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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 12/11/2012 - COMPLETE AGENDAKaren Weitkunat, Mayor Council Information Center Kelly Ohlson, District 5, Mayor Pro Tem City Hall West Ben Manvel, District 1 300 LaPorte Avenue Lisa Poppaw, District 2 Fort Collins, Colorado Aislinn Kottwitz, District 3 Wade Troxell, District 4 Cablecast on City Cable Channel 14 Gerry Horak, District 6 on the Comcast cable system Darin Atteberry, City Manager Steve Roy, City Attorney Wanda Nelson, City Clerk The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224- 6001) for assistance. WORK SESSION December 11, 2012 6 p.m. 1. Call Meeting to Order. 2. Student Housing Action Plan. (staff: Beth Sowder, Laurie Kadrich, Seth Lorson; 1 hour discussion) The purpose of this work session item is to discuss housing needs, data, and draft action items that were derived from several months of working with participating stakeholders regarding the Student Housing Action Plan. Council feedback will be sought regarding draft action items and the timeline to move forward. The Student Housing Action Plan project has involved working with Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, neighbors, students, developers, and other stakeholders to identify strategies and recommend action items to address the increasing need for multi-family student housing and the potential negative impacts and compatibility concerns to existing neighborhoods. Feedback received through the public engagement process has driven the proposed draft action items. December 11, 2012 3. Paved Trail Study. (staff: Marty Heffernan; 45 minute discussion) City Council requested staff undertake a trail study and develop a long-range plan for our paved trail system. Staff formed a trail team to review best practices and collect information about trail use, trail users and trail improvements. The team deployed automatic trail counters at 11 locations, and utilized volunteers to count trail users at 10 locations on 9 different days and to interview 588 trail users. Staff also developed and promoted an online trail questionnaire, which generated 541 responses. Staff learned trails are important to resident’s quality of life and there is a high level of satisfaction with the trail system. The trails are very well used but are not generally congested, they are well maintained, and the 10-foot wide concrete trail standard is working well. Citizens want more trails, more underpasses, and gaps in the trail system completed. Users want trails to be scenic and close to nature. Trail users are courteous and people generally feel safe on the trails. Bicyclists outnumber pedestrians (70/30) and males outnumber females (61/39). 4. FortZED. (staff: Bruce Hendee, Steve Catanach, Katy Bigner; 30 minute discussion) FortZED (Zero Energy District) is a community-driven initiative to create one of the world’s largest net zero energy districts in Fort Collins. The mission of FortZED is to transform the downtown area of Fort Collins and the main campus of Colorado State University (CSU) into a zero energy district- by reducing the amount of energy used, plus generating as much renewable energy locally as is used on an annual basis. For FortZED, public and private cooperation is a key to success. The FortZED initiative has a long standing history of collaboration and partnership with a diverse group of regional and international organizations, private enterprise, public organizations, and passionate individuals. The supporting project partners include: City of Fort Collins, Colorado Clean Energy Cluster (CCEC), Colorado State University-Main Campus (CSU) and its Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, Brendle Group, Woodward, Spirae, New Belgium Brewing, and many others. This visionary project will help prove out the concepts, pathways and technologies to achieve both the carbon reduction and energy goals established by City Council. FortZED offers many benefits to the community and region, supporting a progressive utility, fostering local innovation, entrepreneurship, economic health, climate change mitigation and support for local innovative energy technology companies. The substantial public recognition FortZED has received demonstrates that the vision of creating zero energy cities is an important issue, not only for Fort Collins, but for the state, the nation and internationally. The work of FortZED is a leading edge effort that partners the City, University, community and the business world to create a replicable model that can be used around the world. 5. Other Business. 6. Adjournment. DATE: December 11, 2012 STAFF: Beth Sowder, Laurie Kadrich, Seth Lorson Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php WORK SESSION ITEM FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Student Housing Action Plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this work session item is to discuss housing needs, data, and draft action items that were derived from several months of working with participating stakeholders regarding the Student Housing Action Plan. Council feedback will be sought regarding draft action items and the timeline to move forward. The Student Housing Action Plan project has involved working with Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, neighbors, students, developers, and other stakeholders to identify strategies and recommend action items to address the increasing need for multi-family student housing and the potential negative impacts and compatibility concerns to existing neighborhoods. Feedback received through the public engagement process has driven the proposed draft action items. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Does Council want staff to move forward with formal consideration of the Student Housing Action Plan on February 19, 2013? 2. Does Council generally agree with the proposed draft action items that are identified for near and long term processes? 3. Does Council want staff to move forward with the proposed draft action items that do not need formal Council consideration? 4. Are there any items that Council would like to add or change? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Mission and Purpose The mission of the Student Housing Action Plan (SHAP) is to develop community driven strategies that encourage and provide an adequate supply of quality student housing while maintaining neighborhood quality and compatibility. December 11, 2012 Page 2 The City, through the City Plan process, identified a need to address student housing now and into the future. Fort Collins is and has been experiencing an increase in population and student enrollment, a limited supply of multi-family housing, very low vacancy rates, and challenges with addressing neighborhood concerns with new multi-family development projects. These factors drove the need for the development of strategies and action items to help facilitate adequate housing supplies while addressing negative impacts upon existing neighborhoods. During the City Plan update (Plan Fort Collins), specific policies were adopted that are applicable to student housing: Policy LIV 7.2 – Develop an Adequate Supply of Housing – Encourage public and private for-profit and non-profit sectors to take actions to develop and maintain adequate supply of single- and multi-family housing, including mobile homes and manufactured housing. Policy LIV 7.7 – Accommodate the Student Population – Plan for and incorporate new housing for the student population on campuses and in areas near educational campuses and/or that are well-served by public transportation. Action Plan (Near Term Actions: 2011 and 2012) – Student Housing Plan – Coordinate with Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, and others to develop a plan that identifies future locations and other desirable characteristics of future student housing developments. Policy LIV 6.2 – Seek Compatibility with Neighborhoods – Encourage design that complements and extends the positive qualities of surrounding development and adjacent buildings in terms of general intensity and use, street pattern, and any identifiable style, proportions, shapes, relationship to the street, pattern of buildings and yards, and patterns created by doors, windows, projections and recesses. Compatibility with these existing elements does not mean uniformity. Policy LIV 6.3 – Encourage Introduction of Neighborhood-Related, Non- Residential Development – Encourage the addition of new services, conveniences, and/or gathering places in existing neighborhoods that lack such facilities, provided they meet performance and architectural standards respecting the neighborhood’s positive characteristics, level of activity, and parking and traffic conditions. Land Supply and Growth According to City Plan, growth within the city will be focused to promote a compact development pattern, by directing urban development to well-defined areas within the Growth Management Area (GMA). The compact form of the city will also contribute to preserving environmentally sensitive areas and rural lands, efficiently providing public services, and encouraging infill and redevelopment of existing urban areas. The City adopted the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District (TOD) in 2007 after significant public debate and input. The TOD is aimed at reducing sprawl by incentivizing infill development in central areas of town near transit, particularly the Mason Corridor, and frequent December 11, 2012 Page 3 destinations. The provisions of the TOD allow for a mix of goods and services within convenient walking distance of transit stations, encourage the creation of stable and attractive residential and commercial environments, and provide for a desirable transition to the surrounding existing neighborhoods. Student Enrollment Data and Projections (See Attachment 1) The current total population of Fort Collins is 144,880 which include students who live within the City Limits. In the fall of 2000, Colorado State University (CSU) had approximately 23,000 students. The total enrollment for fall 2012 is 26,769. Approximately, 74% are undergraduate (traditional) students, 9% are undergraduate (non-traditional), and 16% are graduate and professional students. Approximately, 23% of students live on-campus in the 6,300 beds owned and operated by CSU; 77% require housing off-campus. Assuming that same rate, and with a continued strong market position for CSU in Colorado and around the nation, CSU projects enrollment that could be as high