HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/30/2014 - RENEWAL OF THE 1/4-CENT COMMUNITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMDATE:
STAFF:
September 30, 2014
Ginny Sawyer, Policy and Project Manager
Mark Jackson, PDT Deputy Director
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Renewal of the ¼-Cent Community Capital Improvement Program and the ¼ Cent Street Maintenance Tax.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to update Council on public outreach efforts and to seek direction on key elements of
both the Building on Basics (BOB) 2.0 renewal and the Street Maintenance Program renewal.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council support seeking a 10-year renewal of the Street Maintenance Program?
2. Should the Vine and Lemay Avenue project remain on the potential BOB 2.0 project list? Or should the
project be removed and considered under a separate tax measure?
3. If a separate tax initiative is considered for Vine and Lemay, should other projects also be included? What
would be the desired timeframe?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The current capital expansion tax, Building on Basics (BOB) and the Street Maintenance Program tax (SMP) will
expire on December 31, 2015.
The Fort Collins community has supported street maintenance through a ¼-cent tax since 1989. This quarter-
cent tax covers roughly half of the Street Maintenance Program’s costs. Other program funding includes Keep
Fort Collins Great money and the General Fund. The Street Maintenance Program maximizes the community’s
investment in the street network by performing ongoing maintenance before much more costly repairs or
replacement are necessary, extending the usable life of a street. The Street Maintenance Program repairs over
130 lane miles of roads each year.
Fort Collins also has a long history of supporting a capital tax program. BOB is a ¼ -cent tax which equates to 25
cents on a $100 purchase. Over the 10-year period (2005 to 2015), BOB will provide almost $58 million dollars
for investment in community projects. These dollars have supported the Lincoln Center renovations, the Museum
of Discovery, new bike facilities, improvements to North College and Timberline, sidewalk upgrades, and the
Senior Center expansion.
Both of these tax renewals will be presented to the voters in April 2015.
Work to Date-SMP
In preparation for seeking the SMP tax renewal request, staff developed a web page and presentation materials
with information about the program, its funding sources, the science behind the Street Maintenance Program, and
the importance that effective road maintenance has on the community and local economy.
As well, staff has engaged in public outreach efforts to tell the story of street maintenance and to gauge citizen
feedback on the preferred term of the tax, which has traditionally been 10 years. Street maintenance is an
ongoing need now and into the future. Those who participated in outreach efforts did show support for a longer
September 30, 2014 Page 2
term, but there were also those who felt that 10 years was an appropriate length of time and suggested that this
term also allows for an increase in the future should it be needed.
Work to Date-BOB 2.0
In summer/fall of 2013, staff began compiling a list of unfunded needs that have been identified in master plans,
the Strategic Plan, or the budgeting process. Since that time the list has been refined and evaluated through
multiple lenses, including utilization of the Budgeting for Outcome (BFO) Teams.
The original list of projects totaled more than $400 million dollars. Through the process of Council work sessions,
Leadership and project team meetings, projects have been eliminated and project costs have been adjusted,
resulting in the most current list totaling approximately $290 million dollars. The projected revenue from a ¼ -cent
tax is approximately $80 million dollars.
Staff has been conducting extensive public outreach with this list of potential projects. (Attachment 1) Outreach
has included an interactive website, board and commission “super” meeting, CityWork Alumni Forum, a presence
at the Sustainable Living Fair, and a Community Issue Forum with the Center for Public Deliberation. The results
and comments from these efforts are included in Attachments 2-5.
As well as asking citizens what projects they felt most strongly about (positive or negative), staff also asked the
following question:
How should the City fund the improvement of the Vine and Lemay intersection?
Keep this project in BOB 2.0?
Consider a separate tax initiative on the ballot for this project alone?
Consider a separate tax initiative on the ballot for this project and 1-2 additional transportation projects?
This question is also posted on IdeaLab.
Next Steps
October Off-Site BOB 2.0 Session
Saturday, October 11
Goal: Narrow project list to $80-100 million range.
Council will receive materials for this work session in the Thursday, October 9 packet. Materials will include the
full project list, a recommended narrowed project list, and project descriptions.
December Work Session
Tuesday, December 9
Goal: Finalize BOB 2.0 package.
January Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Goal: Adopt a resolution referring ballot language to April 2015 ballot.
Staff will continue to engage the public through the January meeting.
September 30, 2014 Page 3
ATTACHMENTS
1. Potential Capital Improvement Projects by Outcome Area (PDF)
2. Public Outreach Summary (PDF)
3. Website Project Rankings and Comments (PDF)
4. Online Public Feedback on BOB 2.0 Projects (PDF)
5. Community Issue Forum Comments (PDF)
6. Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
Num Project
Annual
O& M
Culture and Recreation
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%'9+7!:89'/4'(/2/9>3675;+3+498,57 '718'4*52,
+45;'9/545,9.+/8957/)'74+-/+:/2*/4-
5362+9/545,9.+'7*+4854!67/4-7++1
+)7+'9/54'2"7'/24.'4)+3+498
Num Project
Annual
Capital Cost O& M
1
Public Outreach Summary
Between August 25 and September 21, staff hosted multiple meetings and open house settings
that featured large boards with potential projects and green and red dots. Participants were
encouraged to give projects they felt strongly about including in a BOB 2.0 package a green dot
and projects they felt should not be included a red dot. The totals and the individual setting
results are included.
The interactive BOB 2.0 website has been up and promoted since mid-August. The page provides
project information and allows participants to select any number of projects they feel is a high
priority. They are also able to leave comments. Comments and the overall project rankings are
included in this summary. The third week in October this site will become a “budgeting” tool,
whereby participants will only be able to select up to $80 million worth of projects.
During the Community Issue Forum we were able to collect small group discussion notes and
varying demographic data. That information and the final selection of high priority projects is
included in these materials.
While conducting outreach, staff asked participants the following questions:
1. Since 1989, voters have supported street maintenance through a 1/4 –cent tax. The
current tax will expire Dec. 31, 2015. Voters will have the opportunity to renew this tax
in April 2015. Should the term of the tax be: 10 years? 15 years? 20 years?
Term of SMP?
Boards and Commissions 10yrs: 14 15yrs: 3 20yrs: 0
CityWork Alums 10yrs: 1 15yrs: 0 20yrs: 0
Com Forum Open House 10yrs: 6 15yrs: 8 20yrs: 1
Sustainable Living Fair 10yrs: 8 15yrs: 14 20yrs: 18
Total 10yrs: 39 15yrs: 37 20yrs: 39
2. Existing Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue is congested and constrained by the Burlington
Northern and Santa Fe Railroad. Trains block the intersection and create extended
gridlock in the area. This location is a top location for congestion and safety
complaints. Existing neighborhoods in this area are becoming increasingly impacted by
the congestion on Lemay.
a. Keep this project in BOB 2.0.
CityWorks: 4 Com. Open House: 3 Sustainable Living Fair: 17 Total: 24
b. Consider a separate tax initiative for this project alone.
CityWorks: 1 Com. Open House: 7 Sustainable Living Fair: 13 Total: 21
c. Consider a separate tax initiative for this project and 2-3 additional traffic projects.
CityWorks: 1 Com. Open House: 8 Sustainable Living Fair: 6 Total: 13
Boards and Commissions were asked whether they supported a separate tax measure.
Nine said yes while 3 said no.
The Vine and Lemay question is currently posted on IdeaLab.
ATTACHMENT 2
2
Total and individual results of “dot exercise” from Board and Commission meeting, CityWork
Alumni Forum, Community Issue Forum Open House, and the Sustainable Living Fair.
