HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-03/20/2007-RegularMarch 20, 2007
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Council -Manager Form of Government
Regular Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins was held on Tuesday, March 20, 2007,
at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City of Fort Collins City Hall. Roll Call was answered
by the following Councilmembers: Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and
Weitkunat.
Staff Members Present: Atteberry, Krajicek and Roy.
Citizen Participation
Mayor Hutchinson stated that each audience participant would have five minutes to speak.
Ray Smith, 1618 Sagewood Drive, expressed concerns about trash hauling and in support of trash
hauling districts. He stated that there should be "one street, one trash hauler, one recycler" to
improve fuel efficiency, reduce waste, reduce air and noise pollution, minimize street damage,
improve safety, and reduce costs for the haulers.
Ann Hutchinson, Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice -President, representing the Northern
Colorado Legislative Alliance, spoke regarding transportation issues and in support of a regional
transportation authority.
Clint Skutchan, 719 Great Plains Court, thanked outgoing Councilmembers Kastein and Weitkunat.
He stated that he was a member of the RTA steering committee and that there were many regional
issues relating to transportation and transit.
Al Baccili, 520 Galaxy Court, spoke against vendor fees and taxes and urged voters to vote to stop
the Southwest Enclave Annexation. He equated it with a "taking" of property.
Vivian Armendariz, 820 Merganser Drive, thanked outgoing Councilmember Kastein for his efforts
with regard to Dial -a -Ride and his service as a Councilmember.
Citizen Participation Follow-up
Mayor Hutchinson thanked those who spoke during Citizen Participation.
Councilmember Roy stated that the City Council recently set a goal of 15% for renewable energy
for its power source and that the City had made progress on fuel for the City fleet. He thanked Mr.
Smith for speaking on the trash hauling issue.
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City Manager Atteberry stated the City had converted the diesel fleet to biodiesel and had an active
program to acquire hybrid vehicles. He would be happy to talk more with Mr. Smith.
Aeenda Review
City Manager Atteberry stated that there were no changes to the published agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
6. Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the December 19 2006 Regular Meeting
Second Reading of Ordinance No 037 2007 Appropriating Prior Year Reserves Desi ig� ated
for Library Improvements in the Capital Improvement Expansion Fund for Transfer to the
City's Capital Projects Fund to Construct a Southeast Branch Library and the General Fund
to Purchase Library Books and Materials.
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on March 6, 2007, appropriates
available library impact fees to pay for the design and construction of the Southeast Branch
Library at Front Range Village, as well as for the Library collection.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No 038 2007 Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the
Capital Projects Fund - Pedestrian Plan Capital Project for Improvements Associated with
the Safe Routes to School Program.
The City of Fort Collins Transportation Planning office has received a grant from the CDOT
Safe Routes to School Program to widen the existing sidewalk along the south side of
Mulberry Street from 2.5 feet to 6 feet, from Dunn Elementary to Shields Street. The
widened sidewalk will greatly improve safety and connectivity between Dunn Elementary
and the surrounding neighborhoods. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading
on March 6, 2007, appropriates unanticipated revenue in the Capital Projects Fund -
Pedestrian Plan Capital Project for this improvement project.
9. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 039 2007 Appropriating Unanticipated Grant Revenue
and Prior Year Reserves in the General Fund for the Restorative Justice Program
The Restorative Justice Program (the "Program") is an alternative method ofholding a young
offender accountable by facilitating a meeting with the young offender, the victim and
members of the community to determine the harm done by the crime, and what should be
done to repair the harm. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on March
6, 2007, appropriates funds from two grants that have been received for the purpose of
continuing this program.
10. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 040 2007 Amending Chanter 25 of the City Code to
Create a Manufacturing Equipment Use Tax Rebate
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The Manufacturing Equipment Use Tax Rebate Program is an important economic incentive
for retaining and supporting local manufacturers. Manufacturing concerns are a very
important element of the City's tax base. They also serve as a primary engine for both job
creation and commercial investment in the community. This Ordinance, unanimously
adopted on First Reading on March 6, 2007, adds the Program to the City Code to ensure that
the Program provides an important economic incentive on an ongoing basis.
11. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 041, 2007, Authorizing the Execution and Deliverybby the
City of an Amended and Restated Site Agreement and Lease Agreement a Continuing
Disclosure Undertaking, an Official Statement and Related Documents Concerning the
Leasing of the Mason Office Building and the Mason Street Parking Structure• Ratifying
Action Previously Taken: and Providing Other Matters
This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on March 6, 2007,
approves and authorizes the legal documents necessary to complete a lease purchase
certificate of participation transaction to effectively refund the 1998 and 1999 COPS that
were originally issued for the construction of the City's Mason Street Parking Structure, the
215 North Mason Office Building and an off -site Police Facility.
12. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 042, 2007, Authorizing the Lease of City -Owned Property
at 321 Maple Street For Up to Five Years.
The Fort Collins Technology Incubator (FCTI) provides critical business assistance to the
most promising high tech startup companies in the community. As part of its service, FCTI
offers below market lease space to its client companies. This Ordinance, unanimously
adopted on First Reading on March 6, 2007, allows FCTI's various participants to lease
space for up to five years.
13. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 043 2007 Authorizing the Execution of Ouit Claim
Deeds and a Temporary Construction Easement for the Improvement ofNorth Taft Hill Road
by Larimer County.
Larimer County is improving North Taft Hill Road between LaPorte Avenue and the Poudre
River. To accomplish this project, Larimer County is requesting that the City of Fort Collins
dedicate certain property interests to Larimer County. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted
on First Reading on March 6, 2007, authorizes the conveyance of a temporary construction
easement and two Quit Claim Deeds.
14. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 044, 2007 Authorizing the Acquisition by Eminent
Domain Proceedings of Certain Lands Necessary for the Construction of Public
Improvements in Connection with the Street Oversizing Ziegler and Kechter Intersection
Proiect.
Intersection improvements were constructed for Ziegler Road and Kechter Road. These
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improvements included the construction of a modern roundabout at the Ziegler and Kechter
intersection.
Because of the round configuration of the improvements and the square shape of the existing
right of way, two small slivers of property are needed on the west side. One of these
properties has been purchased. Over the past year, staff has been in negotiations with the
owner of the other property, Hearthside Homeowners Association of Fort Collins, Inc. (the
"HOA"). The HOA Board has accepted, in principle, the City's offer to purchase the
necessary interests for the project for the sum of $1,000.
Under the Bylaws of the Association, however, 80% of all homeowners in the HOA and 67%
of all lending institutions holding deeds of trusts would need to execute the conveyance
document. Given the expense and time required to obtain the necessary document, the HOA
Board has requested that the City proceed with a "friendly" condemnation to complete the
transaction. As requested, City staff is seeking authorization to use eminent domain
proceedings to move forward with the acquisition of the property through the condemnation
process.
