HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/10/2010 - CONTINUATION OF THE DISCUSSION FROM JULY 27, 2010, DATE: August 10, 2010 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Joe Frank FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
Pre-taped staff presentation: available
at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Continuation of the Discussion from July 27, 2010,on Plan Fort Collins: Phase 2—Vision, Policy
Choices, and Proposed Directions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Plan Fort Collins planning process is currently midway through the second of three phases.
Phase 2 focuses on refining the vision, policy choices and preferred directions for the revisions to
City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan.
On July 27, 2010, Council discussed and provided comments on the Vision and Sustainability, and
Transportation policy choices needing more direction. Due to the lateness of the July 27 work
session,Council decided to continue the discussion to on the remaining policy choices needing more
direction, including Economic Health, Environmental Resources, Stormwater, Neighborhood and
Community Livability, and Safety and Awareness to August 10, 2010.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council have comments and/or direction on the following list of Policy Choices
Needing More Discussion and Direction? (See table in Part B of the July 27 work session
AIS starting on page 5.)
Economic Health
• EH2-A: Continue Retail Retention and Recruitment
• E143-A: Provide Land Ready for Larger Employers
• EH3-B: Incentives to Make Land Ready
Environmental Resources `
• ENV4-A: Employ Price Mechanisms (to reduce miles driven)
• ENV6-A: Reduce Carbon Intensity and Consumption
Stormwater
• ENV8-A: Expand Opportunities for Stormwater Treatment and Conveyance
• ENV9-A: Improve Stormwater Quality and Conveyance
• ENV 10-A: Increase Stormwater Partnerships
August 10, 2010 Page 2
Community and Neighborhood Livability
• LIV7-A: Identify Neighborhoods Where Protective Measures are Needed
• LIV 10-A: Carry Forward Existing Policies Related to the Poudre River Corridor
Activities and Protections
Safety and Awareness
• SW3-A: Support Healthy Living
• SW5-A: Support Local Agriculture and Food Production
2. Does Council agree with the list of Policy Choices to Carry Forward and Refine? (See
listing in Part C of the July 27 AIS starting on page 15.)
Attached is the Agenda Item Summary (AIS) from the July 27, 2010 work session. Council
previously received all of the attachments as part of the July 27 work session packet and indicated
to staff NOT TO REPRINT them for the August 10 Work Session. Councilmembers indicated they
will bring their materials with them to the August 10 Work Session.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agenda Item Summary from July 27, 2010: Plan Fort Collins: Phase 2—Vision,Policy
Choices and Proposed Direction (without attachments)
2. July 27 Work Session Summary
ATTACHMENT 1
DATE: July 27, 2010
STAFF: Joe Frank, WORK SESSION ITEM
Kathleen Bracke FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
Ken Waido
Pre-taped staff presentation: available
at fcgov.com/clerWagendas.php
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Plan Fort Collins: Phase 2 - Vision, Policy Choices,and Proposed Direction.
�
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Plan Fort Collins planning process is currently midway through the second of three phases.
Phase 2 started in mid-April and is scheduled to be concluded in September. Phase 2 focuses on
refining the vision, policy choices, and preferred direction for the revisions to City Plan and the
Transportation Master Plan by exploring a range of possible plan choices and reporting on the
consequences and tradeoffs of the policy choice options to the community. The policy choices focus
on ways the City can achieve t he'o�vi`s oniof a Wo d Cl s Community, building upon previous
planning efforts,addressing challenges and opportunities,and offering new ideas that were identified
in Phase 1. %L/ `�J
The policy choices in the Vision, Policy Choices, and Proposed Directions(6/23/10)document have
been evaluated using triple bottom line screening indicators that evaluate the costs and benefits of
the choices in terms of economic sustainability,quality of life,and environmental stewardship. Over
the next few months, the choices will be refined and narrowed to those that the City Council and
community believes are the right directions for the community's future. These choices will serve
as the foundation for writing a new City Plan and Transportation Master Plan that will begin this
fall.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPEC-IFil261UESITLS TO BE ANSWERED
The Plan Fort Collins Project Management Team is seeking input and direction from the City
Council on the policy choices and directions; in particular,focusing Council's input on those policy
choices where there is no clear cut consensus or agreement, as further described below:
1. Does Council have comments and/or direction on the list of Policy Choices Needing More
Discussion and Direction? (See table in Part B starting on page 5.)
2. Does Council agree wi h theist of�Rolic-y-Choices toCarry Forward and Refine? (See
listing in Part C starting on page(15.)
II\\11 I� 1
3. Does Council have commentsrand/or_direction on a definition of sustainability? (See Draft
Sustainability Definition in Attachment 6.)
July 27, 2010 Page 2
BACKGROUND
The Vision, Policy Choices, and Proposed Directions (6/23/10) document (see Attachment 1) is a
major step within Phase 2 of the Plan Fort Collins planning process and includes the following
sections:
1. Community Vision in Focus-reflects the new organization for Plan Fort Collins,and offers
a set of vision directions to achieve a World Class Community.
n
2. New Policy Choices—a series of questions, organize� �d by the seven key topic areas that the
community should explore,discuss,and analyze to arrive at meaningful preferred directions
for the plans. Many of the City s comvaluesland policies are well-established and supported
by the community and are not being considered for change, and thus are not included in the
Vision, Policy Choices, and Proposed Direction document. The plans and policies that are
being considered to remain are listed in the Carrying Forward Existing Goals, Principles,
and Policies document (see Attachment 7).
