HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 5/9/2023 - City Manager’S Quarterly Report – 2023 Spring Edition
Construction of the Vine and Lemay overpass
2023 - Spring Edition (February-April)
MAY 4, 2023
Table of Contents
LETTER FROM CITY MANAGER ..............................................................................................................3
ISSUES BEFORE CITY COUNCIL .............................................................................................................4
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT .............................................................................................................................5
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE ..............................................................................................................................5
FINANCE .....................................................................................................................................................6
TRAFFIC HIGHLIGHTS ..............................................................................................................................7
PUBLIC SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS .................................................................................................................9
FORT COLLINS POLICE SERVICES ............................................................................................................................ 9
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................................... 11
COMMUNITY SERVICES ........................................................................................................................ 13
RECREATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
PARKS.................................................................................................................................................................... 13
PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................. 14
CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................. 14
NATURAL AREAS ................................................................................................................................................... 15
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ................................................................................................................... 16
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ................................................................................................................. 17
ECONOMIC HEALTH OFFICE ................................................................................................................................. 17
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................. 18
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ....................................................................................................................................... 19
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE ................................................................................... 20
UTILITIES ................................................................................................................................................. 21
WATER OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 21
LIGHT & POWER OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 22
CAPITAL PROJECTS ................................................................................................................................................ 24
MARCH 2023 NUMBERS ....................................................................................................................................... 25
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION .................................................................................... 25
COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT .............................................................................................. 26
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 3
LETTER FROM CITY MANAGER
Spring has officially sprung! The warmer weather also means that it’s road construction season. In 2023,
we will have approximately $21.6M of road work underway, including major capital and ongoing street
maintenance projects.
We recently launched FCGOV.com/DIG, a one-stop-shop for all things City construction. It currently
contains Engineering and Utilities Capital Projects that are both under construction and in design, as
well as hosting links to the Street's Maintenance Program and FC Moves projects. In the near future, we
will be adding Parks and Natural Areas projects to the site so that the community has broad
understanding of all the major construction projects across the City departments.
Major projects scheduled this season include the Laporte Bridge replacement, improvements to the
South Timberline Corridor , and intersection improvements at Vine and Timberline and City Park and
Mulberry. Our goal is to minimize traffic impacts and to provide a safe environment for both travelers and
crews who are working on site. Be sure to visit FCGOV.com/DIG for up-to -date information on road
closures. We know some disruption is inevitable, so please be patient and plan ahead to allow adequate
travel time.
The warmer weather also means more events outdoors! The recent Kids in the Park event at Twin Silo
Park had a great turnout so it seems like we’re all looking forward to the return of outdoor activities.
I hope to see you out and about enjoying our beautiful community !
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4
ISSUES BEFORE CITY COUNCIL
Below are highlights from Council meetings from February –
April and a preview of some items to come. To view full
agendas and recordings of past meetings, use this link.
February 28 – 2023 Fort Fund grants recommended by the Cultural Resources Board were approved
by Council totaling $65,000. The program distributes lodging tax revenues from the Cultural
Development and Programming Account and the Tourism Programming Account .
March 7 – The North College MAX BRT Plan was adopted unanimously on second reading. The plan
provides recommendations for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), local transit routes, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities, future development, and affordability .
March 14 – Work session was conducted to provide findings from recent outreach and potential next
steps as the City gets closer to acquiring the former Hughes Property. More information about the
project can be found here.
April 4 – Vision Zero Action Plan was adopted unanimously on second reading. It identifies key
opportunities to significantly improve and expand the City’s traffic safety efforts with a vision of zero
traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2032.
Also on April 4, Council adopted on second reading updates to the Land Use Code to regulate new oil
and gas facilities and pipelines within City Limits.
On April 4, The proposed rental housing program, which started with registration and add ed proactive
rental inspections after one year of full implementation and an appropriation of $1.1 million over a 2-
year period, was pa ssed on first reading by Council 4-3.
o On April 18, this item on second reading was postponed indefinitely. Council will consider a
revised option this summer that does not include proactive inspections.
May 2 – 1041 regulations give local governments the ability to regulate particular development projects
occurring within their jurisdiction, even when the project has broader impacts. The proposed amended
Land Use Code passed on first reading and allows for the review and permitting of two designated areas
and activities of statewide interest - (1) major domestic water, sewage treatment and (2) highway
projects.
No Council meetings will be held on June 27, July 4, and July 11 for summer recess.
In May, June, July some items Council will discuss and consider include:
o Occupancy Regulations (May 9 Work Session)
o Possible Ballot Questions (May 9 Work Session)
o Local Minimum Wage first reading (May 16 Regular meeting)
o Sustainable Funding discussion (June 13 Special Meeting)
o Land Use Code (May 23 Work Session)
For the most up-to -date information on upcoming Council agenda items, please view the six-month
planning calendar here.
Future items are subject to change.
Please call the City Clerk’s Office at
970-416-2774 for up-to-date
information.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Engagement Opportunities
Land Use Code: The community is encouraged to
learn more, join the conversation and share input about
proposed housing-related changes to the Fort Collins
Land Use Code - rules for zoning, land use, building
design, and more. Input will help ensure the code reflects
our community's values and priorities.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming engagement
opportunities:
o Neighborhood Walking Tours | Thursdays,
Fridays & Saturdays in May
o Community Open House | May 8, 2-7 pm
Learn more at www.fcgov.com/LUCupdates.
Community Survey: It’s time for the annual Community Survey. Surveys were mailed to randomly selected
households across Fort Collins beginning in late April. Residents who receive the survey are encouraged to
complete it and return by mail or online using the unique link code provided. Survey responses are completely
confidential and allow residents the opportunity to rate City services and amenities and provide input on what
priorities the City should focus on in the future. In addition, this is a statistically valid survey.