This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on March 6, 2007, authorizes
eminent domain proceedings.
15. First Readina of Ordinance No. 046, 2007 Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the
General Fund for E911 and Emergency Medical Dispatch Systems at Fort Collins Police
Services Dispatch Center.
The Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) collects a monthly fee from all county
telephone users to purchase equipment, train users and maintain equipment used to process
E911 phone calls and dispatch appropriate Emergency Services Providers. In 2003, LETA
developed a formula for the anticipated annual budget for these services for each Public
Safety Answering Point (Emergency Services Dispatch Center) based on the number of
Dispatchers and the number of E911 phones calls received in the Center. Based on the
formula, LETA provides the funds to the individual Centers for payment of expenses. The
2007 amount based on 2006 expenditures for Fort Collins Police Services is $12,919.
In the same manner, a formula was developed for each Public Safety Answering Point for
Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) based on the number of dispatchers and the number
of EMD calls handled by the Center. The 2007 amount based on 2006 expenditures for
EMD based on the formula for Fort Collins Police Services is $46,526.
The total amount to be appropriated from these two budgets is $59,445.
16. First Readina of Ordinance No 047 2007 Appropriating Funds for the Harmony and Ziegler
Roads Front Raneg Village Improvements Project
Arterial street improvements are necessary to support the development of the Front Range
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Village. There are extensive improvements to Harmony Road to widen it to a 6-lane arterial
from Timberline to Ziegler, including the construction of a new signalized intersection at
Harmony and Corbett. There are also extensive improvements to the Ziegler/Harmony
intersection. The widening of Ziegler to a 4-lane arterial between Harmony and Horsetooth
will be completed, along with intersection improvements to Ziegler/Horsetooth, proposed
to be a modern roundabout. Roadway improvements include the installation of curb -and -
gutter, asphalt paving, bike lanes, landscaped medians, and storm and sanitary sewers. The
construction is planned to begin in June 2007 and be completed on May 15, 2008.
17. First Reading of Ordinance No. 048, 2007 Authorizing the Conveyance of a Perpetual
Easement for a Sanitary Sewer Line and Temporary Construction Easement for the Registry
Ridge. 5th Filing PDP Project.
The developer of Registry Ridge, 5th Filing PDP, Lennar Colorado, LLC wishes to acquire
an 8,850 square foot easement for a sanitary sewer line and a 10,256 square foot temporary
construction easement through a future City park site for the benefit of the development.
18. First Reading of Ordinance No. 051, 2007. Authorizing the Lease of a Portion of the
Resource Recovery Farm for Agricultural Use.
This Ordinance authorizes an agricultural lease on approximately 110 acres located within
the Resource Recovery Farm for a period of time starting January 1, 2007 and ending
December 31, 2011.
19. Resolution 2007-027 Authorizing the Lease Back to the Seller of the Residence on Ranch
Property to be Purchased as an Addition to Coyote Ridge Natural Area for Up to One Year.
Natural Areas and Real Estate staffhave negotiated the purchase of the Coyote Ridge Stables
property, including all improvements, from Robin Jones. To allow Mr. Jones time to find
and purchase a suitable substitute residence, the seller has requested that the City lease the
existing residence and surrounding three acres to Jones for up to one year, as a condition of
the sale.
20. Resolution 2007-028 Establishing Rental Rates and Delivery Charges for the City's Raw
Water for the 2007 Season.
This Resolution approves rates for the rental and use of the City's raw water supplies. The
Water Utility uses these rates to assess charges for agricultural use, for various contractual
raw water obligations and for raw water deliveries to other City departments. Each year prior
to the irrigation season, the City's Water Board ("the Board") makes a recommendation to
the Council regarding the raw water charges. The Board discussed the proposed rental rates
and charges at its February 22, 2007 meeting. The proposed rate for each type of water is
based on several factors including market conditions and assessments charged by irrigation
companies.
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21. Resolution 2007-029 Adopting the Fifth Amendment to the City's General Employ
Retirement Plan for the Purpose of Shortenina the Length of Time Between an Employ
Retirement Date and the Initial Benefit Payment.
By adoption of this Resolution, Council would shorten the amount of time that lapses
between an employee's retirement date and the date upon which he/she receives the initial
payment from the General Employees' Retirement Plan ("Plan").
Currently, when an employee retires from the City, his/her retirement date is established as
the first day of the subsequent month. Then, in accordance with Section 4 of Article VIII of
the Plan, the benefit payments commence on the last day of the month following the month
of the Retirement Date.
For example, if someone retires from the City on the 5th of March, his/her retirement date
will be established as April 1st and he/she will receive the first benefit payment from the
Plan by May 31 st. As a result, eighty seven days will have lapsed between the last day of
employment with the City and the first benefit payment.
By adoption of this resolution, the first benefit payment under the above scenario will be
received by April 30th, as opposed to May 31 st. Instead of eighty seven days, the retired
employee would only have to wait fifty six days between his/her last day of employment with
the City and the day he/she received the first benefit payment from the Plan.
22. Resolution 2007-030 Making Appointments to the Economic Advisory Commission
Ordinance No. 020, 2007, adopted on Second Reading on February 20, 2007, created a new
Economic Advisory Commission. Vacancies were advertised during February and March.
Mayor Hutchinson and Councilmembers Weitkunat and Ohlson interviewed applicants. The
Council interview team recommends the nine individuals listed in the Resolution to fill the
newly created Commission.
23. Resolution 2007-031 Making Appointments to the Citizen Review Board and the
Commission on Disability.
A vacancy currently exists on the Citizen Review Board which was not filled during the
annual appointment process. Applications were solicited and City Manager Darin Atteberry
and Councilmembers Diggs Brown and Ben Manvel conducted interviews. The interview
team is recommending Anne Berry to fill the vacancy with a term to begin immediately and
set to expire on December 31, 2010.
Vacancies currently exist on the Commission on Disability due to the resignation of William
Livingston -Holt and the vacancy which was not filled during the annual appointment
process. Applications were solicited and Mayor Doug Hutchinson and Councilmember
Karen Weitkunat conducted interviews. The Council interview team is recommending
Kimberlee Imig and Tim Effinger to fill the vacancies with terms to begin immediately and
set to expire on December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 respectively.
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***END CONSENT***
Ordinances on Second Reading were read by title by City Clerk Krajicek.
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 037, 2007, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves Designated
for Library Improvements in the Capital Improvement Expansion Fund for Transfer to the
City's Capital Projects Fund to Construct a Southeast Branch Library and the General Fund
to Purchase Library Books and Materials.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 038, 2007, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the
Capital Projects Fund - Pedestrian Plan Capital Project for Improvements Associated with
the Safe Routes to School Program.
9. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 039, 2007, Appropriating Unanticipated Grant Revenue
and Prior Year Reserves in the General Fund for the Restorative Justice Program.
10. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 040, 2007, Amending Chapter 25 of the City Code to
Create a Manufacturing Equipment Use Tax Rebate.
11. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 041, 2007, Authorizing the Execution and Deliveryby the
City of an Amended and Restated Site Agreement and Lease Agreement, a Continuing
Disclosure Undertaking, an Official Statement, and Related Documents, Concerning the
Leasing of the Mason Office Building and the Mason Street Parking Structure; Ratifying
Action Previously Taken; and Providing Other Matters.
12. Second Reading ofOrdinance No. 042, 2007, Authorizing the Lease of City -Owned Property
at 321 Maple Street For Up to Five Years.
13. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 043, 2007, Authorizing the Execution of Quit Claim
Deeds and a Temporary Construction Easement for the Improvement ofNorth Taft Hill Road
by Larimer County.
14. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 044, 2007, Authorizing the Acquisition by Eminent
Domain Proceedings of Certain Lands Necessary for the Construction of Public
Improvements in Connection with the Street Oversizing Ziegler and Kechter Intersection
Project.
Ordinances on First Reading were read by title by City Clerk Krajicek.
15. First Reading of Ordinance No. 046, 2007, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the
General Fund for E911 and Emergency Medical Dispatch Systems at Fort Collins Police
Services Dispatch Center.
16. First Reading of Ordinance No. 047,2007, Appropriating Funds for the Harmony and Ziegler
Roads Front Range Village Improvements Project.
March 20, 2007
17. First Reading of Ordinance No. 048, 2007, Authorizing the Conveyance of a Perpetual
Easement for a Sanitary Sewer Line and Temporary Construction Easement for the Registry
Ridge, 5th Filing PDP Project.
18. First Reading of Ordinance No. 051, 2007, Authorizing the Lease of a Portion of the
Resource Recovery Farm for Agricultural Use.
27. Items Relating to Adoption of the North College Corridor Plan.
D. Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 049, 2007, Amending the Zoning Map
of the City of Fort Collins by Changing the Zoning Classification for that Certain
Property Known as the Conifer Street Rezoning.
E. First Reading of Ordinance No. 050, 2007, Amending Division 4.19 of the Land Use
Code by Adding Large Retail Establishments to the List of Permitted Uses.
Councilmember Manvel made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to adopt and approve
all items on the Consent Calendar. Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel,
Ohlson, Roy and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Consent Calendar Follow-up
Councilmember Weitkunat highlighted item #22 Resolution 2007-030 Making Appointments to the
Economic Advisory Commission.
Councilmember Ohlson spoke regarding item # 19 Resolution 2007-027 Authorizing the Lease Back
to the Seller of the Residence on Ranch Property to be Purchased as an Addition to Coyote Ridge
Natural Area for Up to One Year.
Mayor Hutchinson spoke regarding item #22 Resolution 2007-030 Making Appointments to the
Economic Advisory Commission and thanked Councilmembers Ohlson and Weitkunat for
participating with him in the selection process.
Staff Reports
City Manager Atteberry reported that the City had received the 13th Annual Asphalt Pavement
Award from the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association for the Timberline Road project.
Tom Peterson, Executive Director of the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association, presented the
award to Matt Baker, the street oversizing program manager, and Mark Laken, the project engineer,
for the Timberline Road widening project. He stated Timberline Road was an example of
"excellence" in the roadway construction industry and recognized the high level of partnering
between the contractor (Connell Resources) and the City.
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City Manager Atteberry asked the following staff members to present a street conditions,
maintenance and pavement management update to the Council: Mark Jackson, Transportation
Planning Manager; LarrySchneider, Streets Superintendent; and Rick Richter, Acting City Engineer.
Councilmember Brown asked how the City determined what deicing agent to use i.e., price or impact
on environment. Schneider stated both price and environmental impact were considerations and
sand was more environmentally damaging than the deicing agents.
Councilmember Manvel asked about the cost of the deicing agent. Schneider stated the granular
product was more corrosive than liquids.
Councilmember Manvel asked if the deicing agent was damaging to concrete. Schneider stated
there was no scaling when the product was used on concrete interstate highways but there were
issues if the concrete was not done right.
Councilmember Ohlson stated he would like to see a two -page memo on the environmental (non-
human) impacts of the materials used for deicing. He asked if potholes and "alligator skin" on the
streets were partly due to the use of chemicals. Richter stated those conditions showed up more in
the spring than at other times. The City tried to do major maintenance when the "alligator" pieces
were a foot or larger. The potholes were a result of the "alligator" problem.
Councilmember Ohlson asked why the "alligator skin" was more noticeable now than it would be
later. Richter stated in the spring the moisture comes up through the pavement and makes those
sections darker where the moisture follows the cracks. As the moisture dried later in the summer
it becomes less evident.
Councilmember Roy requested the follow-up report use the names of components rather than the
proprietary names of the chemicals used.
Councilmember Kastein thanked staff for its hard work to fix potholes. He asked if the contact
information for general traffic issues could be made more readily available to the public. Jackson
stated the off -hours number to call for signal outages was the police non -emergency dispatch
number.
City Manager Atteberry noted the City did not maintain streets or parking lots in private
developments. He thanked the street crews for their excellent work during the difficult winter.
Councilmember Weitkunat thanked staff for the presentation and expressed appreciation for the
information staff provided on the magnitude of the problem and the costs. The Council should look
at what was being put in the budget for street maintenance.
Councilmember Ohlson thanked staff for the "passion" shown about the work they do.
Mayor Hutchinson stated the time spent on this was valuable to give the Council some idea about
the "heroic efforts" that were going on. The City had a dedicated and professional staff that provided
a wide range of services.
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Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Manvel reported he attended a FEMA meeting on the Dry Creek Project and FEMA
would be remapping the area to finalize the work that had been done. This "complicated final
administrative approval process" would be expedited by the work the City had done on the project
and the report. Many on North College Avenue would no longer have to pay for flood insurance
when the final step was completed.
Items Relating to Adoption of the North College Corridor Plan Adopted
The following is staffs memorandum on this item.
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Resolution 2007-032 Adopting the Updated North College Corridor Plan as an Element of
the Comprehensive Plan of the City.
B. Resolution 2007-033 Amending Figure GM-8 of the City Plan Principles and Policies to
Comport with the North College Corridor Plan.
C. Resolution 2007-034 Amending the City's Structure Plan Map to Comport with the North
College Corridor Plan.
D. Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 049, 2007, Amending the Zoning Map of the
City of Fort Collins by Changing the Zoning Classification for that Certain PropertyKnown
as the Conifer Street Rezoning.
E. First Reading of Ordinance No. 050, Amending Division 4.19 of the Land Use Code by
Adding Large Retail Establishments to the List of Permitted Uses.
The proposed update to the North College Corridor Plan (NCCP) has been developed by City staff
with extensive public input over thepast year. The main elements of the Plan are an updated vision,
goals, policies, Framework Plan map, and recommended actions with possible funding sources.
Several related items are being proposed in conjunction with the proposed updated Plan
Based on the NCCP, a minor amendment to the City Structure Plan is needed to change the
land use designation along the north side of Conifer Street, east of North College Avenue
and west of Redwood Street, from Industrial to Community Commercial. Accordingly, to
further implement this minor change, a corresponding rezoning is proposed.
The NCCP recommends an amendment of City Plan's Targeted Redevelopment and Infill
map to add more area near North College and Downtown. The area is located east of
Redwood Street, south of Conifer Street, north of East Vine Drive, and extending slightly
further east of the proposed realignment of Lemay Avenue.
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The Plan recommends a specific change to Permitted Uses in the Community Commercial -
North College zone district (C-C-Nzone) which is being proposed in conjunction with the
Plan adoption hearing. The change would add Large Retail Establishments to the C-C-N
zone.
BACKGROUND
In 1995, the City of Fort Collins adopted the North College Corridor Plan as an element of the
City's Comprehensive Plan. Implementation of the Plan included the creation of new zoning
districts now known as the C-C-N, Community Commercial -North College District and the C-N,
Commercial -North College District.
In 1997, the City Council adopted City Plan as the City's new Comprehensive Plan, with an update
in 2004. The 2004 City Plan update called for the update of the North College Corridor Plan to
deal with a list of issues and changes that had accumulated over the years.
The primary objective of the NCCP is to tailor City Plan principles to the specific circumstances of
the corridor. If adopted, the updated Plan will remain an element of City Plan.
The updated Plan is divided into chapters covering the following topics:
Chapter 1— Introduction
Chapter 2 — Issues
Chapter 3 — Vision
Chapter 4 — Goals
Chapter 5 — Framework Plan
Chapter 6 — Implementation Actions & Financing, Some Details
Presented below is a brief summary of each chapter.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The Introduction sets the context for the 2007 update to the 1995 version of the North College
Corridor Plan, describing the Plan area, the Plan's relationship with City Plan, and the
transportation role of North College Avenue, and brief historical background of the corridor.
Chapter 2 - Issues
The second chapter lays the foundation for the updated Plan by describing the major issues that
have emerged over the years that have led to this update and are addressed in the Plan. These key
issue areas are:
• Identity and Community Design
• North College Avenue Itself
• Retrofitting Streets Into the Corridor
• Existing Development
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• Land Use and Business Mix
• River and Connections to Downtown
• Transportation
• Drainage & Utilities
• Financing
All of the above issues interrelate and overlap and all have contributed to the state of the corridor
today.
Chapter 3 - Vision
In general, the vision includes the following for the "urban evolution " of the corridor:
• more efficient use of land
• higher values
• more complete public infrastructure, and
• more economic activity;
while keeping the strong sense of civic ownership that led to this Plan.
The Vision addresses the issues listed in the previous Issues chapter, with sketches and photos.
This update, thus, is geared to giving the area an overall positive identity and renewed sense of
place, taking advantage of the corridor's proximity of the Poudre River and the Downtown,
establishing new street patterns, and dealing with existing uses while fostering changes to a more
desirable business mix, dealing with infrastructure shortcomings and drainage issues, and finding
financial resources for needed capital improvements.
Chapter 4 - Goals
The Goals are intended to organize, guide, and stimulate efforts to implement the vision and address
issues. Goals are categorized to correspond to the facets of the Vision. Also, the Plan states:
" There is one overarching goal which does not fit any one category: 'Improve
Public, Consumer, and Investor Perception of "North College. "
Goals in all categories significantly contribute to this goal in particular, as it
involves a number of interrelated elements: development and redevelopment projects,
property upgrades, street improvements, beautification efforts, maintenance, an
image and identity program, utilities to support all of the above, and financing and
administration of all the above. "
The Goals are as follows:
LIST OF GOALS
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The Highway Itself — North College Avenue/SH 141US 287
• Improve the safety, image and identity of North College Avenue.
• Find Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) with the CDOTfor street design, as needed
to reflect unique circumstances and the City's vision and goals.
More Complete Street Network
• Evolve a more complete pattern of streets, drives, and alleyways forming
interconnected blocks ofdevelopment, serviced bypublic access and utilities, behind
highway frontage.
• Adapt the pattern and details of new streets to fit circumstances and facilitate
development projects consistent with the vision and goals.
Connections to Downtown Across the Poudre River Corridor
• Capitalize on the river corridor as an attractive, more active connection with
downtown, eliminating perceptions of an edge and a separation.
Community Appearance and Design
• Establish a distinct image and identity along the highway with streetscape
improvement.
• Build up a distinct image and city character in evolving places along the corridor
• Highlight exceptional gateway locations.
• Promote the positive attributes of the whole North College corridor area with a
unique image and identity program.
Land Uses and Activity
• Strengthen market underpinnings and economic activity.
• Support and complement the Downtown core.
• Maximize multiple story buildings.
Financing and Administration
• Solve drainage system needs where required to allow street and development
projects.
Leverage and stimulate further investment with infrastructure projects.
• Leverage City investments with additional financing derived from land value, as
needed to make necessary infrastructure feasible.
• Foster a positive investment climate for projects that contribute to the vision and
goals.
• Assemble key properties where needed to allow development projects and urban
upgrading to proceed.
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Community Support/Dealing with Change
Continue the broad public support which prompted this Plan and much of the
progress in the corridor since 1992, will continue.
Increase collaboration and mutual understanding among multiple owners and City
Departments.
Public support, civic discussions, and citizen initiative will continue to lead to
financing solutions and other property agreements to implement goals.
Chapter 5 - Framework Plan
Chapter 5 presents the revised Framework Plan map. The map illustrates the general, preferred
land use and transportation framework for development and redevelopment projects in the North
College corridor, consistent with the vision and goals.
Its land use pattern is a guide for zoning regulations; and its recommended street network will be
required or encouraged as part of (re)development projects.
The Framework Plan map includes one minor change to a current land use designation, along the
north side of Conifer Street, east of North College Avenue and west of Redwood Street. The map
shows a change from Industrial to Community Commercial designation.