The Vision, Policy Choices, and Proposed Direction (6/23/10) document contains a Summary
Analysis sustainability matrix within each of the topic areas where every key policy choice was
evaluated based on its economic,-,socidl, and envir6nr ent&impacts. There is also a discussion for
each key policy to add clarity to the evaluations con d ir\theSummary Analysis sustainability
matrix. �& J_F
In addition, during the May 25, 2010,/ work session on City Plan, Councilmembers asked for a
discussion around the definition of the term"sustainability." There are existing City"definitions"
and value statements in the current City Plan document,in the Vision, Policy Choices, and Proposed
Directions document, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reports, and the 2004
Sustainability Action Plan. There is also a draft definition(Attachment 6)prepared by City staff for
consideration by the Council during the July 27 work session.
Shaping the Future Commun�iWW Vrk/s�h-ops,(lJune-29 an\\300,2010) and Online Forum
The first broad, general public view oAth�e vision and d key policy choices occurred during the two
workshops held on June 29 (evening)�and�June 301(morning)4Attendees at the workshops could
choose to attend several break-out sessions and provide responses to questions on the policy choices.
In most cases, the questions asked for the degree of support, or nonsupport, of each policy. There
was also key pad polling of the attendees on several visualizations showing gradual changes for
prototypical infill and redevelopment sites and green streets. Over 150 people participated in the
workshops. The morning and evening events also included an "expo" of City services, as well as
specific workshop sessions on the"Resourcing Our Future"and"Budgeting For Outcomes"projects.
In addition, the community was invited to view online presentations and to complete an online
questionnaire on the policy cho c s�Attt achment 3A-summarizes iz s the�responses to the questions from
the June 29/30 workshops and online polling on specific topics; Attachment 3B summarizes the
responses from the opening session key pad polling and Attachment 3C summarizes written
comments received on the propose&Community Vision during1the "expo' portion of the meeting.
July 27, 2010 Page 3
Boards and Commissions Involvement
Members of City advisory boards and commissions were invited to attend the June 29 and 30
workshops. In addition, board and commission members were asked to participate in an online
survey,and their responses were collected separately from the public responses(see Attachment 31)).
Boards and commissions were also asked to provide comments directly to the City Council. Several
boards/commission provided comments, which are included in Attachment 4.
Focus Group Meetings
A second round of focus groups`" cascond//KctelinJul�part of Pha e 2. These meetings covered:
Land Use and Transportation; Econo ic`Health; Environment l (water/air/energy); Poudre River;
and Sustainability (definition/measurement).
The purpose of each focus group was to help narrow the policy choices and determine the preferred
directions. The groups also began to discuss implementation strategies. Focus group input is
contained in Attachment 5.
Vision, Policy Choices, and Directions
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The Plan Fort Collins Project Management'Team,has reviewed the-responses from the meetings and
ti ) � i ) t x
workshops, as well as online comments. (Many of the--policy choices and directions are generally
supported by members of the NImmuunity1a`nd oJther, stakeholder who participated in the outreach
efforts, and will likely be able to be incorporated into the Plan updates. However, there are a few
key choices where respondents are divided, and these policy choices will need more discussion
before a direction can be determined. The following sections are a summary of the feedback
received to date on the key choices:
Part A. Summary of Feedback, contains a general summary of comments received to date,
organized by the seven vision topics of Plan Fort Collins;
PartB. Policy Choices Needing MoreDir�ectiona Discussion contains the list of vision topics
from the policy choices that need more discussion and direction from City Council;and
Part C. Policy Choices to Carry Forward and Refine, is a list of policy choices that do not
appear to need additional discussion and direction from City Council at this point, but
will be refined as the Plan Fort Collins planning process moves forward.
PART A. SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK
This section includes a brief summary of recent feedback on different policy choices, starting with
the Vision and through the seven vision topics and vision directions. The page numbers correspond
to the Vision, Policy Choices, and oseDirection's docu�t'(Attachment 1).
Fy
July 27, 2010 Page 4
Community Vision (pages 3-6)
In general, comments received reflect a high level of support for the draft Vision and seven vision
topics and vision directions,with some suggested refinements. Respondents also expressed strong
support for incorporating sustainability and the triple bottom line concept into Plan Fort Collins.
However,opinions are mixed about the definition of sustainability for Fort Collins and how the City
should apply the triple bottom line model to assist decision-making and monitoring of progress of
the plans over time. Staff is seeking direction from Council on a definition of sustainability.
Economic Health (pages 11-2 27
Comments reflect that this topic,,isP determining factor for overall community
vitality. In general, comments show strong support for the City's continuing emphasis on primary
job creation, support for local businesses, and support for additional parking in the downtown area,
as needed. There is less support for the retail retention and recruitment, and workforce training
policies. There is some sentiment that the County Workforce Center and the private and educational
sectors are better able to address workforce training needs of unemployed people.
Environmental Resources (pages 23-40)
In general, feedback supports carrying%forward most of the environmental resources choices—with
(strong supportlforlwaste reduction and diversion from landfills,
support for the energy choices,
general support for the stormwater treatment choices (with some questions addressed in Part B),
support for water resource choices, support for adapting to climate change, and general support for
the multi-purpose open lands policy direction. Respondents expressed cautions about potentially
inappropriate uses on open spaces(e.g.,motorized uses). Questions and refinements are addressed
in Parts B and C.