The annual Community Survey helps inform the City’s Strategic Plan and Budget, and helps the City:
o Prioritize programs and projects
o Improve existing services
o Identify disparities in perceptions of service across various demographics
o Create communication outreach efforts
Residents who do not receive a random survey can still weigh in and share their input online between May 19
- 31 using the link that will be available here: https://www.fcgov.com/communitysurvey/
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023
There is a regular City election this year. For the first time, these regular elections have moved from
April to November and will be coordinated with Larimer County.
What’s on the Ballot
City offices on the ballot in this election include:
o Mayor
o City Councilmembers for Districts 2, 4 and 6
Ballot questions and initiatives are also possible. At this time, City Council has placed one Charter
amendment question on the ballot regarding candidate qualifications to comport with the Colorado
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6
Constitution. Additional Charter amendments as well as potential ballot initiatives are being considered
by City Council in May, with all ballot content required to be set by the beginning of September.
Because this will be a coordinated election, Fort Collins voters will also see other offices and questions
on their ballots. For most city voters, this will include Poudre School District board member seats as well
as any ballot questions placed by the County or State.
Key Election Dates for 2023 :
o August 8-28: Period for candidates for City offices to circulate nomination petitions to get on
the ballot
o September 5: Deadline for write-in candidates to file an affidavit of intent in order to have any
votes cast for them counted
o September 8: Deadline for the City Clerk to certify ballot content to the County
o Campaign Report Deadlines:
• October 3
• October 17
• October 24
• November 3
• December 12
o October 16: First day ballots can be mailed to registered voters by Larimer County
o October 30: Last day residents can register to vote and still be sent a mail ballot – eligible
voters can still register when voting in person
o November 7: Election Day
o November 29: Deadline to complete canvass and certification of the election
o January 9, 2024: Council Organizational Meeting where new Councilmembers are sworn in
Please check fcgov.com/vote for more information as it gets updated.
Renew your Liquor License Online!
Have you visited the City Clerk’s Liquor Licensing page recently? It is full of information, including how to
renew a liquor license online for a quicker turnaround time. If you are new to the process, check out the
Frequently Asked Questions section to get started.
FINANCE
Sales Tax
Monthly Reports on Our Website
This report reflects Sales and Use Tax collected in March for economic activity that occurred in February.
Please note the sales and use tax collected in March is predominately from February sales but also
includes delinquent collections from prior periods.
MARCH SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 11.4% 6.4%
Net Use Tax Collected: -24.6% -12.5%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 5.7% 3.9%
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are up 3.9% and total $44.3M.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
MARCH SUMMARY OVER BUDGET
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 3.3% 2.5%
Net Use Tax Collected: -13.5% 0.2%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 1.1% 2.2%
Year to date, the City has collected 2.2% more sales and use tax revenue, totaling $958K over budget.
Read the complete reports here: https://www.fcgov.com/salestax/salesreport
Sustainable Funding
Over the past 14 months, staff has been working with Council Finance Committee (CFC) and the full
Council to seek ways to address identified funding needs in the areas of parks and recreation, transit,
and housing. Along with these needs , the criticality of advancing City climate action goals has also been
identified as an area of need.
Through masterplans, the gaps below have been identified:
o Parks & Recreation - $8 to $12M annual shortfall (Parks & Recreation Master Plan)
o Transit - $8M to $14.7M annual shortfall (Transit Master Plan)
o Housing - $8M to $9.5M annual shortfall (Housing Strategic Plan)
o Climate - $9.5M+ annual shortfall (Our Climate Future Plan)
As different funding mechanisms are considered, Council has reiterated a desire to:
o Clearly define and articulate revenue needs
o Thoroughly research funding options including impacts to residents
o Work to keep overall resident impact and tax burden as low as possible
o Consider existing dedicated tax renewals and associated election timelines in a strategic
manner
o Develop clear understanding of ho w funds will be utilized
Through discussion , analysis and Council work sessions, sales tax, property tax and additional sales
taxes, such as a dedicated ¼ cent tax on substances (alcohol, marijuana, and/or nicotine) have
emerged as the most feasible mechanisms. Staff has also researched an added increase to the Xcel
franchise fee. Any new tax measure would have to be approved by voters. Per the recent ballot initiative,
City elections will now be in November so any ballot referral would need to happen in August.
Council will discuss this topic again at the June 13, 2023 work session.
TRAFFIC HIGHLIGHTS
Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation Program
Traffic in neighborhoods can affect the quality of life for residents, bicycles, pedestrians, as well as
drivers. Throughout Fort Collins, citizens are asking the City to reduce speeding traffic in their
neighborhoods. For this reason, the Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation Program (NTMP) was created.
Through education, engineering and enforcement , the goal of calmer, safer streets is achievable.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8
Goals:
o Improve compliance to posted speed limits, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
o Improve neighborhood livability and promote safe and pleasant conditions for residents,
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians by mitigating the impact of veh icular traffic on local and
collector streets. Educate citizens about traffic safety problems occurring in neighborhoods
o Implement traffic calming techniques that will improve neighborhood livability without
jeopardizing emergency response needs, creating hazards, or reducing mobility. Modify
travel behavior through planning, design, respectful communication, and participation to
accurately reflect the City's overall transportation policies and values
o Make efficient use of City resources by prioritizing NTMP projects
Work Area Traffic Control - 433 permits issued 1/1/2023-3/31/2023 (excluding Date extensions/or
changes)
Work area traffic control is an essential part of roadway construction, utility work, maintenance
operations and the management of traffic incidents. Traffic Operations is responsible for the approval of
all work area traffic control plans. This approval process ensures when the normal function of a roadway
is suspended, the traffic control plan established will provide for the continuity of movement of motor
vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, property access, emergency vehicles, and transit usage.
