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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 3/16/2021 - City Managers Monthly Update - March 11, 2021 (3) Horsetooth Reservoir Taken February 26, 2021 March 2021 MARCH 11, 2021 Table of Contents ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 4 MARCH 16 REGULAR MEETING ..............................................................................................................................4 MARCH 23 ADJOURNED MEETING .........................................................................................................................4 MARCH 23 WORK SESSION .....................................................................................................................................4 MARCH 25 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING ................................................................................5 MARCH 30 FIFTH TUESDAY .....................................................................................................................................5 APRIL 6 REGULAR MEETING ...................................................................................................................................5 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................................ 5 SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ....................................................................................... 6 CP - ENGINEERING ............................................................................................................................. 6 VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................6 LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT .................................................................................................................7 CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................8 CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................... 8 BUCKING HORSE PARK ............................................................................................................................................8 CRESCENT PARK STORAGE SHED ............................................................................................................................8 EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY .......................................................................................................9 MAIL CREEK TRAIL...................................................................................................................................................9 OAK STREET PLAZA WATER FEATURE .....................................................................................................................9 POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25 ......................................................................................................................................... 10 SPRING CANYON DOG PARK ................................................................................................................................ 10 TRAIL HEAD PARK ................................................................................................................................................ 11 CP - OPERATION SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 11 FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER ........................................................................................ 11 BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH .................................................................................................... 12 CP - UTILITIES.................................................................................................................................... 12 CIS/OSS ................................................................................................................................................................ 12 ESCADA SERVER VIRTUALIZATION & 64BIT UPGRADE ........................................................................................ 13 CABLE REPLACEMENT PRIORITY #1-WOODWEST ............................................................................................... 13 11.18 & 11.19 DRAKE-DIXON AUTOMATED TIE CIRCUIT..................................................................................... 14 27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE ............................................................................................................. 14 OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT ..................................................................................... 15 DRAINAGE SYSTEM FINAL DESIGN ...................................................................................................................... 15 PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................ 16 POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 16 POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 18 PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................... 20 BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW .......................................................................................... 20 GRAFFITI UPDATE ............................................................................................................................ 21 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 21 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 21 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 21 ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 22 UTILITIES ............................................................................................................................................ 22 CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 22 WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 23 COMMUNITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 24 RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 PARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 24 CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 25 NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 25 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 27 BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION ................................................................................. 27 COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT .......................................................................................... 28 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4 ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL MARCH 16 REGULAR MEETING 2021 Reappropriation Ordinance (Second Reading) o Appropriate expenses related to the previous fiscal year’s appropriations that lapsed at year end, but for which the expenses were not completed. High Performing Government 7.1 - Provide world-class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of innovation. Adoption of Our Climate Future o Adopt the plan or plans resulting from the Our Climate Future planning process. Environmental Health 4.1 - Intensify efforts to improve resilience and to meet 2030 climate, energy and 100% renewable electricity goals. Wildfire Recovery Appropriation o Appropriate funds for the unanticipated needs of watershed restoration treatments and operational costs associated with treating fire-impacted water supplies. Environmental Health 4.4 - Provide a reliable, high-quality water supply. Plastics Ordinance Implementation Appropriation (Second Reading) o Consider second reading of an ordinance appropriating funds to support implementation of Ordinance No. 026, 2021 related to the regulation of disposable plastic bags. Environmental Health 4.6 - Sustain and improve the health of the Cache la Poudre River and all watersheds within the city. Boards and Commissions Code Changes o Consider adoption of Code Changes related to Boards and Commissions. High Performing Government 7.2 - Maintain the public trust through a high performing board, as well as organizational transparency, legal and ethical behavior and regulatory compliance. Boyer Annexation o Consider an initiating resolution related to the Boyer Annexation. Appeal - 738 Campfire Drive Extra Occupancy o Consider an appeal of the Administrative Officer decision relate to Extra Occupancy at 738 Campfire Drive. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.6 - Align land use regulations and review procedures to guide development consistent with City Plan. MARCH 23 ADJOURNED MEETING Tourism Improvement District - tentative o Establish a Tourism Improvement District in Fort Collins. Economic Health 3.1 - Facilitate government and local partners to achieve effective regional economic resilience. Mulberry Metropolitan District Public Benefits Agreement o Consider adoption of a Public Benefits Agreement for Mulberry Metropolitan District Nos. 1-6. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.6 - Align land use regulations and review procedures to guide development consistent with City Plan. MARCH 23 WORK SESSION Wastewater Utility Overview o Present a holistic overview of the wastewater utility including strategic direction and challenges. Please note that this list is subject to frequent change. Please call the City Clerk’s Office for up-to-date information. 970-416-2774. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5 Environmental Health 4.6 - Sustain and improve the health of the Cache la Poudre River and all watersheds within the city. Broadband Work Session and Possible Executive Session o Updates and highlights related to Connexion buildout and service delivery. Economic Health 3.6 - Deploy and deliver reliable, high-speed internet services throughout the community. Municipal Immigration Defense Funds o Provide Council with an overview of municipal immigration defense funds, local community needs and related demographics, and funding models used by peer cities. Estimates for service levels and costs for local support of a municipal immigration defense fund for Fort Collins residents will also be presented. Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.4 - Advance equity for all, leading with race, so that a person’s identity or identities is not a predictor of outcomes. MARCH 25 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING Thursday, March 25 at 5:00-7:00 p.m. Zoom virtual meeting Agenda posted at www.renewfortcollins.com/meeting-agendas shortly before meeting date. MARCH 30 FIFTH TUESDAY Possible meeting to discuss remaining work session items from March 23, 2021 APRIL 6 REGULAR MEETING City Election - Meeting Canceled. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS Budget 2022 Public Engagement City staff will continue the public engagement efforts for the 2022 budget during the month of March. Upcoming opportunities to provide feedback, as well as information on the project’s progress will be published on the Our City platform at https://ourcity.fcgov.com/2022budget. Principles of Community A key deliverable identified by City Council to advance their Equity and Inclusion priority is to develop Principles of Community for the organization. These Principles will be a public commitment to ensuring local government is inclusive and welcoming to all. Adopting Principles of Community can serve as a model across Fort Collins (as CSU’s principles do), and these principles will specifically provide an internal focus for the City organization and how it serves the community. The principles will be the responsibility of the City organization and its staff members to uphold. This initiative is about ensuring that all people in the community we serve and the people in our organization feel welcome and safe when they interact with their local government.  Engagement opportunities will start during the month of March and will continue through April 2021.  For more information about the project contact: hdepew@fcgov.com CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6 SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE JANUARY SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR Month Year to Date Net Sales Tax Collected: -0.2% -0.2% Net Use Tax Collected: -19.8% -19.8% Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -2.6% -2.6% Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are down 2.6% and total $14.7M. JANUARY SUMMARY OVER BUDGET Month Year to Date Net Sales Tax Collected: 13.8% 13.8% Net Use Tax Collected: -0.4% -0.4% Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 12.2% 12.2% Year to date, the City has collected 12.2% more sales and use tax revenue, totaling $1.6M over budget. CP - ENGINEERING VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG), Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), 2017 / 2018 BFO Estimated Project Budget: $24M Estimated Completion Date: 2021 Phase: Construction Project Details: The existing Vine and Lemay intersection, which includes the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway crossing, is severely congested with limited options to expand through or turn lane capacity due to land use constraints. Project Status:  Construction contractor has been secured and preliminary site work has begun.  Major construction will begin at end of March with storm sewer installation along Lemay Avenue, as well as rock and embankment hauling.  Staff is continuing outreach to directly affected neighborhoods as well as broader public messaging. More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7 LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT 2021 Construction Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) Estimated Project Budget: $3.8M Estimated Completion Date: 2020 Phase: Engineering Design Project Details: The goals of this project are to renovate Linden Street between Walnut Street and Jefferson Street. Initial concepts include converting this section of Linden Street to a “convertible” street; one that can function primarily as a roadway but can also be closed to vehicles and converted to a pedestrian plaza during specialty events. Project Status:  The City is currently constructing corner improvements at the Linden/Walnut Intersection. Linden Street is closed to vehicular traffic near the Linden/Walnut Streets intersection. Pedestrian detours are in place to provide safe access to Linden Street and Old Firehouse Alley businesses.  The City is discussing how to safely and efficiently reconstruct the Linden/Walnut intersection. These discussions include fully closing the intersection to accommodate the work. Work is expected to begin in the second half of March.  Construction activities will shift to the Linden/Jefferson Streets intersection once work is completed at the Linden/Walnut Streets Intersection. Overall completion of the work is expected in Spring 2021. More information is available at: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/linden-street-renovation/ CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8 CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Capital Bridge Program Estimated Project Budget: $750K Estimated Completion Date: April 2021 Phase: Construction Project Details: This project will replace Arthur Ditch under Cherry Street between Wood Street and Grant Avenue. This bridge is structurally deficient, and load posted. The replacement bridge will be shallower and wider to allow for have full asphalt thickness over the structure. This project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Bridge Program. Project Status:  Replacement bridge is 90% completed. CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BUCKING HORSE PARK Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Funds Total Project Cost: $2.5 - $3.5 million Phase: Design Estimated Completion: 2022 or 2023 Project Details: Bucking Horse Park is a park planned for the Bucking Horse neighborhood. Project Status:  Staff is currently working on design concepts for the park, which will be presented at a neighborhood meeting in spring/summer for feedback. More information available on project webpage. CRESCENT PARK STORAGE SHED Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Total Project Cost: $275,000 Phase: Construction Estimated Completion: May 2021 Project Details: The irrigation pump house remodel is under contract. The permitted addition will alter the existing building to allow utility vehicle storage that will be used for operation and maintenance for parks and trails in the northeast portion of Fort Collins, particularly for snow removal equipment. Project Status:  The project is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2021. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9 EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland & Community Parkland Funds Total Project Cost: $5 million Phase: Design Estimated Completion: Fall/Winter 2021-2022 Project Details: A maintenance facility to serve the East Park District, which includes multiple neighborhood and community parks, is proposed near the intersection of Drake & Ziegler near the water treatment facility. The maintenance facility will house Parks Department staff, equipment, and some minor material storage. Project Status:  Construction of the maintenance facility is anticipated to begin in spring of 2021  The project projected to be complete in fall 2021 MAIL CREEK TRAIL Funding Source: Multiple Funding Sources including Grants, TCEF, and Conservation Trust Funds Total Project Cost: $750,000 Phase: Pre-Design Estimated Completion: Fall 2022 Project Details: When completed, the Mail Creek Trail will create a trail connection from Kinard Middle School to the Power Trail, providing much needed trail access for southeast Fort Collins. Currently, design of the Siphon overpass and Timberline trail widening/underpass are in progress, in partnership with the Engineering Department. Project Status:  Park Planning & Development is partnering with Engineering to complete the Siphon overpass and the Timberline Road Widening and underpass.  Park Planning & Development is working to identify the best location for the future Mail Creek Trail. Staff are also beginning communication efforts to keep neighbors informed of the trail progress. OAK STREET PLAZA WATER FEATURE Funding Source: GID Total Project Cost: TBD Phase: Design Estimated Completion: TBD Project Details: Park Planning & Development will be improving the water features in Oak Street Plaza to resolve drainage and safety challenges in the plaza. Project Status: CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10  Design is in progress, and a date for completion has not been identified POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25 Funding Source: Conservation Trust Fund & GOCO Grant ($1M for Fort Collins) Total Project Cost: $3 million Phase: Design Estimated Completion: 2023 Project Details: Construction of this 2-mile section of the trail will complete the entire extent of the approximately 10- mile Poudre Trail in the City of Fort Collins. Fort Collins partnered with Timnath, Windsor, and Larimer County in 2019 to win a $2 million GOCO Connect Initiative Grant to complete all remaining segments of the Poudre Trail. The GOCO project will complete approximately 4-miles of missing trail segments, to complete the entre 40+ mile Poudre Trail from Bellvue to Greeley. The Fort Collins project will connect the existing trail ending at the Colorado State Environmental Learning Center through the future East Community Park to the proposed I-25 underpass to be constructed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) with the North I-25 project, and thereafter to the existing trail segment in Timnath. Project Status:  The project is in the design phase, with ongoing coordination between the GOCO partners, CDOT and a private developer. SPRING CANYON DOG PARK Funding Source: NIC Grant for $75,000 Total Project Cost: TBD Phase: Design Estimated Completion: Spring 2021 Project Details: The water quality at Spring Canyon Community Park was adversely affected by the drainage out of the dog park pond. Particularly, issues like E. coli were difficult to manage and put the dog park pond at risk of closure. Park Planning & Development worked with Stormwater, Parks, and Environmental Regulator Affairs to seek and receive a grant from Nature in the City. This grant will allow for much needed LID improvements and restoration work on the dog park and SCCP water quality pond. Project Status:  Design is underway with improvements planned for spring/summer 2021. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11 TRAIL HEAD PARK Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Funds Total Project Cost: $2.5 – 3.5 million Phase: Design Estimated Completion: December 2021 Project Details: A new neighborhood park to be built in the Trail Head neighborhood, located on East Vine Street. The park will include typical park features including a shelter, playground, multi-purpose field, basketball court, and play area for teens. Project Status:  A solution to irrigation water for Trail Head park has been identified, and staff is working to finalize purchase of the water shares needed for the park.  Groundbreaking for the park is scheduled to happen sometime in Spring 2021. More information available on project webpage. CP - OPERATION SERVICES FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER Funding Sources: $9.25M generated from bonds for the City of Fort Collins $9.25M from City of Loveland $1M from DOLA Grant Estimated Project Cost: $19.5M Phase: Phase III Added Site Amenities - Permitting Estimated Completion Date: June 2021 Project Details: The City of Fort Collins is partnering with The City of Loveland to construct a new Police training facility which will be located on the west side of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. This new site will offer a 50-yard pistol range, a 1.4-mile driving track, concrete skills pad, and classrooms for special training. Project Status: Phase I – Track & Skills pad is open and being used. Phase II - Building Construction  Construction completed, open and being used.  107 KW Solar PV system is scheduled to deliver 3/11 and installation to follow.  LEED Certification – Finalizing the submittals for USGBC review. Phase III – Adding Site Items with project savings.  Storage Shed – Awaiting permit approval.  Blast pad – Finalizing design.  K9 Training area – Pricing.  Observation tower for Track and Skills pad – Permitting. Art piece in the front of the NCLETC with officers from various agencies CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12  Plan to start construction on phase III items late March, weather permitting.  