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Home My WebLink AboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/10/2013 - RENEWAL OF THE 1/4-CENT COMMUNITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMDATE: September 10, 2013 STAFF: Diane Jones Ginny Sawyer Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php WORK SESSION ITEM FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Renewal of the 1/4-cent Community Capital Improvement Program (current program is Building on Basics) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to open the discussion of the potential renewal of the current community capital improvement tax (Building on Basics or BOB). GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Does the Council support pursuing a renewal of the capital improvement program and accompanying sales tax? a. If so, which election should staff target—November 2014, April 2015, November 2015? b. Is there a preferred term of the tax? 2. What questions/suggestions are there regarding the scope of work, schedule, and Public Engagement Plan? 3. Preliminarily, are there types or categories of City capital improvements that should be considered and highlighted as staff begins to create a potential list of community capital improvements? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Fort Collins has been fortunate to have a long history of voter approved sales tax initiatives to fund major capital projects. Starting in 1973, with a 7-year, one cent tax that helped pay for the Main Library, the Lincoln Center, City Hall, and Mulberry Pool among other improvements, these voter approved sales tax capital programs have continually supported efforts to build the city we know and love today. (Attachment 1) The current initiative, Building on Basics (BOB), was approved in 2005. BOB is a 1/4-cent tax which equates to 25-cents on a $100 purchase. Over the 10-year period (2005 to 2015), BOB has provided almost $58 million dollars for investment in community projects. These dollars have supported the Lincoln Center renovations, the Museum of Discovery, new bike facilities, improvements to North College and Timberline, sidewalk upgrades, and the coming Senior Center September 10, 2013 Page 2 expansion. The BOB initiative will expire December 31, 2015. (See Attachment 2 for a complete list of BOB capital projects). During the 2013-2014 strategic planning efforts, “Planning for the Next Community Capital Program (BOB II)” was identified as a High Performing Government key initiative. Staff has begun the groundwork for this implementation and community and Council conversations. Sample Projects Staff has begun reaching out to all departments to identify potential projects based on existing master plans and Budgeting for Outcomes initiatives. Below are some samples of potential projects: • EPIC Pool Improvements • Poudre River Enhancements • Jefferson Street Improvements • Lincoln Boulevard Improvements • East Prospect Road • Vine/Lemay Intersection • Bus Stops • Trolley System Improvements • Campus West Substation (Police) • Replacing the Police Shooting Range • Bike Facility Improvements • Sidewalk Improvements • Community Marketplace • Southeast Recreation/Cultural Center • Organics Composting Facility For each potential project, staff is creating an inventory sheet that includes the name of the project, project description, projected costs (a range for the capital costs and estimate operations and maintenance, where applicable) and the location of the project. This data gathering is currently a work in progress. Work Program and Schedule Staff began planning for the work program by considering the possible election dates—any tax measure, whether it is a new or renewing tax, must be presented to the voters. Should the City move forward with another community capital program and a tax initiative to fund the program, the following election dates can be considered: • November 2014 ballot language would need to be set by early August 2014 • April 2015 ballot language would need to be set by early February 2015 • November 2015 ballot language would need to be set by early August 2015 Staff is currently scheduling the work program and outreach activities in conjunction with a November 2014 election. A general timeline and set of work activities is reflected in Attachment 3. September 10, 2013 Page 3 Staff work to date has included: identifying and inventorying potential projects; developing a first- cut timeline, mapping out general public outreach activities and milestones, and brainstorming possible titles or names of a next community capital program (without a name, the current reference is BOB