as 35,000 in the future (10 – 20 plus years). This would include graduate and undergraduate enrollment (does not include on-line enrollment), and will continually evolve based on funding levels, market conditions and other factors. Front Range Community College (FRCC) total enrollment for spring 2012 was 6,320. FRCC does not provide any on-campus housing, so all of their students live off-campus. Multi-Family Vacancy Rates in Fort Collins The graph below shows the declining vacancy rate for multi-family housing in Fort Collins over the past several years (Colorado Division of Housing). Multi-Family Average Rents in Fort Collins The graph below shows the increasing average rent for rentals in Fort Collins over the past several years (Colorado Division of Housing). December 11, 2012 Page 4 On and Off Campus Housing Supply According to a rental listing provided by CSU, there are approximately 57 off-campus complexes that rent to students and provide around 13,000 bedrooms. Many students also choose to rent single- family homes. CSU has approximately 6,300 beds on campus and they are currently building more. CSU plans to increase the total number of beds on campus by approximately 2,740 total net beds by 2020. (See Attachment 2) They are also committed to providing on-campus housing for all freshmen and a portion of international students as well as 25% of returning students. The private market has also responded to the demand for off-campus multi-family student housing projects; there are currently two large projects under construction and several more are either approved or in the development process. (See Attachment 3) Most, if not all, of the housing needs will be met in the next five to seven years by the increase in on-campus housing and the approximately 3,500 student-oriented multi-family bedrooms currently under construction or in the development process. This housing supply helps meet the need presented in the first part of the SHAP mission – to ensure an adequate supply of quality student housing. Much of the SHAP stakeholder discussions have concentrated on the second part of the mission – to maintain neighborhood quality and compatibility. Student Housing Preferences (See Attachment 4) In 2011 and 2012, CSU students were surveyed in an effort to better understand their rental housing preferences. The results from those surveys show the following: Living Arrangement – 84% currently rent in the following housing type: Apartment 38% House 34% Condo/duplex 16% Other 2% December 11, 2012 Page 5 Transportation – 82% brought a car to campus. Below is the method they use to get to campus: Drive 25% Bike 24% Walk 23% Bus 15% The most important factors when choosing a rental: 1. Price 96% 2. On-site parking 85% 3. Quality property management 81% 4. Number of bedrooms 80% 5. Type of amenities 79% 6. Proximity to campus 75% 7. Size of unit 63% 8. On-site bike parking 56% 9. Proximity to public transportation 53% Number of bedrooms preferred: One 12% Two 38% Three 37% Four+ 22% Process and Community Engagement The Student Housing Action Plan project has been diverse and in-depth and included a heavy emphasis on stakeholder engagement, background research, data collection, action item development, and implementation. The primary working group included CSU and City staff, stakeholders from CSU, FRCC, student government, students/tenants, neighbors, property owners, property managers, Fort Collins Board of Realtors, developers/designers, and more. The Center for Public Deliberation assisted with much of the public engagement process which included several focus groups (both with individual stakeholder groups and combined), surveys, and a large group deliberative dialogue. Additional engagement methods included a webpage with current information, presentations, important dates, and an on-line survey; social media; public open house; and meetings with Boards & Commissions and professional groups. Feedback received through the engagement process drove the development of draft action items for this project. (See Attachments 5 and 6) COUNCIL ACTION Adopted Action Items During the SHAP process, City Council directed staff to bring some action items for consideration on a faster track than the Student Housing Action Plan process in an effort to more quickly address December 11, 2012 Page 6 concerns raised by residents about the increasingly adverse impacts of larger multi-family developments that were occurring near existing single-family residential neighborhoods. As a result of this, the following items have already been adopted by City Council through the Land Use Code (LUC) Changes Phase 1 and 2: Action Item Process Date Adopted Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MMN) zone standards – apply to all multi-family projects requiring mix of housing, larger setback, building variation and articulation, park or gathering space. LUC Changes Phase 1 9/18/12 Modify Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zone to ensure commercial component. LUC Changes Phase 1 9/18/12 Type II Hearing for multi-family developments with 50 units or 75 bedrooms LUC Changes Phase 2 11/20/12 The benefit of the action items above relate directly to compatibility concerns. These changes will provide the public the opportunity to give input on a project while it is still in the early stages of development, to better ensure design compatibility and a proper mix of housing and commercial uses. Referred Items During the LUC Code Change Phase 1 and 2 discussions, Council directed staff not to define “student housing” or change the TOD boundary. Council did refer three items back to the SHAP process for further discussion: Operations, Security & Management Plan; Limit 4+ bedroom units in multi-family developments; and University District or Overlay. The SHAP stakeholders discussed these three items in detail and provide the following for Council consideration: Operations, Security and Management Plan Among stakeholders there was general agreement that the City should not try to regulate business models or items that have limited enforcement effectiveness. The group suggested trying to find ways to incentivize multi-family complexes to have on-site management and a thorough management plan. Suggested ideas included reduced fines for owners with on-site management and possibly increased fines to owners when they do not have professional on-site management. Limit 4+ Bedroom Units in Multi-family Developments During this discussion, it became clear that a limit or percentage restriction is not the best way to address concerns. Instead, stakeholders felt that directly tying mitigation factors to 4-bedroom units would be more beneficial. Examples include greater buffering and providing more parking. Current code requires 2.5 parking spaces for one 4-bedroom unit; however, it requires 1.75 spaces for each 2-bedroom unit (total of 3.5 spaces for two 2-bedroom units but only 2.5 spaces for one 4-bedroom unit). These mitigation requirements would be based on a combination of the number of units, number of bedrooms, or number of 4+ bedroom units and the proximity to single-family residential neighborhoods. December 11, 2012 Page 7 University District In talking with stakeholders there was no clear benefit of establishing a University District, although the discussion included the following distinctions: • Option 1: Non-Regulatory University District This could highlight the uniqueness and qualities of the area – it could be similar to UniverCity Connections or the University District recently created in Greeley. • Option 2: Regulatory University District Many of the regulations discussed seemed appropriate city-wide rather than just in a certain geographic area. The City currently focuses resources where they are needed, so the areas around campus currently receive greater attention from both Police Services and Code Compliance. The discussion did highlight potential areas where the City’s codes may be deficient in addressing concerns, such as repeat violations and exterior property maintenance. Staff will work directly with neighbors to better understand these issues and potentially make recommended changes at Council direction. Future Action Items Formal adoption of the Student Housing Action Plan is scheduled for discussion at City Council on February 5, 2013. The Plan is based on the feedback received throughout the SHAP process, and the following action items have been developed and will be included in the Plan. Action Items for Near-term (Spring 2013) The following action items can be brought to City Council Spring 2013 for formal Council consideration. Action Item Concern Addressed Better define and amend the LUC Sec. 3.8.16 (E) (2) requirement that 4+ bedroom developments need to provide additional open space, recreation areas, parking areas and public facilities as are necessary to adequately serve the development and excepting the TOD Overlay Zone. Intensity of 4+ bedroom units, compatibility Improve understanding of compatibility by modifying the LUC to include good examples (photos, drawings) of what is allowed in certain zones. Compatibility Amend MMN district development standards and LUC Sec. 3.8.30 multi-family standards to specify that no vehicular use area can be placed in the said setback from single- and two-family dwellings. Also, consider landscape requirements for this setback. Compatibility December 11, 2012 Page 8 Action Item Concern Addressed Confirm that the uses, development standards and density allowances in the NCB district are consistent with the intent and purpose of the district appropriate sub-area plans in that it provides a transition between residential neighborhoods and commercial-use areas. Compatibility Define different multi-family housing types (rather than just the broad multi-family definition). The requirement for multiple housing types could be used as a gradient of development between proposed multi- family and existing single-family. Compatibility Action Items for Council Consideration – Longer Term (2014 and beyond) The following action items would need further development if Council supports them. Action Item Concern Addressed Build an above- or below- grade pedestrian/bicycle crossing at or near Shields and Elizabeth Streets. • This item would need 2-3 years to develop and fund – it would require further involvement and development from Transportation Planning & Engineering and coordination with CSU. Traffic and Safety Consider requiring property managers/owners to provide City ordinance information to their tenants at