The Framework Plan also shows a "New Vine Drive Influence Area" extending eastfrom the North
College Corridor, along the proposed realignment of Vine Drive, to the proposed realignment of
Lemay Avenue. These proposed realignments involve major transportation implications which
directly affect the North College Corridor.
Chapter 6 - Implementation Actions & Financing, Some Details
The final chapter, Implementation Actions & Financing, is to provide a basis for crucial
conversations on the nextgeneration ofprojects and efforts to accomplish the vision, goals, policies,
and Framework Plan of the updated North College Corridor Plan. In order for the Plan to be
implemented, it requires a broad acceptance and collaboration among multiple property and
business owners, City departments, and other agencies. The chapter lists the implementation actions,
and identifies why the action is necessary, who should be responsible for the action, when the action
needs to be undertaken, and how the action could be financed.
Public Process
Thepublicprocessforthe update to the North College Corridor Plan consisted oftwo majorgeneral
open houses and monthly updates at meetings of the North Fort Collins Business Association
(NFCBA), including two meetings devoted to review and discussion of the Plan. The open houses
were conducted on May 31, 2006, and November 1, 2006 The monthly meetings with the NFCBA
were conducted throughout 2006 and into 2007.
A series of eight property -owner focus group meetings were held in July and August of 2006, along
with a few additional individual meetings, visits, and phone calls. The primary purpose of these
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meetings was to inform owners of the plan, discuss a vision and goals, and explore needs for new
streets, utilities, and redevelopment involving groups of properties.
In addition, the plan's progress was reviewed by the Transportation Board and the Natural
Resources Advisory Board.
RELATED ITEM. PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY PLAN
Proposed changes to City Plan are a change to the City Structure Plan map, and a change to the
Targeted Redevelopment Areas map.
Structure Plan Change
The vision for North College emphasizes cross streets leading to and from North College Avenue
to foster active, attractive, pedestrian friendly places. Properties along the north side of Conifer
Street offer a very good opportunity to achieve this in conjunction with development along the south
side of Conifer, which is already zoned C-C-N. The Industrial zone allows a number of land uses
that would be incompatible with the vision due to low visual quality, low levels of human activity,
and low levels of improvement (e.g., junkyards, outdoor storage, warehouses)
Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas Map
During development of the update to the NCCP, the influences of the proposed realignment of Vine
Drive were integrated into the Plan as a major factor. The Plan update process highlighted the
magnitude of changes introduced by the proposed realignment of "New Vine Drive" through the
middle of the largest area of undeveloped land in and adjacent to the corridor. The effects of the
realigned arterial street are further magnified by two major water lines proposed to parallel the
roadway, and a major channel or pipe to carry stormwater flows.
Influences of these facilities are tied to the entire stretch from North College Avenue to Lemay
Avenue. Influences include extraordinary costs and significant impacts on land use and
transportation. Specifically, some ofthe influences of the realigned Vine depend on how and when
it intersects with Lemay Avenue, and on the required replacement of the existing Vine/Lemay
intersection with a completely new intersection based on realignment of both streets into open land
to accommodate a full size arterial intersection.
Conifer Street and the stretch of North College Avenue from Conifer south are currently designated
as an Enhanced Travel Corridor at the time of this Plan. However, the proposed realignment of
Vine Drive has launched conversations about whether that designation mayshiftfrom Conifer Street
to the New Vine Drive, with implications for the North College Corridor.
Another consideration in expanding the "North College Redevelopment and Infill Area " eastward
along realigned Vine Drive came from market analysis done in 2005 as an input to the NCCP. That
analysis highlighted a very important need to increase residential development in the trade area.
While the introduction of "New Vine" has raised questions about a greater potential for non-
residential uses, the proposed area to be added is still envisioned as a good opportunity for
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residential development directly tied to the North College corridor by the new roadway.
For all these reasons and more, inclusion of the area on the Infill and Redevelopment Map is
integral and essential to the North College corridor. Inclusion on the map generally means there
is an increased policy basis for the City to help fund extra -ordinary infrastructure needs due to
deficiencies in existing infrastructure, and to provide special features or assistance needed to
accommodate the impacts of major changes which are envisioned.
RELATED ITEM: PROPOSED CONIFER STREET REZONING
This is a proposal to rezone nine parcels of land containing approximately 4.1 acres located along
the north side of Conifer Street and just west of Redwood Street. The requested zoning change is
from the Industrial District (I) to the Community Commercial -North College, District (C-C-N).
The three property owners who are affected, support the change.
Land Use Code Requirements for Rezonings
The regulations covering rezonings in the City offort Collins are contained in Division 2.9 of the
Land Use Code. Section 2.9.4 (H) (2) indicates the following:
Mandatory RequirementsforQuasi-JudicialRezonings. Any amendment to the Zoning Map
involving the zoning or rezoning of six hundred forty (640) acres of land or less (a quasi-
judicial rezoning) shall be recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Board
or approved by the City Council only if the proposed amendment is:
(a) consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan; and/or
(b) warranted by changed conditions within the neighborhood surrounding and
including the subject property.
Section 2.9.4 (H) (3) of the Land Use Code indicates the following:
Additional Considerations for Quasi -Judicial Rezonings. In determining whether to
recommend approval ofany suchproposed amendment, the Planning and Zoning Board and
City Council may consider the following additional factors:
(a) whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment is compatible with existing
and proposed uses surrounding the subject land, and is the appropriate zone district
for the land;
(b) whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in
significantly adverse impacts on the natural environment, including, but not limited
to, water, air, noise, stormwater management, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands and
natural functioning of the environment;
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(c) whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in a logical
and orderly development pattern.
Justification for the proposed rezoning
The proposed rezoning is being made in conjunction with the update to the North College Corridor
Plan to help implement its vision and goals, along with the related change to the City Structure
Plan. Thejustif:cationmatches thejustifzcationforthe Structure Plan change. Asnotedpreviously,
the vision for North College emphasizes cross streets leading to and from North College Avenue to
foster active, attractive, pedestrian friendlyplaces. Properties along the north side of Conifer Street
offer a very good opportunity to achieve this in conjunction with development along the south side
of Conifer, which is already zoned C-C-N. The Industrial zone allows a number of land uses that
would be incompatible with the vision due to low visual quality, low levels of human activity, and
low levels of improvement (e.g., junk yards, outdoor storage, warehouses.)
Therefore, the justification for this rezoning lies within the North College Corridor Plan, specifically
its Framework Plan map, which shows the subject area to be appropriate for inclusion in the
Community Commercial District on the City's Structure Plan Map.
Consistency with City Plan, The City's Comprehensive Plan
As indicated above, any request to rezone less than 640 acres is considered a quasi-judicial rezoning
and the first "criterion "for approving the request is consistency with the City's Comprehensive
Plan. The main consideration in this regard is the City Structure Plan map, which sets the basic
land use framework showing how Fort Collins should grow and evolve. Since the Structure Plan
map is proposed for amendment as part of the update to the North College Corridor Plan, the
proposed rezoning is a consistent part of the same package.
Findings of Fact
In evaluating the request for rezoning, staff makes the following findings of fact:
A. In 1997, the City adopted City Plan as City's the new Comprehensive Plan. And in 2004 an
update to City Plan was adopted by the City Council. The 2004 City Plan update did call
for the update of the North College Avenue Corridor Plan to deal with a list of issues that
had accumulated since the initial adoption of the Plan.
B. The update of the North College Avenue Corridor Plan is also proposed as an element of the
City's Comprehensive Plan and the Framework Plan map in the Plan shows the subject area
changing from the "Industrial" classification to the "Community Commercial -North
College " classification.
C. The requested rezoning is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, and thus meets the
requirement of Division 2.9 of the Land Use Code Section 2.9.4 (H) (2), by directly
implementing the North College Corridor Plan.
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RELATED ITEM: PROPOSED CHANGE TO C-C--NZONE
This is a proposed revision to Division 4.19, the Community Commercial North College Zone
District (C-C-N) of the Land Use Code. The revision would add "Large Retail Establishments" to
the list ofpermitted uses in the C-C-NZone District, Section 4.22(B) of the Land Use Code, subject
to review by the Planning and Zoning Board.
In 2000, the City Council added Supermarkets to the zone district, finding that large footprint uses
can be appropriate in the zone if they provide responsive design and needed infrastructure. The
reasoning was that large uses bring a special ability to deal with costly infrastructure needs in the
corridor, and size impacts can be adequately addressed in the design process and the publicprocess
of development review.
The proposed realignment of Vine Drive introduced another change following the C-C-Nzoning,
by introducing a large scale trafficfacility through the center of the largest contiguous area ofC-C-
Nzoning.
Then, market analysis done in 2005 as an input into the updated NCCP, indicated that a large
"destination retail" establishment(s) would be a crucial boost in helping rejuvenate the economic
vitality of the North College corridor. A "big box" retail establishment could fill the need for a
destination retail use to draw customers into the corridor.
Changed conditions and new information combined with public discussion in the Plan process have
led to the proposed change to allow the use. "
Clark Mapes, City Planner, stated this was an update of a plan done in 1994 and had been discussed
at a work session in December. He stated the number one obstacle to making improvements in the
area had been removed with the $10 million in Dry Creek flood facilities. The agenda item included
five items. Resolution 2007-032 would adopt the updated North College Corridor Plan as an
element of the Comprehensive Plan. Resolution 2007-033 would amend the targeted redevelopment
and in -fill map in City Plan to reflect the influence of the proposed Vine Drive realignment. He
presented visual information showing the proposed Vine Drive realignment. Resolution 2007-034
would amend the land use designations on the City Structure Plan to allow for a modest rezoning
of property along Conifer Street on the east side of North College Avenue and west of Redwood
Street. Ordinance No. 049, 2007 would amend the zoning map for the Conifer Street rezoning, and
Ordinance No. 050, 2007 would amend the zone district called Community Commercial North
College to add large retail establishments as a permitted use in the zone. He highlighted elements
of the original Plan and noted there had been significant projects and changes since the original Plan.
The update was needed to incorporate those changes, convene crucial discussions among multiple
owners and service providers who must work together to make progress, clarify the vision and goals,
clarify priorities and start a new set of conversations on the "next generation" of projects. He
outlined the public process and the City's work with the North Fort Collins Business Association
and the Urban Renewal Authority citizen advisory group. There was a series of property owner
focus group meetings. The Plan had also been taken to the Transportation Board, Natural Resources
Advisory Board, and Planning and Zoning Board. He highlighted the following main points in the
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Plan: clarification of the vision for the highway (North College Avenue), which would remain the
natural focus of the area, and improving the safety and attractiveness of North College Avenue; and
places that have a neighborhood or downtown -like feel along the new cross streets and side streets
and new and improved intersections to bring visibility and access to those places. The ideas for
North College Avenue had to do with the streetscape, a theme to highlight the outdoor recreation
aspects of the Colorado Scenic Byways designation, and highlighting the Poudre River as a gateway
and a destination. There were also ideas about a more complete street network to bring access and
utilities into some of the vacant rear areas. Properties along College Avenue would no longer have
direct access from the highway and that access would be provided by the new cross streets and side
streets. He presented visual information showing the vision relating to possible larger footprint uses.
Another big idea in the Plan was to improve connections to downtown across the Poudre River
corridor. There was a complex set of issues relating to the River and the vision was to have more
active and attractive connections across that "divide."
He presented visual information showing the River's floodway and floodplain. The streetscape
along College Avenue and the Vine intersection would be good opportunities for more attractive and
active connections between North College and downtown. A balance between activities of people
and vehicles, flood flows, natural areas and the crucial habitat corridor had been discussed at length.
He presented visual information showing the Lake Canal irrigation ditch diversion running parallel
to the River. Sidewalks would have to cross that canal and plans were mentioned for consideration.
Vertical elements such as pedestrian bridges could contribute to the desired image and identity of
the area. Another main aspect of the Plan reflected a strong desire and support for evolving a unique
and interesting character that would be distinct from generic or typical suburban development. One
of the recommendations of the Plan was to explore an updated set of standards and guidelines for
the area centered around architectural style that might be more informal than other parts of the City.
The Plan addressed a need for stronger underpinnings in the corridor i.e., uses that would bring
people and economic activity to the area, starting with housing and jobs and going on to mixed
neighborhood and commercial activity. There was a tie between land use and community design
ideas. The Plan would accomplish what it set out to do and built a base of understanding about the
needs in the area and the vision and goals for the area. This update had started new conversations
about projects.
Mayor Hutchinson stated each audience participant would have five minutes to speak.
Dean Hoag, President of the North Fort Collins Business Association, small business owner, spoke
in support of the Plan and stated it would give positive direction to the area. He encouraged the
Council to allow the addition of large retail establishments to the CCN zone district. He urged the
Council to adopt this Plan.
Ron Lautzenheiser, 7423 Couples Court, small business owner at 1506 North College Avenue,
supported adoption of the Plan. The greatest impediment to development was the Dry Creek
floodplain and that had now been removed. North College Avenue was "building community" and
"pride" in the area. North College could be brought up to the standards of the rest of the City and
could become a "great contributor" to Fort Collins.
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Mickey Willis, Fort Collins resident, supported the vision of the North College Corridor Plan and
stated he had some issues with expanding the Urban Renewal District to cover the area just past
Lemay Avenue. None of the property owners received notice of this "annexation process." There
had been "consistent abuse" in other parts of Northern Colorado of the urban renewal laws.
Mayor Hutchinson noted the Council was not addressing the issue of the Urban Renewal District
expansion at this time and the matter had been postponed. Mr. Willis stated this was briefly
addressed in the North College Plan. Mayor Hutchinson stated the annexation issues had been
postponed to allow more time for the public outreach processes.
Mr. Willis stated the Alta Vista neighborhood was an historic neighborhood because of its large
collection of adobe -constructed houses at this latitude in North America. This was also an area
neglected by City policies because it had been in a floodway. A "floodway effect" on this
neighborhood would mean the payment of $800-$900 in flood insurance by those in the area. This
area was not proposed for inclusion in the annexation area and many improvements were needed in
the area. The North College Plan did not talk much about the Vine Drive realignment moving up
on the capital improvement project list. The expansion of these areas into an annexation area would
draw those property taxes generated by the properties from the area to fund improvements on North
College Avenue. The lack of transportation capacity at Vine and Lemay was stopping growth from
downtown to Mountain Vista. If the area was to be annexed the Vine intersection must be made a
priority so that truck -deterrent mechanisms could be put into place.
Councilmember Manvel stated he had questions about the Vine and Lemay intersection realignment.
He asked the timing of that project and the effects it would have on this process. Mark Jackson,
Transportation Planning Manager, stated the Vine relocation was on the City's Master Street Plan
and the entire intersection project, including the realignment of the portion of Lemay to the east, was
on that Master Street Plan and was reflected in the City's capital improvement project list. It was
not officially ranked as a high priority project and that could change due to the "groundswell of
opportunity" and interest in the North College corridor and the northeast quadrant of Fort Collins.
There could be other opportunities for the Vine project to become a higher priority, such as the
Greeley waterline project. Staff was working collaboratively with Stormwater on some preliminary
design work.
Councilmember Manvel asked if the coordinated Plan included new stormwater and roadway
construction that would help some of the problem with Alta Vista. Jackson stated the current
collaboration was on the design work and acquisition of right-of-way. The preliminary design work
would "tie down" the alignment and allow the City to give people more precise information.
Councilmember Manvel stated he saw this as a "huge new project" and understood the current Vine
and Lemay intersection alignment would not allow the kinds of improvements that were needed. He
asked if the current alignment would be left as "local streets" and the traffic moving segments would
be moved away to allow the improvements to be made. He suggested the expense may not be much
more to do the realignment than to make improvements at the current intersection. Jackson stated
this was an accurate assessment. He stated right-of-way was being acquired at every possible
opportunity and the City would not have to "start from ground zero" on the project. Staff was
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looking at every opportunity to move the project forward.
Councilmember Manvel asked if the people of Alta Vista and Buckingham had been consulted in
the process. Jackson stated the changes to the Master Street Plan reflecting the Vine Drive
realignment were made in 1999 or 2000 and there was extensive public outreach done at that time.
Joe Frank, Advance Planning Director, stated now that the floodplain had been removed and activity
on North College was being generated the Vine realignment project would be sooner than previously
anticipated, possibly less than 10 years.
Councilmember Weitkunat noted that transportation issues affect the North College Plan and it was
important to stress the new Vine alignment during the discussions. A critical piece would be the
closure of Vine as it is now as a through street. There would be an opportunity to "urbanize" the
current Vine/College intersection to make it pedestrian friendly. One of the most important pieces
of the North College Plan was to integrate that section of the City into the community by reducing
barriers. The current streets, the River and the train tracks created a barrier and it was necessary to
"mitigate that barrier." The new alignment of Vine Drive would be critical to the function of North
College Avenue in the future. The City needed to look at the priorities of the whole transportation
network. This did not mean "bypass" but did mean "transportation corridors." This would benefit
the people in the Alta Vista and Buckingham neighborhoods because it would "create a
neighborhood" rather than "divide a neighborhood." The Greeley -Weld waterlines that were being
put in along the new Vine corridor were critically important. This could be an opportunity for the
City to "jump onto the construction that was happening" in connection with those waterlines.
Dealing with east -west transportation connections would be important for North College. Jackson
stated the current Vine Drive would revert back to a localized road and Conifer was identified as a
potential enhanced travel corridor. A critical piece of the transportation "skeletal network" was the
concept of "parallel corridors." The North College Plan was in concert with previous work done on
access control plans, the Master Street Plan, the transportation master plan, and parallel corridors.
The parallel corridors would provide another outlet to make short internal trips without having to
get onto a congested corridor. Ken Waido, Chief Planner, stated one of the north -south connections
was the Linden Street/Redwood Street connection that would go up the center on the east side of
College Avenue and have a direct connection into the heart of the downtown.
Councilmember Manvel asked about north -south connections on the west side (Mason Street) and
the barrier of narrow deep lots running west from College Avenue. He asked about the process to
get buy -in from the property owners, noting that this would make their land more accessible with
more frontages. Jackson stated the access control plan was done in phasing so there would be a short
term immediate phase and a long term phase involving redevelopment. It was early to say what the
Mason Street corridor would look like. The intent was to do corridor plans for the remaining
enhanced travel corridors, including Harmony Road, Timberline and the Mountain Vista area.
Councilmember Roy stated one problem for development appeared to be the two different sewer
lines i.e., a constrained clay line under a lot of development and a six-inch line. He asked about the
cost to modernize the sewer line system early in the redevelopment. Mapes stated the issues section
of the Plan noted the problem with the sewer lines. The main issue was the area along the west side
where the Mason Street parallel street system would be. The Utilities Department was not sure about
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the current state of disrepair of the sewer line that runs beneath multiple properties and buildings
with no easement or right-of-way. The Utilities were supportive of the idea of a parallel street,
which would include a new sewer line. It would be done in connection with development or with
the property owners paying for it. The Urban Renewal Authority could help with tax increment
financing. This was one more reason the new street was needed on the west side of College Avenue.
This was an example of a "blight factor."
Councilmember Roy asked for a schematic showing where the railroad tracks cross College Avenue
diagonally to the north. Mapes presented visual information showing the Union Pacific spur to the
north.
Councilmember Roy asked if that spur was used any more. Mapes stated the spur was used for
several businesses and the cement plant.
Councilmember Roy asked if consideration had been given to using the right-of-way on those rail
lines as an amenity i.e., for races, activities and a pedestrian walkway. Mapes stated efforts were
made to explore the issue with the railroad and the property owners that use the spur and the talks
"never went anywhere."
