HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/27/2007 - CITY COUNCIL END-OF-TERM REPORT DATE: March 27, 2007 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Darin Atteberry FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
City Council End-of-Term Report.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What additional accomplishments would Council like to highlight for the community?
2. What other ongoing issues or projects do Councilmembers wish to underscore for their
successors?
BACKGROUND
In early 2005, City Council identified seven key priorities and outcomes for the 2005-2007 term.
These outcomes became the foundation for the 2006/2007 Citybudget and have subsequently served
as a focal point for the many accomplishments achieved over the past two years. Additionally, in
November 2005, Council completed the development of the 2005-2007 Policy Agenda, which
expanded the seven key outcomes into specific strategies and tactics.
As we review the organization's progress in the last two years, staff views our accomplishments as
sustainable progress: actions, decisions, and initiatives that are not only smart for today, but also
have positive long term results. The City has a commitment to the concept of sustainable progress,
which means having a clear understanding of our reality, developing a vision for where we're
headed, and following a deliberate course of action to get us there.
Some examples of long-term actions include progress on the City's Economic Vision and Action
Plan; the Budgeting for Outcomes approach to financial planning; environmental policies that
enhance our long-term stewardship of the natural environment; update to the Parks Master Plan;
implementation of the Mason Corridor Plan; and work to enhance and sustain the downtown area
as an economic engine for Fort Collins.
As this two-year term comes to a close, we appreciate this opportunity to share highlights of the
achievements and accomplishments that have come about under Council's direction, as well as key
initiatives that will continue for the coming year and beyond.
City Council identified seven key priorities and desired outcomes for the 2005-2007 Council term:
l. Improve Economic Health
2. Improve Environmental Health
3. Improve Neighborhood Quality
March 27, 2007 Page 2
4. Improve Community Safety
5. Improve Cultural, Recreational and Education Opportunities
6. Improve Transportation
7. Improve the City as a High Performing Government
The 2005-2006 "Budgeting for Outcomes" process and the 2005-2007 Policy Agenda together
provided additional details and focus for staff on the goals that Council wished to attain. Some of
these policies and projects were a continuation of efforts begun years and even decades prior and
some were new ideas and undertakings. Below is a summary of some of the most significant
achievements for each area.
Improve Economic Health
Created first-ever Economic Action Plan to foster a healthy economy reflecting the values
of our unique community in a changing world.
Facilitated several major new economic development projects which will contribute to the
future economic health of Fort Collins including the Front Range Village(Bayer),Foothills
Mall Redevelopment (General Growth Properties), AMD, and Intel.
• Completed a Target Industry Study to better understand strengths and opportunities for
growing primary employment: Biotechnology; Clean Energy; Hardware; Software; and
Uniquely Fort Collins.
• Completed a Business Outreach Study to identify and implement improvements to the
Development Review Process.
• Completed the financial plan and development agreement for the Front Range Village
(Bayer)project; ground breaking is scheduled for April 2007.
• Worked to initiate the discussions and strategy for updating and renovating the Foothills
Mall.
• Continued actions to build upon the assets of Downtown and Old Town: DDA supported
projects such as Alley Rehabilitation,new residential development, and planning for a new
downtown hotel;redevelopment of Block 33 and the start of construction on"Penny Flats";
getting the Downtown River District Improvement Project underway.
Improve Environmental Health
• Crafted policies that affect water demand (conservation pricing and education to promote
water conservation).
• Approved a LEED Gold requirement for new City buildings—the third city in the nation to
set this high standard.
• Continued steps to protect the City's water supply via the expansion of Halligan Reservoir.
• Opened Bobcat Ridge Natural Area-2,600 acres of foothills property with abundant
wildlife, views, and accessible for handicapped individuals.
• Surpassed the City's Climate Wise Program year 2010 goal of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions by more than 93,390 tons per year--data shows reductions topping 100,000 tons
per year at a cost savings over$4 million.
