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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 9/15/2015 - City Manager�S Update - September 10, 2015September 10, 2015 CONTENTS ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 3 September 15 Council Meeting ..............................................................................................................................3 September 15 Work Session...................................................................................................................................3 September 22 Council Work Session ......................................................................................................................3 September 29 Work Session...................................................................................................................................3 October 6 Council Meeting .....................................................................................................................................4 October 6 work Session ..........................................................................................................................................4 SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION .................................................................................................. 4 Monthly & Year to Date ..........................................................................................................................................4 CAPITAL PROJECTS ........................................................................................................................... 4 CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT ...............................................................................................................4 MULBERRY BRIDGE (SH 14) AT THE POUDRE RIVER ENHANCEMENTS ..................................................................5 WEST MULBERRY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT DESIGN.................................................................................................5 ARTHUR DITCH BOX SECTION REPLACEMENT - LOOMIS/OLIVE ............................................................................6 SHIELDS STREET AND DRAKE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................6 TIMBERLINE IMPROVEMENTS – PROSPECT TO BLACKBIRD ...................................................................................7 HORSETOOTH AND TIMBERLINE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................................7 VINE AND SHIELDS ROUNDABOUT .........................................................................................................................8 REMINGTON GREENWAY .......................................................................................................................................9 DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................................9 LINCOLN (INTERIM) AND LEMAY IMPROVEMENTS / WOODWARD CAMPUS ..................................................... 10 NORTH COLLEGE PEDESTRIAN GAP ..................................................................................................................... 10 NORTH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS – CONIFER TO WILLOX ................................................................................. 11 LINCOLN CORRIDOR Project – 1st Street to Lemay Avenue ................................................................................. 11 CAPITAL PROJECTS - UTILITIES ..................................................................................................... 12 Lincoln and Willow Storm Sewer Outfall ............................................................................................................. 12 DWRF Digester Lid 611 Replacement Project ..................................................................................................... 12 Mountain Avenue Waterline Replacement ......................................................................................................... 13 Mall Project ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 North College Improvement Project ................................................................................................................... 14 Avery Park Neighborhood Conversion ................................................................................................................ 14 PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE ................................................................................................................. 15 Police Services ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 Poudre Fire Authority .......................................................................................................................................... 15 BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY .............................................................................................. 18 Year to Date Comparisons ................................................................................................................................... 18 Projects of Note-Status and Updates .................................................................................................................. 18 Projects Under Appeal ......................................................................................................................................... 20 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 21 Environmental Services ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Social Sustainability ............................................................................................................................................. 21 Economic Health .................................................................................................................................................. 