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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 2/14/2017 - City Manager Monthly Report - February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 3 FEBRUARY 14 WORK SESSION ................................................................................................................................3 FEBRUARY 21 COUNCIL MEETING ..........................................................................................................................3 FEBRUARY 28 WORK SESSION ................................................................................................................................4 MARCH 7 COUNCIL MEETING .................................................................................................................................4 SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION .................................................................................................. 4 MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ...................................................................................................................................4 CAPITAL PROJECTS ........................................................................................................................... 5 CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT ...............................................................................................................5 TIMBERLINE IMPROVEMENTS – PROSPECT TO BLACKBIRD ...................................................................................5 DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................................6 NORTH COLLEGE MULTI-USE PATH PROJECT .........................................................................................................6 LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – 1ST STREET TO LEMAY AVENUE ...........................................................................7 LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET ................................................................7 COLLEGE AND PROSPECT INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................................8 VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................8 SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION ............................................................................................................9 COLORADO STATE PROJECT COORDINATION.........................................................................................................9 ELIZABETH AND SHIELDS UNDERPASS ................................................................................................................. 10 CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES .................................................................................................... 11 NECCO PONDS AND BACKBONE – PHASE I .......................................................................................................... 11 WATER TREATMENT FACILITY CHLORINE CONTACT BASIN ................................................................................ 11 DWRF UV DISINFECTION...................................................................................................................................... 12 EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK – TIMBERLINE TO ZIEGLER – PHASE 1 .................................................................. 12 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT ................................................................ 13 CARPENTER ROAD DUCT BANK PROJECT ............................................................................................................ 13 PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE ................................................................................................................. 14 POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 14 POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 15 BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY .............................................................................................. 16 YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS ............................................................................................................................ 16 PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES ........................................................................................................ 16 PROJECTS UNDER APPEAL ................................................................................................................................... 19 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 19 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 19 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 19 ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 20 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE ..................................................................................................... 20 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 3 ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL FEBRUARY 14 WORK SESSION  Noise Code Modifications o Provide an update on sound monitoring efforts during the 2016 event season and process improvements related to noise variance requests, and seek Council direction whether to proceed with proposed code changes to the City’s noise ordinance.  