HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 09/27/2011 - 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 Krajicek, City Clerk
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WORK SESSION
September 27, 2011
6 p.m.
1. Call Meeting to Order.
2. Update on Lease Agreement Negotiations with Colorado State University Research
Foundation for the Old Power Plant, 430 North College. (staff: Bruce Hendee, Ken
Mannon, Helen Matson, Carol Webb, Josh Birks; 45 minute discussion)
Colorado State University (CSU) has leased the City-owned property known as the Old
Power Plant at 430 North College Avenue for the past 17 years. CSU has used this site
as the Engines and Energy Conversion Lab (EECL). This program has grown over the
years and it is CSURF’s desire to construct a new building that will be used to house
additional labs, office and incubator companies sharing the vision of the EECL. In order
for these changes to occur on the City’s site, a new lease agreement needed to be
negotiated.
The new lease agreement will be with Colorado State University Research Foundation
(CSURF) and CSU will relinquish all rights, title and interest in the original Lease
Agreement dated February 15, 1994 and the First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated
January 13, 2005. The terms of the new lease being negotiated will be discussed.
September 27, 2011
3. Great Outdoors Colorado Rivers Corridor Initiative. (staff: John Stokes; 30 minute
discussion)
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) recently announced a Colorado Rivers Corridor
Initiative grant opportunity. Its purpose is to: “provide more places and facilities for
Colorado’s citizens and visitors to enjoy the state’s vast river resources while
maintaining the important river ecosystems and natural values they provide.” Interested
entities are required to submit a concept paper by October 14th. GOCO will review the
papers and determine who is eligible to apply for grant funding with a final proposal due
sometime in late 2011 or early 2012.
The purpose of this work session is to provide Council an opportunity to review and
provide input to two grant concepts. One of the concepts will be submitted by the City,
the other will be submitted by Larimer County with the City as a partner. The City
concept encompasses the downtown Poudre River reach from Shields to Linden and
consists of a series of improvements to create a “River trail”, as well as a “River park”, or
focal recreation area, in the vicinity of Legacy Park. Many of the improvements
associated with the downtown project will help maintain or enhance natural attributes of
the River. The County proposal is designed to make significant progress towards
completing the Fort Collins-to-Greeley Poudre River recreation trail. The project will
begin at Arapaho Bend Natural Area and extend east nearly to Windsor. The proposal
includes trail easement acquisition as well as trail and parking lot construction, including
an underpass at I-25.
4. Transportation Updates and Transfort Discussion Items. (staff: Karen Cumbo, Mark
Jackson, Helen Migchelbrink, Marlys Sittner; 2 hour discussion)
Transportation Update Items:
• 2011 Transportation Capital Projects Update, including a MAX Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) Project Update
• Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Transportation Project Update
Transfort Discussion Items:
• Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Service Expansion
• Transfort Advertising Policy and Practice
5. Other Business.
6. Adjournment.
DATE: September 27, 2011
STAFF: Bruce Hendee, Ken Mannon,
Helen Matson, Carol Webb, Josh Birks
Pre-taped staff presentation: available at
fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php
WORK SESSION ITEM
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Update on Lease Agreement Negotiations with Colorado State University Research Foundation for
the Old Power Plant, 430 North College.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Colorado State University (CSU) has leased the City-owned property known as the Old Power Plant
at 430 North College Avenue for the past 17 years. CSU has used this site as the Engines and
Energy Conversion Lab (EECL). This program has grown over the years and it is CSURF’s desire
to construct a new building that will be used to house additional labs, office and incubator
companies sharing the vision of the EECL. In order for these changes to occur on the City’s site,
a new lease agreement needed to be negotiated.
The new lease agreement will be with Colorado State University Research Foundation (CSURF) and
CSU will relinquish all rights, title and interest in the original Lease Agreement dated February 15,
1994 and the First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated January 13, 2005. The terms of the new
lease being negotiated will be discussed.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Staff is seeking direction on whether to continue with lease negotiations with CSURF for an
expansion to the Engines Lab.
2. Staff would like comments on the terms of the proposed lease agreement.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
History of Site and Current Use
The City acquired the property located at 430 North College Avenue in 1912. A municipal landfill
operated on a portion of the site in the mid-1900s. The City constructed the existing facility as a
power plant and, from 1935 until 1972, it was the City’s power plant. From 1972 until 1988, it was
used as a switching station. The next use was as an art gallery in 1988 and 1989. On February 15,
1994, the City entered into a lease agreement with CSU to use the site and the old power plant
building for laboratory and research purposes focusing on internal combustion engines. This lease
agreement had an original term of ten years with automatic renewals for three successive five year
periods, or a total 25 years. The rental rate during these years was $1/year.
September 27, 2011 Page 2
That lease agreement was modified in the summer of 2004. This modification added another five
year extension period to the lease, making the lease a total of 30 years. Also included in this
modification, the City agreed to increase the termination notice period to five years. These changes
were done to assist CSU with fundraising activities for EECL’s programs and the potential of a new
building.
NEW LEASE TERMS
Due to CSU’s plan to add the new building on the City-owned property, staffs from CSU, CSURF
and the City started negotiations for a new lease agreement. Agreement on the main points of the
lease has been reached and the main points are discussed below:
Leased Premises:
Main Parcel, 430 North College Avenue
Parking Parcel, portion of the Northside Aztlan Center Site (Both areas shown on Attachment 1 -
Leased Premises Map)
Lease Term: Initial term of forty years, with two additional twenty year terms
Exception:
If CSURF does not construct its new building within 8 years, the initial term shall be ten years. If
CSURF is not in default at the end of the ten year period, the lease may be extended for an
additional ten year period. This option is at the City’s sole discretion.
Rent:
Base rent at $25/year, or $1,000 due on the effective date.
Rent for each extension period at $50/year, or $1,000 due at the beginning of the extension period.
Lease Termination:
At the expiration of Lease (or after initial term or any of the extensions) all improvements become
the property of the City.
Lease Termination due to default of the City:
During the first 20 years of the initial term, the City will compensate CSURF the value of the new
building and additions based on an MAI appraisal.
During the second 20 years, the compensation will be based on the appraised value, less the fair
market rent value from the first year of the current lease to termination date.
Alterations or Improvements:
All improvements must comply with all applicable building and zoning laws, the Land Use Code
and all buffer zones
Financial Support:
Rent received by CSURF from its tenants will be used by CSURF to financially support CSURF’s
approved uses through the Lease. The funds shall supplement, not substitute, CSURF’s annual
budgeting for this program.
September 27, 2011 Page 3
Environmental:
Based on the results of a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments, the City has required,
and CSURF has agreed, to submit a Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP) application to the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CSURF is also required to
comply with the CDPHE approved Soil Characterization Management Plan (SCMP) and a Materials
Management Plan (MMP).
CSURF will be required to manage contaminated materials encountered during construction of the
building as required by CDPHE. CSURF is obtaining environmental insurance and the City will be
named as an additional insured.
If CSURF decides that it does not want to move forward with the construction of the new building
as a result of the environmental issues of the site, CSURF has the option to terminate the Lease upon
90 days notice to the City, provided that such termination occurs prior to submission of a VCUP to
CDPHE.
Parking:
Parking Parcel - CSURF has the option to develop a parking lot on this parcel as shown on the
attached Leased Premises Map. This development will be at the sole expense of CSURF. This
parking lot will be available to users of the Northside Aztlan Center during off hours.
Main Parcel – Both parties agree to work cooperatively to identify possible parking spots that could
be made available for public parking during off hours.
Option to Purchase:
As long as CSURF is not in default of the lease, CSURF shall have the option to purchase the
Leased Premises, subject to mutual agreement and subject to Council’s approval.
Right of First Refusal:
If the City decides to accept an offer to buy the Leased Premises from any potential purchaser during
any of the terms of this Lease, the City shall provide CSURF with written notice of the offer and a
copy of the Offer. CSURF has the right to purchase the Leased Premises with the same terms as the
offer and to notify the City within thirty days of the intention to purchase.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON THE SITE
A portion of the Main Parcel had been used in the past as part of a historical municipal landfill and
the Parking Parcel is a portion of the Poudre River/Aztlan site (the Brownfields site to the south of
the Main Parcel). With this knowledge, the City updated its Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
of the Main Parcel and followed that with a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. Since the
Parking Parcel is a part of the Poudre River/Northside Aztlan Center site, CDPHE required the City
to update its Soil Characterization and Management Plan of the Poudre River/Aztlan site. CSURF
and the City have agreed to share the costs of these reports since these reports are beneficial to both
the City and CSURF.
The Phase II Assessment did identify the following: soil contamination, including arsenic, lead and
asbestos; groundwater contamination, including benzene, and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons; and, soil
vapors, including methane. Although soil and groundwater contamination was identified at the site,
September 27, 2011 Page 4
the contamination may be managed appropriately so as to not prohibit construction of a new
building and improvements.
CSURF has agreed to apply to CDPHE for a Voluntary Cleanup Program. The requirements
established by CDPHE in the VCUP process will detail to CSURF how potential contamination will
be managed during the project. CDPHE will be the primary source for information regarding
management of contamination encountered during the construction project. Such measures may
include an indoor system to mitigate soil vapors from methane contamination.
General site stabilization activities are guided by the SCMP. This Plan requires CSURF to notify
CDPHE at least 10 days prior to any soil disturbing activities and that all workers conducting any
soil disturbance work receives training in asbestos management. All supervisors or inspectors are
required to go through an asbestos awareness training that covers OSHA standards. In addition, soil
spotters must be used for any soil disturbance work.
Engines and Energy Conversion Lab (EECL) Information
The mission of the EECL is to create innovative energy solutions and entrepreneurial models that
benefit the human condition and achieve global impact. The EECL at Colorado State University is
one of the most important education facilities in the country. It provides a physical space for the
ideas driving energy research and for the education of tomorrow’s leaders in sustainable energy and
also provides real-world deliverables for energy efficiency today.
Dr. Bryan Willson heads the EECL. The EECL is one of CSU’s elite Programs of Research and
Scholarly Excellence, supporting the research and development efforts of faculty and students from
three colleges and five departments within the University. The Lab’s research focuses on fuels,
energy conversion, and energy distribution, with applications concentrated in transportation, air
quality, indoor air quality, village energy systems and distributed energy. Through partnerships with
large corporations and small start-up companies, the EECL develops technologies that can be
directly delivered in real-world settings, making energy efficiency accessible and sustainable in
communities around the world.
The approach of conducting application-focused research and development in partnership with the
business sector has proven very effective. The Lab continues to innovate and inspire new
developments in energy, the environment, and health, including two spin-off companies (Envirofit
International and Solix Biofuels) and multiple new programs at CSU, including the Global Social
and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program, and the Global Innovation Center.
Due to the success of the EECL model, it has outgrown the current facility. The proposed expansion
of the EECL will further facilitate its mission: a local research and business facility with global
impact. The proposed new building will be a mixed-use facility built adjacent to the current facility,
capable of accommodating faculty, staff, and students as well as provide laboratory and incubator
space for EECL spin-off and “spin-in” companies and partnerships with industrial collaborators.
