HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 12/14/2021 - City Managers Monthly Update- December 9, 2021 (5)
2021 Downtown Holiday Lighting
December 9, 2021
DECEMBER 9, 2021
Table of Contents
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 4
DECEMBER 10 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD RETREAT ...........................................................................4
DECEMBER 14 WORK SESSION ...............................................................................................................................4
DECEMBER 21 REGULER MEETING .........................................................................................................................4
DECEMBER 28 WORK SESSION ...............................................................................................................................4
JANUARY 4 REGULAR MEETING..............................................................................................................................4
JANUARY 11 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................4
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................................ 5
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ....................................................................................... 5
CP - ENGINEERING ............................................................................................................................. 6
COLLEGE AVE (SH 287) AND TRILBY ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................6
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................6
POWER TRAIL AND HARMONY ROAD GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING ...................................................................7
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT .................................................................................................................8
NORTH MASON ROW AND DESIGN - ALPINE TO HICKORY.....................................................................................9
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................... 9
BUCKING HORSE PARK ............................................................................................................................................9
EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY .................................................................................................... 10
MAIL CREEK TRAIL................................................................................................................................................ 10
POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25 ......................................................................................................................................... 10
SPRING CANYON DOG PARK ................................................................................................................................ 11
TRAVERSE PARK ................................................................................................................................................... 11
PICKLEBALL COMPLEX.......................................................................................................................................... 12
MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK ........................................................................................................................................ 12
EDORA DISC GOLF PARK UPDATES ...................................................................................................................... 13
CP - OPERATION SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 13
FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER ........................................................................................ 13
BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH .................................................................................................... 14
CP - UTILITIES.................................................................................................................................... 14
DEMAND RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE .................................................................................................... 14
STONEHENGE CABLE REPLACEMENT-PRIORITY #4 ............................................................................................. 15
27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE ............................................................................................................. 16
OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT ..................................................................................... 16
CITY PARK SEWER REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT ................................................................................... 17
PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................ 18
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 18
POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 19
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................... 21
BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW .......................................................................................... 21
GRAFFITI UPDATE ............................................................................................................................ 23
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 24
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 24
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 25
ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 25
UTILITIES ............................................................................................................................................ 26
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 26
COMMUNITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 27
RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
PARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 28
NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 29
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 30
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION ................................................................................. 31
COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT .......................................................................................... 32
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL
DECEMBER 10 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
BOARD RETREAT
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Colorado River Room, 222 LaPorte Ave.
DECEMBER 14 WORK SESSION
Stormwater Utility
o Present a holistic overview of the stormwater utility including strategic direction and challenges.
Economic Health 3.5 – Invest in and maintain utility infrastructure and services while
ensuring predictable utility rates.
Broadband Work 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.
DECEMBER 21 REGULER MEETING
528 W. Mountain Avenue – Involuntary City Landmark Designation Request (continued from
September 21)
o Quasi-judicial hearing to consider an involuntary Landmark designation request for 528 W.
Mountain Avenue. The designation was resident-initiated and recommended by the Historic
Preservation Commission. It is not supported by the owner.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.5 – Enhance the quality of life in
neighborhoods, empower neighbors to solve problems, and foster respectful
relations.
DECEMBER 28 WORK SESSION
CANCELLED
JANUARY 4 REGULAR MEETING
No items currently scheduled
JANUARY 11 WORK SESSION
Review Hybrid Work Session Meetings
o To review and evaluate hybrid work session procedures.
High Performing Government 7.1 – Provide world – class municipal services to
residents and businesses.
Draft Recovery Plan Overview (with Spanish Interpretation)
o Provide a draft of the Recovery Plan incorporation feedback and recommendations.
Economic Health 3.1 – Facilitate government and local partners to achieve effective
regional economic resilience.
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
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS
2022 State of the City – Save the Date: The 2022 State of the City address will take place on
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Center. The annual event features a live dialogue
with the Mayor and City Manager highlighting previous year achievements and future opportunities.
Official invites will be sent early next year and updates will be posted at:
https://www.fcgov.com/stateofthecity/
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE
OCTOBER SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 18.1% 19.9%
Net Use Tax Collected: 2.7% 2.1%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 16.1% 17.2%
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are up 17.2% and total $132.0M.
