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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-09/18/2007-RegularSeptember 18, 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, September 18, 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: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy, and Troxell. Councilmembers Absent: Brown Staff Members Present: Atteberry, Krajicek, Roy. Councilmember Ohlson stated the Beet Street initiative would be launched the next evening, Wednesday, September 19. Beet Street has been in development for five years and will foster, celebrate and inspire creativity through diverse cultural experiences and programming. The arts community, Colorado State University, City Government, the Downtown Development Authority and committed citizens have worked together to develop this initiative. Citizen Participation Ryan Staychock,1634 Westbridge Drive, Natural Resources Advisory Board Chairperson, stated the Natural Resources Advisory Board unanimously supported a goal of 50% solid waste diversion rate. The goal would provide environmental benefits, reduce greenhouse gases and has potential economic benefits. The City will not be able to reach that goal without significant changes to policy and/or actions. The Board requested Council to direct staff to implement changes to the waste diversion policies and programs to make progress towards the goal. The Board also recommended that Council support the adoption of U.S. SB 128 and to adopt a resolution in support of the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area. The following citizens spoke in support of adoption of a resolution urging withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq: Dolores Williams, 415 Mason Court Eric Fried, 4255 Kingsbury Drive Joe Kissell, 913 West Oak Pam Stevens, Fort Collins resident Don Flick, 520 North Sherwood Christopher Hite, 1825 Crestmore Place Roger Dodds, address unknown Cola Masero, address unknown Deb Stucklin, Loveland resident 169 September 18, 2007 Marla Swanson, 824 Mathews Andrew McMahan, 605 Monte Vista Ken Tharp, 601 Birkey Place Norberto Valdez, 3802 Lynda Lane Barbara Clark, address unknown Bill Timpson, 331 Park Street Nancy York, 130 South Whitcomb Ali Borani, address unknown Irma Woollen, 5620 Fossil Creek Parkway Joe Stern, 421 South Howes Elaine Boni, 1608 Prospect Lane, HumanRelations Commission member, invited Councilmembers to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month. Dave McDanal, 1601 North College, supported an expansion of transit operation hours to encourage citizens to use public transportation. Gail Zirtzlaff, 2048 Manchester Drive, stated her neighbors are repeatedly served violations for inoperable vehicles and even though theytemporarily remove the vehicles, they are soon in violation of City Code again. She supported neighborhood HOAs. Citizen Participation Follow-up Councilmember Roy stated he was opposed to the United States occupation in Iraq and he thanked all the citizens who came to speak regarding the resolution urging the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Councilmember Manvel stated he did not support the war in Iraq. Excellent arguments had been heard as to why Council should be involved in the war by adopting the proposed resolution. The war does have an economic and human cost to the city, state and country. The citizens have many and varied opinions as to how to end U.S. involvement in Iraq. The proposed resolution would involve considerable debate as to how the U.S. should withdraw and he was not willing to debate this national issue. He was elected to represent his district on local issues and he did not run on a partisan ticket or on national issues. He did not believe there would be much impact from Council voting on the issue. Councilmember Ohlson asked staff to provide suggested solutions to the citizen who had neighbors who were repeat Code violators. He stated a proposal to extend transit operation hours did not currently have any funding in the proposed budget. Mayor Hutchinson urged the citizens who spoke regarding the resolution requesting withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq to write and speak with their U.S. representatives and senators who do have authority to act to resolve this issue. The Council does not have any authority in this issue. ("Secretary's note: The Council took a brief recess at this point in the meeting.) 170 September 18, 2007 Agenda Review City Manager Atteberry stated there were no changes to the published agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 099, 2007, Appropriating Unanticipated Grant Revenue in the General Fund for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on September 4, 2007, appropriates $24,000 provided by a grant from the Colorado Historical Society toward the rehabilitation of historic commercial properties in Fort Collins. Second Reading of Ordinance No.100, 2007, Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to Enter into an Extension of the Restaurant/Snack Bar Concession Agreement at Collindale Golf Course for up to Five Additional Years. The existing Agreement with the Collindale Golf Course food and beverage concessionaire, Brauns Bar & Grill at Collindale, LLC, dba Manno's Grille at Collindale, owned and operated by Fort Collins residents Scott and Karrie Manning, expires on December 31, 2007. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on September 4, 2007, extends the Agreement for up to five additional one-year renewable periods through December 31, 2012, as per the terms and conditions of the original Agreement with a few modifications as required by the City. 8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 101, 2007, Vacating a Portion of Certain Ri t-of-Way Acquired by the City in Connection with the Feather Ridge Annexation, Strachan Farm Annexation and Harmony Annexation No. 4. As a part of the Feather Ridge Annexation, Strachan Farm Annexation and Harmony Annexation Number 4, the City acquired certain street rights -of -way. This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on September 4, 2007, vacates the right-of-way for the street as it is no longer necessary. While the right-of-way is being vacated, utility, drainage, access, and emergency access easements are being retained and there are no objections by public or private utilities. 9. First Reading of Ordinance No. 102, 2007, Temporarily Suspending the Operation and Enforcement of the Land Use Code and Zoning Map Regarding the Usage of the "Ricker Building" as an Emergency Daytime Severe Winter Weather Shelter for the Homeless. Local health and human service agencies have asked the City to assist in providing a facility to house a temporary emergency daytime shelter for the homeless in the event of severe winter weather. 171 September 18, 2007 10. First Reading of Ordinance No. 103, 2007, Authorizing the Acquisition by Eminent Domain Proceedings of Certain Lands Necessary for the Construction of Public Improvements in Connection with Phase Two of the Harmony and Ziegler Roads Front Range Village Improvements Project. Front Range Village is a large commercial development planned for the area located at the northwest corner of the Harmony Road and Ziegler Road intersection. As a result of this new development, street improvements and various off -site improvements are necessary for Harmony and Ziegler Roads and will be constructed through the Street Oversizing Program as part ofthe Harmony and Ziegler Roads Front Range Village Improvements Project. Given the construction schedule for the Project, timely acquisition of the property interests is necessary. All property interests needed for Phase I have been successfully negotiated. Staff is requesting authorization of eminent domain for all property acquisitions in Phase II of the Project, if such action is necessary. 11. First Reading of Ordinance No. 104, 2007, Authorizing the Conveyance of a Conservation Easement on City Natural Area Property (Roman Ranch) to Latimer County. This Ordinance authorizes the conveyance by the City of a conservation easement on the 1,960-acre Roman Ranch property to Larimer County. The City will receive a $976,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to support the conservation of the property as part of the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains project approved in 2004. The grant requires that a conservation easement be placed on the property and conveyed to a qualified third party. The conservation easement acknowledges and protects the natural qualities of the property while allowing some visitor services facilities associated with the recreational opportunities to be provided at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. 12. First Reading of Ordinance No. 105, 2007, Designating the A.C. Kluver House (No.2), 323 East Magnolia Street, as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code The owner of the property, Charles F. Ferric, is initiating this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation for the property. The A.C. Kluver House (No.2) qualifies for individual Landmark designation under Landmark Standards (2) and (3). This property embodies historical significance for its association with prominent early Fort Collins businessman A. C. Kluver. The home is also a noteworthy and well-preserved example of a Craftsman bungalow constructed of brick. Surveyed at the intensive -level in 1998, the property was judged to individually qualify as eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under both Criterion B, for its association with a noteworthy individual, and Criterion C, for its architectural significance. The property is currently listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties as a contributing element of the Laurel School National Register District. 172 September 18, 2007 13. Resolution 2007-083 Authorizine an Exemption to the Use of a Competitive Process for the City to Enter into a Contract For Railroad Improvements from Burlington Northern Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and Great Western Railway. City roadway projects include upgrades to railroad crossings if they are within the project limits. These upgrades typically include extending or replacing crossing materials and moving or upgrading warning signals and automated crossing gates. The affected Railroad either performs the work or has a designated subcontractor perform the work. Railroad improvements such as upgraded railroad crossings must be performed by the railroad or its approved contractor. Staff is also requesting Council approval to use this exemption for 5 years. 