Four major corporate partners and up to fifteen emerging companies are anticipated to be tenants
in the Lab. The architectural design will compliment that of the original historic power plant
building, and will highlight the connection between the original use of the building, and its current
use, as well as showcasing energy efficient building practices.
September 27, 2011 Page 5
Economic Impact of Current and Proposed Use
Regional Economic Development
• As a research institution, the EECL has been awarded over $20 million in research awards;
these funds are used locally to fund infrastructure at the EECL, students at CSU, research
staff, etc. The EECL currently employs a dozen professional research and support staff, as
well as approximately 50 graduate and undergraduate students
• The EECL has actively engaged in the development of “spin-off” enterprises, which have
been awarded over $55 million in funding commitments. In addition, these spin-off
companies currently employ over 70 professional engineers, managers, and scientists.
• Additional companies have been attracted to Fort Collins as the EECL has become an
“anchor” for the clean-tech industry.
• Additional companies have been (or are in the process of being) accelerated through
partnerships with the EECL (CZero, Van Dyne Superturbo, Spirae). These companies
represent additional 20-30 primary jobs in the Fort Collins downtown area.
Typical universities will see one start-up company generated for every $100 million of research and
development; the best universities will see one start-up per $25-$35 million of research and
development (CalTech, MIT, etc). At the EECL the ratio is 1 start-up per $7 million of research and
development investment
The EECL routinely has many tours and guests, including elected and appointed government
officials and international visitors. The EECL provides educational and industry tours.
Next Steps
If Council supports this direction, staff proposes to bring this item for Council consideration for First
Reading on October 18, 2011and Second Reading on November 1, 2011.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Leased Premises map
2. PowerPoint presentation
ATTACHMENT 1
1
1
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• Staff would like direction on
whether to continue with
lease negotiations with
Colorado State University
Research Foundation for an
expansion to the Engine’s
Lab.
• Staff would like comments
on the terms of the
proposed lease
2
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory (EECL)
Lease Agreement
• Colorado State University has been using the Old
Power Plant site for 17 years under an existing
lease.
• CSU’s success has led to a desire to construct a
building addition and continue growing their program
ATTACHMENT 2
2
3
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• The EECL is an anchor in the emerging Downtown
River District
– Discovery Museum
– Linden Street Enhancements
– Bas Bleu Theater
– New Belgium Brewing
– The Center for Fine Art Photography
– Northside Aztlan
– Possible Future Marketplace
4
Site Plan
3
5
Site Plan
6
History
• Fort Collin’s Power Plant from 1935-1972
• Decommissioned but used as switching station
1972-1988
• Art gallery 1988-89
• Significantly deteriorated structure when
approached by CSU in 1992
• EECL has invested significantly in revitalizing the
structure
• EECL now a hub of clean energy in Fort Collins
and Northern Colorado
4
7
8
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
•The Engine’s Laboratory is providing research and
development in a university setting for new companies that
provide social and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures
– Envirofit
–CZero
–Spirae
– Van Dyne
– Solix BioSystems
– Enerjetics / Crystal Creek
–CO2 Nexus
– Prometheus
– Bright Energy
5
9
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• The Engine’s Laboratory serves as an incubator for
primary employers
• Close Linkage with RMI2
• The EECL has been awarded over $30M in research
and has raised over $50M for spinoff companies
• EECL is a primary employer
• The EECL is highly efficient creating one start up
company per $7M of investment, compared with a
ratio of one startup per $25-$35M at the best
universities
10
6
11
Engine’s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
Environmental Considerations
• The site has historically been used for a variety of industrial
operations
• Investigations document the presence of soil and groundwater
contamination
• CSU/City collaborated to complete an updated environmental
assessment in July 2011 to assess contaminations that have the
potential to affect the proposed development of the site
12
Engine’s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• Environmental Investigation
– Soil contamination
• Arsenic, lead, asbestos
– Groundwater contamination
• Benzene, Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons
– Soil vapor
• Methane
7
13
Engine’s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• Environmental requirements
– Materials Management Plan
– Asbestos Management Plan
• Voluntary Cleanup Application
• Obtain guidance from regulators
• Prepare for situations that may
develop during construction
• CSU/City collaborating to comply with all
requirements
14
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• Site Lease- Key Considerations
– Term of Lease
– Lease Rate
– Lease Termination
– Environmental Terms
– Addition required to follow all applicable
building and zoning laws, including the
Land Use Codes and Buffer Zones.
8
15
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• - Key Provisions
- Profit Sharing
- Parking
- Right of First Refusal
- Option to Purchase
16
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
• Timeline for Lease Approval
– First Reading of Ordinance Approving New
Lease is scheduled for October 18, 2011
– Second Reading of Ordinance Approving New
Lease Agreement is scheduled for November 1,
2011
– Effective date of New Lease Agreement:
November 11, 2011
9
17
Engine’’s Engine s Energy and Conversion
Laboratory
Lease Agreement
Thank You
DATE: September 27, 2011
STAFF: John Stokes
Pre-taped staff presentation: none
WORK SESSION ITEM
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Great Outdoors Colorado Rivers Corridor Initiative.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) recently announced a Colorado Rivers Corridor Initiative grant
opportunity. Its purpose is to: “provide more places and facilities for Colorado’s citizens and
visitors to enjoy the state’s vast river resources while maintaining the important river ecosystems
and natural values they provide.” Interested entities are required to submit a concept paper by
October 14th. GOCO will review the papers and determine who is eligible to apply for grant
funding with a final proposal due sometime in late 2011 or early 2012.
The purpose of this work session is to provide Council an opportunity to review and provide input
to two grant concepts. One of the concepts will be submitted by the City, the other will be submitted
by Larimer County with the City as a partner. The City concept encompasses the downtown Poudre
River reach from Shields to Linden and consists of a series of improvements to create a “River trail”,
as well as a “River park”, or focal recreation area, in the vicinity of Legacy Park. Many of the
improvements associated with the downtown project will help maintain or enhance natural attributes
of the River. The County proposal is designed to make significant progress towards completing the
Fort Collins-to-Greeley Poudre River recreation trail. The project will begin at Arapaho Bend
Natural Area and extend east nearly to Windsor. The proposal includes trail easement acquisition
as well as trail and parking lot construction, including an underpass at I-25.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Is Council generally comfortable with the concepts as described?
2. Are there additional concept elements that Council would like to consider?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Poudre River holds an iconic status for the Fort Collins community. It was the original
agricultural, business and commercial hub of the City and has evolved into a popular recreation and
conservation corridor. Over time, the City Natural Areas Program and Parks Department have
acquired substantial land holdings along the corridor. These lands are managed for their natural
values and habitat and for active recreation, such as bike riding, walking, and fishing. In arid
Colorado, approximately 90% of all biological diversity occurs on stream and river corridors and
the Poudre is no exception.
September 27, 2011 Page 2
The community and City have invested substantial resources to improve, maintain, and restore the
Poudre River corridor. Seventeen natural areas are sprinkled from Overland Trail road to I-25. The
City-managed Poudre River paved recreation trail runs from the CSU Environmental Learning
Center on the City’s eastern edge to Overland Trail and Lions Park, where it connects with the
County-managed Poudre River paved trail which continues west through LaPorte to Watson Lake
near Bellvue. In the proposed downtown project area, nearly the entire reach on both sides of the
River is buffered by three City parks and four natural areas. In addition, resources continue to be
invested to improve the corridor including: ecological restoration and recreation improvements at
McMurray Ponds Natural Areas; Linden Street road and aesthetic improvements; and conversion
of the asphalt recreation trails to concrete in the Gustav Swanson Natural Area and portions of the
Poudre Trail.
While much has been achieved, there is much to be done. Two geographic areas of the corridor in
particular could be greatly improved by implementing recreation-related and habitat restoration
improvements. These areas encompass the downtown river reach from Shields to Linden, and the
area from Arapaho Bend to Windsor.
Shields to Linden
The Poudre River reach from Shields to Linden Street receives a substantial amount of use by the
community. The goal of the proposed downtown project is to deepen the visitor experience of the
River corridor through a variety of recreation, habitat, and floodplain improvements. The land
primarily is in public ownership, including McMurry, Salyer, River’s Edge and Gustav Swanson
Natural Areas, as well as Martinez, Legacy and Heritage parks. In summer months, thousands of
people throng to the area to swim, tube, picnic, walk, bike, fish, bird watch, and have a good time.
Although recent visitor numbers are not documented, a survey conducted five years ago determined
that over 500,000 people a year use the River corridor, with much of that use occurring in the
downtown area. Furthermore, over the last few years, City staff has noticed a dramatic increase in
summer use. Staff expects this use trend to continue, especially with the completion of the Fort
Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center and the Mason Street Transportation Corridor.
The high visitation numbers speak to the intrinsic attractiveness of the River as well as to the success
of community-funded improvements. Unfortunately, however, there also are obstacles to visitor
enjoyment. The obstacles discourage use by the community and contribute to unsafe, unsustainable,
and damaging situations. Less-than-ideal conditions include, for example, poor wayfinding both
around and in the River (for boaters/tubers/hikers); steep and rip-rapped River banks with no safe
and/or sustainable ingress/egress; a poor quality parking area on the immediate edge of the River
with rip-rap shoring (at Legacy Park); and, a lack of well-designed, sustainable, picnic, fishing, and
swimming areas. In addition to discouraging use by the community, the poor conditions contribute
to degradation of the natural values of the area. For example, recreationists enter and leave the
River in unsafe locations with steep banks which contributes to erosion and bank instability. Given
these conditions, there is both a need, and an opportunity, to provide much-improved visitor
amenities that will not only accommodate, encourage, and facilitate safe, enjoyable visitor use and
beautification; but that will also maintain, conserve, and enhance the natural values of the area.
Staff, including representatives from Natural Areas, Parks, and Stormwater, with assistance from
consultants with expertise in the design of River parks and ecological restoration, has developed a
vision and concept for the River corridor from Shields to Linden. The concept includes a series of
September 27, 2011 Page 3
proposed improvements that will greatly improve the visitor experience and that will help maintain
and enhance the environment. Major elements of the concept were drawn from the recently
completed Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan. The concept is driven by two central
elements: an instream River trail and River park.
For the purposes of this GOCO grant round, staff is proposing a variety of improvements from
Shields to Linden that will connect our community with the River and greatly enhance the
experience of tubers, boaters, swimmers, anglers, children, and families. The instream River trail
primarily consists of a readily accessible and floatable River with wayfinding, safe and sustainable
ingress/egress, channel features to enhance flow during low flow periods and to protect banks in
high flow, and modifications to mitigate structural impediments to the extent feasible (given the
potential difficulty associated with moving and/or modifying structures in the River).
For this GOCO grant, staff recommends including modification of the so-called “boat chute”, which
is located next to the Engines Lab, to create a better recreation amenity for both kayakers and tubers.
Staff also recommends including small structures downstream of the Lake Canal Diversion to
distribute the two-foot drop for tube or boat passage and to eliminate the vertical drop. With these
proposed improvements a continuous, safe, and enjoyable float will be possible from Shields to
Linden.
The improved boat chute would likely become a location for people to gather and watch boaters and
tubers. Experience and studies at other in-river play features have determined that perhaps the most
popular activity associated with the play features is watching from the shoreline. In addition,
various economic studies of features in Colorado and elsewhere (including a recently completed
study on the Poudre by Dr. John Loomis at Colorado State University) have shown a substantial
return on investment associated with the features.
A longer-term goal (that would extend beyond the scope or timeline of this three-year GOCO grant)
is to remove or modify structures in the River through town. In particular, the Lake Canal diversion
structure near Legacy Park could be modified to provide an elevation drop for better tubing and
kayaking. Staff does not recommend including this as an element in the GOCO grant proposal
because it is uncertain as to whether or not it could be achieved within the three-year grant deadline.
Nevertheless, staff believes it should be an element for future consideration and it could be built
later as a “snap-in” component.
In addition to the development of a River trail, the proposed concept includes a water park, or a focal
recreation and gathering place. Legacy Park is a good location for a water park, which could include
various elements such as a beach area for safe access to the River, good ingress and egress for tubers
and boaters, and picnic shelters. The water park would be designed to accommodate relatively high
numbers of people. A major improvement would entail moving the parking area at Legacy Park to
a more sustainable location. The parking area currently is located immediately adjacent to the River
and heavily rip rapped at the River’s edge. The lot would be moved to a different location in the
Park, away from the River, and the old lot would be rehabilitated as a recreation and riparian area.
An additional major improvement is a proposed pedestrian bridge to be located just north of the
Museum. The bridge, which was originally conceived of by the Poudre River UniverCity
connections group, would provide much-needed, safe, and convenient access to visitors from both
September 27, 2011 Page 4
sides of the River. It would tie into a trail on the north side and make possible the completion of a
loop trail from the Museum to the Hickory Street pedestrian bridge (approximately 0.5 miles
upstream).
In addition to these elements, there would be numerous other potential features and improvements
from Shields to Linden associated with both the River trail and River park. These include: riparian
restoration along banks, natural exploration areas and/or wild zones, additional take-outs and put-ins
for safe boating and tubing, fishing spots, formalization of some volunteer trails, removal of
inappropriate trails, improved wayfinding and interpretation of cultural and natural features, and new
trails to sustainable facilities such as beaches and fishing spots.
All improvements would be designed to mitigate the damage currently caused by undirected
recreation activities as well as to improve the integrity of habitat for over one contiguous mile of the
River. The project will integrate ecological enhancements that are in keeping with the
recommendations presented in the Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan, and will protect
existing high-quality areas, increase the extent and quality of the riparian woodland, restore the
Poudre channel, lower flood levels, create wetlands, and make the River more accessible to all. In
addition, amenities will include eco-educational features and nature exploration play areas geared
to enhance whole family outdoor experiences and to help build the community’s understanding and
appreciation of the River resource.
The approximate cost of the improvements associated with this project is $5 million. The City
would need to generate about 50 to 60% of this amount for a competitive grant proposal. Some
funds are available from the River and stream restoration and rehabilitation funding in Keep Fort
Collins Great; restoration funds from Natural Areas; and, some Conservation Trust monies.
Additional revenues from remainder Building Community Choices (BCC) monies and from private
fundraising are likely to be necessary.
Arapaho Bend to Windsor
The Poudre River recreation trail from Laporte to Greeley is largely completed with the exception
of the portion from the Environmental Learning Center to Windsor. Larimer County Open Lands
has developed a concept for GOCO consideration that could help acquire much, but not all, of the
needed right-of-way as well as to construct portions of the River recreation trail and connecting
trails. While the City’s downtown project focuses on a River park and River trail, this project is
anchored by acquisition of trail right-of-way and trail construction, as well as the addition of a
parking lot at Arapaho Bend Natural Area and the I-25 trail underpass.
Specific elements of the project that the City would undertake include:
• A relocated and improved parking lot at Arapaho Bend Natural Area
• trail underpass at I-25 and the River
• Trail connections from the new parking lot and Harmony transit center to the I-25 underpass
Specific elements of the project that would be undertaken by Larimer County and other partners
include:
September 27, 2011 Page 5
• Trail construction from the I-25 underpass to Harmony
• Approximately 1.5 miles of trail construction from the River Bluffs Open Space northwest
towards Fort Collins to close some of the gap.
• Acquisition of approximately 3/5th’s mile of trail right-of-way
City participation in this project would help achieve several important objectives. First, it would
do a great deal to help complete the Poudre River trail from Fort Collins to Greeley, an important
regional priority. Second, the City would be able to receive an approximately 50% funding match
for improvements that it already plans to build. This would offset roughly $1 million of
approximately $2 million in planned City expenditures. In addition, the City’s match to this project
will increase the ability of Larimer County to receive match for its portion of the project on the east
side of I-25. City funds for this project would come from the Conservation Trust Fund (which is
designated by Council for trail construction) and from Natural Areas’ contribution to trail
construction.
DATE: September 27, 2011
STAFF: Karen Cumbo, Mark
Jackson, Helen Migchelbrink, Marlys
Sittner
Pre-taped staff presentations: available
at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php
WORK SESSION ITEM
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Transportation Updates and Transfort Discussion Items.
Transportation Update Items:
• 2011 Transportation Capital Projects Update, including a MAX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Project Update
• Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Transportation Project Update
Transfort Discussion Items:
• Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Service Expansion
• Transfort Advertising Policy and Practice
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Planning, Development and Transportation (PDT) staff will present several transportation and
transit-related items for consideration and discussion. Part One of the presentation will focus on
updates regarding 2011 transportation capital projects, including a status update on the MAX Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT) project, and Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) project/program updates.
Part Two will focus on two issues requested by City Council and some southside residents:
Expansion of fixed route and Dial-A-Ride service, and potential changes to Transfort’s advertising
policies and practices.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Transportation Update:
• Part One updates are informational only; staff is not seeking direction but welcomes
feedback.
September 27, 2011 Page 2
Direction sought regarding Transfort:
Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Service Expansion:
1. Staff seeks direction in addressing citizen requests for expanded transit service in southeast
Fort Collins, specifically adding fixed route bus service and complementary paratransit
service on Lemay south of Harmony.
Transfort Advertising Policy:
1. Should the City execute a new bus interior/exterior advertising contract on September 30,
2011?
2. Should the City maintain its current bus bench and shelter advertising contract with Next
Media?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
PART ONE:TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
A. 2011 Transportation Capital Projects Update
Transportation capital construction projects address needed safety and capacity improvements to the
City’s roads, bridges, sidewalks and intersections. These improvements benefit all users of the
system, including:
• Motorists (road and intersection improvements, traffic signals, signs and striping)
• Pedestrians (intersection safety improvements, new sidewalks, ramps and signals)
• Bicyclists (bike lanes, improved road markings)
Several transportation capital projects are underway in 2011, including:
• Bridges - The City’s two highest priority bridge projects, Laporte and Whitcomb, and South
Shield bridge, just south of Rolland Moore Park, will go under construction in fall 2011.
• Intersections - Two intersection improvement projects are currently out for bid to be
constructed later this fall. The intersections of Harmony and Lemay, and Lemay and Drake,
will be improved. The projects will add turn lane improvements at these high traffic
locations, improving safety and mobility. To obtain the best pricing and efficiency, these
projects have been combined into a single bid package.
• I-25 Interchange at SH-392 (Carpenter Road) - The reconstruction of the I-25 interchange
at SH-392 (Carpenter Road) has begun. This is a collaborative regional effort with the
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Town of Windsor. $22.5 million
in federal and state funds were awarded by CDOT to construct the project. Windsor and Fort
Collins are contributing to the $5 million local share. All three agencies have worked
closely together since 2008 on the planning, design, and financing to make this project
become reality. This is a key gateway project for both Fort Collins and Windsor, and
September 27, 2011 Page 3
addresses safety and mobility issues. The interchange is aging and can no longer adequately
handle regional traffic volumes experienced now and forecast in the future.
• North College Improvements Project – This project will make significant drainage,
pedestrian, bicycle, roadway, and safety improvements on this important northern Fort
Collins gateway. The project will also improve the streetscape and parkway along North
College. The current project budget allows for improvements from Vine Drive north to
Hemlock, with some safety improvements at College and Conifer.
• Linden Streetscape Project – This project is constructing improvements along Linden
Street from Jefferson Street to the Poudre River. It is funded primarily through state and
federal grants, BOB funds, and local Downtown Development Authority contributions. This
project will make several upgrades to the utility system, and will add pedestrian facilities,
bike lanes, and significant streetscape improvements.
• MAX Bus Rapid Transit Project - Work is proceeding on the MAX Project, including the
finalization of design, station refinement, and preliminary construction activities.
Construction on the preliminary phase began in September 2011 to install underground
communication conduits related to the two-way conversion of Mason Street. Completion
of final Engineering design drawings and complete bid documents is anticipated by the end
of October 2011. Efforts continue to refine the incorporation of artistic elements at the
stations. Staff will be seeking Council input on artwork to be ultimately included. Major
construction is scheduled to begin in early 2012, with operations beginning in spring 2014.
A full project schedule is included in Attachment 1. Attachment 2 includes recent
renderings of the South Transit Center and BRT Station designs. The South Transit Center
site will provide a park and ride and ample bicycle parking, and includes nine bus bays for
both MAX and the various Transfort cross-town routes. The building will house Transfort
offices, public restrooms, retail space, and break room facilities for the bus drivers. The
Transfort Maintenance Facility Expansion will provide compressed natural gas (CNG)
fueling facilities to serve the new MAX routes, as well as other CNG Transfort fleet
vehicles.
Please see Attachment 3 for a more detailed description of each project listed above. Attachment
4 shows the relative location of each project.
B. Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Transportation Project and Program Update
The passage of the Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) ballot item in November 2010 significantly and
positively changed the City’s ability to address long standing transportation maintenance and capital
project needs. It also allowed for the retention of several ongoing programs and services that were
scheduled to be eliminated due to budget restrictions. Finally, KFCG funds enabled key
transportation planning projects previously stalled due to budget restrictions to move forward and
proactively identify and address issues and opportunities. Without the addition of over $9.3 million
KFCG dollars, many important transportation, transit and infrastructure needs would go
unaddressed.
September 27, 2011 Page 4
Key 2011 KFCG transportation expenditures include:
Street Maintenance ($6.17 million budgeted; $5.15 million spent or encumbered through August)
2011 Street Maintenance Projects Using KFCG Funds:
Completed
• Resurfacing of Conifer, from College to Lemay (Collector)
• Resurfacing of East Horsetooth, College to Timberline (Arterial)
• Slurry seal Meadowlark Neighborhood, south of West Swallow (Residential)
In Progress
• Resurfacing of West Drake, from Meadowlark to railroad tracks (Arterial)
• Resurfacing of Riverside Drive, from Prospect to Lemay (Arterial)
• Resurfacing of Boardwalk, from Harmony to Landings (Minor Arterial)
• Resurfacing of Valley Forge, from Taft to Hampshire (Collector)
• Hot applied chip overlay of Vine, from Lemay to Interstate 25 (Arterial)
Scheduled
• Parkwood East area slurry seal (Residential)
These projects represent an additional 36 lane miles of improved roads in Fort Collins that would
not have been possible without KFCG funding. Not only does the additional funding help the City
catch up on much-needed repairs that have been postponed over the past five years, it also allows
the overall condition of the City’s road investment to maintain a good Level of Service (LOS) rating.
Pre-KFCG funding, the Streets Department was only able to maintain approximately 44 lane miles
each year. The Streets Department will maintain approximately 80 lane miles of road in 2011.
Combined with other street maintenance funding sources, over $13 million is being invested in Fort
Collins’ transportation infrastructure maintenance in 2011.
KFCG funds will be used for 45% of all of the City’s street maintenance projects in 2011.
Capital Projects:
• South Shields Street Bridge over Larimer Canal No. 2 ($1.5 million budgeted; $87,500 spent
through August) Construction slated for fall 2011.
• Laporte-Whitcomb Bridge Replacement (budgeted $670,000 in 2012) Project construction
accelerated to 2011 due to receipt of grant funds.
• Transportation Capital and Master Plan implementation ($345,000 budgeted in 2011)
This fund allows several small unfunded capital projects to proceed over the next two years,
including:
N Skyway transit stop and adjoining sidewalk improvements
N Drake–Redwing pedestrian traffic signal improvements
September 27, 2011 Page 5
N Transfort South Transfer Center bus pad concrete improvements
N North College improvements (Phase III design)
N Mason Trail-Troutman bike-pedestrian underpass supplemental
N Miscellaneous pedestrian sidewalk and ramp repairs
Other KFCG transportation projects and programs underway or scheduled include:
Restored Services:
• Engineering surveying services
• Traffic Operations Traffic Signal Technician
• Streets and Traffic Operations capital equipment replacement
• Traffic sign replacement program
• Transfort/Dial-A-Ride night service
• Transfort Saturday service
• Transfort Operations-marketing
Parking Services:
• Old Town Parking Garage maintenance
• Downtown handicap parking spaces
• Downtown parking study
Transportation Planning:
• Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan
• Bicycle Safety and Education Plan implementation
• City Bicycle Coordinator/FC Bikes program (2012 funds)
• Railroad Quiet Zone Study, Phase II
Street Oversizing Capital Expansion Fee Program:
• These funds will be used to help cover the City’s portion of the arterial and collector
roadways built as part of developments.
Please see Attachment 5 for a more detailed description of each project listed above. Attachment
6 describes all 2011 KFCG transportation projects and monies expended to date.
September 27, 2011 Page 6
PART TWO: TRANSFORT DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. TRANSFORT SERVICE EXPANSION DISCUSSION
Executive Summary
Over the past year, a group of citizens from southeast Fort Collins has asked the City to increase
fixed route transit and complementary paratransit services in southeast Fort Collins, specifically
south of Harmony Road on Lemay Avenue to Trilby Road. Staff responded to City management
and to citizens in regards to what the service would look like and what the cost would be to provide
fixed route and complementary paratransit service to the area requested. Councilmembers have also
asked for additional information regarding expenses and general policy regarding Transfort service.
These questions were addressed in a white paper sent to City Council on August 16, 2011, and are
also addressed in this Agenda Item Summary.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
• Staff seeks direction in addressing a citizen request for expanded transit service in southeast
Fort Collins, south of Harmony Road.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Existing City policy states that Transfort paratransit service levels will comply as mandated by the
Federal Transit Administration and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This policy
direction was established by City Council in 2006, and implemented in January 2007.
In 2007, City Council made two exceptions to the minimum service levels. The following
exceptions were established:
1. Paratransit service hours exceed fixed route service hours. Whereas fixed route service
generally ends at approximately 7:00 PM, paratransit service continues until 11:00 PM.
2. Paratransit passengers who were using the Dial-A-Ride service prior to the Council
discussion to reduce the service (October 2006) were grandfathered into the reduced service
area. This exception impacted 85 people who were using Dial-A-Ride, lived outside of the
new, smaller service area, and who were eligible for paratransit services. After
recertification, only 55 people were grandfathered into the service area and this number is
now 50.
City Council has continued the exceptions by funding the associated “offers” through the Budgeting
for Outcomes (BFO) process. The budget for these exceptions is:
1. Extended Service hours for 2011/2012 - $44,000/$45,500
2. Grandfathered clients into service area for 2011/2012 - $81,000/$83,500.
September 27, 2011 Page 7
HISTORY
Establishment of Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Service in Fort Collins
On August 18, 1992, City Council adopted Resolution 1992-130, the City’s Americans with
Disabilities Act Transition Plan for Transit/Paratransit Services, as required by the Federal Transit
Administration. Resolution 1994-191 expanded the City’s paratransit eligibility definition to
include non-disabled individuals who are 60 years of age and older.
2002 Paratransit Eligibility Study
In 2002, the City conducted a paratransit eligibility study. The growing demand for Dial-A-Ride
service was exceeding the City’s service resources and there was growing concern as to the ability
to continue meeting all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The study identified the areas in which the City met or exceeded the ADA-mandated level of
paratransit service, and concluded that the City’s Dial-A-Ride service met or exceeded all federally
mandated service requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act. Examples of how Fort Collins
Dial-A-Ride service exceeded ADA-mandated levels of service are shown below in Table 1.
Table 1
2002 ADA REQUIREMENT CITY SERVICE
Eligibility Persons with a disability that prevents
them from using fixed route bus service
Persons with a disability;
Persons age 60 or older
Service Area 3/4 mile radius of all fixed routes City’s Growth Management
Area
Fares No higher than twice the standard fixed
route fare
Ranged from free to twice
the standard fixed route
fare, based on income
Hours of Service Equal to fixed route, 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Areas of concerns noted by the study included:
• Service demands were close to requiring trip denials, which is in violation of Americans
with Disabilities Act. If an entity exceeds ADA required service, service cannot be denied
to Americans with Disabilities Act protected individuals. The only way to eliminate this
potential compliance issue was to add more Dial-A-Ride vehicles and resources or limit the
service that exceeded Americans with Disabilities Act.
• The increasing elderly population would continue to place an increased demand on the
limited resources for the Dial-A-Ride service.
• Failure to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act could result in civil rights litigation
against the City.
September 27, 2011 Page 8
The 2002 study provided a peer system comparison of paratransit eligibility, finding that only
Greeley and Loveland offered paratransit eligibility to non-disabled persons age 60 and older. Also
outside of the norm, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Lawrence, Kansas were the only paratransit service
providers to offer service outside of the Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated service area (3/4
mile radius of all fixed routes).
The study identified numerous options for service modifications to align the paratransit eligibility
to national and regional peers, to reduce the Dial-A-Ride operating expenses, and to eliminate the
likelihood of an Americans with Disabilities Act violation.
At the completion of the study, Council direction included:
• There should be no changes to the eligibility criteria for Dial-A-Ride
• There should be no changes to the service area for Dial-A-Ride
• Any surplus realized from any fare increase should be applied to operating deficiencies for
Dial-A-Ride.
2006 Dial-A-Ride Analysis
In 2006, staff provided updated Dial-A-Ride ridership and financial reports to the City Manager with
the recommendation to reduce the Dial-A-Ride service levels to the Americans with Disabilities Act
minimum and to increase the fixed route service to cover East Prospect, Timberline, and East
Harmony.
As projected in the earlier study, by 2003, Dial-A-Ride’s ridership demand exceeded the budgeted
ridership maximum and trips were denied. Concerned about the ramification of trip denials and
potential violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, staff utilized fixed route resources to
meet the Dial-A-Ride demand. With the City Council adoption of the Transfort Strategic Plan in
2002, the Council’s stated focus was on providing more cost-effective and productive public service;
however, the less productive Dial-A-Ride service consumed 43% of the department’s operating
budget in 2005, which was an all-time high.
The 2005 Dial-A-Ride cost per one-way trip was $22.26; there were 87,724 trips and an increasing
demand.
The City Manager supported staff’s recommendation and brought the issue to a City Council work
session on September 26, 2006.
The 2006 presentation included the following major points:
• Americans with Disabilities Act requires entities providing fixed route bus service to provide
a complementary transportation service for people with disabilities that prevent their access
to the fixed route service; standards for complementary service include Eligibility, Service
Area, Service Hours, and Fares.
• The City of Fort Collins exceeded the requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act
requirement in all four areas. (See Table 2.)
September 27, 2011 Page 9
• The City of Fort Collins exceeded Americans with Disabilities Act while our peers did not.
In fact, only Greeley and Loveland provided similar service and they based their service
levels on Fort Collins. In spite of that, Greeley and Loveland did not provide extended
service hours.
• Paratransit ridership was increasing each year and the budget gap was growing each year.
• Operating efficiencies reduced the cost per trip between 2003 and 2006; however, increasing
service demand drove the overall operating costs to exceed the budget.
• To meet the increasing demand, financial resources were being reallocated from fixed route
service to Dial-A-Ride.
• Staff projected that Dial-A-Ride ridership would grow by 6% per year; reaching 118,000
trips and a budget of $3.0 million by 2010.
Table 2
Exceeds ADA - 2006 Peer Comparison
2006 Fort Collins Loveland Greeley Colorado
Springs
Denver/
Boulder
Pueblo Grand
Junction
Service
Area
Yes - GMA Yes, City
Limits
Yes, City
Limits
No No No No
Eligibility Yes - 60+ Yes - 60+ Yes - 60+ No No No No
Fares Yes - Income
based
Yes -
Income
based
No No No No No
Services
Days/Hours
Yes - Night
service
No No No No No No
In 2006, Council indicated a general sentiment to reduce the paratransit service levels to the
Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. It was viewed as the fiscally responsible action.
There was also a general opinion that adding fixed route services to the eastern areas of the city
would benefit more citizens. Additionally, Council discussed that, by adding fixed route to
Harmony and Timberline, paratransit service would also be required to meet the Americans with
Disabilities Act complementary service area requirement.
In January 2007, Transfort added Route 16, 17 and 18. (See Attachment 7 for a map of the 2007
additional fixed route service with new ADA-mandated paratransit service area.) Paratransit was
reduced to the ADA requirements and the service area became 3/4 mile radius of all fixed route bus
service, including the three new routes.
UPDATE OF POLICY IMPACTS
Transfort staff’s analysis of the impacts of the 2006 DAR policy change indicates the following
results (2006-2010) (Figure 2):
September 27, 2011 Page 10
• Senior and disabled public transit ridership (fixed route and paratransit) increased 22.1%;
an average of 5.5% per year.
• Mode split (fixed route/paratransit) in 2010 was 89/11 compared to 72/28 in 2006;
Figure 2
• Based on the 2010 costs per trip (Fixed Route at $1.88 and Paratransit at 28.43), the
combined average net cost to the City for the senior and disabled trips was $4.76, compared
to $7.13 in 2006 (Figure 3).