OCTOBER SUMMARY OVER BUDGET
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 25.4% 21.6%
Net Use Tax Collected: 12.7% 15.1%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 23.8% 20.7%
Year to date, the City has collected 20.7% more sales and use tax revenue, totaling $22.6M over budget.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6
CP - ENGINEERING
COLLEGE AVE (SH 287) AND TRILBY ROAD INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: CDOT / FHWA grants, Transportation
Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), Development Contributions
Estimated Project Budget: $9-10M
Estimated Completion Date: End of year 2023
Phase: 30% Design Complete, ROW phase underway
Project Details:
Safety improvement project geared toward accident
reduction and improved safety. Dual north and southbound
turn lanes, multi-modal implementation, east / west (Trilby
Road added turn movements).
Project Status:
Rights of Way plans have been submitted to CDOT
for review and approval
Staff has received conditional approval of Eminent Domain use, if needed, from City Council.
Project design is currently advancing towards 60% completion
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/college-trilby
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG),
Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), 2017 / 2018
BFO, 2021 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:
Pedestrian underpass is complete and will be ready for paving next week.
Lincoln and Lemay intersection is substantially complete
Detention Pond in existing Lemay footprint is excavated
Traffic is on new alignment from south to Buckingham
Traffic has temporary pavement detour at north tie-in
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
All paving is complete, including over the bridge, with the exception of the pedestrian
underpass and the north tie-in to existing Lemay.
Roadway (including over the bridge and pedestrian underpass) is anticipated to be
complete with traffic on it by the end of December.
More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay
POWER TRAIL AND HARMONY ROAD GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING
Funding Source: Federal Grant, Community Capital
Improvement Program (CCIP - Bike / Pedestrian Grade
Separated Crossings)
Estimated Project Budget: $7M - $10M
Estimated Completion Date: Pending funding
Phase: Preliminary Design
Project Details:
The Power Trail provides connectivity between the Spring
Creek Trail to the north and the Fossil Creek Trail to the south.
The Trail currently has a gap approximately three-quarters of a
mile long north and south of Harmony Road. The detour route
requires users to cross Harmony Road at grade at McMurry.
This project will design, acquire property interests, and
construct a trail underpass at Harmony Road as well as the trail
connections on either side.
Project Status:
Reviewing scope and fee for FOR design of trail and underpass
Contacting property owners to discuss easement conflicts
More information is available at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/powertrailcrossing
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT
Overall Project Improvements
2022 Construction
Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP)
Estimated Project Budget: $3.8M
Estimated Completion Date: 2022
Phase: Construction
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:
Project web page has been updated
Meeting with business owners and stakeholders
Finalizing GMP and reconciling phase 1 budget
Phase 2 construction to tentatively begin the week of Jan 3, 2022
More information is available at: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/linden-street-renovation/
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
NORTH MASON ROW AND DESIGN - ALPINE TO HICKORY
Funding Source: Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), Storm Water Utility, Urban Renewal
Authority (URA) funding
Estimated Project Budget: $1.0M
Estimated Completion Date: 2 quarter 2022
Phase: 30% Design
Project Details:
A collaborative effort between City departments and the
North College URA to find solutions to existing drainage
issues along the west side of College Avenue, north of
the Poudre River. The project was approved through the
2019/2020 Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process and
will focus on roadway and storm sewer alignments for
North Mason. Construction of the storm sewer backbone
is expected to occur in late 2022 or early 2023.No
funding has currently been identified for the roadway
construction.
Project Status:
City staff will be revisiting alignment strategy and existing property owner uses during
the months of October and December.
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUCKING HORSE PARK
Funding Source: Neighborhood
Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $2.5 - $4 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: 2023
Project Details:
Bucking Horse Park is a park planned
for the Bucking Horse neighborhood.
Project Status:
Staff are currently reviewing
cost estimates.
Playground design is
progressing, engaging with APP artist.
More information available on project webpage.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10
EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland &
Community Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $7 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: Fall/Winter 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 on the facility will begin this month.
MAIL CREEK TRAIL
Funding Source: Multiple Funding Sources including Grants, TCEF, and Conservation Trust Funds
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Pre-Design
Estimated Completion: TBD
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. In addition, Park
Planning & Development is working to identify the
best location for the future Mail Creek Trail.
Project Status:
Staff are developing an RFP to seek design services for trail.
More information available on project webpage.
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
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
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:
Progressing on trail alignment. Coordinating with Cottonwood Farms and future
development.
More information available on project webpage
SPRING CANYON DOG PARK
Funding Source: Nature In the City Grant for $75,000
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: Fall 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 ponds.