14. Resolution 2007-084 Authorizing. an Exemption to the Use of a Competitive Process for the City to Enter into a Contract with MH3 Corporation to Conduct a Study of Water Quality Parameters for the City's Source Waters. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the most important water quality parameters for the source waters of the City of Fort Collins Water Treatment Facility (FCWTF). DOM that is not removed during treatment can react with the chlorine that is added to the finished water for disinfection, forming disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes that are regulated parameters and suspected carcinogens. A comprehensive DOM characterization study of the City's source waters will establish a baseline database of information that can be used into the future to help optimize water treatment and to consider the impacts of changing water sources and blends. MH3 Corporation has a cost-effective solution along with the laboratory resources, experience and technical expertise to conduct a DOM characterization study. City staffhave determined that the use of MH3 Corporation to complete the study as an exception to the competitive purchasing process is an efficient and cost-effective means to accomplish the study, and to be in the best interest of the City. 15. Resolution 2007-085 Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of a Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Management Plan at the Fort Collins -Loveland Municipal Airport. This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the United States Department of Agriculture to conduct a Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Wildlife Management Plan for the Fort Collins/Loveland Municipal Airport. The Assessment and Management Plan are required by the FAA as part of the Airport's Certification requirements. The Assessment and Management Plan will identify wildlife species on and in the vicinity of the Airport and establish mitigation measures to reduce hazards to aircraft and the general public. 173 September 18, 2007 16. Resolution 2007-086 Authorizingthe e Mavor to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Among the City of Fort Collins. the City of Loveland, Larimer County. and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the US287 Environmental Overview Study EOS. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed the US287 Environmental Overview Study (EOS) for the portion of this state highway between Harmony Road in Fort Collins and 29th Street in Loveland. CDOT is requesting approval of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the US287 EOS by the Fort Collins City Council as well as the other agencies involved in developing this report. The City's Transportation Board has reviewed and approved a recommendation to City Council supporting CDOT's request. City staff from the Transportation Services Area participated in the development of the US287 EOS project and confirms that the report's recommendations are consistent with the City's adopted Transportation Master Plan, Master Street Plan, and South College Avenue/US287 Access Control Plan. 17. Resolution 2007-087 Authorizing. the Members of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority to Serve as Members of a Nonprofit Organization to Direct the Activities of the "Beet Street" Program. The Downtown Development Authority ("DDA") is in the process of developing a cultural program known as Beet Street (the "Program") the purpose of which is to foster the established performing arts, local culture and participative sciences community, and intellectual, cultural, physical and spiritual rejuvenation and growth in downtown Fort Collins through education, participation and entertainment, all consistent with the statutory purposes of the DDA. The DDA Board believes that the success of the Program will be realized by the formation of a nonprofit organization to manage the Program since its status as a nonprofit will make additional funding sources available for the Program and allow the organization to conduct fundraising efforts and facilitate grant programs. In addition, having the nonprofit organizational structure in place will aid in the eventual transition to independence from DDA Board oversight and public funding. The DDA Board also believes that the membership of the board of such organization should include members of the DDA Board in order to ensure fulfillment of and consistency with the purposes and objectives of the Program and the DDA. The purpose of this Resolution is to authorize the service of the DDA Board members as members of the board of a nonprofit organization established to manage the Program as being within the scope of the DDA Board members' service as appointees of the City Council and to recognize that the DDA Board members shall be "authorized volunteers" as that term is defined in CRS §24-10-103(4)(a) and shall be indemnified, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the provisions and limitations of the Municipal Code, from liability for acts and omissions occurring during the performances of their duties as members 174 September 18, 2007 of the board of a nonprofit organization established to manage the Program. In addition, the nonprofit organization intends to obtain its own insurance coverage for errors and omissions. ***END CONSENT*** Ordinances on Second Reading were read by title by City Clerk Krajicek. 6. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 099, 2007, Appropriating Unanticipated Grant Revenue in the General Fund for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program. 7. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 100, 2007, Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to Enter into an Extension of the Restaurant/Snack Bar Concession Agreement at Collindale Golf Course for up to Five Additional Years. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 101, 2007, Vacating a Portion of Certain Right -of -Way Acquired by the City in Connection with the Feather Ridge Annexation, Strachan Farm Annexation and Harmony Annexation No. 4. Ordinances on First Reading were read by title by City Clerk Krajicek. 9. First Reading of Ordinance No. 102, 2007, Temporarily Suspending the Operation and Enforcement of the Land Use Code and Zoning Map Regarding the Usage of the "Ricker Building" as an Emergency Daytime Severe Winter Weather Shelter for the Homeless. 10. First Reading of Ordinance No. 103, 2007, Authorizing the Acquisition by Eminent Domain Proceedings of Certain Lands Necessary for the Construction of Public Improvements in Connection with Phase Two of the Harmony and Ziegler Roads Front Range Village Improvements Project. 11. First Reading of Ordinance No. 104, 2007, Authorizing the Conveyance of a Conservation Easement on City Natural Area Property (Roman Ranch) to Larimer County. 12. First Reading of Ordinance No. 105, 2007, Designating the A.C. Kluver House (No.2), 323 East Magnolia Street, as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code. Councilmember Manvel made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Roy, to adopt all items on the Consent Calendar. Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Roy and Troxell. Nays: None. ("Secretary's note: Councilmember Poppaw was out of the room when the vote was taken.) THE MOTION CARRIED. 175 September 18, 2007 Consent Calendar Follow-up Councilmember Roy asked for information about Resolution 2007-084, Authorizing an Exemption to the Use of a Competitive Process for the City to Enter into a Contract with MH3 Corporation to Conduct a Study of Water Quality Parameters for the City's Source Waters, regarding the financial partnerships that are developing for this study and what the study will mean for the City and other communities upstream from Fort Collins. Brian Janonis, Interim Utilities General Manager, stated in addition to the Water Districts and City of Greeley, the Northern Colorado Conservancy District will participate in funding this project. The City's funding portion will be small. Kevin Gertig, Water Production Manager, stated it was very important to understand both total organic carbon and natural organic carbon from a water treatment point of view as well as for water quality. Other stakeholders throughout the Front Range share these route water supplies and this collaborative study will benefit all. Staff Reports City Manager Atteberry stated Bobcat Ridge Open Space recently received the "Blue Grama" award from the Colorado Open Space Alliance. Bobcat Ridge was selected for the preservation of the area and recreational opportunities as well as the educational partnerships that the Natural Areas staff have developed with CSU and the Thompson School District in Loveland. He congratulated John Stokes, Natural Resources Director, and Mark Sears, Environmental Program Manager, on the work done. City Manager Atteberry noted the City's website, fcgov.com, for the second time, was recognized as one of the Best on the Web. The website received a second place award for in the "City Portal" Best of Web awards by the Center for Digital Government. The award recognizes the most innovative and user-friendly local government websites based on their efficiency, functionality and ability to provide increased user access. He thanked Tom Vosburg, Chief Information Officer, Jim Thome, Web Developer, and the MIS Department for the work done with the City's website. City Manager Atteberry recognized Kelly DiMartino, Communication and Public Involvement Director, for her work assisting a regional conference sponsored by City/County Communications in Marketing Association. Councilmember Reports Councilmember Manvel reported the Regional Air Quality Council was moving forward aggressively to build a model to help solve the air pollution problems in Denver and Northern Colorado and is studying what measures might be used to lessen the ozone problem. He stated the MPO had watched a video prepared by City staff of the proposed Mason Corridor and were impressed with the possibilities and with the City's Transportation staff. He would be meeting with State Representative John Kefalas to discuss alternative voting methods to reflect more accurately the voters' will. 176 September 18, 2007 Councilmember