lease signing. • This could be accomplished relatively quickly (1 year) – it would require additional public outreach. Accountability Form an on-going advisory committee made up of City, CSU, FRCC, neighbors, students, property managers, Police, and ASCSU to guide City Council on student housing issues. • This could be accomplished relatively quickly (1 year) – it would require staff support. Accountability and Education Consider a Rental Licensing Program to ensure health/safety of units, data regarding rentals, increased accountability of the rental business. Require all landlords to take the Landlord Training provided by the City. • Council has considered Rental Licensing and Registration Programs in the past. • This could be re-visited, if Council supports. • Would require 1-2 years for further research and significant public outreach. Accountability and Education December 11, 2012 Page 9 Action Items that do not need Formal Council Consideration The following action items do not need formal approval by City Council. Staff is planning to move forward with these items unless different direction is received from Council. Action Item Concern Addressed Increase enforcement of nuisance and noise ordinances in areas with a high concentration of complaints. Increased enforcement on repeat nuisance violations (requires code amendment – planned for March 2013) Accountability Increase education about enforcement so the community is more aware of the enforcement process and data related to enforcement. Education and Accountability Consider increasing proactive enforcement on noise and occupancy violations. Accountability Increase education efforts about Party Registration program and ensure it creates benefits to neighborhoods. Education Increase education to students based on current needs/concerns – students both on and off campus – include realistic information about what it means to move off campus and into a neighborhood. Education Provide information to parents of students so they are aware of local codes, ordinances, and responsibilities. Repeat messages often especially during peak housing decision times. Education Provide incentives for students to take Renting 101, an existing class that could offer a “preferred tenant” certificate that landlords could recognize. Education and Accountability Action Items Proceeding in other Processes The following action items are either moving forward in a separate process, or are the responsibility of CSU. CSU has discussed and agrees with the CSU items below. No Council action required. Action Item Concern Addressed CSU parking fees – CSU will assess as the academic year moves forward. CSU has not seen any downward trend in permit sales which indicates no increased impact on surrounding neighborhoods. CSU will conduct a parking and transportation study this fall. Spill-over parking City Parking Plan implementation – adopted in 2013 budget and proceeding in separate process Parking Update West Central Neighborhoods Plan – adopted in 2013 budget and proceeding in separate process Compatibility, housing, parking, transportation Work with CSU to develop enhanced transit service to surrounding neighborhoods with connection to MAX. Parking and Traffic Phase 3 of the Transit Plan - implementation Parking and Traffic CSU will strive to provide enough on-campus housing (either in halls or apartments) for all first year and international students as well as 25% of returning students, based on projections and actual CSU CSU On-Campus Housing Supply December 11, 2012 Page 10 Action Item Concern Addressed enrollment numbers. CSU will continue to explore options for public/private partnerships to provide student housing and to look at other examples and best practices. CSU On-Campus Housing CSU will continue to look at alternate sites for student housing as they refine their Master Plan. CSU On-Campus Housing CSU will present on-campus housing updates annually to the City/CSU Liaison committee and seek other opportunities to share this information with the community. CSU On-Campus Housing ATTACHMENTS 1. SHAP Data Snapshot 2. CSU On-Campus Master Plan Projections 2012-2020 3. Multi-Family Projects List and Map 4. Student Housing Preferences Survey Summary 5. Draft Action Items Survey Results 6. SHAP Outreach Meetings 7. PowerPoint Presentation ATTACHMENT 2 ATTACHMENT 3 1 1 Student Housing Action Plan City Council Work Session December 11, 2012 Laurie Kadrich, Community Development & Neighborhood Services Director Beth Sowder, Neighborhood Services Manager Seth Lorson, City Planner 2 Purpose This Work Session Item will discuss: • Housing needs • Housing data • Community engagement process • Draft action items • Timeline ATTACHMENT 7 2 3 Direction Sought from City Council 1. Does Council want staff to move forward with formal consideration of the Student Housing Action Plan on February 19, 2013? 2. Does Council generally agree with the proposed draft action items that are identified for near and long term processes? 3. Does Council want staff to move forward with the proposed draft action items that do not need formal Council consideration? 4. Are there any items that Council would like to add or change? 4 Mission of SHAP The mission of the Student Housing Action Plan (SHAP) is to develop community driven strategies that encourage and provide an adequate supply of quality student housing while maintaining neighborhood quality and compatibility. 3 5 Identified Need • Through the City Plan update process: – Identified need to address student housing now and into the future • Other indicators: – Increase in population and student enrollment – Limited supply of MF housing – Very low vacancy rates – Challenges addressing neighborhood concerns 6 City Plan Policies • Action Plan – Student Housing Plan • Policy LIV 7.2 – Develop Adequate Supply of Housing • Policy LIV 7.7 – Accommodate the Student Population • Policy LIV 6.2 – Seek Compatibility with Neighborhoods • Policy LIV 6.3 – Encourage Introduction of Neighborhood-Related, Non-Residential Development 4 7 Land Supply & Growth According to City Plan, growth will be focused on: • Compact development pattern • Urban development to well-defined areas • Preserving environmentally sensitive areas and rural lands • Efficiently providing public services • Encouraging infill and redevelopment • Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District 8 CSU Student Enrollment Data & Projections • Fall 2012 total enrollment - 26,769 • 74% undergraduate, traditional • 9% undergraduate, non-traditional • 16% graduate and professional • 23% live on-campus (6,300 beds) • 77% require off-campus housing • CSU projecting 35,000 total enrollment in the future 5 9 Front Range Community College Enrollment • Spring 2012 total enrollment – 6,320 • FRCC does not provide any on-campus housing • All students live off-campus 10 Multi-Family Vacancy Rates 6 11 Multi-Family Average Rents 12 CSU On-Campus Housing • 6,300 beds on campus • CSU plans to increase by 2,740 net beds by 2020 • CSU committed to providing on-campus housing for: – All freshmen – A portion of international students – 25% of returning students 7 13 Off-Campus Multi-Family Housing • Approximately 57 off-campus complexes • Provide approximately 13,000 bedrooms • Single-family homes • Private market response • 3,500 – 6,000 additional bedrooms 14 8 15 Student Housing Preferences • 2011 and 2012 CSU student surveys conducted • Living arrangements – 82% rent • Transportation – 82% bring car to campus • Important factors when choosing rental – 96% price - 81% quality prop mgmt – 85% on-site parking • Number of bedrooms – 38% two - 37% three – 22% four - 12% one 16 Community Engagement Process Heavy emphasis on stakeholder engagement Stakeholders include: •CSU • FRCC • Students • Neighbors • Property Managers & Property Owners • Developers & Designers • Fort Collins Board of Realtors • Associated Students of Colorado State University 9 17 Engagement Methods • Center for Public Deliberation • Focus Group & Stakeholder meetings • Surveys • Large group deliberative dialogue • Webpage • Presentations • Social media • Public open house • Boards & Commissions • Professional Groups 18 Council Actions • Action items adopted by Council • MMN zone standards apply to all MF projects • Modify NC zone • Type II Hearings for MF projects • Benefits relate directly to compatibility concerns 10 19 Items Not Adopted or Referred • Items not adopted – Student Housing definition – TOD boundary • Items referred back to SHAP process – Operations, Security & Management Plan – Limit 4+ bedroom Units in MF – University District 20 Future Action Items • Student Housing Action Plan formal consideration – February 19, 2013 • Near-term Action Items – Spring 2013 • Longer-term Action Items – 2014 and beyond • Action Items that do not need formal Council consideration • Action items proceeding in other processes 11 21 Near-term Action Items Spring 2013 • Better define LUC requirements for 4+ bedroom developments • Modify LUC to include good examples • Amend MMN and LUC multi-family standards specifications • Confirm that uses, standards and density allowances in NCB are consistent with intent • Define different multi-family housing types and use as a gradient of development 22 Longer-Term Action Items (2014+) • Build an above- or below- grade ped/bike crossing at or near Shields & Elizabeth • Consider requiring property owners/mgrs to provide City ordinance information • Form an on-going Advisory Committee for student housing issues • Consider a Rental Licensing Program 12 23 Action Items – No Formal Council Action Needed • Increase enforcement of nuisance and noise ordinances • Increase education about enforcement • Consider proactive enforcement for noise and over-occupancy • Increase educational efforts about Party Registration • Increase education based on current needs • Provide information to parents of students • Provide incentives for students 24 Action Items in other Processes • CSU parking fees • Neighborhood Parking Permit Plan • West Central Neighborhoods Plan update • Phase 3 of Transit Plan • CSU on-campus housing • CSU options for public/private partnerships • CSU alternate sites for housing • CSU on-campus housing updates 13 25 Direction Sought from City Council 1. Does Council want staff to move forward with formal consideration of the Student Housing Action Plan on February 19, 2013? 2. Does Council generally agree with the proposed draft action items that are identified for near and long term processes? 