21 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 3 ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 15 COUNCIL MEETING  Seasonal Overflow Shelter (Second Reading – Consent)  Amend the Land Use Code to allow a permitted use of Seasonal Overflow Shelter for persons experiencing homelessness annually during the months of November through April.  Extension of the Planned Development Overlay Zone District (PDOD) Pilot (Second Reading- consent) o Extending the pilot of the PDOD for an additional 6 months.  Salud Family Health Centers Rezoning (1830 LaPorte Ave.) (Second Reading-consent)  Marijuana Code Clean-up Ordinance (consent) o Amending City Code to increase clarity and efficacy of Marijuana regulations  Traffic Code Amendments regarding Bicycling Laws (consent) SEPTEMBER 15 WORK SESSION  2016 Budget Revisions o Propose revisions to the 2016 Annual Budget and obtain Council guidance on the Revision Offers being recommended by the City Manager SEPTEMBER 22 COUNCIL WORK SESSION  Energy Policy Update o Present the draft revised Energy Policy, as recommended by the Energy Board and in alignment with the Climate Action and other City Plans. It is anticipated that the Energy Policy would then be brought back to Council for adoption by resolution.  Proposed amendment to the Fort Collins-Windsor 392 IGA o Consider an amendment to the type of uses allowed in the Fort Collins-Windsor 392 IGA to include auto-dealerships SEPTEMBER 29 WORK SESSION  Possible Executive Session o Personnel Matters related to Fraternal Order of Police Collective Bargaining  Changes to Urban Renewal Plan Areas related to the URA Reform Bill. o Provide an update on staff recommended actions as a result of HB15- 1348 including, proposed changes to existing plan areas, revisions to internal processes, changes to other logistics, and initial thoughts on next steps post January 1, 2016 (the effective date of the new legislation).  Environmental Services Strategic Plan o Provide City Council with a draft of the Environmental Services Department Strategic Plan and receive input from Council on the key issues addressed and the direction of the plan  Street Oversizing Fund o Present a draft study that assesses and updates the City’s Street Oversizing Capital Expansion Fee Program and receive input from Council on policy issues necessary to update the Transportation Capital Expansion Fee. 4 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE OCTOBER 6 COUNCIL MEETING  Annual Budget Adjustment Ordinance (consent-First Reading) o Appropriation of expenses related to unanticipated revenue, grants and unforeseen costs that had not previously been budgeted  Affordable Housing Strategic Plan o Consideration of a resolution adopting the Plan OCTOBER 6 WORK SESSION  Prioritizing ¼ cent Capital Improvement Projects (BOB 2.0) o Discuss timing of ¼ cent capital improvement projects (2016-2025) approved by voters in the April 2015 election.  Addition of Permitted Use Procedures SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE July 2015 Sales tax collections increased 3.9% Use tax collections excluding rebates increased 20.9% Sales and use tax collections excluding rebates increased 7.1% 2015 YTD Sales tax collections increased 6.2% Use tax collections excluding rebates increased 31.4% Sales and use tax collections excluding rebates increased 10.9% CAPITAL PROJECTS CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT Funding Source: KFCG/BOB Funds Estimated Project Budget: $450,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  This project provides a complete City sidewalk inventory, identifies sidewalk inadequacies, and identifies inadequate handicap accessibilities according to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  37,741 accessible ramps have been identified as acceptable, substandard, or missing in accordance with the ADA requirements. Project Updates:  Current Projects – o Upcoming project locations: New sidewalk installation along City Park south of Birch. o Current projects: Staff is continuing to collaborate with CSU staff regarding final layout for the NRRC connection between Centre Avenue and MAX Spring Creek Station. Staff collaborated with Ops Services repair work to replace a tripping hazard along Maple. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5 Work is schedule to begin August 31st to install 100’ of missing sidewalk along Wayne Street near Woodford. o Staff is currently working with Transfort to install new bus stop locations and updates to existing locations. In addition, staff is working with FCMoves to install new ramps and sidewalk connections for Safe Routes to Schools and the low-stress bicycle network.  Staff attended September 8th Council Work Session regarding Safe Routes to Everywhere. http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php MULBERRY BRIDGE (SH 14) AT THE POUDRE RIVER ENHANCEMENTS Funding Source: City of Fort Collins Estimated Project Budget: $750,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is replacing the Mulberry Bridge (State Highway 14) over the Poudre River starting in the fall of 2014. Construction was delayed due to the September 2013 flood.  Due to the construction, eastbound traffic on Mulberry will be detoured for the duration of construction. Project Updates:  Bridge enhancements for Phase II, including medians, concrete staining and stone columns, continue to be constructed. Additional project information can be found at https://www.codot.gov/projects/SH14PoudreRiver WEST MULBERRY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT DESIGN Funding Source: Colorado off system bridge program (BRO) funds and KFCG Estimated Project Budget: $1.1m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The goal of the project is to replace the existing structurally deficient bridge with a new bridge that meets the current standards.  The posted weight limit on this bridge precludes the passage of emergency vehicles from the nearby fire station.  