Figure 3.
September 27, 2011 Page 11
In summary, Transfort is providing more rides to seniors and people with disabilities (22.1%
increase over four years); and is saving a significant amount of money by providing more of the trips
on fixed route (cumulative estimate is nearly five million dollars during the four years since the
policy change).
OPTIONS
There are several current requests that City Council fund fixed route bus service and the associated
complementary paratransit on Lemay Avenue south of Harmony to Trilby. No surplus funds are
available in either the Transportation Fund or Transit Fund at this time to cover the costs of
additional service.
OPTION 1: As requested, provide fixed route bus service on South Lemay, south of
Harmony to Trilby and the ADA-required complementary paratransit service.
The service would be incorporated with existing service on North Lemay and would be provided
every 60 minutes from approximately 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM. The fixed route service costs would be
approximately $235,000 per year and the complementary paratransit provided 3/4 mile radius of
Lemay would cost approximately $85,000 per year. Attachment 8 shows the additional route and
paratransit service area extension.
PROS: This option meets the service request from the citizens, is similar to service
improvements identified within the 2009 Council-adopted Transfort Strategic Plan
(Phase 2), and is consistent with current Dial-A-Ride adopted policy.
CONS: Numerous service improvements in Phase 1 of the adopted Transfort Strategic Plan are
not yet funded or operational. Examples of unfunded services in Phase 1 include
additional service and re-alignment of existing routes along Elizabeth, University,
Horsetooth, and Drake to improve connections to MAX; increased frequency on routes
serving CSU, extension of service hours on select routes to provide early evening
service, and a Downtown Circular route. Council may be asked how transit service
improvements are prioritized.
OPTION 2: Add the paratransit service without the fixed route bus service for an
approximate cost of $85,000 per year.
PROS: This option may appease the citizen request, as most of their concern is about the
disabled/elderly transportation needs; and it is less costly than adding fixed route and
paratransit.
CONS: This option is not consistent with the City’s current Dial-A-Ride policy, and would
require an exception or amendment to the policy to extend paratransit outside of the
3/4 mile radius of a fixed route. It is also important to note that this option may not
meet the citizens’ request for service for elderly, non-disabled residents unless another
exception is implemented to expand the eligibility requirement in this area only to
senior, non-disabled passengers. These types of exceptions may invite additional
exception requests in other unserved or underserved areas of the city. Such additional
exceptions would require additional funding.
September 27, 2011 Page 12
OPTION 3: Direct staff to write a BFO offer for this service (fixed route and
complementary paratransit on South Lemay from Harmony to Trilby) and have
the offer compete in the BFO budget process for funding in 2013/2014.
PROS: Maintains the adopted budgeting process for funding additional city services. Does not
require explanation on why one area of the city was allowed a policy exception. This
option also permits staff to properly assess new census data regarding demographic
changes in the City.
CONS: Does not meet the citizens’ requests for immediate addition of transit and paratransit
to the southeast area of Fort Collins; specifically to the area of South Lemay, south of
Harmony to Trilby Road.
September 27, 2011 Page 13
B. TRANSFORT ADVERTISING POLICY AND PRACTICE
Executive Summary
Currently, the City has two contracts with Next Media: one for advertising on bus benches and
shelters and the second for advertising on buses (interior and exterior space). The second contract
will expire on September 30, 2011. This contract has been re-bid and has a contract pending with
Street Media. While the advertising program was established to address serious budget concerns
in Fort Collins, it is typical of programs in most other public transit agencies. In addition, both the
contracts and City Code regulate the program and establish performance standards.
The financial impacts to Transfort if both the advertising contracts were terminated are as follows:
• Revenue lost if advertising contracts are eliminated is estimated at $224,000 annually.
Benches and shelters average $123,000 and bus advertising is guaranteed at $101,000.
• Loss of sales tax revenue is estimated at $30,000.
• One-time capital expense to purchase existing bus shelters and benches from current
contractor estimated at $120,000.
• New capital, operating and maintenance expenses estimated at $300,000 annually, all of
which are currently provided by the contractor (see Scope Highlights in Background
information below) .
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Should the City execute a new bus interior/exterior advertising contract on September 30,
2011?
2. Should the City maintain its current bus bench and shelter advertising contract with Next
Media?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Currently the City has two contracts with Next Media; one for advertising on bus benches and
shelters, and the second for advertising on buses (interior and exterior space). The second contract
will expire on September 30, 2011.
Shelter and Bench Contract
Term:
The City entered into the contract with Outdoor Promotions on December 31, 2001. It is a 20 year
term; expiring December 31, 2021. In 2007, NextMedia purchased Outdoor Promotions and, in
connection with the assignment of the contract to NextMedia, the contract was amended. The
amendment did not modify the term of the contract. The contract features discussed below are those
of the contract as amended.
September 27, 2011 Page 14
The Scope Highlights include:
• Contractor furnishes, installs, repairs, and maintains all shelters, bus pads, and benches at
all bus stops identified by the City of Fort Collins.
• Contractor retains ownership throughout the term of the agreement; ownership transfers to
the City at the end of the term.
• In the event the contract is terminated prior to full term, the City shall have the option to
purchase benches and shelters.
• Maintenance is the responsibility of the Contractor; and specified conditions include clean,
sanitary, graffiti-free, and reasonably litter-free.
• Contractor is responsible for repair and replacement of damaged or defaced shelters or
benches or individual parts thereof within no more than five days.
• Contractor must provide General Liability insurance minimum of $1.0 million.
• Contractor bears all costs related to this agreement.
Revenue:
• From the start of the contract through year five, City of Fort Collins received 15% of gross
advertising revenue.
• At the start of contract year six, the City’s revenue increased to twenty percent (20%) of
gross revenue.
• Revenue received in 2010 was $127,428; average of last four years is $123,000. Guaranteed
minimum is $100 per advertising bench and $762 per advertising shelter. Based on the
existing inventory (161 benches & 122 shelters) the 2010 revenue was $18,364 more than
the guaranteed minimum of $109,964.
The City is also provided one bench per every ten benches installed and one shelter per every ten
shelters. The benches and shelters provided to the City may be placed in areas where advertising
is not permitted.
Early Termination:
The City may terminate the contract “for any reason whatsoever” to discontinue using the City bus
benches and shelters for paid advertising for a period of at least one year, by providing sixty days
written notice and providing a payment to the Contractor sufficient to purchase all shelters and
benches. (While the contract Scope of Service states that if the contract is terminated prior to the
full term, the City shall have the option to purchase any shelters or benches, the early termination
language specifies that if the City terminates the agreement, they can do so by purchasing the
shelters and benches.) The contract specifies the shelters are $10,000 each and the benches are
$1,000; less fourteen and three tenths percent (14.3%) depreciation per year from the installation
date of a new shelter or bench. Based on the current inventory, the payment to the Contractor would
be approximately $120,000.
September 27, 2011 Page 15
Bus Interior and Exterior Contract
Term:
The City entered into the contract with Outdoor Promotions on September 1, 2001. The contract
term was five years (which expired on September 1, 2006), with an extension option for another
five-year term. The option was exercised and the contract expires on September 30, 2011. This
contract was also transferred to Next Media in 2007.
The City recently advertised a request for proposal for advertising on the exterior and interior of
buses and received three proposals. Street Media Group, LLC was notified by City staff that its
proposal was selected; however, the contract has not been signed.
Scope Highlights:
• The proposal is based on 31 buses within the Transfort fleet, and does not include the six
anticipated MAX buses.
• Contractor must provide a General Liability insurance minimum of $500,000.
• Contractor bears all associated costs.
Revenue:
The current contract (expiring on September 30, 2011) provides fifty-one percent (51%) of all gross
revenue, with a guaranteed minimum of $50,000 per year. The 2010 revenue from the bus
advertising contract was $76,124; the average annual revenue over the last four years was $70,000.
The Street Media proposal includes a compensation plan that provides the City fifty-six percent
(56%) of gross revenue, with a guaranteed minimum of $101,000 annually. Under the proposal, the
City will also receive twelve exterior and six interior signs to advertise Transfort. Any unsold
spaces are also available for Transfort advertising until the space is sold and generating revenue.
Early Termination:
Within the current Next Media contract, the City may terminate the contract with sixty (60) days
written notice; however during the sixty (60) day period, the Contractor is entitled to retain ninety
percent (90%) of the revenue generated from advertising sold during the sixty (60) days just prior
to the termination date.
The scope of the request for proposals and the accepted proposal for the bus advertising are silent
on early termination; however, in the Agreement used for this Contract, the City may terminate this
Agreement at any time without cause by providing written notice of termination to the Service
Provider. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days prior to the termination. In the
event the Next Media contract expires on September 30, 2011 and a new agreement is not in place
with Street Media, all advertisements will be removed from the buses.
Unlike the shelter and bench contract, the City is not liable for any “buy-out” expenses in the event
of an early termination on the bus advertising.
September 27, 2011 Page 16
Basis of the Advertising Program
While the advertising program was established to address serious budget concerns in Fort Collins,
it is typical of programs in most other public transit agencies. In addition, both the contracts and
City Code regulate the program and establish performance standards. Advertising is limited to
legitimate commercial transactions and must maintain a neutral position on political, religious, and
ideological matters. The City reserves the right to approve or disapprove all advertising content,
copy, design, and colors to be displayed.
The advertising content is also limited to advertising that proposes a legitimate commercial
transaction and that will promote healthful, family-oriented products and services appropriate for
citizens of all ages.
The Contractor shall be solely and completely responsible for the content of all bus advertisements
and is prohibited from displaying noncommercial advertising, with the exception of ads placed by
Transfort, or the following types of commercial advertising:
1. Advertising that primarily conveys a political, religious, ideological or other non-
commercial message
2. Advertising of alcohol or tobacco products
3. Advertising that promotes illegal activities or transactions
4. Advertising that is misleading or deceptive, or that constitutes a public nuisance
5. Advertising of products or services available to adults only by law
6. Advertising of any product or service primarily related to sexual or violent activities or
practices, or advertising of any product or service in a manner that is sexually suggestive or
that displays or suggests violence or is inappropriate for minors; and
7. Any advertising reasonably determined to be inconsistent with the above-stated objectives
of the advertising program.
Bus advertisement is also governed by the City’s Sign Code, which, among other things, limits bus
shelters displaying advertising to be located within three hundred (300) feet of zoned or existing
commercial, retail or industrial uses or along an arterial provided that no residential uses front on
the arterial, again within three hundred (300) feet of the shelter.
Other Cost Impacts
In the event of advertising termination, capital and associated maintenance activities that have been
performed by the contractors would have to be assumed by the City. Although new development
is required to add transit amenities, there will be other ongoing capital expenses related to new or
replacement amenities such as concrete pads, bus shelters, and benches.
Maintenance of the bus stops could be performed through contracting to private business,
contracting with other City departments (Streets or Parks), or performed by adding staff to the
Transfort department. Transfort currently does not have the maintenance service vehicles to perform
this work, so it may be less cost effective to add staff to the Transfort department. It is estimated
that ongoing maintenance activities would cost approximately $100,000 annually.