Community and Neighborhood Livability (pages 41-60)
In general, respondents support the current Structure Plan and emphasis on the City's "spine"
(Mason/College Corridor) with/e�highe pport�6 acY vi _ enters. The comments are also
supportive of taller buildings than currently exist)in specific activity centers, such as the Midtown
Area, Harmony Road at College/Mason�a�n iegler, Drake 'Road and Timberline Road, in the
downtown, and in the Campus West area. The comments show very strong support for
redevelopment and infill strategies, with some support for better neighborhood transitions between
activity centers/corridors and established neighborhoods. Respondents generally support or are
neutral about the gateway policies and projects, although many note concerns about costs and
relative importance. In addition, the comments support "nature-friendly" treatments in new
developments,and generally support the current policy direction for the Cache la Poudre River near
the downtown, which restricts development in the floodplain and includes limits on urban
development near the River.
Safety and Wellness (pages L-67)l
1
The comments strongly support maintaining current levels of service for community safety. In
addition,the respondents support increased emphasis on active lifestyles and healthy living, better
access to health and human services, and local agriculture and locally-produced food.
July 27, 2010 Page 5
Culture, Parks, and Recreation (pages 69-75)
The comments generally support enhanced emphasis on arts and culture promotion and funding. The
respondents are interested in linking arts and culture more strongly with economic development
efforts and exploring formation of a Science and Cultural Facilities District. They also appear to
support adaptation of, enhancements to, and improved coordination among parks, recreation
facilities/programs,and open space areas to address changing demographics and community needs.
Transportation (pages 77-91)
The comments generally support' ' the "m ydd' le optio�it�f range of transportation system
choices presented(from service\reduuction to expand�g the longterm vision). The choices with the
highest levels of support include focus on activity centers and Enhanced Travel Corridors, vehicle
alternatives and trails,system and mobility management,and pursuing the adopted long-term vision.
Respondents also strongly support increasing transportation investments and have a variety of ideas
about possible funding approaches. Because many of the transportation topics are interrelated and
could be combined, further discussion of which choices to carry forward and refine will be
necessary.
Community feedback regarding the update to the City's Pedestrian Plan which is an element of the
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overall Transportation Masteralan continues to Ibe positive and supportive of new ideas and
techniques to better serve pedestrians o1all ages andlabilities throughout the community. There is
interest in exploring ideas about dde�signatin��alkirg as a primary mode of travel in key activity
centers such as the downtown and for improving pedestrian linkages to transit stops and other
destinations.
High Performing Community (pages 93-99)
In general, the comments reflect support for the choices presented under this topic, including
collaborative problem solving,effective governance,and enhanced communications and technology.
PART B. POLICY CHOIC tE/ (S'NEED1(/I'NG M OREfDIRE TON
The planning team is seeking direction fr inthe)tilty' Council on a definition of sustainability and
\�! \ems/✓ 1i
the policy choices listed in the table below. Please note that some of the policy choices are more
implementation-focused and could be deferred until later meetings (e.g., air quality strategies),
whereas other topics are major drivers for Plan Fort Collins (e.g., transportation resourcing and
investments). During the July 27 work session,Council may want to prioritize items(e.g.,"top five"
topics) for discussion rather than proceed item by item through the table. The planning team is
particularly interested in hearing feedback on the following topics addressed in the table below in
order to understand how to proceed with Plan Fort Collins:
• Sustainability Definitio7(EH3-
• Land Ready for Busin: A and B)
• Stormwater ConveyanLe in Public Streets ("Green Streets") (ENV8-A)
• Poudre River Corridor Activities and Protections (LIV 10-A)
July 27, 2010 Page 6
After discussion is completed on the above items, Council can proceed with a review of the other
policy choices in the table below. If all of the policy choices cannot be covered during the July 27
work session,the planning team will need Council's direction as to how proceed in order to complete
Council review of the policy choices.
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation _ Sought
VISION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability Definition
• There are existing City Respondents show strong 1. Does Council have
definitions and value supporrtt�for`incorporating comments and/or
statements in the current sustainability and the triple direction on the draft
City Plan document, in the bottom line concept into definition of
Vision, Policy Choices, Plan Fort Collins. sustainability? (See
and Proposed Direction However, opinions are Attachment 6.)
document (Attachment 1, mixed about the definition
page 7), Global Reporting of sustainability for Fort
Initiative Sustainability Collins.
Reports, and the 2004 /� St aff'ha\proy ided a dra ft
Sustainability Action Plan/. definition for consideration
b.� Courieil. See
Attachi ent-6-)
ECONOMIC HEALTH
EH2-A: Continue Retail Retention and Recruitment (p. 15)
• The City's Economic The respondents recognize 2. Should the Plan's
Action Plan supports a the importance of sales tax policies continue to
"balanced and targeted revenue to the City and that reaffirm retail
approach to business retail is part of a complete development and
retention, expansion, eco onmic health`stra et gy. redevelopment along
incubation, and Differi g)vi�ewslrevolve' the College and
attraction," (including arou d t c Fe graphic Harmony corridors?
retail) to further the areas(e.g., core areas and
economic health of the infill versus along I-25).
community. In general, responses are in
• Commercial zoning exists strong support of
at the Carpenter Road (CO redevelopment of Foothills
HWY 392), Mulberry Mall and implementation
Street, and Prospect Road of the Midtown
interchanges with I-25. Redevelopment strategies.
Commercial development Staff Fecom nds-
at the Harmony Road/I-25 continuing to�pursue retail
interchange is under retention1and recruitment as
consideration as part of part of the economic
the amendment to the healthy strategy and
Harmony Corridor Plan. continuing to enhance and
July 27, 2010 Page 7
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
streamline the City's role,
in particular, emphasizing
retail development along
College and Harmony
corridors per the current
City Structure Plan and
ad((7 ((opted subarea-pla\
EH3-A: Provide Land Ready.fLarge mployyers and
EH3-B: Incentives to Make Land Ready (p. 17)
• The City's Economic The respondents have 3. Should the Plan
Action Plan states, "be mixed opinions about include a policy
proactive on economic making land ready for new supporting City
issues and build partners business and targeted coordination and
with organizations and the employers. In general, involvement in
private sector to further opinions are supportive of working on an area
enhance economic health." retaining zoning`for and district basis to
• Current practice is for the �dustry.lComment not make land ready for
�.i ../r
City to evaluate the impact some support for the City businesses that will
on the current inventory off assisting with-employer�up- have a broader benefit
undeveloped employment front needs by coordinating to the community?
land of requested changes infrastructure and capital (Note: more
to convert employment projects and taking part in discussion would be
land to other uses. Current providing Downtown needed regarding
analysis of vacant land parking facilities. implementation,
indicates that the City has Retaining land zoned for including exactly how
enough land zoned for employment is also the City might
employment, including supported. Questions- facilitate
land appropriate for the su'rround1the�C City/ 1 ev�el/of infrastructure
City's targeted industry effort and funding andl improvements such as
clusters. providing support for-a stormwater drainage,
variety of business types. water and sewer
Some of the negative utilities, and street
feedback may be tied to improvements and
specific wording, such as discussion about
"large employers" and incentives.)
"incentives".
• Staff recommends that the
policy-choices-be combined•
to(�focus�on an area and/
district-basis role of the
ki
C ty_in-helping to make
land ready for business,
rather than wording that
July 27, 2010 Page 8
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
suggests a more speculative
approach to assisting
businesses. Staff also
proposes removing the
focus on large businesses.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Air Quality ENV 4-A: Em loy Price echanisms (to reduce miles driven) (p. 29)
• City Plan states: The�price mechanism 4. Should price
"Continually improve Fort policy is an existing City mechanisms to reduce
Collins' air quality as the Plan policy put forward for VMT continue to be
City grows." community discussion. part of the air quality
• "Principle ENV-2: The Price mechanisms include, policy update
City will reduce total but are not limited to, the discussion, which will
motor vehicle emissions of following: incentives to include additional
high priority pollutants by use alternative modes, public outreach and
focusing on both location efficient Council input later
technology (tailpipe mortgages, pay-las-you this summer and fall?
emissions) and behavior d`\e m/ra�ncc etc. For Any suggested
(driving patterns). both°the price-mechanisms changes to air quality
• Policies that follow and alternative policies, including the
Principle ENV-2 include: transportation fuels policy price mechanism
Actions of Vehicle Miles choices, the respondents policy, will feed into
Traveled (ENV-2.1), have divided opinions. the Plan Fort Collins
Actions on VMT (ENV There is general support for process in a timely
2.2), Price Mechanisms the City to be a leader in manner.
(ENV 2.3), and Actions on these areas, although some
Tailpipe Emissions (ENV participantslnote 1
2.4). reservations about the
City's role and whether
these°actioris�would be
better accomplished
through private sector or
other governmental
initiatives (e.g., federal).
• Staff recommends
broadening and clarifying
policy language to consider
incentives-and -as,1 l . \\ /i
part of the air q�uahty�pohcy
update discussion.
July 27, 2010 Page 9
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
ENV6-A: Reduce Carbon Intensity and Consumption (p. 31)
• City Plan does not address The respondents have 5. Should the Plan
consumption or local food divided opinions on this include a policy
production. topic, with the majority regarding reducing
• It contains policies supporting reducing carbon carbon intensity and
regarding reducing intensity and-consumption7 consumption?
greenhouse gas emissions,/ and a Smaller group who/do
which need to be updated` not supportIthe policy1v(
to reflect the more currents direction -Some would-``like
Climate Action Plan. to understand more about
• The Climate Action Plan the upfront costs, regional
(CAP) (2008) includes nature of the issue, and
carbon reduction goals to uncertainty about the
reduce community-wide science.
greenhouse gas emissions Staff recommends that this
by 20% below 2005 levels policy choice not be carried
by 2020 and 80% by 2050. forward the-Climate
ction Plan llready\�
addresses greenhouse gas
emmssions and.other new
policy directions that
address other parts of that
objective. If it is kept in
the Plan it will need
clarification and more
discussion about
implementation strategies.
Stormwater ENV8-A: Expand Opportunities for Stormwater Treatment and Conveyance
in Public Streets;ENV 9-A: Improve Stormwater Quality and Conveyance;and ENV10-A:
Increase Stormwater partnerships(p 33=Z35) JUL
• The City does not The respondents generally 6. Should the Plan
currently have a policy support a"Green Streets" include a policy to
support for "green streets" option (stormwater allow"Green Streets"
or street standards that treatment and conveyance as an option for
allow it. in streets and other uses of stormwater
• Stormwater plans the parkway areas and management?
currently address life medians of streets).
safety protection for Ad'difional discussion is 7. Should the Plan
people and reduction of needed about p_.otential include policies to
damage to structures due increased costs, , support regional
to flooding, quality aihtenancle-and long'-term stormwater basins
streams, rivers, and water viability. Similarly, the and partnerships to
resources. respondents have questions address stormwater
July 27, 2010 Page 10
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sou ht
• The City has a goal to related to the enhanced quality and
provide restoration of 21 stormwater quality through conveyance in areas
miles of streams to more regional basins and where traditional
naturalized conditions by partnerships. Questions approaches are
2035. relate to possible increased difficult to
• 21st Century Goals strive land requirements, cost, implement? (Note:
to treat all new or and impacts on-developabl"e Additional discussion
redeveloped properties land. 11 I \� will occur at the
with a Stormwater Best Staff recommends that the August 24th Council
Management Practice by "Green Streets" option-be work session
2035. included in the Plan and regarding the issue of
• See also Transportation explored in more detail floodplain regulations
Choice Tl-B: Reshaping during the implementation costs and benefits).