Construction is planned for winter 2015/spring 2016. Project Updates:  The bidding process for the project has begun. 6 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE ARTHUR DITCH BOX SECTION REPLACEMENT - LOOMIS/OLIVE Funding Source: KFCG/Operation Services, Facilities Estimated Project Budget: $1m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The intent of this project is to replace a structurally deficient bridge/box sections with new concrete box culverts. Project Updates:  No current updates SHIELDS STREET AND DRAKE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Federal Hazard Elimination Grant (90%)/Local Match (10%) Estimated Project Budget: $986,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The main goal of this project is to reduce the accident rate that occurs at this intersection by installing dedicated right turn lanes in the north and southbound movements. A reduced movement concept is also being considered to the Raintree Dr./Davidson Rd. intersection 400 feet south of Shields and Drake.  Project is currently in a “hold pattern” until the offers for additional right of way acquisitions from the adjacent property owners has been accepted or negotiated. This process must also be approved by Colorado Department of Transportation, Right of Way Department, as federal funding requires.  As a result of meeting Federal requirements this project is anticipated to go to construction in the summer of 2016. Project Updates:  Staff continues to work with two adjacent property owners for additional right of way acquisition. A counter-offer has been submitted and is currently under review for one, the second has agreed and has committed to possession in use. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7 TIMBERLINE IMPROVEMENTS – PROSPECT TO BLACKBIRD Funding Source: Building on Basics (BOB) Estimated Project Budget: $5.0m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The goals of this project are to improve air quality, reduce vehicle wait time and reduce the accident rate by constructing a free-right turn and acceleration lane from eastbound Prospect to southbound Timberline; as identified in our Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study.  The 2005 ballot language stated this project will expand Timberline Road to four (4) lane arterial standards including:  Travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and landscaped medians.  Improvements to the Prospect and Timberline intersection and all its approaches to add additional turn lanes.  The project will add a sidewalk connection for southbound Timberline from Prospect to Blackbird.  Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2016. Project Updates:  First offers went out this month for right-of-way acquisitions.  Staff is currently value engineering the project and working on increasing the budget (BOB funds) in response to escalating construction costs.  The project is likely a Two Phase project (Phase One – Roadway work 2016, Phase Two – Great Western Maintenance and Signal Improvements). More info at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/prospect-timberline.php HORSETOOTH AND TIMBERLINE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Building on Basics (BOB)/Federal Grant (CMAQ) Estimated Project Budget: $3.5m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion and vehicle wait time by constructing additional intersection turn lanes.  The need for these safety and operational improvements were identified in the Engineering Department’s recently completed Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study. Turn lane needs are as follows: o Right turn lane (southbound Timberline to westbound Horsetooth) o Right turn lane (eastbound Horsetooth to southbound Timberline) o Second left turn lane (northbound and southbound Timberline) 8 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE  Additionally, the project will include median and landscape improvements, sidewalk and bicycle lane improvements and transit infrastructure. Project Updates:  The intersection is fully open to through traffic. Lane drops are still being used to complete work along both Horsetooth and Timberline Road, with final roadway work scheduled to be complete in early October.  All concrete paving work is complete. Crews are focusing on median curb along Timberline and then will have final asphalt paving remaining, tentatively scheduled for mid to late Sept.  Landscaping and streetscaping will begin in early September and will continue through mid- November. More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/horsetooth-timberline.php VINE AND SHIELDS ROUNDABOUT Funding Source: Building on Basics (BOB)/Federal Grant (STP Metro)/Regional Road Impact Fees Estimated Project Budget: $1.7m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The main goal of this project is to increase mobility at the intersection via multimodal transportation improvements. Currently, the east-west lanes on Vine Drive are not aligned causing additional independent traffic movements which effect the overall operation of the signal timing.  Other safety concerns which will be corrected at the intersection entail: adding sidewalks along the northern portion of the project, installing ADA compliant ramps/crosswalks and adding bike lanes. Project Updates:  The City’s contractor started construction in early August.  North/south thru traffic is anticipated to be open on Shields by the middle of September. More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/vsi.php CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9 REMINGTON GREENWAY Funding Source: FC Moves Funding Estimated Project Budget: $650,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The goal of this pilot project is to offer flexibility in street design to calm traffic, support active modes of transportation and integrate stormwater management strategies.  