3. Does Council want staff to move forward with the proposed draft action items that do not need formal Council consideration? 4. Are there any items that Council would like to add or change? DATE: December 11, 2012 STAFF: Marty Heffernan Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php WORK SESSION ITEM FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Paved Trail Study. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council requested staff undertake a trail study and develop a long-range plan for our paved trail system. Staff formed a trail team to review best practices and collect information about trail use, trail users and trail improvements. The team deployed automatic trail counters at 11 locations, and utilized volunteers to count trail users at 10 locations on 9 different days and to interview 588 trail users. Staff also developed and promoted an online trail questionnaire, which generated 541 responses. Staff learned trails are important to resident’s quality of life and there is a high level of satisfaction with the trail system. The trails are very well used but are not generally congested, they are well maintained, and the 10-foot wide concrete trail standard is working well. Citizens want more trails, more underpasses, and gaps in the trail system completed. Users want trails to be scenic and close to nature. Trail users are courteous and people generally feel safe on the trails. Bicyclists outnumber pedestrians (70/30) and males outnumber females (61/39). GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Does Council have any questions about the data presented? 2. Are there particular issues, problems or concerns that should be addressed in the Trail Plan? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION City Council requested staff undertake a trail study and develop a long-range plan for our paved trail system. Plan Fort Collins also includes an action item to update the trail design standards. Staff formed a multi-department trail team to review best practices and collect information about trail use, trail users and trail improvements. The team deployed automatic trail counters at 11 locations and utilized volunteers to count trail users at 10 locations on 9 different days in May, July and September. Volunteers also interviewed 588 trail users at 10 locations on 6 different dates. Staff also developed and promoted an online trail questionnaire, which generated 541 responses. 80 volunteers donated over 300 hours to the trail counts and interviews. The City has 32.44 miles of paved trails consisting of 5 major trails: Poudre, Spring Creek, Fossil Creek, Mason and Power. Development of the trail system began in 1980 with 8-foot wide asphalt December 11, 2012 Page 2 trails at Lee Martinez and Edora and Rolland Moore parks. Today, the trails are 10-foot wide concrete with a detached gravel path. Nearly all of the old asphalt trails have been upgraded to the new standard. Funding for paved trails has primarily been provided by Conservation Trust Funds from the Colorado Lottery ($18 million since 1984). Quarter-cent capital taxes for trails include $140,000 in 1984 and $1,250,000 in 1997. The Natural Areas program has provided, on average, over $270,000 annually since 2000 in addition to developing 100 miles of unpaved trails. The City has also been awarded over $2.7 million in trail grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (Lottery), the State, and others. The funding has been well spent as 93% of respondents in the 2012 Citizen Survey rated the quality of the trails as “good” or “very good”. Front Range communities have a median of 0.24 miles of paved trails per 1,000 residents. Fort Collins has 0.22 miles per 1,000. Front Range trails are typically concrete and 10 feet wide, but can range between 8 to 12 feet wide. Nationally, there is a wide variance in trail mileage and quality. Cities rated bronze or higher “Bicycle Friendly Communities” by the League of American Bicyclists average 0.20 miles of trail per 1,000 people, slightly below our 0.22 miles per 1,000 level. TRAIL USE Based on the data from the automatic trail counters and the volunteer counts staff estimates there are 1.9 million users on the trail system annually. This breaks down to 474,000 on Poudre Trail, 650,000 on Spring Creek Trail, 264,000 for Fossil Creek Trail, 240,000 for Mason Trail and 296,000 for Power Trail. The Poudre Trail is busiest near Lee Martinez Park and Spring Creek Trail is busiest at Creekside Park (next to the Dairy Queen) and at Lilac Park (next to The Gardens on Spring Creek). On a typical day there are 5,000 trail users and use is fairly consistent throughout the day. Average use for a two hour period ranges from 199 users on Spring Creek Trail to 81 users on Mason Trail. TRAIL USERS 70% of trail users are bicyclists, 30% are pedestrians. Pedestrian use increases to 34% on weekends and trails in community parks tend to have higher pedestrian use. Male trail users outnumber females 61% to 39% and male bicyclists outnumber female bicyclists 2 to 1 (67% to 33%). A slight majority of pedestrians (53%) are female. Overall helmet use by bicyclists is just under 60%. 6% of trail users had dogs and 95% of the dogs were on a leash. Trails are used primarily for exercise, recreation and commuting and users come from all sectors of the community. Many people use the trails several times a month or even daily throughout the year. A typical trail outing for pedestrians last over 50 minutes with bicyclists averaging over 60 minutes. Choice of trails is based on accessibility, scenic qualities, low traffic volume, and separation from street traffic. ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE 95% of respondents said the paved trails are “important” or “very important” to their quality of life. 85% of respondents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with how well the trail system meets their needs and 82% are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with how well the trail system meets the needs of December 11, 2012 Page 3 the community. 83% believe other trail users are “courteous” or “very courteous” and 87% feel “safe” or “very safe” on the trails. 96% gave trail maintenance a grade of “A” or “B”. 90% of respondents feel the 10-foot wide trails are the right size. 57% do not think heavily used trails should be wider, while 43% think they should be wider. Top new trail projects include extending Fossil Creek Trail to Fossil Creek Reservoir, extending the Poudre Trail south from the Environmental Learning Center and from Arapahoe Bend Natural Area over I-25 to Timnath. Important trail improvements include underpasses/overpasses of busy streets, scenic qualities and being close to nature, snow removal, easy detours around flooded areas, drinking fountains, restrooms, more gravel paths, better lighting and trailhead parking. Respondents would like to see more trails to schools, to downtown, to parks, CSU, Foothills Mall and to Loveland. Use of trails would be more frequent or enjoyable if there were more trails, more underpasses, the trail by Center Avenue was fixed, improved running paths and if gaps in the trail system were filled in. E-BIKES On-line respondents were asked whether electric assisted bicycles should be allowed on the City’s paved trails. 53% said e-bikes should not be allowed and 47% said they should be allowed. Trail users were also asked about e-bikes when they were interviewed. 56% of trail users supported allowing e-bikes on the trails and 44% were opposed. Many trail users had no opinion on the e-bike question. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The trail team discussed the Trail Study with the Transportation Board, the Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board, the Natural Resources Board, the Commission on Disabilities, the Senior Advisory Board and the Youth Advisory Board. After the Work Session, staff will present its findings to these boards and commissions. NEXT STEPS Staff will utilize Council and board and commission input and the information collected from the trail counts, interviews and questionnaire to draft a trail plan. The plan will include future trails, funding options and action items. Staff will review the draft plan with boards and commissions and will then bring the plan to Council for possible adoption. ATTACHMENTS 1. On-line Questionnaire Summary (full report with comments is available upon request) 2. Volunteer Trail Count Sample Form 3. Volunteer Trail User Survey Interview Sample Forms 4. Powerpoint presentation Survey: Trails Questionnaire Value Count Percent % Very Satisfied 151 27.9% Satisfied 310 57.3% Neutral 53 9.8% Dissatisfied 27 5.0% Very Dissatisfied 0 0.0% Statistics Total Responses 541 Sum 2,208.0 Avg. 4.1 StdDev 0.8 Max 5.0 Value Count Percent % Very Satisfied 106 19.7% Satisfied 337 62.6% Neutral 85 15.8% Statistics Total Responses 538 Sum 2,152.0 Avg. 4.0 Summary Report - Oct 9, 2012 1. How well is the City of Fort Collins' paved trail system meeting your needs? 