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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-10/15/2019-RegularOctober 15, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Council -Manager Form of Government Regular Meeting -- 6:00 PM • ROLL CALL PRESENT: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff Staff Present: Atteberry, Daggett, Coldiron • AGENDA REVIEW: CITY MANAGER City Manager Atteberry stated there were no changes to the published agenda and noted the Linden Street renovation project conversation will occur under Other Business. 0 PUBLIC COMMENT Stacy Lynne complained about a City employee's actions. Amber Mornes, Whaler's Cove, expressed concern about the safety of the Lemay and Whaler's Way intersection and requested a study be completed to examine the intersection. Susie Wilmer, Old Firehouse Books, opposed the loss of parking that may result from the Linden Street redevelopment project and opposed the late communication with area businesses regarding the project. Shay Murphy, Whaler's Cove, expressed concern about the safety of the Lemay and Whaler's Way intersection. Todd Lentz, Whaler's Cove, requested a study be done on the Lemay and Whaler's Way intersection, noting many students cross the intersection daily. Renee Walkup commended Council and discussed the Hughes Stadium property rezoning. She suggested Council wait on making a recommendation for the zoning until after the December and January Land Use Code amendment meetings. Eric Sutherland discussed Municipal Court proceedings and stated City Attorney Daggett routinely misinforms Council about legal matters. Pastor Newhall questioned why the County mental health facility has yet to be built, why services there will not be free of charge, and why Fort Collins is not contributing more funds. Holly Wright expressed support for the Al alternative for the Linden Street renovation and discussed the reasons it is the best option. Jerell Clover, Salus Bath and Body Care, opposed the proposed Linden Street renovation project that will eliminate parking spaces stating it will negatively affect economic vitality of downtown. Adam Eggleston stated he has heard no public support for the proposed Linden Street renovation project that will eliminate diagonal parking. City of Fort Collins Doge 284 October 15, 2019 Rich Stave questioned the public notice requirements for boards, noting he received notice of a joint board and commission meeting 24 hours prior to the meeting with no location information. • PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP Mayor Troxell summarized the citizen comments. Councilmember Summers discussed Pastor Newhall's comments and stated there are mental health issues that need to be addressed in the community. He commented on the Imagine Zero meeting he attended. Councilmember Pignataro requested staff input regarding the Lemay and Whaler's Way intersection. City Manager Atteberry replied staff will respond in writing shortly and encouraged the citizens who spoke about the issue to talk to Martina Wilkinson, Assistant City Traffic Engineer. Councilmember Cunniff requested staff input regarding the Hughes Stadium property rezoning timeline. City Attorney Daggett replied the rezoning process requires notice be provided and any change to the process would need to be examined for compliance with statutes. She suggested Council hold its hearing on November 5. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens commented on the mental health tax funding issues noting $2 million has already been put into the community for that work. The mental health facility is proceeding as planned and services can be covered for individuals who are struggling to pay. • CONSENT CALENDAR Eric Sutherland withdrew Item No. 6, First Reading of Ordinance No. 122, 2019, Being the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority Relating to the Annual Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2020 and Fixing Mill Levy for the Downtown Development Authorityfor Fiscal Year 2020, from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Pignataro, to adopt and approve all items not withdrawn from the Consent Agenda. RESULT: CONSENT CALENDAR ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Julie Pignataro, District 2 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the September 3 and September 17, 2019 Regular Council Meetings and the September 24, 2019 Adiourned Council Meeting. (Adopted) The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the September 3 and September 17, 2019 Regular Council meetings and the September 24, 2019 Adjourned Council meeting. City of Fort Collins Page 285 October 15, 2019 2. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 115, 2019, Appropriating Prior_ Year Reserves and Unanticipated Revenue In Various City Funds and Authorizing the Transfer of Appropriated Amounts of Funds or Protects. (Adopted) This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on October 1, 2019, combines dedicated and unanticipated revenues or reserves that need to be appropriated before the end of the year to cover the related expenses that were not anticipated and, therefore, not included in the 2019 annual budget appropriation. The unanticipated revenue is primarily from fees, charges, rents, contributions 3. Items Relating to Obiects Obscuring Traffic Control Devices. (Adopted) A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 117, 2019, Amending the Code of the City of Fort Collins as it Relates to Objects Obscuring Traffic Control Devices. B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 118, 2019, Amending the Fort Collins Traffic Code as it Relates to Objects Obscuring Traffic Control Devices. These Ordinances, unanimously adopted on First Reading on October 1, 2019, amend the City Code and the City Traffic Code as they relate to the responsibilities for pruning private trees, shrubs or other plants that overhang or otherwise encroach on the public right -or -way. The changes will make the requirements in the two Codes consistent and provide a level of flexibility for City staff to immediately address issues of safety in the public right-of-way at its own expense, if needed. 4. Second Reading of Ordinance No.120, 2019, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves, Unanticipated Revenue and Authorizing Transfer of Funds for the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Program. (Adopted) This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on October 1, 2019, authorizes the transfer of funds from the Keep Fort Collins Great Fund to the General Fund and appropriate therein and to appropriate reserves and current year revenue from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) Economic Development Program funds in the General Fund to create the City of Fort Collins Revolving Loan Fund for small businesses and startup companies operating in Fort Collins. The City will use the funds to support access to capital for small businesses in Fort Collins, which have historically not had access to traditional financial capital markets ("under banked" or "non -bankable") The demographic focus of this program will be low-income, minority, veteran, and women -owned small businesses. 5. First Reading of Ordinance No. 121, 2019, Adopting the 2020 Budget and Appropriating the Fort Collins Share of the 2020 Fiscal Year Operating and Capital Improvements funds for the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. (Adopted) The purpose of this item is to adopt the 2020 budget for the Northern Colorado Regional Airport and appropriate Fort Collins' share of the 2020 fiscal year operating and capital funds for the Airport. The City's 50% share of the 2020 Airport operating budget is $646,445 and 50% share of the 2020 capital budget is $740,500, for a total City appropriation of $1,386,945. 6. First Reading of Ordinance No. 123 2019 Makinci A ro riations and Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations for the Spring Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer Prollect and Related Art in Public Places. (Adopted) The purpose of this appropriation request of $656,500 from the Wastewater Fund cash reserves is to allow for the replacement of a section of sewer main that is at risk of imminent failure. On July 14, 2019, a section of the Spring Creek Trunk Sewer, located between Stover and Ukiah Lane, collapsed and needed an emergency repair on a 20-foot section of the pipeline. Subsequent televising of the rest of the 500-foot section of pipeline has found that it is structurally compromised and should be replaced. In addition, significant longitudinal cracks were found in the 100-foot section of pipe just downstream. This section of pipe is the original 24-inch clay. Staff is recommending lining this section City of Fort Collins Page 286 October 15, 2019 of pipe at the same time. This appropriation will allow for these sections of pipe to be replaced this winter rather than through the next budget cycle in 2021. 7. First Reading of Ordinance No. 124, 2019, Amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins Related to Water, Wastewater and Electric Rates, Fees, and Charges Applied Under an Income -Qualified Assistance Program. (Adopted) The purpose of this item is to adopt a routine revision to Section 26-724 of City Code Chapter 26 pertaining to Utility Services. 8. Resolution 2019-103 Supporting the Grant Application for a Local Park and Outdoor Recreation Grant from the State Board of Great Outdoors Colorado to Develop a Link from the Colorado State University Main Campus to the Spring Creek Trail. (Adopted) The purpose of this item is to request City Council support for an application toward and municipal sponsorship for the 2019 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) Grant. If awarded the grant will partially fund construction of the Phemister Trail, consisting of a paved trail and bridge connecting the bicycle and pedestrian underpass of Prospect Road at Center Avenue to the City of Fort Collins Spring Creek Trail and Center Bikeway. Colorado State University (CSU) will manage and fund the project and has requested the City of Fort Collins act as the required municipal sponsor and fiscal agent for the project. GOCO requires a resolution of support from City Council as part of the grant application package. 