Another key element of a traffic control plan is to protect the workers performing a variety of tasks within
the workspace. Work zones present constantly changing conditions that are unexpected by the road
user. This creates an even higher degree of vulnerability for the workers and incident management
responders on or near the roadway.
Traffic Operations Service Requests from Public - 226
This can include sign damage, signal questions, concerns, requests and neighborhood safety.
Traffic Signal Timing Updates
Traffic operations is currently updating all pedestrian, yellow and red clearance intervals at every
signalized intersection in Fort Collins. While doing this work, we are also making progress towards
implementing the recently adopted Vision Zero Action Plan by changing left turn operations where there
is a safety benefit to pedestrians, vehicles, or both. One of the more noticeable impacts of this work will
be that the left turn green arrow may not be the first green indication you see when driving (lag vs
leading left turn).
Tour the Traffic Operations Center!
Traffic Operations is resuming public tours of the Traffic Operations Center! Learn about the work we do
and the systems we use to keep traffic moving and safe in Fort Collins. We’ve held one public evening
tour with great success in February, and a couple of daytime tours for other departments and
organizations. Additional tours are planned throughout the year. If you would like to schedule a tour,
please contact 970-221-6630 or email Lauri Talbot at ltalbot@fcgov.com.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
PUBLIC SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS
FORT COLLINS POLICE SERVICES
On April 21st, Fort Collins Police Services celebrated 110 years of
service to the community, and its rich history unfolds as a
reflection of each era and the demands of the time. As Fort
Collins and the agency continues to change, the department
continues to adapt, and the staff remain dedicated to serving and
protecting the Fort Collins community.
Police Psychologist
Dr. Rob Seals is the most recent addition to Fort Collins
Police Services. He will serve as the 3 rd on-staff Police
Psychologist in the 30 -year history of FCPS’ in-house
mental health program. Dr. Seals is an active duty veteran
and now a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF Reserves. Most
recently, Dr. Seals was the first in-house Director of the
Behavioral Health Division at the Harris County (TX)
Sheriff's Office, where he led a team of multidisciplinary
professionals in providing comprehensive mental health
services and peer support to over 5,000 law enforcement
employees and their families. FCPS is honored to have
him as a part of the team. Welcome to the team, Dr. Seals!
Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE)
In Q1 2023, FCPS established the Homeless Outreach
and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team to assist
unhoused residents. FCPS routinely looks for ways to
improve the way they can serve the community and the
HOPE team will use problem oriented policing strategies to
address issues surrounding homelessness in the City. The
team works with community partnerships to provide
compassionate services to the homeless population while
promoting public health and safety for all residents. This
team is led by Sergeant Annie Hill who has been with
FCPS since 2009. Sergeant Hill is a CIT (Crisis
Intervention Team) Certified Instructor and a Certified
Addiction Counselor. Sergeant Hill oversees three
(eventually four) officers, providing individuals with
services/resources, promoting safety, and addressing environmental concerns which are all priorities of
this team.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10
FCPS Released its 2022 Annual Report
Read the full report here.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation Events
In April, Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) and the Red Cross installed nearly 200 smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms as part of a community event at Poudre Valley Mobile Home Community (PVMHC).
Nineteen Poudre Fire Authority staff members and six Red Cross volunteers joined PVMHC residents
for a block party celebration and alarm installation. The team made 58 homes and 228 residents safer.
This installation event, combined with previous visits, has resulted in the increased safety of 136 homes
and 533 residents.
Free Monthly American Heart Association Friends and Family CPF and AED Courses
The course, offered through a partnership with PFA and UCHealth, teaches CPR and AED use to
increase the ability of bystanders to provide lifesaving CPR within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the American Heart Association's research -
proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR
practice time possible.
Skills taught include :
o Adult Hands-Only CPR
o Adult CPR with breaths
o Child CPR with breaths
o Adult and child AED use
o Infant CPR
o Mild and severe airway block for adults, children, and infants
When: Monthly SIGN UP HERE Please sign up in advance to ensure sufficient materials .
Where: Poudre Fire Authority Headquarters, 102 Remington St reet, Fort Collins
Red X Program Implementation
PFA implemented a new program to help keep responders safe as they respond to calls throughout the
community. The Red X Program labels buildings that have interior hazards, are structurally
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12
compromised, or abandoned. This information will help firefighters as they plan their response to an
emergency.
We are thankful to serve a community where this is not an incredibly prevalent issue but this labeling
system will help keep all responders, not just firefighters, and hopefully community members safe by
alerting people when a structure may be unsafe.
The signs indicate varying degrees of potential risk :
1. Solid red box = Normal structure conditions
2. Red box with white slash = Structural or interior hazards exist, and interior firefighting or rescue
operations should be conducted with extreme caution
3. Red box with white X = Do not enter - structural or interior hazards exist to a degree that
consideration should be given to limit firefighting to exterior operations only, entry only for known
risks to life
Learn more here: http://www.poudre-fire.org/.../code.../red-x-program
Budget Tool Launch
A new online budget platform, powered by ClearGov, is live on the PFA website. Th is tool increases
transparency and access to data for the community. It provides an easy to navigate and comprehensive
view of PFA’s funding sources, long-range financial plans, and budget process. The site provides a
definitive list of PFA’s programs shown through expenditures and even historical and demo graphic
information about the Authority. Take a look here.