Water Utility Cash-in-Lieu and Raw Water Requirements o Discuss proposed changes to the Water Utility’s Cash-in-lieu rate and raw water requirements based on a recent study by an outside consultant and collaborative efforts with the Water Districts”. (moved from 10/25/16 to allow time for topic to be considered by Council Finance Committee in January)  Capital Expansion Fee Updates o Review staff recommendations for all building related fees to be updated by Council in 2017. Staff will also present on the proposed process for future fee updates and organization-wide effort to coordinate these updates and the timeline moving forward. FEBRUARY 21 COUNCIL MEETING  Adoption of the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan and Old Town Neighborhoods Design Guidelines o Consider adoption of the update of the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan and Old Town Neighborhoods Design Guidelines. The Old Town Neighborhoods Plan is a combined update of the 1980s Eastside and Westside Neighborhood Plans and provides a renewed neighborhood vision and policy guidance related to neighborhood land-use, housing, transportation, and sustainability. o The Old Town Neighborhoods Design Guidelines are a follow-up implementation item from the 2013 Eastside Westside Character Study that provides illustrations, ideas, and guidance on compatible design for home additions and new construction in the Neighborhood Conservation Medium Density (NCM) and Neighborhood Conservation Low Density (NCL) zone districts of the Old Town Neighborhoods.  Rennat Annexation o Annexing and zoning the Rennat Annexation, 6015 South Timberline  Mail Creek Crossing Second Annexation and Zoning o Annex and zone the Mail Creek Crossing Second Enclave Annexation, Timberline and Kechter Roads.  Lehman-Timberline Annexation and Zoning o Annex and zone the Lehman-Timberline Enclave Annexation, 5830 South Timberline.  Recommendation to engage the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District to discuss and potentially negotiate mutual interests related to the Northern Integrated Supply Project. o Consider staff’s recommendation for the City and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (Northern Water) to discuss and explore mutual interests pertaining to the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). City staff would meet with Northern Water to discuss the City’s key goals and issues related to NISP, while regularly reporting to City Council. If mutual interests can potentially be met, City staff would be authorized to negotiate draft agreements that would be presented to Council for its formal approval.  Solar Affordability Program o Implementation of the rate ordinance in support of the Solar Affordability Program, providing bill and efficiency benefits to specific eligible income qualified customers. Project was approved for funding through the 2015- 2016 Budget for Outcomes.  Staff Report: City Social Media Update 4 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE o Provide an overview of how the City and PFA are leveraging social media to inform and engage the public. FEBRUARY 28 WORK SESSION  Road to 2020 o Proposed branding for the implementation of the Climate Action Plan/Road to 2020. Review of the status of funded initiatives, how far these initiatives go toward achieving the 2020 goals, and additional initiatives to continue progress toward the goals. Staff will also highlight key progress on the climate economy action plan, the Road to 2020 Dashboard, and community engagement efforts that are underway.  City Foundation Creation o Provide an update to City Council as to establishing a City of Fort Collins Foundation through the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, as advised by the Council Finance Committee. The update will provide operational details as to how the City Foundation will be implemented, and will seek Council input on the planned implementation.  Time of Use Pilot Study o Discuss the results of the pilot study, the follow-up customer survey and reconciliation, and to discuss what City Council would like staff to do next, if anything. This item will be discussed at Council Finance Committee on January 23rd. MARCH 7 COUNCIL MEETING  2015 International Codes Adoption o Consider local amendments to the 2015 International Codes, the International Building (IBC), International Residential (IRC), International Mechanical (IMC), International Fuel Gas (IFGC), and International Energy Conservation (IECC) codes. The 2015 edition will replace the currently adopted 2012 edition.  2015 International Fire Code Adoption o Consider local amendments to the 2015 International Fire Code as approved by the Poudre Fire Authority Board. The 2015 edition will replace the currently adopted 2012 edition.  Mail Creek Crossing Second Annexation and Zoning (Second Reading) o Annex and zone the Mail Creek Crossing Second Enclave Annexation, Timberline and Kechter Roads.  Lehman-Timberline Annexation and Zoning(Second Reading) o Annex and zone the Lehman-Timberline Enclave Annexation, 5830 South Timberline.  