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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/06/2015 - TIMING OF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECTS (DATE: STAFF: October 6, 2015 Ginny Sawyer, Policy and Project Manager Darin Atteberry, City Manager WORK SESSION ITEM City Council SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Timing of Community Improvement Program Projects (Dedicated ¼-cent). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to discuss and confirm project timing for projects approved in April 2015 as part of the ¼-cent Community Improvement Program. The Program includes 17 funds and projects to be implemented between 2016 and 2025. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Which of the one-time capital projects does Council support completing between 2016 and 2019? 2. Of the timing scenarios provided, which is Council’s preference? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION After an 18-month community conversation and ballot referral by Council, in April 2015, voters approved a 10- year, ¼-cent sales tax for specific community improvements. All projects/funds are very specifically identified in the ballot language and in the associated ordinance. However, the timing of the projects is not defined. Staff has worked on numerous timing scenarios, taking into account community needs and desires, project readiness, leveraging opportunities, and program effectiveness. This work and associated discussions have led to the creation of multiple possible timing scenarios. Following the August 25 work session, staff was asked to develop additional timing scenarios. Six scenarios were developed and provided in a memo to Council. For this work session, staff has reduced the options to three that appear to be most viable. Considerations:  All scenarios reflect grant matches needed in select funds. Capital Projects: Carnegie Building- $1.7M City Park Train- $350K Club Tico- $250K Poudre River/Whitewater Park- $4M Gardens Visitor’s Center- $2M Lincoln Bridge- $5.3M Linden Street- $3M SE Community Center- $14M Willow Street- $3.5M Funds: Affordable Housing- $4M Arterial Intersections- $6M Bike Infrastructure- $5M Bike/Ped Crossings- $6M Bus Stops-$1M Nature in the City- $3M Sidewalks- $14M Bus Replacement- $2M October 6, 2015 Page 2  All funds need and desire predictable and relatively even funding to manage programs, workloads, and to accomplish identified goals.  The Lincoln Bridge, Poudre River Enhancements, and the SE Community Center are the three major projects that drive the timing options. Public Outreach Following the previous work session on August 25, staff posted an online questionnaire regarding timing and hosted an open house. While the open house had minimal attendance, the conversation was good and focused on understanding the complexities and give and take of a pay-as-you-go program and a desire to provide amenities for the entire community. The online questionnaire saw a large number residents in the southeast quadrant of the City participate and reflected a strong desire to complete the Southeast Community Center as early in the process as possible. Detailed questionnaire results are provided in the Council memo. ATTACHMENTS 1. Timing Scenarios (PDF) 2. Description of Capital Projects and Funds (PDF) 3. August 25 Work Session Summary (PDF) 4. Powerpoint presentation (PDF) SCENARIO A SCENARIO B SCENARIO C* Capital Projects by Year: City Park Train- 2016 Club Tico- 2016 Lincoln Bridge- 2016/17 Visitor’s Center- 2017 Poudre River- 2018 Willow Street- 2018/19 Linden Street- 2019/20 Carnegie- 2020 SE Community Center- 2023/24 Capital Projects by Year: City Park Train- 2016 Club Tico- 2016 Lincoln Bridge- 2016/17 Visitor’s Center- 2017 Poudre River- 2018 Willow Street- 2018/19 Linden Street- 2019/20 SE Community Center- 2022/23 Carnegie- 2024 Capital Projects by Year: City Park Train- 2016 Club Tico- 2016 Lincoln Bridge- 2016/17 Poudre River- 2017 Visitor’s Center- 2018 Willow Street- 2018/19 Linden Street- 2019/20 SE Community Center- 2022/23 Carnegie- 2024 Fund totals 2016-2019 only: Affordable Housing- $1.1M Arterial Intersections- $1.7M Bike Infrastructure- $1.2M Bike/Ped Crossings- $3M Bus Stops-$400K Nature in the City- $800K Sidewalks- $4.2M TransFort Bus Replacement- $500K Fund totals 2016-2019 only: Affordable Housing- $1.1M Arterial Intersections- $1.5M Bike Infrastructure- $1.35M Bike/Ped Crossings- $3.5M Bus Stops- $400K Nature in the City- $800K Sidewalks- - $4.2M TransFort Bus Replacement- $500K Fund totals 2016-2019 only: Affordable Housing- $1.1M Arterial Intersections- $1.5M Bike Infrastructure- $1.35M Bike/Ped Crossings- $3.5M Bus Stops- $400K Nature in the City- $800K Sidewalks- - $4.2M TransFort Bus Replacement- $500K *Scenario C has a $1.25M deficit in 2017 that needs to be resolved. *Resolution could be an advance from Building Community Choices (to be paid back in 2018). 1 Capital Projects City Park Train $350K This project brings back the much loved City Park train in a new, expanded location east of the playground. Club Tico Renovation $250K This project completes the renovation of Club Tico at City Park by renovating the kitchen and restrooms and adding a second story deck on the south side of the facility. Downtown Poudre River Enhancements and Whitewater Park $4M for initial construction / $50K for annual operations and maintenance The Coy diversion project (near the Power Plant building) involves modifying or removing the Coy diversion structure, creating a whitewater park with viewing/picnic areas, improving access to the river, enhancing the river’s habitat and beauty, and adding a pedestrian bridge over the river east of College. The project also lowers the river channel to improve flood mitigation and prevent flooding of College Avenue. Additional Considerations:  Citizens are raising $1.5 Million as part of the project Gardens on Spring Creek Visitor’s Center $2M for initial construction/ $40K for annual operations and maintenance This project completes the Visitor’s Center at the Gardens on Spring Creek. The Visitor’s Center currently contains a production greenhouse, Evelyn Clark Classroom, a lobby and offices. The envisioned building contains a conservatory, large meeting room, observation tower, new entryway with gift shop, a small café, and additional office space. These additions will double the square footage of the facility. Additional Considerations:  Citizens are raising $1 Million as part of the project Lincoln Avenue Bridge $5.3M for initial construction/ $36K for annual operations and maintenance This project will fund design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of improvements to the west segment of Lincoln Avenue located between the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks just north of Jefferson Street to 1st Street, including the Poudre River Bridge. Linden Street Renovations $3M for initial construction / $12K for annual operations and maintenance This project will fund the final design and construction of the preferred options for the renovation of an important downtown block of Linden Street. This block is one of the city’s most programmed streets, hosting festivals, events and concerts throughout the year. This project concept would reconstruct the entire block into a brick street that could be closed off for special events but still allow vehicle parking in non-event days. ATTACHMENT 2 2 Renovation of the Historic Carnegie Building $1.7M for initial construction; $10K for annual operations and maintenance This project renovates the historic 1904 Carnegie library building in Library Park to enhance its use as a community asset. The project specifically focuses on stabilizing and protecting this historic structure, addressing infrastructure issues, adding needed amenities, such as a staircase and restrooms, and other general improvements to allow it to serve as a community center in the heart of downtown. Southeast Community Center and Outdoor Pool $14M for initial construction/ $230K for annual operations and maintenance This project envisions a unique Community Center focused on innovation, technology, art, recreation and the creative process. The Center will be a place for the community to try-out new technologies like 3-D printers, laser cutters, robotics and emerging software. It will be a true makerspace. It will include a multi-functional performance space and a social area. The Center will focus on wellness with fitness rooms for classes from Aikido to Zumba and by connecting to the beautiful surrounding park environment. The Center will also have a large outdoor leisure pool with water slides, sprays and jets, decks, a lazy river and open swimming area. Willow Street Improvements $3.5M for initial construction/ $11K for annual operations and maintenance This project would fund final design and construction of improvements to Willow Street as identified in the River District Infrastructure Plan. This project is envisioned to extend vibrant, pedestrian- oriented activities to the River District. Wide sidewalks, on-street parking, urban design, landscaping and potentially a linear water feature are planned. Additional Considerations:  Downtown Development Authority is willing to contribute ~400K to this project Funds Affordable Housing Fund $4M over 10 years This fund would provide a revenue source for the capital costs of development or rehabilitation of one or more housing projects designated specifically for low income individuals and families. The $4M contribution may be combined with or leverage other sources of income directly related to housing affordability including funds from the Housing Bank, licensing fees, Affordable Housing fund, grants, etc. Additional Considerations:  Local commitment of funding in the first years of the BOB time period is critical for being awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits and other leveraging opportunities. Arterial Intersection Improvements Fund $6M over 10 years This project provides funding for improvements to arterial intersections prioritized by congestion and safety improvements for all travel modes. Previous funding for these projects was highly successful as matching funds for grants and the dollars were doubled over the life of the tax. The fund is a 3 direct and effective way to address citizen concerns regarding worsening traffic, congestion and roadway safety. Additional Considerations:  Having continuous funding provides the most flexibility to match dollars for short lead time grant and leveraging opportunities.  Need sufficient match in 2017 and 2018 (total of ~$500,000) for a federal grant. Bicycle/Pedestrian Grade-Separated Crossings Fund $6M for construction/ $20K for operations and maintenance This project establishes an annual fund that would construct top priority grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian crossings across arterial roadways. Potential locations include the Power Trail crossing at Harmony Road, crossing Shields Street west of the CSU Main Campus, crossing Prospect Road near Center Avenue, and major arterial crossings by the Mason Trail. Additional Considerations:  Need sufficient dollars with in a two year period ($1.5 to $2m) to fund one crossing. Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements - Safe Routes to Everywhere $5M over 10 years This package provides funding to be used toward stand-alone bicycle infrastructure projects as well as add-on elements to other projects that complete or enhance the City’s bicycle network. Projects will enhance safety, provide wayfinding, and improve comfort for bicyclists. Additional Considerations:  In 2014 City Council adopted a new Bicycle Master Plan that establishes a “low stress” bicycle network with a proposed completion date of 2020. Delayed or inconsistent funding would result in the networks not being completed according to the plan timeframe. Bus Stop Improvements -Safe Routes to Everywhere $1M over 10 years Currently there are more than 200 bus stops within the Transfort system that do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access requirements. This funding would allow Transfort to upgrade 10 bus stops per year to be ADA accessible and improve mobility options for disabled residents of Fort Collins. Additional Considerations:  Consistent annual funding would allow for more efficient planning and scheduling of work. Implementing Nature in the City $3M for specific projects/ $100K for operations and maintenance The City is transitioning from a large, suburban town to a small, urban city with a projected 250,000 residents. As this happens, it is critical that we protect access to nature and the key open spaces that define our community. Natural spaces within our urban setting are valuable not only as habitats and for aesthetics, but they are also key to preserving quality of life, and the sense of place that makes Fort Collins unique. To achieve the vision set forth in the Nature in the City strategic plan, this project will: (1) fill in gaps either to achieve a 10-minute walk or to enhance species connectivity, and (2) enhance existing sites to provide greater habitat variety and natural experiences. 4 Additional Considerations:  It is expected that these funds will leverage internal funds and perhaps external funds as well. Consistent annual funding will inspire the confidence of our potential partners. Pedestrian Sidewalk and ADA Compliance Program - Safe Routes to Everywhere $14M over 10 years The Pedestrian Sidewalk and ADA Compliance Program is based on the 2013 assessment and the program cost has been quantified into a 52-year program. The City is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. With the $134 million Sidewalk and ADA Compliance Program needs, a sustainable and predictable revenue source is needed to implement the overall cost of construction of a 52-year compliance program. Additional Considerations:  Critical to have consistent funding which will allow an annual program that can leverage projects with Street Maintenance, Capital Projects, Safe Routes to School program and the Bus Stop program. Transfort Bus Fleet Replacement $2M over 10 years The funding of this project would provide the 20% local match needed to replace 20 heavy duty buses over the next 10 years. This 20% or, $2 million, would be leveraged to receive $8 million of federal and state grant funding. Over the next ten years three-quarters of Transfort’s fleet will be beyond its useful life. The replacement of buses beyond their useful life will reduce maintenance expenses and ensure reliable service to the Transfort customer. Additional Considerations:  Funding should match grant cycles. ATTACHMENT 3 1 Council Work Session October 6, 2015 Timing of Community Improvement Program Projects ATTACHMENT 4 Questions/Direction Sought 2 § Which of the one-time capital projects does Council support completing between 2016-2019? § Of the timing scenarios provided, which is Council’s preference? Background 3 § Dedicated tax (pay as you go) is method Fort Collins has historically used to fund capital § Estimate ¼ -cent revenue at $83M § Target project dollar amount: $75.1 M § 5 years of O&M for select projects: $2.6M § 3% inflation on non-fund projects: $5.3 M Community Improvement-Funds 4 Funds § Affordable Housing Fund- $4M § Arterial Intersection Improvements Fund - $6M § Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements - $5M § Bike/Ped Grade-Separated Crossings Fund - $6M § Bus Stop Improvements - $1M § Nature in the City - $3M § Pedestrian Sidewalk/ ADA Compliance - $14M § Transfort Bus Fleet Replacement - $2M Community Improvement-Projects 5 Capital Projects § Carnegie Building Renovation - $1.7M § City Park Train - $350K § Club Tico Renovation - $250K § Downtown Poudre River Enhancements- $4M § Gardens on Spring Creek Visitor’s Center - $2M § Lincoln Ave Bridge Improvements - $5.3M § Linden Street Renovations - $3M § Southeast Community Center/Outdoor Pool - $14M § Willow Street Improvements – $3.5 M Timing Rationale 6 § Provide citizens tangible projects as early as possible § Leverage available funds and opportunities § Provide even and predictable funding for Funds throughout the 10-year term § Work with known grant cycles 7 8 9 Questions/Direction Sought 10 § Which of the one-time capital projects does Council support completing between 2016-2019? § Of the timing scenarios provided, which is Council’s preference? ATTACHMENT 1