II). Staff anticipates the following: • Meet with Council on September 10 (Work Session) to review this information and the outcome of the discussion with the Finance Committee. • Work with boards and commissions and community groups between now and the next work session on December 10, 2013, to review and add to the preliminary list. • In December, Council will be presented with a comprehensive, detailed list. • Utilize the December work session to agree on a project list to take to the public for feedback and preferences in early 2014. If a renewal is supported, staff will begin engaging residents to find out if this is a model that people still support and if so, what are the most important capital project needs and desires for the community from a citizen perspective. Public Engagement Staff has developed a draft public engagement summary outlining messages and techniques throughout the project timeline. (Attachment 4) The summary was developed using the November 2014 election as a target election date. Staff anticipates the following: • Working with boards and commissions, citizens and community groups through 2013 to get their project ideas and preferences. • Conducting large scale outreach from January-May 2014 for citizens to select and/or prioritize their top projects and comment on the tax measure. City Council Staff has scheduled several meetings with Council throughout the next 12 months: • September 10, 2013 Work Session - review the City’s history of voter approved sales tax measures for major community capital projects and consider a work program and outreach plan for a renewal of a similar program once Building on Basics expires in 2015. • December 10, 2013 Work Session – review a comprehensive list of potential community capital projects; narrow and determine the list to take to the public for feedback and refinement/preferences. September 10, 2013 Page 4 • April 2014 Work Session – review the feedback and results from the Public Engagement activities and outreach. Determine the focus of additional public engagement and outreach. • July 2014 Work Session – a final work session, if necessary, to guide the ballot language that will be presented to Council at a regular meeting. • August 2104 Regular Meeting – formally consider the ballot language and place the measure on the November 2014 ballot. ATTACHMENTS 1 Voter Approved Sales Tax Initiatives 1973-2021 2. Building on Basics 2005: Final Council Project List 3. General Work Program and Timeline: August 2013 4. Public Engagement Summary 5. Initial Potential Project Reports 6. Sales and Use Tax Rate, 1968-2035 7. Powerpoint presentation Voter Approved Sales Tax Initiatives 1973-2021 Choices ’73: Designing Tomorrow Today –1 cent – 1973-1980 • Comprehensive Land Use Master Plan • Avery House purchase • Downtown Redevelopment projects • Main Library • Lincoln Center • Fire Station #4 • Mulberry Pool • City Hall Building • Open Space land acquisition • Parks acquisition • Sewer to Andersonville and Alta Vista • Storm Drainage Program • Comprehensive Transportation Study • Bus System • Street Improvements Project RECAP –¼ cent – 1984-1989 • Major Street Improvements - Lemay, Horsetooth to Harmony - Shields Street Improvements * Intersections at Mulberry, Prospect, LaPorte * Widening and bike path, Prospect to Laurel - Timberline/Prospect Intersection - Prospect, Shields to Taft Hill • Sidewalk Pedestrian Access Ramps • Indoor Pool Renovation - College Avenue Medians, Horsetooth to Creger - Prospect/Taft Hill Intersection - Mulberry/Canyon Intersection - Street Major Maintenance Program - Bikeways on College, Timberline and Horsetooth • Poudre Fire Authority equipment replacement and land acquisition • Open Space and Trails acquisition and construction Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) –¼ cent – 1985-1989 Natural Areas Tax –¼ cent – 1992-1997 Choices 95 –¼ cent –1990-1997 • Major Street Improvements - Shields, Davidson to Casa Grande - Prospect Intersection Improvements * Lemay * Taft Hill * College - Prospect, Shields to Taft Hill - Shields, Laurel to Prospect - Eastside Neighborhood Intersections - Drake, Canterbury to Taft Hill - Timberline Extension, Prospect to Summitview - College/Drake Intersection • Fire Station #10 Land Acquisition • Fire South Battalion • Lincoln Center Restrooms • Parks and Open Space Projects • Senior Center • Eastside Neighborhood Park • Southwest Community Park Land Acquisition • Park Enhancements -- Buckingham and Edora • Indoor Pool Renovations ATTACHMENT 1 Building Community Choice –Three Separate ¼ cents – 1997-2005 Community Enhancements • City/School District Community Projects • Shields Street, Horsetooth