Total: Highest Priority Projects
1. Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes) (Continued from BOB)
2. Downtown Restroom
3. Community Marketplace
4. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
5. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
6. Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
7. Climate Action Projects
8. Recreational Trail Enhancements
9. Sustainable Child Care Center
10. Implementing Nature in the City
11. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
12. Bridge Maintenance and Replacement
13. Completion of the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek
14. Water Sustainability Improvements for Parks and Golf
15. Parking Garage & Retail Space
16. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
17. College Midtown Transportation Plan Implementation Fund
18. Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
19. Neighborhood Revitalization Investments
20. East Mulberry Corridor planning, prelim design, and ROW purchase
Total-Lowest Priority:
1. Parking Garage & Retail Space
2. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
3. College Median and Streetscape Enhancement & Renovations
4. Community Marketplace
5. Land for Police Maintenance Facility
6. Quiet Zone Implementation II- (Drake to Trilby - 5 crossings)
7. Regional Training Facility
8. Campus West Policing Substation
9. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
10. Mason Street Enhancement
11. Southeast Community Creative Center
12. Velo and Fitness Park
13. Southwest Annexation Road Improvements Fund
14. Climate Action Projects
15. Implementing Nature in the City
16. Preserving our Heritage: City Park Train; Club Tico Renovation; Fire Museum
17. South Timberline Road Improvements
18. Downtown Restroom
19. Sustainable Child Care Center
3
20. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
Boards and Commissions-Top 20 Highest Priority Projects:
1. Recreational Trail Enhancements
2. Water Sustainability Improvements for Parks and Golf
3. Sustainable Child Care Center
4. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
5. Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
6. Bridge Maintenance and Replacement
7. Completion of the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek
8. EPIC Pool Improvements
9. Downtown Restroom
10. Southeast Community Creative Center
11. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
12. Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
13. Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building
14. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
15. Linden Street Renovations Design & Construction
16. Neighborhood Revitalization Investments
17. East Mulberry Corridor planning, prelim design, and ROW purchase
18. Downtown Maintenance Shop
19. Climate Action Projects
20. Realigned Vine Drive I - College to Lemay
Boards and Commissions- Lowest Priority Projects:
1. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
2. College Median and Streetscape Enhancement & Renovations
3. Parking Garage & Retail Space
4. Community Marketplace
5. Quiet Zone Implementation II- (Drake to Trilby - 5 crossings)
6. Velo and Fitness Park
7. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
8. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
9. Preserving our Heritage: City Park Train; Club Tico Renovation; Fire Museum
10. Start up for Bike Share
11. Implementing Nature in the City
12. Sustainable Child Care Center
13. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
14. Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
15. EPIC Pool Improvements
16. Downtown Restroom
17. Southeast Community Creative Center
18. Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
19. Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building
20. Climate Action Projects
4
CityWork Alumi Forum-Top 20 Highest Priority Projects
1. Parking Garage & Retail Space
2. Preserving our Heritage: City Park Train; Club Tico Renovation; Fire Museum
3. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
4. Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
5. Linden Street Renovations Design & Construction
6. Realigned Vine Drive I - College to Lemay
7. Lincoln Neighborhood Projects
8. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
9. Downtown Restroom
10. Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building
11. Transfort Bus Fleet Replacement (Continued from BOB)
12. Mason Street Enhancement
13. East Mulberry Corridor planning, prelim design, and ROW purchase
14. Lincoln Avenue Improvements Design & Construction
15. Jefferson Street Improvements - College Avenue to Lincoln Avenue/Mountain Aveneue
16. Campus West Policing Substation
17. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
18. Community Marketplace
19. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
20. Start up for Bike Share
CityWork Alumni Forum-Lowest Priority:
1. Community Marketplace
2. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
3. Preserving our Heritage: City Park Train; Club Tico Renovation; Fire Museum
4. Downtown Restroom
5. Regional Training Facility
6. Land for Police Maintenance Facility
7. College Median and Streetscape Enhancement & Renovations
8. Quiet Zone Implementation II- (Drake to Trilby - 5 crossings)
9. Velo and Fitness Park
10. Climate Action Projects
11. Southwest Annexation Road Improvements Fund
12. South Timberline Road Improvements
5
Community Issue Forum Open House-Top 20 Highest Priority Projects:
1. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
2. Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes) (Continued from BOB)
3. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
4. Parking Garage & Retail Space
5. Campus West Policing Substation
6. Downtown Restroom
7. Climate Action Projects
8. Bridge Maintenance and Replacement
9. Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
10. Recreational Trail Enhancements
11. Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
12. Implementing Nature in the City
13. Community Marketplace
14. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
15. Realigned Vine Drive I - College to Lemay
16. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
17. EPIC Pool Improvements
18. Completion of the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek
19. West LaPorte Avenue Improvements - Impala Drive to Taft Hill Road
20. Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building
21. Sustainable Child Care Center
Community Issue Forum Open House-Lowest Priority:
1. Land for Police Maintenance Facility
2. Community Marketplace
3. Regional Training Facility
4. Parking Garage & Retail Space
5. Climate Action Projects
6. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
7. Campus West Policing Substation
8. Implementing Nature in the City
9. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
10. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
11. Southeast Community Creative Center
12. Velo and Fitness Park
13. Computer Aided Dispatch/Record Management System Upgrades
14. Quiet Zone Implementation II- (Drake to Trilby - 5 crossings)
15. Mason Street Enhancement
16. Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes) (Continued from BOB)
17. Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building
18. Sustainable Child Care Center
6
19. Southwest Annexation Road Improvements Fund
20. Linden Street Renovations Design & Construction
Sustainable Living Fair-Top 20 Highest Priority Projects:
1. Community Marketplace
2. Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes) (Continued from BOB)
3. Downtown Restroom
4. Climate Action Projects
5. Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
6. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
7. Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
8. Implementing Nature in the City
9. Recreational Trail Enhancements
10. Sustainable Child Care Center
11. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements
12. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
13. College Midtown Transportation Plan Implementation Fund
14. Neighborhood Revitalization Investments
15. Parking Garage & Retail Space
16. Completion of the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek
17. Start up for Bike Share
18. East Mulberry Corridor planning, prelim design, and ROW purchase
19. Water Sustainability Improvements for Parks and Golf
20. Velo and Fitness Park
Sustainable Living Fair-Lowest Priority:
1. Parking Garage & Retail Space
2. College Median and Streetscape Enhancement & Renovations
3. Land for Police Maintenance Facility
4. Quiet Zone Implementation I-(Downtown /CSU - 16 crossings + 2 ped crossings)
5. Campus West Policing Substation
6. Regional Training Facility
7. Quiet Zone Implementation II- (Drake to Trilby - 5 crossings)
8. Mason Street Enhancement
9. Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
10. Southeast Community Creative Center
11. South Timberline Road Improvements
12. College Midtown Transportation Plan Implementation Fund
13. Lincoln Neighborhood Projects
14. Realigned Vine Drive I - College to Lemay
15. West LaPorte Avenue Improvements - Impala Drive to Taft Hill Road
16. Southwest Annexation Road Improvements Fund
17. Downtown Restroom
18. Sustainable Child Care Center
7
19. Completion of the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek
20. Start up for Bike Share
1
Website Project Rankings and Comments
As of September 22, 2014
Citizen Comments from BOB 2.0 Website
Fort Collins loves beer, but is safe enough. Cut the safety, stick with the agricultural improvements.
Submitted at Sep-22-2014 02:17 PM
Most of the projects listed are worthwhile. However, I have picked those that I feel will make the
most positive impact on Fort Collins.
The community marketplace is long overdue and would be great for residents and local small food
businesses.
I was appalled the one time I used the current bathroom in Old Town--there was no way to wash
hands. Disgusting! We need a modern restroom which includes running water and soap!! With so
many festivals/carnivals with food trucks, this is a public health issue. My only concern is that it may
be used for habitation by the homeless--perhaps it should be locked at night?
Basically, I am always in favor of more emphasis on parks or nature areas. That's what sets Fort
Collins apart. And, the Gardens on Spring Creek is a wonderful facility which should be utilized to
the fullest.
I don't have children myself, but many of my co-workers struggle with child-care issues. Affordable
child-care is essential so parents can work/go to school. Honestly, there is a need for affordable
child care throughout the city.
Submitted at Sep-22-2014 01:45 PM
There was discussion on a SE rec center (with sufficient lap lanes for swim team use), but I don't
see that on the list. That is the #1 pick for me. Thanks.
Submitted at Sep-22-2014 11:22 AM
I think the city needs to be sure to support Transfort as much as possible. There have been so
many great improvements, but without adding (or continuing to add/upgrade) buses and staff all
of the new changes are difficult to implement.
Submitted at Sep-22-2014 08:34 AM
I believe the time has come in Fort Collins when something like the proposed "Community
Marketplace" could succeed very well, if done correctly.
Submitted at Sep-21-2014 11:31 AM
ATTACHMENT 3
2
Homeless project seems to be a major humanitarian concern. I hope that it can make it to at
least near the top of the priority list. Maybe include rehab program for those who can eventually
manage on their own by providing some sort of re-entry into mainstream assistance.
I personally would like to see the share bike program become a part of www.bcycle.com
program. Reasoning being is that it is an international program already in place and a
membership card holder can utilize their card anywhere. If a card holder established their card
in Denver and moves to Fort Collins then the card would be transferred to new location or if I
live in Fort Collins and visit Boulder or Denver then I can utilize their system as well, using the
same membership card as long as the bikes remain within the same community. That way I
don't have to redo a membership for every community I go to. I ride the bus to Denver and
Boulder and will be nice to have a universal card to have for here as well as when I visit areas
that have the same program.
Vine/Lemay grade separated crossing. I hope that means an under or overpass of the railroad. I
think that there is a lack of planning involving the railroad or simply being to cheap when
developing on or around railroads. Bridges are done for waterways, but that is out of necessity,
but it should also be considered for railway, at least with most major arteries. So, put a bridge or
underpass for pete sake.
Also, consider detox and rehab for drug and alcohol or least provide grant funding to nonprofits.
In this case, utilize special taxation for funding like taxes from marijuana sells.
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 10:19 PM
Great list of projects - thanks to the City for being visionary!
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 11:52 AM
We need more protected bicycle lanes in this amazing town! Especially on West Elizabeth
Street! Please!
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 10:18 AM
Yes, please, on the Community Marketplace.
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 09:05 AM
I have indicated several projects for funding. These are the ones I see as highest priority and I
list them below with a priority score 1-5, with 1 being most important.
1 - Safe routes to everywhere, Tranfort Bus Fleet replacement - these initiatives help to make
good ways for people to get around FoCo without a car. If funded, they actually can impact quite
3
a few other issues by removing cars from the streets.
2 - Community Marketplace - This idea is wonderful for downtown. Our summer time
marketplaces are bustling with people. This continues the market and builds community (and it
is a relatively small investment for a potentially big payback).
3 - Bridge maintenance and replacement - No brainer here. If you don't take care of these, then
we end up with catastrophic failure. Bottom line: take care of important infrastructure.
4 - Housing for chronically homeless - as FoCo downtown pushes north, one big problem is the
number of homeless people at the park at Jefferson and Linden across from the Mission. With
added housing, this can help offset the number of chronically homeless and help with the
downtown area.
5 - EPIC pool improvements - EPIC is the only real exercise focused pool facility in FoCo. Many,
many people benefit from it and it has brought people to FoCo for events. The cost is modest
with no ongoing commitment. This is a good cost-to-benefit ratio.
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 08:09 AM
Fort Collins local vendors needs to have a building like this. It has potential to create a thriving
culture created by the people that live here. Something like this, would be good for already
established vendors and inspiring for those who wish to begin. This brings consumer and
provider together in a unique setting that cannot happen at the grocery store. It puts a face on
these items we buy, human interaction in this way is dire to hold onto a technologically
advancing world.
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 07:04 AM
Gardens on Spring Creek 5 acres with no plan for food growing or training? Fort Collins has
young farmers who can't find or afford land. The city needs to lead in stressing the importance
of food (not commodities) agriculture from the soil up!
Submitted at Sep-20-2014 06:47 AM
Spring Creek Gardens -- local food production, accessible to residents is a good thing! Finish
the project and bring it to full functionality!
Community Market -- I'm a member of the Fort Collins Food Cooperative and strongly
committed to building our local economy and fostering a "a unique downtown destination
bursting with a high quality selection of locally produced, artisan and ethnic products, freshly-
made prepared foods, independent merchants, music and community events--- open year
round." I love the year round part!
4
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 08:00 PM
The outdoor restroom could be accomplished for free by allowing the installer use if for
advertising. San Jose used this model a while back.
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 04:43 PM
A central year-round location for local producers and a farmer's market would be a great boon
to the downtown area, attracting people from all over Fort Collins to come shop there.
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 03:47 PM
The hard part here is not checking everything. The highest priorities in my mind are those that
improve transportation in the city, esp for safe bicycling, pedestrians and continued
improvement in mass transit.
Equally high on my list would be improved services and support for our homeless and low
income populations. I love the idea of improvements in deteriorating neighborhoods, but do
have concerns that that will then lead to increased gentrification and the eventual ousting of the
very people this would be intended to help, (a conundrum indeed).
Love, love love the Community Market concept. I have visited a few in my travels, and in fact
look for such things when I do. I have also heard others talk about enjoying this type of thing in
their own travels. It could be just as much a support for local good as a tourist draw.
And of course none of this is possible without a good infrastructure. Well landscaped and
planned streets scapes are so important to the health of our city, mentally emotionally and
physically. I think it is part of what makes our lovely home so appealing. I just wish people would
take the idea home and make their own home towns as lovely, then we can all happily vist each
other without overgrowing any one environment.
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 01:59 PM
Of all the choices I made above, I think the Community Marketplace would have an amazing
impact on the economy of Old Town and the overall feel of Old Town Fort Collins. We need
more projects like the Community Marketplace and less expansion of places like breweries and
distilleries. We have enough places in town to get drunk. Old Town is slowly becoming less
about families and kids, and more about night life and adults.
Is it possible that the city might start looking at buying up some of the older buildings to offer
subsidized rents for the small mom and pop shops that seem to be going under? Too many of
these cool little businesses die every year because of super high rents.
David
5
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 12:41 PM
A downtown community marketplace can serve as a site of food-based economic development
not only for Fort Collins, but Northern Colorado. By having an urban center that buys from
surrounding rural places, such a market can build stronger ties between the various segments
of this part of Colorado. At the same time, a community marketplace will contribute to a green
jobs economy, in turn encouraging triple bottom line practices in Fort Collins.
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 11:50 AM
I am in support of the Community Marketplace project to construct an indoor market hall
allowing for year - round operation of a farmer’s market.
I am in full support of local food production, local economy, and increasing the availability and
opportunity to purchase such Fort Collins products for local citizens!
Thank you,
Jeff Trow
2606 Gilpin Ave.
Loveland, Colorado 80538
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 10:52 AM
It's a long time coming!!
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 09:51 AM
I would love to see a community marketplace in Fort Collins!
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 09:36 AM
This is a desperately needed hub of community vibrancy. The activities that will go on here are
the true foundation of the health of fort collins, the underpinnings of economic, food, and
healthcare security start with supporting our local food system.
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 09:32 AM
Yes, yes, yes to a community market - one of my favorite things to do when I visit other cities!
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 08:15 AM
6
thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback!
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 08:09 AM
I think a Community Marketplace is an amazing idea. It would be so good for our local economy!
Submitted at Sep-19-2014 04:28 AM
Housing is a CRITICAL issue in Fort Collins, & the best way to address homelessness is to offer
affordable housing & support services to help them become self-sufficient. Similarly, child care
is often not affordable for young families. We need to offer more quality, affordable child care
centers.
Submitted at Sep-18-2014 10:27 AM
Downtown needs a public restroom, and East Mulberry needs to look better--it's a main entry
into the city of Fort Collins. I unequivocally support local food production, so the Community
Marketplace is very important to me also. Locally produced food is the freshest and very best
offered, and having a year round location to shop for it will make it easier for all of us to access
it. Support for local food has grown every year for the past 10 years. I hope we can provide this
resource to our community!
Submitted at Sep-16-2014 03:21 PM
Please bring a year-round Farmer's Market.... I believe many people would support the year
round market if people knew EVERY weekend they could go get fresh food. Fort Collins people
love to support their farmer!
Submitted at Sep-16-2014 08:57 AM
These are all fantastic projects that I would love to see accomplished, but I think we need to
focus on projects that decrease our environmental impact, make it easier for bikes and
pedestrians to get around, and create housing for our residents who are unable to afford to live
here.
Submitted at Sep-15-2014 03:43 PM
Please consider making Bike/Ped grade separated crossings fund a top priority. This will make
it much safer for those of us who travel exclusively by bike/foot.
Submitted at Sep-15-2014 02:55 PM
7
I would hope that the Southeast Community Center would include a lap pool.
So many important projects are named here. It's hard to choose which should go forward or not.
I hope many of them can be funded.
Submitted at Sep-14-2014 06:59 PM
I think this is a great idea. This would provide an entertainment destination as well as shopping
facilities for those things not always readily available.
Submitted at Sep-13-2014 11:01 AM
I love the idea of a Fort Collins market place. I also feel strongly about moving towards a
sustainable future by effectively managing our water usage, pursuing sustainable energies,
improving pedestrian and bike transit throughout town, and implementing more composting
(which could potentially be used to support organic growing in Fort Collins).
Submitted at Sep-12-2014 11:16 PM
I have hand crafted items for sale and would appreciate the venue.
Submitted at Sep-12-2014 08:49 PM
I am a strong supporter of this project, particularly as it relates to the creation of a marketplace
for locally grown food. I hope that the city will support this vital project that will continue to grow
Fort Collins into a unique and desirable place to live work and play.
Regards,
Ben Nelson
Submitted at Sep-12-2014 05:46 PM
I think a year round community market featuring local food and art is exactly what Fort Collins
needs. It is the sort of thing that makes this city so great and I think it is very much wanted by
this community. Thanks
Submitted at Sep-12-2014 02:21 PM
As a long-time supporter of Fort Collins local business, i think a year-round community market
would be a great downtown attraction and would give a great boost to the local economy.
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Submitted at Sep-12-2014 10:41 AM
I strongly support the Community Marketplace project, and urge the City to include it in the
capital budget. The Community Marketplace will have strong positive impacts on the community
in lots of ways: It will support economic development by providing a venue for local food
businesses; it will support local farmers and food producers; it will promote community health
through access to healthy feed; it will promote community engagement because that's what
public markets do. This is a project with immense upside and few downsides, and there are
many people in the community who will actively support it. It also has the potential, depending
on siting, to be a bridge across the north-south split in Fort Collins, which would be a hugely
good thing.
Fort Collins has done a great job of creating a world-class city and place to lvie and work. A
Public Market would be a huge positive addition to the community!
Submitted at Sep-12-2014 10:34 AM
Investing in a community marketplace shows that FTC stands behind its commitment to
community and local food, and will bring people downtown, year round, for healthy food and
community. Invest!
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 09:49 PM
This is vital to the health of Fort Collins
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 03:27 PM
This is vital to the health of Fort Collins and to support our local food economy.
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 03:24 PM
City Leaders,
As owner of Spring Kite Farm, a local organic produce farm and CSA operation located within
city limits, I strongly support the city's goal of funding a permanent Community Marketplace.
This is a very forward thinking step and will be integral as the community continues to build a
healthy, resilient food system.
I do, however, have a few concerns:
1) $9M is a bit much. I believe that the newly formed NoCo Food Cluster could leverage $3M
from the BOB offer for additional foundation support and private investment.
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2) There needs to be land acquisition (by the public and/or private sectors, time for
collaboration?) attached to this offer. Land values continue to increase in Northern Colorado,
and it is time for municipalities take a serious role in securing prime agricultural lands with
adequate water right and getting local food producers on those lands with tenure (unique
financing options for ownership, long term land leases - 50-100 yrs, etc).
It's time to take a long-term approach to food system innovation and investment.
Thanks very much for your support!
Michael Baute
Spring Kite Farm
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 01:51 PM
I have spent considerable time in Seattle and Vancouver and love the energy Pike's Market and
Granville Island brings to their community. Fort Collins has long talked about one, now is the
time to create something. I will enhance the downtown area, support our local businesses and
artisans and truly make Fort Collins a destination city.
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 01:39 PM
I am in support of a Fort Collins Community Marketplace. If created it will further enhance the
reputation of FTC as a first class place to live, work and play. A new marketplace will create
jobs as it supports the local community. Please support this project wholeheartedly.
Submitted at Sep-11-2014 11:55 AM
Thanks for the opportunity to provide input to city planning.
Submitted at Sep-10-2014 03:22 PM
The train and Club Tico help Fort Collins stand out.
A downtown market is also important and helps Fort Collins stand out.
I'm all for bike safety and travel. The Homeless population needs housing. Studies suggest that
housing reduces all of the peripheral issues that surround homelessness.
Submitted at Sep-10-2014 11:13 AM
I do support the community marketplace - people have been doing a lot of good work around
our food system. Food will be a very important future need, increasing because farmland is
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being used east of here for oil and gas development. Distribution, from what I have learned, is a
major issue for small farmers. Fort Collins needs this.
Although I can find it on this agenda, please fund the SBDC - it has grown into a wonderfully
dynamic program. Hope it's not to late for the city to help the program. We need continued
support small business in Fort Collins.
Submitted at Sep-10-2014 09:40 AM
All of these ideas are good ones - I would vote for them all if I thought we could afford them! I
have tried to choose projects that: increase quality of life of our city and provide increased
support for the qualities that make our city unique (cycling, use and preservation of nature,
abundant outdoor/recreational space).
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.
Joyce
Submitted at Sep-10-2014 08:05 AM
The community market, housing for the homeless, and the trails are te top priorities. In that
order. The market is the most likely to maintain summer employment and generate more
income for the city. It's a wise investment.
Submitted at Sep-10-2014 12:10 AM
I have so many friends with great business ideas that they want to or have already started here
in Fort Collins. They all express concerns with a venue for sales- we have the producers- we
have the buyers but our downtown farmers market isn't cutting it! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
build us a community market place! I can't wait to go all there all the time and take pride in
showing off our ability to facilitate local economic growth as a community!
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 10:39 PM
I am writing in support of the Community Marketplace in Fort Collins. As a doctoral candidate in
Food Systems, I am supportive of the triple bottom line benefits a Community Marketplace
would provide.
Economically, a year round marketplace would add vitality to the local and regional economy
and enhances Fort Collins’s already widely recognized character as one of the best places to
live in America! It would also create an attractive, dynamic and diverse experience for shoppers
and community members who choose to purchase and consume in ways that support their
social and environmental values, while bringing greater economic well-being and sustainability
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to our local community. Similar to great Public Markets in other cities, a market that draws
residents back for repeated shopping, social, cultural and educational experiences, will also
become a destination for visitors and tourists. Furthermore, the scope of the Community
Marketplace should support other sectors in the local economy like local entrepreneurs that
share the commitment to local sustainability and global fairness, especially in areas supported
by the City’s other economic development activities.
Fort Collins is a unique place with local pride. A Community Marketplace will facilitate building
direct relationships between producers, vendors and consumers and ensure that this pride is
shared and communicated as more out-of-towners move to our great city. That relationship is
based in part on a local culture that gives people the opportunity to know better those with
whom they engage in economic and other activities. But that relationship also is based on a
vision of sustainability that is not necessarily geographically determined. Being Local is
ultimately less about distinct geographical boundaries than about a commitment to alternative
relationships promoting social and environmental values.
I am in full support of the Community Marketplace and envision it being a place of learning,
communing, shopping, eating, conversing and growing as a community.
Thanks!
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 06:25 PM
A community marketplace has been the topic of conversation for many years. It would be a
great to have a place like Chelsea Market or Pike Market where local businesses could have a
year round place to sell their products. It could also be used to hold events that require a large
venue with flooring that can be cleaned (i.e. no hardwood or carpeting). We need a larger place
to hold the Winter Market, which is very popular with our community, and this would be a perfect
place.
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 03:25 PM
I would very much like the BOB to support a Community Marketplace. Buying local helps
everyone in the community by keeping our spending dollars and tax money in our own town.
Local produce is also better for our health. The market will also provide an outlet for new
business exploration and growth. It will add to vitality of the Old Town area.
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 02:51 PM
A community marketplace would be great to support local businesses and help create
infrastructure for more local food availability for the public and institutions.
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Submitted at Sep-09-2014 02:32 PM
This form is very helpful to understand what is possible and I liked that it included O&M impact.
Next time I would recommend a running tally at the bottom (like a shopping cart) that would
allow citizens/voters to see how much what they want will cost them/us, and have it turn from
green to red when more items are selected than the predicted funding from the tax. This form
was challenging to figure out the real cost on a yearly basis of what I believe would help Fort
Collins. We can't have it all, and understanding the impact of choices at an individual level
would help us and City Council make effective decisions on where to focus our efforts as a
community.
Thanks for reaching out for input!
Chris
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 02:27 PM
This would be a game charger for fort collins and make encourage more produces to be
available.
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 02:19 PM
Thank you for offering a place for public voice.
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 02:15 PM
Great public input option
Submitted at Sep-09-2014 10:15 AM
These are all good projects. However, I would rank CR1 highest because presently there are no
City recreation centers in southeast Fort Collins.
Yet the southeast is still a major growth path for both residential and commercial development.
Keep up the great work! Your vision and commitment are encouraging.
Submitted at Sep-08-2014 10:14 AM
The geographic limits on the Quiet Zone Implementation item lists "from Drake to Trilby". Please
consider extending this geographic zone to the southern limit of the city which is Carpenter
Road. Since the recent development of oil and gas in our region, the rail line that used to carry
one or two very small trains a day now services hundred car oil tanker trains a number of times
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during the day and night. Please consider in you planning process that train noise and safety
issues extend to other regions of the city than just CSU and Downtown.
Submitted at Sep-08-2014 08:37 AM
So many great project ideas, really hard to pick just a few. Seeing as a majority of our
community utilizes the College Ave/Midtown corridor and there is so much redevelopment
happening there I'd love to see investment in midtown sooner rather than later. We've made the
plans for Midtown, now let's build!
Submitted at Sep-03-2014 11:52 PM
I'm getting sick of waiting for a kayak park. the people have shown interest and followed the
appropriate processes and I feel as though we are being met with resistance.
Submitted at Sep-03-2014 10:26 AM
I'm submitting this to support the Poudre River kayak play park. This is a tremendous
opportunity to implement a community oriented project that will help people recognize and
appreciate the Poudre. Play parks offer economic upsides for communities through
events/competitions. Play parks also offer a safe environment for people to develop kayaking
skills, a benefit that will lead to increasing safety and interest in the sport.
Submitted at Sep-03-2014 10:12 AM
The Poudre Downtown project Reach 3 of the Master plan missed funds from the General fund
for 2015-2016 because of one staff persons decision This is very unfortunate considering the
communities interest and financial contribution to the project. This should be at the top of the
BOB list of projects. There is currently $158,000 in liquid private funds ready to fund a
whitewater park in Downtown Fort Collins. There's no reason to let those funds go to waste.
Thank you City leadership.
Submitted at Sep-02-2014 02:13 PM
Many of these projects fall in the "Would Be Nice!" category. I feel as a Country, as a State and
as a City we can no longer afford "Bigger, Better, Shiner" projects; we need to focus on "Basic
Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance." We have already built more than we can afford to
maintain or certainly replace.
We certainly cannot afford to build the BNSF railroad overpass, we must work the BNSF and
the PUC to make an at grade crossing work; as it will be too expensive, too massive, too ugly,
and we will never be able to afford the maintenance and ultimate replacement.
Submitted at Sep-02-2014 12:15 PM
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It makes no sense why city council would solicit community feedback for a SE Recreation & Arts
Center, which clearly indicated what we want, and then do a complete 180 and turn it into a
creative center. SE Fort Collins is full of families! We need pools, both competitive & leisure,
and a place to recreate. We want a regular rec center, one where we can swim, exercise, take
various classes, and put the kids in child care for a couple of hours. None of this creative center
stuff! If there's money left over, fine, use It to turn the Carnegie building into a creative center.
But SE FoCo NEEDS a rec center, something we'll use everyday!!! It's misleading to ask us to
prioritize the BOB projects with the $10M creative center and not give us the option to vote for
the $35M rec center that we really want! All of FoCo's tax dollars have gone to the north and the
central areas for far too long. The amount of residents and growth happening here warrants a
rec center! Don't waste $10M of our money on something we will hardly use. $35M on a full
service rec facility will be money well spent!!!
Submitted at Aug-29-2014 03:12 AM
Obviously I would love to support every one of these projects! They all sound beneficial in some
way. I mainly focused on projects that I would support being completed in the very near future. If
I was looking at long-term development, some of these priorities may shift, especially the
transportation projects.
Submitted at Aug-22-2014 07:42 AM
Thank you for allowing us to provide input. I have lived in other cities where they have raised a
local-option sales tax but were not transparent as to how the funds will be spent.
I have lived in a few smaller cities throughout the US. Fort Collins' trail system and the ability to
travel across the city without a car continues to set us apart from these other cities.
Thanks so much.
Tom Hromatka
Submitted at Aug-21-2014 10:02 AM
I think this whole idea is great and I support whatever projects are chosen.
Submitted at Aug-20-2014 12:15 PM
I don't get this at all; there have been multiple surveys and public input sessions and even
proposals for a recreation center and all of a sudden we get this weird thing out of nowhere. It is
long long since time for a pool on the south side of town, and we have been being promised a
rec center for nearly as long as I have lived in Fort Collins. You need to rethink some things and
start to invest in the south side of town, we pay lots of taxes and end up going to Loveland half
of the time because their facilities are better and closer ...
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 07:03 PM
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South-side rec center (say northside with a swim team pool), yes. Creative center, NO, NO, NO!
Maybe climate action plan. Will need to wait and see what it says. If it is as stupid as the bag fee
NO, example don't tell me to reduce my in-town driving then vote to widen roads and freeways
for more cars. If it things like residential roof-top solar, mirco-grid, grey-water, pod-cars, etc,
probably a YES.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 04:39 PM
Less emphasis on bikes and more on automobile flow and efficiency. Cars hugely outnumber
bikes so less stopping and traffic delays would do more for the environment that socially
engineering us to use bikes. They're not practical for busy working/tax-paying citizens.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 12:16 PM
Southeast rec center should be a rec center, not a "creative center". If you don't include a pool,
you have doomed it to obscurity. The southeast part of town needs safe recreation, bike trails,
and crossings on Harmony for the people that don't drive. There are no safe ways to get to
Preston, Fossil, or Zach for pedestrians or bicyclists.
EPIC and Mulberry pills are overcrowded and have both been recently updated... It is time for a
pool and rec center on the south end of town!
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 10:28 AM
Many worthwhile projects,with limited funding. It's very difficult to choose some over others,
especially with regard to infrastructure/road projects.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 09:36 AM
Let's hope the improvements keep coming--they make it easy to be proud to live in Fort Collins.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 09:32 AM
I believe the grade separated crossing at Vine and Lemay is needed in order to allow
development in the northern part of the City.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 09:19 AM
I am terribly disappointed to not see an new swimming facility included in this list. Fort Collins is
in desperate, DESPERATE need of more year-round pool time/space. Fort Collins/Loveland
was just names one of the top "swimming communities" in the entire nation (thanks much in part
to Loveland), but there is never enough space for the local swimming teams, as well as the
general public. As much pride as the city takes in being a "recreator's mecca", city leadership
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should be ashamed at how far behind it lacks in pool facilities for it's residents, particularly
compared to it's neighbor to the south, and the rest of Colorado.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 08:36 AM
It looks like a great list to pick from.
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 08:08 AM
What happened to SE Pool/Rec Center project? That seems MUCH more useful than some
generic "cultural center". Also, for a city this large, it's sad that our only public outdoor pool
offers no lap swimming or diving boards. Recently spent a great day at Sunset Pool in
Longmont and was reminded how lacking the pool situation in Fort Collins is.
-Eric
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 06:02 AM
Choosing projects with zero budget constraints is pointless... Redesign this survey with a "salary
cap" feature so hard choices must be made, if you want realistic results... or keep the if we won
the lottery & had all the money in the world mentality ... lol government spending
Submitted at Aug-18-2014 02:29 AM
The southeast rec center idea has turned from a rec center to a creative center. Why? That's
not what we voted on at the visioning session. We want a pool! A big one! We want this to be for
families. This part of town is full of families. That's what we need.