September 27, 2011 Page 17
Although Transfort has a maintenance technician, his duties do not include maintenance of the 122
bus stops with shelters; nor do they include maintenance at the 161 bus stops with advertising
benches. The maintenance technician maintains two of the three Transfort facilities and associated
grounds, and provides maintenance and repair at the remaining 100 bus stops with limited or no
passenger amenities.
Managing tasks associated with the bus shelters and benches include activities such as citizen
complaint and response, arranging sub-contractors for maintenance and repairs, and other related
activities would require additional staff time and is estimated at .5 to 1.0 FTE, for another estimated
$50,000.
In addition, there would be a loss of some sales tax revenue.
Summary
• Revenue lost if advertising contracts are eliminated is estimated at $224,000 annually.
Benches and shelters average $123,000 and Bus Advertising is guaranteed at $101,000.
• Loss of Sales Tax revenue is estimated at $30,000.
• One-time capital expense to purchase existing bus shelters and benches from current
contractor estimated at $120,000.
• New capital, operating and maintenance expenses estimated at $300,000 annually.
Please see Attachment 9 for a chart summarizing the financial impacts of transit advertising.
ATTACHMENTS
Transportation Update Attachments
1. MAX BRT Timeline
2. Recent renderings – South Transit Center, MAX BRT Station Design
3. Annotated 2011 Capital Project List
4. Location map – 2011 Capital Projects
5. Annotated KFCG Transportation Project List
6. YTD KFCG Transportation Project List – Budget vs. Expenditure
Transfort Attachments
7. 2007 Additional Fixed Route service with new ADA-mandated Paratransit Service Area
8. Transfort/Dial-A-Ride Service Area Showing potential service expansion
9. Financial Matrix of Transfort Advertising Contracts
10. Powerpoint presentation for Transportation Update
11. Powerpoint presentation for Keep Fort Collins Great Transportation Projects
12. Powerpoint presentation for Transfort
Attachment 1
MAX Project: South Transit Center
Attachment 2
Attachment 2
MAX Project: Transfort Maintenance Facility
Expansion
Attachment 3
Annotated 2011 Transportation Capital Project List
- 1 -
LAPORTE AND WHITCOMB BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great, State Bridge Replacement Funds
Estimated Project Budget: $1.27 M
Project Status: Ready for Bid
Estimated Construction Date: Fall 2011
The goal of the project is to replace the worst rated, structurally deficient bridge in the
City with a new bridge that meets the current standards.
The new bridge will be built to last for at least 75 years.
The project scope will include the replacement of concrete pavement at the intersection
of Laporte and Whitcomb.
SOUTH SHIELDS STREET BRIDGE OVER LARIMER CANAL NO. 2
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great, State Bridge Replacement Funds
Estimated Project Budget: $1.5 M
Project Status: Ready for Bid
Estimated Construction Date: Fall 2011
This is the second worst rated, structurally deficient bridge in the City.
The new replacement bridge will be similar in size as the existing bridge.
The bike and pedestrian facilities will be augmented with this project.
Urban design elements have been incorporated into the design of this bridge.
DRAKE AND LEMAY INTERSECTION TURN LANE
Funding Source: Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant, City of
Fort Collins BOB Intersection Fund
Estimated Project Budget: $325,000
Status: Out to Bid
The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion and vehicle wait time by
constructing a right turn lane from westbound Drake to northbound Lemay.
The reduced vehicle wait time will lead to a measurable improvement in air quality by
reducing carbon emissions.
Two right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions were required at the northeast corner of the
intersection. The City will take possession of the ROW on or before September 26, 2011.
The design calls for construction of the right turn lane and replacement of the existing
bike lane and sidewalk.
The northeast corner of the intersection is heavily landscaped. The construction will
require relocating six to eight large pine trees on-site along with the replacement of
bushes and shrubs.
Continued public outreach has included three meetings with the Parkwood Homeowners
Board, the latest of which occurred on September 6.
Attachment 3
Annotated 2011 Transportation Capital Project List
- 2 -
HARMONY AND LEMAY INTERSECTION TURN LANE
Funding Source: Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant, City of
Fort Collins BOB Intersection Fund
Estimated Project Budget: $325,000
Status: Out for Bid
The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion and vehicle wait time by
constructing a second left turn lane from westbound Harmony to southbound Lemay.
The reduced vehicle wait time will lead to a measurable improvement in air quality by
reducing carbon emissions.
The design calls for the construction of a raised median on Harmony Road, east of the
intersection, so that a new left turn lane can fit in south of the existing left turn lane.
The median will be landscaped as part of the project.
I 25 SH 392 INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION
Funding Source: CDOT, FHWA, Town of Windsor, Fort Collins
Estimated Construction Budget: $25 million
Status: Under Construction
The goal of this project is to replace the failing interchange located at Interstate 25 and
State Highway 392. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the North
Front Range MPO, the Town of Windsor and the City of Fort Collins have collaborated
on the planning, design and funding of this project.
The Fort Collins City Council and the Windsor Town Board approved Intergovernmental
Agreements between the City of Fort Collins, Town of Windsor and CDOT defining
construction, maintenance and ownership of the interchange and Intergovernmental Agreement
between the City of Fort Collins and the Town of Windsor that defines the process for
review of development and redevelopment proposals, and identifies cost sharing and
reimbursement through development impact fees.
The project was awarded to Edward Kraemer & Sons Construction.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held August 19, 2011.
NORTH COLLEGE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS – VINE TO CONIFER
Funding Source: Building on Basics Funds, CDOT Funds, Truck Route Funds, and URA
Funds
Estimated Project Budget: $11,190,000
Status: Out to Bid
The North College Improvements project will make significant drainage, pedestrian,
bicycle, roadway, and safety improvements on this important northern Fort Collins
gateway. The project will also improve the streetscape and parkway along North College.
The current project budget allows for improvements from Vine Drive north to Hemlock,
with some safety improvements at College and Conifer.
Utility relocation work will commence in mid-September. This work aims to relocate
private utilities in conflict with the planned project improvements.
Attachment 3
Annotated 2011 Transportation Capital Project List
- 3 -
Extensive public outreach, including coordination with the North Fort Collins Business
Association, impacted property owners and other interested groups, will continue
throughout the duration of the project.
Additional project information is available to the public at
http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/ncollege.php.
LINDEN STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Funding sources: Building on Basics (BOB) – Pedestrian Plan, Transportation
Enhancement Federal Funds, Downtown Development Authority, Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality (CMAQ) Funds, and City of Fort Collins Utilities
Estimated Project Budget: $3 million
Status: Under Construction
The Linden Streetscape project is constructing improvements along Linden Street from
Jefferson Street to the Poudre River. This project will make several upgrades to the utility
system, and will add pedestrian facilities, bike lanes, and significant streetscape
improvements.
Construction of the underground utility improvements has been completed.
The City is pursuing an agreement through the Public Utilities Commission for a public
railroad crossing to provide access to the El Burrito restaurant.
Upon completion at the end of 2011, Linden will be repaved from Jefferson to Vine Dr.,
streetscape improvements will be in place, and the bridge over the Poudre River will be
repaired and brought into compliance with City and Federal standards.
MAX BUS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT
Funding Source: FTA 80%, Local Match 20% (CDOT SB-1 and FASTER, City,
Downtown Development Authority, BOB, BCC and 292 Funds)
Estimate Project Budget: $87 M
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Work is proceeding on the MAX Project including the finalization of design, station refinement,
and preliminary construction activities. Major milestones achieved this year include:
Execution of the agreement with the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad to
allow MAX construction and operations.
Submittal of the Project Construction Grant Agreement (PCGA) to the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA). FTA has indicated a fully executed PCGA will be completed in
February 2012.
Construction on the preliminary phase began in September 2011 to install underground
communication conduits related to the two-way conversion of Mason St.
Completion of final Engineering design drawings and complete bid documents are
anticipated by the end of October 2011. Efforts continue to refine the incorporation of
artistic elements at the stations. Staff will be seeking Council input on artwork to be
ultimately included. The art can be refined over the next several months since it is not
part of the critical path to completing the stations.
Attachment 3
Annotated 2011 Transportation Capital Project List
- 4 -
For the past year, City staff has been working with staff at the Federal Transit Agency (FTA) to
finalize the Project Construction Grant Agreement (PCGA). The PCGA is the instrument by
which the City will receive federal funding to construct the MAX Project. All of the submittals
to the FTA were delivered on the timeline required by them, including the most important piece
which was the executed agreement with the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad (BNSF) to
allow the City to construct and operate MAX on BNSF right of way. This document was
executed on March 26, 2011 and delivered to the FTA on March 27th. The draft PCGA was
delivered to FTA in May for their review. For the past year, the FTA has indicated the PCGA
would be ready for execution in October, 2011.As a result of their review, the FTA made the
following recommended changes to the project:
1. Move the award of the PCGA to February 2012 (previously projected award date was
October 2011).
2. Augment the total project funding with an additional $5 Million. This brings the total
project cost to $87 Million.
The biggest impact this has to the MAX Project is that service operations will now begin in May
of 2014. Our previous schedule indicated a December of 2013 opening date, but the FTA has
moved this out by four months.
2011
Transportation
Capital Projects
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
I-25 INTERCHANGE
CONSTRUCTION
INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
MAX Project
HWY 287
TAFT HILL
COLLEGE
LEMAY
TIMBERLINE
MULBERRY
PROSPECT
DRAKE
HORSETOOTH
HARMONY
HWY 392
25
SHIELDS
LINDEN
LAPORTE
MAX Project
Attachment 4
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
1
STREET MAINTENANCE
Offer 127.22 Pavement Management Program
2011 Original Budget: $6,171,000 Expenses and/ or Encumbrances through August: $5,150,281
2011 Street Maintenance Project using KFCG funds:
Completed
• Resurfacing of Conifer from College to Lemay
• Resurfacing of E Horsetooth College to Timberline
• Slurry Seal Meadowlark Neighborhood south of W Swallow
In Progress
• Resurfacing of W Drake from Meadowlark to railroad tracks
• Resurfacing of Riverside Dr from Prospect to Lemay
• Resurfacing of Boardwalk from Harmony to Landings
• Resurfacing of Valley Forge from Taft to Hampshire
• Hot Applied Chip Overlay of Vine from Lemay to Interstate 25
Scheduled
• Parkwood East area Slurry Seal
2012 Original Budget: $6,349,959 (2012 program planning underway)
CAPITAL PROJECTS:
Offer 114.3 KFCG - Transportation Capital and Master Plan Implementation
2011 Original Budget: $345,031 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through April: $0
2012 Original Budget: $350,000
Staff has identified several recommended small capital projects for 2011-2012, including:
• Skyway Transit Stop and Adjoining Sidewalk Improvements 2011: $5,000 2012: $150,000
• Drake-Redwing Pedestrian Traffic Signal Improvements 2011: $14,000
• Transfort South Transfer Center Bus Pad Concrete Improvements 2011: $5,000
• TIGER III Grant Application (Drake – BNSF RR Grade Separation) 2011: $10,000
• North College Improvements, Phase III (Conifer to Willow Design) 2011: $226,000
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
2
• Mason Trail – Troutman Bike-Pedestrian Underpass Supplemental 2011: $70,000
• Miscellaneous Pedestrian Sidewalk and Ramp Repairs 2011:$15,031
• TBD 2012: $198,000
TOTALS 2011: $345,031 2012: $350,000
Offer 146.5 KFCG - Street Oversizing Capital Expansion Fee Program
2011 Original Budget: $300,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through April: $0
2012 Original Budget: $400,000
These funds will be used to cover the City’s portion of the arterial and collector roadways built as part of developments. No
construction has occurred in the first quarter of 2011 so no funds have been spent. Approximately $150,000 will be spent in 2011 on
replacing traffic signals on arterial streets. The balance will be used in 2012 for construction of Turnberry Road, done in conjunction
with the developer’s contribution.
