HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 10/18/2016 - City Managers Monthly Report - October 13, 2016October 13, 2016
CONTENTS
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 3
OCTOBER 18 COUNCIL MEETING ............................................................................................................................3
OCTOBER 25 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................3
NOVEMBER 1 COUNCIL MEETING ..........................................................................................................................3
NOVEMBER 8 ADJOURNED MEETING.....................................................................................................................4
SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION .................................................................................................. 4
MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ...................................................................................................................................4
CAPITAL PROJECTS ........................................................................................................................... 4
CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT ...............................................................................................................4
SHIELDS STREET AND DRAKE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................5
TIMBERLINE IMPROVEMENTS – PROSPECT TO BLACKBIRD ...................................................................................5
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................................6
NORTH COLLEGE PEDESTRIAN GAP ........................................................................................................................6
LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – 1ST STREET TO LEMAY AVENUE ...........................................................................7
COLLEGE AND PROSPECT INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................................7
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................8
LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET ................................................................8
SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION ............................................................................................................9
COLORADO STATE PROJECT COORDINATION.........................................................................................................9
MULBERRY BRIDGE URBAN DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING ................................................................................... 10
CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES .................................................................................................... 11
FORT COLLINS LIGHT & POWER TRAINING FIELD ................................................................................................ 11
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT ................................................................ 11
EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK – TIMBERLINE TO ZIEGLER ................................................................................... 11
SPRING CREEK SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AT TIMBERLINE ROAD ......................................................................... 12
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY CHLORINE CONTACT BASIN ................................................................................ 12
MICHIGAN DITCH TUNNEL ................................................................................................................................... 13
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE ................................................................................................................. 13
POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 13
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 14
BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY .............................................................................................. 17
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS ............................................................................................................................ 17
PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES ........................................................................................................ 18
PROJECTS UNDER APPEAL ................................................................................................................................... 21
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 21
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 21
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 22
ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 22
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE ..................................................................................................... 22
NATURAL AREAS CONSERVATION REPORT ................................................................................. 24
3RD QUARTER REPORT ........................................................................................................................................ 24
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 3
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL
OCTOBER 18 COUNCIL MEETING
West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor
o Consider the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan for adoption.
Annual 2016 Budget Adjustment Ordinance
o Appropriate expenses related to unanticipated revenue, grants and unforeseen costs that
had not previously been budgeted.
Eminent Domain Authorization-Prospect and College Intersection
o Obtain authorization from City Council to use eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire
property interests needed to construct improvements to the intersection of Prospect Road
and College Avenue. This authorization is for a partial acquisition affecting 1535 Remington
Street at the east end of the project.
Gardens on Spring Creek Stormwater Easement
o Authorize the conveyance to Colorado State University of a permanent stormwater
easement on City property at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Exemption of Income Tax on Water Rebates
o Provide a letter supporting an income tax exemption for participation in water conservation
rebates or subsidies in the Internal Revenue Code, similar to the existing exemption for
energy conservation programs.
OCTOBER 25 WORK SESSION
Review of the Land Bank Program
o Review the Land Bank Program to determine whether certain triggers, restrictions and
standards should be recalibrated based on current best practices and changes in the real
estate market since the program was created in 2001.
I-25 Northern Colorado Improvements
o Review state and regional efforts underway to accelerate improvements to I-25 in Northern
Colorado and discuss Fort Collins’ role and strategies in these efforts.
NOVEMBER 1 COUNCIL MEETING
Adoption of the 2017-2018 Budget and Annual Appropriation Ordinance
o Consideration of the annual appropriation ordinance and setting the City budget for a two-
year period (2017-2018) which becomes the City’s financial plan for the next two fiscal
years.
Utilities Biannual City Code Updates
o Consider a variety of revisions, clarifications and additions to the City Code that are
housekeeping and routine in nature. This supports Utilities managing routine City Code
updates.
2017 Utility Rate Ordinances
o Adjust the monthly charges for utility services in 2017 to cover operating costs and
necessary capital improvements to existing infrastructure.
Annual 2016 Budget Adjustment Ordinance
o Appropriate expenses related to unanticipated revenue, grants and unforeseen costs that
had not previously been budgeted.
GID No. 1 - 2017 Annual Appropriation Ordinance
o Appropriate the 2017 Budget for the General Improvement District #1
Skyview GID - 2017 Annual Appropriation Ordinance
4 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
o Appropriate the 2017 Budget for the General Improvement District #15- Skyview.
NOVEMBER 8 ADJOURNED MEETING
Annual Evaluation of the City Manager, City Attorney and Municipal Judge
SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION
MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE
AUGUST SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Sales Tax Collected: 1.5% 4.8%
Use Tax Collected Excluding Rebates: -3.3% -7.8%
Sales and Use Tax Collected Excluding Rebates: 0.4% 2.0%
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are up 2.0% and total $90.5 million.
