HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 10/08/2013 - COMPLETE AGENDAKaren Weitkunat, Mayor Council Information Center
Gerry Horak, District 6, Mayor Pro Tem City Hall West
Bob Overbeck, District 1 300 LaPorte Avenue
Lisa Poppaw, District 2 Fort Collins, Colorado
Gino Campana, District 3
Wade Troxell, District 4
Ross Cunniff, District 5 Cablecast on City Cable Channel 14
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Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Steve Roy, City Attorney
Wanda Nelson, City Clerk
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WORK SESSION
October 8, 2013
6 p.m.
1. Call Meeting to Order.
2. Dr. Tony Frank, President of Colorado State University. (1 hour discussion)
3. Poudre River Plans and Projects. (staff: John Stokes; 1 hour discussion)
The purpose of this work session is to review and discuss Poudre River projects and
planning efforts.
Over the last few years the City has increased its efforts to improve the Poudre River in
the 13-mile urban reach. There has been a particular focus on environmental health,
recreation opportunities and stormwater management. This work session will be devoted
to an overview of ongoing projects, planning efforts, and proposed future endeavors.
Please note that the Triple Bottom Line Assessment (TBLAM) for this agenda item was
not able to be completed due to the floods; the staff meeting(s) scheduled for developing
the TBLAM were cancelled and not able to be rescheduled in advance of October 8.
Important topics to be covered include:
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1. A description of various habitat and physical improvements that are planned or
under construction, including Sterling Pond and McMurry Pond Natural Area,
and the Woodward Technology Center site;
2. Various programmatic efforts to improve River health, such as participation in
regional dialogues, development of instream flow concepts, and the creation of an
ecosystem response model;
3. The downtown planning project, which includes an overview of a potential
whitewater park.
3. Other Business.
4. Adjournment.
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DATE: October 8, 2013 WORK SESSION ITEM
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Dr. Tony Frank, Colorado State University President, will join City Council for a one hour
discussion.
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DATE: October 8, 2013
STAFF: John Stokes
Pre-taped staff presentation: available
at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php
WORK SESSION ITEM
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Poudre River Plans and Projects.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this work session is to review and discuss Poudre River projects and planning
efforts.
Over the last few years the City has increased its efforts to improve the Poudre River in the 13-mile
urban reach. There has been a particular focus on environmental health, recreation opportunities
and stormwater management. This work session will be devoted to an overview of ongoing projects,
planning efforts, and proposed future endeavors. Please note that the Triple Bottom Line
Assessment (TBLAM) for this agenda item was not able to be completed due to the floods; the staff
meeting(s) scheduled for developing the TBLAM were cancelled and not able to be rescheduled in
advance of October 8.
Important topics to be covered include:
1. A description of various habitat and physical improvements that are planned or under
construction, including Sterling Pond and McMurry Pond Natural Area, and the Woodward
Technology Center site;
2. Various programmatic efforts to improve River health, such as participation in regional
dialogues, development of instream flow concepts, and the creation of an ecosystem
response model;
3. The downtown planning project, which includes an overview of a potential whitewater park.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Are there any specific Council reactions to the downtown planning project, or other projects?
2. Is the City’s Poudre River work meeting Council’s expectations?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Over the last few years there has been a renewed effort to improve the Poudre River corridor. These
efforts have been driven by a number of factors that include: strong interest from the community;
Council’s adoption of budget initiatives; ongoing execution of various City plans by City staff; and,
the pursuit of opportunities as they arise (for example, the Woodward Technology Center project).
While there are challenges, there is growing momentum in Fort Collins to reconnect, renew, and
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restore the Poudre. This agenda item summary examines those efforts and also looks forward to
future efforts.
Over the last few decades the community has successfully built a park, natural areas, and trail
system on the Poudre. The Natural Areas Department manages approximately 1,400 acres and 17
natural areas on the River. The City owns approximately 60% of the floodplain and these lands
provide a phenomenal natural habitat in an urban setting. The Parks Department owns Lee Martinez
and Old Heritage Parks, while leasing Legacy Park on a virtually permanent basis from the federal
government. The paved Poudre Trail runs continuously from LaPorte to the Environmental
Learning Center and there are ongoing efforts to cross I-25 and complete the connection to Greeley.
