Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-08/16/1994-RegularAugust 16, 1994 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Council -Manager Form of Government Regular Meeting - 6:30 p.m. A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins was held on Tuesday, August 16, 1994, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City of Fort Collins City Hall. Roll Call was answered by the following Councilmembers: Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland, and Smith. Councilmembers absent: Apt and McCluskey. Staff Members Present: Burkett, Krajicek, Eckman. Citizen Participation Ann Gowan, Brown Farm resident, expressed concern about animals at large in her neighborhood. She stated she did not believe the animal at large ordinance was being enforced, especially for cats. Marge Michaux, 1672 Riverside Avenue, spoke of high rents in Fort Collins and asked for rent control measures. Mary Louise Sharp, West Myrtle resident, chronicled personal rent increases over the past few years. Eugene Turnbull, 1609 Maplewood Rd.,, expressed rental rate concerns for retired persons and persons on fixed incomes. He stated owners are not maintaining their rental units and properties. Julius (Swede) Hanson, 1449 Edora Rd., asked Council to impose rent ceilings in Fort Collins. Bruce Lockhart, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., spoke of housing shortages and low rental vacancy rates in Fort Collins. He stated high rents are a temporary condition and the market will correct itself if Council doesn't interfere. David Lipp, 626 Remington, spoke of landowners' greed and asked for rent control measures. Citizen Participation Follow-up Councilmember Kneeland asked for follow-up on the animal at large concerns expressed. She stated Councilmembers are very interested in addressing affordable housing concerns in Fort Collins and steps are being taken to do SO. Councilmember Smith spoke of rental increases in the past four years. He noted it would be difficult and inappropriate for Council to enter into the 91 August 16, 1994 rent control issue. He suggested facilitated discussion among the parties may be helpful. Mayor Azari stated Councilmembers agree that not enough is being done in the animal enforcement area. She added that the newly created Affordable Housing Board is struggling with these issues and will be advising Council in the future on these matters. ***CONSENT CALENDAR*** This Calendar is intended to allow the on the important items on a lengthy Consent Calendar. Anyone may request the Consent Calendar and considered Consent Calendar by the Public will #25, Public Pulled Consent Items. 7. 91 City Council to spend its time and energy agenda. Staff recommends approval of the an item on this calendar to be "pulled" off separately. Agenda items pulled from the be considered separately under Agenda Item Since opening in 1976, the Library has served 5.4 million people and checked out 11,469,467 books. The annual circulation is 1.1 million items. The existing furnishings are those that were originally installed in 1976. Oak framed chairs can be re -foamed and reupholstered; other chairs need replacement. Over time chairs and tables have been damaged and discarded; the quantity of seating is insufficient to serve library customers. The Circulation Desk which is the hub for the high volume of check in and out is in poor physical condition. It is also not ergonomic for computer use or for the high volume of customer traffic. The stands used for Public Access Computers are the wrong height and inadequate for comfortable use by customers. Technology has now advanced to the point where customers can check out materials without the aid of staff. Two Self Check units and five receipt printers are part of this recommendation. Both would speed customer service and allow for staff to have time to handle more complex customer service duties. Staff projects the Self Check will service up to forty percent (40%) of patrons checking out materials. The 40% using the Self Check will dramatically reduce the length of lines and allow staff to more adequately meet customer service needs. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on will allow the Library to continue the Library's by appropriating federal funds in the amount Services and Construction Act Title VI funds General Fund. 92 First Reading on August 2, Literacy Services program of $35,000. The Library would be deposited in the 10. 11. 12. August 16, 1994 This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, appropriates $30,000 in prior year reserves in the General Fund for Special Services. The Fort Collins Public Library receives monetary gifts and donations on an ongoing basis. This revenue, captured under Reserve for Library donations, is used to fund special projects such as the Children's Summer Reading Program, Local History Photograph Fund and Friends of the Library reimbursed library projects. $30,000 of these funds was initially appropriated in the library's 1994 budget. The additional $30,000 is required to meet anticipated needs for special projects through the end of the year. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, will allow Library staff to implement the Young Adult Collection Development grant in the amount of $18,249. The Library Services and Construction Act Title I funds would be deposited in the General Fund. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, approves US West Communications request for a 10 foot easement for .an underground telecommunications cable. This new line is needed to serve the development (Hampshire Pond P.U.D.) directly west of this site. The land is part of the Storm Water Utility. In the future, Storm Water will be constructing a major detention pond for the area. Storm Water and U S West Communications staffs have met to discuss alignment. Agreement has been reached that this alignment will not impact future development by the Storm Water Utility. The City acquired Ridgeview Park near Clarendon Hills in 1991. This ten acre undeveloped park site adjacent to McGraw Elementary School contains an old farm with fourteen (14) small buildings on it. The property was purchased from Poudre R-1 School District. In recent months a development proposal has been initiated to build 100 housing units on the remaining 50 acres around the school and park. It is estimated that residential development will begin this summer. Staff believes that the farm buildings may attract trespassers once housing in the area becomes a reality. Council has authorized the City to convey the farm house (Ordinance No. 80, ' 1994) to the Fort Collins Housing Authority. 