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:
o Upcoming project locations: Staff has completed the Pedestrian Improvement Program
for 2016. The program constructed 10,513’+ of new sidewalk and 96 accessible ramp
improvements. Staff is finalizing the 2017 Pedestrian Improvement Program.
Communication efforts are beginning with property owners regarding missing segments
and PSD regarding access to schools.
o Current projects: Staff is continuing to manage projects for FCMoves and the Downtown
General Improvement District. Staff is continuing to collaborate with CSU staff regarding
final layout for the NRRC connection between Centre Avenue and MAX Spring Creek
Station. CSU is reviewing legal implications with the lease with the GSA regarding a
pedestrian easement for NRRC.
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5
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.
As a result of meeting Federal requirements this project is
anticipated to go to construction in the summer of 2016.
Project Updates:
Project has reached substantial completion with the placement of new asphalt through the
project limits.
A 48-hour weekend closure allowed for expedient, near round the clock work flow that delivered
the final product in less than two days, versus a less desired week-long effort under active
traffic.
This will be the last update to the project.
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/shields-drake.php
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.
The project is likely a Two Phase project (Phase One – Roadway work 2016, Phase Two –
Great Western Maintenance and Signal Improvements).
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2016.
6 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Project Updates:
Mountain Constructors focused on Timberline medians, storm sewer inlets and pipe, pedestrian
bridge abutments and roadway widening along Timberline Road.
As October moves forward, traffic congestion will become worse due to the contractor using
more lane rental to complete the contract work.
October work will include repaving the Prospect Timberline intersection and completing roadway
widening along Timberline Road.
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/prospect-timberline.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.
Project Updates:
Staff continues coordination with various agencies in an
effort to better understand existing utilities, planned utility improvements, and other services
provided within the Jefferson Street Improvements project’s vicinity.
Upcoming months will see continued utility coordination, public engagement, environmental
investigations, and refined plan development.
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:
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
Staff has developed conceptual level pedestrian connection alternatives. Based on conceptual
level cost estimates, existing funding will not be sufficient to construct improvements on both
sides of the road.
Larimer County and City staff have applied for additional federal grant funding. The additional
funding would enable multimodal improvements on both sides of the road. Successful
applicants will be notified by the end of 2016, with funding available as early as mid-2017.
Staff has initiated the preliminary engineering design and environmental investigation phases.
The preliminary engineering phase will design improvements on both sides of the road so as to
be best prepared in the event additional funds are awarded to the project.
Staff continues to coordinate with both Larimer County and Colorado Department of
Transportation staff to define planned improvements.
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:
Improvements near Lincoln/Lemay intersection and construction of storm sewer outfall
complete; road construction on south side of Lincoln ongoing.
COLLEGE AND PROSPECT INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Mid-Budget Approval of 2016 Capital Projects Fund
Estimated Project Budget: $2.7 M
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
The Colorado State University (CSU) Medical Center
project at the northwest corner of this intersection,
presented an opportunity for the City to address other
existing deficiencies which were identified in the 2011
Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study.
The goals of the project are to address safety,
operational, and congestion issues primarily focused
on Prospect Road by:
o Adding turn lane capacity to existing turn
lanes
o Constructing new turn lanes and medians
on Prospect Road
o Improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities
8 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
The City and Colorado State will work collaboratively on the intersection improvements, with
each entity funding their own design and construction obligations.
Project Updates:
ROW process moving forward for commercial properties. Staff is working with residential
owners on design options and ROW. An updated memo was sent to Council in September.
Project is progressing towards 65% design by end of October. Staff is evaluating options and
impacts of design, ROW and construction schedule for 2017 or 2018.
Staff is coordinating design and construction with CSU Medical Center schedule. CSU design
will be complete this fall and begin construction in February 2017.
More information available at: http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/college-prospect.php
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG)
Estimated Project Budget: $1.0 M
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
The existing Vine and Lemay intersection, which
includes the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
Railway crossing, is severely congested with limited
options to expand through or turn lane capacity due
to land use constraints.
Lemay Avenue realignment and intersection
improvements have been prioritized as the City’s #1
Transportation Capital Improvement Project
The realignment has been on the City’s
Master Street Plan since the mid-1980’s
The project area is included within the City’s
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan which was created as a long-term planning vision for the
northeast section of Fort Collins
The improvements will construct a new roadway and intersection slightly northeast of the
existing Vine and Lemay intersection. The new intersection will be realigned Lemay and
Suniga Road.
