the years, and the collective observations of officers over the years. Our charge
is to find a way to justify recommendations to Council,which is why we are data driven.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
Groves: The flashing red issue and the left turns in front of oncoming traffic is data driven. Most
everything else is based on my 35 years of observation.
Robert: So we can
Thomas: I saw two bike accidents this year, both of which were the bike's fault. One was on the
wrong side of the road, one was drunk. is there any sense that the rate is up?
Groves: My sense is that yes, incidents between bikes and vehicles are up.The occur in easily
identifiable areas: around campus where arterials flow near campus(Laurel, Elizabeth)and
around the four high schools and routes to those areas. There was one very serious accident at
Horsetooth and Arctic Fox this year,which was the bicyclist's fault. Changes were made as a
result. The`lug nut"rule applies: those with the most lug nuts wins.
Frazier: Do bicycle safety programs help?
Groves: I don't have an opinion. It will be years before we see the results.
Jackson: We have increasing bicycle traffic as well as increasing vehicular traffic.
Groves: It isn't unreasonable to expect increased enforcement.
Thomas: As a Board,we'd like to see more.
Groves: My cell number is 567.8131; 221.6842 is the Traffic complaint line.
b. Harmony Corridor Plan Amendment: Harmony Gateway District at I25/Harmony,
Westside,Clark Mapes
The plan was written in 1991 and identified the Gateway area at Harmony and I-25 as a
community entry/gateway. The plan doesn't state a preferred vision, but explains possible
outcomes ranging from a traditional highway business area to natural areas. It concluded that
more work is necessary. An intensive urban district is being looked at in the area.
Developer/Ownership team has approached the City wanting to work on an urban district on the
south side of Harmony. It will be a true Transit Oriented Development pedestrian district oriented
toward Transit(TOD=Transit Oriented Development),with multi-story buildings. The river
valley/low ground is planned as a centerpiece including canals and ponds. I would like to bring it
back to this Board in January for a recommendation to Council. We are taking it to Council on
February 5,2008.
Robert Will this require a change in the structure plan of the City?
Mapes: Yes.It is currently an employment district. With Timnath's announcement about their
plan to develop along 1-25, it will require a change.
Robert: Will Stoner be required to build a new interchange at I-25 and Kechter?
Bracke:No. CDOT looked at it to see if it provided relief for Harmony, and it doesn't.
Jackson: It is also a spacing issue.
Grigg: You said something about a canal. Where exactly would that be?
Mapes: It would be down the center of a half-mile area.
Grigg: How do they keep the water clean?
Mapes: It is ground water that circulates.
Frazier: Is it either/or or and...regarding the two concepts you mentioned.
Mapes: It is an AND. Both concepts. It is like a small downtown at I-25.
Thomas: When you come back in January, will you bring some of Marlys' people to comment on
Transit?
Jackson: We need to bring Transfort people and Kathleen,who has been working on it.
Miller. Where do we see information on this?
Mapes. I will get information to you prior to the January meeting.
Edmondson: We need to know numbers of people that Transit would move.
Mapes: They are proposing four 15-story residential buildings. It is 250 acres—comparable to a
new downtown.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
Miller: Is this to prevent Timnath from developing out there?
Mapes:No, but it is definitely a reaction to Timnath's announcement that they want to develop
near there.
Miller. So that is what part of the incentive is.
Mapes: It is a hanging aspect.There is no legal way to prevent Timnath's development from
happening.
Thomas: Can you send us the PowerPoint on this?
Robert: Or post it on the City website.
Mapes: I will put it on the City website.
c. 2035 Regional Transportation Plan,Suzette Mallette,Regional Planning Director,WO
MPO is responsible for the long-range Regional Transportation Plan. The Plan is done every four
years. We work with 15 member governments across the region to develop the Plan. This is a
corridor-based plan this time(bike,rail,road). They look at surface and bridge conditions and
safety issues, freight,truck flows,commodity flows,rail systems. It is difficult to get data
because the truck and rail companies are protective of the data. Also look at bike/pedestrian,
aviation,and carpool/vanpool, Intelligent Transportation Systems ITS),Transit. Socioeconomic
and Environmental Profiles are also examined. The Land Use Plans come from the local
governments. The southern boundary is Weld County Road 38. Berthoud is included.
Grigg: The map looks different than I expected. It doesn't really show the intense development in
Weld County.
Mallette: Erie,Brighton, and Longmont are annexing and we will be sharing a boundary between
the Denver region soon.
Thomas: Your road data includes that commercial development?
Mallette: We develop a travel demand model, so it looks at it(external inflow of traffic).
We develop a Vision Plan including corridor visions and tiering,Congestion Management
Process, and Implementation. The Council will recommend adoption of the Plan on December 6.
The Plan is on the web at NFRMPO.org
Jackson: If you have an interest in it, I'd recommend looking at the Plan online. It's a really good
document from a regional planning standpoint.
Robert: Is this the base line that the Governor would use to determine funding?
Mallette: It is part of the baseline that the State uses.
Thomas: Is any of this(ozone non-attainment)going to change any of that(RTA)?
Mallette: We have to prove to the EPA that we are going to comply.
d. Ozone Non-Attainment,Suzette Mallette,MOP
Ozone is not a pollutant that just happens; it is made from volatile organic compounds and
nitrogen oxides. It causes respiratory problems. The health standards: 1-hour standard(0.12 ppm
established in 1978)and 8-hour standard(0.08 ppm)established in 1997. We were determined to
be in non-attainment status in 2002.There are 14 Front Range Ozone Monitor Sites.New
standard takes into account extreme and fluctuating meteorological events.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
VanTatenhove: Why is the downtown level lower than the foothills level?
Mallette: This is meteorological ozone. The prevailing winds blow toward the foothills, so those
readings are higher.
We knew in 2002 that we wouldn't be able to meet the 8-hour standard. The EAP allowed us to
do an Early Action Compact(EAC)IF we can be back into compliance by the end of 2007. Weld
County has 19,000 oil wells. Flash emission controls were placed on them,greatly reducing
emissions.New car standards are also reducing the emissions. "Let's Take Care of Our Summer
Air"public outreach messages were instituted("Stop at the Click"). There are 152.8 pounds per
day of man-made emissions.468.1 pounds per day are biogenic(not man-made)emissions(trees,
etc.). The non-attainment area includes a large part of Larimer County, including half of Rocky
Mountain National Park.
Robert: Why are there no tests done on diesel engines?
Mallette: They may be coming.
Non-attainment implications?We will be stuck with this for 25 —30 years.We have to do an
attainment SIP(State Implementation Plan)due by November 20, 2008. We also have one year to
do a conformity test on the RTA Plan and the Doctor Cog Plan. Three different Planning Regions
are working on that. Any new stationary sources of emissions are subject to LAER(lowest
achievable emission rate). The Transportation Conformity aspect will be difficult. Reasonably
Available Control Technology requirements for existing stationary sources will apply in portions
of Larimer and Weld counties.
The Attainment Plan process is underway. Agency discussions have begun;technical work is
underway; control measure options are being developed. Stakeholder meetings began in October.
Modeling and control strategy development will occur throughout 2008.
Schedule:
EPA Proposal June 2007
EPA Promulgation March 2008
EPA Designations 2010-2011
SIPS due 2013-2014
Attainment required 2015-2021
Frazier: Are they looking at the biogenic sources as well?
Mallette: Yes, including low-emission trees.
Thomas: Did you say that nearly half of our emissions are coming from somewhere else?
Mallette: If we do all the work we can and can't reach attainment,the EPA can go after upstream
sources.
Frazier: Have they looked at the effect of feedlots?
Mallette: I haven't heard about feedlots. They generate methane, and I haven't heard it brought
up.
Clausen: Once the wells are dealt with,what else can be done?
Mallette: Vehicle emissions in this area don't contribute that much. In Denver,vehicle emissions
are a huge contributor. We will probably be required to have a lower emission gas and more
stringent emissions(California standards).
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
Clausen: So consumers won't be heavily impacted, it will be industry.
Mallette: Correct, although you may feel the effects.
Thomas: Mobile reads of vehicles could eliminate dirty cars.
Mallette: Check out ozoneaware.com as well.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Master Street Plan Updates,Kurt Ravenschlag,Transportation Planning
Jackson: This is Kurt's swan song. He was selected as the new General Manager for Transfort,a
definite loss for Transportation Planning, but a well-deserved promotion.
Ravenschlag: The last time the MSP was amended was in 2004. In that time things have changed.
These are the"clean up items"or minor changes to the Master Street Plan to make it more
accurate(to correct mapping errors,make approved street name changes, etc.).
Three types of arterials: 6-lane; 4-lane, 2-lane.
Robert Does this address roundabouts?
Bracke: The Master Street Plan addresses shows the functional aspects of roadways, not
intersections.
Thomas: Why do these changes if it doesn't effect change?
Bracke: These changes are only to make the map accurate.
I. Reclassify Laporte Avenue between Wood Street and Taft Hill Road from a two-lane
collector to a two-lane arterial.
2. Reclassify Jerome Street from a local street to a collector street.
3. Remove collector that parallels East Vine Drive to the north between the BNSF rail line and
east of Campfire Drive.
4. Rename Lincoln Avenue to International Boulevard.
5. Reclassify Nancy Gray Avenue and Miles House Avenue from local streets to collector
streets.
6. Reclassify Overland Trail south of Drake Road from a 4-lane arterial to a collector street.
7. Reclassify Horsetooth Road west of Taft Hill Road from a 4-lane arterial to a collector street.
8. Remove portion of Overland Trail between Horsetooth Road and Harmony Road.
9. Rename Cambridge Avenue to Lady Moon Drive.
10. Reclassify Cinquefoil Lane from a local street to a collector street.
11. Realignment of Zephyr Road connecting to Trilby Road.
12. Reclassify Brittany Street from a local street to a collector street.
13. Reclassify Autumn Ridge Drive from a local street to collector street.
14. Reclassify Province Road between Fairboume Way and Brittany Drive from a local street to
a collector street.
Action Requested: Seeking Board approval of the proposed Minor Amendments to the Master
Street Plan and a recommendation to Council.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
Robert: In the Harmony between Timberline and Ziegler there is a lot of construction with
another street by the shopping areas by the new Walgreens. Is that something that should be
included in this?
Bracke: They are commercial local roads and don't show up on the map. This is the primary
artery system.
VanTatenhove: Does this include the southwest annexation?
Ravenschlag:No. That will come in another round.
Clausen moved that the Board recommend that the City Council accept the Amendments. Second
by Don Edmondson. Passed unanimously.
b. 2007 Annual Report, Gary Thomas
Gary presented a draft of the 2007 Annual Report.
Additions after review and discussion:
Add representation on the Poudre School District Choice Busing Committee(VanTatenhove)
Add representation on the Railroad Task Force(Grigg)
Add recommendation of adoption of the Minor Amendments to the Master Street Plan.
Edmondson moved that we adopt the revised 2007 Work Plan. Second by Clausen.Passed
unanimously.
c. 2008 Work Plan,Gary Thomas
After review and discussion,the following five items were adopted as the 2008 Work Plan:
1. Advise City Council on transportation issues,planning and construction projects in a
timely fashion.
2. Transportation Financing—explore financing options to address transportation needs,
including, but not limited to, dedicated funding mechnisms.
3. Education and Outreach—reach out proactively to the community to both solicit input and
educate regarding transportation issues that face the city.
4. Transportation Study—Promote transportation safety as it affects all modes of
transportation,via consideration of engineering, education,and enforcement.
5. Regional Transportation—Build communication links with other transportation bodies in
the city and region.
Edmondson moved, Clausen seconded that we retain the five work items for 2008. Passed
unanimously.
8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Frazier. UniverCity met first of the month. We discussed the National Association for
Interpretation grant money. The UniverCityTransit Task Force has discussed
applying with Arts&Culture and another group. Doug Johnson was appointed as
a director.
Miller. None.
Edmondson: None.
Clausen: None.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9
Transportation Board
November 28, 2007
VanTatenhove: PSD Choice Busing is ready to make their recommendation. The group will
continue. Collaboration with Transfort is written into the recommendation.
Jenkins Coloradoan article about people who met at New Belgium about dangerous
intersections for bicycles. I attended. I've been commuting to work for 7 weeks,
which has made me hyper-sensitive to bicycle safety.
Robert: None.
Thomas: RTA is not dead.
9. STAFF REPORTS
Jackson: City Engineer: Helen Migchelbrink accepted my offer and begins work Friday.
She comes highly recommended from Eagle County.
Traffic Engineer:No luck so far.
Budget: 2008/2009 budget was adopted.
Transjort Strategic Operating Plan: Will come to the Board early in 2008.
Larimer County Road&Bridge: 48 hours after first reading of the budget,
Latimer County informed us that they are withdrawing our support from the
Road&Bridge funds. They can do this legally,and it is a sign of the times. 2008
appears to be covered, but 2009 is in jeopardy.