The design calls for buffered bike lanes, removal of the traffic signals between Prospect and Mulberry, and the construction of a mini roundabout with curb bulb outs at Remington and Laurel. Project Updates:  The City’s contractor will begin work in September near the CSU flower gardens, constructing a rain garden.  The City’s contractor will begin work in September constructing pedestrian improvements at various locations throughout the corridor. More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/remingtongreenway.php DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Federal Grants/Local Funds/DDA Funds Estimated Project Budget: $1.4M Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The City has completed two design projects within the Downtown River District: 1. Developing an implementation plan for improvements along Jefferson Street between College Avenue and the Mountain /Lincoln intersection based on the available budget, and 2. Developing a conceptual design for improvements along Willow Street between North College Avenue and Linden Street.  The focus of the project has now shifted to developing final engineering plans along Jefferson Street as well as coordinating planned improvements adjacent to active developments along Willow Street. Project Updates:  Construction will begin September 2015. 10 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE LINCOLN (INTERIM) AND LEMAY IMPROVEMENTS / WOODWARD CAMPUS Funding Source: City of Fort Collins General Fund/Intersection Improvement Fund Estimated Project Budget: $2.1-2.3M Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  This project has several goals. The first is to install three new points of access/turn lanes to the Woodward Campus, two on Lemay, and one on Lincoln. The project will also complete the improvements along the west side of Lemay between Lincoln and Mulberry. This includes completion of the Magnolia intersection to a full movement location along with curb, gutter and sidewalk for the entire length. An interim sidewalk will also be constructed along the Lincoln front that connects pedestrians to the Poudre River bridge on Lincoln and into downtown. Lastly, a double left turn configuration will be installed on southbound Lemay to eastbound Mulberry for as a result of anticipated traffic volumes for this area. Project Updates:  Project has reached approximately 80% completion. The goal is for substantial completion by September 11th. Remaining work will continue during the following weeks.  Milestone improvements were achieved in completing the installation of utility stubs to the future commercial property. The new center median has completed all curb, gutter and paving taking some burden off local traffic movements. NORTH COLLEGE PEDESTRIAN GAP Funding Source: CMAQ Grant/URA Contribution/Pedestrian Program Funds Estimated Project Budget: $900,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The primary goal of this project is to complete a gap in pedestrian infrastructure from Highway 1 to the south side of the Larimer & Weld Canal.  This project will construct a pedestrian connection crossing the Larimer & Weld Canal extending north to SH 1 (Terry Lake Rd). The project impacts a federal highway, and is located outside the City limits but within the Growth Management Area. Project Updates:  No current updates CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11 NORTH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS – CONIFER TO WILLOX Funding Source: Federal Grants/Local Matching Funds Estimated Project Budget: $12m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The intent of this project is to design and construct improvements along North College Avenue from the Conifer/Hickory intersection to Willox Lane, bringing this section of North College up to four-lane arterial standards as defined by the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards. Both medians and sections of the planned rear access roads are included in the project. Project Updates:  South bound lane widening and storm sewer systems are complete.  North bound lane widening and west side driveways and sidewalks are currently being installed.  Landscape installation is scheduled to begin in August. LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – 1ST STREET TO LEMAY AVENUE Funding Source: General Fund Reserves, Street Oversizing Fund, previously committed developer local street obligations, savings from Woodward interim improvements Estimated Project Budget: $6.5m Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  This phase of the overall Lincoln corridor plan includes improvements along Lincoln Avenue between 1st Street and Lemay Avenue.  Subsequent phases include improvements to the Poudre River Bridge and improvements along Lincoln Avenue to Jefferson Street.  Project intent is to create a multi-modal design along Lincoln Avenue that will include creating a street with a unique identity, improving the mobility, safety, and experience for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and vehicles, and creating an environment where local businesses can thrive. Project Updates:  In final stages of awarding engineering design to Interwest Consulting Group; design kickoff meeting set for September 1, 2015. 