The City is investigating a number of interim and ultimate solutions that include new at-grade
intersections or overpass/underpass of the BNSF Railway and existing Vine Drive
Project Updates:
Staff is currently working on right-of-way acquisitions for realigned Lemay Avenue and Suniga
Road.
Staff presented a project status update at the August 23 Council Work Session, and is following
up on Council comments related to an at-grade crossing and future traffic projections.
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay.php
LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET
Funding Source: BOB 2.0
Estimated Project Budget: $5.4m
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
Project Details:
This phase of the overall Lincoln corridor plan includes replacement of the Poudre River bridge
and road between the bridge and 1st Street.
Project intent is to add to the ongoing Lincoln Corridor project creating a street with a unique
identity, improving the mobility, safety, and experience for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users,
and vehicles, to include an enhanced bridge that will meet the intent of the overall project.
Project Updates:
90% submittal due in October.
Construction start during December 2016.
SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION
Funding Source: Street Oversizing
Estimated Project Budget: $1 M
Status: On Schedule
Funding Source: Street Oversizing
Estimated Project Budget: $1 M
Status: On Schedule for Late 2017 Construction
Project Details:
The City Master Street Plan identifies Sharp Point
Drive and Nancy Gray Avenue connected across the
Great Western Railroad tracks.
City Staff has identified the connection as a priority
due to recent developments to the south.
City Staff is in the process of preparing an application for a new at-grade crossing of the Great
Western tracks to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Once approved by the PUC, Staff will
continue coordination with Great Western in order to facilitate design, crossing agreements and
construction.
Construction dates are tentative as timeline depends on PUC approval and railroad
coordination.
Project Updates:
Staff is currently working with Great Western to finalize the PUC application.
Staff is working on the utility and roadway design to have it shovel ready, pending Great
Western’s schedule.
COLORADO STATE PROJECT COORDINATION
Funding Source: Colorado State
Estimated Project Budget: None
Status: On Schedule
Project Details:
Prospect and Center bicycle and pedestrian underpass, along with Center Avenue
improvements between Bay Farm and Lake
Elizabeth and Shields bicycle and pedestrian underpass, and at-grade intersection
improvements
Laurel / Washington and Laurel / Sherwood pedestrian enhancements
10 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Whitcomb sidewalk improvements (east side) Prospect to Lake
Whitcomb sanitary sewer line (stadium flow)
College and Lake (northbound left turn lane improvements)
Lake and Center intersection improvements
Lake Street bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Game Day Operations Plan
Project Updates:
Prospect and Center underpass – to be completed mid-October 2016
Elizabeth and Shields underpass
o Right-of-way negotiations ongoing by CSURF
o Design/Build team hired
o Public Open House was on September 14, 2016
o The project will be submitted as a voluntary SPAR review by CSU
Laurel Street pedestrian improvements – Washington completed August 2016; Sherwood to be
completed September 2016
Whitcomb sidewalk improvements – completed August 2016, landscaping installation this fall
Lake and Center intersection – requires further study of vehicle, bike, and pedestrian counts
with the opening of Aggie Village North and the Center underpass
o Intersection improvements to be completed in summer 2017
Lake Street bike and pedestrian improvements
o Substantially complete – street overlay and restriping scheduled for summer 2017
Game Day Operations Plan – further refinement this fall
More information available at http://source.colostate.edu/construction-and-parking/
MULBERRY BRIDGE URBAN DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING
Funding Source: City of Fort Collins
Estimated Project Budget: $750,000
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
This project will complete the landscaping and urban
design improvements along the section of Mulberry
Street between Lemay Avenue and Riverside
Avenue to a level consistent with City standards.
Planned improvements will coordinate and be
consistent with recently constructed improvements
on Lemay Avenue north of Mulberry Street, along the
Poudre River Trail, and developments within the
project’s general vicinity.
Project Updates:
Median and shoulder landscaping work is nearing completion.
Installation of median planter pots and shoulder planter beds will require daytime lane closures.
More information available at: fcgov.com/engineering/mulberryenhancement.php
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES
FORT COLLINS LIGHT & POWER TRAINING FIELD
Funding Source: Light & Power
Estimated Project Budget: $160,000
Status: Delayed until Spring of 2017
Project Details:
Training field for distribution crews and utility locators
2.2 Acres
On Shields Street adjacent to Loveland’s Horseshoe
Substation
Project Updates:
Longview bike path has been relocated so both projects can
coexist (bike path and training field)
Training field being redesigned due to bike path relocation
Permitting will be with City of Loveland once redesign is
complete
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT
Funding Source: Development Fees
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
1.2 miles of duct bank
Design, easements, and project coordination
Locates and pot holing, excavation, and construction
Duct bank, vault and conduit installation, and cable pulling
Electric termination, and reenergizing
Project Updates:
Construction is 90% complete
Boring is complete
Two of three vaults are installed
Cherry Street duct bank from College to Howes is awaiting
permits
Contractor is taking soil samples for Vine Drive duct bank from
Linden Sub for the railroad permit
EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK – TIMBERLINE TO ZIEGLER
Funding Source: Development Fees
Estimated Project Budget: $2,500,000
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
Duct Bank Installation
Map of Project
12 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Three Phase Project
Phase One: Install new vaults adjacent to Harmony Substation
Phase Two: 1.1 miles of duct bank installation
Design, route identification, and project coordination
Permits, easements, and Right-of-way permits
Locates, pot holing, excavation and construction
Duct bank, vault, conduit, and cable installation
Electric termination and reenergizing
Project Updates:
Design, route identification is 30% complete
Construction anticipated to begin March 2017
Designing for possible lane closure
SPRING CREEK SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AT TIMBERLINE ROAD
Funding Source: Wastewater, But Will be refunded per CSU Stadium IGA
Estimated Project Budget: $665,500
Status: On Schedule
Project Details:
Design nearing completion
Right of entry obtained from railroad
Access agreements in progress
Upcoming Work:
Independent cost estimate underway
Potholing to confirm nearby utility locations
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY CHLORINE CONTACT BASIN
Funding Source: Water
Estimated Project Budget: $9,243,000
Status: On Schedule
Project Details:
Pulled fiber from WTF to SOS for CCB
72” and 54” pipes delivered and began installation
Reviewing submittals
Upcoming Work:
Install perimeter drain in November
Rough grade drainage in December
Disinfect CCB and piping in February and April 2017
Duct Bank Prep
Constricted flow inside
manhole
54” main piping installation
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
MICHIGAN DITCH TUNNEL
Funding Source: Water
Estimated Project Budget: $8,308,000
Status: On Budget, On Schedule
Project Details:
As of 9-29-16 the tunnel is through the mountain
Two-thirds of the 60” Hobas pipe has been delivered
Current schedule calls for project completion by 11-17-16
Upcoming Work:
Installation of the 60” Hobas pipe
Grouting of the Hobas pipe
De-Mobilization of the job site
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE
POLICE SERVICES
Police & City Employees Donate Violin to Local Student
Detective Jason Curtis met a young lady in the course of his work
and was struck by her talent and tenacity, even in the midst of
difficult circumstances. This student spent many extra hours at her
school practicing on a borrowed violin. When an FCPS coworker
mentioned that his daughter was selling a violin, Det. Curtis reached
out to Police & City employees who personally donated enough
money to buy the instrument for the little girl. The student and her
family were extremely grateful and surprised by this act of kindness.
Employees were inspired by the girl’s passion and perseverance
and hope the violin brings joy to her life for many years to come!
Two Arrested for Child Abuse that Resulted in Death
Juan Francisco Canales Hernandez and Alexa Coria were arrested for their involvement in the death of
Coria’s 11-month-old daughter. Hernandez and Coria brought the child to Poudre Valley Hospital on
September 7, 2016 claiming that the little girl had accidentally fallen. Through the course of the
investigation, detectives and doctors determined that the child’s life-threatening injuries had been
caused by non-accidental trauma. On September 9, the little girl died as a result of her injuries at
Children’s Hospital in Aurora.
Three Arrested for Murder in the First Degree
On September 5, three men from Cincinnati, Ohio were arrested for the murder of Fort Collins resident
Devon Smeltz. Officers took Michael Gresham, Lawrence Greggs, and Joshua Baker into custody after
Aerial view of the job site
Aerial view of the job site
14 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
the body of Smeltz was located in Morgan County, CO. Smeltz had been reported missing on August
26, 2016.
Officers Promote Bicycle Safety
On September 15-16, officers joined Olander Elementary students
during the city’s Safe Routes to School events. Fourth and fifth graders
rode bicycles between Olander and the Gardens on Spring Creek. FCPS
also teamed up with FC Bikes during Bike Safety Week to educate the
community about best practices and how to avoid common bike/motor
vehicle crashes.
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Notable Poudre Fire Authority responses
Sept. 1-5 – Poudre Fire Authority Local 1945- PFA firefighters
have raised nearly $220,000 since 2004 to help children and
adults battling muscular dystrophy. With the help of the
community, they raised $18,879.86 for the 2016 “Fill the Boot”
campaign .
Sept. 1 – Two people were displaced after a fire
destroyed their south Fort Collins home at 1504 W. Trilby
Road.
Dozens of people called 911 about 11:30 a.m. to report seeing a plume of black smoke
emanating from the area, west of the
intersection of South Shields Street and West
Trilby Road. Poudre Fire Authority firefighters
arrived on scene to find the single-story home
fully involved in flames.