Councilmember Roy stated he would be interested in opening up the discussion to consider possible
recreational opportunities and opening it up as a pedestrian connection to make north Fort Collins
even more inviting. Frank stated there were several land uses in the area that use rail access and that
industrial uses might find North College to be attractive because of that rail access. That was part
of the mix of what makes this area attractive to different types of uses.
Councilmember Manvel stated a $70 million figure was referenced in the Plan for infrastructure
improvements i.e., sewer lines, undergrounding of power lines, streets. He noted the Plan indicated
that perhaps half of the money could be supplied by tax increment financing upon development, $5
million could come from Building on Basics, and $20 million could come directly from developers.
He was encouraged that much of the funding would come from other sources and asked if this
scenario was likely. Frank stated the tax increment financing would not all go into infrastructure.
He did not believe enough money would be generated from tax increment financing to solve the
problem and there would be a significant funding gap. Tax increment financing would be a "small
tool' that would be used with other funding sources. Sales tax money would need to be reserved in
the next capital improvements plan for North College Avenue. Some of the developer contribution
may be in the long term because developers would be asking for help in the beginning to get
development projects started.
Councilmember Manvel asked if the annexation of the Lemay area to the Urban Renewal District
would mean that North College Avenue would need the money as noted by Mr. Willis. Frank stated
the Council, sitting as the Urban Renewal Authority, would decide how the money was to be spent
in a fair way. The tax increment financing was a start toward funding improvements.
Councilmember Ohlson asked about the "down side" of the retail zoning and the addition of large
retail establishments. Mapes stated the Plan emphasized the vision for the cross streets. The south
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side of Conifer was Community Commercial zoning that would have mixed use development with
stores, businesses and housing, while the north side of Conifer was Industrial that would allow major
vehicle repair, outdoor storage, junk yards, storage units and uses with low activity, low investment,
and low visual quality. Conifer was shown on the framework map as being an enhanced east -west
travel corridor. It made sense to make Conifer more attractive on both sides of the street, with
Industrial not fronting on Conifer. The cons would be that four to six acres of Industrial ground
would be lost.
Councilmember Ohlson noted there had been discussion that there were fewer Industrial sites in the
City. He asked about the cons for the second ordinance. Mapes stated the addition of big boxes to
the CCN zone would build on Council's previous addition of supermarkets to the zone. The vision
of the zone was "undermined" because of the Vine realignment and the addition of grocery stores
to the zone. The cons were the same as big boxes anywhere i.e., a big footprint, big parking lot,
neighborhood impacts. There were no existing neighborhoods in the immediate area. There were
both pros and cons associated with big boxes, and this was a "pragmatic move" to allow a big box.
Any development proposal would go through the development process.
Mayor Hutchinson noted the word "annexation" was referenced a number of times and this related
to expansion of the Urban Renewal Authority boundary. He asked whether that annexation applied
to this Plan or not. Mapes stated expansion of the Urban Renewal Authority was a separate issue,
although the North College Plan sets the stage for that expansion.
("Secretary's Note: The Council took a brief recess at this point in the meeting.)
Councilmember Weitkunat made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Roy, to adopt Resolution
2007-032.
Councilmember Weitkunat stated she was "delighted" to see this item come to Council during her
term as a Councilmember. This was a "milestone" for progress on North College Avenue.
Transportation and streetscape issues would be critical to making the area a "friendly community -
connected" area. It was important to remove the barriers to the rest of the community and "bind"
the area to the City. This was the northern gateway to the City and everyone had worked hard to
make the area part of the community.
Councilmember Manvel stated the Poudre River was a "divider" in the community. He hoped the
River would become a way to attract people to North College Avenue.
Councilmember Kastein would like the City to look at outside funding mechanisms for the
transportation improvements that were needed to address existing deficiencies.
Mayor Hutchinson was glad to see this come to Council to develop a vision for a neglected area of
the City.
The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein,
Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
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THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Manvel, to adopt Resolution
2007-033. Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and
Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Weitkunat made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Manvel, to adopt
Resolution 2007-034. Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel, Ohlson, Roy
and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Roy made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Manvel, to adopt Ordinance No.
049, 2007 on First Reading. Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel, Ohlson,
Roy and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Kastein made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Weitkunat, to adopt
Ordinance No. 050, 2007 on First Reading.
Councilmember Ohlson questioned whether it would be good to add large retail to this area but that
he would "defer to the people that worked on this" for a long time i.e., the citizens, staff and Council
liaisons.
Mayor Hutchinson stated he was sure that the staff and the people of the area would be diligent about
any large retail development meeting City standards.
Councilmember Weitkunat stated it was not a "slam dunk" that large retail would happen just
because it was added to the list of permitted uses. She noted that any project would have to meet
criteria and go through the development review process.
The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Brown, Hutchinson, Kastein,
Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Other Business
Councilmember Weitkunat stated there had been "rumblings" that the Southwest Enclave
Annexation ballot measure denied people the right to vote. County residents were allowed to vote
on County measures. They were not able to vote in City elections until they were annexed. This was
a matter of jurisdiction.
March 20, 2007
Councilmember Roy stated there had been a comment that the Southwest Enclave Annexation was
"eminent domain." He stated "nothing could be further from the truth." Nothing about the
Annexation had anything whatsoever to do with eminent domain.
Councilmember Manvel stated the Southwest Enclave Annexation was on the ballot and the ballot
measure was to repeal the Council's annexation of the area. A "yes" vote was in favor of repeal and
a "no" vote was in favor of having the annexation go forward. This area was within the City and
encouraged people to look at a map to see if it belonged in the City or the County. He urged people
to vote "no" on the ballot measure.
Mayor Hutchinson urged the people of Fort Collins to look closely at the Southwest Enclave
Annexation and consider that there was some misinformation distributed. One flyer had been mailed
out that indicated people in the annexation were being denied the right to vote in City elections for
nearly 10 years because the Council is circumventing State law with a phased annexation. When the
annexation was final (upon the recording of the annexation map) the right to vote in City elections
was granted.
ARM 3 Council Meeting Cancelled
Councilmember Weitkunat made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Ohlson, to cancel the
Regular Meeting of April 3, 2007 due to the municipal election. Yeas: Councilmembers Brown,
Hutchinson, Kastein, Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and Weitkunat. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Hutchinson called a Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in
the City Council Chambers for the purpose of convening an organizational meeting to administer
the oaths of office to the newly elected Mayor and Councilmembers and the selection of the Mayor
Pro Tern and any other matters that may properly come before the Council.
Mayor Hutchinson noted a work session was scheduled for next Tuesday to review the Council's
policy agenda and discuss the Foothills Fashion Mall urban renewal.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
ATTEST:
I ! `• q
�6 . _
Adjournment
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