9. Resolution 2019-104 Making Appointments to the Youth Advisory Board of the City of Fort Collins. (Adopted) The purpose of this item is to fill vacancies on the Youth Advisory Board due to resignations that occurred on May 31, 2019, as a result of graduations. • END CONSENT • STAFF REPORTS A. Teaching Tree (staff: Adam Molzer) Adam Molzer, Lead Specialist, Social Sustainability, discussed the Teaching Tree Childcare expansion at 424 Pine Street that was made possible in part by the City granting the facility an extended lease for $50 per month and funding pre -construction costs. He showed a video produced by United Way that speaks to the collaboration that led to the formation of the facility. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens commended the partnership and project. • COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Councilmember Cunniff reported Councilmembers met with state legislators, the Colorado Municipal League Policy Committee, and the Legislative Review Committee regarding the 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda. Platte River Power Authority Board wanted Council to be notified of its resolution related to Board representation. Councilmember Pignataro reported on the Winning with Women event in Denver and mentioned the whitewater park grand opening event. Councilmember Gorgol reported on a housing conference in Keystone related to affordable and attainable housing in the state. City of Fort Collins Page 287 October 15, 2019 Mayor Pro Tern Stephens reported on the Interfaith Council's 40`h anniversary celebration, the Walk for Down's Syndrome, her service on a renewable energy panel at CSU, her talk at a Soroptimist's meeting, and the whitewater park opening. Councilmember Gutowsky reported on the Timberline Recycling Center's third anniversary celebration, the whitewater park opening and the ARC of Larimer County town hall meeting. Mayor Troxell reported on the whitewater park opening, the 30`h anniversary celebration of the Abyssinian Community Church, a visit to Harvest Farm, a visit by the Society of Environmental Journalists to Fort Collins, and the dedication of Poudre Fire Authority's ossuary at Grandview Cemetery. • DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. Items Relating to 2020 Utility Rates. (Adopted on First Reading) A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 125, 2019, Amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Revise Electric Rates, Fees and Charges. B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 126, 2019 Amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Revise Water Rates, Fees and Charges. C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 127, 2019 Amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Revise Wastewater Rates, Fees and Charges. D. First Reading of Ordinance No. 128, 2019 Amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Revise Stormwater Rates, Fees and Charges. The purpose of this item is for Council to consider adjusting monthly charges for electric, water, wastewater, and storm water services in 2020. The revenue requirements to support the 2020 budget will require increasing monthly charges for electric service by 5.0% and stormwater service by 2.0%. While there is no overall percentage increase planned for the Water or Wastewater Funds, there are minor rate class adjustments proposed based on recent cost -of -service model updates. Upon adoption, these rates would be effective January 1, 2020. Randy Reuscher, Utility Rate Analyst, stated this item consists of four rate ordinances: electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater. There is an overall 5% rate increase for electric, a 2% increase for stormwater, and no overall change for water and wastewater. He discussed the criteria used for determining rate changes and stated an average customer's bill will increase about $4 per month with all four services. He noted there are several programs available for customers who need financial assistance. Rick Coen stated the City needs a paradigm shift in the way it approaches rates, especially within the context of the Climate Action Plan goals. He suggested solar customers should be thanked for their assistance in reaching those goals and stated true net metering should be utilized. City of Fort Collins Page 288 October 15, 2019 Adam Eggleston asked about the effects of time of use rates on average customers' bills and expressed concern about the gradual increase in Fort Collins' cost of living. Polly Nol stated the increasing overall rates do not correspond to the net metering credit rates for residential solar and are devaluing efforts to contribute to the City's Climate Action Plan goals. Rich Stave expressed concern regarding the equitability of the rate structures and stated a report on time of use rates should have occurred prior to a rate increase. Pete Eberle, Northern Colorado Renewable Energy Society, commented on the compromise reached on the solar export rate and the creation of the distributed energy resource working group. Mayor Troxell stated the distributed energy resource planning endeavor is just beginning and noted Platte River Power Authority must work with all four member communities. He agreed rate classes have been obscure and not aligned with the desired system benefit outputs. Councilmember Cunniff asked if a large portion of the electric rate increase is due to the fact that previous years' increases were capped per policy, resulting in a carryover. Reuscher replied a rate strategy has been adopted wherein rate increases are limited to no more than 5%. The 2020 increase includes a certain amount of increase that was needed in 2019. Reserves have been slowly brought down over the past decade rather than passing rate increases on to customers and this increase is intended to address the operating income shortfall. Councilmember Cunniff asked if this rate increase is independent of the rate structure encompassed by time of day/tiered rates. Reuscher replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Cunniff noted a full report on the time of use rate structure will be forthcoming. He expressed concern that the equitability of the rate classes is not obvious to the layperson and stated more effort may need to be put into educating individual consumers. He requested additional information prior to Second Reading and also requested information regarding the impact of the rate changes to customers who are not part of the City's water utility. Councilmember Cunniff asked if there is some type of device available for customers to look at their energy use in real time. John Phelan, Energy Services Manager, replied there is a rental program through the library and similar devices can be purchased. Councilmember Gorgol asked if the discounted rate for the Income Qualified Assistance Program will be increased. Reuscher replied the discounted rate for the program is 23% if the household qualifies for LEAP and that percentage will not change for 2020. Councilmember Gutowsky asked when the report on time of day rates will be presented. Lance Smith, Utilities Financial Planning and Accounting Director, replied that report will be presented during the first quarter of 2020. Councilmember Pignataro requested a brief description of the compromise reached regarding solar. Smith replied a number of meetings with the Colorado Solar and Storage Association have occurred, resulting in the presented proposal. City of Fort Collins Page 289 October 15, 2019 Mayor Troxell stated the time of day rate is having a measurable impact on reducing the peak load on the entire system thereby reducing the need for the requirements of meeting peak load. He also discussed his participation in a panel conversation entitled "Grid Forward". Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gutowsky, to adopt Ordinance No. 125, 2019, on First Reading, Mayor Pro Tern Stephens noted this was part of the recommended budget and was therefore expected. She noted the utilities are not for -profit entities and stated she would support changes to the Income Qualified rates. Councilmember Cunniff agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Stephens' comments and asked if annual use differences will soon be available on customers' bills. Lisa Rosintoski, Utilities Customer Connections, replied that type of utility bill history should be available in the second quarter of 2020 with the new utility billing system. Additionally, a new user portal should be created as well. Councilmember Gutowsky asked if there is a possibility of averaging bills across months on an annual basis. Rosintoski replied in the affirmative. RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 125, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Susan Gutowsky, District 1 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Cunniff, to adopt Ordinance No. 126, 2019, on First Reading RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 126, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Ross Cunniff, District 5 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gutowsky, to adopt Ordinance No. 127, 2019, on First Reading. RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 127, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Susan Gutowsky, District 1 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Cunniff, to adopt Ordinance No. 128, 2019, on First Reading. City of Fort Collins Page 290 October 15, 2019 RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 128, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING (UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Ross Cunniff, District 5 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff 11. First_Readina of Ordinance No. 129, 2019, Being the Annual Appropriation Ordinance Relating to the Annual Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2020; Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1.2020 