They had the fire under control about 1:20 p.m.
and remained on scene thereafter to mop up
hot spots – smoldering embers and flare-ups.
The cause of the fire was still under
investigation, as of Oct. 3.
No one was inside the home at the time of the
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
fire, a homeowner confirmed.
Sept. 4 (and beyond) – Poudre Fire Authority crews assisted the Larimer County Sheriff’s
Office in efforts to fight the Starwood Fire, in north Larimer County. Background: On Sept. 4,
2016, at approximately 12:08 p.m., the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received reports of
smoke east of 1000 North County Road 59 and north of 80C (Cherokee Park Road). The fire
burned approximately 300 acres.
Sept. 6 – Last month, we briefly introduced you to PFA's newest recruits, representing Poudre
Fire in the current, 24-person Front Range Fire Consortium fire academy class. Get to know
each of the future firefighters a little better. They are Alex
Shubin, Colby Marrow, Jason Jones and William Torres.
Watch the video at: http://bit.ly/recruitintro
Sept. 8 – At about 12:45 p.m., PFA firefighters were
dispatched to Centennial Livestock Auctions, 113 NW
Frontage Road, on a request for information about proper
disposal of a substance.
Centennial Livestock Auctions reportedly hired Exodus
Moving and Storage, Inc. to empty out an abandoned
storage trailer that was slated for auction. Four Exodus
employees were in the trailer and reported moving what they
described as butcher paper, discovering bottles labeled
“arsenic” and “mercury.” A contractor is testing the
substances to determine their identities. Additional Poudre
Fire Authority firefighters, who are also trained hazardous
materials technicians, were then dispatched to the scene to
perform decontamination on the four Exodus employees potentially exposed to the “arsenic.”
No one reportedly touched the “mercury.” The employees were then transported to a local
hospital for further assessment. There were no injuries or damage to structures.
Sept. 9 - Poudre Fire Authority and partner agencies
responded to the area of 5800 Buss Grove Road to
put out a grass fire that burned approximately 17
acres of land south of Timnath Reservoir.
An investigation found the fire was started by sparks
from a welding operation at the new water tower. The
cause was accidental.
The initial 911 call came in at 1:07 p.m. Crews
arrived to find fire burning in a grassy area; wind
initially fueled the fire, but crews got it contained at
2:14 p.m. Firefighters protected two nearby homes. There were no reported injuries and no
reported damage to structures. PFA is thankful to its partners at Eaton Fire Protection District
and Larimer County Emergency Services for assisting.
16 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Sept. 11 – Poudre Fire Authority marked the 15
th
anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, with a
memorial event at Spring Park. Community
members remembered the event and witnessed a
3,059-pound I-beam from the World Trade Centers
that made a journey in October 2015 from New York
to Fort Collins. The beam will be part of a future,
permanent memorial, to be erected in the same
place as the event. PFA is partnering with City’s
Parks Planning department to design the future
memorial. A fundraising campaign will kick off later
this year.
Sept. 17 – A big thank you to our partners with the Fort Collins chapter of the Lions Clubs
International and to the more than 100 attendees of Saturday's pancake breakfast at Station 3.
Together, we raised nearly $600 for PFA's nonprofit fire and life safety education fund, from
which money is used for life-saving smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as other
materials that help promote safety and well-being in our community.
Sept. 20 - PFA fire crews evacuated patients of Golden Peaks Center, a Fort Collins nursing
home at 1005 E. Elizabeth St., following report of a natural gas leak. The initial 911 call came
in at 9:36 p.m., with the caller reporting that residents were starting to get headaches. Some
residents were evacuated, while firefighters helped others to protect in place (in areas of the
building where there were no detected levels of gas). Firefighters continued monitoring the air
until they determined it was safe for people to return. Crews also ventilated the building. All
patients and staff members were moved back into the facility about 10:09 p.m. No one
received medical treatment, a battalion chief on scene confirmed. The leak appeared to
originate in the kitchen. Xcel Energy was responding to the scene for further investigation.
Additional Notes/ Events
PFA 2017 budget update
Here’s a quick summary of the information that was shared with PFA’s Boards at the end of
September:
Staff report on the employee, or collective, bargaining agreement. There isn’t much of a
change from the August board meeting. Local 1945 and PFA’s board will receive
education on how the process will unfold as a way to ensure a collaborative process.
Staff report on potential future Station 15, which is a response to anticipated growth in
the Mountain Vista area, in northeast Fort Collins.
The preliminary budget is approximately $34.5 million, a roughly 11.6 percent increase
(~$3.5 million) over 2016’s budget. The budget has increased year over year since,
largely, because of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that’s in its third year.
o Facilities Maintenance - $100,000 increase
o Computer/Technology Replacement - $100,000 increase
o Radio Replacement - $50,000 one-time increase
o Station Alerting (NEW) - $280,000
o CAD (NEW) - $275,000
o Major Station Remodel (NEW) - $150,000
o Training Center Improvement (NEW) - $150,000
Photo | Grant Smith, City of Fort Collins creative
director
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17
o MDT (NEW) - $120,000
o RMS Replacement (NEW) - $225,000
Operations: Chief Tom DeMint committed to restoring the four-person companies at
Stations 7 and 12, and is working toward that model.
New positions:
o Community Safety Specialist, which would replace the current Fire Inspection
Coordinators with a single resource on each shift. These positions will have a
hand in fire prevention, fire investigation, public information and company
support on automatic alarm, as well as emergency response.
o Staff will ask the board to fund a new EMS division (with an EMS battalion
chief and captain), as PFA expands EMS capabilities as an organization.
o There is also money for a new, entry-level mechanic, as well as an additional
IT position.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Members of OEM are continuing work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
and the Department of Homeland Security on Regional Resiliency Assessment Program.
Battalion Chief Mike Gavin led a discussion with national communication experts -- from AT&T,
Verizon, Century Link, COX, Dish and Direct TV -- regarding resiliency in Fort Collins at the
recent NIST National Committee Meeting.
Fort Collins OEM participated in a Larimer County Emergency Operations Center exercise that
focused on a train derailment in downtown Fort Collins.
Meetings continue with Larimer County, Fort Collins and PSD regarding school bus accidents.
The focus is on policy and procedures and plans for an exercise this spring. Staff continues
work on updating plans that reside within OEM.
BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS
2015 YTD 2016 YTD % Change
Development Project Submittals Rec’d 247
275
251
271
+0.91%
-1.45%
Conceptual/Preliminary Design
Reviews/Staff Reviews Performed
144
168
213
234
+54.62%
+39.29%
Building Permits Issued 6,315
7,026
4,894
5,478
-24.24%
-22.03%
Building Permit Valuations ($M) $336.56
$411.74
$308.03
$375.52
-10%
-8.80%
Building Inspections Performed 22,388
25,239
20,856
23,613
-9.35%
-6.44%
18 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
1,810 1,991 +10%
Overall development review revenues are $989,412 over projection for 2016 as of September
30th with Development Review over by $822,495 and Engineering Development Review over
by $166,917.
PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES
Development/Planning
Projects of Note Status/Updates
Capstone Cottages The Capstone Cottages Final Development Plan was
approved on July 11, 2016. Construction of public
infrastructure improvements on site is under way.
Downtown Plan The Plan is in Phase 4 – Document Development. Staff will
be presenting a draft plan to the public and boards and
commissions in the fall.
Foothills Mall
Redevelopment
Residential construction is fully underway. The first phase
includes Lot 6 (Community Building and one multi-family
building) on the southernmost edge of the site along
Stanford and Lot 4 (five multi-family buildings and the
swimming pool) located midway along Stanford. There
continues to be some concern about noise; however, the
contractor is adhering to all City requirements and is
generally not working over the weekends, giving residents
some reprieve. Work is anticipated to last for approximately
24 months for this portion of the construction. The latest
complaints received are related to increased traffic and
speeding along Stanford near the construction area and
unruly people leaving the bars on the mall property. We will
be working with Police to try to resolve these issues.
I-25/392 Interchange
Corridor Activity Center
(CAC) design standards
Revisions to the I25/SH 392 Interchange Corridor Activity
Center design standards were heard by City Council on
September 6th.
Lincoln Corridor Plan –
Neighborhood Project
Implementation
Of the ten funded neighborhood projects, six are complete
and four are ongoing (neighborhood artwork, Streets Facility
park enhancements, brewery wayfinding, and alley
improvements). The Neighborhood Ice Cream Social on
August 10th had approximately 50 attendees that
showcased the neighborhood projects. Surveys were also
completed to gather additional input from the public. The
final committee meeting is early November, with additional
community events planned for 2017 with the full
implementation of the neighborhood artwork and park
improvements.
Food Truck Vendor
Requirements
On July 5 City Council postponed a decision on proposed
outdoor vendor requirements until November 15. Staff has
met with vendors and in the process of scheduling meeting
with downtown business interests for feedback on proposed
changes.
Neighborhood Connections First pilot program meeting was held on Sept 19, from
6:00-8:00pm.
o Meeting included kick-off remarks from Kelly
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
DiMartino, Assistant City Manager
o Neighborhood representatives shared about efforts
in their neighborhoods
o Dr. Martin Carcasson utilized keypad polling to
gauge interest in variety of curriculum topics
23 residents from 20 neighborhoods throughout the
community applied to serve as representatives for their
neighborhood.
o Since the first meeting of neighborhood
representatives, staff has met with or helped
facilitate initial neighborhood meetings in five of the
20 pilot neighborhoods. More meetings are
scheduled for October.
o Current level of neighborhood engagement and
interest in the pilot program varies widely. Examples
include:
Residents of the Old Town West neighborhood
looking to move beyond occasional block parties
and exchanges on Nextdoor to establishing
regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings.