Lithium-ion Batteries Charging and Storage
Lithium-ion batteries have received quite a bit of media coverage lately and they are ubiquitous to many
of our lives. PFA has not seen an increase in these fires but we have implemented more detailed
tracking to learn more moving forward. Please use these safety tips to ensure you are charging and
storing your batteries correctly:
o Only charge devices with the approved cords and/or stations they came with and unplug
them as they finish charging
o Never charge device s on a soft surface such as a bed, couch, or blanket
o Keep batteries at room temperature (not in sunlight or a hot vehicle)
o Stop using if you notice an odor, change in color or shape, unusual heat, leakage, or odd
noise
o Only buy batteries from a reputable source
o When disposing of lithium-ion batteries, never stack them in piles. Tape the ends with clear
or electrical tape and take them to a recycling center. Do not throw them in the trash or
curbside recycling. The Timberline Recycling Center offers a free and easy to use drop -off
location
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RECREATION
Recreation teams have been working diligently to hire the seasonal
staff necessary to run programming this summer, including pools and
day camps for youth. To date, numbers are looking positive which will
allow critical programming to run efficiently this summer!
Springtime at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park means baby animals are
arriving! Most recently, the team has added several new goats, sheep,
and a cow. The babies will be onsite and ready for visitors to The
Farm as the weather continues to warm up. Plan your visit today!
The Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO) program recently
hosted a day of Special Olympics basketball games at Webber Middle
School. The Fort Collins Storm team played a scrimmage team
comprised of City staff in preparation for the State Championship
game which occurred later in the month. After a win against the City
team, the Storm went on to win the State Championship game at the
Special Olympics for the 8th year in a row! Additional programs being
run by ARO this
quarter include
an Adaptive Fencing Clinic and an Adaptive Martial
Arts Clinic.
During spring break week, the youth team ran day
camps for more than 45 children! Activities during
the week included field trips, outdoor play, and an
ultimate frisbee clinic.
Fort Collins Storm playing scrimmage with City Staff.
PARKS
Highlights:
o Holiday lights came down in February
o Rolland Moore ballfield light replacement project
was completed
o Repairs completed in the streetscapes from
vehicle damage at Elizabeth/Shields,
College/Columbia and Lincoln/Cordova
o Library Park irrigation renovation is under
construction
o Forestry Strategic Plan RFP was completed and
released for submittals.
o Southridge irrigation replacement is underway
with an anticipated May completion date
Pond dredging at Southridge Golf Course
Baby goats at The Farm at
Lee Martinez Farm.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14
PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Dovetail Park
Construction of the new Dovetail Park is ongoing with concrete flatwork
within the park and the paving for the spur trail is in progress. PPD staff is
coordinating with the contractor on construction schedules with the park
opening anticipated Summer 2023. Park amenities will include a picnic
shelter, playground, multi-purpose field, basketball court, seasonal
restroom, bocce ball court, table tennis, corn hole, and a space designated
for daytime hammocking and slacklining.
Oak Street Plaza
The Parks and Park Planning and Development teams are continuing work
on the next phase of refurbishments for Oak Street Plaza. New furnishings
and plantings are being designed with anticipated installation in Spring
2023. Continued coordination with the Engineering Department is ongoing
to address drainage concerns and overall site improvements.
East Park District Maintenance Facility
The City’s first all-electric facility has reached substantial completion and on budget of $7M. It includes
both solar and a geo-thermal field. Crews are now able to save on emissions and operate more
efficiently as they are closer to the parks they serve.
CULTURAL SERVICES
Cultural Community Programs worked with Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County on a near -weekly
basis from November 2022 through April 2023 to integrate arts programming into the two Fort Collins -
specific clubs. Weekly programming included performing arts (singing, dancing, and acting), visual arts,
and multi-media arts facilitated by various local artists. The goal was to allow club members an
opportunity to experience and experiment with various art forms during facilitated programming in
opportunities they may not have otherwise experienced through routine school curricula.
The Lincoln Center has wrapped their 2022/2023 Lincoln Center Live Season with a successful line up
of shows, including three school shows offered to Poudre School District students with each show
reaching almost 1,200 students!
Information and tickets for the upcoming Summer Concert Series, in collaboration with The Gardens on
Spring Creek, can be found at lctix.com.
The Museum of Discovery hosted The Human Library on February 26th in collaboration with the City
of Fort Collins Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Poudre River Public Library District. The Human
Library allowed over 150 participants - or “Readers” - to borrow a human “Book” and engage in
conversations about their unique stories, particularly their experiences in Fort Collins regardi ng their
identity/identities. The program created a safe and non-judgmental environment for curious and often
taboo conversations that challenged prejudices and promote d understanding of differences.
Play structure installed at
Dovetail Park.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
Michael Gormley, Executive Director of Blast N Scrap, leading
multimedia instruction for Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County
NATURAL AREAS
Anniversary Celebrations Continue
In January, a special Natural Areas Bingo/La Lotería event held at
Horse and Dragon Brewing featured northern Colorado native plant
and wildlife terms in English and Spanish and their conservation
stories.
In February, a Natural Areas Trivia Night quizzed the audience about
natural area facts and statistics, and it even included a round of wildlife-sound identification!
In March, Lightening Talks (enjoyable, entertaining, and informative five-minute talks by subject matter
experts), at the Lyric Cinema, were popular with over 100 people participating. Topics included fireflies,
a virtual tour of urban natural areas, black-footed ferrets, saw-whet owls, the interdependence of nature
and culture, and the benefits of native plants in landscaping.