Over 500,000 visitors a year enjoy the downtown portion of the Poudre River Trail.
While there has been great success in conserving the River corridor, there are significant
opportunities for improvement. For example, Poudre River flows through town have been
dramatically reduced and can be highly intermittent and volatile due to irrigation deliveries. There
is a danger that the iconic cottonwood forests and other environmental attributes will atrophy over
time unless creative measures can be taken to stabilize flows. On top of environmental challenges
there are “people” opportunities and challenges. How do we get people to the River to enjoy it?
How do we create park and recreation amenities that take advantage of the Poudre’s great beauty
while protecting the environment that makes it such an attractive place to be? In addition, there are
opportunities and challenges associated with flood mitigation as we know from the remarkable
events of last month.
City Plans and Related Documents
Many of the opportunities for improvement are addressed in various City plans and documents.
They include:
• Plan Fort Collins, 2011
• Cache al Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan Update, 2011
• Technical Memorandum: Poudre River Restoration Planning Summary, 2010
• Cache La Poudre River Master Drainageway Plan, 2001
• Poudre River Enhancement Project; 2003
• North College Corridor Plan, 2007
• Downtown River District Streetscape Improvements Project, 2008
• Lincoln Corridor Plan, (under development).
An interesting and valuable addition to City-adopted plans is UniverCity Connections’ 2012 Poudre
Report (http://www.univercityconnections.org/assets/File/UCC_Renewal_2012_Action_Plan_-
20130624.pdf)
The Poudre Report contains support both for efforts to restore River-related habitat, as well as
improvements related to recreation and River access.
Plan Fort Collins, adopted by Council in 2011, contains many of the core principles and policies
related to the Poudre River. They can roughly be sorted into three categories: the environment,
recreation, and stormwater management.
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Key principles include:
Principle ENV 23: Adjacent land uses will be carefully managed to ensure that the
diverse community values of the Poudre River Corridor are protected and enhanced.
Principle ENV 24: The City will support a healthy and resilient Cache la Poudre
ecosystem and protect, enhance and restore the ecological values of the River.
Principle ENV 25: The City will provide enhanced recreation opportunities within
the Poudre River Corridor, with an emphasis on scenic values, heritage education,
and interpretation while avoiding or minimizing impacts to environmentally sensitive
areas.
Principle ENV 26: The City will manage the Poudre River floodplain to minimize
potentially hazardous conditions while promoting natural processes associated with
flooding, erosion, and channel migration to occur over time as appropriate.
Important Policies include:
Policy ENV 25.2 – Integrate Parks and Recreation Sites. In addition to existing
facilities such as Lee Martinez Park, the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan identifies
future recreation facilities in the Poudre River Corridor. Place emphasis on
integrating natural, environmental, historic, and cultural values within new public
recreation sites.
ENV 26.1 – Implement the Poudre River Master Drainageway Plan. Implement [the
Plan] to reduce the risk of flood damage to existing structures and property and
minimize risks to public safety. Floodplain management will recognize and manage
floodplains with the intent to protect public safety in a way that is environmentally
responsible and economically viable. The 100-year floodplain will be protected to
maintain, restore, and enhance natural river processes and the environmental services
of floodplains.
Plan Fort Collins also contains a Poudre River Overlay that describes the River in five segments
from west to east, including rural open lands from LaPorte to Shields Street; a community river
segment from Shields to College; an historic and cultural segment from College to Lemay Avenue;
a science, education, and wildlife segment from Lemay Avenue to Drake Road; and, a conservation
open lands segment from Drake Road to Harmony and I-25.
Current Poudre River efforts by the City are, to the greatest extent possible, integrating the major
themes of the plans and documents described above.
Budgeting for Outcomes
The 2013/14 City budget contains offers designed to help achieve Poudre River objectives. They
include offers related to instream flows, restoration and rehabilitation of habitat, the ecosystem
response model, and the Downtown Poudre River Planning Project. In addition, the Stormwater
Utility is putting its funds to work on the River and there are bridge improvement projects underway
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that benefit Poudre-related objectives. The bridge projects are within the jurisdiction of outside
agencies such as Larimer County and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
There are three restoration and rehabilitation projects underway to reconnect the River to its
floodplain. Over time, the Poudre channel has been confined by historic aggregate mining activities,
channelization, urban development, and flood control. High banks prevent overtopping into
adjoining areas. The River, instead of meandering, is oriented to a straight line shape. Channel
confinement, while valuable for protecting some properties from flood conditions, prevents the
River from overtopping into natural areas that are suitable for, and that benefit from, flooding. Each
of the three projects has carefully been modeled and designed to protect human welfare and safety.