December Agenda:
• December 19`s—no meeting. Dinner together at Canino's, 6:00 p.m.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
11. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
January:
Harmony/1-25, Clark Mapes
Climate Task Force,Lucinda Smith
Resppepc�tfully submitted,}
Polly Bebfiett
Executive Administrative Assistant
MEETING MINUTES of the
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
October 17,2007
5:45 p.m.
City of Fort Collins Municipal Building
215 N.Mason Street—Community Room
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Gary Thomas 482-7125
Vice Chair: Ed Robert 2244864
Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416-2029
Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 224-6058
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF:
James Clausen Mark Jackson
Don Edmondson Polly Bennett
Sara Frazier Kathleen Bracke
Neil Grigg Denise Weston
Bill Jenkins Pete Wray
Shane Miller
Ed Robert
Garry Steen
Gary Thomas
Scott VanTatenhove
ABSENT: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison Rich Follmer,F14U
Emmanuel Didier, Edaw
Nancy York
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas at 6:00 p.m.
2. STAFF INTRODUCTION
Kathleen Bracke introduced Denise Weston,the City's new Transportation Planner.
3. AGENDA REVIEW
The Agenda was approved.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES(September 2007)
Edmondson moved to approve the September 2007 Transportation Board meeting minutes as
presented. There was a second by Steen.The motion carried unanimously.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
6. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison
Mr. Troxell was not able to attend.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Bicycle Program Update,David Kemp,Bicycle Coordinator
DK revealed the new bicycle map,which is available online at www.fcgov.com/bicycling
The Bike Co-op is going to be in the now City-owned old Poudre Valley Creamery on LaPorte
Avenue. The Co-op with maintain the bikes available through the upcoming Bicycle Library.
Edmondson: Are there plans to finish connections(i.e. Spring Creek Trail)?
DK: We identified, on the map, all future trail connections and projected completion dates.
Claussen: Where will bike maps be available?
DK: Bike shops, all City facilities.
Robert The Bike Library shows a lot of promise. Any chance we could have a remote location at the
Welcome Center?
DK: Great idea! We'll look into that!
Steen. You mentioned accident reporting. How will that work?
DK: I want to track accidents/near accidents around town in the event that we have a trend
developing. I found a trouble spot at Loomis&Laurel and we are investigating ways to alleviate
them.
Jackson: We also have accident data collected at Traffic Operations that reflects all reported
accidents.
Edmondson: Is there a way to report bicyclists who run stop signs?
DK. We are starting a bike education campaign next spring.
VanTatenhove: On the Mason Trail crossing Swallow there is a flashing signal. When will that be
connected?
Edmondson: Something still isn't quite right on Horsetooth
Bracke: There are underpasses planned at Horsetooth&Harmony in the Mason Corridor Plan.
Edmondson: From a cost-effectiveness standpoint,I wonder if that is good.
Bracke: We also looked at at-grade crossings.
Jenkins: I rode in the Tour de Fat parade,and it was awesome!
Steen: You gave us a number of how many people commute to work. Do you know what that is?
DK: 4%of all trips are via bicycle. Data from Bike to Work Day can be broken down as far as how
many commute to work.
Jackson: The success of the Bike Program speaks to itself. It flew through BFO.
b. Mason Corridor Update—Trail & Rail
Grade-separated crossing by NRRC and Whole Foods.Alternatives were studied, but there were
difficulties in building an underpass, specifically the fact that switchbacks would be required because
of the grade. There is also high groundwater due to the proximity to Spring Creek. Short-and long-
term needs were considered so the crossing will work with the future BRT line. The overpass is ADA
compliant with elevators and stairs on both sides of the road. The crossing will be lighted at night.
The structure will be high,to accommodate future rail below.
Open House October 25.
Final design&construction is scheduled for 2008.
Clausen: The elevator might not be user-friendly for bikes during high volume traffic. Perhaps a ramp
would work?
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
Emmanuel: The switchback for a ramp would be so long that it could create dangerous situations for
bike/pedestrian interactions.It also makes the landscape even more overpowering than it already is.
There will be a gutter along side the stairs for bikes.
Edmondson: How do the elevators affect the maintenance costs?
Bracke: Elevators are less expensive to maintain because of the ground water problem.
Miller: I assume there are comparable structures that use elevators that would have reliability data?
How frequently do they break down?
Bracke: The City's parking structures uses elevators. I will check with Randy Hensley, Parking
Services Manager,to get data.
Thomas: When will you be back with us?
Bracke: Probably early next year.
Robert: Would this be a prototype for other grade-separated crossings?
Bracke: As we look at future areas,we will consider context and consider this option. Each one is
unique.
Robert: Several areas in the country have built these with generators as back-up power sources.
York: Do you have a ballpark cost estimate?
Bracke: The underpass is several hundred thousand dollars more.
York: Have you investigated private/public cooperation for financing?
Frazier: Will you include Art in Public Places work on the overpass?
Bracke: That part is not subject to APP.
c. Budget Update
Mark Jackson
Jackson: The Council, on first reading,passed the City Manager's Recommended Budget
unanimously. It included everything you saw last month,plus some one-time funds financing of
the Transfort Strategic Operating Plan and funding night-time Dial-A-Ride service through 2008.
There was no movement on Pavement Management and very little discussion. There were a lot of
light bulbs that went off during this process. Council realizes that they have a big ticket coming
up in 2010.Your letter played a role in that. The Community's consciousness is raised as a result
of this process.
Next step: Second reading in 30 days(November 20).
Grigg: The Transportation Master Plan will be updated in 2009/2010.Is there anything that
should be done before that?
Thomas: We will have that as an item on the Work Plan.
Jackson: We have done a fairly good job of keeping the Capital Projects list updated.
Robert: General question about the T-Board being an advisory to Council, should we expect a
response to our letter?
Thomas: We are given an opportunity to meet with them.Last time,they told us yes,we read it,
no you won't get feedback.
Miller: My minimal experience is that if you take things to them individually rather than as a
group they will be more likely to give feedback.
Thomas: This board has a lot of credibility with the City. I was surprised that we didn't get any
acknowledgement from Council.
Thomas: Congratulations on keeping Transfort well-funded.
Jackson: It isn't me...Marlys did a fantastic job.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
d.Work Plan
Appendix"A"used to be the Work Plan. It was too complex, so it became a supporting
document.
Griggs: One other thing we accomplished is providing a forum for Staff Reports of all kind. We
might want to consider adding it as a goal,because we provide feedback to staff. Coordination
means "providing harmony between things."We also coordinate between ourselves through
writing letters, meeting with people, etc.
VanTatenhove: It may fall under item III—Education and Outreach.
Robert: We have not mentioned anything about Railroads.
Griggs: That will be an important activity for some years to come.
Thomas: Ed, would you care to comment on the changes you suggested?
Robert Numerals I—V are merely editorial comments. Below that I included items that are
on our horizon that were not in our old plan.
Thomas: Please look these over and send your comments in the next couple of weeks. I will
work with Staff to create a draft.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. I-25/SH392 Interchange—Pete Wray, Senior Planner
Wray: We are at the final stage in bringing the plan forward to Windsor and Fort Collins.
Early 2006—established an Intergovernmental Agreement between Windsor&Fort Collins.
Plan purpose: To develop key direction for implementing the reconstruction of the I-25/SH392
interchange.
Interchange configuration: Tight diamond, similar to the Harmony interchange,although the ramps
are a bit closer together.The design includes Park `n Ride facilities on both sides,potential future
BRT station.
Summary of Public Outreach: General support for overall plan.
Current condition: Operating at a failing level of service.
Various design options were explained, including investigation for transit and trails, a bridge over
SH392, and a pedestrian bridge over 1-25 to connect the Park `n Rides on either side.
Total estimated cost: $22 million. Funding scenarios were explained. Construction is scheduled to
begin in 2009/2010.
Jackson: The charge that Windsor&Fort Collins were given was to give strategic implementation
steps to construct this interchange. This is a solid effort. I don't think it needs to go forward with the
Master Street Plan change (4-lane to 6-lane). The likelihood of building a 6-lane road in most of this
corridor is very slim because it is surrounded by protected areas.
Wray: We are anticipating development activity at this interchange, soon.
Jackson: I'm okay with either moving forward or holding off on the Master Street Plan Change until
the 1601 goes forward, the I-25 EIS happens, or there is major development in the area.
VanTatenhove: Do the frontage roads fall under your plan or Pete's plan?
Jackson: Pete's plan. CDOT is out of the frontage road business.
Miller: Are we giving up dollars by moving this away from CDOT?
Jackson: If there were CDOT dollars to be had,yes, but they can't afford to maintain frontage roads
anymore.
Thomas: Let's answer the first question first and then address this.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
Robert On Figure 3 of the Interchange Plan they have Trilby extended to Kechter and a new
interchange at Kechter.
Jackson: That was dismissed.
Thomas: What is"the plan"?
Wray: It is a unique process/partnership,through which we are charged with identifying the
groundwork and framework to implementing this interchange work. We identified funding options,
alignment options,and buffer options.
Thomas: Do we get to vote on those options?
Wray: It will ultimately go back to Council.
Jackson: The charge of the plan was to lay out strategies for implementation. They met that charge.
Griggs: Will Council vote on this plan?
Wray: They are being asked to approve the plan and create an IGA for a continued partnership.
Clausen: Do the prospective Councils make decisions and IGA implements them?
Wray: Our Council makes decisions on key actions(amending the Master Street Plan, IGA, etc.).
There would be separate IGAs for the 1601 and funding.
Clausen: Who decides on funding?
Jackson: The Councils.
Miller: At what point does the T-Board advise on funding?
Jackson: It isn't under our scope.
Miller: It is in the Work Plan that we explore funding options.
Jackson: If the issue is that you want Pete and the Windsor group to come back when they start
congealing funding,they will come back.
Grigg: I move that we send to Council "The Transportation Board reviewed the I25.SH392 plan.
The plan has identified alternative strategies but needs further work. Therefore,the
Transportation Board recommends acceptance of the plan to continue the planning process."
Edmondson: Second.
Thomas: Friendly amendment that"Ten percent(10%)be set aside for Transit in the package."
Miller: Second.
Robert: Action item summary: recommend approval of the plan...
Jenkins: There is an opportunity to really get something on the map. The problem is in getting people
(vehicles) from point a to point b.Transit should be part of the soul of the whole plan.
Jackson: The only discussions about transit are the I-25 EIS. This plan is basically constructed to
embrace the potential EIS alternative of transit down I-25. What is missing that you want to see.
Jenkins: '/4 of the traffic comes from Fort Collins, '/4 comes from Windsor.
Thomas: The plan references the MPO(9.42/1.52)
Jackson. Adding a specific recommendation might help it.A"such as" is probably fine.
Wray: My concern is that we have worked very hard to take this facility and make it work with
private/public partnership.
Thomas: I think failing to put Transit in was a mistake.It misses the point of 12 months of hard work
by a lot of people.
VanTatenhove: A lot of people work at the big box developments and need a ride to work.
Grigg. The word is intermodal. I'd like to see a statement that addresses not only transit,but also
intermodal.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
Wray: It is addressed in the plan as future development.
Clausen: I would like to be the voice of dissent. I don't think it needs to be attached to this request.
The purpose of this is widening the bridge and road. I think that could be addressed in a separate plan.
Steen: I agree.
Wray: A significant amount is being sought from private contributions. The surrounding property
owners are already feeling over taxed. Adding 10%would have a serious impact,as it wasn't
included at this point.
Thomas: Will there be another opportunity to offer that up?
Jackson: The fact that this plan acknowledges Transit indicates that there will be other opportunities
to address Transit.
Miller. I would like to see Transit built into the plan from the start. If you build it into everything you
build,you are multimodal immediately.
Grigg: One way to craft the motion would be to say to design it to include Transit, but not specify a
percentage.
Steen: Isn't the MPO involved in ensuring that Transit is built into everything we do?
Jackson: The MPO manages the overall regional project list from a financial standpoint.
Steen: The first issue is to build the intersection.
Edmondson: We are making a recommendation on policy. If we go forward without putting Transit
in, it won't get done.
Clausen: The portion of this plan that deals with transit talks about it and acknowledges it,but says it
isn't the purview of this plan. The point of this plan is to get people across I-25 safely.
Jenkins: I am all for improving the intersection and making it safe. It feels like a slippery slope to
approve this because it looks like we're approving open space and parks.
Jackson: The map shows what is on the books right now. It is seminal to the report because it shows
the return on the investment of improving the interchange.
Miller. The development pays for it. They create the partnership. Ultimately, they pass that cost on to
the taxpayers who buy their services and products. Those taxpayers want transit. Our job is to make
that happen. I think the specificity is important.
Jackson: One thing politically to consider—the Windsor Town Board isn't in the same place
considering transit.