2. How well is the City's paved trail system meeting the needs of the community? How well is the City of Fort Collins' paved trail system meeting your needs? Very Satisfied 27.9% Satisfied 57.3% Neutral 9.8% Dissatisfied 5.0% How well is the City's paved trail system meeting the needs of the community? Very Satisfied 19.7% Satisfied 62.6% Neutral 15.8% Dissatisfied 1.7% Very Dissatisfied 0.2% ATTACHMENT 1 Dissatisfied 9 1.7% Very Dissatisfied 1 0.2% Avg. 4.0 StdDev 0.7 Max 5.0 Value Count Percent % Right size 490 90.6% Too narrow 42 7.8% Too wide 9 1.7% Statistics Total Responses 541 Value Count Percent % Yes 231 42.9% No 308 57.1% Statistics Total Responses 539 3. Most City paved trails are ten feet wide. Is ten feet wide: 4. Should paved trails that are heavily used be wider than ten feet? Most City paved trails are ten feet wide. Is ten feet wide: Right size 90.6% Too narrow 7.8% Too wide 1.7% Should paved trails that are heavily used be wider than ten feet? Yes 42.9% No 57.1% Value Count Percent % A - Boxelder Trail near Prospect Road and I-25 83 15.8% B - Canal Trail from Horsetooth Road to Drake Road east of Taft Hill Road 176 33.5% C - Fossil Creek Trail around the south and east sides of Fossil Creek Reservoir 92 17.5% D - Fossil Creek Trail between College Ave and Shields Street 291 55.3% E - Fossil Creek Trail near Bacon School in southeast Fort Collins 129 24.5% F - Poudre River Trail from the Environmental Learning Center south to Arapaho Bend Natural Area 290 55.1% G - Poudre River Trail from Arapaho Bend Natural Area over I-25 to Tinmath and Windsor 246 46.8% H - Trails in northeast Fort Collins 136 25.9% Statistics Total Responses 526 Value Count Percent % Very important 402 74.4% Important 108 20.0% Statistics Total Responses 540 5. The City plans to expand the trail system. Check the three future trail projects that are most important to you. View the Future Trails Map here: Future Trails Map 7. Please rate the importance of the City's paved trails to your quality of life. The City plans to expand the trail system. Check the three future trail projects that are most important to you. View the Future Trails Map here: Future Trails Map 15.8% 33.5% 17.5% 55.3% 24.5% 55.1% 46.8% 25.9% A - Boxelder Trail near Prospect Road and I-25 B - Canal Trail from Horsetooth Road to Drake Road east of Taft Hill Road C - Fossil Creek Trail around the south and east sides of Fossil Creek Reservoir D - Fossil Creek Trail between College Ave and Shields Street E - Fossil Creek Trail near Bacon School in southeast Fort Somewhat important 27 5.0% Not important 3 0.6% Value Count Percent % Very courteous 146 27.1% Courteous 301 55.8% Somewhat courteous 84 15.6% Not courteous 8 1.5% Statistics Total Responses 539 8. Please rate the importance of the following trail improvements: Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not Important Responses Underpasses/overpasses of busy roads 76.9% 413 17.7% 95 4.7% 25 0.7% 4 537 Easy detours around flooded trails 14.6% 77 34.6% 183 37.4% 198 13.4% 71 529 Shade/shelters 6.8% 36 19.7% 104 43.4% 229 30.1% 159 528 Benches 4.4% 23 12.0% 63 42.2% 221 41.4% 217 524 Trailhead parking 9.3% 49 23.1% 122 38.3% 202 29.4% 155 528 Lighting 12.0% 64 27.0% 144 Value Count Percent % Very safe 241 44.6% Safe 225 41.6% Somewhat safe 48 8.9% Unsafe - What trail do you feel "unsafe" on? 27 5.0% Statistics Total Responses 541 Value Count Percent % A 284 52.6% B 235 43.5% C 18 3.3% D 2 0.4% F 1 0.2% Statistics Total Responses 540 10. How safe do you feel when you use the trail system? 11. How well maintained are the City's paved trails? ("A" is the highest grade and "F" is failing) How safe do you feel when you use the trail system? Very safe 44.5% Safe 41.6% Somewhat safe 8.9% Unsafe - What trail do you feel "unsafe" on? 5.0% How well maintained are the City's paved trails? ("A" is the highest grade and "F" is failing) B 43.5% A 52.6% C 3.3% D 0.4% F 0.2% Value Count Percent % Yes 248 46.7% No 280 52.7% Comment 3 0.6% Statistics Total Responses 531 Value Count Percent % Male 297 56.4% Female 230 43.6% Statistics Total Responses 527 13. Should electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) be allowed on the City's paved trails? 17. What is your gender? Should electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) be allowed on the City's paved trails? Yes 46.7% No 52.7% Comment 0.6% What is your gender? Male 56.4% Female 43.6% Value Count Percent % Asian/Pacific Islander 3 0.6% Black/African-American 1 0.2% Caucasian 456 86.0% Hispanic 7 1.3% Native American/Alaska Native 1 0.2% Other/Multi-Racial 5 0.9% Decline to Respond 57 10.8% Statistics Total Responses 530 Value Count Percent % under 18 2 0.4% 18-24 21 3.9% 25-34 98 18.4% 35-44 126 23.6% 45-54 116 21.8% 55-64 109 20.5% 65-74 52 9.8% Statistics Total Responses 533 Sum 22,508.0 Avg. 42.4 StdDev 13.9 Max 75.0 18. What is your race? 19. What is your age? What is your race? Asian/Pacific Islander 0.6% Black/African-American 0.2% Caucasian 86.0% Hispanic 1.3% Native American/Alaska Native 0.2% Other/Multi-Racial 0.9% Decline to Respond 10.8% What is your age? under 18 0.4% 18-24 3.9% 25-34 18.4% 35-44 23.6% 45-54 21.8% 55-64 20.5% 65-74 9.8% 75 or older 1.7% 75 or older 9 1.7% ATTACHMENT 2 PEDESTRIAN SURVEY 1 “Excuse me, would you like to take a short survey on the trail system for the City of Fort Collins? It will take just a few minutes, and the information will be kept confidential.” 1. What is your home zip code? Home zip code: 2. What best describes the purpose of this trip?  Exercising (a)  Work commute (b)  School (c)  Recreation (d)  Shopping/doing errands (e)  Personal business (medical, visiting friends, etc.) (f) 3. In the past month, about how often have you walked on this trail?  First time (a)  0 – 5 times (b)  6 – 10 times (c)  11 – 20 times (d)  Daily (e) 4. Please check the season(s) in which you walk.  All Year (a)  Summer (b)  Fall (c)  Winter (d)  Spring (e) 5. What is the total length of this trip (start to finish)? (complete one or more of the following) 1. Distance: miles and / or 2. Time: minutes and / or 3. Origin (zip code) Or location description other than zip code:* * Address, intersection, landmark, etc. and Destination (zip code) Or location description other than zip code:* * Address, intersection, landmark, etc. 6. Will any part of this current trip be taken on public transit?  Yes (a)  No (b) 7. If you were not walking for this trip, how would you be traveling?  Car (a)  Carpool (b)  Transit (c)  Bicycle (d)  I would not make this trip (e) 8. Why are you using this route as opposed to walking somewhere else? (please check all that apply)  Accessible/close (a)  Scenic qualities (e)  Saw it on a map (i)  Direct (b)  Level (f)  Lower traffic volumes (c)  Personal safety (g)  Heard about it through friends, media, etc.(d)  Connection to transit (h) 9. What would you like to see improved along this route (mark with an ‘X’) and community in general (mark with an ‘O’)? (please check all that apply)  Wider sidewalks (a)  More shade trees (d)  Better surface (b)  Benches (e)  Better street crossings (c)  Access to shops, etc. (f)  More sidewalks (g)  Other (h) _____________________________________________________________________________ 10. Do you have an opinion about the use of electric‐assist bikes (“e‐bikes”) on multi‐use trails?  Support (a)  Do not support (b)  Undecided (c)  No opinion (d) Comments: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What ethnic group do you belong to? (please check all that apply) (optional)  Hispanic/Latino (a)  African American (b)  Anglo/Caucasian (c)  Asian (d) Site ID: _____ Trail Name: ________________ Location: _______________________________ Surveyor: _______________ Date: __________ Time Period: ___________ Weather: __________________ (sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, hot, and/or cold) ATTACHMENT 3 BICYCLIST SURVEY 1 “Excuse me, would you like to take a short survey on the trail system for the City of Fort Collins? It will take just a few minutes, and the information will be kept confidential.” 1. What is your home zip code? Home zip code: 2. What best describes the purpose of this trip?  Exercising (a)  Work commute (b)  School (c)  Recreation (d)  Shopping/doing errands (e)  Personal business (medical, visiting friends, etc.) (f) 3. In the past month, about how often have you ridden a bicycle on this trail?  First time (a)  0 – 5 times (b)  6 – 10 times (c)  11 – 20 times (d)  Daily (e) 4. Please check the season(s) in which you bicycle.  All Year (a)  Summer (b)  Fall (c)  Winter (d)  Spring (e) 5. What is the total length of this trip (start to finish)? (complete one or more of the following) 1. Distance: miles and / or 2. Time: minutes and / or 3. Origin (zip code) Or location description other than zip code:* * Address, intersection, landmark, etc. and Destination (zip code) Or location description other than zip code:* * Address, intersection, landmark, etc. 6. Will any part of this current trip be taken on public transit?  Yes (a)  No (b) 7. If you were not biking for this trip, how would you be traveling?  Car (a)  Carpool (b)  Transit (c)  Walking (d)  I would not make this trip (e) 8. Why are you using this route as opposed to riding somewhere else? (please check all that apply)  Accessible/close (a)  Direct (b)  Lower traffic volumes (c)  Scenic qualities (d)  Level (e)  Bike lanes (f)  Wider lanes (g)  Separation from traffic (h)  Connection to transit (i)  Heard about it through friends, media, etc. (j)  Saw it on a map (k) 9. What would you like to see improved along this route (mark with an ‘X’) and community in general (mark with an ‘O’)? (please check all that apply)  Bike lanes (a)  Better surface (b)  Shoulders (c)  Less traffic (d)  Signs/stencils (e)  Better maintenance (f)  Signal detection (g)  Better crossings (h)  Other (i) _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Do you have an opinion about the use of electric‐assist bikes (“e‐bikes”) on multi‐use trails?  Support (a)  Do not support (b)  Undecided (c)  No opinion (d) Comments: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What ethnic group do you belong to? (please check all that apply) (optional)  Hispanic/Latino (a)  African American (b)  Anglo/Caucasian (c)  Asian (d) Site ID: _____ Trail Name: ________________ Location: _______________________________ Surveyor: _______________ Date: __________ Time Period: ___________ Weather: __________________ (sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, hot, and/or cold) 1 1 PAVED TRAIL STUDY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 11, 2012 2 BACKGROUND • Council requested staff undertake a trail study and develop a long-range plan for paved trails • Plan Fort Collins includes an action item to update trail design standards ATTACHMENT 4 2 3 BACKGROUND Staff formed a Trail Study Team: Marty Heffernan - Director of Community Services Craig Foreman - Director of Park Planning & Development Amy Lewin - Transportation Planner Molly North - Interim Bicycle Coordinator Kristin Powell - Lead Natural Areas Ranger Rachel Steeves - Natural Areas Environmental Planner Dawn Worth - Administrative Assistant 4 BACKGROUND The Trail Team: • Reviewed best practices • Deployed automatic trail counters at 11 locations • Utilized volunteers to count trail users at 10 locations on 9 different dates in May, July and September 3 5 BACKGROUND The Trail Team: • Utilized volunteers to interview 588 trail users at 10 locations on 6 different dates • Developed and promoted an online trail questionnaire, which generated 541 responses • Discussed the Trail Study with the several City Boards • 80 volunteers donated over 300 hours to the trail counts and interviews 6 PURPOSE OF WORK SESSION • To share the information collected • To identify issues, problems or concerns that should be addressed in the Trail Plan 4 7 CURRENT TRAIL SYSTEM • City has 32.44 miles of paved trails • 5 major trails:  Poudre Trail 10.1 miles  Spring Creek Trail 6.93 miles  Fossil Creek Trail 5.87 miles  Mason Trail 3.85 miles  Power Trail 3.89 miles  Other 1.8 miles 8 Current Trail Future Trail TRAIL SYSTEM MAP 5 