Existing Streets, which phase. For example, street
refers to "Green Streets." standards will need
modification and more
research about costs,
maintenance,=and long-term•
viability is necessary.
COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY POLICYCHOICES
LIV7-A: Identify Neighborhoods where Protective Measures are Needed (p. 55—56)
City Plan states: Respondents have divided 8. Should the Plan
• Goal: "Our community opinions about identifying continue to include
will encourage additional neighborhoods policies that promote
preservation of existing for protective measures and neighborhood
housing." conservation. Some are conservation?
• "Policy HSG-2.4: concerned aboutsprotecting Detailed
i�. r \` y
Preservation of existingneighborhoods�and implementation
Neighborhoods. The City historic properties, yet the strategies should be
will attempt to retain com e ts-rehect thatJJmany refined through
existing affordable may be unaware of existing subarea plans that
housing stock through protective measures. There address the issue.
conservation efforts of are also concerns about
older residential over-regulation of older
neighborhoods." (not historic) properties and
• "Principle HSG-3: interest in letting the
Neighborhood stability market drive
must be maintained and redevelopment and
enhanced." conservationi
• Policy EXN-1.1 —"No Staff recommends the City
\\ // Itic
significant changes to the continue with-current
character of existing policies with
residential developments
July 27, 2010 Page 11
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
will be initiated by City implementation refined
Plan...The character of through subarea plans.
stable residential
neighborhoods should be
protected..."
LIV10-A: Carry Forward Exist n�g Poli es,,Related to PU re River Corridor Activities
and Protections (p. 59)
• Current policies and The respondents generally 9. Should the Plan carry
regulations protect most support existing City forward existing
areas along the river near policies and plans that policies for the Cache
the downtown and define address the relationship of la Poudre River(as
acceptable river-related the Poudre River to the noted in the first
land uses and design (e.g., Downtown. Some column)?
a buffer, stabilized bank, comments express desire
and stepped back for some urban edge
buildings). development in specific
Floodplain regulations for ations with public
minimize development in access or)greater V
the 100-year floodplain elarif catt'ior%in the natural
but do not prohibit buffer area for the Poudre
development. River. Other comments
• A handful of properties are suggest maintaining a river
eligible for corridor that is as natural as
development—they have possible. (Note: This
not been conserved for LIV 10-A Poudre River
open space or are already choice also relates to the
developed. water-policy choices in the
/vir off i?Szk \T
Environmen dal Resource
section (EIiV-1}1 and ENV
12),which r6ceived general
support.)
• Additional discussion will
occur at the August 24th
Council work session
regarding the issue of
floodplain regulations.
Staff will prepare
recommendations based on
tripl�ottom ne
outcomes. '
July 27, 2010 Page 12
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sou ht
SAFETY AND WELLNESS
SW3-A: Support Healthy Living(p. 65)
• City Plan does not contain The respondents generally 10. Should the Plan
goals or policies regarding support City education and support continued
healthy living. coordination to promote City coordination on
healtliy�living;but opinions and education about
are mixed about whether opportunities for
the City/should play a role healthy living?
iri edu ati n L Some area'
interested in expanding this
policy direction to include
coordination with
alternative and mental
health care providers.
• Staff has not formulated a
recommendation on this
topic.
SW 5-A: Support Local Agriculture'and Food Production (p. 66)
• City Plan does not The espond_ents haveiL Should the Plan
mention local agriculture expressed strong support support promoting
or food production. for local agriculture and local agriculture and
food production, especially food production on
on private properties. City-owned
Opinions are mixed about properties?
the City's role and level of
involvement on City-
owned.pro perties.
Sta�f recommend's further
r i �:i L� J:� w
exploration of`whether
local agriculture (and
water) and food production
is appropriate on City-
owned properties and, if so,
what types of properties.
TRANSPORTATION
T1-B: Reshape Existing Streets (p. 81-82)
• The Transportation The comments reflect 12. Should the Plan
\1 � r \ .r
Master Plan provides mixed reaction to the support reshaping
context for this question m `ncept)of re'shaping1 streets and context-
policies TC-4.6 Facility exist�g�streets over time to sensitive street
Design, "Facility design emphasize lower vehicle standards to address
will support all modes of seeds and accommodate multiple needs
July 27, 2010 Page 13
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
transportation and be walking, bicycling, and including stormwater,
matched to appropriately transit, with concerns about and "tailored" for
support the surrounding the tradeoff between different areas of the
development," and maintaining capacity for community and levels
policies that address a vehicles and enhancing of service for
balanced and integrated adjacent uses. There has walking, bicycling,
network of transportation / been interest-and support transit, and vehicle
corridors (TC-1.2 and TC- for more flexib1'Pstreet capacity?