and Ending December 31, 2020: and Fixing the Mill Lew for Property Taxes Payable in 2020. (Adopted on First Reading) The purpose of this item is to amend the adopted 2020 Budget This Ordinance sets the amount of $632,403,387 to be appropriated for fiscal year 2020. This appropriated amount does not include what is also being appropriated by separate CounciYBoard of Director actions to adopt the 2020 budgets for the General Improvement District (GID) No. 1 of $352,000, the 2020 budget for GID No. 15 (Skyview) of $1,000, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) 2020 budget of $5,952,249 and the Downtown Development Authority 2020 budget of $19,534,122. The sum of these ordinances results in City -related total appropriations of $658,242,758 in 2020. This Ordinance also sets the 2020 City mill levy at 9.797 mills, unchanged since 1991. Mike Beckstead, Chief Financial Officer, discussed the integration of the budget and the City's leadership system which works to align the budget and operating plan with community needs and Council priorities. He stated this item would provide minor adjustments to the 2020 budget. Lawrence Pollack, Budget Director, detailed the budget revision process and revision offers. He noted the revision process is not the magnitude of the full budgeting for outcomes process which is why there is less public outreach. Eric Sutherland asked about a reduction in the operating total for transit services and stated there is a need for additional support of commuter transit. He requested an explanation of the $5.6 million charge for capitalized interest for the Connexion broadband fund. He questioned why the business plan could not be optimized to reduce that large expense. Mayor Troxell requested staff input regarding Mr. Sutherland's questions. Beckstead replied there are no adjustments to transit in this 2020 revision process so he would need to research the details of the overall 2-year budget to answer that question. Pollack replied the budget reduction relates to medical premiums, fuel charges, and the shifting of a bus purchase. He clarified there is no reduction in transit service for 2020. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Pignataro, to adopt Ordinance No. 129, 2019, on First Reading. Councilmember Cunniff commended the updates to the mid -cycle budget revision process. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens agreed and commended the aspect of the process that begins to implement the priorities of the new Council. Mayor Troxell commended the budget process and the coherent approach to aligning resources with community outcomes. City of Fort Collins Page 291 October 15, 2019 RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 129, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Julie Pignataro, District 2 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff • CONSIDERATION OF CITIZEN -PULLED CONSENT ITEMS 12. First Reading of Ordinance No. 122, 2019, Being the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority Relating to the Annual Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2020 and Fixing Mill Levy for the Downtown Development Authority for Fiscal Year 2020. (Adopted on First Reading) The purpose of this item is to set the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Budget. The following amounts will be appropriated: DDA Public/Private Investments and Programs $3,918,409 DDA Operations & Maintenance $ 959,165 Revolving Line of Credit Draws $6,400,000 DDA Debt Service Fund $8,256,548 The Ordinance sets the 2020 mill levy for the Fort Collins DDA at five (5) mills, unchanged since tax year 2002. The approved Budget becomes the Downtown Development Authority's financial plan for 2020. Eric Sutherland questioned the interaction of the DDA budget with the tax increase proposed by Poudre School District on the November ballot. He requested the DDA return additional funds it might receive as the result of a favorable vote on the tax increase back to the school district. He stated the DDA tax increment finance diversions have no basis in law. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Summers, to adopt Ordinance No. 122, 2019, on First Reading. Councilmember Cunniff requested a memo from the DDA regarding processes in the case of subsequent tax increases prior to Second Reading. RESULT: ORDINANCE NO. 122, 2019, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristin Stephens, District 4 SECONDER: Ken Summers, District 3 AYES: Pignataro, Gorgol, Gutowsky, Summers, Stephens, Troxell, Cunniff • OTHER BUSINESS Councilmember Cunniff received Council support to bring forward any necessary action for Council to enable it to add clarification around various open meetings questions to the Colorado Municipal League policy agenda. Councilmember Cunniff stated he wanted to provide some clarity around Council's opinions related to the Linden Street revisions. He expressed concern no data analysis or policy making has yet to occur around downtown parking issues. City of Fort Collins Page 22 October 15, 2019 Mayor Pro