Project Status:
Water quality low impact development underway. Construction anticipated in the spring.
More information available on project webpage.
TRAVERSE PARK
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $3.5- 4 million
Phase: Construction
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 neighborhood park
features including a shelter, playground, multi-
purpose field, basketball court, and play area for
teens.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12
Project Status:
Park is open to the public. A celebratory opening video was shared with the neighborhood
in lieu of a grand opening event.
Plantings will be completed in the spring.
More information available on project webpage.
PICKLEBALL COMPLEX
Funding Source: TBD
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Planning
Estimated Completion: TBD
Project Details:
Staff coordinating with pickleball advocates to identify
a location for a 12-court pickleball complex. Funding
to be provided through fundraising.
Project Status:
Project on hold until fundraising is completed
for a master planning effort.
MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
Funding Source: TBD
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Planning
Estimated Completion: TBD
Project Details:
Staff is coordinating with mountain bike park advocates to identify potential future mountain bike park
locations. Several locations are being considered. Park would be funded through fundraising efforts.
Project Status:
Staff are advancing in next round of consideration for a GOCO Centennial Visioning Grant.
If awarded, a mountain bike park would be considered as part of the master planning effort.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
EDORA DISC GOLF PARK UPDATES
Funding Source: TBD
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Planning
Estimated Completion: TBD
Project Details:
Staff are coordinating with two private disc golf
groups to significantly improve the course located at
Edora Park.
Project Status:
Staff are currently investigating cost for
phase 1 construction.
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 -
Construction
Estimated Completion Date: December 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 is open and being used.
LEED Certification – Finalizing the submittals for USGBC review.
Phase III – Adding Site Items with project savings.
Storage Shed – Building is nearly complete.
Observation Tower for Track & Skills Pad – Completed, see photo above.
Breach/Blast Pad – Concrete slab is complete, and masonry is underway.
K9 Training area – Completed, see photo above.
Scheduled to complete phase III scope - December of 2021.
Observation Tower & K-9 Training Area
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14
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: June 2022
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:
The Master Plan was brought before Council on November 16 and was passed.
Currently working with Clark & Enersen to determine the proper timing on proceeding with the next
steps outlined in the Council Work Session presentation. Specifically, the traffic and parking
studies.
CP - UTILITIES
DEMAND RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
Funding Source: Offer # 1.14
Estimated Project Budget: $870,000 ($435,000 in 2021)
Phase: Design
Project Details:
The AT&T 3G network is used to communicate with the
controllers installed in electric water heaters participating in the
Peak Partners Program. This network is scheduled for retirement
by AT&T in Q1 2022 to release electromagnetic spectrum
bandwidth for upcoming 5G technologies. Over 2400 DCU3
have been deployed in the service territory of Fort Collins
Utilities and they will become stranded assets when the 3G
network is turned off. A technology refresh is therefore needed to
continue operating the resource, which shifts approximately 400
MWh/year from “On-Peak” to “Off-Peak” hours. The replacement
units will be 4G controllers, which will be a straight replacement
of the control unit and therefore a low to no-risk technology
refresh.
Project Status:
All contractual documents are in place and hardware has been ordered.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
Due to the worldwide shortage of microchips this project is behind schedule. Customer
communications and scheduling in Q2 2022 with field replacement activities starting in late
Q3 2022.
STONEHENGE CABLE REPLACEMENT-PRIORITY #4
Funding Source: BFO # 8.9
Estimated Project Budget: $283,500
Phase: In Construction
Project Details:
Electric primary cable has been evaluated through the
City based on year of installation, style of cable and
manufacturer to establish a prioritized failure risk. This
area was calculated as Priority Area #4 citywide and
involves the replacement of one (1) section of 3-phase
power and 56 sections of single-phase power. The
replacement primarily occurs within the Stonehenge
Subdivision located east of S. Lemay Avenue along
Stuart Street.
Project Status:
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 50% of all the single-phase cable
sections have been replaced.
Currently the 3-phase cable section is still in construction planning.
Currently, 40% of the existing transformers designated for replacement have occurred with
minimum outages.
Aerial view of priority area.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16
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:
Exploratory potholing - completed.
Geotechnical investigation and field observations report – completed.
Horizontal alignment design finalized, and legal descriptions completed.
Land acquisition process started with landowner.
Progressing towards 60% design and construction documents.
Ongoing team meetings with consultant and contractor on design and construction
issues/decisions.
Ongoing coordination with Natural Areas for restoration efforts on City property.
OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Funding Source: Stormwater
Estimated Project Budget: $2.0M (Design), $23M
(Construction), $25M Total
Status: In Design
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022 (Design), Early
2023 (Construction)
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
located on Oak Street from Mason to Jackson and will
include a few 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”.
Exploratory potholing
and 27” steel pipeline
Water Quality Sampling at Mason &
Oak St
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17
Project Status:
Data Collection (Phase 2) – Initial Water Quality Sampling and Testing to determine
construction dewatering requirements – completed November 2021
Cost Estimating - BT Construction has provided alternative pricing on open-cut vs tunneling in
the downtown business, Arthur Ditch and Shields Street areas.
Preliminary Design - September 2021 through January 2022; Risk Analysis and Value
Engineering to be included as part of Preliminary Design
CITY PARK SEWER REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT
Funding Source: Wastewater
Estimated Project Budget:
$2,600,000
Status: In Design
Estimated Completion Date:
Summer 2022
Project Details:
Existing clay tile sanitary sewer
mains in the area West of Sheldon
Lake and both North and South of
West Mulberry Street are
undersized, have inadequate slope,
numerous areas of settlement,
offset joints, broken pipes, and
heavy root intrusions. In addition, a portion of the existing system lies in the back yards of 16 houses
along West Mulberry Street. This system is very difficult to access and requires frequently needed
maintenance. The result is a poorly functioning sewer system, with inadequate flows, sewage
backups, and high maintenance requirements.
The new City Park Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project will be in the neighborhoods west of City Park
Lake. The project will replace the aging sewer system with new infrastructure composed of modern
materials of adequate size and slopes significantly increasing performance and reliability and reducing
field crew maintenance needs.
Project Status:
Preliminary Design - Completed
Project notification and coordination – on-going
Private Sewer Service Investigation Data – in progress
Final Design – in progress
Construction projected in late 2021/22
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18
PUBLIC SAFETY
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Thirteen PFA Recruits Graduated from Fire Academy | Dec. 4
Congratulations to the newest members of PFA! They graduated from the 21-2 Front Range Fire
Consortium Academy in a class of 32 recruits from nine different fire departments. “Thanks to all the
family members that dealt with a group of people that were always tired, always sore, and always
hungry,” said PFA Captain Tony Dragan in the commencement address. The class took the oath
together then special awards were announced. PFA graduate Jefferson Clow was honored for
Excellence in Academics and PFA graduate Dawson Newby was chosen as Top Gun, an honor voted
on by his fellow recruits. The PFA graduates will return to the Training Center for two more weeks of
“post-academy” before starting as probationary firefighters at their assigned stations the week of Jan.
9, 2022. Photo Album of Graduation and Family Day
Residents Displaced by Structure Fire on Wyandotte Dr. | Nov. 27
PFA was dispatched at 4:07 a.m. to reports of a residential
structure fire. Crews arrived on scene and saw flames coming
from the exterior of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly
make an attack on the exterior fire, then moved inside to
attack fire that had extended into the attic and basement
areas of the home. Crews completed a thorough search and
gained control of the fire quickly but the home sustained
extensive fire and smoke damage. A motorhome was also
destroyed in the fire. Crews were able to extinguish the fire
around 5:00 a.m. Four residents and a dog were able to safely
evacuate before crews arrived on-scene. Unfortunately, one
cat was found deceased. A chicken coop was also included in
the fire damage and sadly the chickens did not survive. The
American Red Cross was contacted to provide support and
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
resources to the family. Crews remained on-scene until restoration companies could arrive and secure
the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Occupants Evacuated from Elizabeth Hotel due to CO Leak | Nov. 26
At about 6:10 a.m., crews responded to the Elizabeth
Hotel after hotel management and occupants were
alerted to carbon monoxide alarms going off on the fifth
floor. PFA engine and hazmat crews safely evacuated
18 occupants from the fifth floor and began monitoring
CO levels throughout the hotel. Crews successfully
ventilated all floors of the hotel until CO levels were back
down to safe ranges. A faulty furnace was isolated and
HVAC technicians were brought in to repair the issue.
None of the hotel occupants or staff reported symptoms
of CO exposure or required any medical attention. This
incident is an important reminder to make sure you have
working carbon monoxide detectors in your homes and
businesses. Please test them regularly.