Tote bags, travel mugs, and pins celebrating the Natural Areas 30th Anniversary are now available at the
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery's gift shop.
The 30th Anniversary celebration continues through October , learn more at
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/30-anniversary
Rangers Meet the Community Where They Are
Natural Areas Rangers patrol trails year-round; they made 1,072 public contacts in the first quarter, 85%
of which were cordial or informational/educational. Only 15% of the contacts were regulation-related,
which is typical given their emphasis on outreach.
Rangers are supported by Volunteer Ranger Assistants who provided 353 hours of service and made
1,186 public contacts in the first quarter. Eighteen new Volunteer Ranger Assistants were trained in
partnership with Larimer County Department of Natural Resources.
One New Land Acquisition in the First Quarter
Natural Areas acquired 261 acres adjacent to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The acquisition secures
additional wildlife habitat and may provide additional trail connections as appropriate.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16
Land Conservation Life to Date Acreage Cost
Acres of Land Purchased 40,244
Acres of Land Leased 87
Acres of Land in Conservation Easements 17,649
Total Conserved – Life to Date 57,980 $ 119,218,755
2023 Total Acquisitions (fee and conservation easement) Acreage Cost
Total Conserved - Year to Date 261 $ 2,668,016
Property Under Contract Acreage Cost
Fee Acquisition Local Closing Second Quarter
2023 8 $ 120,000
Total Under Contract 8 $ 120,000
Land Conservation Funds Budgeted for 2023 $4,300,000 + Re-appropriation $10,100,000 $ 14,400,000
Land Conservation Funds Expended in 2023 to Date $ 2,668,016
Acquisitions Under Contract $ 120,000
Net Land Conservation Funds Remaining for 2023 $ 11,611,984
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
May is National Preservation Month!
Since 1973, communities across the United States have joined the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in the celebration of Preservation Month, which consists of planned events to promote
awareness of historic places and highlight their social and economic benefits. This year, the City of Fort
Collins will recognize Preservation Month with several special activities that begin in May and spill over
into early June.
Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Attend the hybrid 2023 Dearfield Conference, “Celebrating the
Women and Families of Dearfield,” in the Bernard Rollin Knowledge Well Classroom at the Nutrien
Agricultural Science Building, Colorado State University. This free conference is about the history and
preservation of Dearfield, a Black agricultural settlement founded in Weld County in the early 20 th
century. It includes plenary sessions and individual topic presentations, including a presentation at 10:40
am by City staff on the life of Jennie Goo dall, a Black resident of Fort Collins who became in influential
member of the Dearfield community. For more information on attending in person or via Zoom, contact
PreserveDearfield@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 pm City staff presents “Think Again! A Historic Preservation Myth -Busting
Workshop” in the Colorado River Community Room (222 Laporte Avenue). If you have considered
“There’s no way this old building can work for my needs!,” “I can’t change ANYTHING about my
designated historic property!” or “Old buildings are the worst energy hogs!” please join us as we debunk
these myths and more and share the true facts about how historic preservation works in Fort Collins. To
register, contact City staff at preservation@fcgov.com.
Tuesday, June 6, 9:00 am The City of Fort Collins will co-sponsor an educational workshop with the
Fort Collins Board of Realtors, “Historic Preservation Basics for Realtors” that will educate attendees
about how to look up information about historic properties, how properties are designated and what that
status means for sellers and buyers, the responsibilities and benefits of owning historic properties, and
the resources City staff offers to realtors, sellers, and prospective buyers for older properties in the
community. Fort Collins Board of Realtors members are invited to at tend the workshop, which will be
held at 826 West Drake Road, Unit #1. Visit https://fcbr.org/ for more information or contact City staff at
preservation@fcgov.com.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ECONOMIC HEALTH OFFICE
Upcoming Regional Job Fair - May 16
Thursday, May 16 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm
AIMS Community College Windsor Campus
1130 Southgate Drive, Windsor, CO
This event is FREE for employers and prospective employees .
Are you seeking quality employees to fulfill your staffing needs? Feature your business at the Regional
Job Fair! Register your business at: https://snapappointments.com/listing/5yd. Registration closes on
Thursday, May 11th. For more information or questions email Susie Larson, slarson@windsorgov.com
Changes Coming to Businesses: Plastic Pollution Act Breakdown
The State of Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act was passed in 2021 to reduce and mit igate plastic
pollution in Colorado. This two-phased law became effective on January 1, 2023, and place d a 10-cent
fee on paper and plastic carryout bags used at checkout and for pickup and delivery orders at large
retail stores. On January 1, 2024, plasti c carryout bags will be banned at large retail stores, and paper
carryout bags will continue to be offered for the 10 -cent fee.
Polystyrene (brand name Styrofoam) food containers (i.e., cups, bowls, trays, and hinged clamshells)
will also be banned in 202 4 at retail food establishments such as restaurants, fast-food chains, grocery
stores, and convenience stores. Other retail food establishments include business cafeterias, hospitals,
schools/universities, and prisons.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18
BIPOC Business Directory
The BIPOC Alliance has developed a directory of BIPOC -owned businesses in
Larimer County. To be featured in the directory, send your business name,
contact information, and a brief business description to
communications@bipocalliance.org. You can find the directory here.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Citywide Contract for Trash
Fort Collins City Council approved a contract with Republic Services for residential trash and recycling
collection with the goal of increasing opportunities for composting and recycling providing equitable,
consistent pricing across the community, as well as increasing safety and reducing emissions .
For a price similar to what most households paid in 2022 for only trash and every -other-week recycling,
the contracted program will include weekly collection of trash , recycling and seasonal yard trimmings
(April- November) and two bulky item collections p er year.