Tern Stephens expressed support for the 1 A plan and stated the future of city design is to pull cars away from the city center. The plan would make the area very pedestrian and multi - modal friendly and additional wayfinding to parking garages could be beneficial in many ways. Councilmember Pignataro stated it appears no compromise was made at all. A robust crossing plan for Jefferson Street needs to be put in place if this is to be a gateway to the River District. City Manager Atteberry stated there has been significant coordination between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the City related to Jefferson Street. Chad Crager, Planning, Development and Transportation Acting Deputy Director, discussed the history of the Linden Street project, its proposed design, and public outreach. He noted the Al alternative was a direct result of meetings with Linden Street businesses and property owners. The City will work with CDOT to continue pavers across Jefferson and create bulb -outs to reduce the crosswalk distance. Regarding parking loss mitigation, Crager stated 17 of the 30 spaces have been relocated nearby, there is the potential for additional parking on Jefferson, and the fee structure for the Old Firehouse Alley will be changed. Additionally, wayfinding and an overall downtown parking marketing campaign will be implemented prior to the construction of the project. Mayor Troxell expressed support for the Al alternative and stated there will hopefully be other options regarding existing private parking lots. Councilmember Gutowsky stated the local businesses are fragile and expressed concern that this plan does not support them. She also expressed concern about the availability of handicapped parking and parking for those with mobility needs. Mayor Pro Tern Stephens stated this plan looks more appealing for pedestrian shoppers and is a more attractive space for the businesses. Mayor Troxell discussed the success of city center and pedestrian mall developments in Europe. Councilmember Summers commended staff on their public outreach efforts but expressed concern the time it will take to accomplish may be detrimental to the businesses. Councilmember Cunniff suggested design not start until no net loss of on -street parking spaces within a 2-block radius has been identified. He discussed a failed attempt at a pedestrian -only area in Los Cruces, New Mexico. He supported the overall vision; however, he noted vehicles are the primary mode of transportation and people do not like parking structures or the electronic check- out process. Councilmember Summers asked about the construction timeline. Crager replied this is a conceptual design; the next step is to design to around 30% and bring on a contractor to work with the designer. The hope is to begin construction in late spring 2020 with a planned completion by late summer or fall 2020. City Manager Atteberry asked Crager about the possibility of arriving at a net zero loss solution. Crager replied it would likely take a conversation with CDOT about allowing parking on Jefferson to make that happen within a 2-block radius. City of Fort Collins Page 293 October 15, 2019 City Manager Atteberry stated he would not want to lose the project over 13 parking spaces and a delay of a year would result in construction inflation of 5-8%; however, it is Council's prerogative to opt for a different solution. Mayor Troxell encouraged the inclusion of private parking in the discussion. (Secretary's Note: Mayor Troxell left the meeting at 8:56 p.m.) Councilmember Summers suggested making parking garages free for 2 hours during the transition time of getting people more familiar with the garages and suggested employee parking be incentivized in garages. Councilmember Cunniff supported the ideas of incorporating private parking and changing the policy discussion around the parking garages. He expressed concern about the businesses directly around the corner from Linden Street that will not benefit from the improvements. He would be willing to accept a no net loss of free and easy to access parking spaces for customers specifically. Councilmember Summers asked about the possibility of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) partnership. Matt Robenault, DDA Executive Director, replied there are always partnership opportunities. He noted the DDA has supported on -street paid parking and that will be considered if a partnership request is formally structured. City Manager Atteberry stated he is optimistic this feedback can lead to a no net zero parking loss. Councilmember Gorgol requested and received Council support to direct the City Manager to have a plan put together regarding policy direction prior to the March work session on affordable housing. City Manager Atteberry replied with some details as to what staff will present, including information related to inclusionary zoning, impact fees, down payments, and the land trust. • ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:23 PM. ayor ATTEST: OF FORTCC ,. �: ity CUA SEAL City of Fort Collins Page 294