9 CURRENT TRAIL SYSTEM • City began developing the paved trail system in 1980 by constructing trails in Lee Martinez, Edora and Rolland Moore parks • Originally, trails were 8’ wide and made of asphalt. Today, our standard is 10’ wide concrete trails with adjacent gravel path • Nearly all of the old asphalt trails have been upgraded to the new standard 10 CURRENT TRAIL SYSTEM • Funding for paved trails has primarily been provided by Conservation Trust Funds from the Colorado Lottery ($18 million since 1984) • Quarter-cent capital taxes for trails include $140,000 in 1984 and $1,250,000 in 1997 6 11 CURRENT TRAIL SYSTEM • The Natural Areas program has provided (on average) over $270,000 annually since 2000 in addition to creating over 100 miles of unpaved trails • The City has also been awarded over $2.7 million in trail grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (Lottery), the State, and others 12 CURRENT TRAIL SYSTEM • City funding for trails has been well spent • 93% of respondents in the 2012 Citizen Survey rated the quality of the trails as “good” or “very good,” much above the Front Range and national ratings 7 13 PEER CITY COMPARISONS The Trail Team reviewed trail systems of other Front Range Communities:  Colorado Springs 103 miles  Denver 80 miles  Boulder 58 miles  Fort Collins 32 miles  Longmont 32 miles  Greeley 19 miles  Loveland 18 miles 14 PEER CITY COMPARISONS • Peer cities average:  0.28 miles per 1,000 people  median of 0.24 miles • Fort Collins has 0.22 miles per 1,000 people • Trails range between 8 and 12 feet in width and are generally concrete 8 15 NATIONAL COMPARISON • Mileage of paved trails varies widely across the country; Ann Arbor, MI (pop. 115,000) has 55 miles while Chicago (pop. 2.7 million) has only 65 miles • Nationally, cities average 0.20 miles per 1,000 people • Fort Collins beats the average with 0.22 miles per 1,000 people National comparative cities are rated bronze or higher “Bicycle Friendly Communities” by the League of American Bicyclists. 16 DATA COLLECTION LOCATIONS Automatic Trail Counter Volunteer Count & Interview 9 17 TRAIL USE Based on the data from the automatic trail counters, and the volunteer counts we can estimate annual use as: • 1.9 million users on the entire trail system • 474,000 users on the Poudre Trail, with the highest use at Lee Martinez Park and lower use at Taft Hill and at Timberline 18 TRAIL USE • 650,000 users on Spring Creek Trail annually with the highest use at Creekside Park (Dairy Queen) and Lilac Park • Fossil Creek Trail has 264,000 annual users • Mason Trail has 240,000 annual users • Power Trail has 296,000 annual users 10 19 TRAIL USE • On a typical day there are 5,000 users on the trail system • Trail use is fairly consistent throughout the day - 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 Poudre Spring Creek Fossil Creek Mason Power Daily Trail Use Estimates 20 TRAIL USE • The highest two hour count was 321 users (Poudre) followed by 275 (Spring Creek), both on Saturdays • Average two hour counts by trail:  Poudre: 171  Spring Creek: 199  Fossil Creek: 91  Mason: 81  Power: 93 11 21 TRAIL USERS • 70% of trail users are bicyclists, 30% are pedestrians • Pedestrian use increases on the weekends to 34% • Trails in community parks tend to have a higher than average number of pedestrians • Trails closer to the City limits tend to have a higher than average number of bicyclists 22 TRAIL USERS • Male trail users outnumber females 61% to 39% • Male bicyclists outnumber female bicyclists 2 to 1 (67% to 33%) • Female pedestrians have a slight majority at 53% • Overall helmet use by bicyclists is just under 60% 12 23 TRAIL USERS • 6% of trail users had a dog with them which equals 114,000 dogs per year and 312 each day (on average) • 95% of dogs were on leash 24 TRAIL USERS Trail users come from all parts of the community 80521 Northwest 80522 Downtown 80523 CSU 80524 Northeast 80525 Southeast 80526 Southwest 80528 Southeast 13 25 TRAIL USERS Trails are used primarily for exercise, recreation & commuting 26 TRAIL USERS Trail users are on the trails frequently 14 27 TRAIL USERS Many people use the trails all year long *Respondents could choose more than one answer. 28 TRAIL USERS Trail outings last awhile and cover several miles 15 29 TRAIL USERS Pedestrians choose their trail routes for many reasons *Respondents could choose more than one answer. 30 TRAIL USERS Bicyclists choose their trail routes for many reasons *Respondents could choose more than one answer. 16 31 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE 32 How well is the City of Fort Collins’ paved trail system meeting your needs? 85% of respondents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with how well the trail system meets their needs 17 33 How well is the City of Fort Collins’ paved trail system meeting the needs of the community? 82% are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with how well the trail system meets the needs of the community 34 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE • 90% feel our 10’ wide trails are the right width • 57% feel heavily used trails do not need to be wider than 10’ while 43% feel they should be wider • 75% of respondents said the City’s paved trails are “very important” to their quality of life • 95% said the paved trails are “important” or “very important” to their quality of life 18 35 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE Respondents chose their top 3 (out of 8) new trail projects 36 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE • Important trail qualities or improvements include underpasses, being close to nature, scenic qualities and snow removal • Trail users were also interested in easy detours around flooded areas; drinking fountains and restrooms; better lighting and trailhead parking 19 37 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE • 83% of respondents believe other trail users are “courteous” or “very courteous” with 16% indicating they are “somewhat courteous” • 87% feel “safe” or “very safe” on the trails with 8% feeling “somewhat safe” and 5% feeling “unsafe” • Respondents feel the trails are well maintained with 96% giving an “A” or “B” rating. 38 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE Respondents were asked where else they would like trails to go: • Schools--16 • Downtown--16 • Parks--15 • Power Trail across Harmony--11 • Foothills Trail to Overland--8 • CSU--6 • Power Trail to Loveland--5 • Foothills Mall--3 20 39 ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE Respondents were asked what one change would make their use of the trails more enjoyable or more frequent: • More trails—11 • More underpasses/overpasses—10 • Fix trail by Center Avenue—9 • New trail along Overland Trail Road--7 • Improve running paths—6 • Complete missing trail links—6 • Poudre Trail to Windsor—6 • Southeast trails—5 • Separate bikes from peds—4 • Better neighborhood connections—3 • Restrooms, drinking fountains, lights—3 each 40 E-BIKES • On-line respondents were asked whether electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) should be allowed on the City’s paved trails • 53% said ebikes should not be allowed • 47% said ebikes should be allowed 21 41 E-BIKES • Trail users were asked whether electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) should be allowed on the City’s paved trails 050100150 Support Do not support Undecided No opinion 10d. 10c. 10b. 10a. E‐Bikes on Trails # Pedestrians # Bicyclists 42 DATA SUMMARY • Trails are important to resident’s quality of life • There is a high level of satisfaction with our trail system • Trails are popular and well used but are not generally congested • 10’ wide concrete trails are working well • Trails are well maintained 22 43 DATA SUMMARY • People want more trails and want the gaps in the trail system finished • Users want more underpasses/overpasses of busy roads • Important for trails to be scenic and close to nature • Trails are used consistently and year-round and removing snow from them is valued 44 DATA SUMMARY • Trail users are courteous and people generally feel safe on our trails • Bicyclists outnumber pedestrians and males outnumber females • Trails are popular with our canine friends who enjoy them while on a leash 23 45 NEXT STEPS • Staff will present these results to various City boards to gain their input • Staff will finish drafting the Trail Plan, including future trails, funding options and action items • Staff will review the draft Trail Plan with the Boards and then bring the Plan back to Council for possible adoption 46 QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL • Does Council have any questions about the data presented? • Are there particular issues, problems or concerns that should be addressed in the Trail Plan? DATE: December 11, 2012 STAFF: Bruce Hendee, Steve Catanach, Katy Bigner Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php WORK SESSION ITEM FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION FortZED EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FortZED (Zero Energy District) is a community-driven initiative to create one of the world’s largest net zero energy districts in Fort Collins. The mission of FortZED is to transform the downtown area of Fort Collins and the main campus of Colorado State University (CSU) into a zero energy district- by reducing the amount of energy used, plus generating as much renewable energy locally as is used on an annual basis. For FortZED, public and private cooperation is a key to success. The FortZED initiative has a long standing history of collaboration and partnership with a diverse group of regional and international organizations, private enterprise, public organizations, and passionate individuals. The supporting project partners include: City of Fort Collins, Colorado Clean Energy Cluster (CCEC), Colorado State University-Main Campus (CSU) and its Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, Brendle Group, Woodward, Spirae, New Belgium Brewing, and many others. This visionary project will help prove out the concepts, pathways and technologies to achieve both the carbon reduction and energy goals established by City Council. FortZED offers many benefits to the community and region, supporting a progressive utility, fostering local innovation, entrepreneurship, economic health, climate change mitigation and support for local innovative energy technology companies. The substantial public recognition FortZED has received demonstrates that the vision of creating zero energy cities is an important issue, not only for Fort Collins, but for the state, the nation and internationally. The work of FortZED is a leading edge effort that partners the City, University, community and the business world to create a replicable model that can be used around the world. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED This is a status update on FortZED, which will includes the history, progress to date and next steps for the project. No questions are being asked or direction sought at this time. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION History FortZED was developed in 2007 by a UniverCity Connections Sustainable Energy Taskforce. UniverCity Connections (UCC) is an initiative of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, December 11, 2012 Page 2 focused on convening community and catalyzing opportunities for positive change. The FortZED initiative evolved from the UCC taskforce to become a three-way collaboration between the City of Fort Collins, the Colorado Clean Energy Cluster and UniverCity Connections from 2007-2012. The Colorado Clean Energy Cluster (CCEC) is an economically focused non-profit organization that works to incubate and grow Colorado’s clean energy companies through collaborative initiatives, one of which is FortZED. In September 2012, UCC officially withdrew from the FortZED partnership to focus on other community issues. FortZED has always had a strong relationship with CSU related to the project, and is in the process of formalizing this partnership. The governance structure of FortZED has been recently revised to formalize the partnerships, trademark authority management, and membership among the three organizations. The FortZED Steering Committee is made up of representatives from each of the three entities and the public. The City’s role in FortZED has been instrumental from the beginning. Four city staff members now serve on the FortZED Steering Committee, including the Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Light and Power Operations Manager and the Service Area manager of Communications and Public Involvement. Three Offers approved in 2013/2014 adopted budget focus on supporting the administration of FortZED, including coordination of the Steering Committee, communication and marketing and partnering with an external organization for the administration of the FortZED Community Energy Challenge. See Attachment 1 for FortZED Strategies for Achieving a Zero Energy District in Fort Collins. Location The FortZED district encompasses about two square miles including downtown Fort Collins from the Poudre River on the north and south and west to the campus of CSU. While the district is a small portion of the city, it represents 10-15% of the electric distribution system, 45 Megawatts (MW) of peak demand and includes about 7,200 residential and commercial customers. See Attachment 2 for the FortZED Boundary Map National and International Magnet FortZED has drawn national and international attention and funding for its vision and progress to date. Recent visitors and interest specific to FortZED include: • India – BESCOM • India Ministry of Energy • International Cleantech Network, including clean tech clusters from Norway, Denmark, North Carolina and Spain • Japanese mayor of Gifu prefecture – went from DIA directly to Fort Collins for FortZED only • Japanese Consulate General • Japanese Department of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) • Russian Delegation December 11, 2012 Page 3 • United Kingdom Consulate General • Chevron Energy Solutions (an Energy Services Company or ESCO) • Electrification Coalition, three visits • Schneider Electric (via CCEC’s International Cleantech Network partnership with Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster) • Front Range Sustainability Working Group • French Normandy region officials • Denver Metro Chamber’s Colorado Experience (with 200 business leaders) • Lowry Redevelopment Authority • City of Asheville Council Member, Cecil Bothwell • Rocky Mountain Institute • Lead story of June 2012 Issue of ColoradoBiz Magazine • Mentioned in multiple news articles by the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, Colorado Business Journal, InnovatioNews, Public Power Magazine, Distributed Energy Magazine • FortZED website visits from over 60 countries Complementary to City Policy FortZED strategies and objectives support the Energy Policy and other related Utilities programs and projects, as well as the City’s Climate Action Plan. FortZED is also referenced in Plan Fort Collins as a catalyst project. The partnership between public and private organizations leverages research and development, piloting of new technology, community engagement and economic health. In 2008, City Council adopted goals to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. The ensuing 2008 Climate Action Plan references energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart grid technologies for carbon emissions reduction, which the FortZED strategies address through its partners and projects. Council adoption of the 2009 Energy Policy provides strategic planning guidance for Fort Collins Utilities’ Light and Power Service Unit, the Energy Services group and the entire City government. The following Energy Policy objectives are supported by FortZED goals: • Support the community’s carbon emissions goal of reducing the City’s carbon footprint 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050; • Enhance local economic health; • Participate in research, development and demonstration efforts to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies and innovative solutions. Council expects the following outcomes and benefits stemming from implementation of the 2009 Energy Policy, which is supported by FortZED objectives: • Modernization of electric metering system; • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from efficiency, conservation and renewable energy; • Local economic benefits resulting from a healthy municipal utility, high electric system reliability, competitive electric rates and investments in efficiency and renewable energy. December 11, 2012 Page 4 Local Benefits There are technological and economic benefits of this initiative to the local community that include testing and demonstrating new technologies and supporting innovative businesses, such as those supported by the Rocky Mountain Innosphere. Between 2009 and 2011, over $11 million (M) was received and was focused on the FortZED project, of which $6.3M of came from outside the region from the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of cooperative study, the remaining amount was local matching funds. This influx of money during the economic recession was a beneficial outcome to the Fort Collins community, as well as local and national companies. Ancillary benefits of advancing FortZED and Fort Collins Utilities strategies, the implementation of new renewable energy and smart grid technologies, such as solar photovoltaics (PV), can create an estimated 20 manufacturing jobs and 13 installation/maintenance jobs for every MegaWatt of PV installed (Ban- Weiss, 11). Additionally, Fort Collins Utilities estimates that savings to Fort Collins residents and businesses from the promotion and implementation of energy efficiency programs generated over $15M in local economic benefits through reduced utility bills, incentives, leveraged investment and indirect activity. PROJECT PROGRESS TO DATE RDSI Study The FortZED initiative received $6.3M in funding from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) nationwide Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI) program, along with local matching funds of $5.1M in 2009 to “jump start” the demonstration of innovative smart grid technologies. The DOE supported the vision of FortZED through this grant that demonstrated new technologies for managing distributed and renewable energy and peak energy load management. The goal of this study was to show whether peak load could be reduced. Peak load is the maximum amount of power consumption during a certain time, by 20 to 30 percent, while integrating distributed energy from distributed resources such as solar panels, biogas and other temporary sources such as the emergency diesel generator as City Hall. Another key accomplishment of the RDSI project was the coordination, collaboration and engagement with diverse partners such as Larimer County, CSU’s main campus and the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, Woodward, New Belgium Brewing, Spirae, Advanced Energy, City of Fort Collins, Eaton, Van Dyne, Brendle Group and Integrid Laboratory. Fort Collins Utilities was responsible for coordinating, project management and reporting. The study demonstrated new technologies for managing renewable energy and peak energy load management. The Fort Collins RDSI project was driven by three overarching goals: • Fulfill the requirements of the Department of Energy (DOE) RDSI Cooperative study: most notably, to demonstrate the ability to reduce electric system distribution feeder peak load by 20 percent or more through the coordinated use of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) • Advance the expertise, technologies and infrastructure necessary to achieve the vision of FortZED and move towards creating a zero energy district in the Fort Collins “Old Town” area • Further the goals of the City of Fort Collins Energy Policy including the development of a December 11, 2012 Page 5 Smart Grid-enabled distribution system in Fort Collins, expanded use of renewable energy, increased energy conservation, and peak load reduction. Significant lessons were learned that helped advance the knowledge and general understanding required to further expand the use of renewable and distributed resources to provide benefits to the wider electrical infrastructure. As was key in the early stages of project development and planning, the single most critical element that contributed to the success of this project has been the Project Partners, and the individuals within those organizations whose dedication and commitment made this cooperative project a reality. The Fort Collins RDSI project was one of nine other DOE studies and was the first participant to complete the requirements of the study and was lauded by the DOE for the being among the highest performing of all RDSI projects in complexity and outcomes. Building upon the success of this project, Fort Collins Utilities proposed extending and adding an additional technical study with a limited scope to the DOE in mid-2012. DOE has agreed to extend the project another year and the new elements will focus on distributed resource management related to solar installations and electric grid security. New Energy Communities Grant As part of a regional partnership, the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Housing Authority, the Fort Collins Regional Library District and Larimer County were awarded $778,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to retro-commission buildings, apply energy efficiency upgrades, and install renewable energy projects between 2009 and 2011. Combined with Utility incentives, local matching funds from the Bohemian Foundation and participant funds, the total project was a $3.1M. Three of the 16 projects were within FortZED boundaries. The 16 projects are estimated to save over 2.