There will be modest flood attenuation benefits associated with the projects. The recent floods are
not expected to delay these projects.
The three projects include:
Sterling Pond: Upstream of the Shields Street bridge, the Natural Areas Department (NAD) will
be lowering the north bank of the River for approximately 1/4 mile. A bank that ranges up to 12 feet
in height will be lowered to approximately 3 feet above a bankful flow. The entire re-graded area
will be vegetated with native plants and cottonwood trees. Soil from the bank will be placed in the
adjoining Sterling Pond to create shallow water wetlands. When the River reaches a moderate flood
flow on a two- to three-year basis, water will overflow into the Sterling Pond natural area,
nourishing the vegetation and wetlands. Construction started the week of September 23.
In addition to the bank and wetland improvements, this project includes the removal of an old
irrigation dam from the River. The Josh Ames structure no longer delivers water. The dam cuts off
habitat; fish cannot swim across the dam. In addition it backs up water and causes sediment
deposition. The dam will be removed and the drop below the dam will be utilized to create a pool
and riffle sequence in the River. This will greatly improve in-channel fish habitat, as well as make
the River safer and more enjoyable for recreationists.
The total budget for this project is approximately $1.4 million. City funds are coming from Keep
Fort Collins Great ($400,000), and the Natural Areas fund ($625,000). In addition, the non-profit
Colorado Water Trust is raising $375,000 for the Josh Ames portion of the project. On September
24, the Colorado Water Conservation Board approved a grant to the Water Trust for $300,000 of the
$375,000. In addition, a coalition of local breweries has contributed nearly $37,000.
McMurry Pond Natural Area: Just downstream of the Shields Street bridge, the NAD will be
implementing a project very much like the Sterling Ponds project. The north bank of the Poudre
River will be lowered. Trash, including concrete rubble and old car bodies, will be removed.
Moderate flood flows will be allowed to wash over McMurray Natural Areas and nourish the
vegetation and wetlands. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall of 2013. The budget for this
project is $660,000.
Woodward Technology Center: As part of the Woodward development project, the NAD will be
receiving 31 acres along the River. This area also will be reconnected to the floodplain. In addition,
two areas will be reinforced to stabilize the River bank. The entire site will be re-graded and planted
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with native vegetation. Construction is underway and will continue through spring and early
summer of 2014. As with each of the three sites, it will take three to five years for the initial
vegetation to establish a solid ground cover. Ultimately, the site is intended to support a cottonwood
forest, wetlands, upland grasslands, and wet meadows. Unlike the first two sites, NAD plans to
irrigate this site for approximately three years to facilitate vegetation establishment. The budget
for this project is $3.5 million. The Downtown Development Authority is contributing $3.0 million
and the Natural Areas Department is contributing an additional $500,000.
River Flows
The 2013/14 budget includes $150,000 to study and develop mechanisms to improve Poudre flows.
Flows have been greatly reduced from native conditions; in addition, flows can be volatile due to
irrigation deliveries. Reduced flows and flow volatility are damaging to the ecology of the River
and represent perhaps the most challenging aspect of sustaining the Poudre’s ecosystem through
town.
One approach underway involves working with the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the
Colorado Parks and Wildlife to identify and define an instream flow segment and to quantify the
flows necessary to both protect and enhance the natural environment. This process allows NAD to
better understand and define stream flows necessary to sustain the Poudre and adjacent conserved
lands; however, acquiring the necessary water portfolio to achieve these flows is difficult.
Purchasing water can often result in a “buy and dry” situation; an option that can be extremely
expensive, involve several years in water court, and can be in conflict with NAD’s efforts to
conserve irrigated agricultural lands in and around Fort Collins. NAD has purchased agricultural
water rights used on agricultural lands that have or will be developed to other uses. However, NAD
prefers to avoid pitting river conservation against agricultural conservation and seeks to find
solutions that benefit both objectives.