Submitted at Aug-17-2014 09:47 PM
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Community Issue Forum
Keypads and Discussion
Keypad results
What part of the City do you live in? (by quadrant)
Responses
Percent Count
East of College Ave and North of Drake 18.75% 3
East of College Ave and South of Drake 37.50% 6
West of College Ave and North of Drake 25.00% 4
West of College Ave and South of Drake 18.75% 3
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What decade were you born?
Responses
Percent Count
After 1990 38.89% 7
1980s 11.11% 2
1970s 11.11% 2
1960s 5.56% 1
1950s 11.11% 2
1940s 11.11% 2
1930s 5.56% 1
1920s 0.00% 0
1910s 0.00% 0
1900s 0.00% 0
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Which three projects do you support the most?
Responses
Percent Count
ENV 1 – Climate action projects 22.45% 11
CNL1 – Housing for chronically homeless 20.41% 10
CNL2 – Safe routes to everywhere 14.29% 7
T13 - Bridge maintenance and replacement 12.24% 6
CR 5 – Trail enhancements 8.16% 4
ENV 2 – Composting and recycling facility 6.12% 3
HPG 1- Parking garage and retail space 6.12% 3
ECH 1 – Downtown restroom 4.08% 2
SC5 – Campus west policing station 4.08% 2
T1 – Vine and Lemay 2.04% 1
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Existing Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue is congested and constrained by the Burlington Northern and
Santa Fe Railroad. Trains block the intersection and create extended gridlock in the area. This
location is a top location for congestion and safety complaints. Existing neighborhoods in this area
are becoming increasingly impacted by the congestion on Lemay. Responses
Percent Count
This project should stay in BOB 2.0 11.76% 2
Consider a separate tax initiative for this project alone 35.29% 6
Consider a separate tax initiative for this project and 2-3 52.94% 9
ATTACHMENT 5
2
additional traffic projects. 17
Since 1989, voters have supported street maintenance through a 1/4 –cent tax. The current tax will
expire Dec. 31, 2015. Voters will have the opportunity to renew this tax in April 2015. Should the
term of the tax be: Responses
Percent Count
10 years 47.06% 8
15 years 35.29% 6
20 years 17.65% 3
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Community Issue Forum-Small Table Discussion
Table Notes from all Tables
Tables chose which proposals they discussed, so some proposals were not discussed and some were
discussed by multiple tables.
CR1 Southeast Community Creative Center
Encourages youth in FoCo. They are our future, and we need to show them the importance of art,
physical health, etc.
CR2 Water Sustainability Improvements for Parks and Golf
Doesn’t cost too much, makes a big impact and is easy to add.
CR 5 Recreational Trail Enhancements
The trails should be a mixture of concrete and runner safe material to provide a safe environment
for runners and bikers
Potential project benefits:
- May encourage transportation alternatives to cars
- Encourages a healthy community
- New trails should be biker and runner friendly
- The wider trails will be safer for bikers and runners
Potential project drawbacks:
- May be bigger projects that should be focused on
Widening of bike path would be beneficial, some accidents/collisions have nearly occurred.
CR 6 EPIC Pool Improvements
Current EPIC Pool is rundown, the showers need repairs, and there is currently insufficient funds to
take care of it
The pool is run down and dirty
Potential project benefits:
- Improves quality and experiences for children
- Is one of the few pools in Fort Collins with lap lanes, needs to be in good shape
- Encourages a healthy community
Potential project drawbacks:
- We have the Keep Fort Collins Great tax to fix problems like this; the money from BOB should
be used for bigger projects
(Lifeguard, works at EPIC). Many different people go to EPIC, but there are lots of problems with
the pool itself. The pumps aren’t working well—had to close the pool for a couple of days
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because of this. It’s a loss of revenue for the city when the pool isn’t open. Gets very busy when
there are swim meets.
(Takes grandkids there) There are some HVAC problems that need to be addressed; people
could get sick.
This isn’t a new project.
ECH 1 Downtown Restroom
Support:
- Just think it's necessary. Downtown is one of the greatest parts of Fort Collins, but are lacking
some these basic, fundamental and functional things (also parking situation).
- Low cost, so could be a good filler project...however, yes it does fall more under the category of
DDA responsibilities.
Concern:
- This could be a DDA project- they are already talking about it so why should it be funded by us.
Rest of downtown is nice; family area, lots of pedestrians, nice impression, high-traffic area;
restroom would be good for entire downtown image
Not many accessible restrooms: inconveniences families with small children, creates strife between
shop/restaurant owners and citizens
No new restroom/current restroom is public health issue
Who would be in charge of upkeep?
-Whoever is has failed in upkeep up current restroom
How is O&M $0? Is it pulled from general fund and not BOB?
Proposed area is "slum" of downtown; Montezuma Fuller alley is nice but leads to "slum"
Oak Street (location of current restroom) is high-traffic: live music, families
Puts pressure on restaurants/stores
Facilitator: Reasons not to fund?
- Priorities - people should be higher up
- Experience of people matters, not pretty city
- CNL1 more important
- Why not paid for by general fund? Why from BOB?
- Only 350k
- Could use BOB funding elsewhere
- Consensus: great question
ECH 5 East Mulberry Corridor planning, prelim design, and ROW purchase
Three people noted: this is an important issue that the city definitely needs to look at
Potential project benefits:
-May draw traffic away from busier streets (Harmony and College)
-May develop the North side of town
-Because it is in city limits, the construction would have to meet our requirements/standards
Potential project drawbacks:
-Is $300,000 enough money to actually improve anything?
-It is at the edge of the city growth area
-There should be a separate budget for this
ECH 7 Willow Street Improvements – College Avenue to Linden Street Design and Construction
Willow is nice around United Way, but suddenly becomes "depressing"
Not accessible area, limited space, "black hole"
Connect to Poudre River corridor?
4
Ranch Feeds (?) is oldest business in FC - would be nice to integrate
North FC needs renovation; "slum"
Current lighting, sandstones signs are nice; came from BOB?
What do these "improvements" entail exactly?
Bob Blue theatre - would be awesome to make it accessible to downtown
Would help culture, recreation
ECH 11 Community Marketplace
Place for farmers market, would be nice to have indoor market when weather is bad, good
community building, help preserve identity of Fort Collins
Concerns:
- Have heard from people that live close to current marketplace have gotten negative feedback
from other shop owners
- Would rather see the DDA pick up this project when their funding increases- get funding form
tax payers in their area.
- Agree, this project would be better funded by DDA
(Goes to farmer’s market a lot). It’s growing, popular and it would be nice to have a place to go
all year round.
Would be nice, but it should be funded by commercial activity: vendors, developers, etc., not the
city.
Not all farmers’ markets are self-sustaining, all need some public/city support. Creating a space
for them would give money back to the farmers.
If farmers’ markets can’t support themselves, then maybe they shouldn’t exist.
They can’t support themselves and family farms are on the decline because people aren’t willing
to pay for the real cost of food.
ENV 1 Climate Action Projects
Support:
- Make Fort Collins stand out in environmental reputation
- Has potential to more than pay for itself
- Would greatly help the local economy to have Fort Collins be recognized as an innovative,
progressive place
- Would keep Fort Collins up to national standards, good reputation and good example to set
- Can't put this off any longer
- Energy efficiency is important for our economy and our status as an "up and coming" city
- Need to focus on this as a community value that represents our citizens
- Keeps us competitive with surrounding communities (Boulder)
Concern:
-This is a farce- without the breweries, Fort Collins would be unpopulated (Knows people who had
recycling businesses that went out of business)
Climate is clearly changing, must react now or we are "dead in water" in 5-10 years when
playing catch-up
But FC can't do it alone
But what FC is doing now isn't enough
Description shortcoming: what does this entail exactly? Meaning is ambiguous
Can't count on alternative energy yet, too much variation (calm days, cloudy days, windy days)
Would standing structures be integrated, or would incentives be offered?
How is this only $4M?
5
We are already doing things like recycling, less water consumption
This is working, but it's not enough
Solar isn't viable option for everyone (costly)
Carbon comes from driving
Develop better bus systems to kill 2 birds with 1 stone?
Move toward electric cars? But doesn't work for heavy hauling
City has to set an example
Sustainability is "niche" area in FC
Make options accessible to all
Solar too expensive for all, transport needs fixing
Has to be gradual change
For it, but would like investment to be sustainable, impactful, not just token gesture
Needs to be based in education, behavior changes, creating long-term impact
Are there solar farms in FC?-Yes, on Laporte towards foothills
What amount of energy generated?-Not sure, not very much; not enough. Is pilot program to see
feasibility
We live in windy area, consistent, but not enough
In future, FC may offer incentives for choosing alternative energy
Concern with climate adaptations. They’ve done an excellent job in the community reducing
greenhouse gases in the city, in non-profits and in local businesses. This is a helpful project for
government to take on.
The technology isn’t there yet. (Has solar system on factory building) and it only produces so much
money. The payback on it is 62 years and the panels only last 25 years. It’s going to be 10-15
years before solar panels catch up with what’s needed. It’s not cost effective today. We need to
get away from coal fired plants and move toward natural gas. We need more hydroelectric
power. Would support this project if it were focused on hydroelectric power.
(n response to above) Water challenges; water isn’t a dominate feature of the landscape in
FoCo.
ENV 2 Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
It’s wise to mine the wasted. Lots of resources would be brought into play. We’re wasting vital
materials now, and we need to revisit how to do smart composting.
Should be recycling.
HPG 1 Parking Garage & Retail Space
Support:
-If it's downtown, then it's a great idea and much needed
-Many agree that downtown parking structure is needed- would benefit business owners in the
area and bring more traffic into their shops/restaurants if people had somewhere to park
Concerns:
-This should be funded by DDA- not by our taxes.
-Problem isn't funding, it's getting permission and votes from surrounding businesses.
-Already parking garages being built? (Otterbox?)
FoCo is a beautiful city, and this project isn’t a priority, but it would attract more people to the
city and parking downtown is horrible.
Rather than building parking garages, get people to ride bikes.
This is needed, but it’s a commercial project, not a city one. Get someone to build it and then
have people pay for it.
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People are cheap and will find the free spots.
Businesses would like additional parking.
SC 2 Computer Aided Dispatch/Record Management System Upgrades
Support:
-Would improve efficiency in the system- key concern with safety is timing of arrival and response
-This would make the whole city safer- benefit a wide breadth of people
-Out of all SC projects, this one makes the most sense and impact.
Concern:
-Just got a new system only 4-5 years ago- not outdated yet. Would rather see the money go to
SC3.
-Is there a tie in with the data terminals? (participant question)
-Present system is fine as is.
SC 3 Land for Police Maintenance Facility
Support:
- With this project there would be a training area built- this would eliminate the commute and
make our police training more local and safer. Officers wouldn't have to go to West Minster to
train. Having a training facility close by would reduce costs and this way, if we needed them, they
would be close by.
- Also support having a center closer to town; keep in mind Loveland would pitch in for this project
by buying time shares in the project
- Can benefit multiple communities
Concern:
- This isn't a huge priority; lots of people commute...it's not a big deal to commute.
- Expensive and the positives don't make the cost worth it. The current situation is fine.
- Keep Fort Collins Great already donated a lot to police forces
SC 5 Campus West Policing Substation
Support:
- Lives in this area- doesn't feel safe, lots of crime happening around here. Concerned about
elderly neighbors and more vulnerable residents of this area (women and elderly population).
- Police department needs these tools, it is a small price to pay for safety of citizens
- Would also benefit campus and students
Concern:
- Initial cost is low, yes, but the annual maintenance and extra costs to keep this going is very high
- Already 4 designated officers in this area
- This area already has police and security patrolling individual apartment complexes- not
necessary to add more.
Transportation
T1 Vine & Lemay Grade Separated Crossing Design, ROW and Construct
For it, because if buses aren't replaced with age then there will be no buses; we've invested in
MAX but need to maintain what we have; buses don't run on diesel, which is good
Why would we not want this?
Is there alternate transport that's more energy-efficient?
Bus system is underutilized because it doesn't go everywhere, doesn't have useful hours
If we invest in public transportation, we have to talk about how to expand ridership
7
High school perspective: has used bus before, took 1.5 hours (driving takes 10 min); wants to
drive instead of spending entire time on bus
Could be made more user-friendly?
Bus doesn't run past 6pm in Ridgeview area
Not efficient for most
T3 South Timberline Road Improvements
(Has to travel Timberline a lot) The stretch from the south end of town to Carpenter Rd. is two
lanes and there’s no room for bikes and no sidewalks. There are a lot of schools in that area and
in the morning traffic is heavily congested.
(Doesn’t travel Timberline). Doesn’t know enough about this project to support it.
T11 Transfort Bus Fleet Replacement (Continued from BOB)
Group agreed that busses should work on running schedules for holidays, Sundays, and late nights
Potential project benefits:
-natural gas driven
-less pollution
Potential project drawbacks:
-Do not like the idea of adding more busses and shuttles like the new Max busses
T12 Arterial Intersection Improvements Fund (Continued from BOB)
There’re a lot of dangerous intersections in FoCo. Some places would flow easier if there were
just right hand turn lanes. This isn’t super expensive, and it would be fast improvements. If there
were a right hand turn lane Riverside and Lemay you wouldn’t have to wait for someone to turn.
Cars also pollute when they are idling while waiting.
Outside Mulberry Pool is very bad, people have gotten hit.
Q: what has been done about this in the last 10 years? (wants clarification on this)
T13 Bridge Maintenance and Replacement
Support:
- Infrastructure/good transportation is fundamental
- Would create new jobs
- Our bridges are not up to par nationally
- Could encourage other communities to follow our lead
Concern:
- Price tag very high- 25% of total budget
- This should be part of the transportation fund
- These projects are not lasting as long as they should be- don't want to spend this much every 10
years
Big consensus on liking this option
Don't want bridges to collapse, concrete is missing, rebar is showing, need to keep roads safe
Includes pedestrian/bike access
Group likes this
Mulberry/Lemay bridge has dedicated pedestrian/bike sections
Dangerous without these sections
We haven’t kept up with this. There are over 200 bridges in FoCo, and it will be bad if they’re
not properly maintained in an appropriate timeline. Therefore this should be the city’s number one
priority.
Have heard about this all across city.
8
Everyone uses bridges.
CNL1 Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
Support:
- One of the few projects that would pay for itself (medical costs, jail costs, etc.), the investment is
made back up. -Others agree that this is a priority
- Some people intentionally commit crimes just to go to jail and have a place to stay for the night-
would reduce the need for this
- Good idea as long as there are counseling services to that they can get jobs and get back on
their feet and give back to the community
Concerns:
- Building this housing will only encourage homeless people to come here from Denver- "keep
them in Denver"
*Most popular in group*
There's lots of people in need in FC, if we want to be world-class then we need to address all
socioeconomic classes; "talk the talk and walk the walk"
This option addresses concerns in relatively inexpensive, sustainable way
Economically, plan may pay for itself over long term
Denver did similar idea, pays $13K (per person?), saves $15K (per person?) per year in medical
costs, criminal justice costs, shelter costs.
No longer paying for issues if they have home; breaks cycle
Gives tools, resources for jobs, treatment for mental health issues, support and infrastructure
Program in Salt Lake City that's been proven to work
Perspective of citizens with HW2020: can pull many donations to offest costs, SLC program has
done great job, and FC is not doing justice to community with homeless
SLC program is inexpensive (?)
CNL1 has example in SLC program
Is investment that works
Can't save planet with climate projects, but CAN help homeless here
Where would housing be? What kind of housing?
Women's shelter has been constructed near Trillby (?)
Not desirable for families to be near
Dangerous to have housing near residential area?
Perspective of citizen raised in housing projects: understands stigmatization; incorporating housing
into neighborhoods is good, homeless aren't so obvious then. "Not my backyard" is everywhere,
belief that property values go down, undesirable feeling is common. Dangers exist, but dangers
exist everywhere in life.
We have example of this working: Red Tail Ponds
Would need to be near public transportation
RTP has lots of criteria: proximity to transportation, population they're serving, cost
There is perception that dangers exist
Many homeless have criminal background for menial things ("liability crimes"): sleeping outside,
public urination, etc
Can be proactive/preventative with dedicated housing staff
Ability to stabilize, help homeless to be healthy
Housing has stabilizing effect
9
Personal story: citizens knows someone who was sick, homeless veteran; now in housing with
voucher, in school. This man is not exception to rule, but IS rule
Tension: is there enough subsidized housing in Fort Collins already?