Wray: We've been trying to coordinate a connection down Harmony. There isn't a lot of development
out there to pay for it. We do envision a fully built-out development.
Miller. It seems that a large amount of money to fund this is coming from taxes.
Wray: Roughly 80% from immediate land owners.
Edmondson: So we're taxing the people who own the surrounding property now.
Wray: We need up-front guaranteed money in order to get long-term funding.
Thomas: Do we want to add 10%for Transit?
Clausen: Is it tacking on an additional 10%or taking it out of what is there?
Thomas: Tack on an additional 10%for Transit.
Miller: Second.
The amendment passed: 6 in favor 3 against.
Grii f: Revised Motion: The Transportation Board recommends acceptance of the plan to
continue the planning process and recommends that 10%be added to the final negotiated funding
packet for Transit.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
Jenkins: Would the amendment go with this?
Robert: What would that do to the project?
Wray: We would have to find more money.
Edmondson: We aren't telling the planners what to do,we're establishing policy.
Miller: Our job is to help see that things get built. The way to do that is to implement the policy.
Edmondson: There is nothing in this plan that is locked in concrete. It is a plan of options that can be
put on the table.
Robert We're not saying put transit on the table,we're saying fund transit. They haven't ignored
it...it's in there.
VanTatenhove: I think it's a change in culture. Asking to fund transit at an early stage sends a strong
message.
Miller: we're saying fund the interchange and 10% of the money should be devoted to an alternative
mode. What I am hearing from people is that the community wants it.
Steen: I'm absolutely for Transit, but I see this as apples and oranges.
Clausen: The sticking point is the 10%. If we say we recommend a strong look at it,I can get behind
it.
Miller: The specificity isn't law. It can be changed.
Call to question: 5 in favor 4 opposed.
b. Legislative Policy Agenda
Mark Jackson
Last month I asked if you want to send comments on the LPA to Council. Page 31 has a list of
policy that council would defend regarding transportation.
Thomas: Section 5309 Transit money was used for operations,but since we got lumped into a
Transit Management Area it is now used for capital. I don't see that in here.
Jackson: Item#8 could include an example.
Thomas: I'd like to add,"e.g. preserving FTA 5309 dollars for operations as well as capital
costs."
Thomas: Item#10. Add a period after `funding.'
Clausen: Motion to accept changes.
Robert: Second.
The motion passed unanimously.
8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Edmondson: None.
Jenkins None.
Miller None.
VanTatenhove: Busing committee is putting together their recommendations regarding
choice busing for School of Choice students. Long term goal of the school
district is to get City buses and school buses linked up.
Frazier: Two issues with Troxell—Transfort cuts and Trash Districting. Does our
Board need to address Trash Districting with him?Trash Districting study
was funded.UniverCity: had a meeting a couple of weeks ago. Sub groups
are meeting.Homeless/near homeless sub group was well organized.Asked
that all groups consider homeless/near homeless. The DDA helped purchase
another trolley. Transit and Mobility group is concentrating on Wayfinding:
Legacy Parkway, signage in town and on I-25.
Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8
Transportation Board
October 17, 2007
Miller: I want to compliment Lary Schneider on educating his wife on snow
removal and giving her a great tour of the facility. She was also impressed by
asphalt recycling.
Robert: None.
Clausen: No report, but would like to request a presentation on the Harmony Road/I-
25 Corridor plan when possible.
Steen: Climate Task Force identified projects that will help reduce greenhouse
gases.
Grigg: CDOT Rail Relocation Study. We are trying to be included,but they are
focusing on coal trains.Need a way to fund underpasses.Hazmat is an
increasing issue due to chlorine products.
Thomas: When Fort Collins quit operating the streetcars,we had five of them. One
stayed here. The one in Charlotte is coming home, for$199,000. First phase
is to purchase the car and house it in the old Trolley Barn on Cherry. Second
phase is to restore it. Third phase is to get track to it.
Report from the Transit Task Force is included in your packet. Task Force is
disbanded.
Study Session for the Transportation Master Plan.Push to January so we
have new members involved.
b. STAFF REPORTS
Jackson:
City Engineer: Candidate is entertaining an offer.
Retreat: January/February?
December meeting: Forego meeting in lieu of dinner at a restaurant. Helmshire?
November meeting:November 28 at the new Police Facility.
MPO North Front Range Regional Transportation Plan& Transportation Improvement
Plan: Out for public comment. Available online at www.ncfrmpo.org
Mason Corridor: Met with Senator Allard's aide. The meeting ended up with her outlining
the steps in obtaining financial support. Strong indicators from FTA(presentation on Small
Starts...Mason was#1 on their slide about projects being funded).Jim Barr in Washington
DC called to ask what he could do to help..."your application looks great!"
November Aeenda:
• Plans for Harmony Road
• 2008 Work Plan -Action
9. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Polly Ben ett
Executive Administrative Assistant
MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting
January 16,2008
DATE: Wednesday,January 16,2008
LOCATION: 200 West Mountain Ave. Suite A
TIME: 6:00pm
For Reference: Ryan Staychock,NRAB Chair 481-1801
Ben Manvel Manvel,Council Liaison 217-1932
John Armstrong, Staff Liaison 416-2230
Board Members Present
Ryan Staychock,Glen Colton,Amy Dean,Rosemarie Russo,Joe Piesman, Clint Skutchan,Liz
Pruessner, Linda Knowlton
Board Members Absent:
Alan Apt
Staff Present
Natural Resources Dent: John Armstrong, Lucinda Smith, Susie Gordon,Alexis Hmielak
Guests
Ben Manvel, City Council
Ann Hutchinson, Chamber of Commerce
Before he convened the meeting,Ryan Staychock informed the group that, in order to have the
2008 NRAB meetings be more efficient,especially when the meeting has a presenter, future
meeting agendas will include 3 types of categories for agenda items.
1. Updates-which include listening,asking for clarification and refreshing memories.
They can also become a discussion or action item.
2. Discussions -which would require more direct involvement among board members to
come to consensus on recommendations,etc. They could also go into action item.
3. Action items -which can be both Updates and Discussions.
The group discussed the new agenda format.
• Clint Skutchan voiced his concern that the new format could limit input from the board
members,especially feedback to presenters of new information and that it was his
understanding input was the purpose of having an advisory board. He cautioned that
restricting input of any minority of the board was unwise.
• Ryan Staychock urged the group to be aware that input by the members of the board
should reflect the board,rather than personal input and that it was not his intent to silence
anyone.
• It was pointed out that the minutes should reflect the name of the board member making
comments when it is not reflective of the entire board's consensus.
• Joe Piesman related that he often has many questions of presenters,but suggested the
board be cognizant that when one member of the group has constant questions,they may
or may not be interesting to the other board members if it becomes a one-on-one
discussion with the presenter.
• As clarification,John Armstrong related he had suggested the new agenda format so that
the board would have better direction how to respond to presenters when they need
specific action from the board and comes prepared to help them. John stated that staff
recognizes the wide knowledge base represented by the NRAB members and the new
agenda format was intended to be a respectful approach to help the board organize time
and make sure that staff and council get what they need from the board. The format is for
guidance only.
• Glen Colton questioned why the board is given an update if the board cannot give any
feedback and stated that diversity of opinions is important.
• Clint Skutchan suggested that presenters inform the board when they are presenting an
update and are not asking action from the board. He also stated often presentations are
given to others and input from the NRAB helps them prepare for other presentations.
Ryan Staychock called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm
Ryan introduced Rosemarie Russo as the new member of the NRAB,who replaces Rob
Petterson,who resigned from the board due to a heavy schedule. She is Dean of Front Range
Community College with a background in environmental science,environmental law and
environmental education. She chaired a sustainability committee at the college and encouraged
the college to join the Climate Wise program. The members of the board introduced themselves,
gave professional background information and how long they have been on the Natural Resources
Advisory Board.
Public Comments
none
Review and Approval of the December 19,2007,minutes:
As the changes to the minutes submitted by Clint Skutchan by email
were not included in the minutes as presented,
Clint Skutchan moved to table the approval of the minutes until the February meeting.
Amy Dean seconded.
Motion passed unanimously
Discussion of Meals at Board Meetings
The Board discussed whether or not to provide meals at future NRAB meetings:
• Clint Skutchan pointed out that he had requested the Board discuss this issue in order for
the NRAB to be fiscally conservative and to show leadership in that area. He pointed out
there are approximately 27 boards that meet monthly in an advisory capacity to the City
Council and the money spent by the city on meals could be better put towards city
programs. He was corfcemed with the amount of food served and the waste of food not
eaten and suggested if the meals were not to be eliminated,they should be diminished in
size and cost.
• It was pointed out that the approximate cost of meals for the NRAB is$76/month-
$1000/year. Divided by nine board members,two staff members and perhaps one
presenter,the amount per person spent is approximately$6.33.
• Clint suggested the NRAB make a pledge to eliminate or reduce meals at board meetings
and put the money toward Natural Resources programs such as alterative fuels start up
program.
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• Linda Knowlton agreed the board needs to be cognizant of what they are costing the city,
and does not have a problem with bringing her own meal.
• Amy Dean stated she comes directly from work to the NRAB meetings. If she didn't eat
here she would have to stop for takeout. She appreciates having meals provided. Scaling
back on what is provided would be acceptable to her.
• Liz Pruessner pointed out the local restaurants appreciate the business the city offers
them,and that staff also works long days. Having meals is a benefit so they don't have to
go out and get a takeout meal.
• John Armstrong stated whatever direction the NRAB chooses to go, staff will follow it.
He pointed out there is an internal movement in the city to plan events with zero waste by
using and washing dishes and ordering in pans,not individual packaging. Leftovers are
minimal and are consumed by office staff. If board members bring in food from outside,
there may be more waste than is currently created and the city would have to dispose of
that extra waste. He also pointed out the City Council is also providing meals in a zero
waste manner.
• Ryan Staychock voiced his concern that being hungry during meetings could have a
psychological effect on the effectiveness of the board members, especially when
discussing difficult issues. However,if the board voted to eliminate meals he suggested,
in all fairness,to move the meeting time to 6:30 to allow people time to get something to
eat before the meetings.
• Glen Colton stated he could go either way on this,however, he felt the amount of money
spent is not great and that having a meal provided is a benefit to the board members who
take 2-4 hours to do service for the city. Plus,it saves time for the members to not go out
and get food for dinner.
Clint Skutchan moved that the meals at the NRAB meeting be reduced to "snack"size
and the balance of the money normally spent on meals be given back to the Natural
Resources Department projects and that the NRAB make a recommendation for the
other boards to follow suit. Linda Knowlton seconded the motion
The board discussed Clint's motion:
• The board was unclear if"snack"meals would be peanuts or pretzels and if snacks could
even be delivered to the meeting.
• Ryan Staychock suggested one possibility could be that NRAB members could call in
advance and order a meal if they wanted.However,he wasn't clear how that would
reduce total cost and unnecessary waste. He also felt"snacks"were not healthy eating.
• Clint Skutchan suggested the board could easily bring their own food and this was a way
to sacrifice food for the betterment of the Natural Resources Department.
Clint Skutchan amended his motion to eliminate the option of serving snack foods
at NRAB meetings,with the balance of his previous motion still standing.
Linda Knowlton seconded Clint Skutchan's amendment.
The board discussed Clint's amendment
• Ben Manvel stated he saw positive outcomes on either side of this discussion. He also
complimented the board on their spirit and intention to help the city financially.
However,he pointed out that the group gives a lot of time and effort and the City
appreciates it. The cost for meals is not much,plus the time spent having dinner is
valuable time to build board member relationships.
3
• As a final statement, Clint Skutchan said that he was not at the NRAB meeting for a
meal,but to help make the city a better place to live. If the members of the NRAB
choose a meal instead of donating the money to help National Resources Department he
would be disappointed at the lack of their environmental commitment.
• In closing,Ryan Staychock stated if individual members of the NRAB wanted to forego
eating,that was their decision,but he didn't think this board should change a policy that
would affect the interest and participation of future board members.
• Glen Colton stated if Clint felt a board member wouldn't serve without having a meal,he
took that as a personal affront.
• Ryan Staychock called the vote.
Vote was 3—5
Motion Failed with
Ryan Staychock,Glen Colton,Amy Dean,Rosemarie Russo,Liz Pruessner, opposing.
o Clint Skutchan announced that he will not be eating any meals at the NRAB meeting for
the next four years, starting tonight and encouraged other members of the board to do
likewise.
o Linda Knowlton indicated she would be eating at future meetings.
o Glen Colton asked for smaller portions.
Update on Building Code
Mike Gebo,Building Code and Services Manager for the Neighborhood Building Services
Department addressed the NRAB regarding a proposed upgrade of the Commercial Building
Code.
• Fort Collins currently uses the 1997 Uniform Building Code which has had many local
amendments.
• The Intemational Residential Code has already been adopted by the city of Fort Collins.
• The City is moving to adopt the 2006-09 International Building Code that would regulate
construction of all commercial buildings and all multi family buildings of tri-plex and
more. The IBC is the latest national standard.
• State law says all jurisdictions in the state of Colorado will have adopted the 2003
International Energy Conservation Codes by 2008. The City is looking to adopt the 2009
code,which is the next step up.
Mike gave the group some background on the current process:
• In 2006,the City established a committee composed of the Fort Collins Neighborhood
Building Services Department,architects, engineers,developers,builders,Larimer
County building department and Fire authority,to review the 1997 Uniform Building
Code and its amendments to determine if the City should amend it further or adopt the
most current building code.
• During the review process the group determined the 2006 International Standard Building
Code had some items that seemed incorrect,and when the supplement to the code was
issued,they discovered those errors had been corrected in a supplement.
• The committee therefore proposes to not adopt the amended 2006 code,but take portions
of the supplement to the 2006 code as local amendments and adopt major portions of the
upcoming 2009 International Building Code, thereby being ahead of most of the front
range in building codes.
4
• Fort Collins City Council agreed to this plan and asked the committee to study where
Fort Collins stands relative to services,provisions for multi-family building and radon
within this code.
Regarding those portions of the 2009 International Building Code that would affect the natural
resources of Fort Collins,Mike Gebo outlined what he thought the NRAB would be interested in.
• There was a philosophical change in thinking between the 1997 code and the 2009 code
regarding how to deal with fire in commercial buildings.
0 1997 code required fire to be contained by using multiple layers of sheetrock and
fire doors.
0 2009 code requires that sprinklers be installed to put out the fire without
containment and occupancy separations.
• Because buildings would be sprinkled you can have bigger buildings
made from wood or concrete built to the highest hazard occupancy and
eliminating extra materials that aren't needed.
• Multi family buildings of 3 or more will be required to have fire
sprinklers.
• The committee did a cost comparison of construction between the old and new code
relative to construction costs, labor,reduction of building materials and cost of a fire
suppression system and determine it was approximately equal.
• The 2009 code references"rooftop gardens"as a possible source of savings.
• The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code reflects the energy savings incurred by
building more energy efficient buildings.
o Requirements for greater wall insulation values.
o Slab on grades would have a perimeter insulation.
o Main entrances would require air locks.
In summary, Mike Gebo stated that by adopting the 2009 International Building Code,the city
would be saving energy by saving on building materials,building more energy efficient buildings
and fuel consumption to produce electricity for the buildings.He asked the NRAB to comment on
the code so he can relay that to the City Council when he meets with them next week.
The Board discussed Mike's presentation and asked questions.
• Ryan Staychock commented increasing R values insulation was a positive thing,but
wondered about the "wash"between the costs of fire sprinklers versus containment and
the additional construction costs.
o Mike Gebo stated the"wash"on cost of fire containment vs. sprinklers is mainly
in multi family dwellings which are currently required to have fire resistant
structures. Regarding commercial buildings,he felt there would be a cost
increase to provide more insulation, air locks and sprinklers.The committee has
not done a cost per kilowatts study,but Mike felt there would be substantial
energy savings in the long run.
• Clint Skutchan wondered what local changes in the code go above and beyond in multi-
family buildings and how does increase building costs affordable housing complexes.
o Mike pointed out, locally,Fort Collins will be ahead with life,health safety
options for multi family dwellings by requiring special fire-rated air locks on the
second floor for wheel chair access in a sprinkled building and radon reduction
systems in multi family buildings.The per-family cost of the radon abatement
systems is less in multi-family buildings.
5
o Mike also pointed out that the home owners and renters in Fort Collins are
already quite savvy regarding radon and having radon mitigation systems.
• In response to a question by Joe Piesman if all commercial buildings would be required
to have sprinkler systems,Mike Gebo said the mandate is for multi family buildings only
because that is where the greatest loss of life is.
• Clint Skutchan wondered how fool proof the sprinkler systems are and if they are
inspected.
o MikeGebo stated the Poudre Fire Authority is very much pro sprinkler systems.
They have surveys that show significant life and property savings because the
fire was put out much quicker.
o Glen Colton stated he is proud that Ft.Collins is on the leading edge of this and
that energy conservation is always a good thing.
Linda Knowlton moved to recommend to the Fort Collins City Council that they approve the
2006 International Building Code with amendments and the 2006 IE CC proposed by the
Neighborhood and Building Services. Joe Piesman seconded the motion.
The board voted 7-1 to support the motion.
Clint Skutchan voted against,citing lack of information about local amendments
Motion Passed
Trash Services Study
Susie Gordon of the Natural Resources Department and Ann Tutnquist,Policy and Project
Manager from the City Manager's Office addressed the NRAB regarding the current Trash
Services Study.
Ann Turnquist noted that she will be project managing the trash study that was funded in the
2008 budget. City Manager Darin Atteberry added it to the mix of projects for$75,000 to
complete a study on trash issues in Fort Collins. She gave the board a memo she gave the City
Council at their January 8 meeting that outlined the study and then talked about the highlights of
the project.
The problem statement: In what ways can the City reduce the impacts of trash collection
services in Fort Collins,addressing issues of air quality,neighborhood aesthetics,noise,
neighborhood safety and the cost of local street wear? Are there ways that we might also
improve diversion rates for recyclables?
The project Scope: The project will review background information regarding trash collection
issues in Fort Collins,identification of issues(causes and effects),past studies,legal issues, and
options for addressing issues which are identified. Options under consideration will include: no
changes to the existing system,additional regulatory actions towards identified problems or
districting of trash services with City billing.
Project Schedule:
• City Council agreed with the focus of this study.Ann Tumnquist pointed out that Fort
Collins did a similar study 10 years ago,but only focused on trash districting. The
current study will also focus on recycling and opportunities for improved waste stream
diversions.
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• They are in the process of doing an RFP to hire a consultant.
• They will do outreach with citizens and involve the trash haulers.
• They plan to have another work session with City Council in the 3's quarter of 2008 to
present some options .
• The project should be concluded by the end of 2008,with Council making decisions
about which option(s)to pursue during the 4t'quarter of 2008.
Ann Tumquist asked the NRAB if they had any issues that her study should specifically address.
She will also be coming back to the Board later as part of her public outreach efforts. Susie
Gordon pointed out the main purpose of tonight's presentation is to introduce Ann Tumquist as
the project manager and alert the board to the study's scope.
• In answer to a question by Ryan Staychock who asked if there will only be three options
considered by the study, Ann Tumquist stated regulatory actions could be a number of
different things short of districting,which could be more recycling, stronger pay-as-you-
throw,etc.
• Joe Piesman stated he had read an article recently that it was best for this type of study to
come from the City Manager's office because the Natural Resources Department was biased
towards trash districting.
o Ben Manvel stated this study is broader than just natural resources and has been a
political hot button in the past. The goal is to have a neutral and broad study, and to
run it out of the City Manager's office is not derogatory to any city department or
staff.
o Ann also stated that Council directed staff to eliminate the option of creating a City
run trash utility from the list of options under consideration.
• Linda Knowlton agreed running the study from the City Manager's office was a great idea.
She also stated she received an insert in her trash hauler's monthly statement that stated the
trash study was the first step in a city-run trash program.
• In answer to Glen Colton's question of what role the trash haulers have in this,Ann Tumquist
stated the trash haulers are also community members and,as such, will also be part of the
discussion and the city will be sensitive to their concerns as experts in the trash business.
Glen clarified that it might be a conflict of interest to have the trash haulers make
recommendations on the study,if the consensus of options would not be acceptable to the
haulers. Ann agreed it was a hard line to walk,but noted that there will not be a task force or
committee involved in this project.
• Ryan Staychock asked if a city utility is such a hot topic,why isn't it on the table to talk
about.
o Ben Manvel stated it was apolitical judgment and most people don't want to put the
haulers out of business. As the city looks at look at best practices, Ben assumed the
city would look at districting,but that is not their target.
• Ryan also asked if a city-run utility using haulers is mutually exclusive. What about a private
partnership.
o Susie pointed out it's a fine distinction. One definition of trash districting is that the
city buys trucks and sets up a whole trash hauling system and eliminates private
haulers . Another version of districting is that the city is the regulator,manager and
billing entity and pays the haulers to provide the service.
• Joe Piesman asked if the City has districting, would they regulate the price and eliminate
competition.
7
o Susie explained some cities who have trash districts ask the haulers to bid on a route,
but it could result that each route had a different rate and that would be an awkward
situation. Rates are a big issue.
• Clint Skutchan cautioned that the lowest price not be the only determining standard and that
the city not box itself in by saying"additional regulatory actions"because there are many
things already on the books that aren't being enforced. He was also concerned there might be
barriers to cooperatives that are already in place with HOAs, `organic"cooperatives, etc. hi
addition,he would like the City address`reuse"rather than recycling and to take credit for
the things they are already diverting from the landfill such as asphalt.
• Glen Colton questioned whether or not the city is considering asking those who provide
packaging or fluorescent light bulbs to take them back.
o Susie explained that a broader implication of solid waste is other types of waste
diversion including"take back' and might be a part of a broader systems analysis
and materials flow analysis.
o Ann cautioned to not make the issue so complicated we never get anything done
and stay focused on the study.
• Ryan Staychock commented that it is important to see reduction in waste to landfills,
increase in recycling and things that help the environment and provide economic
opportunities within out city limits.
• Joe Piesman pointed out one of Fort Collins' success stories is solid waste diversion and
he hopes that whatever direction the trash study goes it will continue this momentum.
• Clint Skutchan suggested having a parking lot for entrepreneurial activities regarding
recycling and waste and share with economic development department City as an
incubator.
• Susie announced that the state of Colorado has some grant money available for business
opportunities that will create more recycling and jobs. She asked the NRAB to pass this
information along to anyone who may be interested.
• Ryan Staychock asked if the NRAB should reconvene a solid waste subcommittee and if
it would be helpful for them to work with the trash study. Ann responded the public
involvement has not been determined at this time.
Sustainability Plan
Lucinda Smith gave the NRAB an update on the Action Plan for Sustainability
The Action Plan For Sustainability is a city document that deals only with internal municipal
operations,not within the community. It was developed by an interdepartmental team with the
help of the Brendle Group as a consultant.
o They evaluated current activities and did gap assessment.
o They looked at nine different goal areas and evaluated what was/wasn't being done and
recommended general targets and specific objectives within each of them.
o The Action Plan for Sustainability was adopted in 2004,and since December,2005,an
interdepartmental team has been meeting quarterly to try to implement this. It is not
specifically funded,but is a top priority for the city manager. The plan can be found on
line at hap://fcgov.com/sustainabilily/pdf/sustainabilityplan.ndf
The policy goal for the city regarding sustainability—'The city of Fort Collins will serve as a
community leader in sustainability by conducting daily operations through balanced stewardship
of human, financial,and environmental resources for present and future generations."
o 9 goals identified in the plan
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o Sustainable purchasing
o Vehicles and Equipment
o Employee health
o Employee safety
o Green building
o Employee commuting
o Health ecosystems
o Recycling and waste reduction
o Management tools for continual updating—employee outreach
Lucinda Smith presented a memo showing progress made in the goal areas,however,there are
many other things that are being done.
o Purchasing policies have been updated to consider lifecycle analysis,minimizing waste in
packaging,buying recycled, chlorine-free paper,using vegetable inks in printing,
electronics, and scrap metal recycling. This is not a mandate,but employees have been
made aware through orientations.
o Lucinda pointed out that in the area of internal electronics recycling,one of the
city purchasers got an award in 2006 to consolidate and increase effectiveness of
recycling of electronics.
o Utilities are piloting using vegetable oil in transformers instead of petroleum oil.
o Scrap metal recycling used to be individual departments did own thing. The city
has now contracted with one vendor as a better financial benefit to city.
o Vehicle purchasing has identified questions to be asked when a vehicle request is made to
determine if a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle would be appropriate, or could the
vehicle size be reduced for the specific use.
o Out of approximately 500 vehicles,the city fleet currently has 13 hybrids, 97
propane(bi-fuel), 8 CNG,48 E-85 and some electric carts in the parks.
o The city also owns a Smartcar that gets 40-60 mpg and is 0%recyclable.
o The city uses B20 in all diesel-powered equipment with no apparent reduction in
performance.
o The city was recently awarded a$40,000 grant from the Clean Diesel
Collaborative to retrofit some diesel equipment(4 transit busses and cab heaters
to 4 city dump trucks)in return,the City will measure emissions changes over
two years.
o Regarding employee health and safety, which has a significant financial benefit to the
City:
o In 2006,56%of benefited employees participated in a wellness program and
48%attended the Health Fair.
o An Employee Safety Manual was completed in 2007
o Quarterly injury reports were instituted in 2006 with training relative to reducing
injuries from specific activities.
o Regarding new city buildings, in 2006,the City adopted a goal that all new city buildings
must meet LEED standards. Fort Collins is only the third city in the US to have such a
high standard.
o There are 2 LEED certified buildings currently in the city-the vehicle storage
facility and CSU transit center.
o The Police Services building and Azatlan Center(which focused on reusing
materials)opened this year and are in process of getting LEED Silver
certification which takes 4 months. The LEED Gold standard was not achieved
here because the architectural planning was completed before the 2006 mandate
and it would have been too expensive to redesign for Gold standards.