Responders Worked Hours to Extinguish Fire in Recycling Building | Nov. 24
PFA and Loveland Fire Rescue Authority were dispatched to the Larimer County Landfill at about 7:40
p.m. after a passerby reported smoke coming from the Recycling Building. Investigation revealed there
was a smoldering fire somewhere in the material stored in the north half of the building. Firefighters
spent over three hours removing material from the building with front-end loaders and cooling it. The
work was intensive and firefighters had to be rotated regularly. As a precaution, a fire watch was
established for the rest of the night. The fire reignited just after 2:00 a.m. and firefighters spent another
two hours removing and cooling material. There were no injuries reported.
PFA 2022 Budget Approved
Staff prepared and presented a 2022 Preliminary Budget to the PFA Board of Directors on Oct. 5. The
budget is focused on funding ongoing services to the community, key operational needs, and non-
discretionary increases. There are three new board members and this is Fire Chief Bergsten’s first
budgeting process at PFA, so staff met with board members individually throughout November. The
board approved the budget at the November 16 meeting and staff is moving forward with
implementation. Read more about the process and budget in the board packet here.
POLICE SERVICES
Notable Cases
Suspect Arrested for Child Exploitation, Assault: In late October 2021, FCPS received information that
Jediah Foster, 35, had taken sexually explicit pictures of children and distributed them online. Through
further investigation, they also learned about multiple situations involving inappropriate touching. He
was booked into the Larimer County Jail on November 12 and faces felony charges for sexual assault
on a child (6 counts), aggravated incest (6 counts), and sexual exploitation of a child (10 counts).
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20
Armed, Barricaded Suspect Safely Arrested: On November 29, police
responded to a report that suspect with a knife had threatened a man
downtown. Officers located the suspect, identified as Matthew Bishop, 29,
nearby. Bishop refused to drop the knife and threatened officers with it.
Police used several less-lethal tools, including a SAGE launcher and
PepperBalls, in an effort to get the man’s cooperation, but Bishop
barricaded himself on an emergency escape staircase. The FCPS SWAT
team responded to the scene, and crisis negotiators worked to convince
him to surrender. About three hours later, Bishop came down but tried to
run. Officers used several less-lethal tools to keep him from running
toward populated areas. K9 Inox was deployed and apprehended Bishop,
who then began stabbing the dog. Fortunately, K9 Inox was wearing a protective vest that saved him
from serious injury. Bishop was safely taken into custody and arrested for felony menacing (3 counts),
possession of a weapon by a previous offender, aggravated cruelty to animals, obstructing a peace
officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
All charges are simply an accusation by law enforcement officers, and all parties must be presumed
innocent until proven guilty in court.
Community Engagement
Community Advisory Committee: The Chief's Community Advisory Committee met to discuss a topic
that comes up a lot in discussions about law enforcement: mental health. One of our co-responder
clinicians and officers from the Mental Health Response Team shared details about our co-response
program's evolution, the team's approach to providing the right care at the right time in the right place,
officer training, and outcome data. CCAC members asked some outstanding questions that deepened
the discussion, and we're grateful for perspectives from the community groups they represent.
Agency News
In December, FCPS celebrated the promotion of Lt. Sara Lynd and Sgt. Mindy Nace. Both enter into
these new roles with extensive training, mentoring, and leadership experience within our agency.
During her 20 years at FCPS, Lt. Lynd has served as a field training officer (FTO), firearms instructor,
DUI enforcement officer, property crimes detective, Traffic Unit supervisor, and most recently as the
Internal Affairs sergeant. Sgt. Nace has served with FCPS since 2007. As a seasoned FTO, she’s
trained over 20 new officers. She is also a member of the Honor Guard, a defensive tactics instructor,
and most recently worked as the corporal assigned to the Downtown District One Nights team.
Their commitment to service also extends beyond local law enforcement as both women are military
veterans. During her time in the United States Army, Lt. Lynd deployed to Iraq as an Engineer
Company Commander. Sgt. Nace served in the Marines Corps as an Air Command and Control
Electronics Operator and an Intelligence Analyst before coming to FCPS. Congratulations!