The contracted program will also include an option for households with a very small amount of trash (XS
cart service) and those with a large amount of trash (XL cart service).
Contracted prices for monthly service for weekly collection of trash, recycling, yard trimmings, and two
bulky item collections per year will be:
o XS cart service (16 gallons): $11.10
o S cart service (35 gallons): $19.10
o M cart service (65 gallons): $37.10
o L cart service (95 gallons): $55.10
o XL cart service (2 x 95 gallons ca rts): $109.10
These prices include a $1.35 monthly administrative fee to recover the City’s contract administration
cost. If a household chooses not to receive yard trimmings collection, their monthly service price will be
reduced by $5.00 per month unless they have the XS cart service. Households with the XS cart service
will not be eligible for the $5.00 discount.
The new service will begin on September 30, 2024. This allows the hauler enough time to purchase
trucks, hire staff and prepare for the new service. It also allows the hauler, in partnership with the City, to
conduct an extensive outreach campaign to ensure community members can prepare for the service
change.
Until then, households will continue using the licensed hauler of their choosin g.
Households wanting to start or change service before September 30, 2024, may contact Republic
Services, Ram Waste/Waste Connections, or Waste Management.
All households enrolled in the City contracted program will be contacted in the first half of 2024 to set up
billing with the hauler, select their cart sizes, request a variance, or choose to opt out of the program and
pay the opt-out fee. Households will receive bills for service directly from the hauler and have dedicated
local customer service representatives.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
Enrolled households will receive new trash, recycling, and yard trimmings carts with the City logo in
the fall of 2024. These carts will stay with households even if the City chooses a different hauler later.
Spring Clean and Green
Spring blooms and warmer temperatures are finally within reach and , with the new season, you may be
feeling the urge to declutter and green up your living space. Here are some tips to make your annual
spring cleaning more eco-friendly:
o Reusable and refillable cleaning supplies: Consider shifting to reusable when choosing
cleaning supplies. Use unwanted clothes or fabric scraps for rags, or purchase cleaning
cloths that can be washed and reused multiple times instead of single -use paper towels. You
can also reuse empty spray bottles and refill them with a mixture of vinegar and water for an
easy, eco-friendly cleaning solution.
o Pruning and gardening: Spring is a great time to prune away overgrown tree limbs and
bushes and remove dead leaves. For an additional fee, residential trash haulers offer
seasonal yard trimmings collection from April-November. Contact your hauler to set up
curbside yard trimmings collection.
o Recycle unwanted items: Use the A to Z Recycling List to learn what items can and cannot
go in your curbside recycling bin. This interactive tool also includes items that can be donated
or reused rather than thrown away. Explore and share this resource to answer all your
burning recycling questions!
o Hard-to-recycle items: Bring used antifreeze, batteries, motor oil, and paint to the Timberline
Recycling Center Hard-to-Recycle Materials Yard free of charge!
o Wash your Reusable Bags: State and local laws are now in place to reduce plastic pollution,
starting with single-use plastic bags. If you’ve already shifted to reusable bags, remember
that these bags require regular cleaning. Use some of your spring cleaning energy to ensure
your reusable bags are as fresh as the spring day.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Fair Housing Month 2023 - April
What is Fair Housing? All persons are entitled to equal access to housing. Fair housing laws were
enacted to provide equal housing opportunities. It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of a person's
protected class in the sale, rental, or financing of housing. Protected classes include sex, national origin,
familial status, race, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, color, creed, marital status, or retaliation for
opposing a discriminatory practice. The Act covers most housing.
“Choices for all voices: Building an equitable future” This year, the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) is commemorating the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing
Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made
discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. In April, HUD held an online Opening Ceremony and an
online National Event on building an equitable future.
Landlord & Tenant Support Program
The Landlord & Tenant Support Program recognizes the key role
landlords have in providing stable homes to households in need.
The program offers participating landlords reimbursement for minor
unit repairs to units rented to tenants referred by CAHPS, the
Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placing System.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20
The program also provides short term assistance to renters in CAHPS to cover move -in expenses. The
effort helps preserve the investment of participating landlords while ensuring safe, affordable housing for
Fort Collins neighbors in need. The goal of the Landlord and Tenant Support Program is to reduce
barriers for landlords and residents in achieving stable rental housing. For more information, please click
this link.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE
Equity Plan Summary
The Equity & Inclusion Office shares responsibility with all departments to develop and apply an equity
lens to its work. Everyone has a role to play, so it is vital that there is a shared understanding of why
equity is important and how everyday decision -making can work toward providing equitable, supportive
experiences for all community members.
The Equity Office strives to represent community voices, but especially those voices most excluded and
oppressed, and weave their ideas, needs, and hopes into program, project, and policy decision -making.
Investing time to hear from all voices in the community is critical so open and honest conversations can
take place and trust is felt between community members and local government representatives. Trust
leads to equitable and inclusive community development where the community sees their needs heard
and met.
The 2023-2026 Equity & Inclusion Plan will help define the collective work to implement the shared
vision toward building a more equitable Fort Collins. Here the three common goals staff prioritized to
move the City forward in this work:
Goal 1: Commitment & Common Language in the Workplace
We will normalize and operationalize a Citywide understanding of equity and inclusion principles and
provide development opportunities for staff across all levels.
Goal 2: Inclusive & Equitable Engagement
We will build organizational capacity to engage and partner with community groups to co -create how we
advance equity for all, emphasizing participation of demographic and geographic groups most impacted
by identified disparities and in equities.