93 13. 14. 15. August 16, 1994 An historic analysis was conducted on the house and the barn by Cultural Resource Historians at the recommendation of Carol Tunner in the Historic Preservation Office. An April 5, 1994 report indicates that the buildings are not distinctive structures and are not recommended for historic preservation. This Ordinance was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, 1994. The recreation fee policy, adopted by City Council in 1990, provides for the establishment of reserves with any excess fund balance. Fund balance is achieved by either not spending the entire annual appropriation or by generating more revenue than projected in a given year. The priority use of any excess balance is to maintain an operating reserve, which is to be 7% of the program portion of the fund. The recreation fund currently maintains this operating reserve at the level required by the policy. Secondary priorities for using excess fund balance are 1) to fund equipment and repair needs to make improvements in facility infrastructure and equipment; 2) to fund capital needs to maintain safety and improve service delivery; and 3) to fund new programs. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, approves the request to appropriate $155,900 for funding equipment replacement, facility repairs and improvements, and no -fee youth programs. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 2, appropriates $29,340 from Cultural Services & Facilities Fund, Lincoln Center Unreserved Fund Balance. The Lincoln Center Unreserved Fund Balance at the end of 1993 was $35,651. Approval of this Ordinance would lower the Unreserved Fund Balance to $6,311. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted as amended on First Reading on August 2, approves the modification to the previous ordinance for the rebate of development fees that failed on second reading at the May 17, 1994 City Council meeting. The Council Leadership Team subsequently suggested that modification be made to the rebate program to provide a method to better determine the costs and revenues anticipated from a basic industrial firm over time. The Council Finance Committee considered this item at its meeting on June 9, 1994. In addition, a Council Worksession was held on July 12, 1994, which provided further direction to staff. Council also suggested that an open house be held in the evening in 94 p August 16, 1994 ' addition to the two afternoon/evening sessions that were held on July llth and 13th. Council directed staff to discuss additional changes with the Council Finance Committee prior to further Council action. At its July 21, 1994 meeting, the Council Finance Committee unanimously recommended that Council consider this proposal at the August 2, 1994 City Council meeting. The Ordinance was amended on First Reading to define impact fees as any fees imposed by the City to defray the cost of new street improvements or other infrastructure which may be necessary to serve the operations of the base industry or base industry. supplier. 16. On December 21, 1993, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 167, 1993, which provided for the sale of Tract A of the Fairbrooke SID ("the Property") to William L. Neal and Charlotte Jorgensen ("the Buyers") upon the terms stipulated in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Real Property ("the Agreement") dated November 30, 1993. The Agreement stated that the closing would occur on or before August 30, 1994. This Ordinance, which was unanimously adopted 4-0 on First Reading on August 9, approves an amendment to the Agreement extending the closing date to September 23, 1994, so the Buyers will have an opportunity to work with City staff to resolve some unexpected issues regarding stormwater drainage. 17. Items Relating to Traffic Signal Controllers and a Master Traffic Control Computer System. A. Resolution 94-130 Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Upgrading of Traffic Signal Controllers and the City's Master Traffic Control Computer. B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 125, 1994, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the Transportation Division Portion of the Transportation Fund. This project is intended to replace twenty traffic signal controllers that are currently between twelve and fifteen years old. The life of a controller is generally expected to be ten years. The master traffic control computer (VMS 330 System) has the current capability of controlling 128 intersections. Currently the City is operating 122 traffic signals on-line. 95 0 10 19. 20. August 16, 1994 First Reading of Ordinance No. 126. 1994, Designating Fort Collins High School 1400 Remington Street as a Historic Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins. The owner of the property, the Poudre R-1 School District, is initiating this request for Local Landmark Designation for 1400 Remington Street known as Fort Collins High School. A public hearing was held by the Commission on July 26, 1994, at which time the Commission voted to recommend designation of this property. The Landmark Preservation Commission and City Staff. are pleased to recommend the building at 1400 Remington Street as a local landmark, for its historical and architectural importance. The designation includes the original 1924 building, its 1953 gymnasium addition and the 1983 classroom addition to the South. The designation does not include the rear shop facility/bus barn/student center (1927 with additions of 1928, 1941, and 1971) or any other buildings on the property. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a notice to the City of Fort Collins announcing a formula allocation of $425,000'of FY 1994 HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds. HOME Program regulations require the City to establish a total program budget of $500,000 and either provide the difference between the allocation amount and the required program total, i.e., $75,000, or the State may provide the shortfall from its HOME allocation. The Colorado Division of Housing has agreed to provide the required $75,000 difference to bring the program total to $500,000. The City is in the midst of a major transition in values and policies related to transportation. The existing system has worked well based on our past needs. In all likelihood, we have maximized the benefits and productivity that can be obtained from our current structure and must identify new approaches to meet the changing transportation needs and demands. To accommodate our community's changing and future transportation needs, it is recommended transportation functions be consolidated into a single Service Area. This restructuring will improve coordination, integrate our planning, and maximize the use of our resources to address a key component -- transportation -- of our City's policies and services. M. 21. August 16, 1994 The City of Fort Collins recently acquired 50 units of Colorado -Big Thompson (CBT) project water due to non-payment of assessments owed to the South Lemay Special Improvement District No. 86. In order to perfect the City's title to the CBT water, it is necessary for the City to apply to the Northern Colorado Conservancy District for conversion from a Class D Allotment Contract to a Temporary Use Permit. 22. Resolution 94-132 Making Appointments to the Air Quality Advisory Board. At its June 7, 1994 meeting, Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No. 78, 1994, creating the Air Quality Advisory Board. The Board was created to advise the City Council regarding policies, plans, and programs to improve and maintain the City's air quality. The Board may, without limitation, biennially review air quality indicators and recommend adjustments to the Air Quality Action Plan, review and recommend revisions of the Air Quality Policy Plan as needed, and advise the Governor - designated lead agency for air quality planning on matters pertaining -to the Fort Collins element of the State Implementation Plan. The Board may also convene ad hoc citizen task groups to provide additional technical expertise to the Board for the planning of specific action strategies. 23. Resolution 94-133 Makinq an ADDointment to the Planning and Zoning Board. A vacancy currently exists on the Planning and Zoning Board due to the resignation of Sharon Winfree. Councilmembers Horak and Janett reviewed the applications on file for the Planning and Zoning Board and are recommending Gary Carnes be appointed to fill the vacant term which expires July 1, 1997. , 24. Routine Deeds and Easements. A. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of temporary cul-de-sac access located at the west end of Fossil Creek Parkway to be used as an off -site easement for the Huntington Hills 4th Subdivision. Monetary consideration $0. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of temporary cul-de-sac access located at the west end of Huntington Hills Drive to be used as an off -site easement for the Huntington Hills 4th Subdivision. Monetary consideration $0. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of temporary access connecting the west ends of Huntington Hills Drive and Fossil Creek Parkway to be used an off -site easement for the Huntington Hills 4th Subdivision. Monetary consideration $0. 4A August 16, 1994 D. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of ' temporary drainage located at the west end of Huntington Hills Drive going to the north. This is an off -site easement for the Huntington Hills 4th Subdivision. Monetary consideration $0. E. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of temporary drainage located off -site at the south-west corner of Huntington Hills 4th Subdivision adjacent to lot 14. Monetary consideration $0. F. Deed of Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation for the purpose of temporary access located between Huntington Hills 3rd and 4th Filing connecting Fossil Creek Parkway and Saturn Drive. Monetary consideration $0. G. Powerline Easement from Stephen Bennett, 234 North Sherwood, needed to install underground streetlight service. Monetary consideration $10. H. Powerline Easement from Robert and Eunice Miller, 112 Harvard, needed to install streetlight service. Monetary consideration $10. I. Powerline Easement from Huntington Hills Corporation, a Colorado Corporation, 400 and 406 Dunne Drive, needed to install underground electric primary service. Monetary consideration $0. J. Powerline Easement from Rodney and Kristi Holland, 1505 Fuqua, needed ' to install new underground streetlight. Monetary consideration $10. K. Powerline Easement from Jennifer Koslo, 411 South Loomis, needed to underground existing overhead electric. Monetary consideration $10. Items on Second Reading were read by title by City Clerk Wanda Krajicek. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Favor of U S West Communications, Inc. m August 16, 1994 ' 12. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 120, 1994, Authorizing the City to Sell Various Farm Buildings Located at 4700 Hinsdale Drive and Aoorooriating Unanticipated Revenue Into the Parkland Fund. 13. 14. 15. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 123, 1994, Amending Article VII Chapter 5 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins so as to Permit the Rebate of Impact Fees for the Purpose of Economic Development. 16. Fairbrooke SID for the Purpose of Extending the Closing Date. Items on First Reading were read by title by City Clerk Wanda Krajicek. 17 ME First Reading of Ordinance No. 125, 1994, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the Transportation Division Portion of the Transportation Fund. 19. First Reading of Ordinance No. 127, 1994, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue of $500,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Colorado Division of Housing for the HOME Program. 