12 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE CAPITAL PROJECTS - UTILITIES LINCOLN AND WILLOW STORM SEWER OUTFALL Funding Source: Stormwater Estimated Project Budget: $2,900,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details: Preliminary design underway Cultural surveys underway Railroad/Natural Areas/resident coordination Fort Collins’ oldest tree is near the outfall at Lincoln and Willow. Sewer alignment will be routed around this tree. Project Updates: Railroad crossing permit Corps of Engineers permit-nationwide Finalize design DWRF DIGESTER LID 611 REPLACEMENT PROJECT Funding Source: Sewer Estimated Project Budget: $1,128,442 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details: Completed guiderail installation Finished interior coating Poured concrete ballast ring Project Updates: Pressure and leak testing Instrumentation commissioning Startup and final commissioning Fort Collins Oldest Tree Concrete Ballast Ring CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13 MOUNTAIN AVENUE WATERLINE REPLACEMENT Funding Source: Water Estimated Project Budget: $1,353,000 Status: Under Budget, Completed Project Details: Water main replacement from Grant to Shields Replacement of 80 year old cast iron water mains with new PVC Installation of new fire hydrants Project Updates: Construction is completed ahead of schedule MALL PROJECT Funding Source: Alberta Development Estimated Project Budget: $1,200,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  Electric excavation, conduit installation, and cable pulling  Transformer and pad installation  Energizing Project Updates:  Replaced all existing cable on site  99% of all electric conduit installation is complete  Installation of one transformer remains  Pulling cable to the remaining pad Pipe Bursting on Mountain Avenue Form Set to Grade 14 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE NORTH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Funding Source: Light & Power Budget Estimated Project Budget: $570,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  Remove existing infrastructure (street lighting, overhead power lines, and relocate primary vaults)  Electric excavation, conduit installation, and cable pulling  Upgrade street lighting Project Updates:  Installing conduit on east side of College for upgraded street lighting  Installation of street bases complete  West side street light bases complete AVERY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CONVERSION Funding Source: System Improvement & Additions Estimated Phase 1 Project Budget: $190,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  354 Avery Park Neighborhood Lot Conversion  Partial Phase 1: move electric from the rear lot to front (34 lots)  Design,  Contractor, City and owners boring coordination  Street light upgrade Project Updates:  Sage boring work is underway  Project coordination is underway Street Lighting Installation Vicinity Map CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15 PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE POLICE SERVICES Neighborhood Night Out Police Services participated in the National Night Out event on August 4th. Members of the NET Team, on duty officers and Command Staff flooded the events and had a great night out visiting with the neighborhoods and those who attended. This was a very successful and fun filled evening. Bank robbery committed and solved On August 14, 2015, the Key Bank at 300 W. Oak was robbed and the suspect was able to leave the area. Detectives were able to quickly develop a known suspect in the robbery and through follow up investigation the suspect was arrested in Idaho. Police Investigate Burglaries to Churches Police Services is investigating several burglaries to churches that are believed to be connected. The latest burglary was to the LDS Temple being constructed on S. Timberline Rd. The damage to that building is estimated to exceed $100,000. That investigation continues. Community Welcome Colorado State University is back in session and the students are welcomed back. Police Services in conjunction with members of the CSU community flooded the area neighborhoods as part of the annual Community Welcome event. This effort reaches thousands of students and residents who live in neighborhoods adjacent to the University Campus. Crime Prevention This month, the Crime Prevention Specialist had 25 telephone calls that ranged from working with Enzio’s Restaurant on a chronic false alarm problem to setting up a training session with the Matthews House staff on Dealing with Difficult People. Presentations were done for several neighborhoods who wished to learn about the Neighborhood Watch concept and of course this was the month for the Neighborhood Night Out event in which the City had over 100 neighborhoods registered (officers were able to get to just about every location this year!). Here’s the breakdown on activities in August: National Night Out RESTORE, 35 attended CPTED for new Bohemian Foundation properties under construction, 1 attended Neighborhood Watch Waterleaf, 35 attended Neighborhood Watch Pheasant Ridge, 21 attended POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY Notable Incidents/Items/Events: PFA Accredited Agency – Poudre Fire Authority earned the status of “Internationally Accredited Agency” on August 27, 2015 by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). After almost two years of diligence and dedication to achieve this success, PFA’s customers now have independent, third-party proof of PFA’s commitment to provide the highest quality services to the community. PFA is now one of less than 250 fire departments to achieve this benchmark. 16 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE “This is a proud moment for the PFA and the community we serve as we strive to be an evidence- based, outcome oriented fire-rescue agency,” said Fire Chief Tom DeMint. Benefits attained through the process prior to accreditation status:  Total response time reduction  Improved system coverage  Minimum certification standards  Emergency Medical Services contract  Strategic plan The accreditation process is a comprehensive self-assessment that questions 253 operational practices within 10 performance categories. Peer reviewers then compare these areas to best practices throughout the industry. The entire process allows a fire department to better determine community risks and safety needs, evaluates their performance and institutes a method for continuous organizational improvement. The process also provides for the development of planning documents, including short-term action and long-term strategic plans; important tools in the budgeting process and a basis for justifying departmental programs and services. Additional information is available on the Poudre Fire Authority website http://www.poudre-fire.org/, contained in reports, titled Accreditation Report and the Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover. Commercial Structure Fire- On August 6th two Fort Collins Police Services officers, Justin Gallimore and Matt Hahn, worked with off-duty PFA firefighter Jason Gallimore to help save a restaurant from severe damage. The three were having lunch at the Chili House in south Fort Collins when they were alerted to a fire in the kitchen. They immediately took action by notifying dispatchers, evacuating the business and attempting to extinguish the fire located on and above a stove. Using two fire extinguishers they were able to slow the fire but not fully extinguish it. Shortly after, when fire companies arrived, fire was shooting above the roof. Firefighters were able to get a quick knockdown thereby containing damage to the kitchen hood vent system. Fire and heat damage was mostly contained to the hood and duct area above the stove and the surrounding roof area. Smoke damage also occurred throughout the kitchen. Assisting agencies; City of Fort Collins Light & Power, Police Services, Fort Collins 911; PVH/UC Health Emergency Services. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17 Crews Deployed to California Wildfires- A wildland fire engine and crew of four were sent to California to assist with the devastating fire season that multiple states have been experiencing. PFA’s first crew was assigned for two weeks. Subsequently, a second crew was deployed for another two weeks. Multiple front-range fire departments have committed resources to western states in July and August. Firehouse Subs Donation- PFA received a new Bullex Fire Extinguisher training system in a presentation from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Prior to the new Bullex system, fire extinguisher training was performed using live fire and real extinguishers. That method releases hydrocarbons and dry chemical powder into the environment. The new system is environmentally friendly and safer, since no live-fire is used; realistic computer-generated flames can be used any time of the year, even indoors. Additionally, it helps meet OSHA safety training requirements. 18 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE New Firefighters Welcomed- Five firefighter candidates were welcomed at the PFA Training Center on August 19th. They will be part of a larger academy, 24 total, working their way through the Front Range Fire Consortium academy for the next few months. PFA’s five recruits will have 19 weeks of training prior to graduation in December 2015. BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS 2014 YTD 2015 YTD % Change Development Project Submittals Received 247 244 -1% Conceptual/Staff Reviews Performed 157 144 -8 % Building Permits Issued 6,810 6,315 -7 % Building Permit Valuations ($M) $384.78 $336.60 -13% Building Inspections Performed 24,045 22,388 -7 % Plan Reviews Performed 1,716 1,638 -5 % Overall development review revenues are $624,058 over projection for 2015 as of August 31st, with General Fund revenues $552,020 over projection and Engineering Development Review revenues over projection by $72,037. PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES Development/Planning Projects of Note Status/Updates CSU Parking Lot at Research Boulevard Approved and under construction. CSU Medical Center Will be reviewed as a Site Plan Advisory Review and a formal submittal is anticipated for September. Downtown Plan A workshop focused on the various downtown “character districts” will be held on Sept. 15. David Sucher, author of City Comforts, will be visiting Fort Collins to present about the downtown area on Sept. 24. Recent updates can be found at http://fcgov.com/downtown. Downtown Hotel The Project Development Plan proposes a 164 room hotel. P&Z Hearing is scheduled for September 10th. Downtown Hotel Parking Garage The parking garage portion of the hotel project has been separated and will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board on October 8, 2015. - Approx. 319 parking spaces - 1/3 hotel & 2/3 public Uncommon (310 S. College) The Project Development Plan proposes a 6-story 127,800 square-foot, mixed-use building on the former Perkins lot:  119 dwelling units; 250 bedrooms CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19  11,000 square-foot of commercial space on ground level  128 parking spaces Foothills Mall Redevelopment Under construction; construction meetings continue weekly with City Staff and developer. Increase in number of tenant finish permits being issued throughout the site Landmark Residences on Mountain Avenue Approved and awaiting final plans from developer (anticipated soon). Lincoln Corridor Plan – Neighborhood Project Implementation Of the ten funded neighborhood projects, three are complete and four are currently in design. Call for Art was conducted in August for art pavers to be installed in new sidewalks. Staff is working with Neighborhood Advisory Committee in support of project implementation. Mountain Vista Subarea Analysis As a second phase of the project, staff will conduct a multiple day Design Charrette with Mountain Vista Area property owners and stakeholders, exploring multiple land development scenarios which would incorporate Nature in the City policies and Urban Agriculture standards. Nature in the City Draft 10-minute walk and wildlife connectivity analyses have been completed and staff is reviewing the data (tentative September completion); citizen science bird and butterfly data collection occurred this summer in partnership with CSU; NIC is working on collaboration for several strategic plans and grant initiatives. A contractual staff position to implement Nature in the City is included in the Annual Appropriations for 2016. Neighborhood Districts Confirmed project scope for engagement study and entered into an agreement with CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation to work as sub-consultants. Work is underway to secure a primary consultant; conducted additional case study research of communities that have best-practice models for citizen empowerment and engagement; began collaboration efforts with the City’s Civic Engagement Liaison to develop innovative outreach strategies for the engagement study; Neighborhood Advisory Group has been partially identified; additional recruitment is occurring to ensure inclusion and diversity; exploring options for a registration system and subscription service that would enable citizens to engage with the City and get information based on topic or location; working to start identifying program incentives. Old Town Neighborhood Plan and Design Guidelines Phase I of the planning process complete; Phase II Visioning is in progress, including online survey. Design guidelines first draft posted for public comment. 633/639 S. College Ave @ Laurel Construction continuing on schedule. Smoking Ordinance Expansion Options 20 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE ordinance revisions were approved on consent at the August 18th City Council meeting – 2nd occurred September 1st ; education and outreach campaigns for first phase continue: sign installs are underway, promotional ads are being distributed via City busses, website updates, and CityNews/Fort Shorts articles, informational materials are distributed, press release done; media interviews provided. Social Host Work on messaging and informational materials is underway; surveys of peer cities is occurring to determine whether social host ordinances have been adopted or whether other ordinances are in place to address similar issues; outreach to various stakeholders including ASCSU, Northern Colorado Rental Housing Association, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, FRCC, PSD is occurring to determine their preferred method of involvement; public outreach events are scheduled for September 27th, November 1st, and December 6th; Council work session expected in January 2016. West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan Phase I (corridor understanding) is nearing completion; Phase II (visioning) is underway, with an online vision survey completed in August and additional focused outreach to CSU and other stakeholders through September. Woodward Campus Construction is moving along smoothly; final inspections are also continuing as planned. Coy- Hoffman silos have been declared dangerous structures requiring that stabilizing and shoring to take place. No “order to demolish” has been given, silos not declared “imminent danger” PROJECTS UNDER APPEAL River Modern Project Development Plan: The Administrative Hearing Officer’s decision to approve the River Modern PDP application to construct 15 single-family attached dwellings (duplexes), and which includes conversion of one existing building to a child care center, has received one appeal, which was heard before City Council on Aug. 18, 2015. City Council upheld the approval with conditions. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES The City of Fort Collins received the David R. Keller Prize for Innovation in Sustainability for adopting updated, ambitious community greenhouse gas goals in March 2015. The $5,000 cash award will be used to support the work being done by A-Train Marketing Communications Inc. to develop messaging to inspire community action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Community Recycling Ordinance - Options for an updated ordinance are in development and public outreach has been taking place. Citizens can learn more and take an on-line survey at http://www.fcgov.com/recycling/update.php The Environmental Services Department is developing a draft Strategic Plan to guide future program, policy and funding decisions. To read the draft plan and provide comments, please see http://www.fcgov.com/environmentalservices/ SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Homelessness – The City is working closely with Homeward 2020 and other community partners to balance homelessness issues in our community. At the August 25 Council work session, Council gave direction to implement a Street Outreach Program in the downtown area. Affordable Housing Strategic Plan – Updated every five years to reflect current community needs and to create an action plan to address housing priorities. Needs identified in the plan will drive City funding decisions and inform housing-related policy decisions. Scheduled October 6 for Council consideration. Land Bank Program – At the September 8 City Council work session, staff reviewed the Land Bank Program and sought Council direction regarding whether to activate any of the sites for affordable housing developments. ECONOMIC HEALTH Staff continues to work with the South Fort Collins Business Association on evaluating the feasibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) for the Midtown area. The BID would provide programming support and communal marketing for the retailers and businesses in the district. In addition, it may participate in street beautification investments. Staff continues to work with the developers of the Foothills Mall on public infrastructure, including construction of the Foothills Activity Center, as the Mall continues to announce new tenants. Staff is working collaboratively with the developers of the proposed hotel at Chestnut and Walnut streets to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a parking structure. This structure would hold over 300 parking spaces, 200 of which would be available and operated as public parking. Conversations continue with an anticipated November 17, 2015 City Council session to consider a potential partnership. Presentations made to the Parks and Recreation Board, the Employee Committee, and Leadership Link;