Short Term Rentals o Provide regulatory framework for short term rentals  Appropriation of Transportation Fund Reserves o The appropriation of Transportation Fund reserves (~$450,000) to remit to Larimer County to be used for local match towards I-25 improvements in Northern Colorado. SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE DECEMBER SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR Month Year to Date Sales Tax Collected: 3.1% 4.4% Use Tax Collected Excluding Rebates: -28.7% -7.7% Sales and Use Tax Collected Excluding Rebates: -3.1% 1.8% Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are up 1.8% and total $136.0M. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5 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: Public outreach efforts are beginning for the 2017 Pedestrian Improvement Program. o Current projects: Public outreach efforts are beginning for the 2017 Pedestrian Improvement Program. More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php TIMBERLINE IMPROVEMENTS – PROSPECT TO BLACKBIRD Funding Source: Building on Basics (BOB) Estimated Project Budget: $5.0 M 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 began in the spring of 2016. Project Updates:  January work included median installation south of the railroad tracks on Timberline Road and sidewalk installation at the intersection. 6 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE  Median and sidewalk installation work on Timberline will continue in February.  Traffic impacts will include mid-day single lane closures on Timberline Road south of the railroad tracks. 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 goals of this project are to provide various design and construction improvements within the Downtown River District.  The project has completed two design projects to date. The project is now focused on developing a preliminary engineering design for improvements along Jefferson Street between College Avenue and the Mountain/Lincoln Intersection. Project Updates:  Staff has initiated the preliminary engineering design phase. The design is based on improvements outlined in the Jefferson Street Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).  Improvements include converting a section of Jefferson Street from four lanes to three lanes, a raised, landscaped median, urban design elements, and drainage improvements. On-street bike lanes will not be included as part of the project.  Staff has initiated coordination with the owner of the Confluence development located at Willow Street and Linden Street. Staff’s goal is to coordinate planned Willow Street improvements with development improvements. The Willow Street Improvements Project between Linden Street and North College Avenue is scheduled to receive Community Capital Improvements Funds in 2018/2019.  Upcoming months will see continued utility coordination, public engagement, environmental investigations, and refined plan for the Jefferson Street Project. NORTH COLLEGE MULTI-USE PATH PROJECT Funding Source: CMAQ Grant/URA Contribution/Pedestrian Program Funds, TAP Grant, County Funds Estimated Project Budget: $1.7 M 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 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7 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:  Larimer County and the City applied for, and were awarded, an additional $810,000 in federal grant funding for the project. The additional funding enables multimodal improvements on both sides of the road.  Staff is meeting regularly with Larimer County and the Colorado Department of Transportation in order to coordinate roadway improvements as well as pedestrian improvements along the project corridor.  The City will serve as the lead agency for environmental clearances and property acquisition. Staff is working toward obtaining environmental clearances in order to start the property acquisition phase.  City, County, and CDOT Staff continue to investigate ways to accelerate the project schedule.  At this time, discussions do not include reconstruction of the existing roadway bridge. 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: $6.5 M 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:  Placement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveways, and pavement construction along south side of Lincoln ongoing, as well as electrical and irrigation lines.  South side of Lincoln construction is winding down, cleaning up to prepare for Winter.  North side of Lincoln construction is being planned – will start in Feb 2017. LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET Funding Source: BOB 2.0 Estimated Project Budget: $5.4 M Status: On Budget, On Schedule 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. 8 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE Project Updates:  Bridge closure for demolition and construction started 12 January 2017. 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  The City and Colorado State will work collaboratively on the intersection improvements, with each entity funding their own design and construction obligations. Project Updates:  Staff is continuing with ROW acquisition on the residential properties. The majority of commercial property ROW has been acquired. Design is 100% complete.  Construction will begin on February 13th and go through July. A full closure of Prospect Road from College Avenue to Remington Street, including the Remington intersection will be Phase I of construction. More detailed phasing plans for the entire project on the website, including all closures.  