Goal 3: Data Accountability
We will systematically collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, disaggregated by
race data, to remain accountable and transparent to the city organization and community. Data will
inform updates to policies, programs, and services to increase access for those most impacted by
social, economic, environmental inequities.
Native American Relations
The Native American community recently convened two events at the invitation of Dr. Jennifer Barfi eld,
who cares for the local Bison relatives. Each year, Dr. Barfield works with the Intertribal Buffalo Council
(IBC) to provide bison to Tribal Nations within the United States.
With calving season about to begin, a traditional blessing was sought by Mr. Ron Hall (Arikara) who is
the consulting attorney for the City of Fort Collins Equity Office. Mr. Hall engaged local Elders Mr.
Lessert Moore (Lakota) and Dr. Alice Moore (Arapaho) to conduct a workshop on traditional bison
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21
stories. Mr. Moore is a traditional spiritual adviser and Dr. Alice Moore is a therapist at the CSU Health
Center.
The first event took place at the Museum of Discovery the evening of April 6 th where Mr. Moore provided
a presentation on the Lakota relationship with bison and the meaning of holding a traditional Lakota
blessing. Dr. Alice Moore and Phillip Chavez each sang a b uffalo song. Dinner was provided following
the presentation with approximately 70 people attending!
The second event was held at the enchanting Soapstone Natural Areas on Saturday, April 8th where Mr.
Moore and Dr. Alice Moore held a traditional ceremon y to welcome the new “relatives.” The participants
were again blessed with traditional songs and drumming from Mr. Chavez, Dr. Alice Moore, Mr. Moore
and Cody Davenport. A box lunch and beverages were provided for the more than 80 community
members who attended this special event.
Karalyn Radford Photography (April 8th, 2023: Soapstone Natural Areas)
UTILITIES
WATER OPERATIONS
Larimer County Conservation Corps’ Home Efficiency Assessments began January 2023 and will
run until May 2023. This program is in its 14 th year and is a partnership between Fort Collins Utilities,
Loveland Water and Power, and Larimer County. It provides free home energy and water efficiency
assessments and installation of efficient products and fixtures, including toilets, LED lights bulbs, and
shower heads.
Program goals for 2023 include:
o 250-300 home assessments for Fort Collins Utilities customers
o Equity goals: 10-20% of assessments are income qualified assistance program customers,
10% of assessments are Black, indigenous, people of color customers
o Installation of 125-150 high efficiency toilets (high water saving action)
o As a pilot to evaluate participant interest and need, distribute hose timers and shutoff nozzles
with self-installation instructions to customers with manual irrigation or outdoor water uses.
As of February 7th, 78 home assessments were completed and 29 high efficiency toilets were installed.
For more information or to sign up, visit fcgov.com/LCCC
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22
Water Efficiency Plan update - Staff is finalizing the Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) update Project Plan
and building internal and external teams to implement work towards completing an updated WEP and
efficiency goals by the end of 2024. Major tasks include (1) quantitative modeling of water demand and
conservation/efficiency tactics effectiveness, incorporating climate and growth projections; (2) diverse
public engagement to foster equitable approaches to water conservat ion and efficiency; (3) internal staff
engagement following a collaborative One Water approach; and (4) equity evaluation of current and
potential future water conservation/efficiency programs.
To support this update, Utilities posted RFP 9720 Water Demand Model Update on February 2nd to
request proposals from qualified professionals to provide consulting services for updates to an existing
water demand estimation model that integrates with existing supply and distribution system models.
Garden in a Box went on sale on March 1st. Utilities and Nature in the City offered 170 $25 discounts
on mostly native garden kits to Utilities residential water customers. Utilities is also offered 25 $100
discounts to income-qualified water customers or mobile home park residents in the water district.
Xeriscape Highlights:
o The Xeriscape Garden Party will be Saturday, June 17 from 9am-12pm in the Xeriscape
Demonstration Graden (300 Laporte Ave). Learn about water -wise landscaping from the
experts enjoy live art demonstrations, live music, a prize drawing, and a coffee truck! There
will also be a pollinator plant swap. Learn more about this event here.
o On February 25th, during Seed Starting Volunteer Day,15 volunteers helped start 30 varities
of native plants to be given away at the Xeriscape Garden Party.
o March 4 – Tabled at the High Plains Landscape Workshop: Xeriscape Incentive Program with
300 attendees
o March 11 & March 18: 35 volunteers helped transplant 1,400 plants which will be given away
at the Xeriscape Garden Party on June 17
o March 25 - Xeriscape Incentive Program hosted a free Landscape Design workshop for 100
participants to help residential customers reimagine and redesign their landscapes to be
more sustainable
o March 23, 28 & 30 - Xeriscape and Soil Amendment Code Workshops : Staff hosted sessions
to gather stakeholder feedback to help shape proposed landscape standards. Each session
focused on a specific topic proposed for update: turf limits for residential and commercial
new/re-development, irrigation efficiency, and soil amendment compliance.
LIGHT & POWER OPERATIONS
Light & Power Joint Training Field with Poudre Fire Authority
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
Estimated Project Budget: $110,000 ($55,000 each in 2021 and 2022)
Phase: Design
Project Details:
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) and Utilities staff have been coordinating a plan to collaborate on training
services that will benefit both agencies at the PFA Training Center on West Vine Drive. The
development of these props will benefit the City’s Utilities Service Area by eliminating the need to
purchase land on which to erect the props, and PFA benefits through the partnership by adding new
dimensions to special rescue training, as well as partnering with Utilities to facilitate other site
improvements. In this arrangement, PFA staff is working w ith Utilities staff to develop the construction
drawings, surveys, and any excavation and installation work that is necessary for the project. PFA’s
cost is expected to be minimal, and Utilities has existing and future offers in the City’s budgeting proce ss
to cover their portion of the expenses.
Project Status:
o Initial poles for climbing and pole rescue training have been set.
o First vaults are scheduled to be set April/May 2023.
o Worked in cooperation with Streets to build an area of crushed concrete in t he vehicle
extrication training area to minimize mud and mud tracking.
o Working through technical rescue props and plans using water/sewer props and various
trench scenarios.
Ami Equipment & Technology Upgrade
Estimated Project Budget: $300,000 (2021), $932,000 (2022)
Phase: Proof-of-Concept Installation Complete
Project Details:
This is the third and final year of a replacement program of data
collecting devices called Gatekeepers with the next generation of
technology.
It also includes a transition in the data backhaul architecture and
construction standard. For infrastructure within city limits, the
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network will use
Connexion fiber as the data backhaul mechanism to replace the
existing wireless router system.
Project Status:
o Connexion has completed construction at 13 of the 85
Gatekeeper sites.
o Two sites are currently under design/construction.
o AMI partner Honeywell has manufactured 22 of the
next generation Gatekeepers and they are awaiting
shipment.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Poudre River Raw Waterline Replacement
Budget: $3,200,000
Project Phase: Design Complete, Construction in Fall
2023
Project Details: The existing 27” Steel Raw Waterline
is one of two pipelines that transport the City’s water
supply down the Poudre Canyon. A portion of the
pipeline downstream of Gateway Natural Area is
exposed due to erosion of the river. This portion of
the pipeline will be relocated and buried at a dept h to
protect it from future er osion. The relocated section of
the waterline will also be enlarged to allow for future
operational flexibility.
Project Status: Final design, cost estimates, and
permitting complete. Temporary and permanent
easements secured. Early procurement of materials
and procurement of construction contraction ongoing.
Environmental Learning Center (ELC) Flow
Restoration Project
Budget: $6,321,139
Project Phase: Construction Complete
Project Details: The ELC Flow Restoration Project
is a partnership project involving Fort Collins
Utilities, Natural Areas, and Colorado State
University. The purpose of the project is to replace
a damaged diversion structure at the ELC to keep
water flowing through a small side channel of the
Cache La Poudre River. The main project goals
are focused around constructing a new low -impact
diversion, re-establishing floodplain connection,
and restoration of the main river channel and
overbank floodplain. Completion of the project will
protect the point of diversion for an instream water right acquired by the City which keeps flows in the
Poudre River for fish, habitat, and recreation. The instream water right prevents approximately 10,000
acre-feet of water from being diverted off the river by other users. The new diversion will improve fish
passage and allow for sediment transport which is key to a healthy river system. Proposed grading
improvements will allow the river to spread out naturally across the floodplain. Re -establishing the
floodplain connection will allow for regeneration of natural cottonwood trees and willows that provide
important wildlife along the river corridor.
Project Status: Construction of the project began in late 2022. The new diversion structure and al l in-
stream improvements were completed in late March.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25
MARCH 2023 NUMBERS
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION
2022 Highlights:
• Finished the year at 94% of the main buildout complete
• Launched My Bundle TV tool.
• Hired multiple new staff members, resulting in a full team
• The Connexion residential take rate was 33% as of January 1st
• Signed contract with CSU Athletics for 2023 community engagement
• Determined internet price changes for Q1 2023
• Continuing to make significant progress with construction of multi-dwelling units (MDUs). There
is still a high demand from those in the community who live in apartments, condos, townhomes
and certain HOAs
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26
• Hired the City’s first commission-based sales representative who started April 17th and will focus
on residential sales.
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 Com munity, Transportation and Mobility, 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.
This report contains a metric from the Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Outcome.
Analysis of Performance
Snow accumulation is addressed with a shorter timeline to correct than a majority of the Code sections
managed by Code Inspectors. Because snow/ice accumulation is an immediate safety issue, it is one of
the Codes that does not have the typical seven-day notification, re-inspection, courtesy door posting,
and then a possible abatement. It is also an opportunity for the residents to work directly with the Code
Compliance Inspector specifically for a time extension to correct the issue.
Code compliance frequently sees yellow or red metrics in Q1 due to the quick turnaround on
abatements for sidewalk snow removal which provides less time for voluntary compliance.
Metric Definition
This metric tracks the percentage of voluntary compliance with nuisance code v iolations issued by the
City of Fort Collins. Voluntary compliance is defined as violations corrected by the property owner or
tenant.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27
Why is this important?
Code compliance contributes to the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of neighborhoods.
Voluntary compliance of nuisance codes is an indicator of the City's attractiveness and feeling of safety
in neighborhoods. It is also an indication of whether a neighborhood is deteriorating and may need
additional services.
City Organization Impact on Performance
High - The City affects the metric in the following ways: 1) violation notices sent to property owner and
tenant explaining the violation and giving a deadline to correct the problem; 2) final notice – this is a
posting on the door explaining that the deadline has come, what the violation is, and that they need to
correct the violation by the next day in order to avoid abatement or citation; 3) encouragement of
residents to call if they need an extension – the City’s violation notices state that they should call us if
they have a need for a little more time to correct the violation; 4) Adopt -a-Neighbor program - volunteer
program to help elderly or disabled residents with shoveling their sidewalks; and 5) door hangers - for
codes that do not require notice be given (i.e. sidewalk snow removal) – the City provides a courtesy
door hanger on the first offense explaining the code requirement and give s them until the following day
to correct the violation.
Benchmark Information
Benchmarking in process
To review all the metrics on the Community Dashboard, go to https://fortcollins.clearpointstrategy.com/