March 27, 2007 Page 3
Improve Neighborhood Quality
Enacted a policy and program to limit occupancy to a family or no more than 3-unrelated to
help ensure health and safety of residents, and to help protect the quality and character of
neighborhoods. The implementation of this program will be monitored over the next two
years to evaluate its effectiveness.
• Participating in the UniverCity Connections project which is designed to strengthen
connections among the CSU Campus, Dowtown Fort Collins, and the Poudre River.
• Launched the first annual Urban Desgin Awards recognizing projects that contribute to our
community and quality of life.
The Police Party Project/Riot Prevention Plan reduced noise calls by 43% since 2004.
• Completed neighborhood plans and code changes: Northwest Subarea Plan; clarified
downtown building heights; North College Corridor Plan.
Improve Community Safety
• Completed the Dry Creek and the West Prospect Ponds Drainage Improvement Projects to
increase flood protection.
Working as part of the Larimer County Drug Task Force, a 10-month investigation was
completed that resulted in over 70 arrests related to methamphetamine drug trafficking.
Increased forensic investigations and joined a statewide task force to address Internet Crimes
Against Children.
Ensured funding for and started the construction of a new environmentally friendly Police
Services building.
• Completed the electric-line underground project to ensure continuous and reliable electric
service to residential as well as business customers during severe weather conditions.
Improve Cultural, Recreational and Education Opportunities
Completed the Children's Garden on Spring Creek-90%of the funding came from non-City
sources including Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and local Rotary Clubs.
Completed renovations to the Oak Street Plaza, creating a safer, more pedestrian friendly
area—funding was a collaborative effort between the DDA and the City.
• Started construction on two major community projects: Spring Canyon Community Park
(featuring the first fully-accessible playground in Colorado) and the renovation of the
Northside Aztlan Center.
• Approved agreements for construction of a southeast branch library as part of the new Front
Range Village retail center.
With voter approval,Council began the transition of the City's libraryprograms and facilities
to a new Library District that is supported by an independent property tax levy.
Improve Transportation
• Following the winter storms of 2006, City crews worked around the clock (including
Christmas and New Year's Day)plowing streets to assure the safety of our community.
March 27, 2007 Page 4
• Completed improvements to several key transportation corridors in the City: Timberline
(Drake to Prospect); East Prospect Road(Summit View to Poudre Bridge);Laurel(College
to Shields); East Harmony Road; Kechter-Zielger Roundabout; South Taft Hill Road.
• Initiated a collaborative study with the City of Windsor to identify the necessary
improvements at the SH392-I25 interchange and how to pay for the improvements.
Added three fixed routes to the Transfort transit system and refocused the City's paratransit
service (Dial-a-Ride) to provide ADA minimum service.
• Renovation the Transit Center at Colorado State University—based on a three-way
partnership with CSU, the federal government and the City.
Improve the City as a High Performing Government
• With voter approval, continued the City's tradition of funding community capital
improvements (BOB) and street maintenance (Pavement Management Program) through
designated 1/4-cent sales tax programs. Building on Basics(BOB)supports a wide range of
parks, recreation, cultural, library, and transportation and transit project. The taxes extend
for 10 years and include startup operations and maintenance funding for select projects.
• Reworked the General Fund budget for 2007, utilizing a combined approach of service
reductions and operational efficiences.
Implemented a variety of efficiencies to improve productivity and reduce costs—streamlined
Information Technology functions to save$225,000;converted to online tracking ofinvoices
and timesheets; restructured the major Service Areas of the organization.
• Fleet Services was certified as one of the most cost-effective operations(based on vehicles,
alternative fuels, technology and processes) in North America.
• As an added service to the community, the Clerk's Office became a Passport Application
facility processing 1,174 applications in 2006 and 999 applications through the first two and
a half months of 2007.
The information presented above represents just a snapshot of the many accomplishments and efforts
undertaken over the course of the past two-year term. Councilmembers will likely wish to
emphasize additional policies and projects, both past and ongoing for 2007 and the coming years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2005-2007 Policy Agenda Summary Update.
City Manager ' s Office
iiiii
2005 -2007 City Council Policy Agenda
City of Fort Collins End - of-Term Report
Improve Economic Health
Fort Collins produces quality jobs, is economically diverse and builds on our core community
strengths (such as educated workforce, higher education, K- 12 education, downtown, natural
environment, and arts & culture.)
❖ Develop a City economic vision and economic plan.
o Economic action plan reviewed and adopted by Council; implementation
underway
❖ Seek ways to capitalize on the assets and plans that exist for Downtown.
o The Downtown Development Authority continues to lead improvements to the
downtown area: Alley rehabilitation, significant new residential development,
plans for a downtown hotel and the planning for the Museum/Discovery
Science Center.
o Downtown River District Improvement Project underway
o Facilitated redevelopment of Block 33 "Penny Flats"; construction in progress
o UniverCity initiative underway to identify opportunities for improving
connections between CSU and the downtown
o Prepared Downtown Urban Renewal Plan
o Clarified downtown height regulations
o Retained developer of downtown hotel (Remington Parking lot)
❖ Conduct community outreach and dialogue to identify potential barriers to economic health
contained within City Plan and the Land Use Code.
o Completed Business Outreach Study - improved understanding of issues related
to development review; several recommendations approved by Council and
other issues still being evaluated
o Completed Refill Fort Collins study
❖ Aggressively pursue activities to enhance the health of our local retail economy, including
business retention and new retail development.
o Front Range Village (Bayer) project breaking ground in April 2007
o Adapted Harmony Corridor Plan for regional shopping
o Work with General Growth Properties will result in a Foothills Mall
redevelopment plan being submitted to the City by the second quarter of 2007
o Ad Hoc Council Committee recommended new policies and procedures to
Council regarding URA administration; implementation underway
o Proposal under development and review re : Section 108 (housing assistance)
loan program
300 LaPorte Avenue•P.O. Box 580•Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580•(970) 221 -6505 •FAX (970) 224-6107•TDD
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o Completed the Targeted Industry Study to better understand strengths and
opportunities regarding retaining and growing primary employment
o Prepared Urban Renewal Plans for Downtown, North College and Foothills
Mall
❖ Evaluate, prioritize and implement elements of strategic plans .
o Northwest Subarea Plan adopted by Council February 2007
o 125/392 IGA with Windsor has been signed by both jurisdictions; completion
expected Summer 2007
o Community Foundation has taken leadership role for UniverCity Connections
effort; expected completion Summer 2007
o Clarified Downtown building heights
❖ Stabilize the economic wellbeing of the City organization, especially regarding the
balancing of revenues and costs.
o New revenue forecasting tool was built and detailed projections developed for
the coming four year period
o 2007 Budget Exceptions process complete
❖ Further the economic health of the region through partnerships with other governments and
agencies.
o The City continues to take a leadership role in regional clean energy and
biotechnology clusters
o City staff actively engaged with many groups including CSU, Poudre School
District, Chamber of Commerce, Larimer County, NCEDC, Clean Energy
Cluster, etc .
o Participate in advisory groups related to Fort Collins Technology Incubator and
Northern Colorado Biosciences Initiative
o Initiated 1-25/392 Interchange Improvement Project
o Participated in North I-25 Environmental Impact Study
o Participated in 1-25 Plan Advisory Committee
❖ Retain quality jobs in the community and foster growth of new, quality jobs .
o The target industry study completed in 2006 provides the framework for the
City ' s efforts in business retention and attraction
o Economic Advisor conducts ongoing, proactive business outreach to identify
opportunities for existing companies to expand; assists NCEDC on potential
companies seeking to locate in Fort Collins
o Worked with Larimer County to retain Harmony Corridor jobs
o Facilitated addition of ADM and INTEL to the local economy
❖ Improve City outreach and communication with business and industry.
o Economic Advisor has made business outreach a priority; Mayor and City
Manager continue to meet with major employers on a monthly basis
o City web site enhanced to include additional information for business
community
o Business Outreach Study recommendations underway
o Acquired and now use data and software package designed to help businesses
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with market analysis
o Partnerships with Small Business Development Center, Larimer County
Economic Development and others continues
o ClimateWise program exceeded its 2010 greenhouse gas goal
o An Economic Communication Action Plan has been developed and
implementation is underway
❖ Partner with CSU to foster economic vitality.
o The Mayor and City Manager has forged strong working relationship with CSU
President Penley
o Wide range of partners, including the City and CSU, working to forward the
Clean Energy Cluster
o CSU, City and Community Foundation are partnering on the UniverCity
Connections effort
❖ Review and, where needed, improve policies regarding infill and redevelopment.
o REFILL Land Use Code revisions adopted
o "One-Stop" Development Review Center created at 281 North College Avenue
o City Council continues to refine our economic position and strategies, building
off the economic vision developed in 2005
o Created an Economic Action Plan that provides guidance in transforming vision
and philosophy into action
o Completed Target Industry Study, identifying industries that have experienced
noteworthy success, present strong opportunities for growth, and are compatible
with our community
o Improved the Manufacturer' s Use Tax Rebate Program by simplifying
calculations, removing caps, and increasing awareness
o The North Fort Collins Urban Renewal Area celebrated the completion of its
first large-scale infrastructure project
o Intel announced an expansion of their Fort Collins facility.
o Woodward Governor designated Fort Collins as their corporate headquarters
o AMD located the Mile High Design Center to Fort Collins . bringing 200 jobs
o North College Corridor Plan and East Mulberry Corridor Plan (Downtown
Airpark) updated
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Improve Environmental Health
Fort Collins creates a clean and sustainable environment.
❖ Protect our supply of water by continuing to pursue expansion of Halligan Reservoir.
o Hosted meetings on the project to provide information and gather citizen input
o Worked with the U. S . Corps of Engineers on the Halligan Environmental
Impact Study
❖ Examine policies that affect water demand (water conservation, conservation pricing, and
education).
o Launched project to complete water conservation plan for submission to State
of Colorado
o Co-sponsored annual High Plains Landscape Workshop
o Water rate adopted, effective as of May 2006
o 2006 sprinkler audit program completed; work continues on water conservation
planning, leak detection and WTF backwash recycling programs
o New homeowner association covenants are checked to ensure compliance with
environmentally friendly code requirements ; Neighborhood Services ongoing
education efforts raise awareness
❖ Evaluate, prioritize and implement key parts of environmental and sustainability plans .
o Implementation underway of City ' s Action Plan for Sustainability; 2006 report
out soon
o Three pilots for 10% paper purchase goal identified; implementation in progress
o Analysis and purchase of the most fuel-efficient types of vehicles underway
across the City organization
o Water efficiency projects installed and being monitored for effectiveness
o Council passes LEED GOLD requirement for new City buildings
❖ Improve our water and air quality.
o Ozone reduction, radon awareness, and "Track to Win" air quality campaigns
implemented
o Mobility management best practices study completed
o Lawn mower rebate program completed
o CMAQ-funded remote sensing project to identify high-polluting vehicles
completed
o Completed West Prospect Ponds, Drake Relief Sewer through Rigden Farms,
and portions of Dry Creek Project that affect irrigation ditches
o Design begun on Canal Importation Ponds and Drake Water Reclamation
Facility Odor Control
o Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Project construction completed
4
o Water quality features continually incorporated in stormwater projects
o Climate Wise reduced over 80,000 tons CO2 and partners save $4 . 3 million
o Fort Collins is in compliance with all air quality federal health standards
❖ Anticipate and address future threats to our water and air quality.
o Modeled the impact of Glade Reservoir on our water supply
o Engaged in ongoing local and regional efforts to address mercury emissions
o Conducting ongoing monitoring of ozone concentrations and work underway on
abatement strategies
o Conducting ongoing water quality monitoring
o Completed first round of NIMS training; ongoing participation in Larimer
County Pandemic Planning
o Ongoing responses to spills and water quality complaints
o Mobility Management Best Practices study completed for Fort Collins
o Radon mitigation effectiveness study completed
❖ Improve our management of solid waste and recycling programs .
o Rivendell recycling center operations ongoing
o Added cardboard and paperboard to curbside collection, which contributed to
Larimer County recycling center' s 20% increase in volumes during 2006
o Increased City involvement with local trash haulers to better coordinate policy
development, data collection, and regulatory oversight; 2006 audit resulted in
corrective actions by two haulers to comply with PAYT ordinance
o Drafted Strategic Plan for Waste Diversion; plan led to adoption of ordinance
prohibiting disposal of electronic equipment in the community ' s waste stream
5
Improve Neighborhood Quality
Fort Collins improves the safety, livability, and affordability of neighborhoods and the
availability of housing choices .
❖ Develop strategies to improve neighborhood quality of life .
o "One Stop Customer Service Center" at 281 North College Avenue provides
single point of customer contact for neighborhood improvement services
o Ongoing work in progress to develop improved Property and Building
Maintenance Standards
o UniverCity Connections underway; designed to strengthen connections between
the CSU campus, Downtown Fort Collins and the Poudre River
o The Police Party Project/Riot Prevention Plan reduced noise calls by 43 %
since 2004
o Neighborhood Partnership Program underway to create a positive environment
in neighborhoods where student and non-student residents live in close
proximity
o CSU-community programs ongoing, including landlord and student workshops,
volunteer assistance for special-need residents, free mediation services
o 50 — 60 new over-occupancy cases reported as of March 1 , 2007
o Most nuisance violations changed from criminal misdemeanor to civil
infraction, improving compliance
o New Urban Design Awards recognize projects that contribute to our
community and quality of life
❖ Review and evaluate existing land use and development policies to positively affect
neighborhoods .
o Northwest Subarea Plan adopted
o Code changes addressing off-street parking requirements near activity centers
were included in Fall 2006 Land Use Code Update
o Rezoned a portion of the west side neighborhood (Frey rezoning)
❖ Explore factors that impact housing affordability in the region.
o Formation of a HOME consortium with several other jurisdictions underway
o Single Family Affordable Housing Index and Multi Family Affordable Housing
Index completed
o Land Bank Program
6
Improve Community Safety
People in Fort Collins are safer at home, work and play .
❖ Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of health, safety and emergency service
providers.
o Develop a Police strategic plan that focuses on safety outcomes and provides
information to Council and the community for making strategic funding decisions .
o Council subcommittee has met to discuss and develop long-term plan for Police
Services staffing
o Police Services has issued a Request for Proposals for a consultant to develop a
strategic plan
o Examine Police and Fire staffing, tasking and funding (e . g . utilize efficiently, focus on
outcomes) .
o Police and Fire funding and staffing were a focus of 2007 budget discussions;
both services were excluded from any significant budget reductions in the
adopted 2007 Budget
o A detailed work session discussion in April 2006 focused on Poudre Fire
Authority metrics and strategic plan, including rationale for staffing, tasking
and funding goals
❖ Ensure effective disaster preparedness.
o Continuity of Government plan under development; first draft completed
o Pandemic flu planning underway; Office of Emergency Management working
with County Health Department and coordinating activities for City of Fort
Collins operations
o National Incident Management System (NIMS) training for all City leadership
staff in progress
❖ Ensure successful completion of the new Police building.
o Construction on schedule with September completion expected
❖ Pursue regional partnerships to address safety issues, e . g. coordinated emergency services
dispatch.
o Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) Board recently hired an
Executive Director; update on coordinated dispatch services pending
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Improve Cultural, Recreational and Educational Opportunities
Fort Collins provides quality cultural, recreational, parks, open space/natural areas, and
educational opportunities to enrich lives.
❖ Pursue formation of the Downtown "cultural neighborhood" concept.
o Oak Street Plaza Park completed in 2006, providing additional parkland for
visitors, shoppers and employees in the Downtown area
o Trimble Court and Tenny Court Downtown Alleyways completed
❖ Evaluate, prioritize and implement existing plans that support cultural, recreational, open
space/natural areas and educational opportunities .
o The Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Update will be completed in mid-2007,
providing guidance for development of parks, trails, recreation facilities and
services for the next 10 years
o Spring Canyon Community Park construction underway, with a scheduled
opening of fall 2007
o The City hard-surfaced trail system was expanded with an addition to the
Power Trail south of Horsetooth Road and an underpass at Highway 287
along the Fossil Creek Trail
o A consultant has been selected to assist staff with the Cultural Facilities Plan,
including strategies to leverage private funding needed for completing
renovations to Lincoln Center
o Discussions continue with community members from Loveland and Fort
Collins to test viability of creating a Science and Cultural Facilities District
o Community volunteers successful in establishing a regional Library District at
the November 2006 election; intergovernmental agreement under
development
o Agreements in place for construction of a southeast branch library at Bayer
Properties site utilizing Library Capital Expansion Fees
o Bobcat Ridge Natural Area opened in September 2006
o Volunteer Master Naturalists made presentations to 12,700 people in 2005 -
2006
o Conserved 7, 800 acres of land in 2005 -2006
o Soapstone Prairie Natural Area planning underway for opening in 2009
❖ Support collaborative community efforts to develop new cultural opportunities .
o Planning continues on the joint Museum/Discovery Science Center project;
negotiations on a partnership to merge the Museum and Science Center are
progressing
o Cultural Services staff collaborated with various organizations to bring new
cultural opportunities, including Movies with MOCA, TriMedia Film Festival,
Artsploration (with Front Range Community College, Arts Alive and various
cultural groups) and First Friday Concerts .
8
o Lincoln Center Box Office staff now provide some services to CSU and to
groups that split their season between the Lincoln Center and CSU ' s new
University Center for the Arts .
o The City and Convention and Visitors Bureau together developed a
comprehensive cultural calendar housed on the CVB ' s website; joint regional
cultural marketing efforts are also underway.
o Collaboration continues with the DDA to develop the Beet Street program
❖ Ensure appropriate Council oversight of open space and land conservation programs,
including related recreational efforts.
o New Land Conservation and Stewardship Board actively engaged in a variety of
projects
o Council passed an ordinance that describes when it will review Natural Areas
acquisitions
o Council reviewed and authorized administrative adoption of Wildlife
Management Guidelines
o Council approved by ordinance various revisions to City Code clarifying
permitted recreation activities in natural areas
9
Improve Transportation
Fort Collins improves the safety and ease of traveling to,
from and throughout the City.
❖ Examine Transportation revenue sources and spending; pursue additional funding options
for transportation needs.
o Transportation Maintenance Fee proposed; defeated by City Council in
November 2006
o Over $ 10 million awarded in 2006 from local, regional, state and federal
sources for a range of projects, including the Mason Transportation Corridor
from downtown to CSU, South Transit Center, and Harmony-US287
intersection improvements
o Internal reorganization of Transportation departments and divisions underway
to ensure most efficient distribution of available resources
o Changed focus of Paratransit (Dial a Ride) service provision to provide ADA
minimum service ; added three new fixed routes for more broad-based, efficient
coverage of key areas of Ft Collins
o Additional Mason Corridor funding is being pursued
❖ Participate in regional transportation planning for the Rural Transportation Authority.
o Transportation Staff continues active involvement in North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) regional planning activities
o Transportation staff continues to provide support, analysis, and policy
assistance to ensure an RTA structure that best supports Fort Collins community
and regional interests
o Participate in the North Front Range MPO Council, Transportation Advisory
Committee and North Front Range Transportation Summit
❖ Participate in all regional transportation issues (airport, connections to commuter rail to
Longmont, regional congestion and mobility) .
o Transportation staff continue to represent City interests and facilitate developer
discussions on the 1-25 Environmental Impact Study
o SH-392 and US-287 Environmental Overview Studies and Access Control
Plans completed
o Airport Master Plan approved by Council
o Staff participated in a number of regional and state planning activities involving
environmental assessments and efforts such as the Front Range Commuter Rail
conference
o Fort Collins and Windsor are collaborating on the SH-392 Interchange
Improvement Project to form an action plan for improvements that will promote
and enable economic development opportunities in the area
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❖ Evaluate, prioritize and implement key elements of the Transportation Master Plan; focus
on key actions based on the prioritization for implementation in the next 2 years .
o Mason Trail completed and open
o Timberline improvements and Prospect widening completed ahead of schedule
o Taft Hill Road and Lemay Avenue improvements completed ahead of schedule
o Signalized intersection at Kechter and Ziegler replaced with a new, modern
roundabout
o CSU Transit Center completed; meets the LEEDS certification for a Silver
rating
o South College Bike Lanes scheduled completion spring 2007
o Laurel Street from College to Shields upgraded with bike lanes, sidewalk and
intersection improvements
o Numerous Pavement Management projects ongoing; a major patching/paving
operation on East Harmony Road was completed in 2006
o Bicycle Program Plan update underway; bike plan funds estimated to begin in
2008
o Mobility Index Program FCMOVES development underway
o Parking Access Revenue Control System analysis underway
o Transportation Capital Project List adjusted annually to reflect re-prioritization,
available funds, collaboration opportunities and completed projects
❖ Understand options for implementation of transit strategies .
o Transfort and Transportation Planning staff continue to explore grants and local
matching funds for possible transit funding opportunities
o Transfort Strategic plan revisited and updated to reflect current and forecast
conditions, funding streams, and grant awards
o Fixed Routes analyzed and adjusted for maximum efficiency, ridership
o Long range transit plans examined to make certain they work with regional and
state plans
❖ Evaluate service options for public use of transit services for specific purposes (e . g.
medical and employment.)
o Dial a Ride paratransit service reduced to sustainable levels; fixed route service
added to help offset DAR service losses
o Participate in and facilitate regional Paratransit Task Force to help find
solutions to service needs outside of Fort Collins ' ability
o New Fixed routes designed to service key health/medical providers in Fort
Collins
❖ Encourage use of alternative transportation methods and provide safe alternate modes
routes .
o Expanded Safe Route to School and Pedestrian Plan programs and funding
opportunities to maximize safe pedestrian connections and facilities
o Bicycle Coordinator position added in 2006 ; has been awarded over $50,000 in
grants and in-kind contributions in first 9 months
o Developed a Transit Overlay District encompassing the Mason
Corridor/Downtown/CSU area, including specific design standards that promote
alternate modes
11
❖ Improve traffic safety through a variety of policy approaches including engineering and
design standards and enforcement.
o The City built a deicing facility to store materials and equipment and replace the
old rapidly deteriorating building
o Following the winter storms of 2006 City snow removal crews worked 24 hours a
day to assure the safety of our community; crews plowed more than 840 lane
miles of streets without taking a single day off (not even Christmas Day)
o Reviewed the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (with Larimer
County and Loveland) to assess and implement needed changes
o Adopted a policy of implementing Context Sensitive Design principles on all
transportation projects
o Continued long-standing "Complete Streets" policy for planning, engineering,
design and construction of roadways to ensure mobility and safety for all modes
of travel
o Implemented Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) design thru Automated
Traffic Management System to maximize safety, efficiency and mobility
o Real Time Traveler Web page project developed and launched in 1 " quarter
2007 to facilitate system user information and trip decision making
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Improve the City as a High Performing Government
Support Fort Collins as a model for an entrepreneurial ,
high performing City government.
❖ Direct staff to pursue and implement actions that ensure that the City of Fort Collins is a
high performing government.
o In addition to the efficiencies noted throughout this document, internal service units
improved productivity in many ways; examples include an extensive consolidation
of IT services, and timesheets and other forms and services that are now accessed
online
o The new Monthly Financial Report highlights the performance of the major
revenues and overall expenditures for the City ' s General Fund and Utilities
o The City Clerk' s Office became a Passport Application Acceptance Facility
processing 1 , 174 applications in 2006 .
o Video-on-Demand is now available for Council meetings and other Cable 14
programs, accessible via the City websitefcgov. com/video
o Fleet Services Division was certified as one of the most cost-effective fleets in
North America by the nation ' s most rigorous and elite certification agency
o Lead team members developed a new organizational vision, mission and values ;
work is underway so that employees throughout the organization are engaged in
fulfilling the vision and mission.
o The Leadership Link management group was formed and charged with
addressing strategic issues critical to the organization
o An employee survey was completed in 2006 and a number of activities are
occurring to address issues identified in the survey
o A Supervisory Summit program was developed to ensure supervisors gain the
knowledge and tools to carry out federal and state mandates and City policies
and procedures in a consistent and equitable manner.
o An extensive Training Catalog and related classes provide opportunities for
employee development, skill-building and personal enrichment
o Employee leave policies were updated to align with the market
o An on-line job application system was implemented, allowing for ease of use
and electronic tracking and processing
o A new employee performance management system is under development; the
system will provide meaningful performance assessment, employee
development, career planning and defined competencies for organizational
success.
o 56% of employees under the benefits plan participated in the comprehensive
Wellness Program in 2006 , a 29% increase from the prior year.
❖ Review existing policies related to the two year mayoral term, campaign contribution
limits, and City Council Member and Mayor pay rates .
o Council considered mayoral term limits and Council Member and Mayor pay
rates in early 2007 and decided not to take action
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❖ Review City employee pay and benefit policies including health insurance and pension
contributions .
o Employee benefits, including healthcare, were reviewed and changes
implemented for 2007 which more closely align the plan designs and
contribution cost share with the market
o Employer pension contributions were analyzed and determined to be higher
than market; contributions for some new employees will be reduced by 1 %
o City pay policies are being addressed through the implementation of a pay
program connected with employee performance ; a change in the pay philosophy
was presented and supported by City Council
❖ Seek excellence in working relationships among City Council Members, between City
Council and staff, and between the City Council and the Community. These relationships
should be a model of civil, deliberative debate, and should model the pursuit of best
practices.
o This is an ongoing, deliberative process spanning a wide range of activities ;
examples include intensive outreach with citizens of the southwest enclave
(City Council/Staff/Community) and regular Council Member/City Manager
meetings
❖ Enhance the City Council ' s relationship with the municipal court
o Beginning in 2006 , the Municipal Judge sends Council a quarterly report
containing information requested by Council
o The Municipal Judge developed a new performance evaluation form for the
position that addresses the primary duties assigned: judicial, administrative and
Liquor Licensing Authority
❖ Implement and continue to improve the collaborative budget process, aligning spending
with desired outcomes .
o Council and staff spent eight months reworking the 2007 General Fund budget;
after exploring all options, a combined approach of service reductions and
operational efficiencies was used to balance the 2007 budget
o Outreach was conducted for 2007 budget process using a web survey, speakers
at community organizations, boards and commissions input and media contacts
o A staff team has begun to design the 2008-2009 Budget process to improve
upon the process used in prior years
❖ Improve methods for involving the community in City issues, including pursuing
excellence in electronic communication, the City web site and e-government services .
o Citizen Survey Report completed, provided statistical information about how
well the City does in informing/involving citizens
o Use of City website has nearly doubled; approximately 21 % of residents visited
the City's website in the past seven days
o City website redesign completed and implemented
o Focus groups have been utilized or being planned for several projects, including
the business outreach project, the community branding effort and 2007 budget
discussions
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o The "CityWorks 101 " citizen academy has been developed and begins in April
2007
o The online Monthly Report captures recent milestones and activities, including
information on capital projects ; viewers may subscribe to automatically receive
the report
o A variety of e-government services continue to be utilized daily by citizens ;
new services are being added on an ongoing basis
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