Staff is coordinating design and construction with CSU Medical Center schedule. CSU will begin construction in February 2017 in coordination with the City in order to minimize disruption to the public. The construction is being closely coordinated to limit the impacts and shorten the overall duration of construction. 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. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9  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 developing a matrix of options for the existing and relocated crossings, with input from BNSF and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay.php SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION 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:  There are significant challenges with gaining Great Western and PUC approval for this project to keep it on track for a fall 2017 construction.  The project team is currently inventorying all Great Western crossings within the area to summarize traffic volumes and analyze safety measures. COLORADO STATE PROJECT COORDINATION Funding Source: Colorado State Estimated Project Budget: None Status: On Schedule Project Details: 10 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE  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  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 – Complete and open to the public  Elizabeth and Shields underpass o Right-of-way negotiations are complete o The voluntary SPAR process received a unanimous approval on November 10, 2016 at the Planning and Zoning Board hearing.  Laurel Street pedestrian improvements – Washington completed August 2016; Sherwood completed September 2016  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 – Public open house events occurred in January and will continue in February More information available at http://source.colostate.edu/construction-and-parking/ ELIZABETH AND SHIELDS UNDERPASS Funding Source: Colorado State University Estimated Project Budget: $10.0 M Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  The City and Colorado State University (CSU) have been working in partnership for years to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety amid continued and projected population growth along the West Elizabeth corridor. CSU is making a series of improvements as a commitment by the University to improve safety and make the campus more accessible.  The project aligns with multiple CSU and City planning efforts, such as: West Central Area Plan (2015), CSU Parking and Transportation Master Plan (2014), City Bicycle Master Plan (2014), City Student Housing Action Plan (2013), City Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study (2012), and the City Transportation Master Plan (2011). All of these planning efforts identified the need for improvements at the Elizabeth and Shields intersection with recurring themes of: enhanced safety, separation of travel modes, and reducing the number of conflict points and crashes.  The Elizabeth and Shields intersection has 50,000 vehicles per day, an increase of 20% in traffic volumes since 2009. Peak hour volumes (morning, midday, and afternoon) generate 170 bicyclists and 140 pedestrians per hour. More than 2,000 bicyclists per day are crossing Shields at Elizabeth, an increase of 40% since 2009. This intersection has a “higher than expected” crash rate. The grade separated crossing for bicyclists and pedestrians will reduce the number of conflict points and intersection crash rating CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11 Project Updates:  Construction began in December with utility relocations in Shields Street. The project will be completed in August 2017. The project team is currently working on construction phasing, lane drop scenarios, and a 4 week closure of Shields Street expected to occur in the spring of 2017. More information is available at http://source.colostate.edu/construction-and-parking/shields- underpass-proposal/ and http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/elizabeth-shields.php CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES NECCO PONDS AND BACKBONE – PHASE I Funding Source: Water and Stormwater Estimated Project Budget: $$6,990,000 Status: On Schedule Project Details:  Placed 1,900’ of box culvert  Lemay closure underway (open by February 10th)  48” extensions south of Vine Drive complete Upcoming Work:  Lake canal crossing  2,800’ of storm pipe remaining  Pond work in 2018 WATER TREATMENT FACILITY CHLORINE CONTACT BASIN Funding Source: Water Estimated Project Budget: $9,942,000 Status: On Schedule Project Details:  Pulled cables in electrical duct bank between SOS and CCB  Installed perimeter drain and began rough grade of drainage Upcoming Work:  Connect perimeter drain to existing FWR drainage 3’ x 16’ reinforced concrete box culvert Cleaned and disinfected 54” effluent pipes and connections 12 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE Vault Installation DWRF UV DISINFECTION Funding Source: Wastewater Estimated Project Budget: $5,900,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  Completed shoring installation  Completed basin excavation  Caisson installation complete Upcoming Work:  Form and place UV channel walls  Place electronic room wall slab  Hydrostatic test UV channel EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK – TIMBERLINE TO ZIEGLER – PHASE 1 Funding Source: Development Fees Estimated Project Budget: $4,000,000 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  Three Phase Project  Phase One: Install new vaults adjacent to Harmony Substation  Phase Two: 1.1 miles of duct bank installation from Timberline Substation to Ziegler  Phase Three: 1.1 miles of duct bank from Ziegler to Strauss Cabin  Design, route identification, and project coordination permits.  