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21
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/
Mediation and Restorative Justice Services
Mediation and Restorative justice Services programs are being highlighted in CityGive’s seasonal
fundraising campaign, along with two other city departments. A flyer with links for people to make
donations is being distributed throughout the community. See the flyer below.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON
2020 2021 YTD % Change
Development Project Submittals Received 338 256 -24.26%
Conceptual/Preliminary Design/Staff Reviews 218 241 10.55%
Building Permits Issued 12,635 8,960 -29.09%
Building Permit Valuations ($M) $298.15 $373.28 25.20%
Building Inspections Performed 29,298 28,170 -3.85%
Zoning Inspections Performed 381 320 -16.01%
Zoning Plan Reviews Performed 2,764 2,864 3.62%
Overall Development Review Center revenues are $1,904,491 over projection for 2021 as of
November 30th with Building Services over by $901,881, Neighborhood Services and Code
Compliance over by $39,952, Development Review over by $7,669 and Engineering Development
Review over by $954.990.
GRAFFITI UPDATE
During the month of November 2021, the Graffiti Abatement Team abated 50 issues consisting of 209
tags measuring 848 square feet of graffiti-covered surfaces.
Month Access FC Hotline Pro-Active Total
January 7 2 17 26
February 8 2 9 19
March 5 2 17 24
April 21 8 23 52
May 20 9 25 54
June 22 9 32 63
July 18 14 15 47
August 52 11 24 87
September 16 9 72 97
October 16 5 26 47
November 19 2 29 50
Total 204 73 289 566
The issues 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 0 3 2 6
March 4 1 0 3 5 11
April 23 5 4 2 6 12
May 16 14 1 5 9 8
June 22 6 1 5 17 12
July 13 6 2 3 10 12
August 26 5 1 4 14 32
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24
September 30 8 4 6 21 24
October 17 5 3 6 5 11
November 12 5 4 3 6 20
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Have a Greener Holiday Season:
During the holidays, household waste increases by more than 25%! This year, have a greener season
by...
Looking for gifts with minimal packaging, items that are made from recycled materials, or are
produced locally.
Wrapping your gifts in reusable materials such as fabric
Reusing wrapping paper and tissue paper if you can! It can also be recycled in your curbside
bin, or in the Low-Grade Mixed Paper Bin (Containers #4 & #5) at the City’s Timberline
Recycling Center. Do not include metallic wrapping paper, ribbons or bows.
Conserving Energy - Use LEDs and put lights on timers to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime.
Leaving holiday lights on for 24 hours will quadruple energy costs and produce 4x more
pollution than necessary!
Planning meals ahead of time, buy only what you need - Send leftovers home with guests and
get creative with recipes that use leftovers. Compost the rest.
Recycling what you can! Even holiday lights and your Christmas tree can be recycled at local drop-off
centers. See our A-Z webpage here for places to recycle things -
https://www.fcgov.com/recycling/atoz/
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Homebuyer Assistance Programs for Residents
The City’s Home Buyers Assistance Program has ended, but there are still several down payment
assistance (DPA) programs available to community members. The Colorado Housing and Finance
Authority (www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance) has a DPA program that
serves a wide range of income and the Impact Development Fund (impactdf.org), a non-profit partner,
currently has a grant funded by the Division of Housing to provide up to $25,000 for households
earning no more than 80% area median income (AMI). For households making up to $150,000,
metroDPA has forgivable assistance up to 6% of the mortgage. These are available to Fort Collins
residents who can qualify for a mortgage for a home they wish to buy. Federal HUD and City
Affordable Housing Funds can support homeownership through partnerships that help with
development and/or acquisition of housing restricted to low-income ownership such as provided by
Habitat for Humanity, and Elevation Community Land Trust. To find out more about Down payment
Assistance Programs serving Fort Collins residents, visit: fcgov.com/socialsustainability/hba.php.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Northern Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce Planning Meeting
Members of the community were invited to learn about Northern
Colorado's upcoming Latino Chamber of Commerce! All Latino-owned
businesses were invited to join the event as attendees explored the
development of this chamber, striving to promote the interests of all
latino businesses.
The meeting occurred Tuesday, December 7th at Larimer County
Building, 200 W. Oak St.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26
UTILITIES
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS
Final applications for the Allotment Management Program (AMP) and Xeriscape Incentive
Program (XIP) for commercial customers, were due Dec. 1. Staff received 25 pre-applications for
landscape conversion projects and anticipate receiving up to that many final applications for
installation in 2022.
Council priorities: Water Conservation staff is managing a consultant that will perform research
and benchmarking throughout 2022 related to council priorities including xeriscape, soil
amendment and urban canopy and tree policies. Staff is scheduled to present a path forward on
these priorities at the March 22 Council work session.