9
o The next LEED Gold Certification building will be the Museum Discovery
Center and possibly a major retrofit of the Senior Center and the new library at
Front Range.
o In answer to a question from Clint Skutchan to describe what LEED criteria are,
John Armstrong will arrange for a future presentation to the NRAB that explains
the LEED Building Certification system.
o Lucinda Smith explained that existing city buildings have an important
environmental footprint so the city hired Johnson Controls to audit their energy
efficiency performance. So far they have audited 29 city facilities in the general
fund,library, golf and utilities areas(not wastewater treatment)and determined
275 proposed projects to increase energy efficiency. Negotiations are underway
for the costs of these projects.
o The Action Plan for Sustainability also calls for healthy ecosystems, specifically water
use management.
o Three pilot sites were targeted for improved irrigation efficiency at:
Canterbury/Drake; Taft Hill/Drake and Oak Street Plaza
o The city also studied city policies that affect water use and look for any
contradictions and barriers. In 2006 an interdepartmental committee looked at it
and came forward with some policy change recommendations to eliminate any
contradictions.
o Office recycling and waste reduction goals are to use 30-50%recycled paper by
educating staff through"Paper Trails"informational monthly emails and archiving
documents with PDF software instead of printing
o Sustainability Planning
o General employee outreach such as new employee orientation,city website,Fort
Shorts newsletter and wellness fair.
o Workshop of how to put on"green"events
o Last year the city offered a sustainability scholarship program to city employees
to pay for certification/trainings that help sustainability of the city.
o Peer Exchange—requests from other cities to meet and discuss sustainability—
Denver,Aurora,Pueblo,Breckenridge.
Lucinda Smith reported the annual report for sustainability for 2006 is on the city's website and
the annual report for 2007 is almost done.
Looking ahead
• The City of Fort Collins just became a Climate Wise partner which will give the city a
structured opportunity to look at the sustainability of city operations.
• A half-time Sustainability Coordinator will be hired to go and work with departments.
• The Sustainability Plan will be updated to see what has been done and where the city
needs to go.
• Good advice to tackle such a large project: Start where you are. Use what you have.Do
what you can.
The NRAB discussed Lucinda's presentation.
• Ryan Staychock asked what are other communities around the country doing to broaden
the scope of sustainability that includes the public and how would we do that here.
o Lucinda responded that many communities have external programs. However, in
many ways that are not visible,Fort Collins is already doing this, although there
is always more that can be done. One way to start could be to have a
10
sustainability forum between the city and CSU to get the dialogue going and try
to coordinate all the sustainability efforts that are already going on in the City.
o Rosemarie Russo pointed out that Front Range Community College has had a
lecture series at the college and then at the library that have been very successful.
o Ryan Staychock clarified that he was mainly concerned about policy around
activities that have negative impacts on the City's environment. He would like to
have the community provide leadership in this area and wondered how would
Fort Collins move forward with such policies.
• Lucinda pointed out this would require a high level coordinator such as
what the City of Denver has. However,Fort Collins does not have the
funds to hire an external coordinator right now.
• Glen Colton suggested the NRAB could play a role here to provide
leadership in sustainability. He suggested the board have a work session
on this topic and talk about what they can do to lead this.
• Joe Piesman suggested the City have a sustainability expo that shows
how the City of Fort Collins is serious about sustainability.
• Rosemarie Russo reported Front Range Community Collage has a
sustainability plan and would be willing to share information.
o The Board agreed to discuss having a sustainability subcommittee at the next
meeting.
o In response to Ryan Staychock's question about the environmental impact of
employees that commute to Fort Collins,Lucinda Smith stated there is a whole
goal area for employee commuting. However,quantitative goals have not been
set. The City is still doing transportation demand programs,but the Smart Trips
program is over. A subcommittee has just convened to survey employee
commuting habits.
Clint Skutchan cautioned the City should not to discriminate against
employees that don't live within the city,but should encourage ride
share.
New Business
• Ryan Staychock will prepare the Natural Resource Advisory Board Annual Report for
2007,which is due January 31,2007.
• Regarding subcommittees,John Armstrong confirmed that staff would support them but
suggested the group be large enough to be effective.
• Joe Piesman suggested the NRAB have a standing task force to review the NISP EIS
report when it comes out.
• Ryan Staychock will go before the City Council meeting February 12, during the public
comment period to affirm the NRAB's vote against the NISP project.
• John Armstrong announced the Natural Resources Department will be moving to 215 N.
Mason at the end of March. February's NRAB meeting will be held at 200 W.Mountain
conference room as usual. He will provide adequate notice to the NRAB where they will
meet after the move.
Council Six Month Planning Calendar
• Clint Skutchan asked if the NRAB should weigh in on the Council's consideration of
Parks and Recreation's policy updates, as they pertain to natural resources. Glen Colton
agreed the NRAB should take a look at it.
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• The February 20,NRAB meeting agenda will include elections,committee assigmnents,
Parks and Rec.policy updates, sustainability and LEED building criteria.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 pm
Submitted by Alexis Hmielak
Administrative Secretary I
Approved by the Board on 200E
Signed
Date 1 3-/ or'
Administrative Secretary I
Extension: 6600
12
MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting
December 19,2007
DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2007
LOCATION: 200 West Mountain Ave. Suite A
TIME: 6:00pm
For Reference: Ryan Staychock,NRAB Chair - 481-1801
Ben Manvel,Council Liaison - 217-1932
John Armstrong, Staff Liaison - 416-2230
Board Members Present
Ryan Staychock,Alan Apt,Glen Colton,Amy Dean,Rob Petterson,Joseph Piesman, Clint
Skutchan,Liz Pruessner, Linda Knowlton
Staff Present
Natural Resources Dent: John Armstrong,John Stokes,Lucinda Smith, Alexis Hmielak
Ryan Staychock called meeting to order at 6:03
Introduction of Guests
Clark Mapes, Fort Collins City Planner
Public Comments
none
Agenda Review
None
Review and Approval of Minutes:
Regarding the October 17, 2007,minutes, Ryan Staychock reported he was absent for
that meeting and could not have volunteered to arrange a presentation regarding uranium
mining. Reference to his name will be withdrawn.
Liz Pruessner moved and Joe Piesman seconded a motion to approve the
October 17, 2007, minutes with the above correction.
Corrected minutes were unanimously approved
Regarding the November 28, 2007, minutes Ryan Staychock asked that his statement
regarding urban forestry funding should have"on a national scale"inserted after the word
"funding".
Glen Colton moved and Joe Piesman seconded a motion to approve the November 28,
2007 minutes with the above teat insertion.
The amended minutes were approved unanimously
Ryan Staychock reported the Fort Collins City Council, at its December 4, 2007,
meeting, adopted Resolution 2007-108 Expressing Council's Opposition to the Mining of
Uranium in the vicinity of Nunn, Colorado. The NRAB discussed the resolution and
whether the NRAB wanted to endorse it:
• Joe Piesman stated he watched the council meeting on Channel 14 and pointed
out text was deleted from the resolution that stated this would be the first ISL
uranium mine in this area,because there had been a test mine previously east of
Nunn. He also reported there was outspoken testimony from 30—40 people from
the audience against uranium mining and 3 in favor; 2 of which were Powertech
employees
• Rob Petterson stated he is not in favor of uranium mining so close to Fort Collins,
but expressed his disappointment that the City Council made this resolution
without input from Powertech. He will abstain from endorsing Council's
resolution to show he does not endorse way Council handled this.
• Clint Skutchan also is against uranium mining and agreed that the Council's
process was not the proper way to conduct business as elected officials. He stated
they should have given Powertech an opportunity to present their case. He will
also abstain from endorsing Council's resolution.
• Linda Knowlton also agreed with Clint that she was disappointed Council did not
ask for input from Powertech, especially since Fort Collins has no jurisdiction
over the permitting process.
• The group discussed whether they should include these comments in their vote to
endorse the City Council's resolution, the fact that time was of the essence for
Council to adopt this resolution to show the city's opposition to uranium mining
and that open pit mining was also an option.
• Ryan Staychock stated he appreciated the proactive and enthusiastic efforts of
Council, agreed it could have been handled differently, but strongly supports the
resolution.
• For the record, Ryan Staychock read the resolution opposing uranium mining.
Glen Colton moved to support the Fort Collins City Council
Resolution 2007-108 Expressing Council's Opposition to the
Mining of Uranium in the Vicinity of Nunn, Colorado
Liz Pruessner seconded.
Motion passed with one abstention by Clint Skutchan
Update on Climate Task Force:
Lucinda Smith made a presentation to update the NRAB on the Climate Task Force's
thinking, views and progress to date. She pointed out Liz Pruessner is the NRAB's
representative to the Task Force and is also on an outreach subcommittee that has helped
to shape the presentation to the various boards. Lucinda asked the NRAB to provide
input on this presentation for her to take back to the Task Force.
• Regarding the issue of global warming, Lucinda summarized some of the results of
the Air Quality Survey taken by citizens of Fort Collins in 2007 regarding global
warming.
2
o 85%believe global warming is real; 74%believe it is caused by human-
caused emissions.
o 79%believe governments should do more by empowering citizens and
businesses to make choices to reduce global warming; 69%believe
governments should enact legislation and regulations to reduce global
warming.
• Actions taken by the State of Colorado regarding global warming:
o Governor Ritter released the Colorado Climate Action Plan in November
2007.
■ The plan calls for 20% greenhouse gas reduction below 2005 levels by
2020 and 80% greenhouse gas reduction below 2005 levels by 2050.
o The State Climate Action Panel made 55 recommendations to reduce
40,000,000 metric tons of CO2 by 2020,with a net savings of$2.6 billion.
o Fort Collins' consultants, the Brendle Group,reviewed the state's strategies,
including adoption of the California Clean Car Standard and a low carbon fuel
standard, identified which ones would reduce carbon emissions in Ft. Collins
and determined an additive impact on Fort Collins of a reduction of 86,000
tons of CO2.
• Summary of Fort Collins' efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG):
o The City Council established a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal in 1999 to
reduce GHG emissions 30%below 2010 levels,by 2010.
■ Included Green Power Program, Demand Side Management Program,
Climate Wise and recycling programs.
o The city is doing well,but is not on track to meet the 2010 goal. Existing and
expected actions between now and 2010 will help close the gap.
o Many of the "low hanging fruit or easy to accomplish" strategies have already
been done
o There will be costs as well as benefits associated with achieving significant
emission reductions.
o Momentum with other cities and at the state level can help.
o Climate protection activities can support economic development,plus there is
a cost of inaction.
• In March, 2007, the City Manager appointed the Climate Task Force to:
o Solicit input from the public and boards.
o Develop an updated plan that describes the steps Fort Collins could take to
meet the 2010 target.
o Include measures in the updated plan to promote renewable energy, energy
efficiency,transportation efficiency and waste reduction.
o Base recommendations on the most useful and defensible resources, including
any relevant information from the Colorado Climate Project.
o Make recommendations on how the City should develop a future direction for
climate protection after 2010.
• The Climate Task Force is made up of 12 members from:
o Fort Collins Sustainability Group
o Colorado State University
o Poudre School District
o Climate Wise Steering Committee
o Platte River Power Authority
o Larimer County
3
o City of Fort Collins
0 5 Council advisory boards (Air Quality, Economic Advisory, electric,Natural
Resources and Transportation).
• The Task Force's goal was to identify short term reduction strategies in order to
achieve 1.1 million tons of CO2 avoided in 2010.
o The Task Force felt it was more important to achieve sustainable reductions
that would carry forward than to achieve the goal as soon as possible, even if
it were after 2010.
■ Clint Skutchan agreed with this philosophy and complimented the
Task Force for their hard work,but voiced his concern that the Task
Force was setting unattainable goals and that setting unattainable
goals year after year could deter the public from"buying-into"them.
• The board then discussed the importance to get the plan in motion now, even if the
goals can't be met by 2010, so that the momentum is there to achieve it soon after.
They also discussed the necessity of having aggressive goals still out there after the
short term goals have been met.
o Lucinda pointed out the Task Force has had in-depth discussions regarding
public buy-in and has recommended an on-going advisory committee to help
form public outreach strategies.
• Development of measures to help close the gap:
o The Task Force began by looking at things that are currently existing and
likely to continue on trajectory and then gathered new ideas from the public,
boards, experts, etc. They filtered 200 strategies and selected measures for
short-term benefit and those that are within local control in order to meet the
2010 goal.
• The good news—the strategies they are looking at should achieve 404,000 tons CO2
reduction in the year 2010.
o Business and residential recycling
o Climate Wise
o Renewable energy programs
o Electric energy conservation programs
o Landfill methane capture—new strategy
o Carbon sequestration by trees in FC
o Electric distribution system improvements
0 2004 residential energy code
o E-waste ban
o HB1037 Natural gas conservation programs—new strategy
o Methane flaring and heat recovery at WWI(this should be WWT, for Waste
Water Treatment)
o FortZED jumpstart
• Regarding the cost effectiveness and benefits of new strategies in solid waste
reduction/recycling,multi-media, energy and transportation, the current average
annual cost effectiveness is estimated to be $20/ton=$20 million/yr. However,
funding was not identified by the Brendle Group's analysis.
• Strategies currently under discussion:
o How to meet the city's 50%waste diversion goal.
o Enhanced Climate wise program—increasing membership from 70 to 200.
o Local carbon offset program as possible revenue stream.
o Government leading by example reducing 20%by 2010.
4
o Community-wide climate challenge with every household having 2 Compact
Florescent Light bulbs, either by choice or through utilities.
o Energy use:
Provide incentives for individual renewable energy projects such as
PV, solar/thermal and ground source heat pumps.
• Increase city's energy goal to 15%renewable energy by 2010.
• Tiered residential electric rates.
• The group discussed energy use of low income versus higher
income citizens and cautioned not to place financial hardship
on citizens whose income is on the margins of these categories.
• Residential smart metering.
• Time-of-sale home energy conservation ordinance.
• Low cost home energy assessments would offer funding, incentives
and information to homeowners to help them implement the energy
assessment.
• Natural gas energy conservation programs.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and consumption reduction.
o Transportation measures under consideration,but not discussed in detail yet:
• Walking and cycling programs.
• Reinstate TDM-type program.
• Financial incentives for low energy vehicles (LEV)purchases.
• Transit service innovations and improvements.
• Modern roundabouts for new or redeveloped intersections.
• School transport management programs.
• Parking incentives for LEV.
• Clint Skutchan expressed his opinion that having incentives for
LEVs would create ill will since it would create privilege for
those who can afford a LEV vehicle. He suggested incentives
for getting the less efficient vehicles off the road and then
buying more efficient vehicles would have a greater impact on
the environment.
o After the Task Force evaluated conservative and aggressive measures, they
felt an aggressive approach may be best way to reach 2010 goal.
• Climate Task Force 2008 schedule:
o Get input from Boards and city staff in December/January
o January 31 —Strategic Issues Team(SIT)review of the plan
o February 26 - Task Force to take input,rework the plan and submit to
Council work session.
o February 27—Public open house and presentation of Federal actions that
address climate change.
o March—Task Force considers feedback from Council and public open house.
o April—Board review
o May 6—Council action
Lucinda asked the group to let her know their thoughts on how to best present this
program to the City Council and to the general public. She also offered to update the
NRAB on the Climate Task Force plan before Council's February work session.
5
• The board discussed Clint Skutchan's suggestion that the board take some credit
for keeping recycled asphalt out of landfill and whether or not there is an
emissions factor regarding asphalt recycling.
• Joe Piesman wondered if the new energy bill just passed in Congress will affect
emissions since all federal buildings are supposed to be carbon neutral by 2030.
• The NRAB recognized the fact that per-capita emissions are growing as is the
impact of transportation.
• The group discussed ideas how to achieve 2 CFLs in every home including
coupons, Scouts selling door-to-door and utility incentives.
• Regarding natural gas, the Task Force has considered working directly with Xcel
or the Public Utilities Commission to get them to change their rate structure to
promote conservation or to increase the occupation tax on them, which would
then be reflected in higher rates to encourage citizens to conserve.
• The NRAB discussed how funding will be determined for the above plan outside
of any tax measure.
o Linda Smith pointed out the costs are not clear yet because the plan is still
in the development state. Possibilities could be a carbon tax,utility fee,
and some voluntary revenue from a local carbon offset program
o Liz Pruessner related the Climate Task Force had discussed funding at
every meeting. The Task Force has done a lot of work to quantify the
conservative estimates,but they realized the conservative approach
doesn't get us close to the goal, so they are revamping their work to
quantify the more aggressive scenario.
o Joe Piesman suggested not to be afraid to spend money up front on things
like smart meters because it could save a lot in the long run.
• Glen Colton suggested that land use and transportation planning be evaluated in
tandem because they are big issues facing Fort Collins. If commercial and high
density buildings are placed at the major intersections at I-25, CO2 would
increase.
o The board also discussed the fact that lifestyle changes are necessary to
achieve the desired energy/emission reductions and population growth will
make meeting the climate goals more difficult.
o Also discussed were ways to make transportation for children more
efficient and less vehicle-dependant by bicycling and walking to school,
and how to make Fort Collins more pedestrian-friendly.
Update on Northern Integrated Supply Project(rIISP)/Glade Reservoir:
• John Stokes reported that last May the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy
District(NCWCF)presented the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) to
Fort Collins City Council for their consideration. The Council then asked staff
(primarily Natural Resources and Utilities)to do an analysis of this complicated
project and draft an environmental impact statement for their review.
o John Stokes pointed out staff research and analysis has only been focusing
on the direct impact of this project to the city of Ft. Collins; nothing
regionally.
6
• At the December 11, 2007, City Council work session, John Stokes gave a mini-
presentation to update Council on staff s progress and to be sure their efforts were
in line with Council's directive. For this evening's NRAB meeting, John Stokes
gave a brief update of the same presentation. He also informed the board that they
can find more information about the NISP project on the Northern Colorado
Water Conservancy District (NCWCF)website: www.ncwcd.org.
• John then explained that, according to the National Environmental Policy Act, if
any major action involves Federal money or land, the Federal government gets
involved in the permitting process. The Army Corps of Engineers will be the
permitting agency for the NISP project. Their goal is to choose the Least
Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) and construct a
draft environmental impact statement for the project.
• The draft environmental impact statement will include four different alternatives:
o Glade Reservoir and the South Platte Water Conservation Project
(SPWCP)
o Cactus Hill Reservoir and the SPWCP—smaller plains reservoir east of Ft.
Collins
o Agricultural to municipal transfers, Glade and a reduced SPWCP
o No Action
• John Stokes explained that NISP is a water supply project proposed by the
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and its 15 partners to provide
water to this area. Issues involved in this project are:
o Water would be diverted from the mouth of Poudre River into a very large
reservoir north of Ft. Collins named Glade Reservoir.
■ This diverted water would not flow back into the Poudre River and
run through Ft. Collins because it will be diverted through
Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake via pipelines and other
delivery mechanisms.
■ Water would be taken from mouth of canyon because it's much
cleaner and would require less treatment.
o Highway 287 would be moved to go around the reservoir.
o The total annual water yield that the project would provide to communities
in northern Colorado is approx. 40,000 acre ft/yr., which could support
120,000 households per year.
o John Stokes pointed out it is important to remember there are 2 water
rights with the project and each are delivered differently:
■ South Platte Water Conservation Project =24,000 AF/yr
• A new reservoir would be built at the confluence of the
Poudre and South Platte rivers and would deliver the water
collected to irrigators on the plains who will forego water
from ditches that come off the Poudre River.
• The unused ditch water will be stored in Glade Reservoir,
making a new water district for use on the plains to
supplant the water taken from Poudre and stored.
• This water diversion will happen every year.
■ The Grey Mountain Right= 16,000 AF/yr
7
• It is water that is diverted during wet years only when the
river is running high.
• John Stokes then addressed the impact of NISP on Fort Collins regarding the
volume of water flowing down Poudre every year.
o The native average flow of the Poudre River is approx. 300,000 acre ft/yr.
o Current average flow at the Lincoln street gauge in Ft. Collins is
approximately 112,500 acre feet. (2/3 of Poudre is being diverted.)
o The resulting reduced volume due to NISP is projected to be 84,500 acre
ft/yr at the Lincoln gauge.
o The presentation showed a projection of how the NISP project(both South
Platte Water Conservation Project water diversion and Grey Mountain
water diversion)would have impacted the Poudre River for the past 15
years.
■ The model projects dramatic monthly impacts to the amount of
water going through Ft. Collins at the Lincoln gauge.
■ The impact to the monthly flow during the peak months of May,
June and July would have ranged 30%to 70% of the flow,
depending of the amount of flow.
o John Stokes expressed the preliminary concerns of the research staff:
■ Less water in the river and reduced peak flows which would build
up fine sediment,reduce habitat and reduce the capacity of the
river channel to carry high flows.
■ Lower flows over time would increase water temperature inducing
drought conditions.
■ We will lose the consistency of higher flows which would affect
vegetation along the river, specifically cottonwoods,which would
not have essential flooding for their regeneration cycle.
■ In an average year,we will have a lower flow. Bank full flow is a
way to push sediment out of the river.
■ Lower water flow would affect water quality and affect water
treatment plants on the river. Less water is in the river would
create less dilution of pollutants.
■ Potential increase in water treatment costs because the water from
Glade that will be pumped to Horsetooth is of lesser quality than
what will already be in Horsetooth.
• John Stokes stated the environmental impact statement should have mitigation
measures,but staff won't know what they are until the document comes out in
February.
• Next steps for staff research group:
o Continue working to understand the effects of NISP.
0 90 day review period for the Environmental Impact Statement
■ Staff review and analysis =45 days
o Make recommendations to council in response.
■ Council reviews =45 days
o Make recommendation to the Army Corps of Engineers
The NRAB discussed the NISP project as presented:
8
■ Regarding a question from Clint Skutchan about economic impacts to Ft. Collins
such as water treatment costs, John Stokes reported staff was not looking at those
kinds of economic impacts, but rather the value of the river to the city by having a
valuation survey done by a professor at CSU to consider:
o Impacts to downtown Fort Collins' businesses if fewer citizens are
downtown because of less river recreation.
o What economic value do Ft. Collins residents place on the river and would
they pay in mitigation funding to maintain the flow.
o Preparing evidence for possible court action to stop the project that
supports the value of the Poudre River to the city of Ft. Collins.
• Ryan Staychock pointed out the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District's
(NCWCD) objectives have been in the public eye for several years now.
However, after hearing the facts presented tonight, he stated he is 100% in
opposition to the NISP project. He also said that there is nothing in the National
Environmental Policy Act that says they have to choose any of the alternatives,
and feels the NCWCD has been aggressively pushing the NISP project as the
preferred alternative. Ryan asked the group if the NRAB would like to send a
clear message of opposition in the form of a motion to the Army Corps of
Engineers before the Corps accepts NISP as the preferred alternative.
• John Stokes stated the city is compiling a library of information about the Poudre
River and has organized the Poudre Technical Advisory Group (PTAG)of outside
scientists whose purpose is to help city staff understand what the Poudre River
was, is today and would be in the future if NISP goes forward. Their results will
be put into a white paper that will be available the beginning of 2008. John also
said there is an outside consulting group helping analyze the project, along with
some CSU scientists. He will keep the NRAB posted on this project.
• John Stokes also pointed out NISP is not the only threat to the Poudre river.
Much ditch water comes out of the Poudre and could be available for sale. He
would like to see a long tern plan developed by the City of Fort Collins to try to
maintain ecological river health. Currently,the river tends to dry up in the
summer and the city needs to determine ways to keep water flowing in the river
during the summer.
■ The group also discussed the importance of regionalism and keeping a balance of
resources in the area and that council should address this issue. Taking water
from the Poudre River without giving back does not benefit the region.
■ The Board discussed whether they had enough information to make a motion, the
wording of the motion and the necessity of opposing the project before the public
comment period. Ryan Staychock voiced his strong opinion the board needed to
take a stand on this issue. Clint Skutchan suggested the motion be that council
take action.
9
• Clint Skutchan stated that he would wait until after the data from the Army Core
of Engineers was released in order to make a more informed decision on whether
or not to oppose the project.
Joe Piesman moved and Alan Apt seconded the following motion:
The Natural Resources Advisory Board urges Council to oppose the Northern Colorado Water
Conservancy District's Northern Integrated Supply Project(NISP).The NISP preferred alternative
will dramatically reduce peak flows on the Cache la Poudre River as it travels through Fort Collins.
The negative consequences of these reduced flows include:
1. Reduced scouring flows on the Poudre during the spring and summer months.
2. Catastrophic silting of the Poudre in Fort Collins due to the lack of scouring flows.
3. Paradoxically,devastating floods during a large runoff event due to the silting.
4. Devastation of aquatic plants and invertebrate life in the Poudre Watershed due to decreased
water quality.
5. Destruction of a vibrant trout fishery currently available to residents of Fort Collins without
the need for long automobile rides.
6. Decreased viability of bird populations and the diversity of bird species so treasured by Fort
Collins residents.
7. Death of majestic mature trees due to changes in the water table.
8. Dramatic economic derailment of the planned River Corridor Plan for the Poudre.
The Poudre River is part of the heritage and the soul of Fort Collins.We urge Council to come out in
opposition to this threat immediately because time is of the essence and waiting for the Environmental
Impact Statement to be released will be too late. Please do everything you can do to defend the lower
stretches of the only river in the State of Colorado that is federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River.
Please protect the crown jewel of Fort Collins;the Cache la Poudre River.
Motion passed 7—1,with Clint Skutchan opposing
Update on I-25 and Harmony Activities and Harmony Corridor
City planner, Clark Mapes made a presentation regarding the proposed Harmony
Corridor Plan Amendment of the 1991 Harmony Corridor Plan, (Harmony Road from
College to I-25.)
■ This amendment involves the"Gateway Area" at the I-25 interchange on the west
side. It would change the land use designation in the subject area from "Basic
Industrial Non-Retail Employment"to "Mixed Use Retail Activity Center", and
add 105 acres to the designation south of Harmony.
• The amendment area is primarily 250 acres located on the southwest corner of
Harmony Rd& 1-25,plus a 20-acre area on the north side, some of which is
currently gravel pits, ponds and river valley.
10
■ Why amend the harmony corridor plan?
o The current plan does not state a conclusion about an outcome or a vision
for this area and designated it for"more work"to set a strategy for the
area.
■ The plan generally calls for the city's edge to taper down in terms
of development intensity, with the river valley floodplain corridor
helping to preserve the separate identities of Fort Collins and
Timnath, and to provide scenic, recreational, educational,habitat
and water management functions.
o Some conditions have changed since 1991 that staff feels has negated the
original plan and has caused staff to bring an amendment of the plan to
council at this time.
■ Arapahoe Bend,north of Harmony Road, was purchased by the
city as a Natural Area and will maintain a natural status.
■ In the past, land south of Harmony was offered to the city for
community separator purposes,but was declined due to costs and
difficulties of the extensive gravel mine closeout and restoration.
However, the city may revisit purchasing it.
■ The park and ride facility was constructed on the north side of
Harmony,with a long range plan to connect Transfort and the
Mason Corridor and possibly a region-wide I-25 bus system.
■ Larger buildings and retail complexes have been built at Centerra
and the event center, including an 8 story hotel near the
fairgrounds.
■ The ownership/development team of J. Stoner has proposed to
annex and work with the city on a large mixed use, urban
pedestrian district and transit center at Harmony and I-25.
• They are proposing to reshape the entire landscape of the
gravel pit so that the floodway would be confined into a
waterway by raising the land out of the floodplain, resulting
in an amenity to development
■ Clark Mapes shared some issues he thought would be of particular interest to
Natural Resources:
o Two separator studies were conducted in 1999 and 2003 that identified
land between Fort Collins, Timnath and Windsor that could be
cooperatively used without purchase. However, a competitive
development market and sales tax environment has grown instead in
northern Colorado, and as a result,the separator plan will probably never
happen.
o Two years ago Timnath amended their comprehensive plan to include
regional commercial development east of I-25, including a Super Wal
Mart shopping center is currently planned on the NE corner of 1-25.
o Timnath, Larimer County and the ownership team met and the ownership
team approached Fort Collins to collaborate on an urban mixed-used
development south of Harmony which would include multi-story
buildings, pedestrian walks, shared parking lots, waterways, canals,
bridges, parking structures, served by transit, regional and CDOT shuttles.
11
■ Their vision is to create something like the San Antonio water
district with canals,walkways, commercial and high rise
residential, from 6 to 15 stories high. They plan to offer a type of
urban living that doesn't currently exist in Ft. Collins.
• Clark pointed out that the magnitude of development here would
be similar to the Denver Tech Center south of Denver.
■ Clark pointed out the development would also redo the cell tower,
gas station and nursery and, once Wal Mart is finished, the
floodplain will be filled and gravel pit restored. The scenic views
of the mountains as a projection of Ft. Collins civic values would
be gone.
o Clark voiced his concern that if Fort Collins does not collaborate on this
project,the ownership company will approach Timnath and build it
anyway on the east side of I-25.
■ The group discussed if the development was in Timnath,would the
standards be lower than if Fort Collins collaborated in the
development.
o Clark Mapes related the Ft. Collins planning staff is concerned how to
handle the edge along I-25.
■ The group discussed the fact that the current plan has 1/4- '/2 mile
green area next to the highway, CDOT's plans to expand I-25 and
the impact this would have on the Poudre school district.
o City council will discuss this on January 22, as part of a larger discussion
regarding I-25 development.
■ The decision for city council is to keep the current plan or respond
the changes proposed.
■ The ownership group has filled out the petition for annexation of
the land but are waiting for the council's decision because they
prefer to be in Fort Collins. They have even hired the world's
leading wetlands restoration company to be on their team.
■ Clark then described the Fort Collins Harmony Gateway District Vision as it
would be affected by this amendment, since changing conditions have put
pressure to recast it as a regional center and transit hub.
o Under the proposed amendment, urban development would create a
unique shopping/employment/living destination in the region and state.
o The primary goals are to emphasize and capitalize on the opportunities of
reclaiming the existing gravel mine landscape, to create a high quality
gateway,to create a focused node of business activity and to create a
pedestrian district with mutually supportive mixed uses and a district sense
of place. The district would in turn mutually support evolution of public
transit on the two corridors and at the Transportation Transfer Center as a
future transit hub.
■ The gravel pit would be reshaped to create waterways, canals and
bridges as centerpieces for development.
■ The Gateway District would be a pedestrian district with multi-
story urban development, diverse businesses, urban styles of
housing and amenities for pedestrians and would support public
transit and connection to I-25 rapid transit.
12
■ Building heights up to 6 stories would be allowed, with a
possibility of a few taller towers up to 15 stories.
■ The large cell tower, existing gas station and landscape business
would be redeveloped to compliment the Gateway concept.
• Redevelop the Transportation Transfer Center on the north side of
Harmony as a future transit hub.
■ Clark mentioned the three main aspects of the amendment would hit all the goals.
■ An open landscape separator south of Harmony involving natural
areas.
■ Fill to restore the gravel pit could come from Eagle View Natural
Area and a waterway from Arapahoe Bend to Eagle View would
be created for the benefit of wildlife and to maintain heavily
landscaped area and a possible trail under Harmony Rd.
■ The sustainability of an urban transit hub for mixed-used multi-
story buildings.
• The group discussed the lack of infrastructure in Timnath as a basis of being a
blighted area of urban renewal, the desire of Ft. Collins not to have such
development in or near it and the impact of the view of the mountains that higher
buildings would have on the landscape.
The group discussed whether it is best to have input on the project or directly oppose it,
the impact this would have on the Arapahoe Bend Natural Area, the desire to increase
wildlife habitat at Eagle View Natural Area and the real possibility of 3 miles of solid
development along the I-25 corridor. Glen Colton stressed that regional cooperation
would be important here and that the city council needs to strongly address issues facing
the city such as uranium mines, taking water from the river and the issue at hand of urban
construction along I-25.
Clark Mapes pointed out tonight's presentation was for discussion only and to inform the
Natural Resources Advisory Board of what was going to be presented to Ft. Collins City
Council on January 22 as part of a work session about the city's whole paradigm of the I-
25 corridor. If the NRAB wants to make a recommendation, and the amendment
proceeds to hearings with City Council, Clark will return to the NRAB meeting in
February or March to talk to them.
New Business
Clint Skutchan asked about a new community exchange program on the internet
www.fortcollinscommunitvexchange.com where citizens can communicate with each
other and trade goods and services. John Armstrong pointed out this is a private grass
roots initiative and is not being run by Fort Collins. The city was approached by this
group to help advertise it and the city agreed to link to this site from the Fort Collins
recycling site.
Clint also suggested that, in addition to recycling, that staff provides the board with an
update on what the city does to provide information on how to re-use things,rather
than discard them. John Armstrong agreed there are aspects of re-use that could be used.
13
Discussion of January meeting agenda:
• Regarding the Trash Services issue, John Armstrong announced the council will
discuss this at the January 8, 2008,work session and suggested the NRAB watch
this session on Channel 14. This is in a very early stage and it may be premature
to put it on the NRAB January agenda.
• Sustainability plan
• Elections
• Board annual report for 2007 -due January 31.
• Sub-committees
• General board issues
Ryan Staychock announced Rob Petterson has resigned from the board due to an
overcommitted work load. On behalf of the board,he thanked Rob for his service,
dedication and work, especially on solid waste.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 pm
Submitted by Alexis Hmielak
Administrative Secretary I
Approved by the Board on 200$
Signed
Date
A 'nistrative Secretary I
Extension: 6600
14
• MINUTES
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
LAND CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP BOARD
Regular Meeting
200 W. Mountain, Suite A
January 9, 2008
DATE: Wednesday, January 9, 2008
LOCATION: 200 W. Mountain Avenue, Suite A
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
For Reference: Linda Stanley - 493-7225
Mayor Doug Hutchinson - 416-2154
John Stokes, Staff Liaison - 221-6263
Board Members Present
Raymond Boyd, Linsey DeBell, Greg Eckert, Michelle Grooms, Trudy Haines, Vicky
McLane, Linda Stanley, Dave Theobold, Karyl Ting
Board Members Excused
Council Liaison
• Mayor, Doug Hutchinson
Staff Present
Natural Resources /Natural Areas Department: Geri Kidawski, Mark Sears, John Stokes
Kristin Powell, Acting Lead Ranger, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Guests
Stephen J. Steinbicker, Architecture West, LLC
Jerry Robinson, Stewart & Associates
Public Comments
Agenda Review
Stokes: I would like to talk briefly at the end of the meeting about community separators.
Stanley: I would like to talk about a letter being circulated about Red Fox Meadows.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Vicky McLane moved to approve the December 12, 2007 meeting minutes. Michelle
Grooms second. They were unanimously approved.
•
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
January 9, 2008
Page 2 of 6
Volunteer Trail Host Program
• Powell: I have been a Ranger with the City of Fort Collins since 1997, and I'm
here this evening to talk about the Volunteer Trail Host Program(VTH).
Volunteers are given a polo shirt,ball cap, name tag and a wind breaker or jacket
all marked with the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Volunteer Trail Host logo.
Powell's presentation included these talking points:
o VTH program started in 2005 and has 54 active hosts.
o Volunteers receive 15 hours training plus 5 in-service hours and are
expected to give 20 hours patrol each year.
o Primary duties are:
• Serve as a visible presence in natural areas to enhance visitor
experience, answer questions, monitor conditions, visitor safety
and resource protection
o Training is conducted primarily by rangers; volunteers practice field
scenarios with rangers and each other.
o Training topics include:
■ Safety, visitor contact, authority of the resource, emergency
procedures, observation skills, natural area regulations and
common violations, reporting methods,property mapping and
more.
• Powell: Hosts contributed 581 site visits hours in 2007 alone. They sign up for
"site visits" and prepare log data on line. The log data is compiled weekly and the
Rangers respond to VTH logs by email. VTH special appreciation events include
exclusive Soapstone Prairie Natural Area tours, Gateway tour, CPR/151 aid and
annual picnic.
• Haines: How do you schedule volunteers for certain events or requests?
• Powell: Our IT department set up an Access account management database where
Hosts are assigned a password and can log in and sign up for an event or a site
visit, and also record actual hours spent during the site visit among other things.
• McLane: What are the male/ female age splits?
• Powell: We have quit a few retired folks, actually more males than females, we
also have a few college students and several couples.
• Grooms: What does patrol mean?
• Powell: Mostly the Hosts walk trails; talk with hikers, bikers and equestrians and
answerer questions. Sometimes, like at Bobcat Ridge they are stationed in the
parking lot because that can be a very busy Natural area.
• McLane: How do they handle a dog off leash in a Natural Area?
• Powell: We do want the Host to make the contact, but only to their comfort level.
• Grooms: Do they have a radio to call a Ranger?
• Powell: We ask that they carry their personal cell phone; in fact that is one of the
requirements. We have one Ranger number and whoever is on duty that day will
receive the cell phone call. In a few Natural Areas there is no cell phone reception
so we have two way radios that the Host may pick up at the NIX office and use to
contact a Ranger.
Land Conservation& Stewardship Board
January 9, 2008
Page 3 of 6
• • Grooms: Do the VTH's have to re-up every year?
• Powell: We do not have a re-up commitment currently,but we are talking about
this. We are planning a partnership with Latimer County because our programs
are similar and we have some adjoining properties. It would be nice to have a
collaborative training.
• Haines: You are looking to join forces.
• Powell: Yes, we would have one account management system, and standard
uniforms.
• Haines: Would you consider two tiers of volunteers. One that you can rely on to
do the events and commit to the hours and another tier that commits at a lower
level of commitment.
• Powell: That is a good suggestion. We are also thinking about a mentoring
program where we would ask a VTH to consider making that commitment and
perhaps getting involved in the training process also, giving us a two tier
volunteer program.
• Theobald: You've been highlighting the patrol aspects of the Volunteer Trail Host
Program; to what extent can the volunteers provide information about the
ecology.
• Powell: Not to a large extent because we focus on public contact. This may fall
under the title of the Master Naturalist program.
• Ting: Do you have a way to tabulate dog incidents?
• Powell: We do not have a way to extrapolate that information from the reports.
• • Powell: In the spring we will collaborate with Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike
Patrol. We are also looking into partnering with Larimer County to team train all
future VTH recruits. We are discussing a name change to "Volunteer Ranger
Assistants".
• Haines: You can advertise through the Poudre Wilderness Volunteer program. I'd
be happy to help with recruitment.
• Grooms: How do you volunteer?
• Powell: On the fc.gov.com web site under Natural Areas there is an on-line
application under the volunteer tab, and a few months before our training program
we start a media campaign. We also post program information at different Natural
Area kiosks.
• Stokes: We created a new position in the education outreach program, and Zoe
Wyman has the position of Community Relations Coordinator. Sue Kenney is
still with us and we hired Susan Schafer for the Education Volunteer Coordinator
position. We are revising our internal strategic plan and one of the new goals is to
greatly increase the use of volunteers in all elements of our program. This will be
a job requirement where staff will have to use volunteers in some capacity in their
work so we can grow our relationship with the volunteer community.
Mustang Meadows Easement
• Sears: J-B Investments, Inc., owner of approximately 52 acres located in the
• southeast quadrant of intersection I-25 and prospect Roads is requesting a non-
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
January 9, 2008
Page 4 of 6
exclusive drainage easement on, over, and across the contiguous 105 acre City of
Fort Collins property formerly known as the Vangbo property located in the
Timnath Community separator area on the east side of I-25 East Frontage road
The requested easement is necessary to meet Larimer County's development
requirements for the applicant's 52 acre property to the north of the easement
area. The drainage easement is necessary to accommodate historic drainage from
the proposed development.
No negative financial impact is expected from this action. Pursuant to the
requirements of the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Open Lands Easement
Policy and the Natural Areas General Resource Protection and Restoration
Standards, the applicant has paid the initial application fee of$500 and will be
required to compensate the City Natural Areas program $7,900 for the Grant of
the non-exclusive easement based on current land values as determined by Real
Estate Services.
• Haines: How wide is the ditch now?
• Robinson: It is a shallow flood irrigation ditch.
• McLane: You're taking 30 feet off the Vangbo property, how does this affect the
value of the property?
• Sears: We need to have that drainage cross in that way, and that is why they are
compensating us $7,900.
• Haines: What is going in at Mustang Meadows?
• Steinbicker: At the north edge at East Prospect there is RV Service and Sales.
This area is currently zoned commercial.
• Haines: What type of commercial building will there be?
• Steinbicker: An office warehouse, some retail, and closer to the intersection there
may be some bank services. None of this is part of this proposal at this point.
• Haines: What is to the West?
• Steinbicker: Underdeveloped light residential and landscape ownership.
• Haines: What will happen to that?
• Steinbicker: Anything to the West is under the City of Fort Collins, and anything
to the East is under the offices of Timnath and there is no emanate application for
development.
• McLane: Who maintains the 30 foot ditch?
• Robinson: We do, the developer/property owners have that responsibility. This
will be described in the easement document.
• Haines: Of this area how much will be paved vs. buildings vs. open space?
• Robinson: In the conceptual plan all the lots that are going into this area are fairly
good size. We designed our range for 80 percent of pervious surfaces.
• Haines: Are you requiring green space?
• Robinson: The City of Fort Collins has requirements for green space.
• Theobald: You are required to maintain the ditch,what are the standards or levels
for weed maintenance. Is there a management plan?
• Sears: The vegetation would be the property owners' responsibility. J-B
Investments, Inc. will be required to restore the property to like vegetation.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
January 9, 2008
Page 5 of 6
• • Stanley: Mark when do you check on restoration for instance, if it has been done
properly?
• Sears: We monitor frequently,but it takes a number of years for vegetation to
fully restore.
• Haines: Is there discussion regarding green area space and how much will be set
aside?
• Stokes: The Community Separator does not include this property; it has been
zoned for development.
• Steinbicker: Our South buffer is accomplishing almost 14 acres of open space
detention area, which will be natural area, out of the 50 some acres.
Vicky McLane motioned that the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board recommend that
City Council approve the conveyance of a 30 foot drainage easement along the north boundary
of the Vangbo property to J-B Investments, Inc. contingent upon the County's approval of the
site plan. Michelle Grooms second, and it was unanimously approved.
2008 Major Projects and 2007 Accomplishments Report
2007 - Sears prepared a list of major work items that the Natural Areas program
completed or worked on in 2007. He highlighted a few items from the list with the Board.
• There were a few questions from the Board.
2008 — Sears prepared a list of major work items that the Natural Areas program will
work on or complete in 2008. He highlighted a few items from the list with the Board.
• Grooms: How are Natural Areas named, is there a formal naming process?
• Sears: There is a policy, but the policy is more of what we do not name our
Natural Areas. Normally we put out a press release giving background of the
property and solicit the community to enter names. Senior staff reviews the
names and then selects one that best suits the Natural Area.
• Stanley: I'm concerned about the focus of the program. Are we almost making it
too good in respect to other focuses of the program at the cost of conservation?
How much are these other work items taking away from buying land or
community separators?
• Sears: Over the life of the program at the end of 2006, 80 percent of our funds did
go to land conservation. Over the next fifteen years of our program, most likely
50-80 percent will go to operations and maintenance.
• Stanley: I'm not sure if that is what the voters want.
• Stokes: This is an important question to ask us when we are presenting our budget
to you. We've been very explicit over the last couple of years presenting our
budget, long range and master plans to you. If we stripped away restoration, built
less trails or if we did less maintenance or weed control this may not provide
additional funding for land conservation. We have between 12-15 years where
• the program spent at least 80 percent on land conservation.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
January 9, 2008
Page 6 of 6
We are not passing up on opportunities to conserve land if we have those, and we
have not turned down an opportunity to purchase land because we didn't have the
funds. We can include this conservation in next month's meeting of Community
Separators.
• Haines: I think the issue is what the trade-off is if a land deal does come up we
may have to decide that X property restoration will get delayed two years. Do
you feel comfortable that you can make these kinds of trade-offs?
• Sears: John and I spend a lot of time strategizing cash flow so that we can afford
certain properties.
• Haines: I'm impressed with the team's work for 2007,but the one thing missing
for me is the long range strategies.
• Stokes: I will email to the Board our Budget for Outcomes offers. These are
broad descriptions of what our programs and Natural Areas will be doing for the
next couple of years, and there is a budget and a statistic attached for each
program.
• Sears: We can come to various LCSB meetings and present our five year public
improvement plan. Rick Bachand, in Resource Management, has a similar plan,
and this will give the Board a view of two years out and five years out.
Additions to the Agenda
• Stanley: I received comments from several Board members regarding our NISP
Board comments memo to City Council. I'll redesign the memo and send it out
again for Board comments.
There was a short discussion from the Board regarding language in the memo.
• Stanley: I have a letter from the EPA to the Army Corp of Engineers regarding
Red Fox Meadows Natural Area. I will scan it and sent it to the Board.
• Stokes: There will be a special City Council work session on the I-25 Corridor. I
was asked to write a paragraph for the agenda 1-25 summary about how the
projects on 1-25 will affect the community separators. The only area where we
could see any direct impact was the Harmony/ 1-25 intersection at the Southwest
corner.
New Business:
Announcements:
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by Geri Kidawski
Administrative Secretary p
Approved . >7Co
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Meeting held January 9, 2008
Fort Collins Senior Center
1200 Raintree Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Chair—Marcia Richards —970-223-8581
Staff Liaison—Barbara Schoenberger—970-224-6026
City Council Liaison—Doug Hutchinson, Mayor—970-221-6506
Attendance:
Bud Herin
Kathy Schuster
Marcia Richards
Judy Vasiliauskas
Valerie DiBenedetto
Cathy Martin
Stan Ulrich
Matt Jackson
Peggy McGough
Excused Absence:
Anita Basham
Unexcused Absence:
Bob Phillips
Guests:
Liaison:
Douglas Hutchinson, Mayor
Staff:
Barbara Schoenberger
Karen Bryner
I. Call Meeting to Order
Marcia Richards, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.
II. Attendance
Attendance taken
III. New Business
A. Marcia Richards introduced and welcomed new appointees to the SAB: Valerie
DiBenedetto, Stan Ulrich and Cathy Martin.
B. Using the recently developed 2008 Work Plan, Suzanne Jarboe-Simpson assisted the
Board in outlining an accompanying 2008 Action Plan.
C. The 2007 Annual Report was distributed for review. Judy Vasiliauskas made a motion
to accept the Annual Report as written. Peggy McGough seconded the motion. The
motion passed. Appreciation was expressed to Kathy Schuster for preparation of the
report.
D. A "new member" luncheon and orientation was scheduled for Wed. Feb.61h, 11:30 a.m.
at the Columbine Cafe. All "new" and "old" Board members are encouraged to attend.
E. The first quarterly Outreach Meeting will be held on March 121' at the Northside Aztlan
Center. A tour of the facility at 12:30 p.m. will precede the 1:30 p.m. meeting. Peggy
McGough is working with Steve Budner on arrangements for the off-site meeting.
IV. Public Participation
None
V. Approval of Minutes
Bud Herin made a motion to approve the minutes of the November, 2007 meeting Judy
Vasiliauskas seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
VI. Correspondence
A. Kathy Schuster read the statement authorized to be sent to City Council on behalf of the
SAB in support of a Bike Fort Collins' initiative:
"Because bicycling in a safe environment is an activity which promotes a healthier more
independent aging process for older adults, the Senior Advisory Board of Fort Collins
recommends to the City Council that the city engage fully in the process initiated by
Bike Fort Collins to create a `platinum bicycle community plan' in 2008 in an effort to
achieve the Platinum Medal Bicycle Friendly City award."
B. Marcia Richards shared a holiday greeting card that was received from Lakeview
Commons.
C. Kathy Schuster reported that a note of appreciation was sent to Don Wells acknowledging
his service on the Senior Advisory Board.
VII. Old Business
A. Liaison Reports
Kathy Schuster:
• RSVP
- A new Program Director for RSVP and the Handyman Program has been
hired.
-The Caring Companion(a respite care program) is off to a good start. The
initial goal of matching 25 volunteers with clients was met in just 7 months.
-A team of CSU students worked on a class project with RSVP to create a Legacy
Program. The aim of the program is to interview seniors and have them tell
their story. The stories are then published in a book of memoirs or published by
the media. RSVP plans to develop the program.
• MCR follow-up from Alex Stuessie, Marketing Coordinator PVHS
-Q: Does Medicare reimburse for private rooms?
A: PVHS has had no problem receiving Medicare reimbursement for our
patients who stay in private room.
Q: Transportation to Medical Center of the Rockies?
A: We know this is an issue and we are continuing to look at options during
2008.
Peggy McGoueh:
• Front Range Forum
-Classes have begun and space has become an issue. The board is working on
resolving this problem.
• Other Lifelong Learning Center
-An open house is scheduled at the University Center for the Arts on Jan. 10`h,
4-6pm.
• Senior Center
-The Annual membership meeting will be held January 25`s, 9 a.m. at the Senior
Center. SAB member are invited to attend. RSVP at the front desk. This is a
good opportunity to receive input from seniors in the community.
Matt Jackson:
• Office on Aging
-OOA has agreed to help Wellington Senior Center with their utility bill.
B. Senior Center Expansion Committee
Peggy McGough reported that the filing and fees have been submitted to the Secretary of
State to qualify as a non-profit. When the application is approved, Peggy will file
electronically for an employee identification number and finish the work on the filing for
the 501C-3.
VIII. Other Business
A. In an effort to increase the visibility of seniors and the work of the SAB, a Communication
Subcommittee, composed of Cathy Martin, Peggy McGough, Stan Ulrich, and Matt
Jackson was formed. The committee is to explore various media options, as well as
schedule and review any articles submitted by Board members.
B. Valerie DiBenedetto reported that the Meals on Wheels Program is doing very well,
having received a Grant from the Daniel Fund in Denver. Meals on Wheels can apply for
those funds again. The number of people over the age of 70 who receive meals has
increased from 70% to 80%; there are a number of 90 year old recipients. Meals on
Wheels is serving approximately 130 meals a day. Grocery stores and restaurants have
provided bakery good and or complimentary meals periodically for the Meals on Wheels
program.
C. The next SAB meeting is scheduled for Wed. Feb. 13d', 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.
IX. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.
Submitted by:
Karen'Bryner, Reco•ding Secretary
Marcia Richards, Chair Kathy Schuster, Secretary