Locates, pot holing, excavation and construction  Duct bank, vault, conduit, and cable installation Project Updates:  Design, route identification is 100% complete on Phases 1 and 2; 80% complete on Phase 3  Phase 2 railroad permit has been submitted and negotiations are underway  Construction anticipated to resume March 2017  Due to utility conflicts, the Phase 3 section is being redesigned to go in the roadway Installing plate between soldier piles for shoring installation CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13 Vault Installation Easement Required with Natural Areas COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT Funding Source: Development Fees Estimated Project Budget: $2,804,340 Status: On Budget, On Schedule Project Details:  2.2 miles of duct bank and two new circuits  Design, easements, and project coordination  Locates and pot holing, excavation, and construction  Duct bank, vault and conduit installation, and cable pulling  Electric termination and energizing Project Updates:  Construction is 100% complete  The circuit in this duct bank is 100% complete, terminations have been scheduled  Boring is complete  All seven vaults are installed  Cherry Street duct bank from College to Howes is progressing well; railroad permit has been submitted and pending Real Estate’s compensation number  Howes/Laurel duct bank is complete  The railroad permit for Vine Drive duct bank from Linden Substation has been submitted o Colorado Department of Health & Environment will allow joint de-watering permit with the Linden Tech Substation. CARPENTER ROAD DUCT BANK PROJECT Funding Source: 2016 Duct Bank Budget Estimated Project Budget: 2,000,000 Status: Delayed until 2017 Project Details:  2.6 miles of duct bank  Boring  Complete Excavation  Potholing and locates Project Updates:  No change this month  Work continues around easements and/or temporary construction easements.  Completing due diligence in order to ask for an alignment from Natural Areas  This project will be delayed until 2017 pending the alignment 14 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE POLICE SERVICES Serial Theft Suspects Arrested On January 6, police arrested Joshua Medley and Diedre Crawford for their involvement in approximately 102 catalytic converter thefts between September and December 2016. Thefts occurred across the Front Range, from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to identify and arrest these suspects. Officer-Involved Shooting On January 21, Fort Collins 9-1-1 received a call from a man who said his roommate had been stabbed by an unknown assailant. When officers arrived, the caller, Austin Snodgrass, emerged from the home with a gun and confronted officers. One officer fired his service weapon, striking the man. Investigators later determined that Snodgrass had called in a false report and wielded a pellet gun replica of a handgun. Snodgrass was treated for his injuries and faces criminal charges. Coffee with a Cop Fort Collins Police hosted its first Coffee with a Cop event of 2017. Officers spent a few hours at Gib’s Bagels and chatted with citizens over coffee. This recurring event is designed to give Fort Collins residents an opportunity to have positive interactions with police in a low-key, informal environment. (Big) Bird Is The Word On January 25, FCPS shared a photo and information about the theft of a life-sized Big Bird replica. Not only did local media spread the word, but the Associated Press also picked up the story. Within 24 hours, the BOLO (“Be On the Lookout”) for Big Bird had spread from coast to coast. He has not yet been located, but officers are still hopeful that someone will come forward with information. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15 POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY Jan. 5 | The Coloradoan published Chief Tom DeMint’s column about the approved 2017 budget, delving into the details of how changes will impact the people Poudre Fire Authority serves. Read more at: bit.ly/chiefbudget Jan. 6 and 13 | PFA is proud of all those who work to advance their skills and careers in the name of improving service for the community. On Jan. 6 and 13, respectively, PFA graduated driver/operators and captains from the Acting Captain and Acting Battalion Chief academies at PFA's Training Center. These PFA employees learned and practiced the necessary leadership, supervision, and command and control skills in order to be able to perform the duties of our shift captains and battalion chiefs when they are unavailable. This is a significant developmental opportunity and also important for the organization's succession planning. (photos: Top: Acting Battalion Chief Academy, Bottom: Acting Captain Academy) Jan. 12 | You may soon spot a PFA-branded SUV, driving through Old Town Fort Collins or parked in the lot at Harmony Road and Lemay