Scheduled to complete phase III scope in summer of 2021. BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH Funding Source: Capital Project via BFO: $300,000 Estimated Project Cost: TBD Phase: Conceptual Master Plan Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2021 Project Details: Space planning for Block 32 and 42 that was performed in 2013-2014 and needs to be updated. The new planning effort will involve each affected department to determine their space needs and anticipated growth over the next 10-12 Years. With the completion of the refresh the City can decide which departments to house in 215 N. Mason, 300 Laporte Ave - Building A, and the new City Hall. The refresh will also help determine an appropriate size of the new City Hall. Once this is determined and a conceptual design is produced it will be submitted to Council for review, next recommended steps and approval. Project Status:  Completed space planning with various departments and staff associated with the Civic Center Masterplan re-fresh.  Met with ELT to share findings from space planning and discuss what the future may look like for staff teleworking or in-office work environment.  Held 3-day Charrette with City staff from various departments, Development Review, Park Planning to discuss the layout of the Civic Center Masterplan and gather input and came up with the updated conceptual plan (pictured above).  We plan to have a deliverable by late April 2021 to include in the 2022 BFO offer.  We plan to present to the new Council in late April or early May. CP - UTILITIES CIS/OSS The Customer Information/Operational Support System (CIS/OSS) billing system project, delivered through Open SmartFlex (OSF), is in a reduced activity phase that is primarily focused on prioritizing, planning, and executing identified gaps within the live production OSF software that supports the Connexion/ Broadband Service Area. One Possible Conceptual Plan CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13 ESCADA SERVER VIRTUALIZATION & 64BIT UPGRADE Funding Source: New Capital Estimated Project Budget: $290,000 Phase: Design/Construction Project Details:  Convert the existing ICONICS Genesis32 hardware, software, and screens to Genesis64. Project Status:  The midnight log reports have been converted. The team is now working on configuring and testing printing.  Data from the HyperHistorian can now be seen in the appropriate SQL databases. The team is working on writing queries for that data.  All software has been upgraded to the latest version.  All licenses have been installed on the five virtual servers.  The team is working on configuring the GenEvents logger and printing. CABLE REPLACEMENT PRIORITY #1-WOODWEST Funding Source: BFO # 8.9 Estimated Project Budget: $275,000 Phase: Design Complete, Construction Initiated Project Details:  Electric primary cable has been evaluated throughout the Light & Power (L&P) service area based on the year of installation, style of cable and manufacturer to establish a prioritized failure risk. This area was calculated as Priority Area #1 citywide and involves the replacement of 26 sections of single-phase power and four section of three-phase power. The replacement primarily occurs within Woodwest Subdivision and Cimmaron Square Subdivision located southeast of W. Drake Road and S. Shields Street. Project Status:  The project is currently designed and now under construction.  Due to COVID 19 and with a lot of people working and learning from their homes, extra construction planning around outages is needed and may require outages to occur after hours or on weekends.  Approximately 70% of all the single-phase cable sections have been replaced.  Approximately 10% of all the three-phase cable sections have been replaced.  Currently, half of the proposed transformers designated for replacement have occurred with minimum outages. SCADA Software Aerial View of the Woodwest Priority Area CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14 11.18 & 11.19 DRAKE-DIXON AUTOMATED TIE CIRCUIT Funding Source: # 11.18 Estimated Budget: $412,000 Automated Switch: #11.19 Estimated Budget $160,000 Phase: Design Project Details:  Install circuit tie between Dixon Creek 824 and Drake 216 Project Status:  Proposed Construction complete  Design in progress by project management 27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE Funding Source: Water - BFO#12.21 (2021) Estimated Project Budget: $3,2000,000 Status: In Design Estimated Completion Date: • Final Design – March 2022 • Construction - August 2023 Project Details: The goal of this project is to ensure the structural integrity and operational longevity of the City’s 27” raw waterline in the Poudre Canyon. An existing, exposed section of the pipeline in the river near Gateway Natural Area will be replaced to eliminate the risk of failure which ensures the continued delivery and reliability of raw water from the Poudre River to the Water Treatment Facility. The design will consider the existing geomorphology of the river to develop a long-term solution which may require pipe alignment modifications and deeper burial depths of the pipeline. Final design and construction of the selected alternative are included in this project. Project Status:  Construction Contractor has been selected and the Master Service Agreement is being finalized  Project Teaming and Kick-Off meetings are anticipated for April 2021 Electric Transformer at Drake/Dixon Existing, exposed raw waterline in Poudre River CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15 OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Funding Source:  BFO #8.19 (2018) Stormwater – Magnolia St Outfall Ph 1  BFO #14.12 (2021) Stormwater – Oak St Stormwater Improvements Project Estimated Project Budget:  $1.8M (Design), $23.2M (Construction) $25M (Total) Status:  In Conceptual Design Phase Estimated Completion Date:  Conceptual Design phase to be completed April 2021  All Design phases to be completed Fall 2022  Construction to be completed late 2024 or early 2025 Project Details: This project is for the design and construction of stormwater infrastructure for the Oak Street Stormwater Improvements Project (OSSP) that is part of the larger Downtown Stormwater Improvement Program (DSIP). The project is generally located on Oak Street from Mason to Jackson and will include storm laterals extending to the blocks both north and south of Oak Street. There will be approximately 8500 LF of new storm pipe installed with this project, ranging in size from 78” to 48”. Project Status:  Data Collection: field locates, and preliminary potholing are underway; estimated to be completed by mid-March.  Public Engagement and Communication Planning underway, including planning for a Design Charette for the streetscape design; likely to be held early summer.  Conceptual design is underway.  Contractor selection process is underway; estimated to have contractor on board by late March. DRAINAGE SYSTEM FINAL DESIGN Funding Source:  BFO#14.13 Stormwater – N Mason/N College Phase 1 Design and some construction  BFO#12.29 Water – N Mason Waterline - Design  BFO#12.87 Wastewater – N Mason Sewer Main - Design Estimated Project Budget:  SW: $1,500,000,  Water: $100,000,  WW: $100,000 Status: Starting the work order process Estimated Completion Date: December 2021 Project Details: The objective of this project is to complete a final stormwater design as well as water and sanitary sewer design along the North Mason transportation corridor. Specifically, the water Oak/Howes/Canyon Intersection, Existing Utilities Site Location CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16 utility final design will include a stormwater drainage outfall from just north of Hickory Street to the Poudre River along the proposed North Mason transportation corridor. A conceptual pond design will be developed for the pond north of Hickory. The final design is planned to be completed by fall of 2021, in the hopes of beginning initial construction in 2022. Project Status:  Purchasing issued PO for contract documents.  