to Troutman • Police Building Land • Northeast Truck Route • Library Technology • New Main Library Land • Prospect, Poudre River to Summitview • Performing Arts Center Land • Taft Hill Road, Drake to Derby • EPIC Second Ice Sheet • Northside Aztlan Community Center Streets and Transportation • Pavement Management Program • Pedestrian Plan • Mason Street Transportation Corridor, Phase I & II • North College Corridor Natural Areas and Parks • Natural Areas Acquisition • Community Park Improvements • Community Horticulture Center • Gardens on Spring Creek • Fossil Creek Community Park • Regional Trails Open Space Yes! –¼ cent – 2006 - 2030 • Renewal of BCC Natural Areas and Parks ¼-cent tax for Open Space Acquisition and Maintenance Street Maintenance –¼ cent – 2006-2015 Building on Basics –¼ cent – 2006-2015 • Library Technology • Fort Collins Museum/Discovery Science Center Joint Facility • Lincoln Center Renovation/Cultural Facilities Plan • Park Upgrades and Enhancements • Fort Collins Senior Center Expansion • Police Services CAD Replacement • Harmony Road, Seneca to College Avenue • Intersection Improvements and Traffic Signals • North College Avenue Improvements • Timberline Road, Drake to Prospect • Transit Fleet Replacement Buses • Bicycle Program Plan Implementation • Pedestrian Plan and ADA Improvements Keep Fort Collins Great – .085 cents – 2011-2021 • 33% Street Maintenance and repair • 17% Other Transportation needs • 17% Police Services • 11% Poudre Fire Authority • 11% Parks Maintenance and Recreation Services • 11% Other Community Priorities Ju •Na •Pro •Ca Ja •Pu une‐2013 ming/Branding oject ID Meeting apital Project GIS an Feb M 2014 ublic Outreach Quar June 4 g June 24 S Page June 24 arch 4 January-April rter Cen • •M • •C •A •C s •C • • t Tax Init July Au Soap Box (July Memo to staff li Project ID-July 1 Council Materia Affordable Hou Council Work Se scope) CRB-Sept 11 HRC-Sept 12 NRAB-Sept 18 April M •Council -April •Council -June •Public Outrea tiative R g Sept 15) aisons (July 23) 1 and August 2 als Due August 3 sing Board -Sep ession Sept 10 (in May June ch April-June enewal 2 30 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY AUGUST 2013 PROJECT TITLE: COMMUNITY CAPITAL SALES TAX INITIATIVE (NEXT BOB) OVERALL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT LEVEL: COLLABORATE BOTTOM LINE QUESTION: Do citizens support the proposed sales tax initiative for the identified community capital projects? KEY STAKEHOLDERS: All citizens. TIMELINE: June 2013-November 2014 PHASE 1: Timeframe: September-December 2013 Key Messages:  Fort Collins has a long and successful history utilizing sales tax initiatives to accomplish major capital project needs and amenities for the community.  The current tax, Building on Basics, will expire December 31, 2015.  The City will be engaging the community to identify community needs and desires for capital projects looking forward 5, 10, 15 years. Tools and Techniques:  Coloradoan Soapboxes.  Topic and promotion on IdeaLab and other social media.  Engaging specific stakeholder groups such as UniverCity Connections, CityWork alumni, and business, environmental, education and other community associations, Boards and Commissions, etc.  Fact sheets. PHASE 2: Timeframe: January-May 2014 Key Messages:  Fort Collins has a long and successful history utilizing sales tax initiatives to accomplish major needs and amenities for the community.  The current tax, Building on Basics, will expire in December 2015.  Help us identify the top community needs and desires. Tools and Techniques:  Media releases and newsletters.  Focus groups.  Open house event.  Attending public events (going to the people.)  Polling and surveying, use of social media. Attachment 4 PHASE 3: Timeframe: June-August 2014 Key Messages:  Fort Collins has a long and successful history utilizing sales tax initiatives to accomplish major needs and amenities for the community.  The current tax, Building on Basics, will expire in 2015.  The Council and the community have identified key capital projects (needs and desires.)  Here are the selected capital projects we can fund by approving a sales tax initiative. Tools and Techniques:  Media releases and newsletters.  Use of social media.  Fact sheets.  Presentations. Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Southeast Recreation/Cultural Center 20,000,000 35,000,000 P&R Policy Plan and Cultural Facilities Plan A full service recreation and cultural community center featuring an aquatics center, large gym, studio theater, cardio, weights, craft and meeting rooms providing citizens in south Fort Collins with a place to gather, create and recreate in a positive, safe and healthy environment. River Projects 5,000,000 15,000,000 Natural Areas River Master Plan Improvements to the Poudre River in Downtown area to: conserve and restore the riparian ecosystem; mitigate flooding; and enhance recreation by removing or modifying diversion structures to create a river trail, develop a river park and a recreational watercraft feature. Community Services Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects ATTACHMENT 5 Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Community Services Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects Trail Improvements 2,000,000 Recreational Trail Master Plan Renovate and widen the Spring Creek Trail between Lemay and Shields, add shaded rest stops, drinking fountains and two restrooms, complete underpass feasibility study, Keenland underpass of the Power Trail and purchase ROW for new trail along Overland Trail Road between Spring Canyon Park and Poudre Trail Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Community Services Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects Water Savings 2,000,000 4,000,000 P&R Policy Plan and Golf Strategic Plan Save 7 million gallons of water annually by installing a new, efficient irrigation system to replace the 30 year old one at SouthRidge Golf Course. Save 2 million gallons annually by installing a synthetic turf field at Fossil Creek Park and save 20 million gallons of treated water by converting Lee Martinez, Avery and Soft Gold Parks to raw water irrigation. Carnigie Building 2,000,000 Cultural Facilities Plan Complete the renovation of the historic Carnigie Building by restoring windows, improving HVAC, installing new flooring and other improvements so the interior of the Creative Center compliments the beauty and history of the building's exterior. Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Community Services Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects Gardens on Spring Creek 2,000,000 Gardens on Spring Creek Master Plan Complete the Gardens on Spring Creek by expanding the visitor center and completing the gardens on the 17 acre site. Preserving our Heritage 1,000,000 New train and tracks at City Park, completion of Club Tico renovation and creation of a Fire Museum at the Trolly Barn Total 27,000,000 61,000,000 Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes FCPS Shooting Range 5,900,000 Land and Building for a new shooting range. (O&M 33K annual Utilities. 12K annual) maintenance. FCPS/LV Shooting Range & Driving Track 9,000,000 Land, buildings, and driving track (O&M 55K annual utilities. 15K annual maintenance. Split cost with Loveland.) Campus West Police Substation 360,000 Procurement of a 3500-3800 square foot work area that would house a Police Services community-oriented policing substation to include space for Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Services. Includes renovation and furnishings. (O&M Lease and utilities.) Police Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Police Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects Neighborhood Policing Substation 375,000 Procurement of a 3000 square foot work area that would house a Police Services community-oriented policing substation at a future needed location within the city. (O&M Building lease and utilities.) Camera Monitoring at Intersections 620,000 Cameras at selected intersections, fiber for cameras to storage location, server/hardware for video storage and retrieval, and necessary software. Mobile Camera Monitoring 50,000 Two Mobile platforms for deploying camera surveillance at any desired location. Platforms are self- contained and broadcast to a centralized location for monitoring. Project Cost (Low) Cost (High) Plan Alignment Project Description/Notes Police Potential Capital Improvement Tax Projects HALO Cameras 420,000 10 cameras along with essential computer management software and hardware strategically placed in areas of high activity for observation of criminal activity. These cameras were instrumental in identifying the Boston Marathon bombers. Dispatch/Record Management Upgrade 2,000,000 Necessary upgrades and maintenance on CAD/RMS system (2016 thru life of tax @ 200K/year) Total - 18,725,000 0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 3.5% 4.0% 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 Sales Tax Rate Sales and Use Tax Rate, 1968-2035 1/4% BCC Community Enhancements, Voter Approved 1% by City Council Ordinance 140, 1979 effective 4/1/80 1% Designing Tormorrow Today Voter Approved Capital 4/1/73-3/31/80 1% General, Voter Approved 1/4% by City Council Ordinance 149, 1981 1/4% Necessary Capital (RECAP) Voter Approved 1/4% EPIC, 1 Renewal of ¼-Cent Community Capital Improvement Program City Council Work Session September 10, 2013 ATTACHMENT 7 2 Direction Sought 1. Does Council support pursuing a renewal of the capital improvement program and accompanying sales tax? a. If so, which election should we target? (Nov 2014, April 2015, Nov 2015) b. Is there a preferred term of the tax? 2. Does Council have questions/suggestions regarding the scope of work, timeline, or public engagement plan? 3. Are there types or categories of City capital improvements that should be considered and highlighted? 