Avenue, and wonder what it’s all about. Let us introduce PFA’s new Roving Alternative Medical, or RAM 1, unit, which will be out Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Jan. 2 marked the start of the low- cost, 14-week pilot program, intended to improve emergency services by deploying this quick-response vehicle to lower acuity medical calls – think of an older adult falling at a senior care home or a slip on the ice at a school playground. Read more at: http://bit.ly/PFARAM1 Jan. 28 | Poudre Fire Authority, along with its many partners, celebrated the grand opening of new Station 8, in Timnath, at 4800 Signal Tree Drive, just east of Main Street off of East Harmony Road. Firefighters moved into the new station, from the previous station on Main Street, on Dec. 23 and are fully operational. The grand-opening event drew more than 1,300 people who came out to mark the chapter in the town and PFA’s histories. Feb. 1 | The Fort Collins area experienced a significant ice storm that impacted residents and PFA’s ability to respond to related incidents. To complicate this even further, the storm increased in intensity at about 4 p.m., as rush-hour was starting. In the four hours between 4 and 8 p.m., PFA crews responded to 42 incidents without a significant decrease in the ability to respond. Multiple extrication crashes, and weather-related medical emergencies occurred during this time, in addition to the usual call volume. To supplement the system, PFA was able to deploy two additional companies. This work was aided by the dispatchers at Fort Collins 9-1-1, who handled citizens’ calls for help that often occurred simultaneously. PFA/FORT COLLINS 9-1-1 UPDATE | In January of 2015, Fort Collins 9-1-1 partnered with PFA to begin the complex process of improving call-taking procedures to decrease call-processing times. On Jan. 1, 2015, dispatchers began to process medical calls differently, by dispatching units as soon as the nature of the emergency was established, and an address and phone number was obtained and verified. The change’s impact was immediate. In 2014, call-processing times for medical emergencies were 3 minutes and 12 seconds, measured at the 90th percentile. The following year, this improved to 2 minutes and 11 seconds, thereby reducing this by over 1 minute. 16 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE A committee, established in March 2016, has further identified opportunities for response-time reductions system-wide. These improvements will continue to be monitored and aggressively pursued by both agencies in an effort to deliver the highest quality emergency response service to those served. FORT COLLINS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | The International Atomic Energy Association, in conjunction with DHS and Brookhaven Labs, invited Chief Mike Gavin to attend a two- day review of their training materials in New York City. They provide foreign countries with training for emergencies involving radiological substances, and are trying to determine whether the training would be of value to the U.S. BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS 2016 YTD 2017 YTD % Change Development Project Submittals Rec’d 378 29 363 27 -3.97% -6.90% Conceptual/Preliminary Design Reviews/Staff Reviews Performed 243 22 302 23 +24.284% +4.55% Building Permits Issued 8,802 437 7,323 562 -16.80% +28.60% Building Permit Valuations ($M) $537.36 $19.41 $516.01 $38.26 -3.97% +97.11% Building Inspections Performed 33,237 2,245 31,789 2,366 -4.36% +5.39% Plan Reviews Performed 2,246 121 2,650 207 +17.99% +71.07% Overall development review revenues are $1,261,294 $92,358 over projection for 2017 as of January 31st with Development Review over by $960,720 $70,816 and Engineering Development Review over by $300,574 $21,542. PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES Development/Planning Projects of Note Status/Updates Downtown Plan The public comment deadline for the draft Plan ended on December 23. Staff has presented the draft plan to the public and boards and commissions this fall and winter. At its January hearing, the Landmark Preservation CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17 Foothills Mall Redevelopment Residential construction is fully underway. Framing activities have started on Lot 4 and will be moving over to Lot 6 soon. Framing work will be ongoing on all lots for the next 8 -10 months and it is expected that these activities will create a lot of noise. Neighbors have been provided with an update. No violations reported recently. I-25/392 Interchange Corridor Activity Center (CAC) design standards Amendments to the IGA will be finalized with additional review by staff, to be considered for adoption by both jurisdictions in early 2017. Lincoln Corridor Plan – Neighborhood Project Implementation Of the ten funded neighborhood projects, seven are complete and three are ongoing (neighborhood artwork, Streets Facility park enhancements, and brewery wayfinding). The final committee meeting was November 2, with additional community events planned for 2017 with the full implementation of the neighborhood artwork and park improvements. New Outdoor Vendor Requirements The new changes went into effect on January 15, 2017. Staff is reviewing Minor Amendment applications for stationary vending on private lots. Neighborhood Connections  The third Neighborhood Connections Pilot Program group meeting was held on January 9. This month’s agenda included an introduction to the 2017-2018 City Plan update from City Planners Meaghan Overton and Ryan Mounce, a discussion about “shifting focus from what is wrong to what is strong” with Mitch Majeski, and continuing our work on communication skills and polarity management with Martin Carcasson.  