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Home My WebLink AboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-01/10/2023-Work SessionFort Collins Connexion Broadband Services 215 N. Mason St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.207.7870 fcconnexion.com MEMORANDUM Date: January 19, 2023 To: Mayor and City Council From: Chad Crager, Connexion Executive Director Travis Storin, Chief Financial Officer Nina Bodenhamer, City Give Director Thru: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager RE: Work Session Summary – January 10, 2023 Connexion Update Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis and Councilmembers Canonico, Pignataro, Gutowsky, and Ohlson were present. Staff provided a general update on the Connexion broadband service and rollout that included: Build out completion by the end of March 2023, resident feedback group implementation, number of customers/take rate Industry challenges that led to less installers and higher installation costs than anticipated in 2022 Due to above challenges, a need to access the remaining $20M in previously resident- approved bonding capacity of $150M o This would happen in the second half of 2023 and likely be a joint bond with Light and Power (L & P) Video price increase and a demo of a video selection tool available on the Connexion website that allows customers to find TV alternatives that meet their needs Details of the Digital Inclusion program funded by 6% of Connexion revenue which includes a discounted internet price of $19.95 for 1 Gig internet speeds Regional partnerships and federal grant opportunities in partnership with Larimer County Discussion: Appreciation for My Bundle video tool and transparency in finding best option for customer Acknowledgement of capital needs and confidence in overall project and future success DocuSign Envelope ID: E4408620-0CF5-4746-AE58-3E2303D7EA56 Next Steps: Continue monthly reports, meet with Council Finance Committee, and bring a resolution to Council Joint bond with L&P during the second half of 2023 DocuSign Envelope ID: E4408620-0CF5-4746-AE58-3E2303D7EA56 Economic Health Office 222 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6505 970.224.6107 - fax fcgov.com MEMORANDUM DATE: January 18, 2023 TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager FROM: Josh Birks, Deputy Director - Sustainability Services Clay Frickey, Redevelopment Program Manager RE: January 10, 2023 Work Session Summary – North College Projects Clay Frickey presented a history of planning in the North College corridor, an overview of current projects underway, and future trends and projects for the corridor. Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Councilmembers Gutowsky, Pignataro, Canonico and Ohlson were in attendance. Staff asked Council four questions: 1. Are we focused on the right priorities with the next phase of North College’s life? 2. How should staff navigate the tensions identified? 3. What more do you need to know as Council about North College? 4. Where else in the community would Council like to see a more focused, place-based implementation approach? Council agreed that the current vision for the corridor as presented is still valid. Council confirmed that priorities centered on affordability, retaining a distinct character, having a neutral impact on the environment, or enhance/preserve it, and improving connectivity are still important priorities. Council suggested a similar place-based approach to implementation for other areas in the community experiencing gentrification and displacement. One of the key discussion points was around gentrification and displacement. Council requested staff follow-up with policy recommendations to combat gentrification and displacement in the corridor. Council also stated that it is important to continue making investments in the corridor to improve the quality of life of residents in the face of gentrification and displacement. Council also requested follow- up on two Stormwater projects: the Northeast College Corridor Outfall (NECCO) and Dry Creek Drainage Improvement Project. Council wanted to know the cost of these two projects and their impact on the environment. Next Steps Staff will provide a memo outlining policy options to reduce gentrification and displacement in the North College Corridor. Staff will also provide a memo outlining the costs of NECCO and Dry Creek Drainage Improvement Project. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5B412A13-EC53-4360-9522-77D8970FAB19 Utilities electric · stormwater · wastewater · water 222 Laporte Ave. PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.212.2900 V/TDD: 711 utilities@fcgov.com fcgov.com/utilities M E M O R A N D U M DATE: January 13, 2023 TO: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers FROM: Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist Mariel Miller, Water Conservation Manager THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Kendall Minor, Utilities Executive Director RE: January 10, 2023, Work Session Summary: Land Use Code Changes to Address Xeriscape and Soil Amendment Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Councilmembers Canonico, Pignataro, Gutowsky, and Ohlson were present. Staff members present were Katie Collins, Mariel Miller, Danielle Reimanis, Gretchen Stanford, Kathryne Marko and Jesse Schlam. The purpose of this item was to seek Council feedback on four proposed code update opportunities that support water-wise landscaping in Fort Collins. The four proposals presented were: 1. Less turf in new development and redevelopment (three options) 2. Allow synthetic turf in some scenarios 3. Expand irrigation standards and residential equipment efficiency 4. Increase flexibility in soil amendment policy Summary Overall: Councilmembers expressed general support for proposals 1, 3, and 4. Councilmembers were not in support of proposal 2. All Councilmembers indicated support for a turf limit between 15 – 30% maximum of the landscape area of new and redeveloped residential and commercial properties. Several councilmembers request more exploration of turf minimums and maximums across all property types. All Councilmembers expressed significant concern for updating code to allow the installation of synthetic turf in Fort Collins. Of most concern is the PFAS content of synthetic turf material. Council indicated support for an update to irrigation efficiency standards. Councilmembers are in favor of proposed soil amendment code changes related to smaller, more “micro” landscape changes and best practices. Council requests additional evaluation of current inspection and enforcement processes, and of opportunities for improvement on larger, more “macro” landscape changes (e.g. new development). Questions How are front yards and recreation defined and identified? DocuSign Envelope ID: BCEE1107-A102-4D38-9D06-D99E941B7CCE How would larger, estate lots be evaluated and are there incentives to keep some area more natural? Would landscape standards override HOA rules? Will properties irrigated with hose-end sprinklers be subject to the proposed watering window? How does the city enforce current soil amendment code? Has Utilities considered adjusting the top tier water rate for those that use the most water? Can the Xeriscape Incentive Program be expanded to include other water districts? What additional costs are associated with proposed landscape and irrigation standards? Next Steps Q1-Q3 2023: Continue internal/external outreach and engagement and identify, communicate additional resource needs (i.e. budget, education campaigns) Q2 2023: provide answers to the above questions via a memo to Council, which will include detail on the following: o cost impact analysis for landscape and irrigation proposals o soil amendment program information and cost and resource analysis to scale up soil amendment inspections Q3 2023: Incorporate feedback and draft code updates for first reading, scheduled for September 19, 2023 DocuSign Envelope ID: BCEE1107-A102-4D38-9D06-D99E941B7CCE