3 Tax Initiative History Base Sales Tax Rate = 2.25%...Does Not Expire Various Tax Initiatives that aggregate to 3.85%: • Capital ¼ Cent began in 1984 – Current Tax Expires in 2015 • Street Maintenance ¼ Cent began in 1990 – Expires in 2015 • Natural Areas ¼ Cent began in 1993 – Expires in 2030 • KFCG .85 Cent began in 2011- Expires in 2021 Capital Project Tax Has Been Renewed Each Year Since 1990 Street Maintenance Tax has been Renewed Each Year Since 1998 4 5 BOB II & Street Maintenance BOB II – Ginny Sawyer Develop list of projects and vet financial cost and feasibility Street Maintenance – Jessica Ping-Small Evaluate alternatives, possible structure and methodology for fee Council Work Session Nov 26 • Decision on fee or ¼ cent • Street maintenance fee or tax • Park maintenance fee Mid 2014 Revenue Diversification Fee Discussion If ¼ Cent – Integrate with CMO Efforts Council Review & Direction • BOB II Projects • Street Maintenance Public Outreach • BOB II Projects • Street Maintenance ¼ Cent Renewal Efforts Revenue Diversification 6 Background Fort Collins has long history of successful capital improvement tax. From 1973-2015 capital improvement tax has helped fund numerous projects: Main Library EPIC Lincoln Center Mulberry Pool Neighborhood Parks Senior Center Northside/Aztlan Mason Trail Major Street Improvements 7 Background • Current initiative is Building on Basics (BOB) • ¼ cent = 25 cents on a $100 purchase • 10 year term (2005-2015) • Will amount to approximately $58 million over course of the term 8 Background Tax initiative must go to the voters. • November 2014- ballot language by early August 2014 • April 2015- ballot language by early February 2015 • November 2015- ballot language by early August 2015 9 Background • Strategic Plan identifies: “Planning for the next Community Capital Program” as a key initiative. 10 Background • Staff has begun groundwork, including: – Reaching out to departments to begin compilation of potential project list. – Establishing basic timeline (currently based on Nov 2014 election.) – Developing a Public Engagement Plan 11 2014 Jan Feb March Public Outreach April May June Public Outreach Council Meetings July Aug Set Ballot Language 2013 June July Aug Initial Project ID Sept Oct Nov Council Work Session Boards & Commissions December Council Work Session Public Out Reach 12 Future Council Meeting Dates • December 10, 2013/Work Session – review comprehensive list; narrow and determine list to take to the public for feedback. • April 2014/Work Session – review the feedback and results from the Public Engagement and outreach. Determine additional public engagement and outreach. • July 2014/Work Session – a final Work Session to guide ballot language that will be presented to Council at a regular meeting. • August 2104/Regular Meeting – formally consider ballot language and place the measure on the November 2014 ballot. 13 Direction Sought 1. Does Council support pursuing a renewal of the capital improvement program and accompanying sales tax? a. If so, which election should we target? (Nov 2014, April 2015, Nov 2015) b. Is there a preferred term of the tax? 2. Does Council have questions/suggestions regarding the scope of work, timeline, or public engagement plan? 3. Are there types or categories of City capital improvements that should be considered and highlighted? Voter Approved 1/4% Choices 95 Capital Program, Voter Approved 1/4% BCC Natural Areas and Parks, Voter Approved 1/4% BCC Streets & Transportation, Voter Approved 1/4% Street Maintenance Voter Approved 7/1/89-12/31/97 1/4% BOB Community Enhancments, Voter Approved 1/4% City Natural Areas, Voter Approved 1/4%Pavement Management, Voter Approved 1/4% Open Space, Yes, Voter Approved .85% KFCG Voter Approved updated 8-30-13 1/4% Open Space, Yes, Voter Approved ATTACHMENT 6 pt 4 nitial 2013-20 Oct‐D •Public Outrea •Council Mate •Council Work •Fee question Nov Ju •Council- •Council- 014 Dec ach erails Due Nov 2 k Session Dec 10 n determined by uly Augus -July -August/Ballot La 29 0 y Council in st anguage Attachment 3