Offer 146.14 KFCG - South Shields Street Bridge Over Larimer Canal No. 2
2011 Original Budget: $1,500,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through April: $87,560
2012 Original Budget: $400,000
Expenditures to date have been for the design of the Shields bridge. Construction is slated for Fall 2011.
In December, 2010, The City of Fort Collins was awarded Federal grant funding to cover 80% of the cost of replacing two bridges: the
Shields bridge near Rolland Moore and the Laporte-Whitcomb bridge . Shields bridge was scheduled to be funded with 2011 Keep
Fort Collins Great (KFCG) monies and Laporte was scheduled for 2012 KFCG funding. The federal grant award has presented the
opportunity to offset the 2011 KFCG allocation, and use those funds for the design of two other high priority bridge projects as well as
the construction of the Laporte bridge in 2011. The 2011 KFCG dollars intended for the Shields Bridge project will be reassigned to
the design of the Prospect and West Mulberry bridge projects, and to accelerate construction of the Laporte Bridge project in 2011.
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
3
Offer 146.15 KFCG - Laporte-Whitcomb Bridge Replacement
2011 Original Budget: $0
2012 Original Budget: $670,000
The City of Fort Collins was awarded Federal grant funding to cover 80% of the cost of replacing two bridges: the Shields bridge near
Rolland Moore and the Laporte-Whitcomb bridge. Due to this grant the Laporte-Whitcomb bridge will be funded and construction
will start in 2011. We would request that the $670,000 of KFCG funds originally intended for the Laporte-Whitcomb bridge be
redirected to fund one of the high priority bridge projects being designed in 2011.
RESTORED SERVICES:
Offer 146.25 KFCG - Surveying – Restored
2011 Original Budget: $14,130 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through April: $8,582
2012 Original Budget: $14,537
Expenditures to date have been to cover 20% of the cost of the Engineering technician position that was restored after a proposed
budget cut. The 2011-12 budget reflects the restoration of this position to a full time equivalent (FTE), rather than .8 FTE. This has
allowed the Engineering customer service counter to be staffed five days a week in order to provide complete customer service to
both.
Offer 117.5 KFCG - Reinstatement of Traffic Signal Technician
2011 Original Budget: $65,689 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through Aug: $5,000.
2012 Original Budget: $67,634
• Position hired and working on signal maintenance projects.
Offer 117.7 KFCG - Traffic Sign Replacement Program
2011 Original Budget: $10,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through Aug: $10,000
2012 Original Budget: $30,000
• This offer is a part of the City’s ongoing traffic sign replacement program.
• Signs are being installed throughout the year.
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
4
Offer 117.19 KFCG - Streets & Traffic Ops Capital Equip Replacement –Prior Year Reductions
2011 Original Budget: $336,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through Aug: $336,000
2012 Original Budget: $564,000
• The Streets Department purchased the following equipment with the KFCG dollars: pothole patcher, saw trailer, two-way radio
upgrade, snow plow and sander for utility truck.
• Traffic installed new electrical conduit and rewired the traffic signals for video detection at College & Mountain, College &
Olive, and College & Mulberry, as well as installed new pedestrian buttons at those intersections.
Offer 131.12 KFCG - Transfort / Dial-A-Ride Night Service
2011 Original Budget: $44,150 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $19,403
2012 Original Budget: $45,476
• Through July 2011, 771 evening trips were provided with KFCG funds.
• Expenses to date represent 44% of total available funding and will continued to be incurred monthly based on actual activity.
Offer 131.25 KFCG - Transfort Operations-Restore Saturday Service
2011 Original Budget: $150,000 Expenses Through July 31st: $95,730
2012 Original Budget: $150,000
• Expenses related to KFCG-funded Saturday Fixed Route Service. Through July 2011, KFCG funding has paid for 2,639 bus
operator hours, $21,635 in vehicle preventive maintenance charges, and $13,250 in fuel charges.
Offer 131.28 KFCG - Transfort Operations: Marketing – Restored
2011 Original Budget: $55,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $11,978
2012 Original Budget: $55,000
• Expenditures to date include the design and printing of the newly formatted 2011 bus schedules.
• Planned marketing activities for the remainder of 2011 include print and media advertising, design & printing of promotional
materials, education and outreach activities, additional bus schedules, and specific route promotion events.
PARKING SERVICES:
Offer 8.6 KFCG - Downtown Parking / Parking Structure Study
2011 Original Budget: $80,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $78,030
2012 Original Budget: $0
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
5
• Encumbered the majority of funds for a contract with the Parking Plan consultant. The consultant will help prepare the Plan
and its recommendations.
• A small amount of expenses were for data collection, including parking inventory and occupancy studies, and a
citizen/business questionnaire.
• Public outreach continued with board and commission meetings, meetings with the Downtown Business Association, and other
stakeholders.
Offer 111.8 KFCG - Old Town Parking Garage Maintenance
2011 Original Budget: $100,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $ $40,541
2012 Original Budget: $100,000
• Lighting project: Fixtures at end of useful life, replace fixtures with energy-efficient fixtures throughout the garage; this
project is complete.
• Landscaping, canopy repairs, stairway repairs, miscellaneous lighting improvements, and other minor repairs: these projects
will commence in May and continue through December.
Offer 112.2 KFCG - Downtown Handicap Parking Spaces
2011 Original Budget: $15,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $15,000
2012 Original Budget: $15,000
• Refurbishment and installation of six new spaces on College Avenue as part of the sidewalk refurbishment and College overlay
project. This phase of this offer is complete.
• Additional repairs to handicap spaces in the two Downtown parking structures. These improvements are in progress and will
be complete by December.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING:
Offer 116.2 KFCG - Bicycle Safety and Education Plan Implementation
2011 Original Budget: $50,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $20,770
2012 Original Budget: $50,000
• Bicycle Safety and Education Plan approved by City Council - March 2011
• Bicycle Safety and Education Plan implementation work plan developed April - May 2011
• Funding has covered bike safety materials (helmets, lights, banners), Bike Safety Town planning, and bicycle safety education
classes in partnership with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition.
• Implementation of action items began May 2011
Attachment 5
Planning, Development & Transportation KFCG Update - Fall 2011
6
Offer 113.4 KFCG - Harmony Road - Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan
2011 Original Budget: $75,000 Expenses and/or Encumbrances through August: $0
2012 Original Budget: $75,000
• Request for Proposal for consultant selection process is currently being advertised, proposals due September 19.
• Expect consultant selection in September 2011
• Overview presentation scheduled for City Council in October 2011
• Begins third quarter 2011 through the end of 2012
Offer 113.6 KFCG - City Bicycle Coordinator/FC Bikes/Bike Library
2011 Original Budget: $0
2012 Original Budget: $80,613
• In 2011 the City Bicycle Coordinator, FC Bikes and the Bike Library are fully funded by the General Fund, as well as by
state/federal grants. KFCG funds are needed to support these programs in 2012.
Offer 115.3 KFCG - Railroad Quiet Zone Phase II Study
2011 Original Budget: $0
2012 Original Budget: $100,000
• The study will include the ten Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossings between Mulberry Street and Trilby Street.
This includes crossings through Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado State University, the Mid-town and Mason Corridors, and
South College Avenue.
• The study will begin in January 2012 with Transportation Planning staff as project manager, with support from Traffic
Operations and Engineering. Consulting services will be used to perform detailed technical analysis and coordination with
railroad and federal agencies
Attachment 6
2011 KFCG Transportation Related Projects
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
111.8 - Old Town Parking Garage Maintenance
112.2 - Downtown Handicap Parking Spaces
113.4 - Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan
114.3 - Transportation Capital and Master Plan Implementation
116.2 - Bicycle Safety & Education Plan Implementation
117.5 - Reinstatement of Traffic Signal Technician
117.7 - Traffic Sign Replacement Program
117.19 - Streets & Traffic Ops Capital Equipment Replacement
8.6 Downtown Parking/Parking Structure Study
127.22 - Streets Maintenance & Repair
131.12 - Transfort / Dial A Ride Night Service
131.25 - Transfort Operations - Restore Saturday Service
131.28 - Transfort Operations - Restore Marketing
146.5 - Street Oversizing Capital Expansion Fee Program
146.25 - Surveying - Restored
146.14 - City Bridges Program
% Spent or Encumbered % Remaining
Attachment 7
2007 Additional Fixed Route service w/ new ADA-Mandated Paratransit Service Area
Transfort/DAR Service Area Showing Potential Service Expansion
ATTACHMENT 8
FINANCIAL IMPACTS OF TRANSIT ADVERTISING
Attachment 9
REVENUE
TYPE TERM EARLY TERMINATION
GUARANTEED REVENUE
TO CITY
AVG ANNUAL
REVENUE
Bus Benches & Shelters Expires 12/31/2021 Allowed $ 100,000 $ 123,000
Bus Ads - Exterior & Interior Spaces Expires 09/30/2011 Allowed $ 70,000
* Bus Ads - Contract Pending 10/01/2011 - 09/30/2016 Allowed $ 101,000
SUBTOTAL $ 201,000 $ 193,000
EXPENSE
EXPENSE TYPE EXPENSE
Operating & Maintenance of shelters & benches Annual - On-going $ 150,000
Capital expenses - additions, repair, replacement Annual - On-going $ 150,000
SUBTOTAL $ 300,000
SUMMARY REVENUE LOST EXPENSES INCURRED
Annual On-going
Bus Benches & Shelters $ (123,000) $ (300,000)
Bus Ads - Exterior & Interior Spaces $ (101,000) $ -
SUBTOTAL $ (224,000) $ (300,000) $ (524,000)
One-Time Costs
Buy-out of existing shelters and benches $ (120,000)
Year of Contract Termination Costs $ (644,000)
Annual On-Going Costs $ (524,000)
Bottom Line:
NOTE: Contractor bears all costs including maintenance with specified conditions including clean, graffiti-free, and reasonably litter-free; snow removal,
repair and replacement of damaged benches, shelters, or panel.
If the advertising is eliminated, annual revenue for Transfort services will be reduced by $224,000 or more. Operating & maintenance expenses
will increase by $300,000 for a net loss of $524,000 annually.