An alternate approach NAD is experimenting with can be characterized as water sharing; in other
words delivering water for multiple benefits. An example implemented by NAD in 2013 involves
two relatively small projects that deliver Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) water to agricultural users
downstream of Fort Collins. The NAD worked with the River Commissioner, Fort Collins Utility
and Platte River Power Authority to deliver approximately 1450 acre-feet of C-BT water from
Horsetooth Reservoir through the urban stretch of Fort Collins to downstream agricultural users at
a rate of 20 to 25 cfs over a 20 to 25 day period of time. Although the recent flood literally
swamped this relatively small delivery, it represents an interesting proof-of-concept project and
illustrates a potential approach to future instream flow transactions. The NAD recently submitted
a concept paper to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) suggesting that GOCO consider aiding water
sharing projects by financing transactions and paying for flow monitoring stations.
Lastly, NAD has commissioned a water engineering firm to study dry-up points and water deliveries
by agricultural or municipal interests. (Dry-up points are locations that are completely de-watered,
typically during dry times and when a senior water right is diverting all the water in the River.) The
purpose of the study is to understand whether or not there are mechanisms to help prevent or
mitigate dry-ups. An additional purpose is to identify, if possible, strategies for re-engineering water
deliveries that might keep more water in the River for longer periods of time and/or to reduce flow
volatility. The study is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2013.
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Ecosystem Response Model
City staff has been collaborating with a team of scientists from Colorado State University, The
Nature Conservancy, and the United States Forest Service to develop an ecological model of the
Poudre River. The purpose of the model is to understand the likely condition of the River under
various possible future flow patterns. The model integrates multiple interacting factors which are
intended to represent the interdependent and complex nature of the River. The model incorporates
available scientific data and expert judgment, allowing for a multi-factor analysis despite limited
data for some indicators.
The model and its results are nearly complete. If Council is interested, staff can provide a complete
overview of the model in early 2014. Perhaps the most exciting and useful application of the model
will be related to “green” model runs; i.e., model runs that create a synthetic hydrology in order to
develop a “green” (or successful) future. These green model runs have the potential to point to a
vision and to strategies that can be utilized to ensure the long-term ecological resilience and
sustainability of the River.
Stormwater Mitigation
Over the years there have been a number of stormwater-related improvements associated with the
River corridor. The West Vine Outfall Project is the latest addition. The project extends from Vine
Drive to the Cache la Poudre River, approximately 500 feet west of Shields Street on the south end
and 1,200-feet west of Shields on the north end (Attachment 1). The purpose of the project is to
provide flood mitigation and water quality improvement for the West Vine Stormwater Basin. The
project is the first phase in a system of improvements identified in the West Vine Stormwater Master
Plan. The project is jointly funded by the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, with
construction starting in the fall of 2013 and extending into the spring of 2014.
The project will include approximately 30,000 cubic yards of excavation to create 3,300 feet of
stream corridor and two water quality detention areas. The proposed alignment for the outfall
channel follows the preferred/selected outfall alignment identified in the West Vine Stormwater
Master Plan, which has been adopted by both Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins. In
addition, the creation of water quality detention areas is in agreement with the recent water quality
evaluation that was conducted for the entire drainage basin by the City of Fort Collins. Construction
of the outfall channel also provides opportunity for the enhancement of wildlife, riparian and aquatic
habitat along the channel corridor, as identified in the West Vine Stormwater Master Plan. The
timing of this project was influenced partly by the fact that Natural Areas is working on the opposite
bank of the River and it made sense to integrate the planning and design efforts as much as possible.
Poudre Trail
The Poudre River Trail will be impacted by projects over the next few years. Larimer County is
scheduled to replace the North Shields Street Bridge across the Poudre River in 2015. The new
roadway bridge will result in improved sight distance for trail users at the bridge underpass. A
trailhead parking lot is planned to be constructed north and west of the bridge as part of the bridge
replacement project.