Neighbors in “North Fort”/North College corridor
getting a head start on collaborating with the City
on a sub-area plan update for the area through
targeted engagement with the diverse
populations currently residing in the area.
Buckingham neighborhood residents looking to
open new lines of communication in the
neighborhood regarding safety, changing
demographics, traffic, and the built environment.
Representatives of Miramont Village HOA
wanting to create a link between Climate Action
Plan implementation strategies at a
neighborhood scale.
Working with Martin Carcasson/CSU Center for Public
Deliberation to develop leadership/participatory
democracy curriculum – bought him out of one of his
classes so he can give us focused time and effort
o Exploring opportunities with the Kettering
Foundation will be part of this
o Researching best practices and most current ideas
around neighborhood democracy
o Exploring programs available through existing
organizations and partnering
o Will result in actual curriculum and plan
Oakridge Crossing Oakridge Crossing is a proposed mixed-use project located
in the Oakridge Business Park containing 110 affordable
senior multifamily units and approximately 5,100 square feet
of office space. The project was approved by the Planning
and Zoning board at their July hearing and final plans are
currently under review by City staff.
20 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Old Town Neighborhood
Plan and Design Guidelines
The Plan is in Phase 4 – Implementation and Document
Development. Staff will be presenting a draft plan to the
public and boards and commissions this fall. Anticipated
adoption of the plan is expected in January 2017. For more
information on the project please visit the project webpage
at http://fcgov.com/otnp. Additional outreach opportunities
will be available this Fall.
Smoking Ordinance
Expansion Options
Signage:
o Installs are underway with the more regulatory-
focused signs.
o Requesting approval to add sidewalk signage similar
to Dismount Zone
Education:
o Code Compliance continues to provide education in
the Downtown area and for special events
Enforcement:
o Focus for the first year (through December, 2016) is
on education and outreach with little emphasis on
writing tickets; however, some have been written.
o Getting some complaints from businesses around
the perimeter of the Downtown Smoke-Free Zone
stating that people are congregating in front of their
properties and throwing cigarette butts everywhere.
Will be reaching out to try to mitigate some of these
issues. Still working on mitigating this concern.
o Interviewed by the Boulder County Health
Department on our no-smoking and expansion
efforts and talked about the process, the
education/outreach, current issues, and
recommendations based on lessons we have
learned so far.
Social Host Education and Outreach committee has been established.
Work continues to:
o Education campaign has begun with ads in various
papers and on social media.
o Website changes have been done and the site is
current.
o Enforcement of new ordinance has begun.
West Elizabeth Enhanced
Travel Corridor Plan
The draft plan is available online at
fcgov.com/westelizabeth, This item will be heard at the
October 13th Planning and Zoning Board hearing.
Following that the plan is scheduled to come before Council
for consideration of adoption at the October 18th meeting.
Electronic Plan Review First Reading of the Electronic Plan Review Appropriation
Ordinance was passed on July 5, 2016. It was approved at
the Second Reading on July 19, 2016. Staff is working
towards implementation.
I-25 IMPROVEMENTS: Numerous local and regional efforts are underway to accelerate planned
improvements to the I-25 corridor between SH-15 (Mulberry) and SH-402 (south end of Loveland):
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21
The City of Fort Collins has included in the recommended 2017-2018 budget a commitment of
$2.25 million in local funds to be used as local match for I-25 improvements
City Council authorized the Mayor to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with
Larimer County on October 4 to appropriate additional local funds (estimated Fort Collins share
of $2.25 million) for I-25 improvements for the next five years, equal to the amount of increase in
local share of County mill levy funds (Road and Bridge) received by the City of Fort Collins each
year.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) received an award of $15 million in federal
grant funds (Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery – TIGER) to be used
for I-25 improvements in Northern Colorado. This award, plus prior funding commitments and
local match of $25 million, have accelerated I-25 improvements in Northern Colorado by fifteen
years.
CDOT is currently building a southbound climbing lane on I-25 at Berthoud Hill to help alleviate
congestion caused by traffic volumes and heavy truck traffic. The project is scheduled for
completion in fourth quarter of 2016.
CDOT began reconstruction of the Crossroads Boulevard/I-25 bridge to provide improved safety
and congestion relief. Anticipated completion in 2017.