1.3). designs to beta r fit the
Policy ETC-1.2 Facility context(adjacent landluses)
Design also notes that and for exploring "Green
facilities will be matched Streets" concepts to
to appropriately support integrating stormwater.
surrounding development. treatment and other uses of
• Policy T-1.10 Context the parkway areas and
Sensitive Design. The medians.
intent of the policy is to Staff recommends
ensure that transportation continuing*the°discussion
projects not only move regarding potential new
vehicles, bikes, and sheet design
pedestrians safely, but are(�� techniques/treatments as-
sensitive to the well as implications for
environmental, scenic, costs for capital,
aesthetic, and historic operations, and
values of the area. maintenance, as noted in
However, existing street the stormwater policy
standards tend to be choices.
uniform and require a
"one-size fits all" 0 -\v
approach to sizing streets
despite the context of th i
street and currently do not
offer design flexibility.
T1-D: Vehicle Alternatives/Trails (p. 84)
• City Plan and the The comments reflect 13. Should the Plan
Transportation Master general support for support enhancing
Plan (TMP) both address recognizing the need to trails as part of the
trails as primarily expand trail use for transportation system,
recreational in purpose. trans ortation as w e as beyond their current
• In TMP Policy TC 2.42 ;reational�puiposes'N recreational purpose?
"Corridors are the linking how �erJthere are concerns
elements of the City" about diverting already-
including the Poudre limited resources to vehicle
July 27, 2010 Page 14
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
River Corridor). The TMP alternatives and trails, as
goals also state that the well as need to address
City will provide access to potential conflicts between
major activity centers and new types of motorized
destinations by building vehicles and non-motorized
on combinations of travel within the on-street
existing and planned and�o—ff-street`transportatiori
commuter and recreational systeml� ( \
facilities. Staff recommends further
ezploration�of this topic
and identify potential trail
linkages and new design
standards for trails and/or
on-street facilities to
address safety and
accessibility concerns for
multiple types of trail users.
T2-A: Increase Transportation Investments to Achieve Goals (p. 89)
• Currently, TMP Policy T-\ Theme myty opposes 14. Should the Plan
10.2 Funding states that reducing transportation explore new tools to
the City will continue to service to fit within achieve more reliable
actively pursue all diminishing resources (e.g., long-term funding
available long-term, less maintenance, transit sources for capital
consistent funding frequency, roadway system improvements and
mechanisms from federal, improvements), and operations and
state, and local sources to supports increasing maintenance for all
implement and maintain a transportation investments modes of
multi-modal transportation io/�i v` t�p ua it on transportation?
system and travel demand goals. Nell ideas are��
management program. emerging about possibly
• Financing tools under funding sources that would
discussion (in Attachment be more reliable over time
1, page 89) include: and less dependent on
o Sales Tax (existing external factors; questions
source) about the potential revenue
o Property Tax (existing generation from each of the
source) various types of funding
o Auto Ownership Taxes sources; and ideas about
(existing source) need ni g top kaca ge various
o Bicycle Ownership fiindingl�urces to achieve
Taxes (new source) ours goal ,Comments vary
o Impact Fees (existing regarding how much
source) additional investment is
July 27, 2010 Page 15
Respondent Comments and Council Direction
Current Policy Staff Recommendation Sought
o Tax Increment Funding needed to maintain existing
(new source) system as compared with
o Transportation Utility needs for expansion of
or Maintenance Fees system and services. This
(new source) topic is also closely related
o Pricing and User Fees to the current Budgeting for
(new source) Outcomes grid°Resourcirig7
o Local District Our Future discussions
Assessments (new Staff recommends 11
source) continung•thle discussion
o Negotiated Agreements regarding potential
with CSU and/or transportation investment
Neighboring strategies to support
Communities (existing existing and planned
and new sources). capital and
operations/maintenance
needs and to explore more
reliab le.long=ter m.funding7-
tools. �1 r
PART C. POLICY CHOICES TO�CARRY'FORIWARD-AND REFINE
In addition to current City Plan and Transportation Master Plan goals and policies that have been
identified to carry forward as is or with non-substantive refinements, and other current policies and
values identified in the Snapshot Report that need to be brought into alignment with Plan Fort
Collins, the following is a list of new policy topics that participants during this process appear to
support—particularly during recent outreach efforts. The planning team does not believe that City
Council needs to discuss each topic individually, unless Council desires to do so, and is asking for
permission to carry forward and ,efine the,.entire list -of the Plan Fort Collins draft revisions
1, �' N \,\ I 1 1) "\the),
Plan
City Plan and the TransportationMaster to be in upcoming months.
Community Vision (pages 3-6)
• Vision Refinement—Strengthen the economic health vision directions and clarify and refine
terms within each of the topic areas to reflect the proposed policy directions.
• Sustainability— Carrying forward the triple bottom line concept and further refining it and
work on the triple bottom line integrated model.
Economic Health (pages 11-22)
• EH1-A: Primary Job Crean tion�- Continue eMp asiYoj creation. More discussion is
needed regarding specifc implementation strategies and role of the City.
• EH4-A: Local Businessee\s\�Encourage-localebusiness,colntinuing the Shop Fort Collins First
program.
July 27, 2010 Page 16
• EH5-A: Workforce Training — Continue coordination and partnerships with the Larimer
County Workforce Center and other organizations for workforce training. The City should
not take a lead role in assisting workforce training of the unemployed.
Environmental Resources (pages 23-40)
• ENV1-A, ENV2-A, ENV3-A: Energy Policies — Reduce net energy use; modernize the
electric grid,and improve the energy performance of existing buildings. Continue to explore
voluntary versus mandatory_measures (with comments exppressing more favor for voluntary
i Try �T P9
measures) and carefully, consider up-front costs vs long-term benefits.