City of Fort Collins’ Irrigation Specialist, Eric Olson, was called upon by the Associated Landscape
Contractors of Colorado to teach a Sustainable Landscape Management course. The four-hour
class had 32 attendees and took place at Northern Water Conservancy. Course topics are
Colorado specific and promote responsible and sustainable management of landscapes.
In the month of December, Utilities will offer the following engagement opportunities:
December 1, 2, 3 – Hydropower Lab – Utilities education team offered a Hydropower Lab to 8th
grade students from Boltz Middle School. Students learned about Fort Collins’ current energy use
and then used different models to test best designs.
December 9 – Our Climate Future (OCF) & Utilities Ed Program – An overview of how the
climate crisis impacts our Utilities will serve as an introduction to Our Climate Future for Rocky
Mountain High School students. The program will engage students on how the City of Fort Collins
uses real science and data to guide important sustainability plans, review how the community is
involved, and wrap in what students can do to support sustainability in Fort Collins.
In 2021, Utilities Customer Connections has reached 4,363 participants through 95 outreach events
and programs.
In the month of November, Utilities offered the following engagement opportunities:
November 4 – Utilities Career Fair: Poudre Community Academy – 102 Utilities staff and
students from Poudre Community Academy had the opportunity to rotate between different Utility
working groups to better understand the hands-on trade related opportunities Utilities has to offer.
November 10 – Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) Basics Training – There were 19 people
who attended the Utilities staff presentation on rebate eligibility in 2022 and how to participate
in a Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Program for transforming their high-water use areas into water-
wise landscapes.
November 12 – Epic Homes Real Estate Ally 101 Training – Utilities staff virtually presented to
four real estate professionals a comprehensive overview of Epic Homes and the Epic Certificate
and discuss how to join the Epic Homes Real Estate Ally Network to help sell homes with
efficiency upgrades.
November 19 – 222 Laporte Sustainability Tour – Utilities staff offered a LEED green building
tour to 10 high school students followed by a presentation of Utilities careers.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RECREATION
The Forestry Department planted a tree at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park in honor of Larry
Helburg, a volunteer that worked thousands of hours for the Recreation Department. (see attached
Santa photo)
A Thanksgiving Break mini-camp for ages 5-11 was added last minute when PSD closed schools
for the week. 30 working families were able to take advantage of the added program.
The Holiday Artisan Market occurred on 11/26 & 11/27. 3283 shoppers visited the Senior Center to
visit the106 local artisan booths.
The BOOTS (Building on Outdoor Trails & Stewardship) program visited the CAS Seedlab, Cathy
Fromme Natural Area, Devil's Backbone, Gateway Natural Area, and Red Mountain Open Space
creating new social connections each week and helping newcomers to Fort Collins safely explore
our beautiful outdoor spaces.
As part of Recreation’s Jr. Rams partnership with CSU Athletics, a Jr. Rams Day took place at the
football game on 11/13 against Air Force. Prior to the game players were able to participate in the
Ram walk and get onto the field prior to kick off to take photos and watch the team warm up!
PARKS
The Holidays in Downtown are underway. Holiday lights turned on and skating rink is open.
Snow removal equipment preparation and staff training are complete.
Winterization of all irrigation and restrooms completed.
Rolland Moore ballfield lights electrical disconnect failed and a small fire broke out in the
underground storage area during the last week of the softball season.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 28
CULTURAL SERVICES
Garden of Lights
Garden of Lights – One of Northern Colorado's favorite holiday traditions takes place throughout
December at the Gardens on Spring Creek. The 2021 event features a half-mile loop of perennial
flower beds, huge sculptural flowers, grapevines, butterflies, a holiday village, and other favorite
garden creatures—all constructed entirely from holiday lights. Additionally, the Color Blossom
Show will be returning to the Great Lawn, with 700 lighted blossoms adding vibrant colors and
movement to the holiday experience. The event will take place December 10th through the 26th
with entrance times from 5:00 - 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance online and there will
be timed entry. The Gardens and Gardens of Lights will be closed Christmas day.
A highlight of the holiday season is the production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at The
Lincoln Center. This holiday classic featuring the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present and Future is
being presented on December 18th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Additionally, The Lincoln Center kicks
off the new year with the Broadway hit Waitress from January 6th through the 9th. Telling the story
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 29
of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress, the musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy
Award winner Sara Bareilles.
NATURAL AREAS
New Natural Areas Director Hired
Community Services is excited to announce the hiring of its new Natural Areas Department Director,
Katie Donahue. The Natural Areas Director serves a vital leadership role, guiding a department that
provides immense value to the community. With strategic and forward-thinking leadership that is
centered in equity, Katie will oversee the City’s network of 52 natural area sites encompassing 37,607
acres and a staff of over 50 responsible for stewarding these treasured conserved lands. A robust
public engagement hiring process included over 100 internal and external stakeholders.
Since 2016, Katie has served as the District Ranger for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District on the
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. She started her career as
an Economist for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, measuring inflation rates for nearly a decade
before she followed the call of the outdoors and natural resources. Her previous roles at the U.S.
Forest Service include Program Manager for Recreation Fees and Business Planning and a District
Ranger role on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. Donahue has a
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Economics from American University and a Masters
degree in Public Management from the University of Maryland. She spends her free time gardening
and exploring Colorado with her husband and two kiddos on foot, bikes, and skis.
Katie will assume her new role on January 10, 2022 and we look forward to her contributions on the
Community Services Leadership Team. She replaces Zoë Shark who served as Interim Natural Areas
Department Director since January of 2020. Zoë will return to her former role as Public Engagement
Manager.
Katie Donahue
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 30
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Platform Highlight – Nextdoor:
Nextdoor is a social networking platform that connects neighbors. According to their site, “Neighbors
around the world turn to Nextdoor daily to receive trusted information, give and get help, get things
done, and build real-world connections with those nearby — neighbors, businesses, and public
services.”
As a public agency, the City of Fort Collins can use
Nextdoor to connect with residents in specific
neighborhoods to share timely information relevant
to them. We are not able to monitor or observe
activity that occurs within individual neighborhoods,
and it is against Nextdoor’s user policy to share
content posted within neighborhoods beyond that
group.
Nextdoor by the numbers:
• 63,112 total members in Fort Collins (40,356
households)
• 161,442 impressions (content views) YTD
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 31
Examples:
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION
Monthly Reports
Connexion is publishing our monthly reports on our website! Visit fcconnexion.com/reports to view and
download.
New Connexion Website
Fort Collins Connexion is excited to unveil our new website! fcconnexion.com not only has a new look
and feel, but it includes all kinds of information on service availability, offerings, and sign-up details
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 32
which will improve our customers’ user experience. In mid-December, the website will integrate with
Connexion’s new billing system and customer self-service portal as well as provide additional
resources and support tools for customers looking to switch their broadband services to Connexion.
Address Look-up
Fort Collins residents can now input their address and see whether their residence is In Design, In
Construction, or has Service Available! Our address look-up tool can be found on the Connexion
website at www.fcconnexion.com.
Sign up for Notifications
Visit https://fcconnexion.com/service-availability/ and sign up to be notified as soon as service is
available to order for your home or business.
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @FoCoConnexion! Join the Connexion community—get
updates and information on services and more!
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 Mobility,
and High Performing Government. The Dashboard is made up of 36 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 Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Outcome Area.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 33
Analysis:
Three additional affordable ownership homes were added to the community’s inventory of
affordable housing this quarter.
HUD provided approval of sale of some public housing units to convert to restricted home
ownership homes. These will be available for sale in 2022.
The bulk of this year’s new rental inventory has been delivered this first quarter. However, there
are 154 affordable units under construction now, 138 in final plan review, 31 in early review and
more than 113 in pre-development.
Sherwood Home Renovations:
Definition:
Affordable housing units house the City's lowest wage earners and are important to the sustainability
of our community. Through policy and funding, the City would like to at least maintain and preferably
increase the number of units available to consumers requiring this type of housing. Low-income
housing in Fort Collins is for people who earn 80% or less Area Median Income.
Why is this metric important?
We project population growth at all income levels as we look to the foreseeable future. In order to
allow consumers of affordable housing to live and work in the City, additional affordable housing units
must be added to our current inventory to keep pace with this anticipated growth.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 34
City’s impact on this metric:
Low – The City does not build affordable housing units. Through policy and grants provided by the
Competitive Process, the City often invests in new housing units or preservation of units for lower-
income residents. The City responds to development proposals. These metric reports on completed
units that will immediately affect existing inventory numbers.
Benchmarks:
As of the end of 2014, Fort Collins has 3075 total units which include units categorized as affordable
rental units, ownership units, transitory units and assisted living properties. This will be the benchmark
to measure growth from.
To view the entire Dashboard, please visit: http://fortcollins.clearpointstrategy.com/