CDOT is developing a scope of work and bid package materials for the North I-25
Improvements Project. This $237 million project will construct a third managed lane in each
direction from SH-7 (Mulberry) to SH-402 (Loveland), will replace the Poudre River and Kendall
Parkway bridges, and make improvements to two other bridges. Construction is anticipated to
begin in 2017 and be complete by end of 2020.
PROJECTS UNDER APPEAL
None.
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
The City of Fort Collins encourages residents to test the radon levels in their homes as Radon Awareness
Week approaches starting October 17. Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally-occurring gas associated
with serious health concerns such as cancer. See more information.
The Climate Action Plan has moved from the planning to the implementation phase! Implementation will
include more targeted and focused messages on specific actions people can take to help the community
reach its goals for 2020 and beyond. Many of these actions build upon the things residents and businesses
are already doing such as engaging in City rebate programs, practicing conservation, using energy and
water efficiently, using our great public transit systems and recycling to minimize waste. To stay on top of
the project, sign up for the newsletter at www.fcgov.com/climateaction.
On September 28, Qmulus, an emerging technology company with a solution for a plug-and-play adapter,
was announced the winner of the first Innovate Fort Collins competition hosted by the City of Fort Collins,
Colorado State University, and Innosphere, Fort Collins technology incubator. This technology competition,
part of an effort to involve businesses in the community’s Road to 2020, was focused on solving electric
vehicle (EV) charging challenges because as more people buy electric vehicles, the pressure on charging
loads can affect the reliability of the electric grid.
Fort Collins City Council unanimously voted to adopt the Community Recycling Ordinance. To see the
elements of the adopted Community Recycling Ordinance, visit www.fcgov.com/recycling/update.php.
22 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Staff will return to City Council in one year to further discuss organics composting options for restaurants
and single-family homes.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
The Human Relations Commission is now
accepting nominations for the City of Fort
Collins Human Relations Award, which
recognizes individuals who promote diversity
and acceptance in Fort Collins. The deadline for
nominations is October 26. See categories and
nominate someone at
http://www.fcgov.com/hra/.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
City Council has approved a resolution that
encourages a collaboration between City and
Future Venture Capital Ltd., a Japanese venture
capital firm, on projects to connect cities,
venture businesses, corporations, investors and
entrepreneurs in Japan and Colorado.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
This new section will highlight a few previous outreach efforts as well as some upcoming public
engagement opportunities.
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHT: BUDGETING FOR OUTCOMES
BFO Outreach by the Numbers:
8 events
250 people reached in person
115 feedback forms
4,230 budget page views
25,000 social media impressions
Multiple news articles/columns
Communication Methods:
Board Presentations & Mobile
Outreach Booths
Feedback Forms & Info Cards
(English & Spanish)
Online Interactive Budget Tool
Banner Spotlight on fcgov.com
Press Releases
Social Media
Outreach & Engagement Recap:
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
Elizabeth & Shields Underpass Open House – Sep. 14: 40 people attended the meeting hosted at
CSU, and approximately 25 surveys were returned at that event. Postcards were mailed to any
residents between Shields and Taft and Prospect and Mulberry.
Regional Wasteshed Coalition – Sep. 17: Representatives from regional public agencies concerned
with waste and recycling have formed a coalition to collect information, listen to the public, and conduct
long-term planning for the future of the regional wasteshed. Four forums were held throughout the
region, including Fort Collins.
Neighborhood Connections Pilot Program Kick-off – Sep. 19: Representatives from 20 pilot
neighborhoods met to get acquainted with each other and staff and shared their hopes for the program.
Bobcat Ridge Management Plan: Over 400 people have completed comment forms onsite during 4
weekends, online, and at an Open House. The Land Conservation and Stewardship Board will discuss
the plan October 12 and the comment form closes October 14. The Management Plan will be drafted
and approved by the Natural Areas Director in early 2017
Upcoming Outreach* - October/November:
Broadband:
October 12 Open House from 6-7pm in the Community Room at 215 N Mason
October 20 Beers and Broadband at Pateros Creek from 7-8:30pm
October 26 Open House from 6-7pm in the Police Services Community Room at 2221 S.
Timberline Rd
November 14 Telephone Town Hall discussion with the Mayor, City Manager, and Chief
Financial Officer 6-7pm
Natural Areas - Project Outdoors: October 19 Community Listening Session 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Collins Boys
and Girls Club, 1608 Lancer Drive, Fort Collins, 80521
Community Issues Forum (Broadband, Road to 2020 and Revenue Diversification): November 17
Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia
*Please note this is just a sampling of upcoming Public Engagement opportunities, for a full list of events,
please visit: http://www.fcgov.com/events/
24 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
NATURAL AREAS CONSERVATION REPORT
3RD QUARTER REPORT
Plan Reviews Performed 1,638 1,780 +7.03%