• ENV 7-A: Waste Reduction—Continue waste reduction Iand diversion efforts,provided that
they are generally voluntary measlu.res j
I1_l
• ENV 11-A,ENV 12-A,ENV 13-A: Water Policies—Address balanced water supply planning
and conservation,a resilient Cache la Poudre River, and adapting to climate change through
the Water Demand and Supply Policy Plan 2010 update.
• ENV 14-A: Open Lands— Continue partnerships and strategic planning for multi-purpose
open lands that enhance and restore streams, improve water quality, provide and enhance
trail corridors,enhance wildlife and aquatic habitat, allow for agriculture and water for food
production, provide parks and recreational purposes, and achieve other aims. Refine the
terminology related to open lands.
Community and Neighborhoo' 'd Livabili�eS 41-60)
• LIV 1-13, LIV 1-C: Structure Plan—Emphasize the activity centers and the City's "spine"
with strong connections between activity centers and Mason/College corridors.
• LIV2-A: Allowable Building Heights — Allow and encourage taller buildings in activity
centers and along the spine (with the currently allow four to five stories generally being an
ideal height except for in Downtown).
• LIV3-A: Redevelopment and Infill Strategies-Support redevelopment and infill. Continue
to explore the specific implementation strategies proposed.
• LIV4-A: City Gateway—Support City gateways,but as a relatively lower priority item due
to concerns about potential o ts. Explore po sible locations for priority future gateways
(possibly I-25 and Harmony and I-25 an Mulberry)and`b�racket potential elements of future
gateways.
• LIV5-A: Neighborhood Transitions—Refine neighborhood transition standards,especially
those related to transitions in height and use, and spacing between new and existing
development.
• LIV6-A: Mix of Housing Types —Provide a mix of housing types to meet the needs of a
diverse population. Explore ways to protect stable neighborhoods and to factor in changing
demographics.
• LIV8-A: Affordable Housing—Maintain existing affordable housing programs at current
levels.
• LIV9-A: Alternative Landscape Trea mentsModify landscaping standards to allow and
encourage"nature friendly"alternatives totoI grass an�Id(n/ither water-intensive landscaping;
hard surfaced swales, etc `��/ J� 1�
July 27, 2010 Page 17
Safety and Wellness (pages 61-67)
• SW 1-13: Community Safety—Maintain current levels of service for community safety. Note:
Provide more information about current levels of safety and emergency response times.
• SW2-A: Active Lifestyles—Continue to provide and expand opportunities for residents to
lead active lifestyles.
• S W4-A: Health and Human Services Access—Improve access to health and human service
providers. Emphasize regional coordination and access to traditional and alternative health
care providers.
� d ut �SW5-A: Support Local AlturFoo Production
Culture, Parks, and Recreation�(page�69-75))r
• CPR1-A: Arts and Culture Promotion—Promote and continue to integrate arts and culture.
Explore formation of an arts council.
• CPR3-A: Parks Adaptation—Promote new and different types of parks and multi-purpose
parks and open space areas. Continue discussions about types of parks and multi-use spaces
desired, including possible pocket parks and a kayak park.
• CPR4-A: Recreation Enhancements—Coordinate to enhance recreational programming and
pursue multi-purpose facilities in the future.
Transportation (pages 77-91)// OPV
• TI-C: Enhanced Travel Corridors/District Focus—Focus City investments along Enhanced
Travel Corridors(ETC)and in activity centers. Continue discussions about where to"jump-
start" these long-standing policies, and how to prioritize them.
• TI-E: System Management and Mobility Management — Focus on maximizing the
effectiveness of current systems, and combine this practice with other transportation
directions.
• T1-F: Adopted Long-Term Vision—Maintain the current long-term vision for a multi-modal
transportation system. Seek opportunities to include more local and regional connections
(trails, transit, roadways).
High Performing Commumty,(pages 93- 99)
• HIl-A: Collaborative Problem Solving Involve citizens and forge partnerships at a local
and regional level. Explore opportunities for collaboration nationally and globally.
• HI2-A: Effective Local Governance — Continue to provide effective, representative
government. Explore new ideas about City Council representation(e.g., at-large members)
and underscore the need to include a range of voices.
• HI3-A Communications and Technology — Support robust community interaction and
explore expansion of communications technology as basic infrastructure. Explore impacts
on current technology service providersi
July 27, 2010 Page 18
NEXT STEPS
Following the July 27 work session and direction from the City Council,the Plan Fort Collins team
will continue to work on refining the Vision and preferred policy directions that will serve as the
basis for preparing the updated City Plan and Transportation Master Plan documents this fall. The
team will continue to work with boards and commissions as the policy directions are refined,as well
as provide other opportunities for continued community input. The team has already begun the
process of refining the indicators that will be used to complete the triple bottom line model that will
be used to further evaluate policy directions as well as becoming part of the Plan Fort Collins
i1 l" -STD
monitoring process that will be/ngoing after plan adoption..
The primary emphasis of Phase 3, which`wll cow ence thy
summer; is the identification of
implementation strategies and priorities as part of the draft Plan documents;and preparation of select
implementation actions(such as code revisions),following the adoption of the Plans. The next City
Council work sessions, are scheduled for October 26 and November 30, 2010, and will focus on
implementation strategies as well as the draft Plan documents, and the team will be seeking
Council's input on implementation actions that should be a priority.
ATTACHMENTS -VT 77-
" ( l `V/
1. Vision, Policy Choices,(a(d Propo lied D r ectilon(6/23/101)document(this is the same version
as the one distributed to the=CounciPon July-16).