If this happens, it needs to be all inclusive
Potential project benefits:
- Allows homeless people to get on their feet again (repeated 3 times)
- Helps veterans
Potential project drawbacks:
- Where would we put the houses? Neighbors may not be happy about having them in their
neighborhood
- Is there any place left in the city to build extra housing?
(Story told about offering a homeless man a job with great starting pay and he turned it down;
therefore it is believed that extra housing isn't deserved)
Growing need in Fort Collins; solution that works; many invested in it
More projects on the list should be done by non-government entities. Government should do other
things such as streets. In the past, if a person had a problem, then family/neighbors/church/non-
profits would help; now people have gotten used to going straight to the government for help
and it’s too easy to bypass other social steps for aid. This money should go to infrastructure
improvements.
This money will leverage other money funders want to see local support and bring money into our
community.
Concern for people on the streets, research shows what works. We’ve backed away from the
sense that government also helps with the public good; some things need a little help/leverage.
The soup kitchen has an impact. Some of these things are out of people’s control and $5 million
doesn’t seem like a whole lot to put towards this issue.
CNL2 Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes) (Continued from BOB)
Need to have safe transit
Should make Transfort better
Chicago transport is great, runs every 15-20min
Like MAX?
City needs more buses, we don't have enough
Need safe sidewalks, well-lit, wide, safe crossings; if people just follow rules/have common
courtesy, system works
With redesign, create safe ways to cross major streets without risking life
Multiple group members choose to drive to avoid walking on College, no safe way to cross
Believe that this should be in the city budget instead of BOB tax
In order to make them safe, group believed the routes need to be monitored
Potential project benefits:
- May increase bus availability
- Provides safe routes for children to get to school
- Underpass trails provide safety from traffic
- Improves friendliness of Fort Collins
- Encourages healthy lifestyles
- Provides alternatives to cars
- Reduces pollution/global warming
- Allows us to get places easier (especially in bad weather)
10
Potential project drawbacks:
- Would all ADA curbs be beneficial?
- Would they routes be wheel chair accessible?
CNL5 Sustainable Child Care Center
Group believed the safe routes to everywhere (CNL2) will also benefit this project
Potential project benefits:
- Keeps more people in the city with more child care options
- Two people said flexible hours will aid families who work irregular hours
- May add in bus routes
Potential project drawbacks:
- Workers in these centers do not make enough money as it is
Why would the city being paying for daycare? This is a private activity, not for government
involvement.
Notes on this question “Overall, would you tend to support a few number of high cost projects, or a
higher number of lower cost projects?”
• Shouldn't necessarily be one or the other- having a good mix is most important. More important to
focus on the criteria (from question number 3) than on the number of projects.
• Encouraging that we are only at 68% with 10 projects, and some of them are even very costly
yet we still have room for more.
• Table consensus that having a mix is most important
Notes on criteria question: “When city council has to make tough decisions between projects, what
do you think the most important criteria should be?”
• The amount of population that benefits from it
• Equal access to all citizens
• Helping the underprivileged/those who need extra help
• "Most bang for buck"
• Multiplier effect- things that make back up the money we spend on them or will continue to grow
and benefit community
• Citizen (particularly elderly) safety
• Urgency (how badly do we need it?)
• Whether or not there is someone else who should be funding it (DDA for example)
• How far we can make money stretch, which has largest impact, which will raise city profile; reach
is HUGE for all projects
• Safe Route - will help a lot of people
• Projects need to be TANGIBLE
• Discovery Museum was great because citizens can see taxes at work
• Budgets are often obscured, can be hard to interpret, can create suspicion; need tangibility in
projects
• Greatest impact matters most
• Climate action is important because it affects people in the future
• Affects large amount of people in less personal way; CNL1 helps fewer people but in more direct
way
• Deeper vs. broader; need to balance
• How is funding leveraged?
• What is government contributing? Investments are better with outside funding, not just tax money
• Important to have multiple funding venues
11
• Senior Center came from BOB tax AND other fundraising
• Bricks, chairs, events
• Foundation grants
• Group wants to see match from outside funding
• Group can tell that FC is strategic about funding
• Costs should not be a priority; the needs of the city should be
• Projects have to be sellable in order to get people to agree with them and vote for them-(three
agreements) Everyone in the city should be included or have a way to benefit from what is being
constructed; all-encompassing
• the projects have to have a personality in order to sell to the public
projects need to be relevant to current city needs
• Cost
• Number of people impacted
• Value for money
• More lower ticket items than one large expensive project
1
Renewal of ¼-Cent Community
Capital Improvement Program
and ¼ Cent Street Maintenance Tax
City Council Work Session
September 30, 2014
ATTACHMENT 6
2
Direction Sought
§ Does Council support seeking a 10-year renewal of
the Street Maintenance Program?
§ Should the Vine and Lemay Avenue project remain on
the potential BOB 2.0 project list? Or, should the
project be removed and considered under a separate
tax measure?
§ If a separate tax initiative for Vine and Lemay is
considered, should other projects be included? What
would be the desired timeframe?
3
Background
§ The Street Maintenance program (SMP) and the
Building on Basics (BOB) capital expansion taxes
expire December 31, 2015.
§ Both are a ¼ cent sales tax, and both have been
in existence for many years.
§ These renewals will be considered in April 2015.
4
Work to Date-SMP
§ Education and Presentation materials
§ Feedback on term of the tax
• 10 years?
• 15 years?
• 20 years?
§ Majority of outreach shows support for 10 or 20
years
5
Work to Date - BOB 2.0
§ Developed project list from approved Master
Plans and Strategic Objectives.
§ Utilized Budget Teams to rate projects against
Strategic Outcomes.
§ Narrowed original list ($400M) to current list
($290M)
§ Public Outreach…What are the priorities?
6
Public Engagement
§ Interactive Website
§ Board and Commission “Super” Meeting
§ CityWork Alumni Forum
§ Community Issue Forum-Open House
§ Community Issue Forum-Small Group Process
§ Sustainable Living Fair-Open House
7
Pubic Engagement – High Priorities
• Safe Routes to Everywhere (Sidewalks, Transit, Bikes)
• Downtown Restroom
• Community Marketplace
• Housing for Chronically Homeless(Homeward 2020)
• Community Organics Composting and Recycling Facility
• Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossings Fund
• Climate Action Projects
• Recreational Trail Enhancements
• Sustainable Child Care Center
• Implementing Nature in the City
8
Public Engagement
Existing Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue is congested and constrained by the
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad. Trains block the intersection and
create extended gridlock in the area. This location is a top location for
congestion and safety complaints. Existing neighborhoods in this area are
becoming increasingly impacted by the congestion on Lemay.
Keep this project in BOB 2.0. Total: 24
Consider a separate tax initiative for this project alone. Total: 21
Consider a separate tax initiative for this project and 2-3 additional traffic
projects. Total: 13
9
Timeline
2014
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Feb Mar Apr
Election
4/7/2015
Ballots Mailed
3/20/2015
Legal Deadline
to Adopt Ballot
Language
2/3/2015
Council
Meeting: Refer
Ballot
Language
1/6/2015
Council Work
Session
12/9/2014
Council
Off-Site
Session
10/11/2014
Council Work
Session
7/22/2014
Council Work
Session
9/30/2014
10
BOB 2.0-Milestones
§ July 22: Narrow Project List ($400M to ~$250M)a
§ July-September: Public Engagement a
§ September Work Session: Update a
§ October Off-Site Session: Narrow to $80-$100M
§ December Work Session: Finalize Package
§ January Regular Meeting: Refer Ballot
11
Direction Sought
§ Does Council support seeking a 10-year renewal of
the Street Maintenance Program?
§ Should the Vine and Lemay Avenue project remain on
the potential BOB 2.0 project list? Or, should the
project be removed and considered under a separate
tax measure?
§ If a separate tax initiative is considered, should other
projects be included? What would be the desired
timeframe?
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ATTACHMENT 1