Coordinated with consultants on schedule and set up kick-off meeting,  Organizing team,  Internal project scope discussions. PUBLIC SAFETY POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY Vehicle vs. Business Building Collision | Feb. 17 The Engine 1 Crew was dispatched to reports of a vehicle that had collided with a building on the 200 block of Commerce Dr. in Northeast Fort Collins. The crew arrived to find a vehicle partially through the wall of a business, potentially weakening the structure. The interior was monitored for gas and firefighters analyzed the integrity of the building. The portion of the wall that was affected did not appear to be load bearing, but a restoration company was requested as well as a tow for the vehicle. The driver was assessed by firefighters and UCHealth. There were no injuries reported. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17 Firefighters Extinguished Vehicle Fire near Train Tracks | Feb. 16 Firefighters from the Engine 12 crew extinguished a fire that started in a pickup truck on E. Mulberry. The vehicle was close to the railroad tracks and a train was passing by during the incident which increased complexity and created additional safety concerns. The crew quickly extinguished the flames which were spreading from the engine compartment on the driver’s side. There were no injuries. More Than 40 Calls because of Frozen Pipes Fort Collins experienced one of its most intense freezes in several years in mid-February. PFA responded to an influx of calls due to frozen pipes in single family homes, multi-unit residences, and large commercial buildings. Frozen water can cause pipes to burst leading to extensive damage, unplanned expenses, and wasted resources. Public education (including the tips below) were shared to help people protect some of their most valuable assets.  Wrap heating coil or tape around external pipes or spigots.  Disconnect and drain hoses. For fire sprinkler systems, drain dry systems monthly.  Keep home thermostats set to at least 60 degrees, even in a multi-unit building. The potential warmth from neighbors may not be enough to protect cold or uninhabited units. The combined heating effort will help protect the entire structure. Even if leaving for an extended period, keep the thermostat on and set to 60 or above. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18  Let a faucet drip very slowly if you will be gone or have a problematic area such as an exposed pipe or space with a broken door. The small water movement can prevent freezing until the problem can be fixed.  Check areas that are not visited often or separate from the main area of a building. Riser rooms and storage spaces are common areas of concern. Check that doors and windows are closed and locked, so they don’t unintentionally open and leave pipes exposed to freezing temperatures. Welcome to PFA’s Newest Recruits | Front Range Fire Academy Class 21-1 is Underway PFA held a virtual welcome ceremony for the four new fire academy recruits. Each person finds a unique path to a career in service and this group is no different. They bring a variety of backgrounds and skills and many cited experiences with other firefighters as one of the things that inspired them to join the industry. They were joined by 18 additional recruits from participating agencies and will spend the next several weeks training both mentally and physically for careers in firefighting and emergency rescue. Congratulations to Mike Lillesand, Gabriel Marquez, Jr., Jon Michaud, and Jason Schneider! POLICE SERVICES Suspicious Item Investigation | On February 5, a mail carrier called police to report that she had found an item resembling an explosive device had inside of a business mailbox. Responding officers quickly secured the area around the mailbox, located near the roadway in the 1100 block of North College Avenue. To ensure the safety of community members, businesses in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and the Northern Colorado Bomb Squad responded to assist. Technicians determined that the item did not pose an imminent threat, and it was safely removed from the scene. Upon further investigation, they determined that the item was an auto part known as an advanced capacitor, likely intended for return to the nearby auto part business. Several days later, FCPS officers followed up with the mail carrier who had initially called police. They thanked her for her diligence in reporting and concern for public safety. This is exactly the kind of observant community action that helps keep our community safe. Homicide Investigation | On February 6, Fort Collins 911 received a report that an unconscious, injured woman had been discovered in an apartment parking lot. The woman was transported to an area hospital where she died as a result of her injuries. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office identified her as Danielle Hopton, 18, of Fort Collins and ruled her death a homicide. Through the investigation, CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19 detectives identified Stephen McNeil, 20, of Fort Collins as the suspect. Hopton and McNeil had previously been in a relationship. McNeil was arrested for First Degree Murder, Domestic Violence, Violation of a Protection Order, and Violation of Bail Bond Conditions. An additional person, Ian Rayas, was arrested on February 11 for Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 felony) and Accessory to a Crime (class 4 felony). This was a heartbreaking case that took one life and changed countless others. FCPS will continue to share information and local resources to support victims of domestic violence. Mental Health Response Team Expansion | In February, Fort Collins Police announced an internal reorganization that would allow the agency to dedicate two full-time officers to support mental health efforts. The officers, who bring extensive experience in crisis intervention and professional counseling, joined the UCHealth clinician and community paramedic to form the Mental Health Response Team. The MHRT is designed to:  Increase on-scene safety for all involved parties  Route community members to the most appropriate level of care  Avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital emergency rooms  Reduce incarceration related to crimes secondary to mental illness  Provide follow up care coordination to ensure people are able to access appropriate care  Create a culture of police-mental health collaboration with a focus on community need and partnerships The announcement about this expansion was met with extremely positive commentary from the community, as well as media coverage by print, radio, and broadcast outlets. Charitable Donations | Fort Collins Police Services K9s Colt, Eleiko, Thor, and Bia will receive bullet and stab protective vests sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Alaska K9 Center in North Pole, AK. The King Soopers store located on John F. Kennedy Parkway donated several cases of hand sanitizer to support the health and safety of FCPS employees. Thank you to Nina Bodenhamer at CityGive for facilitating both of these opportunities to protect our first responders! CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20 Courageous Conversations: What Is Justice and Due Process? | Chief Swoboda, FCPS Victim Advocate Britta Clay, Judge Lammons, and former CRB Member Dennis Hanno participated in a virtual townhall event with the CSU Athletics department. This event was a collaboration by the CSU Associate Athletic Director and FCPS Neighborhood Engagement Team as a way to connect with students and create space for candid conversations around current events and topics of concern. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW Monthly Reporting Monthly construction reporting and mapping of development review proposals and construction can be found by visiting: http://citydocs.fcgov.com/?dt=MONTHLY+REPORT&dn=NEIGHBORHOOD+%26+BUILDING+SERVI CES%2FZONING&vid=2&cmd=showdt For a detailed listing of development Proposals under review, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/proposals/ Exterior Lighting Code Update The Exterior Lighting Code update is on track for consideration of adoption on March 2, 2021 (First Reading). The project received recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board, Natural Resource Advisory Board and Land Conservation and Stewardship Board. The project was also presented to City Council during a Work Session on February 23rd that highlighted project need, public engagement, and a long-term strategy for monitoring the code over time. Home2Health and Housing Strategic Plan: The Housing Strategic Plan and off-cycle appropriation for Phase 1 of Land Use Code updates were adopted unanimously (second reading March 2). Planning and design of the spring Community Summit is now underway. The Summit will take place over 4 days and will include 3 workshops for folks who want to participate in designing implementation and 1 synthesis/overview event for a general audience to conclude the Summit series. Multiple community partners are involved in design of the Summit, and more details will be available within the next two weeks on https://fcgov.com/housing and https://ourcity.fcgov.com/home2health. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21 YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON 2020 2021 YTD % Change Development Project Submittals Received 50 36 -28.00% Conceptual/Preliminary Design/Staff Reviews 35 38 8.57% Building Permits Issued 1,654 1,432 -13.42% Building Permit Valuations ($M) $63.42 $38.87 -38.71% Building Inspections Performed 4,261 4,735 11.12% Zoning Inspections Performed 78 76 -2.56% Zoning Plan Reviews Performed 467 559 19.70% Overall Development Review revenues are $(75,033) under projection for 2021 as of February 28th with Development Review under by $(73,502) and Engineering Development Review under by $(1,531). GRAFFITI UPDATE During the month of February 2021, the Graffiti Abatement Team abated 19 issues consisting of 112 tags measuring 610 square feet of graffiti-covered surfaces. The tags were distributed throughout the City in the following Council Districts: Month One Two Three Four Five Six January 12 0 3 2 6 2 February 5 3 3 2 6 19 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 2021 Earth Day Challenge Feeling disconnected from friends and family during COVID? Enjoy playing games? Join the 2021 Earth Day Challenge, an online climate action competition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Create an Earth Day Challenge team, make an impact, and win prizes like a free year of composting or grocery store gift cards at shiftfoco.com. You can connect with others from the safety of your own home and become part of a growing community of people who are making Fort Collins a healthier, more affordable and more sustainable place. Find out more at fcgov.com/shift. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Homelessness Response and Solutions Lead Specialist Position In March, Brittany Depew started in her new role as the Homelessness Response and Solutions Specialist. This position is new for the City and will provide leadership on homelessness issues within the City and community, centering efforts in equity. She will work collaboratively with various City departments and create and implement integrated homelessness prevention, diversion, housing and supportive services initiatives working closely and collaborating with a broad spectrum of community Month Access FC Hotline Pro-Active Total January 7 2 17 26 February 8 2 9 19 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22 organizations, including neighborhood, nonprofit, business, and faith-based groups and other public agency partners to provide and coordinate local response efforts and solutions. For more information on homelessness in Fort Collins visit: www.fcgov.com/socialsustainability/homelessness ECONOMIC HEALTH Larimer Level Up Businesses Now in Blue Larimer County’s “5 Star” certified business variance program, locally known as the Level Up Program has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Office. Level Up Certified Businesses moved to the next dial level, Level Blue, effective March 3, 2021. March 8, 2021 Update - Eighth Amended Public Health Order 20-36 includes new changes:  Section II.C.2.h: Restaurants in Level Blue may expand capacity to 225 without using the distancing space calculator (must still follow 6 ft social distancing), and expanding last call to 2 a.m.  Section II.C.2.k: Indoor Events in Level Blue to expand capacity to 225 for seated events without using the distancing space calculator (must still follow 6 ft social distancing)  Section II.C.2.m: Outdoor pools in Level Blue are subject to the same capacity limits as indoor pools The County is still accepting applications for the Level Up Program. The application process is long, so the County has provided the components that are required for submission here. All these will need to be submitted, incomplete applications will be returned for completion and not reviewed. Questions about this process? Email covidconcerns@co.larimer.co.us or call us at 970-498-5500 (M-F 9-4:30). UTILITIES CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS Garden In A Box sales started on March 1. This spring, Water Conservation is providing 100, $25-off discounts to Utilities water customers for these do-it-yourself water-wise garden kits. The 2021 residential Xeriscape Incentive Program is open for enrollment through May. Utilities water customers are eligible to receive a rebate for swapping out high-water landscape for low-water xeriscape. A participants’ first step in the program is to take a class taught by XIP staff. Over 170 customers have taken or are registered for 2021 virtual classes through May. So far, 48 customers are enrolled in the program to complete a water-saving landscape project and get a rebate in return. Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) HOAs and Commercial: Six projects across HOAs have been selected to receive funding through the Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) for HOAs and commercial. An additional application cycle for 2021 projects launched on February 19 and will close on April 5. Staff hopes to fund at least three more projects for a total of nine water-wise landscape projects on commercial and HOA properties in 2021. In 2021, Utilities Customer Connections has reached 217 participants through 15 outreach events and programs. In the month of February, Utilities offered the following engagement opportunities: CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23  February 3 – CSU Virtual Housing Fair: Utilities staff joined property management companies, landlords, Realtors, and other community resources to provide CSU students with information about Utilities Affordability Programs and Time-of-Day electric pricing, as well as Epic Homes, during the 36th annual CSU Housing Fair.  Feb. 3 - Automated Benchmarking Support Session: Building Energy and Water Scoring Program staff shared how energy benchmarking with Xcel Energy can save time when complying with Fort Collins Building Energy and Water Scoring Ordinance.  