20. First Reading of Ordinance No. 128, 1994, Amending Chapter 2, Article IV, of the City Code to Establish an Office of Transportation Services. Councilmember Kneeland made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to adopt and approve all items on the Consent Calendar. The vote on Councilmember Kneeland's motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland, and Smith. Nays: None. THE MOTION CARRIED. Staff Reports City Manager Burkett spoke of the dedication of the new Streets Facility located in the historic old sugar beet factory and stated there will be an open house on September 10. He congratulated Water Utility Director Mike Smith for his dedication to the negotiations with the Forest Service on water issues and Forest Service permits. A compromise that meets the needs of both the City and the Forest Service has recently been reached. 99 August 16, 1994 Councilmember Reports I Councilmember Janett reported that the Council Water Planning Committee had met and heard a presentation on the Meadow Springs Biosolids Ranch. She noted pilot studies and extensive research has been done in conjunction with CSU on air quality, surface water quality, and ground water quality in relation to improving the grazing land with sludge application. The demonstration phase is next. She stated the Affordable Housing Board is planning a retreat to look at the roles and expectations of Boardmembers and staff. Councilmember Kneeland reported on the Rocky Mountain Program that she had attended. She stated it had been a wonderful opportunity to talk to people from all over the country about the issues they are facing in terms of leadership in the 90's and beyond. Councilmember Horak asked about job recruitment or placement of notices in the neighborhood near the new Streets Facility. He thanked Mike Smith for his leadership with regard to the Forest Service compromise. Resolution 94-134 (Option B) Directing Staff to Prepare a Method of Distribution of Monies From the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Based Upon an Impact Fee Reimbursement Program, Adopted. The following is staff's memorandum on this item: ' "Financial Impact Of the $483,000 currently appropriated or reserved for Affordable Housing, $22,500 has been expended for the Larimer County Home Improvement Program leaving a balance of $460,500. A revolving loan method would allow the fund to grow as additional budget appropriations are combined with the return of the principal payments and interest from loans. The effect of this method is maximized if no grants are made. Money is loaned before units are built. A rebate reimbursement method is a one-time expenditure. An affordable housing Fund would exist only for as long as the Council continues to allocate funding. Money is awarded after units are built. A. Resolution 94-134 (Option A) Directing Staff to Prepare a Method of Distribution of Monies from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Based Upon a Combination Revolving Loan Fund (Administered Through a Request for Proposal Process) and an Impact Fee Reimbursement Program (for Six [61 Units or Less). 100 1 August 16, 1994 ' B. Resolution 94-134 (Option B) Directing Staff to Prepare a Method of Distribution of Monies From the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Based Upon an Impact Fee Reimbursement Program. C. Resolution 94-134 (Option C) Directing Staff to Prepare a Method of Distribution of Monies From the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Based Upon an Interim Impact Fee Reimbursement Program. On June 28, 1994, Council held a work session with the Affordable Housing Board at which time Revolving Loan and Rebate/Reimbursement Methods were discussed. The proposed options will direct staff to develop one of the following methods for disbursing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Option A A combination of a revolving loan fund program (administered through a RFP) and an Impact Fee Reimbursement program for projects of 6 units or less. This option would utilize the entire Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It has been suggested that approximately $50,000 be set aside for the Fee Reimbursement Program. This would make $410,500 available for the RFP Program in year one. Option 8 An Impact Fee Rebate/Reimbursement process of ' or $2,100 or $4,200 per unit (proportional A one-year interim Rebate/Reimbursement progra BACKGROUND: m The Affordable Housing Board formed a subcommittee in March which developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for distributing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Due to concerns expressed regarding the bureaucratic nature of a RFP process, the subcommittee and staff also developed a rebate/reimbursement process for projects of six units or less. The Board held two public meetings at which time the combination of RFP and Rebate/Reimbursement, and a Parkland Fee Reimbursement process were presented. Public support was expressed for the combination process. Option A of the Resolution represents this combination. Staff further developed the Parkland Fee Reimbursement model into several ' versions of strictly rebate/reimbursement programs differentiated by the amount 101 August 16, 1994 of rebate per unit, cost of administration, and compliance monitoring ' requirements. These programs are represented by Option B of the Resolution. On June 28, 1994, Council held a work session with the Affordable Housing Board at which time Revolving Loan and Rebate/Reimbursement processes were discussed. Council asked staff to prepare a resolution for consideration of a preferred method. Option C of the Resolution was developed to address perceived interest by Council in a "non-RFP" revolving loan process. It allows the City to start a program that will provide some immediate assistance while other programs are researched and developed. Staff has prepared three options for Council's consideration. The chosen option will provide specific direction to staff to develop programs of the specified method. Staff will then bring the preferred program to the Council in ordinance form in the near future. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS Available Funds At present, the City's resources for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund consist of: 1994 Budget Allocation $100,000 ' 1994 Supplemental appropriation from increased development review fees (will become annual budget allocation beginning 1995) 133 000 1994 Total Appropriation $233,000 Prior year reserves (have not yet been reappropriated for 1994) 250 00 TOTAL $483,000 Larimer HOME Improvement Program Expenditure <$22.500> BALANCE $460,500 102 1 August 16, 1994 ' Administrative Costs Option A: Staff estimates that the administrative costs for a combination revolving loan (administered through a RFP) and a rebate reimbursement program for projects of six units or less will range from $36,036 to $43,485 per year. Option B: Staff estimates that the administrative costs for rebate reimbursement programs of $779, $2,100, or $4,200 per unit will range from $18,019 to $28,174 per year. Option C: Staff estimates that the administrative cost for a 1-year rebate/reimbursement program will range from $18,019 to $28,174. An administrative cost estimate for the revolving loan portion cannot be determined until a "non-RFP" program is developed. AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: The Affordable Housing Board continues to unanimously support a competitive "Request for Proposal" process, allowing both grants and loans, for the distribution of housing funds (Option A). This includes a section for first - come, first -served, fee reimbursement for small projects of six units or less. Should Council choose to implement a more comprehensive fee reimbursement program, in lieu of a competitive process, the Affordable Housing Board recommends allocating only $133,000 for this purpose, and various alternatives could then be considered for the remaining $327,500. During the July 7th meeting of the Board, a motion was unanimously passed stating this recommendation. The recommendation also included specific regulations which will be considered as ordinance language is developed." City Planner Mike Ludwig explained the three options for disbursement of Affordable Housing Trust Fund monies. He stated the purpose of the Resolution was to provide general direction to staff as to the preferred method for distributing the $462,000 in the Affordable Housing Fund. He stated specific guidelines and criteria for the option selected will be brought back for Council consideration. He stated the Affordable Housing Board recommends adoption of Option A and staff recommends adoption of Option B. Mary Cosgrove, Chairperson of the Affordable Housing Board, explained the Board's recommendation. She stated that under Option A, the RFP option, the City is able to maintain some discretion in approving either loans or grants at varying levels according to the appropriateness of the needs and the community value of a particular project. 103 August 16, 1994 Councilmember Janett made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to adopt ' Resolution 94-134, Option A, and to amend the resolution in each place it contains the language "a Request for Proposals process" to "a competitive selection process". Councilmember Janett stated a RFP is a very specific form of solicitation by a government. She suggested a better method might be an application process where one application is compared to another. This method would allow applicants to apply on one application form for assistance from three different housing funds, the CDBG Fund, the new HOME Program and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Betty Maloney, Larimer County Affordable Housing Task Force, presented the Task Force recommendations. The Task Force recommended criteria for evaluating the proposals be established and presented its recommended criteria. Lou Stitzel, 521 E. Laurel, affordable housing advocate, supported the Affordable Housing Board recommendation (Option A). Sister Mary Alice Murphy, 1712 Erin Ct. recommended a sliding scale fee for impact fees. If this is not done, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will be depleted quickly. Councilmember Janett stated the concept of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is that it is a permanent fund with a revenue stream that loans money and receives money back in loan payments. With a rebate program, the funds will be spent in their entirety each year and new monies will need to be found for the following ' year. The initial recommendation for setting up the fund was that it be a three- year period allowing formulation of a comprehensive trust fund program. She stated Option A will allow the City to move in the direction of mixing and matching the different housing funds, simplifying the application process and maximizing the flexibility of the funds. Councilmember Smith supported Option A because it creates a sustainable fund that will be available for a number of years. Councilmember Kneeland stated she would not support Option A because it would be a highly bureaucratic process. The reimbursement of impact fees will provide real money available any time a unit is built and meets specified criteria for affordable housing. She stated the Affordable Housing Trust Fund cannot be the whole answer and added there are others in the community who are better suited to loaning funds. Councilmember Horak spoke of the frustration of the CDBG applicants with the CDBG process which is similar to the process proposed in Option A. Option A proposes a subjective decision based on an evaluation of RFPs. He stated with Option B, if a.builder meets the criteria the rebate is guaranteed. He stated Option B is a more objective, simplified program that is performance based. 104 August 16, 1994 Mayor Azari did not support Option A because of the need to develop a broader partnership with regard to loans. She questioned the cost of administering the program. The vote on Councilmember Janett's motion to adopt Resolution 94-134, Option A, was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Janett and Smith. Nays: Councilmembers Azari, Horak and Kneeland. THE MOTION _FAILED. Councilmember Horak made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kneeland, to adopt Resolution 94-134, Option B, deleting the phrase "utilizing all monies available in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund" from the last line of the Now Therefore clause. Mayor Azari stated she believed this Resolution will get the City started in the right direction even though it disappoints the Affordable Housing Board. The vote on Councilmember Horak's motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland and Smith. Nays: None THE MOTION CARRIED. Resolution 94-136 Confirming that a Review of Options for an Integrated Development Plan for the Eastside Neighborhood at Laurel School is Complete and Releasing Choices 95 Money to be Used for the Development of the Eastside Neighborhood Park. Adopted as amended. The following is staff's memorandum on this item: "Financial Impact This Resolution releases the balance of the Choices 95 money devoted to the acquisition and development of the Eastside Neighborhood Park. The balance in this project is $510,226. This money is to be used for two purposes: • Development of the joint school/park site, which is estimated to be approximately $171,000. • To earmark the remaining money for future acquisition and development of additional park acreage adjacent to the existing site. This will be approximately $339,000. On Nay 17, the City Council approved the purchase of 1.89 acres of land to be added to the Laurel School site. This created total grounds of 9.7 acres for a joint school/park combination. At that meeting, the Council directed staff to return within 90 days with a report on options for integrating future capital projects within this neighborhood. 105 August 16, 1994 At the May 17 meeting, Council discussed holding the money available in Choices ' 95 for the development of this park until these options could be reviewed by the Council. On August 16, the City Council will be asked to comment on the following: 1. The status of the integrated planning project for capital projects within the Eastside neighborhood. 2. The design and cost of options developed in cooperation with the neighborhood committee established to assist with the design and development of the neighborhood park, as well as provide input into the integrated plan. 3. The various options and provide direction for a course of action. Council will then consider a resolution that will allow staff to proceed with the development of a park at the Laurel School site. BACKGROUND: The Eastside Neighborhood Plan was published in March 1986, and adopted as an element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Fort Collins. One of the objectives of the Plan was to acquire and develop up to 20 acres adjacent to Laurel School for the creation of a neighborhood park. Choices 95 provided 680,000 to be used for a park in this neighborhood. On May 17, the City Council approved the purchase of a 1.89 acre property to be added to the Laurel School grounds to develop into a neighborhood park. This addition, added to the existing 7.8'acres of grounds at Laurel School, creates a 9.7 acre area for a joint school/park site. In addition on May 17, Council voted to reserve any funds remaining after development of this 9.7 acre site for any future acquisition of land that might become available adjacent to this school/park site. Council also directed that staff develop a report outlining options for integrating various City Capital projects in this specific neighborhood. Council discussed reserving Choices 95 monies available for the development of this park site until this could be reviewed by the Council. Staff is asking City Council to review this report and provide direction on options to pursue within this neighborhood. The attached Resolution would release the money for the development of this site. Elements of Integrated Plan Staff from four major areas have been brought together to work with a Citizen Advisory Committee on capital projects and planning issues in this specific neighborhood. This neighborhood is bounded on the north by Riverside, on the east by Lemay, on the south by Elizabeth Street, and on the west by Stover. The four major areas of discussion include parks, stormwater, streets, and transportation. ' 106 August 16, 1994 ' Capital improvements that pertain to three major areas of this plan are currently scheduled and budgeted. These include: ri Parks The development of the additional 1.89 acres, as well as improvements to the existing school grounds at Laurel School, will cost $171,000. This will leave approximately $339,000 that would be used for acquisition and development of additional park land adjacent to this site. The design of this 9.7 acre park site is scheduled to begin in September 1994 with development in the spring of 1995. Stormwater Stormwater is planning to regrade Laurel from west to east. An outfall channel will from Laurel, under Riverside to the Poudre of this project is currently scheduled for Stormwater plans to begin construction o estimated construction costs at $370,000. Choices 95 Intersection Projects n Street to provide better flows be created that will run north River. Acquisition and design 1998 and $190,000 is budgeted. this project in 1999 and has These projects include improvements to the following intersections: ' Whedbee and Elizabeth, Laurel and Remington, Whedbee and Riverside, and Whedbee and Laurel. Design is scheduled to begin in 1994. Construction will occur between 1995 and 1997. The revised estimate for this project is $458,000. The most complex issue in this plan surrounds the desires of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee to connect Laurel Street to Pennock Place. Transportation and Engineering have developed four options that have been reviewed by the Committee. A very rough estimate of the cost for property acquisition, design, and construction for the option preferred by the Committee is $1,018,000. The lowest cost option is a cul-de-sac at the end of Laurel with a small connector into the shopping center. This estimate is $174,000. There is no money budgeted at this time for this project nor is there a schedule developed for acquisition, design, and construction. The Neighborhood Advisory Committee has developed a preferred option that integrates the various capital projects within this area. The preferred option includes: • The acquisition of property to expand the park by 2.7 acres. • The connection of Laurel Street and Pennock Place. • The acceleration of the stormwater project plan in this area. ' • The completion of the Choices 95 intersection improvements. 107 August 16, 1994 The costs associated with this preferred option are as follows: ' Property Acquisition $1,063,000 Stormwater Construction 370,000 Additional Park Acreage Development 162,000 Laurel/Pennock Connection Construction 290,000 Choices 95 Intersection Improvements 458,000 Total Costs for this preferred option $2,343,000 The sources of funds available for this project are as follows: Choices 95: Eastside Neighborhood Park $ 339,000 Choices 95: Intersection Improvements 1 458,000 Stormwater Acquisition and Construction Budget 560,000 Total Source of Funds $1,357,000 Additional Funds Needed to Complete all of the Preferred Projects $ 986,000 Some of the funds for this additional amount may come from non -General Fund sources. To complete this preferred option, approximately $800,000 to $900,000 will need to be added from General Fund sources. Staff would like direction from the Council regarding how to address the Neighborhood Advisory Committee's preferred option. Some possibilities might ' include: • Funding in the 1995 or 1996 budget process. • Funding parts of this option with additional Choices 95 money, if available. • Inclusion in the next Capital Improvements Program planning. • Continue with existing projects and schedules. If Council's direction is to proceed with this project, Transportation will complete a more detailed design for this road connection option. Staff would then suggest that all the pieces this integrated plan be submitted to the entire Eastside Neighborhood for its consideration. Staff believes a full public process will be needed before returning to Council with a detailed plan. If adding these additional monies to this project is unrealistic, staff suggests the followings: • The stormwater projects and the Choices 95 intersection improvements proceed on the existing schedule and with the existing budgets. • Continue with Park's design which will incorporate future expansion. 108 ' August 16, 1994 • That staff continue to negotiate for land acquisition adjacent to the existing park site. • That the Laurel/Pennock connection be considered within the context of the next Capital Improvements Funding program." Cultural, Library and Recreation Services Director Mike Powers presented history and background on this item. He gave an overview of the Eastside Neighborhood to show some of the capital projects in process in the neighborhood. He stated the purpose of this item is to review the information provided and allow Councilmembers to comment on the options. Staff is seeking direction on which option to pursue for the Park. He reviewed the options provided as they integrate with the capital projects planned for the neighborhood. City Manager Burkett stated staff has taken a small portion of the City and done a complete capital improvements program at a cost of about $2M. Staff is seeking direction on the neighborhood park.itself and recognizes further discussion on the larger capital issues will need to take place, perhaps as a part of the overall multi -year budget planning process. Councilmember Smith asked about the traffic implications for East Laurel of a traffic signal at Pennock and Lemay. Director of Transportation Rick Ensdorff stated the signal will increase traffic on Laurel by approximately 900 vehicles daily. The increased traffic is expected to be primarily neighborhood traffic but could include school traffic, including busses and could also include U.S. West traffic. The signal was planned based on the general traffic flow on Lemay and not the connection. Councilmember Smith asked about the GO Colorado proposal for trail access and parking at northwest corner of Lemay and Riverside. Civil Engineer II Craig Foreman replied that the small parking lot and the trail flow through are still on the City's workplan. He stated the project will likely be a part of the 1995 budget. Councilmember Janett stated Councilmembers need to discuss the concept of additional land acquisition at the site for parkland. She stated development pressures are increasing land prices in the area so the concept of buying more land later is a bad strategy. She asked Council to consider Choices 95 monies to purchase 2.7 acres, to and direct staff to pursue the purchase. Councilmember Horak made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kneeland, to adopt Resolution 94-136. 109 August 16, 1994 Jana Knezovich, 1205 Green St., member of the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory ' Committee, spoke of the challenges of the site. She stated the draft integrated plan accomplishes the most basic objectives of the May 17 Council directive. She stated the staff report is conservative and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee would prefer a more aggressive approach. She spoke of the letter and supporting data submitted to Council. Cynthia Bergen, 220 E. Laurel, spoke of changes to the neighborhood and of neighborhood concerns with noise, crime, traffic volume and the deterioration of properties. Edie Ortega, District Manager for U.S. West, spoke of the cooperation among the City, neighborhood residents, landowners, and businesses. She noted U.S. West has been involved in the negotiations and has involved its real estate people in several issues. She cautioned that U.S. West believes the rotated property issue has many steps to go through before it can become a reality. Charlie Koontz, commercial real estate broker managing the shopping center, stated the tenants and shopping center owners believe the impact on the shopping center would be very slight but would enhance the shopping center by improving lighting in the back, improving security, landscape issues, and the flow of traffic. She supported connecting Pennock to Laurel. Tom Skillman, 818 E. Elizabeth, spoke of the window of opportunity to acquire land and urged Council Connie Ohlson, 805 E. to pursue the purchase of additional Locust, asked that no money be land for the park. spent on park design until ' more land is acquired. She stated the first priority should be to spend dollars to acquire land (the RV storage site and other sites to the north). Jeff Bridges, 725 Mathews, spoke of the letter sent by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee which outlines the preferred plan. He asked that Council increase the funding allocation to acquire the land for the park and develop it. He asked that Council not approve the Resolution as presented and approve the two resolutions proposed by the Committee. Councilmember Janett made a motion to amend Resolution 94-136 by adding three Whereas clauses as follows: "Whereas, the City Council believes that additional funds are necessary in order to acquire additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park adjacent to the Laurel School park site; and Whereas, the City Council needs additional information concerning the availability of funds that could be appropriated for acquisition of additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park; and Whereas, the City Council recognizes that the acquisition of additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park may require use of the City's power of eminent domain. , 110 August 16, 1994 IIn the Now Therefore portion, Section 3. That the Council finds that additional funds will be necessary in order to acquire additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park in the immediate vicinity of the Laurel School and Council directs City staff to prepare an appropriation ordinance for Council consideration that presents different funding options for the acquisition of additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park. Section 4. That the Council directs City staff to prepare a resolution for Council consideration that would authorize the use of the City's powers of eminent domain to acquire additional parkland for the Eastside Neighborhood Park." The amendment died for lack of a second. Councilmember Janett stated she believed it was a legitimate use of Choices 95 monies to purchase additional acreage in order to get closer to the 5 acres mentioned in the Choices 95 ballot proposal. Councilmember Kneeland made a motion to amend Resolution 94-136 to add: "Section 3. That the City continues to work with the Laurel and Eastside neighborhood for an integrated development plan using all plans and sources of City dollars identified with an estimated work schedule for completion. Section 4. That the City Council is willing to consider approval of additional funds upon approval of such integrated plan." Councilmember Smith seconded the amendment. Jeff Bridges, 725 Mathews, stated the Committee supported the amendment but asks that $171,000 be reserved for land acquisition. Councilmember Horak stated he supported the direction of the amendment. He stated he had not had time to review the materials submitted by the neighborhood since it was submitted late. He suggested Council conduct some meaningful discussion at a worksession after there has been time to review the information provided. He stated more information was needed about land acquisition. The vote on Councilmember Kneeland's motion to amend Resolution 94-136 was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland and Smith. Nays: None. THE MOTION CARRIED. Councilmember Smith expressed concern that the Resolution was not meeting the needs expressed by the neighborhood representatives. ill August 16, 1994 Councilmember Janett expressed concern about starting design before land ' acquisition is finalized. She stated the addition of Sections 3 and 4 has clarified this somewhat. Mayor Azari stated there needs to be a clear understanding that the City is going to move forward with the Eastside Neighborhood Park. Councilmember Horak made a. motion, seconded by Councilmember Janett, to add a Section 5 to the Resolution as follows: "Section 5. That the final 1995 City Budget, including the 5-year budget, include the Eastside Integrated Plan as a specific item in the capital improvements section." Councilmember Horak stated the purpose of the amendment is to give Councilmembers something specific to look at in the budgeting process for 1995 and the four years after that. This will focus some discussion on what things will be done, what things won't be done, where the monies will come from, etc. Jana Knezovich, 1205 Green St., supported the addition of Section 5. The vote on Councilmember Horak's amendment to Resolution 94-136 was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland and Smith. Nays: None. THE MOTION CARRIED. City Manager Burkett stated it was his understanding that staff can proceed with ' the process of beginning the design but the complete design will not be done until it is determined if additional land can be acquired. A five-year Capital Improvements Program will be done for the neighborhood to identify the funding and the phasing over the five years. The vote on Councilmember Horak's original motion to adopt Resolution 94-136, as amended was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Horak, Janett, Kneeland and Smith. Nays: None. THE MOTION CARRIED. Other Business Councilmember Kneeland spoke of the issue of animals at large and asked what the appropriate action will be. 112 August 16, 1994 City Manager Burkett replied that staff will contact the citizen about the specific problem and will provide information to Council about the existing ordinances relating to cats at large and will provide enforcement or ordinance amendment suggestions. Councilmember Smith called attention to the ordinance on the Consent Agenda that created a new Transportation Service Area. He stated the City has attempted to create a better City structure to address the issue of transportation and transportation concerns. Mayor Azari expressed concern about safety needs in the downtown. She suggested the Health and Safety Committee adopt the issue and work with the Task Force and the City Manager's office to make sure there is an excellent planning process that will result in real solutions. Councilmember Smith stated the first meeting of the Youth Advisory Board is scheduled for August 29 and the Board will undoubtedly address downtown safety issues in some of its first meetings. Councilmember Janett asked for a status report on the skateboard park issue. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. 1 ATTEST: \I�i_.. City Clerk 1 113 ayor --