HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/07/2008 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 122, 2008, TEMPORAR ITEM NUMBER: 17
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: October 7, 2008
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Darin Atteberry
Tess Heffernan
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 122,2008,Temporarily Suspending the Operation and Enforcement
of the Land Use Code and Zoning Map Regarding the Usage of the "Ricker Building" as an
Emergency Daytime Severe Winter Weather Shelter for the Homeless.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Local health and human service agencies have asked the City to assist in providing a facility to
house a temporary emergency daytime shelter for the homeless in the event of severe winter
weather.
BACKGROUND
During the winter months of 2006, 2007 and early 2008 the City provided the"Ricker Building"at
220 North Howes Street for use as an emergency severe winter weather shelter for the homeless.
This ordinance allows for the use of that facility as an emergency severe weather shelter during one
final period from November 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009.
Catholic Charities Northern will operate the program. A minimum of a program director and one
other staff member will be on site during operating hours, as will additional volunteers. Clients
entering the facility will be screened by staff, and individuals smelling of alcohol,visibly impaired,
or disruptive will be denied entry. A separate, supervised space will be provided for women and
children.
The facility will only be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m.and 5:00 p.m.
on those days when the high daily temperature is forecast to reach a temperature or wind chill
temperature of no more than 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
All parties understand that the use of the site at 220 North Howes Street is a temporary solution.
The Murphy Center,a permanent facility that will serve the homeless and those at risk of becoming
homeless,is under construction at the corner of Conifer Street and Blue Spruce Drive. That facility
October 7, 2008 -2- Item No. 17
was originally planned to open in 2007,however it was postponed until sufficient capital could be
raised prior to undertaking construction.
The temporary facility and operation has worked well in past winters. In 2007/2008,the emergency
shelter opened on 34 days. The facility will likely be open for additional days during the 2008/2009
winter season because the temperature threshold has been raised from a daily high temperature of
39 degrees to 49 degrees, due to concerns about the risks of hypothermia.
In 2007/2008 a total of 972 people (duplicated) visited the shelter, including 86 children and 116
women, and 812 lunches were served.
ORDINANCE NO. 122, 2008
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING THE OPERATION AND ENFORCEMENT
OF THE LAND USE CODE AND ZONING MAP REGARDING THE USAGE
OF THE "RICKER BUILDING"AS AN EMERGENCY DAYTIME
SEVERE WINTER WEATHER SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS
WHEREAS,there is presently no location within the City for an emergency daytime shelter
for the homeless in the event of severe winter weather; and
WHEREAS, the City is the owner of the "Ricker Building" located at 220 North Howes
Street and more particularly described as Lots 29,30,31,32 and 33,Block 32,Fort Collins,County
of Larimer, State of Colorado; and
WHEREAS,the Council has determined that,during the winter months,the Ricker Building
should be used as an emergency, daytime, severe-weather shelter for the homeless.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the threat of severe winter weather has presented a situation for the
homeless of the City so that it is fitting and appropriate for City Council to suspend the application
and enforcement of the Land Use Code and the related Zoning Map with regard to that certain
property known as the"Ricker Building"more particularly described as Lots 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33,
Block 32, Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado, to allow for the use of the Ricker
Building as an emergency, daytime, severe-weather shelter for the homeless.
Section 2. That the suspension ofthe application and enforcement of the Land Use Code
pursuant to this Ordinance shall apply only on Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.,
and from November 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009.
Section 3. That during said period of time,the City Manager is authorized to utilize the
"Ricker Building"as an emergency,daytime,severe-weather shelter for the homeless when,during
the periods of time specified above,the Fort Collins temperature,wind chill temperature,or wet bulb
temperature is predicted to reach a high of no more than 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 7th day of
October, A.D. 2008, and to be presented for final passage on the 21 st day of October, A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 21st day of October, A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk