HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/18/2007 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 102, 2007, TEMPORAR ITEM NUMBER: 9
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: September 18, 2007
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Darin Atteberry
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 102,2007,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
From January to April 2006 and November 2006 to April 2007, 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
from November 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008.
Catholic Charities Northern will operate the program. A minimum of three individuals including
a program director 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 4:30 p.m.
on those days when the high daily temperature is forecast to reach a temperature/wind chill
temperature of no more than 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
A permanent, year-round daytime facility for the homeless is planned at the site of The Mission on
Linden Center Drive. That facility was to have opened in 2007, however, it has been postponed
because the capital campaign is not yet complete for the construction of the Housing Services Day
Center(HSDC) at Conifer and Blue Spruce. (The campaign has raised over$1.5 million and still
September 18, 2007 -2- Item No. 9
needs to raise an additional $500,000 prior to the start of construction.) When the HSDC opens,
some of The Mission's services will move there, freeing up space at The Mission that will be
remodeled to provide a permanent daytime shelter.
All parties understand that use of the site at 220 North Howes Street is a temporary solution. This
arrangement worked well during past winter months and staff has every reason to believe that this
needed service can be reestablished for a few months longer.
ORDINANCE NO. 102, 2007
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 the Ricker Building should be used as an
emergency daytime severe winter weather shelter for the homeless in the interest of protecting the
health, safety and welfare of the homeless.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the threat of severe winter weather has presented a situation for the homeless of the
City such that it is fitting and appropriate for the Council to suspend the application and enforcement
of the Land Use Code and the related Zoning Map 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 usage of the Ricker Building as an emergency daytime
severe winter weather shelter for the homeless,provided that: (a) the suspension of the application
and enforcement of the Land Use Code pursuant to this Ordinance shall apply only from and after
November 1, 2007, and shall continue only Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
through April 30,2008; and(b)during said period of time,the City Manager is authorized to utilize
the"Ricker Building"as an emergency daytime severe winter weather shelter for the homeless only
when the high daily temperature is forecast to reach a temperature, wind chill temperature, or wet
bulb temperature of no more than 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 18th day of
September, A.D. 2007, and to be presented for final passage on the 2nd day of October, A.D. 2007.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 2nd day of October, A.D. 2007.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk