HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 05/16/2017 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 065, 2017, APPROPRIAgenda Item 5
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AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY May 16, 2017
City Council
STAFF
Timothy Kemp, Civil Engineer III
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 065, 2017, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the Transportation Fund for
the Elizabeth and Shields Underpass Improvement Project, and Transferring Appropriations to the Cultural
Services and Facilities Fund for the Art in Public Places Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $280,000 from the Transportation Fund Reserves for traffic signal
and pedestrian signal improvements associated with the Elizabeth and Shields Underpass improvement
project. Colorado State University (CSU) is funding and constructing an $8.7M pedestrian and bicycle
underpass, and intersection lane improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection. As part of this
project, the City is upgrading the traffic signal system and constructing a new pedestrian / bicycle signal west
of the intersection. The City’s Traffic Operations Department will perform the construction work associated
with this appropriation. The project is expected to be substantially complete in August, 2017.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Elizabeth and Shields intersection (Attachment 1) was identified for infrastructure improvements as part
of the new on-campus stadium. The work is referenced in the 2015 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)
between the City and CSU. Lane improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection were mandated in
the IGA, along with further technical feasibility analysis for a grade separated crossing. The feasibility analysis
was completed in the spring of 2016 and a design-build team was hired in July, 2016 to advance the
underpass design and determine right-of-way needs for the project.
CSU completed a willing seller right-of-way purchase with the Campus West Shops in November, 2016, and
construction began on the project in December, 2016.
An amendment to the City-CSU IGA, also under consideration on this agenda, formalizes the responsibility of
CSU for the construction of the underpass, and identifies a contribution from the City of $280,000 for signal
upgrades, modification, and the bicycle / pedestrian crossing signal to the west of the intersection.
The City and CSU have been working in partnership for several years to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety
amidst continued and projected population growth along the West Elizabeth corridor. CSU is making a series
of enhancements as a commitment by the university to improve safety and make the campus more accessible.
This project aligns with multiple City and CSU planning efforts, such as:
West Central Area Plan (2015)
CSU Parking and Transportation Master Plan (2014)
City Bicycle Master Plan (2014)
City Student Housing Action Plan (2013)
Agenda Item 5
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City Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study (2011)
City Transportation Master Plan (2011)
All of these planning efforts have identified the need for improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection
with recurring themes of: enhanced safety, separation of travel modes, and reducing the number of conflict
points and crashes.
Project Goals:
Improve Safety: Separation of travel modes to make it easier for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross
Shields Street, reduce the number of conflict points and crashes, and relocate the existing Elizabeth mid-
block crossing and upgrade it to a full bicycle / pedestrian signal for protection
Improve Traffic Flow during Campus Events: The underpass will allow “free flow” bicycle and pedestrian
traffic to and from campus following Moby, stadium, and other on-campus events
Plan for the Long-Term Vision: Create a gateway feature between the Campus West area and the
University, construct urban design features and site appropriate landscaping improvements, provide a
safer alternative for multi-modal travel
Minimize Construction Impacts: Implementation of a phased construction schedule to optimize work during
winter and spring breaks, working with area residents and businesses owners, and providing clear
communication for bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the area
This appropriation will provide funding for a rebuild of the entire traffic signal system at the Elizabeth and
Shields intersection, the installation of a bicycle / pedestrian signal at the relocated Elizabeth mid-block
crossing, and the upgrade of all associated underground fiber optic cable.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
This Ordinance authorizes the appropriation of prior year reserves in the Transportation Fund for traffic signal
improvements associated with the Elizabeth and Shields Underpass improvement project.
The total funding request for the City is in the amount of $280,000. The City will construct, own, and maintain
all of the signal equipment. CSU secured its funding for the necessary right-of-way purchase and the
construction contract in the fall 2016.
One percent of the appropriation for the construction of the traffic signal systems ($2,800) will be transferred to
the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund for a contribution to the Art in Public Places (APP) Program, with
$2,184 reserved for the APP artwork project and $616 reserved for the maintenance of the artwork and
operations of the APP program.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The following boards and commissions recommended approval of this project:
Bicycle Advisory Committee on September 26, 2016 (Attachment 2)
Transportation Board on October 19, 2016. (Attachment 3)
Planning and Zoning Board on November 10, 2016. (Attachment 4)
PUBLIC OUTREACH
City staff and CSU staff worked collaboratively on a detailed Communication and Public Outreach Plan.
Implementation of the Plan, that included numerous events during the project design, began in August 2016
and will be ongoing through completion of construction. Staff will continue to use various outreach tools to
communicate with the public. The project websites are kept current with the latest construction information.
http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/elizabeth-shields.php
http://source.colostate.edu/construction-and-parking/shields-underpass-proposal/
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ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map (PDF)
2. Bicycle Advisory Commission, September 26, 2016 (PDF)
3. Transportation Board minutes, October 19, 2017 (PDF)
4. Planning and Zoning Board minutes, November 10, 2016 (PDF)
S Shields St
W Mulberry St
W Laurel St
W Prospect Rd
W Elizabeth St
COSLTOARTAEDO
UNIVERSITY
COSLTOARTAEDO
UNIVERSITY
Elizabeth City and Shields of Fort Project Collins Location Map
Printed: March 24, 2017
Legend
Project Location
/ 0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 5
A. Yes, the fine is cut in half if receiver attends a FC Bikes class.
Q. Can videotaping be used for “rolling coal”.
A. No, this is not the right use of the tool.
Other Police Services news:
The city is proposing to utilize an older SWAT van for bicycle safety outreach.
- Back of Van/Bus will display a graphic of 3ft law. Great tool to continue the conversation to promote the
3ft law.
BAC ACTION ITEMS
Shields and W. Elizabeth Underpass (Tim Kemp, City of Fort Collins Engineering/Capital Projects and Aaron
Fodge, CSU Alternative Transportation Manager)
Tim and Aaron shared about the collaborative efforts underway to plan, design, and construct the Shields and
W. Elizabeth underpass. The project is currently in the “public involvement and review” phase with CSU funded
construction expected to begin in December of 2016 and complete before Fall 2017 term begins (pending ROW
acquisition). BAC discussion centered on bike-related details of the design and concerns moving forward as
design features relate to other underpasses in the city. Details of the presentation and BAC input follow below.
City staff requested that a BAC letter of recommendation for the proposed design be provided to the
Transportation Board by mid-October. A motion was made to have the Chair draft and complete this letter of
recommendation; including the design and implementation concerns summarized in the meeting minutes
(below). The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The Chair asked that any additional BAC member
concerns regarding the Underpass project be sent to her by e-mail before mid-October.
Key points of the presentation:
- Master Planning Studies, including the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan were considered. The project
developed out of an Inter-Government-Agreement (IGA) with the City of Fort Collins and Colorado State
University (CSU) to address congestion and safety concerns on the west side of campus. Goals of the
project include increasing comfort and decreasing conflict points.
o Shields and W. Elizabeth is the second ranked priority intersection on the 2020 Bikeway
Network.
Project Need – Reoccurring themes, Traffic Statistics* How do we safely move more people?
o Intersection sees 50,000 vehicles / day (up 20% since 2009)
o Peak Hour Volumes (170 bicyclists, 140 pedestrians)
o More than 2,000 bicycles per day crossing Shields, (up 40% since 2009)
o 184 Crashes from 2010-2015 (8 involving bikes/pedestrians)
*A BAC member suggested that these figures could be revised for more representative for presentation
purposes. For example, using per capita statistics.
- The Underpass project is consistent with goals of the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan
(ETCP) that goes to council next month.
o The West Central Neighborhood Plan led to the West Elizabeth ETCP.
o The Plan calls for an underpass connection to the Campus System. The Shields Underpass
project is a primary intersection of the ETCP that connects Foothills campus with CSU’s main
campus.
o Coordinated Multi-modal Corridor Master Planning
o IGA allows the opportunity for constructing the project
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 6
- Design and Graphic Renderings of the project were presented and discussed
o Angling of trails prior to underpass saved some Campus West parking spaces and avoided utility
issues.
o Tim pointed out the turning lanes and revised mid-block crossing west of Campus West Shops.
Traffic control details have not been finalized for this crossing. The design shown depicts a
change in the crossing location; moved east of the southern Campus West driveway.
o Walk/Bikeway includes 12’ wide ramps, 14’ wide approaches, 14’ wide and 9’ high box.
o Westbound bike lanes would not continue up to the Shields intersection.
BAC member pointed out likely circumstance that cyclists would consider taking sidewalk and interfering
with pedestrians, rather than using street bike lane to turn south.
Other concerns were expressed related to pedestrians entering trail from stairways above underpass;
design appears to have blind spots for cyclists. A BAC member suggested that vegetation on corner be
removed to allow cyclists greater visibility of walkways entering underpass paths.
- The project is currently in the Public Comment and Review Process
o Comment and/or questions can be asked at the Colorado State Website (Source):
http://source.colostate.edu/construction-and-parking/shields-underpass-proposal/
o The current voluntary Site Plan Advisory Review (SPAR) public approval process, ends soon with
a November planning and zoning meeting.
o Property Owner Meetings and Design Revisions
o Multiple Open Houses, Neighborhood Meetings
- Communication and Outreach
o Project includes combined city and CSU logos, as well as communication outreach (e.g. Social
Media, Websites).
- Schedule:
o December 2016 – August 2017 construction schedule contingent on getting right-of-way
approvals by ~end of Oct or Nov. 2016.
o The Design/Build team is already in place to begin the construction immediately.
o A key focus of the project is to minimize bike and pedestrian inconveniences during
construction.
Discussion/Questions and Answers:
Q. What is the plan for rainstorms and drainage?
A. Construction should divert most water into the street. Design includes water tight/drainage features.
Q. What would happen if intersection flooded, or tunnel was blocked?
A. A plan B will need to be developed. Focus could be to use other Shields crossovers if blocked.
Mark Houdashelt (Air Quality Advisory Board) wanted to reinforce the concern for bikes and pedestrians sharing
lanes under tunnel; this will likely lead to serious injuries for pedestrians. Aaron mentioned that CSU may need
to enforce a dismount zone or slow-down in the area.
Q. Will the crosswalk for westbound cyclists/pedestrians cause backups on Elizabeth?
A. This is highly possible. Aaron noted the benefit of less traffic hold up moving through the W. Elizabeth and
Shields intersection should outweigh the time waiting for crosswalk backed up traffic.
Other crosswalk considerations discussed:
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 7
- Signal time evaluation
- Hawk signal could be connected with intersection light. A Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB)
provides an instant signal.
- York suggested that street signage be included addressing “do not block crosswalk or driveways”.
Will eastbound right turns on red be allowed? Concerns expressed will be looked at further (e.g. Radius of
corner).
BAC member discussion included north/south Shields traffic, including concerns over the number of people
jaywalking south of the Shields and W. Elizabeth intersection.
- Bike counts for this east/west trail approaching the intersection underpass are very high. Aaron felt the
bikeway/walkway will be used and direct people away from jaywalking. This will be improved further
with use of the Pitkin bikeway once Stadium and other construction along Pitkin are finished. The Pitkin
bikeway will allow a straight shot through campus. Other Shields crossings, Pitkin Bikeway on south and
Plum light on north, should discourage jaywalkers.
- High potential for pedestrians to use underpass.
- Bike counters will be used and data evaluated long-term.
Striping on westbound out of Moby parking, has not been finalized. A bike lane may be available westbound on
north side of intersection also.
- BAC concerns were expressed regarding westbound lane usage versus westbound underpass usage and
crossing Elizabeth to north side at crosswalk.
The Big Jump Application process (Tessa Greegor, FC Bikes
“The Big Jump Project is a three-year effort to help 10 places achieve a big jump in biking – a doubling or tripling
of people riding – by building a network of safe and comfortable places to ride and engaging the community. “
Tessa Greegor provided a brief video presentation of the People for Bikes – Big Jump application process.
Applications are due by October 28, 2016. The BAC was asked to provide a letter of endorsement to the City, to
include with the upcoming application. Tessa also noted that if selected as one of the 10 places, FC Bikes would
see ongoing need for BAC participation as well as participation on the project leadership team. Award
notifications are expected in January 2017.
The city plans to emphasize a focus area in Council District 6 to increase ridership. (This northwest Fort Collins
community district is overseen by council person Gerry Horak. Much of the discussion regarding the Big Jump’s
goal to double or triple people riding centered around existing biking population statistics and the community
focus area chosen for the application. See below for discussion and comment details.
Chair Cranmer asked for BAC support for Chair to draft simple endorsement for Big Jump. Chris Johnson moved
that a letter of support be drafted for Big Jump project and sent directly to FC Bikes (Tessa Greegor). The motion
was seconded and approved unanimously.
Big Jump Presentation and BAC Discussion Details:
2-minute video presented on the People for Bikes (PFB, based out of Boulder) campaign effort. See
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/the-big-jump-project-application. Big Jump is a new initiative similar to
Green Lane Project which the city applied for in 2014.
- Focused on using bikes
- Connecting standalone projects into one consistent project.
ATTACHMENT 2
Thomas asked if staff is working with the State Patrol regarding incident management
and their techniques for accident removal along I-25. Olson replied in the affirmative
and stated staff is working with the I-25 Incident Management Group.
Olson discussed the adaptive signal system which is currently in the City Manager’s
recommended budget.
Wilkinson discussed travel demand management and Sizemore stated there is an offer
in this budget for a “trip reduction and efficiency” program; however, it is currently not
recommended for funding.
Olson discussed the impacts of construction on congestion over the last two years.
Lane rentals for construction and limited work hours are being considered.
York discussed the impacts of congestion on modes of transportation other than
personal motor vehicles. Olson concurred that is a consideration and noted bus routes
along Plum going through Shields are being addressed in terms of congestion.
York suggested the inclusion of other modes in congestion data.
(**Secretary’s Note: The Board took a brief recess at this point in the meeting.)
8. ACTION ITEMS
• Shields and Elizabeth Underpass – Kemp/Hansen
Tim Kemp, Engineering, stated this is an infrastructure improvement project which has
resulted from the IGA between the City and CSU. He discussed the growth and higher
density in the West Elizabeth corridor.
David Hansen, Colorado State University, discussed the West Elizabeth Enhanced
Travel Corridor Plan and the University’s feasibility study and public involvement efforts.
He detailed the specific proposal for the underpass and stated it is planned to be built in
three phases.
Kemp noted the development is going through a voluntary site plan advisory review
process. The construction schedule is dependent upon right-of-way acquisition, which is
being handled by CSU, and construction is scheduled to begin in mid-December. There
will likely be a 4 to 5 week full closure of Shields just south of Elizabeth for construction
purposes. The City does not have any role in funding the project other than staff time.
York asked how drainage and alternative access when the tunnel is not available will be
handled. Kemp replied this is in a floodplain area and the area also has high ground
water. There will be a pit in the tunnel with two pumps designed to handle a ten-year
rain event. Additionally, there are slight up ramps on both ends of the tunnel. The street
or sidewalk would be used in the event of a tunnel closure.
York asked about the relocation of the Art in Public Places pieces in the area. Kemp
replied they will be relocated; however, specific plans are not yet in place.
Thomas made a motion, seconded by Jordan, that the Transportation Board support the
plan as presented and incorporate the Bicycle Advisory Committee letter in its
recommendation. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Transportation Board
October 19, 2016 ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4
ATTACHMENT 4
ATTACHMENT 4
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ORDINANCE NO. 065, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES IN THE TRANSPORTATION FUND
FOR THE ELIZABETH AND SHIELDS UNDERPASS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
AND TRANSFERRING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE CULTURAL SERVICES
AND FACILITIES FUND FOR THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Colorado State University (“CSU”) is funding and constructing an $8.7
million pedestrian and bicycle underpass, and intersection lane improvements at the Elizabeth
and Shields Street intersection; and
WHEREAS, as part of this project, the City is upgrading the traffic signal system and
constructing a new pedestrian/bicycle signal west of the intersection; and
WHEREAS, lane improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection were mandated
in the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and CSU regarding the on-campus
stadium dated April 13, 2015 (the “IGA”); and
WHEREAS, a proposed amendment to the IGA being considered by the City Council by
a separate resolution formalizes the responsibility of CSU for the construction of an underpass,
and identifies a contribution from the City of $280,000 for signal upgrades, modification, and the
bicycle/pedestrian crossing signal to the west of the intersection; and
WHEREAS, this project aligns with multiple City and CSU planning efforts which have
identified the need for improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection with recurring
themes of enhanced safety, separation of travel modes, and reducing the number of conflict
points and crashes; and
WHEREAS, this appropriation would provide funding for a rebuild of the entire traffic
signal system at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection, the installation of a bicycle / pedestrian
signal at the relocated Elizabeth mid-block crossing, and the upgrade of all associated
underground fiber optic cable; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Traffic Operations Department will perform the construction
work associated with this appropriation and the project is expected to be completed in August,
2017; and
WHEREAS, this project involves construction estimated to cost more than $250,000;
therefore, Section 23-304 of the City Code requires one percent of this appropriation to be
transferred to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund for the Art in Public Places (“APP”)
program; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance would appropriate $280,000 from the Transportation Fund
Reserves to cover costs of the Project ($277,200) and one percent of project cost required for the
Art in Public Places Program of $2,800: $2,184 for the APP artwork project and $616 for the
maintenance of the artwork and operations of the APP program; and
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WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council to
appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year such funds for expenditure as may be
available from reserves accumulated in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves were not
previously appropriated; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 10, of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to
transfer by ordinance any unexpended and unencumbered appropriated amount or portion thereof
from one fund to another fund, provided that the purpose for which the transferred funds are to
be expended remains unchanged.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated from prior year reserves in the
Transportation Fund the sum of TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($280,000) for rebuilding the traffic signal system and constructing a new pedestrian/bicycle
signal west of the intersection as part of the Elizabeth and Shields Underpass Improvement
Project.
Section 3. That the unexpended appropriated amount of TWO THOUSAND ONE
HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR DOLLARS ($2,184) in the Transportation Fund is authorized for
transfer to the Cultural Services and Facilities Fund and appropriated therein for an Art in Public
Places Art Project.
Section 4. That the unexpended appropriated amount of SIX HUNDRED SIXTEEN
DOLLARS ($616) in the Transportation Fund is authorized for transfer to the Cultural Services
and Facilities Fund and appropriated therein for the Art in Public Places Program Maintenance
and Operations.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 16th day of
May, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 6th day of June, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
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Passed and adopted on final reading on the 6th day of June, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk