HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-07/02/1996-Regular7
July 2, 1996
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, July 2, 1996, 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: Apt, Azari, Janett, McCloskey and Wanner.
Councilmembers Absent: Kneeland and Smith.
Staff Members Present: Fischbach, Krajicek, Roy.
Citizen Participation
Al Baccili, 520 Galaxy Court, expressed his opposition to the camera radar system.
Citizen Participation Follow-up _
Mayor Azari requested staff provide Mr. Baccili with cost estimates on the Police Chief recruitment
process.
Agenda Review
City Manager John Fischbach stated that because Mayor Azari did not attend the June 18th meeting
when Item #14 was heard, Resolution 96-77 Making Findings of Fact Regarding the Appeal of the
Planning and Zoning Board Denial of the Hearthfire Overall Development Plan (ODP) and the
Hearthfire Planned Unit Development (PUD) - Preliminary and Remanding the Matter Back to the
Planning and Zoning Board for a New Hearing, needs to be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda
and considered at the end of the regularly scheduled meeting.
***CONSENT CALENDAR***
This Calendar is intended to allow the City Council to spend its time and energy on the important
items on a lengthy agenda. Staff recommends approval of the Consent Calendar. Anyone may
request an item on this calendar to be "pulled" off the Consent Calendar and considered separately.
Agenda items pulled from the Consent Calendar by the Public will be considered separately under
Agenda Item #17, Public Pulled Consent Items.
Second Reading of Ordinance No 86. 1996, Appropriating Prior Year Savings Realized from
Increased Productivity and Operatic Efficiencies.
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In 1992, City Council adopted the Service Productivity Incentive Policy, effective for 1992 '
and years thereafter. The goal of the policy is to provide a framework within which a
manager can develop a long-range strategic plan for service delivery rather than rely on a
short-term, line -item cost approach.
An operating manager that has unspent and uncommitted appropriations as a result of
increased productivity and operational efficiency can carry-over those dollars in a reserve
savings account for the Service Area. These savings are intended to be used by managers to
fund office equipment, furniture and minor capital needs. Managers may request the use of
the savings through the City Manager. This ordinance was unanimously adopted on First
Reading on June 18, 1996.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 91, 1996, Authorizing the Conveyance of Certain Real
Property Along Cedarwood Drive,
This 4,897 square foot tract is located in the Bruce E. Miller Cedarwood Subdivision, Ist
Filing. The L-shaped tract runs along Cedarwood Drive and then goes west between 1513
Cedarwood Drive and 2640 W. Prospect Road. The land was purchased from the developer
in 1978 for a sewer line. This land was purchased in fee rather than the usual easement
interest because the necessary easement restrictions on this tract limited development
potential on this property, making it unmarketable. Ordinance No. 91, 1996 was
unanimously adopted on First Reading on June 18, 1996.
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 92, 1996 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins '
Vacating the Right -of -Way for Sharp Point Drive North of Prospect Road as Dedicated with
the Seven Lakes Business Park PUD and Retaining the Same for Utility. Public Access. and
Drainage Easement Purposes.
The owner and developer of the Neenan Office Building II Minor Subdivision has requested
the vacation of the public street right-of-way for Sharp Point Drive north of Prospect Road,
originally dedicated with the Seven Lakes Business Park PUD. The Neenan Office Building
project is located on the north side of'Prospect Road along the west side of the Poudre River.
At the time the original Seven Lakes Business Park PUD was platted, the developer planned
to extend Sharp Point Drive north of Prospect Road as a local public street to serve the
adjacent properties. Since that time, the developer and the adjacent property owners have
agreed that their properties can be adequately served and accessed by a shared, privately
owned drive rather than a public street. Since the driveway would serve the same purpose
that the local public street was planned to serve, staff supports the request for right-of-way
vacation. Ordinance No. 92, 1996, was unanimously adopted on First Reading on June 18,
1996.
10. First Reading of Ordinance No. 93, 1996, Amending Section 26-468 of Chapter 26 of the
Code Relating to Electric Service for General Service Time -of -Demand Customers.
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'i An unintentional omission in the definition of the applicability of the General Service Time -
of -Demand rate (Rate GST) has created a distortion in the cost of service tracking of the rate.
The addition of a sentence in the tariff appropriately defines the applicability of Rate GST
to customers with average monthly demands between 25 and 50 kilowatts as originally
intended.
11. First Reading of Ordinance No. 94, 1996, Designating the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House,
200 East Plum Street. as a Local Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of the City
of Fort Collins
The owner of the property, the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Corporation,
is initiating this request for Local Landmark designation for the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
House, 200 East Plum Street. The building is significant for its architectural importance, and
is an excellent example of Elizabethan architecture.
12. Items Relating to Implementing the Capital Improvement Expansion Fees Regarding
Affordable Housing. Including the Development Impact Fee Rebate Program for Affordable
Housing and the Development Impact Fee Delay Program for Affordable Housing,
A. Resolution 96-75 Amending Certain Administrative Regulations to Allow for the
Rebate of Capital Improvement Expansion Fees for Affordable Housing.
' B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 95, 1996, Amending Article VI of Chapter 29 of the
Code of the City of Fort Collins by the Addition of a New Section Pertaining to
Deferral of Capital Improvement Expansion Fees for Affordable Housing
C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 96, 1996, Amending the Definitions of Affordable
Housing Projects as Contained in Sections 5-357 and 26-631 of the City Code
Rebate Program
With the addition of five new Capital Improvement Expansion Fees adopted by the City
Council on May, 22, 1996, it is necessary to consider amending the Development Impact Fee
Rebate Program to include the new fees in the program and to increase the amount of rebate
available. The new fees include the following: Library Fee, Community Parkland Fee, Police
Fee, Fire Protection Fee and General Government Services fee. These new Capital
Improvement Expansion fees comprise an increase of an average of 22% in the average cost
of residential impact fees. To off -set the 22% increase in the cost of developing housing
attributed to the new impact fees, staff recommends that the rebates offered to qualified
projects through the Development Impact Fee Rebate Program also be increased by 22%.
Because these fees are new to the City, it is also necessary to amend the Development Impact
Fee Rebate Program to include these fees. Through Resolution 96-75, the Rebate program
is amended to include the new Capital Improvement Expansion fees, to increase the amount
of rebate available, and to add amendments to program regulations.
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Ordinance No. 95, 1996, amending Article VI of Chapter 29 of the Code of the City of Fort I
Collins provides the means to add the recently adopted Capital Improvement Expansion fees
to the City's Development Impact Fee Delay Programs.
Ordinance No. 96, 1996, amending the June 25, 1996 definitions of affordable housing
projects as contained in Sections 5-357 and 26-631 of the City Code provides the means to
harmonize the definitions of Affordable Housing Projects and Eligible Units in the City Code
with the definitions used in both the rebate and delay programs.
13. Resolution 96-76 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins Authorizing the City Manager
to Submit the 1996 Fort Collins Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
The City of Fort Collins 1996 Action Plan was drafted as a requirement of the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for those communities participating
in Federal grant programs administered by HUD. The 1995-99 Consolidated Plan, approved
by Council on July 18, 1995, identified and set priorities in the community for those persons
requiring housing assistance, human services and non -housing community development
needs over the next five years. The one-year Action Plan identifies the projects which will
carry out those priorities during the 1996-97 program year.
14. Resolution 96-77 Making Findings of Fact Regarding the Appeal of the Planning and Zoning
Board Denial of the Hearthfire Overall Development Plan (ODP) and the Hearthfire Planned '
Unit Development (PUD) - Preliminary and Remanding the Matter Back to the Planning and
Zoning Board for a New Hearing.
The Planning and Zoning Board failed to properly interpret and apply relevant
provisions of the Code and Charter [Section 2-48(1)].
The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing in that it substantially
ignored its previously established rules of procedure [Section 2-48(2)(b)].
3. The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing by considering
evidence relevant to its findings which was substantially false or grossly misleading
[Section 2-48(2)(c)].
The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing in that it improperly
failed to receive all relevant evidence offered by the Appellant [Section 2-48(2)(d)].
At the June 18, 1996 hearing on this matter, Council considered a Joint Petition for Remand
of the Hearthfire ODP and Hearthfire PUD - Preliminary to the Planning and Zoning Board
that was submitted to Council by Richards Lake Development Company, the developer of
the PUD, and Brigitte Schmidt, representing the neighbors of the PUD. After discussion at
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the hearing, Council voted 4-1 to remand the Hearthfire ODP and the Hearthfire PUD -
Preliminary to the Board for a new hearing.
15. Resolution 96-78 Making Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions.
Vacancies currently exist on various boards and commissions due to resignations of board
members and the expiration of terms of members of boards and commissions.
Applications were solicited during March, April and June. Council received copies of the
applications and Council teams interviewed applicants during April, May and June.
This Resolution makes 4 appointment to 4 boards and commissions. Names of those
individuals recommended for appointment by each Council interview team have been
inserted in the Resolution.
16. Routine Deeds and Easements.
A. Power line Easement from the Eleanor B. Geyer Testamentary Trust, 125 North
Meldrum, needed to underground existing overhead electric services. Monetary
consideration: $10.
B. Power line Easement from John T. and Andrea N. Agnew, 505 South Taft Hill Road,
needed to install underground electric primary and transformer. Monetary
consideration: $10.
***END CONSENT***
Items on Second Reading were read by title by City Clerk Wanda Krajicek.
7. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 86, 1996, Appropriating Prior Year Savings Realized from
Increased Productivity and Operating Efficiencies.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 91, 1996, Authorizing the Conveyance of Certain Real
Property Along Cedarwood Drive.
9. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 92, 1996 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins
Vacating to he Right -of -Way for Sharp Point Drive North of Prospect Road as Dedicated with
the Seven Lakes Business Park PUD and Retaining the Same for Utility. Public Access. and
Drainage Easement Purposes.
Items on First Reading were read by title by City Clerk Wanda Krajicek.
10. First Reading of Ordinance No 93, 1996, Amending Section 26-468 of Chapter 26 of the
Code Relating to Electric Service for General Service Time -of -Demand Customers.
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11. First Reading of Ordinance No 94, 1996 Designating the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House. '
200 East Plum Street. as a Local Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of the City
of Fort Collins.
12. Items Relating to Implementing the Capital Improvement Expansion Fees Regarding
Affordable Housing. Including the Development Impact Fee Rebate Program for Affordable
Housing and the Development Impact Fee Delay Program for Affordable Housing.
A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 95, 1996, Amending Article VI of Chapter 29 of the
Code of the City of Fort Collins by the Addition of a New Section Pertaining to
Deferral of Capital Improvement Expansion Fees for Affordable Housing
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 96, 1996, Amending the Definitions of Affordable
Housing Projects as Contained in Sections 5-357 and 26-631 of the City Code
22. First Reading of Ordinance No. 97. 1996, of the Council of the City of Fort Collins
Amending Certain Sections of the City Code to Revise Certain Criteria Pertaining to the
Design. Construction. and Maintenance of Streets. Sidewalks. Alleys. and Pedestrian and
Bicycle Paths Within the City and Amending the Related Design Criteria and Amending
Section 10.204 of the Uniform Fire Code.
Councilmember McCloskey made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Wanner, to adopt and I
approve all items not removed from the Consent Agenda. Yeas: Councilmembers Apt, Azari, Janett,
McCluskey and Wanner. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Janett stated that Item #12, Items Relating to Implementing the Capital Improvement
Expansion Fees Regarding Affordable Housing, Including the Development Impact Fee Rebate
Program for Affordable Housing and the Development Impact Fee Delay Program for Affordable
Housing, which was adopted on the Consent Agenda, increases the rebate of development fees for
affordable housing.
Councilmember Apt spoke of the meeting the Growth Management Committee held with Larimer
County Commissioners to discuss coordination of the City's Land Use Plan and the Partnership Land
Use System, which is being developed by the County.
Councilmember Janett reported the City and Latimer County are offering compost bins at a reduced
cost.
Councilmember Apt gave a brief report on the Colorado Municipal League conference. I
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July 2, 1996
Resolution 96-79
Adopting The "City Structure Plan" Section of
The Fort Collins City Plan as an Element of the
Comprehensive Plan of The City, Adopted.
The following is staff's memorandum on this item.
"Executive Summary
The City has completed the "visioning" segment of City Plan with the adoption of the Community
Vision and Goals 2015 document, and we are now in the step called the City Structure Plan - a map
that lays out the basic framework for the community over the next 20 years.
Three City Structure Plan alternatives (A, B & C) were developed specifically for Fort Collins. One
"preferred" plan has emerged reflecting a "nix" of all the alternatives. The preferred City
Structure Plan alternative looks most like Alternative C presented to the community in April. Marry
of the same concepts are there -- a compact development patter:, activity centers based on transit
corridors, infill, balance and roundness to the community's shape, and enhanced transportation
choices. And, the preferred City Structure Plan alternative also reflects the community's and
CPAC's further directions.
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BACKGROUND:
The vision diagramed in the City Structure Plan contains changes and choices about how our city
will develop. Each of the choices means a significant decision must be made about the fixture farm
and pattern of our city. The City Structure Plan reflects choices in several key areas:
♦ density
♦ infill development
♦ direction of growth
♦ patterns of commercial development
♦ transportation choices
♦ natural environment
The City Structure Plan shows, in a simplified diagram, what the community will look and be like
in the future if City Plan is successful. It is based on a projected population increase at a
compounded annual growth rate of 2.2%, and an employment increase at a compounded annual
growth rate of 2.4%, within the 20-year planning horizon (to the year 2015).
The City Structure Plan is a statement of policy in mapped form and art expression of what the
community wants. By itself, the City Structure Plan map is not intended to be used to approve or
deny particular land use proposals. However, the nap must be carefully linked to implementation
strategies.
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The boundaries and definitions of the "places" described in the Plan are general in nature to allow '
flexibility in the later, more precise stages of City Plan -- the "principles and policies, "
neighborhood planning, and implementation. That is, the City Structure Plan identifies a pattern
of desired land use and development; whereas the "principles and policies, " neighborhood
planning, and implementation stages of'City Plan will specify with increasing preciseness, the
range and conditions of use and capital improvements that will or should occur on specific parcels
of land. We anticipate that more precise maps and/or written interpretations of the City Structure
Plan will be developed in the succeeding stages of the City Plan process. And, the City Structure
Plan may need to be updated as better and more defined information is produced as part of
developing City Plan.
Parts of the City Structure Plan already exist in many different plans and are simply being brought
together and organized (for example, the North College and Harmony corridor plans). Other parts
of the City Structure Plan are the result of a long and sophisticated planning process.
The City Structure Plan illustrates four basic kinds of places that make up our city which serve as
the primary building blocks -- neighborhoods, districts, corridors and edges. They are not intended
to be thought as "zones, " in the sense of traditional land use zoning districts, or cis single -use areas,
but rather as distinct and diverse places that contain a mix of uses and densities.
1. Neighborhoods. As the dominant and most important area within our city, neighborhoods will
serve as the primary building blocks. Neighborhoods are as small as individual subdivisions (for
example, Quail Hollow subdivision); or, they may be an aggregate of individual subdivisions that
are linked by soune common characteristic or character (for example, the Eastside Neighborhood).
In keeping with our City Plan vision, our neighborhoods will be walkable, connected, and liveable,
including a mix of housing types. Neighborhoods will also include destinations within walking
distance, such cis schools, parks, neighborhood shopping, and civic uses.
The goal is to work toward more "complete" neighborhoods over time -- so more of our basic needs
are met closer to home. The reality, however, is that because of what's already here, the City
Structure Plan can only have so much impact on existing neighborhoods. Not all of our existing
neighborhoods will meet this ideal.
The most opportunityfor change is in the undeveloped, new growth areas, where most of our city's
new housing will occur. The density of the new growth areas will be approximately six dwelling
units per acre overall. The Low Density Mixed -Use Neighborhoods will develop at approximately
five dwelling units per acre. These neighborhoods will consist of a Unix of detached homes on small
and average size lots, townhomes and duplex units; and, the Medium Density Mixed -Use
Neighborhoods will develop at approximately 12 dwelling units per acre. The Medium Density
Mixed -Use Neighborhoods will include a mix of small lot single family home lots, duplexes,
townhomes and multi family housing. Higher density residential development will be located in
close proximity to district commercial centers and to transit.
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Approximately 10% of the new residential growth will occur within existing neighborhoods. Same
new homes will be built on lots and parcels that are now vacant. Some will be second homes added
to lots that are served by alleys -- or as "granny flats" above a garage. Some will occur as
redevelopment of underutilized properties, for example in the Downtown area or near the CSU
Campus, along west Lake Street.
2. Districts. Districts are larger than individual neighborhoods or developments. Districts maybe
thought as areas of activity. Different districts serve different purposes, and each has a distinct
character. Districts represent the potential to create a sense of community within distinct areas of
the city. The downtown area and the CSU campus are examples of districts.
Several neighborhoods make up each Residential District, linked by an interconnected
transportation system. The focus of the district will be a pedestrian -oriented commercial center
which will include a supermarket and a mix of retail, office, services and civic uses.
In keeping with our City Plan vision, our Downtown and CSU campus districts will be supported
b_y other non-residential districts with unique or specialized uses - such as employment, industrial
and mixed -use.
The Employment and Industrial districts (see Harnnony Road, CSURF, and northeast) will be for
basic industrial, office, research and non -retail employment. Secondary uses include hoines,
hotels/motels, restaurants, child care, and shopping in close proximity to jobs. The difference
between the Industrial and Employment districts is essentially one of:
• the sizes of the workforce (e.g., the Industrial District will generally have a lower employee
per acre ratio)
• truck and train traffic (e.g., the Employment District is generally expected to generate less
truck (md train traffic)
• the aspects of the industrial process (e.g., storage and other industrial processes within the
Employment District are carried on within the building itself).
A retail commercial center is the focus of each Mixed -Use District (see northeast, north College,
Hannony/Timberline and Foothills Fashion areas). The amount and type of uses will vary
depending on its location, purpose, market demand and extent of existing commercial uses. Mixed -
Use Districts will also include employment, housing (at 15 du/ac), and civic uses. Mixed -Use
Districts will be "pedestrian friendly" and in all cases will be located adjacent to transit.
New districts will be located and designed to provide a high quality living environment and varied
transportation choices. Redevelopment of existing districts (for example Campus West, north
College and the Foothills Fashion Mall areas) will provide opportunities for more choices in
housing, land use and transportation, as well as increase "user friendliness" with surrounding
neighborhoods.
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July 2, 1996
3. Corridors. Corridors provide a connection between different areas and destinations. The two
primary types of corridors are travel corridors and "green" corridors. This is not just about more
streets and lots of open space in our city. This is about a network of travel routes; choices for how
we move around; reducing our trips; linking pockets of green space; and maximizing every positive
feature those green corridors can contribute to Fort Collins.
"Green" corridors, such as the Poudre River Corridor, streams, drainageways, and trails
collectively comprise the green "network"-- linking larger natural areas, open lands, parks and
other land uses.
Major transportation corridors link our destinations and activities, and makes it easier to tnove
around in a lot of different ways. Streets are considered as "transportation corridors" for cars,
transit, bicyclists and pedestrians. Major transit corridors are identified, linking areas of'most
activity. The existing Burlington railroad track, running parallel to College Avenue, is offered as
a possible fuaure location for passenger rail service linking communities in the region.
The I-25 Corridor is shown to be predominantly "rurallopen" in use, with a limited amount of
commercial at a few interchanges. The Plan also indicates a "green corridor" along the immediate
edges of the road right-of-way. The vision for this area is incomplete; more work is needed. A
special study is recommended.
4. Edges. Edges fonn the limits of our community over the next twenty years. In keeping with our
City Plan vision, our city's edges will be well-defined boundaries, promoting a compact land use '
pattern in order to avoid sprawling development. Because of our edges, public facilities and
services, can be provided more efficiently. Our edges will contribute to preserving enviromnentally
sensitive areas and rural lands, and to distinguishing between what is "city" and what is not.
Edges take on many forms such as the foothills, agricultural lands and residential estates. Edges
may be privately -owned and developed such as the lower density, residential urban estate areas.
Other edges may be more "green" and open. Some of the "green" may be under public ownership
such as the Pine Ridge Open Space; while others may be privately owned, rural uses such as
agriculture or very large lot residential development. Some edges may be more permanent such as
to achieve a separation between communities (see Ft. Collins/Loveland "corridor"). Other edges
may be more flexible and adjust to respond to the need for future growth.
The organization of these places -- their "structure" gives body and fonn to our community's vision.
PUBLIC PROCESS
Last April, three alternative plans were presented to the community at a public workshop. The
alternative plans were discussed extensively with the public at many different meetings and settings,
including:
♦ four neighborhood meetings (based on the four quadrants of the community)
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t ♦ civiclsocial club meetings (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.)
♦ professional organization group meetings (Board o(Realtors, etc.)
♦ special interest meetings (Chamber of Commerce, Fort Collins Inc., C-4 Bike Club, etc.)
♦ citizen group meetings (Citizen Planners, etc.)
♦ meetings with individual property owners in person or by telephone
♦ public interest (various City boards and commissions, County Commissioners, County
Planning Board, etc.)
♦ a public open house (May 29)
♦ CPAC meetings
♦ Council Growth Management Committee meetings
♦ Planning and Zoning Board work sessions
♦ City Council study sessions
♦ Cable TV, newspaper and radio coverage
.♦ City Plan newsletter, CityLine and Internet
CPAC REVIEW
On June 12, 1996, the City Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) completed its review and editing of
the City Structure Plan map presented to the community in May. CPAC has recommended that the
Plan map be adopted by the Planning cmd Zoning Board and City Council. CPAC recommended
certain changes to the "preferred alternative" map and offered some additional comments about
the Plan that should be considered in succeeding steps of City Plan. These changes have been
incorporated into the most recent draft Plan or will be addressed in developing City Plan. The
CPAC changes and comments are as follows:
1. The City Structure Plan andlor some accompanying map(s) needs to clearly distinguish "new
growth "from "existing/committed" areas. Also, the City Structure Plan andlor some accompanying
map(s) needs to clearly distinguish between what is publicly owned and privately owned lands in
the "open lands/rural" edge designation.
2. Increase the amount of infill from 5% to 10%.
3. Delete the "urban reserve" designation front the City Structure Plan. In lieu of designating
specific properties for future growth, CPAC recommended creating a "Cooperative Planning Area"
(CPA) designation extending beyond the urban growth area boundary. This new area nnay be
somewhat similar to Loveland's "Planning Influence Area. "
The purpose of the CPA would be for the City of Fort Collins to have a more direct role and
responsibility in due planning and management of the area surrounding the city, including but not
limited to the application of City development standards. The precise boundaries, terms and
conditions of a CPA will need to be further refined in the later stages of City Plan and implemented
through an intergovernmental agreement with Lorimer County.
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July 2, 1996
4. CPAC understood that the area contained within the City Structure Plan can accommodate as
much as five to 10 years of growth beyond what is forecast is needed over the next twenty years.
CPAC recommended keeping this additional growth within the urban growth boundary and using
"phasing" management techniques to determine the sequencing and timing of development. The
precise tools will need to befurther refined in the later stages of City Plan.
5. Make certain changes to the City Structure Plan snap, including:
• The "rural residential" edge has been renamed "urban estate" and more clearly defined.
Some additional areas of existing "urban estate" are reflected on the City Structure Plan.
• Delete the grid pattern highlighting the "Fossil Creek Special Study Area. "
• The alignment of the "high frequency transit" route between Downtown and the northeast
Mixed -Use District was altered slightly.
• The District Commercial Center and Medium Density Mixed -Use District at Timberline and
Trilby roads was relocated slightly to the north along Timberline Road.
• The District Commercial Center and Medium Density Mixed -Use District oil Timberline
Road near Horsetooth Road was relocated slightly to the north to the intersection of Drake
and Timberline roads.
• The east Prospect Road Employment District was extended north along Timberline Road.
• The "Cooper Slough drainage corridor" in the northeast area has been extended to connect
to the new Mixed -Use District.
• The Poudre River "corridor" was designated as a special study area.
• The area of the Loveland/Fort Collins corridor, east of College Avenue has been revised to
more accurately reflect actual site conditions and the "Plan for the Region Between Fort
Collins and Loveland. "
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD REVIEW
Ott June 24, 1996, the planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend to the
Council the adoption of the City Structure Plan. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended
certain changes to the draft City Structure Plan map and offered some additional comments about
the Plan that should be considered in succeeding steps of City Plan. The specific map changes have
been incorporated into the most recent draft Plan. The Planning and Zoning Board changes and
comments are as follows:
Implementation is key if City Plan and the City Structure Plan is to be successful. City Plan
is setting high expectations by the public that the Plan will be carried through to
implementation. Public expectations includes efforts to encourage use of alternative
transportation modes and that the City's development regulations will be revised to
implement the direction contained in City Plan. Clear and enforceable design guidelines are
important. Architectural design guidelines should be considered.
2. Make certain changes to the City Structure Plan map, including:
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July 2, 1996
' The alignment of a fiam-e Overland Trail south of Horselooth Road was deleted.
• The existing open space/natural area in Paragon Point was added.
• A note was added to the map which says that this Structure Plus is intended to
provide a general graphic vision and direction for the preparation of future phases
of the City Plan, mint ultimately, for the implementation of the City Plau and is not
intended to be used for decision -making on a site specific basis. "
Director of Advance Planning Joe Frank described the purpose of the Structure Plan, clarifying its
purpose would not be to approve or deny land use proposals. He spoke of the public participation
and outreach that was conducted.
Lou Stitzel, representing the City Plan Advisory Committee ("CPAC"), stated the Structure Plan is
a plan to link the City together, in an attempt to making it a more liveable City. She spoke of activity
centers and transportation plans included in the Plan and of the need to achieve a better balance
throughout the community.
Dan Gould, representing CPAC, spoke of the need for mixed -Use functions in existing districts and
the benefits mixed -use districts could provide to residents. He spoke of the lack of transportation
mobility and access presently in the community. He expressed concerns regarding congestion and
air quality issues the facing the City.
Alex Chapman, member of CPAC, spoke of City boundaries and of the need to retain natural and
open areas. He spoke of the need to reduce sprawl and concentrate on infill (level opnrent. He stated
the Plan was not to prevent or encourage population growth, but to maintain the quality of life
currently enjoyed by the citizens of Fort Collins.
Frank responded to Council questions and clarified the Committee believes that 10% infill is a
reasonable and "doable" number. He responded to questions regarding multi -family units within low
density areas.
Ben Hermann, Ballofet & Associates, stated the Committee would be asking for Council direction
regarding multi -family buildings within low density areas.
Councilmember Janelt made a motion, seconded by Councilmeruber Wanner, to adopt Resolution
96-79.
Bridgitte Schmidt, representing the Northeast Neighborhood Coalition, expressed concerns regarding
density and design issues of the Plan. She spoke of the need for phasing criteria and believed the
Plan would further segregate the City.
Chris Rickard, 2309 W. Mulberry, stated he was proud to live in a community where citizens are
allowed to participate in City planning. fie expressed concerns regarding the quality and quantity
of development. He questioned the rationale in approving a Plan that, in 20 years, would double the
' population.
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Dean Miller, Larimer County resident, speaking on behalf of LeAnn Thieman et al., urged Council
not to approve the Structine Plan until revisions are made regarding rural residential areas adjacent
to City limits in the proposed corridor. of the need to achieve a "harmonious" balance between
county and city residents.. t don't know
Mr. Miller, speaking as Bomdnaember of Citizens for Community Planning, stated additional work
needs to be done to the Structure Plan.
Bruce Lockhart, 2500 East Harmony Road, questioned by low income people are suppose to live and
asked if mobile home parks world be abolished from Larimer County entirely. He suggested the
City relax restrictions on construction of mobile home parks. He expressed his feelings that the City
is "squeezing" out the low income residents because of the `9arge" scale housing being constructed.
Margaret Phillips, a Fort Collins resident, concurred with statements by previous speakers. She
spoke of concerns regarding the current development process, stating it was not a user friendly
system. She spoke of the need for flexible density, slating it should be decided for by individual
sites.
Frank responded to Council questions regarding designation of urban estates. He spoke of benefits
in building affoiclable housing and responded to Council questions regarding purchasing sites
specifically for mobile home park and manufactured housing developments.
Mayor Azari she spoke of cities around the country being built and rebuilt with mixed -use I
neighborhoods and how those uses are implemented in various cities. She thanked the Committee
and the Planning Department for all of their work.
Councilmeanbei Apt stated the community has been supportive of this for it long time and thanked
everyone for their efforts. He spoke of the fluctuation of infill development.
The vote on Councilincmber Janett's motion was as follows: Yeas: COUnCllinembers Apt, Azari,
Janett, McCluskey and Wanner. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 96-80
Adopting the Revisions to the Master Street Phan, Postponed.
ied
The following is staff's memorandum on this item.
"lixeculive Summary
Adoption of this resolution does not initially create the need for capital
investment. However, as the
different components o. he Go, Plan's Structure
Plan are implemented
by developers and the City,
major capital expendinnres will be required.
The magnitucle of these
expenditures will be store
July 2, 1996
clearly identified in the City Plait's Capital Program scheduled for development in late 1996 and
early 1997.
The Master Street Plan is a map -based plan identifying the major transportation corridors within
the Urban Growth Area. The Plan was developed by using the City Plait's Preferred Structure Plan
as the basic urban form projected to the year 2015, factoring out different components such as
density, Transit Service, mixed use corridors, and activity centers, as they relate to this urban form,
and thus predicting Travel Behavior (by zone) for the Preferred Plan. This Travel Behavior was
entered into a Traffic Model Program and the result was a 20 year Master Street Plan. The Plan
includes significant changes from the previous Master Street Plan, in particular such notable items
as the elimination of the Poudre River crossing on N. Overland Trail Rd., the reduction of much of
Overland Trail Road from a 6-lane arterial to 4-lame arterial road, the extension of Hickory St. west
to Shields St., a new intersection at I-25 and Vine Drive, the downgrading of County Rd 32 from a
6-lane to a 4-lane arterial, and others as noted in Attachment A. To accomplish these changes, the
City will need to adopt the Preferred Land Use Plan, and make significant commitments to a
transportation demand management program which emphasizes the use of alternative modes.
Presentations regarding the proposed revisions to the Street Master Plait have been made to the
Natural Resources Board, Transportation Board, Air Quality Advisory Board, City Plan Advisory
Committee, the Planning and Zoning Board, Chamber of Conmherce, City Plan Principles and
Policies Workshop, Growth Management Committee, and the Northeast Neighborhood Coalition.
' BACKGROUND:
The Street Master Plan is a vital component of the Transportation Master Plait and City Plan. The
Transportation staff and the CPES staff have been working closely with the City Plan Advisory
Committee in the development of the Preferred Land Use Plan. The proposed Street Plan, and the
associated modal plans (pedestrian, transit, bikeway), will be critical in determining how our
citizens travel. The Master Street Plan update shall be based on traffic model evaluation projected
to the year 2015, and these projections will illustrate our travel patterns with and without changes
to our travel behavior. Early results show College Avenue (south from Mulberry), without
significant changes to current travel behavior, may be increasing from 40,000 average daily trips
to over 70,000 daily trips by 2015.
The current plan was last updated in December 1992 following the acceptance of the Northeast Area
Transportation Study. Since that time, many changes have occurred which have caused some re-
thinking on the capacities, need and locations of the roadways.
The presentation will not focus on the cost of constructing this transportation network. Those
discussions will be held in coordination with City Plan's capital improvement task. Staff will,
however, provide some examples of construction costs to give Council an idea of the magnitude of
this plan. This means the Master Street Plan is presented for adoption without a price tag. Staff will
be working with the boards and commissions to develop these costs, and Council may decide to alter
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some components of the Master Street Plan after reviewing the complete City Plan capital '
improvement program."
Transportation Services Director Ron Phillips introduced this item and spoke of the Master Street
Plan's relationship to City Plan.
Traffic Engineer Eric Bracke gave the staff presentation on this item and outlined changes to the Plan
since its last update. He spoke of the 6 lane arterials currently included in the Plan.
Councilmember McCluskey spoke of reoccurring comments regarding the lack of time given for
input on this issue and asked if this has been processed enough.
Phillips stated public outreach regarding the Master Street Plan was conducted simultaneously with
the Structure Plan. He stated the neighborhood impacts of this proposal would be less than the
presently adopted Master Street Plan. He stated the Planning and Zoning Board supported adoption
of the Plan and commented positively on integration.
Councilmember Janett made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Apt, to adopt Resolution 96-80
Bridgitte Schmidt, on behalf of the Northeast Neighborhood Coalition, stated citizens need
additional input regarding the Master Plan.
Albert Barnes, residing at the intersection of Platte Court and Platte Place, spoke of concerns '
regarding Overland Trail and the proposed Plan's effect on natural areas and designated open space
adjacent to surrounding neighborhoods.
Rick Perkins, spoke of conflicts between the Structure Plan and the Master Street Plan and of the
need for additional citizen input.
Sandy Lemberg, Poudre Canyon resident, spoke of intersection congestion and of the need to
construct a bypass for truck traffic.
Margaret Phillips, 805 E. Ridgecrest Road, emphasized the need to get consent from the Downtown
Airport Board to construct a bypass at Lemay and the railroad tracks.
Phillips clarified roadway improvements are tied to new development using the street oversizing
funds, developer funds and/or General funds. He stated the section of Overland Trail previously
addressed, would likely be a capital improvement project which would be voted on by the citizens.
Mayor Azari spoke of the need to create policy language addressing roads being built through
"sensitive" areas.
1
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July 2, 1996
Phillips clarified language addressing environmentally sensitive areas is included in the work of the
ongoing Master Transportation Plan. He stated the current Master Street Plan has more of an impact
on the community than what is being proposed this resolution.
After further discussion, Councilmember McCluskey made a motion, seconded by Councilmember
Apt, to postpone consideration of Resolution 96-80 to August 20, 1996. Yeas: Councilmembers
Apt, Azari, Janett, McCluskey and Wanner. Nays: None.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Azari stated it was important to allow additional time for citizen and Board and Commission
review before Council considers the item again.
Ordinance No. 97, 1996,
Amending Certain Sections of the City Code to Revise
Certain Criteria Pertaining to the Design, Construction,
and Maintenance of Streets, Sidewalks, Alleys, and Pedestrian and
Bicycle Paths Within the City and Amending the Related Design Criteria
and Amending Section 10.204 of the Uniform Fire Code Adopted on First Reading_
The following is staff's memorandum on this item.
"Executive Summary
City staff is presenting to City Council far adoption new street width standards for all classifications
of City streets. The street width standards are one element of the City Master Transportation Plan
and the Master Street Plan now being developed. In addition, the Master Transportation Plan is
an element of'City, Plan. The primary basis for the proposed changes are the City Council adopted
"Connunity Vision and Goals 2015, " the Visual Preference Survey, and the City Council Growth
Management Cmnmittee's desire to adopt these standards as soon cis possible.
The new standards have been developed to provide for balanced transportation service for all modes
of transportation. Consideration was given to bicycle travel on all streets and to the importance
of the pedestrian, to give pedestrians equal consideration with other modes of transportation. Staff
has proposed additional classifications of streets to provide more options for different situations.
For residential streets, the goal was to narrow the streets, to provide opportunities for more
neighborhood friendliness, lower construction and maintenance costs, and encourage slower speeds.
These new standards may be subject to further modification on completion of the City Plan process.
The new street width standards would apply to all new developments and redevelopments.
Exceptions would be made for some infill type developments where, for example: (1) It would not
be logical to narrow a street for a short segment and widen out again; or (2) detaching the sidewalk
for a short segment would cause problems for pedestrians. In all cases, dedication of right of way
1
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July 2, 1996
would be required to meet the new standards in anticipation that the adjoining areas will redevelop '
some day in the future.
The proposed standards have been developed with input fron nany sources. They have included
city staff members, public and private utilities, Council Growth Management Committee, the
Transportation Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, the Natural Resources Board, the
Affordable Housing Board, the Poudre Fire Authority and their Board, Choice City Cycling
Coalition (C-4), the pedestrian advisory committee, and several meetings with development
professionals in the community. We received comments from citizens of the community through The
Congress of Neighborhoods on March 21, an open house held on May 29, 1996, a transportation
booth set up at the Foothills Fashion Mall on June 15, and from comments of general interested
citizens who have written in. Comments received in written form are included for your reference
at the end of these materials.
Both the Transportation and Planting and Zoning Boards took actions to recommend City Council
adoption of these proposed standards. The Transportation Board vote 9-1 to support on June 19,
1996 The dissenting voter had security concerns about the alleys and preferred wider streets. The
Planning and Zoning Board voted 6-0 in support on Jame 24, 1996.
The ordinance was drafted with proposed changes needed in the City Code, the Land Development
Guidance System, the Street Design Criteria and Construction Standards, and the Uniform Fire
Code.
BACKGROUND: '
These standards have been developed using several goals as the basis. The following goals are cited
in the Community Visions and Goal 2015:
* The transportation infrastructure will provide a balanced transportation system for
pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, motor vehicles, and van and carpools.
* Walking will be a practical and enjoyable means of travel. Pedestrian fihcilities will
elevate the importance of the pedestrian. The pedestrian will be given equal
consideration with other modes within the shared public space of the street system,
and the system will encourage walking for shorter trips within the city.
The bicycle will be a viable transportation choice for residents and visitors.
* Neighborhood streets will provide an attractive environment will be safe for
pedestrians, bicyclists„ and drivers, and will have a well designed streetscape,
including detached sidewalks, parkways, and well defined crosswalks.
Further goals cited by the City Council Growth Management Committee related to residential
streets are as follows:
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July 2, 1996
Reduce the widths of the streets to help reduce their cost to assist affordable housing.
* Reduce the width of the streets to help reduce speeds and provide traffic calming.
* Provide options for flexibility.
* Provide standards for residential alleys to provide rear yard access.
All of these goals have been accomplished with the proposed standards, exceptfor reduced costs.
It has been difficult to achieve reduced costs with the narrowing of residential streets. Widening the
sidewalks and detaching them from the curb and providing a wide enough parkway for viable
landscaping have caused increases in the street costs countering the savings of a narrower roadway.
The main features for the proposed standards consist of the following:
Wider sidewalks provide comfortable space for pedestrians.
2. Landscaped parkways between the curb and sidewalk are added to all street
classifications to separate sidewalks from the streets.
3. New classifications of residential streets with narrower roadways.
a. Residential Local 30' wide with parking on both sides.
b. Narrow Residential Local 24' wide with parking on one side (used only
with alleys for garage and parking access).
C. Connector Local Street 36' wide for residential streets that carry higher
traffic volumes used to connect neighborhoods and connect neighborhoods
to collector streets, arterial streets and activity centers.
4. Addition of a residential alley standard for access to garages and other off-street
parking.
S. Addition of bike lanes to the Major Arterial Street and wider bike lanes on higher
speed streets.
6. Addition of a Collector Street Without Parking for areas where development does
not front on the street and where no parking is needed (a higher traffic speed and
volume collector).
7. Addition of the Minor Arterial Street standard for lower traffic volatile arterials.
8. Separation of the Commercial Local Street from the Industrial Local Street because
of their different applications.
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July 2, 1996
9. Addition of continuous medians in the Arterial Streetpreviously only used at certain I
locations.
l0. Addition of a nedestrian/bicycle path for neighborhood connections other than
streets, to link neighborhoods together and link neighborhoods to activity areas.
The following is a discussion of each of the above items with more detail:
1. Wider detached sidewalks: Sidewalks are proposed to be a minimum of 4.5 feet wide. This
provides room for two people to walk side by side comfortably. Sidewalks are proposed to
be wider as needed on higher classification streets and in areas leading to and within
activity centers to carry higher anticipated pedestrian volumes. Our initial proposal was for
a minimum 5 foot sidewalk. The development community wanted 4 feet. We found in our
comparisons that 4.5 feet was the optinman minimum width.
Sidewalks on collector streets and arterial streets are proposed to be wider, in the range of 5 feet
to 7 feet, in order to provide space for those bicyclists who prefer not to ride in the streets.
2. Landscaped parkwaXs: It is proposed that sidewalks on all new streets be detached from the
curb, separated by a landscaped parkway. This improves aesthetics and provides can area
of comfort and protection for pedestrians. The proposed minimum parkway width is 6 feet
from the gutter line to the sidewalk, which leaves 5.5 feet of landscaped area. We consider
this the mininuan width necessary to provide space for street trees to grow without causing
damage to the curb and sidewalk. In addition the 5.5 foot wide landscaped area provides
enough space for reasonably sized landscaping. In a narrower area it would be more
difficult to maintain healthy landscaping, being more confined between the curb and
sidewalk, tending to dry out more easily. The landscaped parkways on collector streets and
arterial streets are proposed to be wider, 8 feet and 10 feet respectively, to fit the scale of
the street. This means wider parkways for wider streets and streets with faster traffic.
3. Residential streets with narrower roadway: Presently the residential local streets are either
36 feet wide providing space for two travel lanes and parking on both sides of the street ,or
28 feet wide providing far two travel lames and parking on one side of'the street. What we
propose is three different street widths to fit conditions in different neighborhoods.
a. Residential Local 30' wide: The basic Residential Local Street is proposed to be 30
feet wide. This provides space for parking on both sides and a single wide travel lane
for motor vehicles and bicyclists. This street replaces the 36 foot wide and 28 foot
wide local streets in residential areas and would be the standard for all residential
streets. It is believed that the narrower travel space (16 feet) will have a traffic
calming effect. Vehicles will have to slowdown and may have to move into unparked
areas to let other vehicles pass by. The one 16 foot wide travel lane street./or
residential areas is an acceptable standard in nationally accepted codes.
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July 2, 1996
b. Narrow Residential Local 24'wide: A 24 foot wide Narrow Residential Local Street
is proposed for use in combination with alleys where the alley provides access to off-
street parking and garages in single family areas. No driveway access would be
allowed from the street. The 24 foot wide street provides space for one wide travel
lane, 17 feet wide, and parking allowed on only one side of the street. Since the
street would have no driveways, parking on one side of'the street would provide
about the same number of parking spaces as the 30 foot street with parking on both
sides with driveways.
The Poudre Fire Authority and the Poudre Fire Authoriy, Board are proposing
revisions to the fire code to allow narrower "legal access" fire lanes to be 16 feet
wide reduced from 20 feet wide to allow for the use of the narrower streets. The
Poudre Fire Authority's primary concern is with the 24 foot wide street. It maybe
difficult to keep people from parking on both .rides of the street if sufficient
convenient parking is not provided elsewhere. At this time the Poudre Fire Authority
only supports the 24 foot wide roadway for single family housing use. Further stud
would be required to establish limitations for parking requirements for multi family
areas to use 24 foot wide streets. The marimuun length of a 24 foot wide street would
be 660 feet, and it would have no dead end. In addition, the Poudre Fire Authority
will revise administrative policy on fire hydrant spacing to reduce spacing from 800'
to 600'.
C. Connector local street 36' wide: Again the basic residential street would be 30 feet
wide. However, for residential streets that carry higher traffic volumes, we propose
a connector street with a 36 foot wide roadway. The roadway would be wide enough
for two travel lames and parking on both sides. This street would be used to connect
neighborhood to neighborhood or connect neighborhoods to collector streets,
arterial streets, or activity centers.
4. Residential alley: The 24 foot wide Narrow Residential Local Street must be used in
combination with residential alleys. The alleys would serve adjoining properties fin -
accessing off-street parking and garages. It is proposed that an alley width be anywhere
from 12 feet wide to 20 feet wide depending upon the alley needs for the development. A 12
foot wide alley would provide driveway -type access to the rear of lots and a trash truck
could fit for basic trash pickup. A 16 foot width would be required where secondary fire
access is desirable. A 20 foot width would be required where the alley serves primaryfire
access.
It is proposed that the pavement for alleys be concrete where the drainage is carried in a valley
gutter in the center of the alley. If the drainage is carried to one side of the alley with a drive -over
curb and gutter on the drainage side, the alley paving may be asphalt or concrete.
The setbacks to garage doors from an alley are proposed to be either 8 feet or 20 feet. The 8 font
setback is needed for the utility easement and allows a vehicle to park parallel to the alley in fi-ont
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July 2, 1996
of a garage without blocking the alley. This also allows room to maneuver a vehicle into and out
of a garage . Anything less than an 8 foot setback would require some vehicles to move back and
forth more than once to get in and out of the garage. Between 8 feet and 20 feet for setbacks, staff
believes that some drivers squeeze into driveways leaving vehicles sticking out into the alleys.
Therefore, a 20 foot setback is required when it is planned for vehicles to park in front of garage
doors between the alley and the garage.
It is proposed that the minimum alley width retrain at the current standard, 20 feet wide, for
commercial and industrial areas.
5. Bike lanes: It is proposed that bike lanes be added to the Major Arterial Street standard to
provide for on -street bicycle travel. This is consistent with projects now adding bike lanes
to streets such as Harmony Road, where a project is underway to add bike lames. In
addition, bike lanes are proposed to be 8 feet wide on higher speed streets to provide for
added safety of bicyclists.
6. Collector Street Without Parking: It is proposed that a collector street without parking be
added to the street standards to serve locations where development does not,f'ront on the
street and where parking is not needed. This street would be striped for travel lanes and
bike lanes for higher speed collector operation.
7. Minor Arterial Street: Minor arterial streets are proposed for locations where traffic
volumes are projected to be low enough for two travel lanes and a continuous left turn lane I
to provide service. This street would function for higher speed operations and carry traffic
from one area of the city, to another.
8. Commercial local street: The existing standard for a commercial local street is combined
with the industrial local street as an Industrial/Conimercial Street, shown as one street
standard. It is proposed to show a commercial local separated from the industrial local
because of their different uses. In the past the standard was overlooked for commercial
areas because it was interpreted to be only an industrial street. Problems exist today in
commercial areas where standard local streets 36' wide were used instead of the
commercial industrial standard 44' wide. With the narrower streets no room exists for a left
turn lane and bike lanes.
9. Medians in Arterial Streets: Medians are proposed to be added within the full length of
arterial streets. The current standard for arterial streets has medians placed only at major
intersections and specific locations needed to prevent left turn traffic moves.
l0. Pedestrian/bicycle path: This proposed standard provides an option for pedestrian bicycle
path connections to link neighborhoods and link neighborhoods to activity areas. This path
would be used where streets may be undesirable or too expensive to construct.
"1:
July 2, 1996
Attached, as Attachment 1, is a listing of the locations where you may look at some of the features
including these proposed standards. They include different width roadways for residential streets,
sidewalks, parkways, and striped bikelanes.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
All of the proposed street standards are shown in Exhibit A of the ordinance. Each street
classification is shown on a separate page along with details relating to the use of that street. All
the proposed criteria are tabled in Attachment 2 for comparison purposes. In addition, a map
diagram, shown as Attachment 3, is added to provide a typical square mile showing where the
proposed streets may be used. For reference and comparisons, Attachment 4 is one page that shows
the existing street standards.
The following is a listing and general discussion of some of the proposed criteria:
Tree planting: It is proposed that on residential streets, with the new detached walks, street trees
be 1.25 inch caliper and of type on the City approved canopy shade tree list. Basically one tree per
lot would be required.
Landscaped Parkways: Parkways are proposed to be planted in grass, annuals, perennials, or other
such plantings, maximum 18" high, as may be approved by the City Forester. No shrubs which
could block visibility would be allowed. It was commented that the parkway areas should be planted
in xeriscape landscaping instead of grasses and other high water demand plantings. Language has
been included in the landscaping statements to accommodate the comment.
Speed Limits: The speed limits shown are the approximate ranges anticipated with the classification
of streets. The basic speed law in the City is 25 miles per hour on all streets and 15 miles per hour
on alleys. Any speed expected to be less would require signs to post the speed limit.
Estimated Costs:
Street Costs: Attached as Attachment 5 is a table comparing design and construction costs of the
proposed streets with the existing streets. Comparisons are shown as actual costs and percentages
increased or decreased. The comparisons show that some of the costs are higher and some are
lower. The major arterial and arterial streets are higher while the minor arterial is lower. The
collector street with parking is higher. However, the collector street without parking is lower. For
residential streets the connector street is higher, but the residential local street, which would be the
primary street used, is lower. Using the narrow residential local street with alleys would be higher
than the existing cost of just a 36 foot street. For commercial and industrial local streets, the cost
is higher due to the walk being separated from the curb.
Overall with the added options for minor arterial, collector without parking, and the narrower
residential streets, it appears that cost increases for added features such as bike lanes and detached
walks are balanced. It is difficult to make direct comparisons without analyzing specific
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July 2, 1996
developments. Some developments with predominately more expensive streets would experience
higher costs than developments using the reduced cost streets.
Median Costs in Arterial Streets: The additional capital cost to add a continuous median in a new
Arterial Street for one mile is $115,000. Maintenance costs are projected to be $5,500 dollars per
year per mile of street. For comparison purposes, the City improves less than two miles of arterial
street per year. At this rate the added capital cost to the City for medians per year would be
$200,000. Maintenance costs would increase by about $10,000 per year. Another additional cost
for having continuous medians in arterial streets will be street lighting. The standard has been to
alternate street lights from one side to the other. The medians with trees will obstruct light from
reaching both sides of the street. Therefore, extra lights will need to be added to adequately light
both sides of the street. The added cost for lighting would be $65,000 per mile, approximately $10
per front foot of the property fronting the street.
Extra Costs for Residential Local Streets: The following is a list of additional costs for having
detached sidewalks along residential streets:
• Electric Conduit: $.50 per foot of lot frontage, approximately $30 per lot
• Street Trees: $2 per foot of lot frontage, approximately $120 per lot
• Driveway Cuts with Vertical Curb and Gutter: $400 per lot for a two car width driveway
• Driveway Between Curb and Sidewalk: $440 per lot for a two car width driveway
Parkway Irrigation System: $200 per lot for a 60' wide lot
Extra Costfor Narrow Residential Local Streets:
• Reduced fire hydrant spacing: $0 to $100 per 60' wide lot depending on subdivision lay out.
Right of Way Costs: The additional or decreased right of'way costs for the proposed new streets are
not possible to estimate in a general way. Each circumstance depends upon the value of'the land.
Included, also, in Attachment 5 is a comparison of right of way needed for the proposed street
standards versus right of way for the existing street standards. Attachment 6 shows a listing of the
street comparisons in Attachment 5 listing the changes that caused the widening or narrowing of
the right of way.
Residential streets --wider versus narrower: One of the primary comments made by citizens in the
community has been that either they want narrower streets or they want wider streets. Many people
have proposed there should be an option. The primary difference between the wider street and the
proposed narrower street is reducing the width to provide one wide travel lane versus two standard
width travel lanes. Moving to the narrower streets is a change which requires users to share street
space versus having full width travel lanes. Both designs are considered proper and safe according
to nationally accepted standards. However, to meet the goals described above for trying to slow
traffic in neighborhoods and using the narrower street to balance out the additional costs for wider
detached sidewalks, staff recommends the narrower street be the accepted design standard. We
could not meet these goals with the wider streets.
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Residential local street --impact on small lots: The right of way width for the proposed residential
street is 3 feet wider than the current standard. This amorous to 1.5 feet more space needed on each
side of the street. Earlier in the development of these standards, we proposed street right of way
width that required 4 feet of extra space. The impact was more significant. With 1.5 feet the impact
is reduced significantly. See Attachment 7 for the comparison impact on small lots (4,500 sq. ft.)
Attachment 8 compares the use of the marrow residential local street with a 12' wide alley to the
existing 36' wide residential local street. It shows that an additional 4.5'of right of way needed from
each lot to keep the same neighborhood density.
It was suggested that the City eliminate the minimum lot size requirement of 6000 square feet in
subdivisions in order to mitigate the impact of the wider street right of way. Staff has reviewed the
request and recommends that it be considered in the course of zoning changes during the City Plan
process. It should not be addressed at this time. We believe the reduced impact of 1.5 feet is not
significant enough to have to mitigate at t/his time. With the narrow residential local street and alley
impact of 4.5' more right of way needed, the lot size may be mitigated in a PUD review process.
Sidewalk --detached versus attached: The proposed new street standards call for all sidewalks to be
detached from the curb. This is in accordance with the Visual Preference Survey part of City Plan.
It was suggested that we have the option to allow attached sidewalks, widened to 5 feet for
comfortable pedestrian use, in residential areas. The developer believes that the attached sidewalk
provides a simpler design that does not add the necessity and expense to plant and maintain the
parkways. He finds that the level of design and maintenance of these parkways is inconsistent.
Some people keep good quality landscaping in the parkways, and others consider the space owned
by the City and leave it in an unmaintained state. Based on the results of the Visual Preference
Survey and the goals for these standards, we have not included an attached sidewalk option. We
propose that all sidewalks be detached.
Utility easements: Utility easements shown on the proposed standards are unchanged from the
current standards except for the residential streets where sidewalks are now proposed to be
detached and in alleys. For the residential streets Light and Power Department has agreed to install
the electrical system in the parkways within a conduit under the trees. The remaining easement
needed is 9 feet to accommodate Public Service gas lines and Water Department stop boxes. The
8 foot wide easements required along side alleys are to accomodate telephone lines and cable
television Lines. We have heard no current objections to these proposed standards.
Vertical curb and gutter: Vertical curbs are proposed as the most desirable. Driveway entrances
would be smooth and handicapped accessible. Since on narrower streets some drivers tend to park
as far off the road as possible, the vertical curb also provides more of a barrier between the
roadway and the landscaped parkway. However, vertical curbs will require developers to plan
ahead for driveway locations or driveways will have to be installed later by removing curb and
gutter and constructing a drive cud. For safety reasons, there is no difference between the driveover
curb and the vertical curb. Since some comments from the development community have requested
I
that driveover curb still be allowed, the proposed Residential Local Street is proposed to have an
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option to use driveover curb and gutter. This street is likely to have the most driveways. Since the
Narrow Residential Local Street would have no driveways and the Connector Street and higher
volume category streets would have veryfew driveways, it is proposed that vertical curb and gutter
be the only option for all other streets.
Lighting of Alleys: No lighting has been proposed for the alleys. Light and Power does not have
plans to install lighting in alleys. A Police Department representative has concerns that unlighted
alleys are extensive length of areas open to pedestrians and vehicles, and they should be lighted.
One development currently approved for construction plans to place a light on each garage. The
issue of lighting alleys will be reviewed further during the implementation phase of City Plan. "
Development Review Manager Mike Herzig, gave the staff presentation on this item. He spoke of
City Plan goals stating staff has been instructed to provide balanced transportation systems and
elevate the importance of pedestrian transportation as well as bicycle transportation. He spoke of
the difficulty in reducing the cost of building residential streets and its affect on affordable housing
projects.
Herzig stated wider medians would result in higher maintenance costs and clarified cost distribution
has not been addressed in these standards. He stated information was created based on the goals of
the City Plan process.
Councilmember Apt expressed concerns regarding costs and impacts on affordable housing. He
requested additional information be included before Second Reading of the Ordinance. '
Councilmember Janett spoke of street lighting costs, and questioned if certain arterials receive
excessive lighting.
Herzig responded to questions regarding street widths and spoke of ways to maintain lower costs.
City Forester Tim Buchanan spoke of street tree standards, clarifying trees would be planted 40 ft.
apart or an average of two trees per lot. He stated "canopy" trees would be planted and spoke of the
cost involved in maintaining the trees.
As a member of the Growth Management Committee, Councilmember Apt responded to questions
regarding cost concerns. He stated narrowing street standards would reduce costs of street
construction and reduce street maintenance costs.
Councilmember Wanner made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Apt, to adopt Ordinance No.
97, 1996 on First Reading.
Councilmember Apt spoke of the importance of maintaining a community standard and believed the
proposed ordinance supported those standards.
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Councilmember McCluskey expressed concerns regarding the impact on affordable housing and of
the need to reduce costs and did not feel this ordinance supported reducing costs.
Mayor Azari supported the motion stating the City is building more than just affordable housing
although with mixed use neighborhoods costs for development may be to high. She spoke of the
need for additional information regarding costs and benefits and strategies of how this would be
created.
The vote on Councilmember Motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, Apt, Janett,
and Wanner. Nays: McCloskey.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 96-81
Regarding Additional Funding For
Daytime Homeless Shelter Services Adopted.
The following is staff's memorandum on this item.
"Financial Impact
Adoption of Resolution 96-81 would reduce the operating contingency account in the General Fund
by $10,800.
Executive Summary
At the June 4, 1996 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 96-69, allocating
finids from the CDBG to a variety of comnutnity projects. Tlie New Briclges request to fund a portion
of its operating costs was not reconmtended by the CDBG Commission nor approved by the City
Council. At the Council meeting, City Council directed the City Manager to look at other options
for providing funding of $10,800 for New Bridges, Inc. Staff discussed nvp options:
• a direct contractfor service;
• an addendum to the Human Services Contract with Larimer County in 1997 (since the federal
,fiscal year is actually October 1- September 30).
If Council would like to provide funding to New Bridges, the attached resolution directs the City
Manager to add $10,800 to the 1997 Hunan Services Contract with Larinier County.
PROS: 1) There is a fitnding mechanism in place.
2) There are existing appropriations that can be used.
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CONS: 1) Sets strong example for agencies to request general revenues if turned clown ,
by CDBG or Larimer County Department of Human Development
2) Not consistent with the CDBG Commission recommendation.
3) Establishes priorities outside of the normal budget process.
4) Favors one vendor over others providing similar services.
BACKGROUND:
As stated in The City's Human Services policy: "The City of Fort Collins considers meeting the
basic human needs offamilies and individual citizens as part oj'its purpose and therefore declares,
as a matter of policy, that it does have an appropriate role in the provision of human services to the
citizens of Fort Collins. "
The City allocates resources to meet the human service needs in a variety of ways:
Direct provision of City services/assets. e.g., tax work -off program for low-income seniors;
recreation fee scholarship program for young people; Larimer County Human Services contract.
Contracting for services. e.g., Boys and Girls Chub for youth recreation programs.
Redistributing tederal tax dollars and grants, e.g., Community Development Block Grant program;
DARE.
Reeulatory mechanisms. e.g., affordable housing rebate program.
As a matter of practice, the City allocates a sizable portion of General Fund monies (tax dollars)
to Lorimer County through a Human Services contract -- the 1996 allocation is $316,428 while the
1997 request is for $348,071. A number of social and human service requests are reviewed and
funded by this approach. By pooling resources and collaborating with the County, there is one
board and agency that reviews and evaluates the myriad of human service needs and allocates
annual resources. It has eliminated the need for various agencies to individually approach the City
with requests for support and for a separate review and evaluation process by City staff and
Council.
In 1996, New Bridges applied for $5,000 through Lorimer County and received $1, 000. For 1997
New Bridges applied for $3,000 through the program. New Bridges has also applied for and
received federal assistance using McKinney Homeless Act Emergency Shelter Grant fhmds. This
grant will also be administered by the County.
The other predominant approach for agencies requesting supplemental resources from the City is
the Community Development Block Grant program. For 1996-97 (available after October 1), the
Council awarded a total of $1,242,000 for programs and projects.
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July 2, 1996
In conjunction with the Community Development Block Grant programs for 1996-97, New Bridges
and the Catholic Community Services Northern submitted a joint request to the CDBG Commission
to support ongoing services far the homeless population. The CDBG Commission recommended
funding the Catholic Community Services Northern request and denying the New Bridges' request.
The reasons cited for recommending denial of the New Bridges' request included:
• salary -only funding calls into question the fiuure need for continued finding; increasing costs
could compromise program viability;
• billing discrepancy calls into question (New Bridges') ability to control money;
• the funding amount which can be allocated to public services versus acquisition, construction
and administration is limited (it is limited to 15% of the annual CDBG grant);
• similar services are available from other providers.
Because the City is committed to assisting with human service needs in the community and the City
utilizes the County's system for reviewing and evaluating the numerous needs and allocating
available resources, it is consistent to appropriate funds and request that such finds be allocated
for a particular human service need.
The attached resolution is available for adoption should the Council disagree with the City
Manager's recommendation to not fund the New Bridges request. If Council chooses to find New
Bridges it is recommended that the contract for Human Services with Lorimer County be increased
by that amount and request that the County allocate these dollars to New Bridges for 1996. "
City Manager John Fischbach briefly outlined this item. He stated funding for this item is not
recommended by staff, and commented he believed it would set a very important precedent.
Councilmember McCluskey spoke of the reasons funding was not granted during the CDBG process.
He stated he supported this item and believed New Bridges to be a worthwhile organization and
benefit to the community.
Sam Szyminski, Larimer County Human Services Contract Administrator, stated New Bridges
applied for the McKinney Homeless Act funds and had been awarded $10,383. She responded to
Council questions and stated she did not know if the Committee was aware of the McKinney funds
award when CDBG funding was applied for.
Councilmember McCluskey made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Wanner, to adopt
Resolution 96-81.
Fischbach reported New Bridges receives ongoing funding from the United Way.
' Councilmember Wanner spoke of the importance in keeping the facility in the downtown area.
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July 2, 1996
The vote on Councilmember McCluskey's motion was as follows: Yeas: Councilmembers Azari, ,
McCluskey and Wanner. Nays: Councilmembers Apt and Janett.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution 96-77
Making Findings of Fact Regarding the Appeal
of the Planning and Zoning Board Denial of the
Hearthfire Overall Development Plan (ODP) and the
Hearthfire Planned Unit Development (PUD) -
Preliminary and Remanding the Matter Back to the
Planning and Zoning Board for a New Hearing, Adopted.
The following is staff's memorandum on this item.
"Executive Summary
The appeal by the affected parties -in -interest was based on the allegations that:
1. The Planning and Zoning Board failed to properly interpret and apply relevant provisions of the
Code and Charter [Section 2-48(1)].
2. The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing in that it substantially ignored I
its previously established rules of procedure [Section 2-48(2)(b)].
3. The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing by considering evidence
relevant to its findings which was substantially false or grossly misleading [Section 2-48(2)(c)].
4. The Planning and Zoning Board failed to conduct a fair hearing in that it improperly failed to
receive all relevant evidence offered by the Appellant [Section 2-48(2)(d)].
At the June 18, 1996 hearing on this matter, Council considered a Joint Petition for Remand of the
Hearthfire ODP and Hearthfire PUD - Preliminary to the Planning and Zoning Board that was
submitted to Council by Richards Lake Development Company, the developer of the PUD, and
Brigitte Schmidt, representing the neighbors of the PUD. After discussion at the hearing, Council
voted 4-1 to remand the Hearthfire ODP and the Hearthfire PUD - Preliminary to the Board for a
new hearing. "
Mayor Azari withdrew from discussion on this item because she was not present during the appeal
hearing.
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July 2, 1996
Councilmember Wanner made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Apt, to adopt Resolution 96-
77. Yeas: Councilmembers Apt, Janett, McCluskey and Wanner. Nays: None. (Mayor Azari
withdrawn)
THE MOTION CARRIED.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councilmember Janett spoke of concerns regarding the Fee Rebate Program and opposed Flat rate
charges. She suggested impact fees be determined by using a percentage formula and requested the
issue be presented to the Affordable Housing Board for its input. '
Councilmember Apt expressed concerns regarding the need for clean-up in the Old Town Area.
City Manager John Fischbach stated Foxfire Property Management was responsible for the upkeep
of Old Town Square and he would contact them. He responded to Council questions, stating one
more report regarding prairie dog management would be forthcoming.
Mayor Azari spoke of the need for sidewalks on north College Avenue.
Councilmember Janett concurred with comments made by Mayor Azari.
' Fischbach stated he would be meeting with Larimer County Human Services Contract Administrator
to determine how money for New Bridges would be allocated.
City Attorney Steve Roy clarified the Resolution had been adopted and it would need to be
reconsidered by a party of the opposing side. After further review by the City Manager and City
Attorney it was decided that an addendum to the 1996 agreement would be drawn up to determine
how the allocation of funds would occur.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Apt made a motion, seconded by Councilmember McCluskey, to adjourn to 6:30
p.m. on July 9, 1996. Yeas: Councilmefibers Azari, Apt, Janett, McCluskey and Wanner. Nays:
None.
MOTION CARRIED.
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July 2, 1996
The meeting adjourned at 1 1:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
City 1�d —
Y
M.
ayor