February 4 – Floodplain Management Public Information Committee Annual Meeting: Each year Utilities floodplain management team engages a group of internal and external stakeholders to develop, guide and implement a public information plan for floodplain safety and education. This year, 10 members participated in the event.  February 8 – Solar Contractor Orientation – Orientation was held for 4 new contractors to join the Participating Solar Contractor Network and new staff of existing contractors working on projects in Fort Collins. Contractors must be in the network for customers to be eligible to receive the residential solar rebate. In the month of March, Utilities will offer the following engagement opportunities:  March 1 – Poudre School District Global Leadership Presentation - Staff present virtually to an 8th grade Global Leadership class about Our Climate Future and facilitate a climate change deliberation.  March 3 – XIP Basics Training Staff present virtually how to participate in Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Program and be eligible to receive a 2021 rebate for transforming their high-water use areas into water-wise landscapes.  March 4 – UAP Roadshow Fuerza Latina - Staff present virtually on Utilities Affordability Program offerings to ISAAC call center volunteers.  March 8 - Solar Contractor Orientation – Staff conducts a virtual orientation for potential and existing Participating Solar Contractor representatives. Utilities customers working with Participating Solar Contractors can be eligible to receive the residential solar rebate.  March 22 – Watershed Education – Utilities staff educate Front Range Community College (FRCC) Environmental Science students at the Poudre River Whitewater Park. Students are provided an overview of our watershed then conduct hands on water quality testing.  March 29 – Water Deliberation Program - This is a follow up to the field program held with FRCC Environmental Science students on March 22nd. Students deliberate over how to address the increasing demand and decreasing availability of water in Colorado. WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS Environmental Regulatory Affairs (ERA) Division Senior Environmental Regulatory Specialist Errin Henggeler has been invited to speak on “Collaboration and Goal Alignment: Fostering Partnerships to Better Serve the Community” at the South Carolina Emergency Management Association on April 7. It is the same presentation she gave for the International Association of Emergency Managers in 2020. The purpose is to show how environmental health and emergency management can support each other through shared goals. Many environmental regulations have an emergency management component built into the regulation, such as Spill Prevention and Control Countermeasure (SPCC), Risk Management Plan (RMP), American’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). Aligning these goals can benefit both departments and better serve the community. Errin’s efforts in the emergency management arena are above and beyond her main job duties and functions, yet are critical in making ERA a more agile group! CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24 Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division The Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division has submitted its application to American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Clean Water, a global optimization and recognition program for wastewater utilities. The wastewater treatment optimization program focuses on process improvements to achieve beyond regulatory compliance standards in an energy efficient manner. This program supports the City’s spirit of continuous improvement through the completion of wastewater performance self-assessments, goal setting, improvement plans, and ongoing utility peer-reviewed optimization reports. Special recognition to Project Lead Rhonda Barton and Plant Operator John Davenport for their expertise, organization, and determination to see this through to completion. Nice work, everyone! Water Quality Services Division The Environmental Protection Agency ensures protection of drinking water by requiring that laboratories become certified to analyze drinking water samples. One annual certification requirement is that the laboratory must successfully analyze blind samples to verify testing proficiency. The City's Water Quality Laboratory performed this proficiency testing early this year and was recently notified that the analytical tests successfully met all requirements. This is the fourth year in a row with a perfect passing score for the lab. COMMUNITY SERVICES RECREATION  Funtime Preschool and Camp FunQuest licensed childcare programs received two Childcare Relief Grants from the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, totaling $32,800 to support lost revenue, program marketing and personnel salaries for continued childcare efforts through the pandemic.  Exterior modifications were made to drop-off ramps, service entries, sidewalks, crosswalks and parking spaces at Northside Aztlan Community Center, improving overall ADA accessibility to the facility.  Recreation hosted 17 Poudre School District swim meets at EPIC.  Fitness classes received 447 enrollments for the month of February, the highest participation number since the pandemic started in 2020! PARKS  I-25 expansion project has begun with impacts on the Archery Range.  Collaborating with Engineering, contractor and CSU to resolve the groundwater infiltration issues at Shields Street underpass.  Holiday lights have been removed for the season.  City Park ice rink on Sheldon Lake has closed for the season.  SouthRidge Golf Course #9 pond dredging underway.  Golden Meadows playground design underway.  Collindale Golf Course tree pruning completed. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25 CULTURAL SERVICES Newly installed artwork by Fort Collins artist Todd Kundla at the E. Drake Water Reclamation Facility.  The Art in Public Places Program recently installed the sculpture Reclamation by Fort Collins artist Todd Kundla. The sculpture represents the inputs and outputs of the reclamation process at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility. Several hundred feet of decommissioned 4” steel pipe from the reclamation facility were reconfigured into a labyrinthine weave of steel conduits. This recovery of resources mirrors what is taking place on the inside of the facility where millions of gallons of wastewater flow through a complex network of pipes, pumps and holding tanks returning order to the water, bio-gas and bio-solids — all of which can be harvested for further use.  The Gardens on Spring Creek is continuing their popular in-person and online classes and programs. Their High Plains Landscape Workshop was held on March 6th and had over 250 people participate virtually. The nine summer camps offered at the Gardens this year sold out in just 10 minutes but there is still room for youth who qualify through the scholarship program.  