1
1
Capital Construction Projects
September 27, 2011
Helen Migchelbrink
City Engineer
Transportation Update
2
2011
Transportation
Capital Projects
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
I-25 INTERCHANGE
CONSTRUCTION
INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
MAX Project
HWY 287
TAFT HILL
COLLEGE
LEMAY
TIMBERLINE
MULBERRY
PROSPECT
DRAKE
HORSETOOTH
HARMONY
HWY 392
25
SHIELDS
LINDEN
LAPORTE
MAX Project
Transportation Update
ATTACHMENT 10
2
3
Capital Projects
• Safety and capacity improvements:
– Bridges
– Intersections
– Roads
– Interchange
• MAX Construction Project
4
Capital Projects - Bridges
High priority bridge projects in 2011:
– South Shields bridge Just south of Rolland
Moore Park
– Laporte-Whitcomb bridge
• Load restricted, lowest rated bridge
3
5
Capital Projects- Intersections
• Addressing Safety & Capacity issues
• Key locations for Turn Lanes:
– Harmony & Lemay
– Drake & Lemay
6
Capital Projects - Roads
Linden Streetscape Project, Jefferson to Poudre River
– Curb & gutter, parking, bike & pedestrian
– Intersection improvements
– Streetscape
– First project in
new Downtown
River District
4
7
Capital Projects - Roads
North College Improvements, Vine to Hemlock, Conifer
– Curb, gutter, sidewalk, bike lane, and access safety
improvements
– Key Gateway for north Fort Collins
– Parkway & Streetscape
Current Conditions Planned Improvements
8
Capital Projects – I-25/SH-392 Interchange
I-25 & SH-392 Interchange Improvements
– Fort Collins, Windsor & CDOT partnership
– $22.5M in State & Fed funds; $5M Local Share
– Construction began summer 2011
5
9
Capital Projects – I-25/SH-392 Interchange
10
Capital projects: MAX Update
• Schedule
• Station Designs
• South Transit Center
• Transfort Maintenance Facility Expansion
• NRRC Overpass
6
11
MAX Funding
• Total Project Cost $87M
• Project Construction Grant Agreement Expected
in Feb 2012
• Operations – May 2014
12
7
13
MAX Stations Locator Map
14
MAX Downtown Stations
8
15
MAX Downtown Stations
Mountain
Olive
Laurel
Mulberry
16
MAX CSU Stations
University
Prospect
9
17
MAX Stations
Swallow
Drake
Bay Farm
18
MAX Stations
Harmony
Troutman
Horsetooth
10
19
MAX Project: South Transit Center
20
MAX Project: Transfort Maintenance
Facility Expansion
11
21
MAX – NRRC/ Bay Farm Overpass
22
MAX – NRRC/Bay Farm Overpass
•Connects to high density employment and shopping areas
•Provides east-west connection between Prospect & Drake
12
23
MAX – NRRC/Bay Farm Overpass
•• Need for ADA compliant crossing
•• At-At -grade crossing prohibited by PUC
•• Overpass most cost effective option
•• Fulfills BNSF agreement terms
•• Provides access to Bay Farm MAX station
24
Questions for Council
• Does Council have any questions regarding this
update?
• Do you need additional information regarding
scheduled construction projects?
1
1
Transportation Update
Keep Fort Collins Great
Transportation Projects
September 27, 2011
Mark Jackson
PDT Budget, Policy & Communications Manager
2
KFCG Transportation Update
• Significant Impact on Ability to Deliver Services
• KFCG Adds Over $9 Million in 2011
– $6.17M Street Maintenance
– $3.17M Other Transportation Needs
• Capital Projects
• Restored Services
• Planning & Programs
ATTACHMENT 11
2
3
KFCG Transportation Update
Street Maintenance
• KFCG Nearly Doubled Street Maintenance Budget
– $6.7M Budget 2010
– $13.8M Budget in 2011 w/KFCG
• Represents ability to repair and maintain an
additional 36 lane miles of road
• Proof Is On The Street!
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KFCG Transportation Update
Street Maintenance Using KFCG Funds:
Completed
• Conifer, College to Lemay
• East Horsetooth, College to Timberline
• Meadowlark Neighborhood (south of Swallow)
Underway
• Vine Drive, Lemay to I-25
• Valley Forge, Taft to Hampshire
• Drake, Meadowlark to BNSF railroad tracks
Scheduled for 2011
• Parkwood East Neighborhood
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KFCG Transportation Update
Capital Projects Using KFCG Funds:
Bridges
• South Shields Bridge (Fall 2011)
• Laporte-Whitcomb Bridge (Fall 2011)
• Small Capital Projects (Flexible Funds)
• Skyway Transit Stop and Sidewalk
• Drake–Redwing Pedestrian Signal
• Transfort Concrete Bus Pad Improvement
• Mason Trail – Troutman Ped Underpass Supplemental
• Miscellaneous Sidewalk and Ped Ramp Repairs
Large Capital Project
• North College Improvements (Design Phase III)
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KFCG Transportation Update
Restored Services Using KFCG Funds:
• Engineering Surveying Services
• Traffic Operations Signal Technician
• Streets and Traffic Operations Capital Equipment
• Traffic Sign Replacement Program
• Transfort/Dial a Ride Night Service
• Transfort Saturday Service
• Transfort Marketing & Education
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KFCG Transportation Update
Planning & Programs Using KFCG:
• Parking Services
– Old Town Parking Garage Maintenance
– Downtown Parking Study
– Downtown Handicap Parking Spaces
• Transportation Capital Expansion Fee Program
– (Street Oversizing Program)
• Transportation Planning:
– Harmony Corridor Enhanced Transportation Corridor Plan
– Bicycle Safety & Education Plan Implementation
– FC Bikes Program (2012)
– Railroad Quiet Zone Study, Phase II (late 2011, 2012)
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KFCG Transportation Update
Unspent & Additional KFCG Funds:
Roll Forward into 2012 Fund Categories
• Street Maintenance Funds Stay in Street
Maintenance
• “Other Transportation” Funds remain in designated
category
• KFCG Funds Can Be Leveraged With Other
Resources
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KFCG Transportation Update
Summary:
• KFCG Funding Nothing Short of a “Game Changer”
• Nearly Doubled Street Maintenance Funding
• Restored services, initiated important small and
large projects, and leveraged state and federal funds
• Not the long term solution for capital and
maintenance needs, but helping improve Fort Collins
immensely!
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1
Transportation Update: Transfort
September 27, 2011
Marlys Sittner
Transfort General Manager
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Transportation Update: Transfort
Two Discussion Items:
• Transit Service Expansion Request - Southeast
• Advertising on Buses, Bus Benches, & Shelters
ATTACHMENT 12
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3
Issue #1: Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
Citizen-Generated Request:
– New Fixed Route Service
South of Harmony Road on Lemay Avenue
to Trilby Road
– Complementary paratransit service ¾ of a mile
of Fixed Route (per ADA regulations)
4
Direction sought from Council:
Staff seeks direction from City Council in
addressing citizen requests for transit service in
southeast Fort Collins
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
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5
Requested
Expansion
– Fixed Route south of
Harmony Road on
Lemay Avenue to
Trilby Road
– Complementary
paratransit service ¾
mile of Fixed Route
6
Current Transfort Service Policies
Fixed Route:
– Expanded and Realigned per 2009 Transfort
Strategic Operating Plan.
Paratransit:
– Complementary to Fixed Route service per ADA.
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
4
7
Current Transfort Service Policies
Exceptions Made:
– Additional paratransit service hours; 11:00 PM.
– Eligible paratransit passengers grandfathered
into service area.
– Approved by City Council in 2006
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
8
Impact of the Service Policy Change
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Senior & Disabled Ridership Mode Split
FIXED ROUTE
PARATRANSIT
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9
Impact of the Service Policy Change
• Senior & Disabled ridership increased 22%; an average
of 5.5% per year.
• Mode split in 2010 was 89% Fixed / 11% Paratransit;
compared to 72% Fixed / 28% Paratransit in 2006.
• 2010 trip costs: $1.88 Fixed & $28.43 Paratransit.
• Providing more rides to Seniors & People w Disabilities
at Lower Cost due to Mode Shift. Cumulative estimate
$5.0 M over 4 years.
10
– Option 1: Fixed route and ADA-required
complementary paratransit service.
Cost: $320,000.
– Option 2: Add the paratransit service without the
fixed route bus service. Cost: $85,000.
– Option 3: Include as Enhanced BFO Offer in
City’s 2013-2014 budget.
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
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11
Option 1: Provide Service as requested.
Pros:
• Meets citizens’ request
• Aligns with 2009 Transfort Strategic Plan
• Consistent with Dial-A-Ride policy
Cons:
• Realign East/West for MAX and other
services are higher priority in Strategic
Operating Plan
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
12
Option 2: Paratransit Only Without
Fixed Route Service.
Pros:
• Lesser Cost
• Will meet some of the Citizens’ Request
Cons:
• Inconsistent with Dial-A-Ride Policy
• Other un-served areas within City Limits
raises equity issues
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
7
13
Option 3: Direct staff to write a BFO offer for
this service.
Pros:
• Maintains the adopted budgeting process for
funding additional city services.
Cons:
• Does not meet Citizens’ request for transit
service in the near term.
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
14
Direction sought from Council:
– Staff seeks direction from City Council in
addressing citizen requests for transit service
in southeast Fort Collins
Expanding Transit
to Southeast Fort Collins
8
15
Issue #2: Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
Context:
– City Council expressed concern regarding
advertising on buses, benches and shelters.
– City Staff submitted background information and
analysis on the impacts of eliminating the advertising.
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Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
Direction Sought from Council
– Should the City execute a new bus
interior/exterior advertising contract on
September 30, 2011?
– Should the City maintain its current bus bench
and shelter advertising contract with Next Media?
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17
Financial Impact of Eliminating Transit Advertising:
– Lost revenue to offset transit expenses is
approximately $224,000 annually.
– Benches and Shelters revenue averages
$123,000.
– Bus Advertising is guaranteed at $101,000.
Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
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Financial Impact Continued:
– One-time Capital Expense; Contract requires
purchase of existing bus shelters & benches;
Estimated at $120,000.
– Annual Ongoing Capital, Operating and
Maintenance; Estimated at $300,000 additional.
Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
10
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Financial Impact Summarized:
– One-Time Capital Expense $120,000
– Annual Revenue lost $224,000
– Annual Expenses - $300,000
– Impact on Transit Services: $524,000 annually.
Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
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Options:
1. Maintain Advertising.
2. Eliminate any or all advertising and resource Transit
Services from other City Funds.
3. Eliminate any or all advertising and reduce Transit
Services to offset impacts.
Impact of full elimination without additional funds
would require eliminating 8% of transit services
which is the equivalent of 2-3 routes.
Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
11
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Advertising on Buses,
Benches, & Shelters
Direction Sought from Council
– Should the City execute a new bus
interior/exterior advertising contract on
September 30, 2011?
– Should the City maintain its current bus bench
and shelter advertising contract with Next Media?
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Bus Bench and Shelter