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The Poudre Trail at the Woodward Technology Center will be relocated in conjunction with the
Natural Areas restoration effort on land near the River. This project will be completed in the spring
of 2014. There will be a trail detour in this area from October until spring of 2014.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning to replace the Highway 14 (Mulberry
Street) bridge at the Poudre River. In conjunction with this project, the Poudre Trail will be
relocated to go under the north abutment of the Lemay Avenue Bridge and cross the Poudre River
downstream to connect to the existing trail. This new alignment will result in trail users not needing
to use the Lemay Avenue Bridge as is currently required to reach the trail underpass at Mulberry
Street. The trail relocation should be completed in 2014.
The Poudre Trail at Arapaho Bend Natural Area is planned to connect to a new parking lot along
Strauss Cabin Road, the Harmony Park and Ride, and across I-25 to Timnath. This project is
planned to be completed by the fall of 2015. Staff is in the process of evaluating underpass and
overpass options for crossing I-25.
Poudre River Study Action Group
For just over one year, City staff from the Water Utility and Natural Areas has been participating
in a regional group sponsored by the Colorado Water Institute based at Colorado State University.
The group’s overarching objective is to make the Poudre River “the world’s best example of a
healthy working river.” The group is composed of various regional interests, including water
utilities, ditch companies, water attorneys, and agricultural and environmental interests. A recent
report from the group and more information may be found at
http://www.cwi.colostate.edu/thepoudrerunsthroughit/study.shtml.
Several committees are now working under the auspices of the group, including: instream flow,
fundraising, and a “forum” group. The forum group is planning an all-day Poudre River forum
tentatively planned for February or March 2014.
Downtown Core Planning Project
The idea of creating a Poudre River Corridor Master Plan for the downtown reach of the River was
launched in the 2013/14 BFO process. The overarching goal of the master plan project is to design
a comprehensive, long-term vision for stormwater, habitat, and recreation improvements from
Shields Street to Mulberry. In addition to the master plan, the budget includes funds for engineering
and permitting related to project elements that will be selected from a menu of options in early 2014.
The budget does not include any construction funds. It is anticipated that construction funds will
be sought in the context of the 2015/16 budget, from BOB II, from other public sources such as
Great Outdoors Colorado, and from private fundraising. Because the vision is long-term in nature,
it also is anticipated that project elements will be funded and built over a period of perhaps several
decades. (Please see Attachment 2, the timeline and Public Engagement Process.) Please note that
a complete set of drawings, informational material, and public comments can be found at:
http://fcgov.com/poudre-downtown/index.php.
In 2012 Council approved a $675,000 BFO offer that included funds from the Stormwater Utility,
Parks Planning, and Keep Fort Collins Great. The planning project is designed to integrate
stormwater protection, recreation, and habitat; the geographic scope of the project is from Shields
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Street to Mulberry with a particular emphasis on the area around the College Avenue bridge. A key
driver in the project is both habitat and recreation connectivity, in essence creating a river “trail” for
continuous boating and fish passage.
In addition to the corridor planning, Parks Planning is simultaneously updating its master plans for
Lee Martinez and Legacy Parks. Also, it is important to note that there are previously approved and
planned projects currently underway to improve the corridor; these projects are noted on the concept
plan maps and drawings (for example the McMurray Ponds restoration project).
A consulting team that includes stormwater engineering experts, whitewater park designers, and
biologists began working with a staff team from stormwater, parks, and natural areas earlier this
summer.
The design team developed the following articulation of project goals:
Flood Mitigation
• Improve public safety and protect properties from damaging floods
• Eliminate 100-year flood overtopping of College Avenue, and if possible, eliminate the 100-
year flow split along Vine Drive
• Reconnect the River to its floodplain while maximizing the beneficial environmental and
recreation uses of the river corridor
Habitat
• Conserve and restore the existing riparian ecosystem to promote river health and resilience
• Deliver continuous, connect aquatic and riparian habitat for fish, wildlife, trees and plants
• Achieve and maintain diverse and sustainable native fish, wildlife and plant populations
Recreation
• Provide a mix of active and passive recreational amenities both in and along the River which
encourage a safe, healthy, outdoor lifestyle
• Provide community gathering places and promote connectivity between recreational
opportunities along the River corridor
Achievements to date include the development of various concept plans for the corridor. Several
drawings for the Martinez Park, Legacy Park, and Engines Lab reach of the river are attached
(Attachments 3 and 4). In addition, several public meetings have been held, including an open
house on September 5 that attracted approximately 150 participants. The project’s public
engagement strategy is attached (Attachment 2).