2. City Council Work Session PowerPoint Presentation
3. Public Input Results
A. Summary of the responses to the questions from the June 29/30 workshops on
specific topics and on-line polling.
B. Summary of the responses from the June 29/30 opening session key pad polling
C. Summary of the comments received during the"expo"portion of the meeting on the
Vision
D. Summary of results1rom board-andvcornmission members on-line polling
4. Board and Commission Comments \Il
• Air Quality Adv `ry Board (Draft F Y
• Bike Advisory Committee ,
• Downtown Development Authority
• Electric Board
• Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
• Natural Resources Advisory Board
• Planning and Zoning Board
• Senior Advisory Board
• Water Board
• Transportation Board �--1
5. Extended Focus Groups;Phase Summary of)Input
6. Draft Sustainability Defimtion�
7. Carrying Forward Existing=Goal's;P-rind Ales, and Policies document (this is the same
version as the one distributed to the Council on July 16).
ATTACHMENT 2
City ®f Advance Planning
281 North College Avenue
PO Box 580
I
Fort Collins.CO 80522
970.221.6376
F6 r t OADI- I I mrdlk S 970.224.6111111 -fax
Icgov.com/advanceplanning
Memorandum
DATE: August 2, 2010
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Counnciiltnembers
THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager 1
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
Karen Cumbo, Planning Development, and Transportation Director
FROM: Joe Frank, Advance Planning Director
Ken Waido, Chief Planner
Kathleen Bracke, Director of Transportation Planning and Special Projects
RE: Work Session Summary—July 27, 2010—Plan Fort Collins, Phase 2— Vision,
Policy Choices, and Proposed Directions
Work Session Participants:
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
Joe Frank, Advance Planning Department Director
Kathleen Bracke, Director of Transportation Planning and Special Projects
John Stokes, Natural Resources Director
Ben Herman, Clarion Associates
Jeremy Klop, Fehr& Peers
Judy Dorsey, Brendle Group
Direction Sougght/Questions to be Answered:
The Plan Fort Collins Project Management Team was seeking input and direction from the City
Council on the policy choices and directions, in particular, focusing Council's input on those
policy choices where there is no clear cut consensus or agreement. The specific questions to be
addressed during the work session were:
1. Does Council have comments and/or direction on the list of Policy Choices Needing More
Discussion and Direction?
2. Does Council agree with the list of Policy Choices to Corm Forward and Refine?
3. Does Council have comments and/or direction on a definition of sustainability?
of
Fort Collins
Council's Discussion[Direction:
The planning team asked the Council to address the following priority topics in order to
understand how to proceed with the balance of Phase 2 of Plan Port Collins:
• Sustainability Definition
• Land Ready for Business (EH')-A and B)
• Stormwater Conveyance in Public Streets ("Green Streets") (ENVS-A)
• Poudre River Corridor Activities and Protections (LIV 10-A)
• Reshaping Existing Streets (T1-B)
• Vehicle Alternatives/Trails (TI-D)
• Transportation Investments to Achieve Goals (T2-A) /
Sustainability Definition
Question seeking Council direction: Does Council have comments and/or direction on the draft
definition of sustainability?
o There was no Council support to use the draft sustainability definition prepared by staff.
e The Brundtland Commission definition established in 1983, and a couple of other rather
simple definitions were identified as good examples that had support as a base definition.
o Staff was directed to focus on a simpler, higher level definition with supporting guidance
on an operating definition.
o There were mixed opinions as to whether the definition should be supported by a list of
indicators as an explanation of the Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability.
TI-B: Reshape Existing Streets
The discussion on policy choice T1-B was next because the transportation planning consultants
would not be available on August 10 when the work session would continue.
Question seeking Council direction: Should the Plan support reshaping streets and context-
sensitive street standards to address multiple needs including stormwater, and "tailored" for
different areas of the community and levels of service for walking, bicycling, transit, and vehicle
capacity? This choice is related to the Stonnwater topic of"Green Streets".
• There was general support for multiuse streets.
• Such an approach could be desirable especially in some key areas with low traffic
volumes and/or areas of high bicycle and pedestrian activity. (Example: Laurel Street
along CSU campus).
• Location specific differences were noted so that there was the need to be context
sensitive.
City of
Fort CoRins
• There was some concern about potential costs associated with construction and/or on-
going operations/maintenance.
TI-D: Vehicle Alternatives/Trails
Question seeking Council direction: Should the Plan support enhancing trails as part of the
transportation system, beyond their current recreational purpose, and how to address new vehicle
types?
• There was general support for further exploration of this idea but there were also some
critical concerns such as:
o trails should not be wider through a natural areas.
o some trails are already too close to habitat areas in some locations.
• There might be some trail sections that can have dual or multiple use purposes for
commuting purposes such as the Power Trail and/or Mason Trail.
• Another important issue is what to do about non-traditional types of"motorized vehicles"
(electric bikes, etc).
■ Conduct research to provide examples of other communities with potential conflicts.
T2-A: Transportation Investments to Achieve Goals
Question seeking Council direction: Should tine Plan explore new tools to achieve more reliable
long-term funding sources for capital improvements and operations and maintenance for all
modes of transportation?
• There were some Council concerns as to the appropriateness of this being in the Plan Fort
Collins process.
• There was no opposition to Plan Fort Collins exploring longer-term funding sources.
• Council would like to see more information about how this topic relates to the long-tern
transportation planning purpose of the Transportation Master Plan and the multimodal
Capital Improvement Plan, including the fiscally constrained plan.
Next Steps:
The July 27 work session will be continued on August 10.