Ohlson stated he was having a District/Community Meeting at the Senior Center on September 24. Mayor Hutchinson stated the Colorado Climate Project was nearing completion. The Project is a statewide effort to identify actions that could be taken throughout Colorado related to climate change. It looked at the broad range of climate system changes in the state and possible actions with an analysis of cost and benefit trade-offs. The recommendations will be given to the Governor and State Legislature. Public Hearing on the 2008-2009 Recommended Biennial Budget for the City of Fort Collins The following is staff's memorandum on this item. "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is the first offlicial public hearing on the City Manager's 2008-2009 Recommended Biennial Budget for the City of Fort Collins. The purpose of this public hearing is to gather public input on the 2008-2009 budget. In an effort to receive further public input, a second public hearing is scheduled for the October 2, 2007 Council meeting. A citizen/Board and Commission open house will be held at the Lincoln Center on September 17, 6:30 — 8: 00 p.m., to gather feedback on the recommended budget. Public input will also be taken during the budget adoption meetings on Tuesday, October 16 and Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 6: 00 p. m. in the Council Chambers. The City Manager's 2008-2009 Recommended Budget can be reviewed at the Main Library, the Harmony Branch Library, or the City Clerk's Office. The recommended budget can also be viewed on the internet at www.fc-zov.com/budget. " City Manager Atteberry stated there have been major structural changes in the revenue stream in the past several years. From 2003 through 2005, the City went through a series of across-the-board cuts that did not make clear what choices were made. To improve transparency in the budgeting process, Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) was developed for the 2006-2007 budget. Significant changes were made in the 2006-2007 budget, including changes to Dial -A -Ride, closing the Youth Activity Center, reducing the commitment to parks maintenance, reducing library service and cutting lesser essential services. Over 100 staff positions were eliminated. The recommended 2008-2009 budget is not a rebuilding budget and does not contain those programs that were cut or eliminated in earlier years. There are critical enhancements that have been funded. Some existing services that went through the BFO process are funded at the same level as in the previous budget. Some changes from the previous budget include providing six new officers and one sergeant for the Southwest Annexation area and opening of new facilities such as the Police Services Center, the Northside Aztlan Community Center, and the Spring Canyon Community Park. The Mason Corridor Project uses one- time dollars, not dollars that can be used for police services or other ongoing needs. If approved, the 177 September 18, 2007 budget will use approximately $2.5 million to leverage another $63 million for a major capital project that will be a catalyst for future economic growth. There are enhancements to programs that are needed for basic services for the City organization, such as a Human Resources representative, a Compensation Analyst and an Accountant. Staff is looking at needs for the year 2010 and beyond as it is known there will be operations and maintenance costs associated with the Mason Corridor of about $500,000/year. Revenues are forecast to increase approximately 2. 1 % for 2008-2009. Sales tax revenues are expected to increase to approximately 4% by 2010. City Manager Atteberry stated the idea of the "price of government" will be an ongoing discussion as Council considers if the City can continue to meet the expected levels of service the community wants. The current revenues are not able to meet those expected levels of service. Some of those services include transportation projects and the pavement management program. The pavement management audit showed there will be a need for significant funds as soon as 2011. Currently, about $9 million is dedicated to pavement management and the recommendation is to increase the funding by $4 million by 2011 to maintain the quality of the City's roads. Police and fire needs exist as well as park and building maintenance needs that continue to fall behind. City Manager Atteberry noted the Budget Outreach Open House held the previous evening was well attended by citizens. There were many questions about the budget, particularly about health, safety and transportation as well as comments as to how revenues should be spent. Those comments, as well as other comments that have been received through the City's website will be provided to Council. Mayor Hutchinson stated the BFO process has created a budget that is much easier to understand. The seven Outcomes are services that the citizens need from their government and are the focus of the proposed budget. No services are put into the budget unless they can be justified within one of the Outcomes. The seven Outcomes are Economic Health, Environmental Health, Livable Neighborhoods, Safe Community (Police and Fire), Transportation, Cultural and Recreational Opportunities and High Performing Government. The budget contains lists under each Outcome that describe where the money is going, to make the budgeting process as transparent as possible. Dan Gould, 623 West Mountain Avenue, urged Council to consider the Transportation Outcome as a basic need and to consider keeping a diversified portfolio of transportation options such as bicycling, public transportation and pedestrian modes. These are not luxury items, but are essential services that should be enhanced to enable citizens to better cope with the emerging challenges of rising fuel costs, environmental concerns and climatic changes. Lloyd Walker, 1756 Concord Drive, stated the Safe Community Outcome should be a high priority. He suggested the use of community policing as one way to enhance Police Services. His neighborhood has established a communication network to keep neighbors informed of activities and would like to have better communication with Police to assist them. Development of a program to assist with community policing might provide safer neighborhoods and be a better use of some of the funds in this Outcome. He did not agree with the reduction in funds for Neighborhood Livability in the 2009 budget and felt that would negatively impact the quality of life in neighborhoods. He 178 September 18, 2007 supported enhancement of the Code with regard to Building Maintenance and Rental House Standards as enforcement of the Code had been very successful in his neighborhood in helping to maintain the quality of life. More funding in these areas would improve the quality of life for neighborhoods. Ray Czaplewski, 2012 Huntington Circle, stated "starter home" neighborhoods are becoming vulnerable and are at risk as they get older which is caused, in large part, by non-compliance with the Nuisance Code and the Land Use Code by renters and owners. These "starter home" neighborhoods need to be preserved with the help of the City government. He thanked Council for making Neighborhood Livability one of the goals of the City and requested funding for the enhancement offer from Code Enforcement for a summer seasonal hourly inspector. Rick Price, Bike Fort Collins Boardmember, thanked staff for the inclusion of a balanced transportation program in the proposed budget. He supported the Mason Corridor Project and thanked Dan Gould for his work on this Project. The funding the City is providing will be a small amount to pay to receive federal and state funds to support this worthwhile Project. Bruce Lockhart, 2500 East Harmony Road, did not support any funding for the Mason Corridor Project. He stated using reserve funds was a very risky route to take and he did not support taking that risk. Funding for the Mason Corridor Project should not be a line item in the budget where citizens cannot bring a referendum against it. The Project should be a separate ordinance so concerned citizens who do not approve of the Project could have an opportunity to bring the ordinance to a vote of the people. He opposed any funding for the Bicycle Plan. Nancy York, 130 South Whitcomb, recommended evaluating the budget based on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rating how much energy will be consumed, public and environmental health impacts, and public affordability with the goal of decreasing government cost. She also recommended increased funding for the public transit system. Shane Miller, 4325 Mill Creek, asked what data measured the economic health of the community and if that data had a strong correlation with the speed of the development process. He also questioned why the "Building Green" initiative was not funded. He opposed any aesthetic standards being imposed on property owners. Karen Miller, Fort Collins citizen, stated her thanks for emergency services and supported funding to maintain quick emergency response times. She requested the City develop a better plan and provide sufficient funds for snow removal so citizens who are elderly and homebound could receive emergency services should they need such services. She did not support any cuts to Dial -A -Ride services. Councilmember Troxell requested a report on Transfort ridership, the percent of time the buses contained fewer than five riders or fewer than 12 riders and any potential alternative, such as the use of smaller buses to accommodate a small number of riders. 179 September 18, 2007 City Manager Atteberry stated the City did keep a list of individuals who are on oxygen or are homebound for emergency purposes and a name could be added to the list by contacting the City Manager's office. Councilmember Ohlson stated while voters had narrowly defeated two different packages that contained the Mason Corridor, they had never voted on the Mason Corridor as a stand-alone project. He requested police begin ticketing bicycle riders who are biking at night without any lights. Councilmember Roy requested a report on the current status of community policing and what programs were in place. Councilmember Marvel asked for clarification on the use of reserves in the 2008-2009 budget. Mike Freeman, Interim Chief Financial Officer, stated the use of reserves totaling $3 million would be for 2008 and 2009 and does