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Within FortZED, a 58 kilowatt PV system was installed and two buildings (Civic Center and City Hall) were retro-commissioned, resulting in an estimated annual savings of 33,700 kWh. Community Engagement FortZED currently has a community engagement aspect that focuses specifically on residents through a grassroots effort in collaboration with The Atmosphere Conservancy (TAC). This effort, called the FortZED Community Energy Challenge, engages and educates residents and community members to help achieve the FortZED vision through an energy conservation and efficiency pledge. TAC works with City staff to help promote and leverage existing Utilities efficiency rebates and programs. This campaign has had over 2,000 household participation pledges and has hosted two “ZEDFest” house party celebrations throughout Fort Collins to increase energy efficiency and conservation understanding and action. Additionally, there was a Green Restaurant initiative in 2008, which focused on engaging local downtown restaurants to improve restaurant efficiency through sustainability programs and of the incorporation of energy efficient equipment. During Green Dining Week, participating restaurants committed eight percent of the week’s average daily revenue to implementing sustainable practices like investing in energy efficient equipment and developing conservation programs. December 11, 2012 Page 6 NEXT PHASE The substantial public recognition FortZED has received demonstrates that the vision of creating zero energy cities is an important issue, not only for Fort Collins, but for the state, the nation and internationally. The work of FortZED is a leading edge effort that partners the City, University, and the community and private enterprise to create a replicable model that can be used around the world. FortZED has gained considerable momentum as a result of the approval of formal budget funding, additional RDSI study support and the recent RMI charrette. The next year will be critical to maintain this path to advance the FortZED vision. Considering the complex partnerships, funding challenges and institutional barriers, the Steering Committee will need to further develop and refresh goals, strategies and tactics. Three FortZED Budget Offers were submitted in the 2013/2014 budget cycle that will enhance support and small scale projects to advance identified objectives. In addition, Fort Collins Utilities included two Offers for a feed-in-tariff and community solar program that would greatly benefit the FortZED initiative by expanding renewable energy production within the FortZED boundary. Key 2013 objectives for the FortZED Steering Committee will include: • Further exploring and identifying the strategic and action steps from the RMI charrette; • Design of complementary policies/programs; • Refined engagement with community organizations and improved metrics for participation; • Pursuit of grants and other funding mechanisms; • Advancing new and established relationships with organizations such as the Electrification Coalition, Department of Energy, and others to leverage technology research and demonstration opportunities; and • Carbon reduction and transportation through electric vehicles and other programs. Rocky Mountain Institute ELab Design Charrette As an initial step in moving forward, the Rocky Mountain Institute approached the FortZED Steering Committee in July 2012 to partner in its Electricity Innovation Lab (www.rmi.org/elab). Rocky Mountain Institute is a well-established, Colorado non-profit organization with a strong reputation for being dedicated to advancing the field of sustainability and innovation in energy and resource efficiency. The mission of ELab is to support engagement and innovation across traditional institutional boundaries to overcome barriers to support economically-viable deployment of distributed and demand side resources in the electricity sector. This mission dovetails with the FortZED vision to work together with a diverse group of partners for technological solutions that will not only achieve a zero energy district in Fort Collins but will support innovative energy technology companies, enhance our local economy and reduce our energy and environmental footprint. This ELab project included a design charrette for FortZED, which occurred November 7-8, 2012. The charrette brought together some of the nation’s leaders in net zero energy development to provide strategic direction for FortZED and brainstorm solutions to some of the hardest questions that FortZED will face in the coming years. Results from this work will be shared broadly to help others working nationally and globally to drive the adoption of efficiency and renewable energy sources and technologies. December 11, 2012 Page 7 The focus of the charrette was to enable FortZED to meet its stated goal of becoming the “model community for a leading and replicable net Zero Energy District”. The outcomes of the charrette included: • Definition of what net zero community leadership looks like and apply it to FortZED 2.0 to refine the vision and goals for FortZED; • Identification of the largest sticking points to achieving the FortZED vision and develop approaches to address them; • Identification of organizational, structural, business model and legal impediments to scaling FortZED to Fort Collins Utilities’ service territory; • Built approaches to drive FortZED solutions to scale and address key impediments; and • Outline next steps to move forward with scoping plan to meet Fort Collins’ goals. Following the charrette, RMI will develop a report and/or additional charrette outputs that provide recommendations to the FortZED Steering Committee and share results and lessons learned with ELab participants and the broader community interested in efficiency, renewables, and net zero energy development. See Attachment 3 for a graphic of RMI/FortZED Charrette Participants. HOW CLOSE TO ZERO IS FORTZED? To achieve a zero energy district within the existing FortZED boundary, the area would need to offset 230,000 MegaWatt hours (MWh) of electricity. Based on current projections, this could be achieved through the following strategies: • Energy Efficiency: Based on observed savings from existing energy efficiency programs, FortZED can expect 43,700 MWh of annual savings by 2030; • Solar: Based on current adoption of annual solar capacity, FortZED will have 4.4 MW of rooftop capacity by 2030, resulting in annual generation of 7,300 MWh; • Wind: Based on Platte River Power Authority’s 2012 Integrated Resource Plan, a wind farm is likely to provide 9,800 MWh of annual generation for FortZED. Based on the status of projects to date, FortZED has achieved approximately 15 percent of the net zero energy goal. See Attachment 4 for an Illustrative Representation of Potential Timeline for Fort Collins Power Transition. Work Cited Ban-Weiss, George, David Larsen, Sonny X. Li, and Dano Wilusz. Job Creation Studies for VOTESOLAR. Tech. Berkeley: University of Berkeley, 2004. Print. December 11, 2012 Page 8 ATTACHMENTS 1. FortZED Strategies for achieving a zero energy district in Fort Collins 2. FortZED Boundary Map 3. Rocky Mountain Institute/FortZED Charrette Participants 4. Illustrative Representation of Potential Timeline for Fort Collins Power Transition 5. Powerpoint presentation AIS for Fo ATTACHM ortZED Updat MENT #1: Fort te: City Counc tZED Strategi cil Work Sess ies for achiev ion Dec. 11, 2 ving a zero en 2012 nergy district iin Fort Collinss ATTACHMENT 1 FortZED Boundary Map ATTACHMENT 2 Rocky Mountain Institute/FortZED Charrette Participants ATTACHMENT 3 *Illust *This is s RMI/Fort been form part of th **EE: En **Solar: S trative Repre scenario rep tZED Charre mally adopte he forthcomin nergy Efficien Solar Photov esentation o resents one ette as an ac ed as a goal ng planning ncy voltaic, inclu of Potential T potential tim ccelerated m l by the FortZ for 2013. uding Utility s Timeline for F meline and is model for stra ZED Steerin scale, Comm Fort Collins s an output o ategic planni ng Committe mercial and R Electric Pow of the Novem ing. The time ee, but will be Residential i wer Transitio mber 2012 eline has no e considered installations on ot d as ATTACHMENT 4 1 Update for City Council Work Session December 11, 2012 1 Values 2 ATTACHMENT 5 2 Roots 3 Innovation 4 3 FortZED Boundary 5 Partnership 6 4 Replicable 7 International 8 5 Initiative 9 Engagement 10 6 Community Health 11 Alignment 12 7 13 14 8 15 fcgov.com colostate.edu ColoradoCleanEnergy.com fortzed.com As a community, we hold the power to lead our nation to a more sustainable and prosperous future. 16 9 Thank You Thank You 17 35.3% 188 25.7% 137 533 Restrooms 11.8% 63 28.6% 152 42.3% 225 17.3% 92 532 Drinking fountains 15.8% 84 28.0% 149 35.5% 189 20.7% 110 532 Mowing trail edges 7.9% 42 22.7% 120 38.8% 205 30.6% 162 529 Removing snow 38.6% 206 31.1% 166 20.6% 110 9.6% 51 533 Scenic qualities 31.6% 167 42.0% 222 21.7% 115 4.7% 25 529 Close to nature 35.6% 189 38.6% 205 20.9% 111 4.9% 26 531 Other 28.7% 48 13.8% 23 13.8% 23 43.7% 73 167 9. In general, how courteous and respectful are other trail users? In general, how courteous and respectful are other trail users? Very courteous 27.1% Courteous 55.8% Somewhat courteous 15.6% Not courteous 1.5% Collins F - Poudre River Trail from the Environmental Learning Center south to Arapaho Bend Natural Area G - Poudre River Trail from Arapaho Bend Natural Area over I-25 to Tinmath and Windsor H - Trails in northeast Fort Collins 0 100 50 Please rate the importance of the City's paved trails to your quality of life. Very important 74.4% Important 20.0% Somewhat important 5.0% Not important 0.6%