The Lincoln Center will be presenting the Fort Collins Symphony’s Celtic Fantasy concert as an on-demand virtual performance from March 12 - 14. The concert is an example of The Lincoln Center’s ability during COVID-19 to support arts in the community by videoing and streaming high quality virtual productions. The Lincoln Center is also open to the community for scheduled events and meetings. NATURAL AREAS Cameron Peak Fire Recovery Grant for Bobcat Ridge Natural Area A grant of $75,000 was awarded to the Natural Areas Department by the D.R. & V. Pulliam Charitable Trust to support fire recovery and ecological restoration efforts at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area after it was burned in the Cameron Peak Fire. The Trust specified that the grant would be used for these specific purposes only: CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26  Restoration of the “wishing well” at the historic cabin  Replacement of the horse ramp for people with disabilities  Shrub/habitat restoration  Drainage restoration  Trail maintenance and repairs This grant supports the Natural Areas Department efforts to improve habitat and reopen Bobcat Ridge Natural Area to the public after it was burned in the Cameron Peak Fire of 2020. The funding has a positive impact on the City’s ability to restore and reopen Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in the summer of 2021. 2020 Nature in the City Annual Report The Fort Collins community stepped up for nature in 2020 despite the challenges and uncertainty that the year brought. The Nature in the City 2020 Annual Report highlights how the community and volunteers helped create a connected open space network, accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences and functional habitat for people, plants and wildlife. For example, 16 funded projects converted 48,550 square feet into native landscaping, increasing habitat area by 150% and 64 DIY native gardens and 225 trees were distributed to the community. Over 200 biodiversity surveys were completed by volunteers who also helped maintain the pollinator garden at Sugar Beet Park. Thank you, Fort Collins! Read the Annual Report at https://www.fcgov.com/natureinthecity/ CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Budget 2022 Public Engagement City staff kicked off the public engagement efforts for the 2022 Budget by hosting a community meeting with community partners on Wednesday, March 3. The purpose of the meeting was to give more information about the different options to give feedback and learn about the budget. Staff also gave an overview of major public engagement efforts happening across the City during the year. To learn more about this exciting public engagement project, visit: https://ourcity.fcgov.com/2022budget City of Fort Collins Equity Office Listening Sessions City staff hosted a series of listening sessions with community members and community partners to get input on the creation of the City's Equity Office. Input gathered from the events will help inform the creation of a new Equity & Inclusion Office. BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION Industry Events Colman Keane, Broadband Executive Director, will be participating as a Keynote Speaker at the Smart Cities Connect Virtual Conference which runs April 13-14, 2021. The session on Wednesday April 14th, entitled “Digital Equity - Ensuring Access for All Residents and Businesses in Your Community”, will address the importance of a connected community - from education to healthcare, remote work, or other social & care services. Participating panelists will discuss the most in need populations, address digital literacy & inclusion, affordability and pricing as well as and identify the existing barriers and explore the technologies and models to address them and accelerate the deployment of digital services for cities and communities in urgent need. For more information visit https://spring.smartcitiesconnect.org/program/index.html Outside Plant We have had a bout of extremely cold weather winter causing frozen ground issues that have required our installation staff to run a temporary drops “above ground” for Connexion service. However, the first week of March is showing temperatures in the 60s, and crews will be monitoring areas this week to determine if ground has thawed enough to return to previous locations and complete the fiber direct-bury process. Social Media Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Join the Connexion community—get updates and information on services and more! @FCConnexion @ConnexionFC CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 28 COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT The Community Dashboard features performance data and information that highlights how the City is doing in achieving its seven Outcome areas: Neighborhood Livability and Social Health, Culture and Recreation, Economic Health, Environmental Health, Safe Community, Transportation, and High Performing Government. The Dashboard is made up of 37 total metrics that are published quarterly and demonstrate where the City is doing well and where there are opportunities to improve. The color status of performance for each metric is determined based on the actual result for the quarter compared with the target. The color status of performance for the Outcome is determined based on the average calculation of the performance of each metric within that Outcome. Each month the City Manager’s Update will highlight a metric from the Community Dashboard. This month’s feature is from the Environmental Health Outcome Area. Analysis: As of Q4 2020: • Compared to Q4 2019, Q4 2020 total water use per capita is up 18%. However, Q4 2020 is the 2nd lowest Q4 total per capita use in over 10 years. These results are likely due to multiple factors – hot/dry fall weather and increased residential use due to impacts from COVID-19 increased demands, while outdoor watering restrictions (Oct. 1 to Nov. 11) and a reduction in commercial use due to impacts from COVID-19 decreased demands. • Data reflects treated water usage of Fort Collins Utilities water service area customers, (70% of the overall city population). Untreated (raw) water and use within other service areas in the city are excluded. • Weather is the largest influence of water use. Other factors that influence use are efficiency and conservation programs, codes and standards, increased product efficiency and customer behavior. • Note that use categories (commercial and residential) are based on utility rate codes. As a result, some residential water uses, like HOA common space irrigation use, are reflected in the “Commercial” data series. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 29 Definition: This metric tracks water use (gallons) per capita for each quarter, split by commercial and residential water use. It is calculated by taking the total water use in a quarter, divided by the number of days in the quarter and estimated population in the Fort Collins Utilities water service area. This metric is expected to fluctuate throughout the year, as water use increases during the summer months and is higher in hotter, drier years. Data is provided by Fort Collins Utilities. Why is this metric important? Water is a critical ingredient for our community and using it efficiently is important. Doing more with less is necessary to achieve the 2030 Water Efficiency Plan goals and to improve our resiliency to fluctuating weather and climate patterns. City’s impact on this metric: Medium – The Fort Collins Utilities' Water Efficiency and Conservation Programs provides programs and services to reduce water use. Weather, local economic conditions, and the everyday actions of residents, visitors, and businesses are the other influences which have an impact on the water usage of the community. Fort Collins Utilities only provides water service to about 70% of the City’s population, so the programs and actions of those served by other providers is not reflected here. Benchmarks: Benchmarking in progress To view the entire Dashboard, please visit: http://fortcollins.clearpointstrategy.com/