not jeopardize the City's credit rating or the financial health of the City. The City's reserves are at a healthy level and staff is confident revenues will increase within the next four years. The use of reserves would be on a one-time basis for the 2008-2009 budget. Currently, the City has approximately $20 million in liquid reserves. Councilmember Manvel stated the City does have certain rules and standards that are imposed on homeowners and the current proposals modify those rules in minor ways. Most HOAs have more restrictive rules than the City. Mayor Hutchinson stated the proposed budget contains a prudent use of reserves to avoid dismantling needed services and functions for two years, then incurring the great expense of starting the programs again. The revenue projection model used is quite sophisticated and accommodates the upcoming changes in the retail sector and regional economic patterns. The use of reserves is to fill a gap in revenues that projections show will increase in two years. Councilmember Poppaw asked for an explanation of the Mason Corridor funding. City Manager Atteberry explained the City will spend $2.5 million from the General Fund to leverage a potential of $54 million from the Federal Transit Administration. The City is in competition for the federal dollars. Additionally, the City has received a state grant of $8.56 million for the Project. The City is pursuing a Downtown Development Authority grant of $600,000. Property located south of Harmony, owned by the City, would be used as part of the match for a park -and -ride lot. The $2.5 million, which would be a one-time outlay of funds, leverages into approximately a $68 million project. There will be ongoing maintenance costs in future years, estimated at $500,000 per year, beginning in 2010. Mayor Hutchinson stated the Mason Corridor is a concept that has come from looking at the future of Fort Collins and the role of the area that is encompassed by the Mason Corridor. It is aneconomic health initiative and not just a transportation project. The Project does support transit -oriented development and provides an opportunity for public -private partnerships and would become an economic health initiative for the future. Councilmember Ohlson suggested staff should write a Soapbox for the newspaper media that would provide a history of the Mason Corridor and describe the funding. :1, September 18, 2007 Councilmember Manvel stated transportation was an integral part of the Mason Corridor and would alleviate traffic on College Avenue in the future. Public transportation is an essential for many people who have no other method of transportation. Mayor Hutchinson stated the development review process should be as efficient as possible and is a key element of allowing Fort Collins to compete in the region. The efficiency adds to the economic health of the City. Councilmember Ohlson proposed the City provide earlier outreach during the next budget cycle to allow more public input before the City Manager and staff develop the budget. City Manager Atteberry stated a Citizens' Forum was held in May at the beginning of this budget process to receive public comment early in the process. Councilmember Poppaw requested easier access to the budget document for citizens that do not have internet access. Other Business Councilmember Poppaw stated Council should consider the issue of uranium mining in Nunn, 15 miles from Fort Collins and examine the economic and environmental impacts. Councilmember Ohlson stated information on the Comcast Cable basic package is still not easy to find. The City has a franchise agreement with Comcast and part of that agreement included a "basic basic" package. City Manager Atteberry stated Council's concern had been explained to Comcast but the issue is the City's ability to set customer service standards by ordinance. Councilmember Ohlson expressed his desire to have Council and staff provide questions and concerns to the federal government about the impacts of the Glade Reservoir to the City and residents along the Poudre River early in the process of doing the Environmental Impact Study. City Manager Atteberry stated staff from Water Utilities and Natural Resources were examining ecological impacts of a decreased flow of the River and an economist from Colorado State University was examining economic values of the River. Mayor Hutchinson requested a schedule of the time lines for the Glade Reservoir Environmental Impact Study and when input from the City and Council would be most productive. Councilmember Manvel asked for Council support in writing a letter endorsing the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area now under consideration in U.S. SB 128 which would be positive for tourism in the area and would protect the Poudre River. Councilmember Manvel made amotion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, that Council instruct the Mayor to write a letter, on behalf of the Council, in support of the designation of the Cache La Poudre River as a National Heritage Area. Yeas: Hutchinson, Manvel, Ohlson, Poppaw, Roy and Troxell. Nays: None. 181 THE MOTION CARRIED. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Adjournment 182 September 18, 2007 4 �/IN