A number of potential improvements have been described in the preliminary concept plans. It is
very important to note that not all design elements in the concept plans will be selected for the
ultimate vision. These are truly concept plans that are not finalized and that are subject to review
by this Council, the public, and the design team. Staff expects that final drafts of the concept plans
will not be completed until December, after additional refinement by the team as well as the public.
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For additional information, please see the project’s website at: http://fcgov.com/poudre-
downtown/index.php
Key potential improvements that have been identified include:
• A whitewater park. Three potential locations for the park have been identified (see
Attachment 5).
• New and improved trail connections and visitor facilities.
• New pedestrian bridges.
• Parking at various locations.
• Habitat improvements in various locations.
• Park improvements at Lee Martinez and Legacy.
• Aesthetic improvements, such as the removal of unsightly rip rap and concrete.
• Flood mitigation improvements
Over eighty written comments were received at the September 5 open house. The great majority
supports a downtown kayak park as well as habitat and park improvements. The overall tenor of
all comments was very positive in nature. Staff has met on several occasions with key whitewater
advocates who have made it clear that they are prepared to raise a significant amount of money to
support a whitewater project. Staff met with the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) and
the Land Conservation Stewardship Board (LCSB) on September 20. The NRAB was supportive
of the overall project, while the LCSB had serious concerns, reservations and objections related to
the potential whitewater park. The minutes from these meetings are not yet available.
The design team’s whitewater consultant, Scott Shipley of S20 design, made a special presentation
to the kayak community at the September 5 public open house. The presentation was very well
attended with a standing-room only crowd. Mr. Shipley’s presentation can be found at:
http://fcgov.com/poudre-downtown/index.php.
Mr. Shipley and the design team are cautiously optimistic that a whitewater facility can be built in
the downtown reach. Three potential locations have been proposed. Each of these locations has its
pros and cons related to accessibility, engineering, environmental issues, ownership and water rights.
At this point in the planning process it is unclear which of the three sites is most desirable and
feasible. The design team will continue to work through the issues and should have a clearer sense
of the possibilities later this fall.
It is very important to note that while the design team believes it can develop a feasible whitewater
park, as well as habitat and flood improvements, there are permitting and other processes that are
outside the control of the City. The goal is to have project elements selected that can be built as
soon as 2015. Given the complex nature of the project, however, as well as the fact that some of the
decision making is outside of the City’s control, it is not a given that construction can begin in 2015.
ATTACHMENTS
1. West Vine Outfall Project
2. Poudre River Corridor Master Plan Timeline and Public Engagement
3. drawings for the Martinez Park and Legacy Park reach of the River
4. Drawings for the Engines Lab reach of the River
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5. Three potential locations for the whitewater park
6. Powerpoint presentation
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 2
Public Engagement Process
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
PROJECT TITLE: Poudre River Downtown Project
OVERALL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT LEVEL: Inform & Consult
BOTTOM LINE QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the master plan?
KEY STAKEHOLDERS: Visitors to this area, recreationists, environmental
interests, neighbors, land owners, ditch companies, business community
(especially downtown), City Council, City Leaders
TIMELINE:
June 6, 2013 Project Kick-Off Meeting
June 26, 2013 Poudre River Open House (also included other projects)
July 2013 Stakeholder Listening Sessions
Sept 5, 2013 Open House –Concept plans, kayaking
opportunities/constraints presentation
Oct 8, 2013 City Council Work Session
Oct 2013 Design Scenario Formulation/Plan Assessment
Nov 2013 Open House #2 – Draft Master Plan
Dec 2013 Prepare Master Plan Document
Dec 13/Jan 14 Present draft plan to boards, commissions
Jan 2014 Open House #3 – Final Master Plan
Contingent on funding and permitting, engineering and permitting will happen in
2014 and beyond. Earliest possible construction start would be 2015.
Key Messages:
Please share your input.
The Poudre River Downtown Project will plan and design integrated and
mutually supportive improvements related to flood mitigation, habitat,
and recreation.
FLOOD MITIGATION GOALS
• Improve public safety and protect properties from damaging floods.
• Eliminate 100-year flood overtopping of College Avenue and, if
possible, eliminate the 100-year flow split along Vine Drive.
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• Reconnect the river to its floodplain while maximizing the beneficial
environmental and recreational uses of the river corridor.
HABITAT GOALS
Conserve and restore the existing riparian ecosystem to promote
river health and resiliency.
Deliver continuous, connected aquatic and riparian habitat for fish,
wildlife, trees and plants.
Achieve and maintain diverse and sustainable native fish, wildlife
and plant populations.
RECREATION GOALS
• Provide a mix of active and passive recreational amenities both in
and along the river which encourage a safe, healthy, outdoor
lifestyle.
• Provide community gathering places and promote connectivity
between recreational opportunities along the river corridor.
Tools and Techniques
Broad invitations to open houses including direct mail to neighbors, online
calendar listings, website coverage, press releases, communication to
Boards and Commissions, e-newsletters, social media, and email to
interested individuals and groups.
Website devoted to this project with feedback form and “river projects”
website.
Board and commission presentations.
Stakeholder listening sessions, as needed.
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ATTACHMENT 3
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ATTACHMENT 4
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ATTACHMENT 5
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1
Poudre Plans and Project
Council Work Session
October 8, 2013
ATTACHMENT 6
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2
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Are there any specific reactions to the downtown planning project, or
other projects?
2. Is the City’s Poudre River work meeting Council’s expectations?
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3
Background
• For several decades the City has been making investments to
improve the Poudre corridor
• Natural Areas owns over 1,400 acres and 17 natural areas
• Over 60% of the floodplain is publicly owned
• The Stormwater Utility has built numerous improvements to
mitigate flood impacts
• Parks owns several parks in the downtown core
• The Poudre Trail is on its way to becoming a continuous trail from
LaPorte to Greeley
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4
City Plans
• There are numerous City plans and documents
• Plan Fort Collins, 2011
• Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas
Management Plan Update, 2011
• North College Corridor Plan, 2007
• UniverCity Connections: 2012 Poudre Report
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5
Key Principles
• Principle ENV 24: The City will support a healthy and resilient Cache la
Poudre ecosystem and protect, enhance and restore the ecological values
of the River.
• Principle ENV 25: The City will provide enhanced recreation opportunities
within the Poudre River Corridor, with an emphasis on scenic values,
heritage education, and interpretation while avoiding or minimizing impacts
to environmentally sensitive areas.
• Principle ENV 26: The City will manage the Poudre River floodplain to
minimize potentially hazardous conditions while promoting natural
processes associated with flooding, erosion, and channel migration to
occur over time as appropriate.
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Budgeting for Outcomes
• Council approved several projects in the 2013/14
budget
• Resources for the projects are from Natural
Areas, Stormwater Utility, Parks Planning, and
Keep Fort Collins Great
• In addition there are funds from the State, a non-
profit organization, and the local beer brewing
community
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Restoration and Rehabilitation
• Sterling Ponds Natural Area
• McMurray Ponds Natural Area
• Woodward Technology Center
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Stormwater Mitigation
Vine Street Outfall
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Shields Street Bridge and Parking Lot
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McMurry & Salyer Natural Areas
9
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McMurry & Salyer Natural Areas
10
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Planting trees/shrubs:
6/26/11
Emergent wetland
Willow/ wet meadow
Cottonwood/shrubs
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Planting wetland plants:
7/15/11
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Completed and growing: 10/7/11
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August 2012
Cottonwood/shrub zone
Willow/wet meadow zone
Emergent wetland zone
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Downtown Planning Project
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Potential Whitewater Park Locations
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Poudre River Trail at I-25
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River Flows
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Volatility
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Ecosystem Response Model
Algae Trout Wetlands
+
-
Condition
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Poudre River Study Action Group
• Convened by CSU’s Water Institute
• Diverse set of stakeholders
• Developed concept of a “Healthy Working River”
• Various sub-committee’s: instream flows and
funding
• Planning a Poudre River forum for February or
March 2014
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GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Are there any specific reactions to the downtown planning project, or
other projects?
2. Is the City’s Poudre River work meeting Council’s expectations?
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