There will be a skills training held on February 13, where Dr. Carcasson will be covering good process and design for planning and holding neighborhood meetings. The training is open to the public, but capped at 45 registrants. http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3328245/Designing- Innovative-Neighborhood-Meetings-RSVP  The next pilot program meeting will be on March 13. The Standard  The Standard is a request for two five-story, multi-family apartment buildings, plus a parking structure, consisting of a total of 239 dwelling units and 776 bedrooms. The project site includes re-developing five parcels along the north side of West Prospect Road just east of S. Shields St.  At its December 14 meeting, the Landmark Preservation Commission recommended approval of the project development plan on a vote of 5-1. Harmony 23 Harmony 23 is a proposed apartment development with 366 units, 570 bedrooms, in 16 buildings, located at the Southwest corner of Harmony and Strauss Cabin Roads. 18 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE Buildings include apartment buildings, 2 4-plexs, and garages with units above. Gateway at Prospect ODP and Rezoning As proposed, the Gateway at Prospect consists of developing the vacant land located generally at the northwest quadrant of I-25 and East Prospect Road. This area includes 177 acres and was formerly known as Interstate Lands O.D.P. The site is zoned, from east to west, C-G, General Commercial, E, Employment, L-M-N, Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood, and U-E, Urban Estate. The request also includes rezoning 12.4 acres of L-M-N, Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood zone and 8.4 acres of E, Employment zone, a total of 20.8 acres, to M-M-N, Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood zone which allows for multi-family development at an average residential density of no less than 12.00 dwelling units per gross acre. Old Town Neighborhood Plan and Design Guidelines The public comment period for the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan ended December 23rd. In January, staff presented to various boards and commissions and incorporated comments and feedback into the plan for potential City Council adoption on February 21, 2017. At its January hearing, the Landmark Preservation Commission unanimously recommended that Council adopt the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan. The Plan will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board in February. A revised draft of the Design Guidelines has been posted for public comment at fcgov.com/otnp. The revised Design Guidelines were presented to the Landmark Preservation Commission in January and will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board in February. At its January hearing, the Landmark Preservation Commission unanimously recommended that Council adopt the Design Guidelines. Adoption of the Design Guidelines is scheduled concurrently with the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan. Smoking Ordinance Expansion Options  Code Compliance continues to do regular patrols throughout the Downtown during the week. An update on efforts to date has been provided to Council.  Staff plans to continue efforts with the Larimer County Health Department to find additional ways to get cessation information to people.  Staff will also continue to partner with Police Services on enforcement as needed. 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, with an emphasis on completing the electronic building permit review process first. Building inspectors now have I-pads allowing better access to electronic plans while performing inspections in the field. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19 Large screen and equipment has been installed in the inspectors work room for reviewing of electronic files, allowing for group discussions about a project. Contractors are being required to submit new building plans electronically; electronic plan reviews are performed much quicker than using paper plans. Historic Preservation Code Review o Request for Proposal for consultant to carry out comprehensive review of historic preservation codes to be issued early January 2017 o Community stakeholders have been identified and are in process of being confirmed; stakeholders will meet 1-2 times each month for duration of project o To jump-start the project, Clarion Associates was hired to research two key issues, Area of Adjacency and Demolition by Neglect; final report and recommendations will be submitted December 2016. PROJECTS UNDER APPEAL On January 31, 2017, the City Council upheld the decision by the Planning and Zoning Board for the Landmark Apartments Expansion appeal and added a condition of approval. SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES The City’s new Timberline Recycling Center (TRC) is now offering bins that combine mixed paper and newsprint and adding cooking oil to the hard-to-recycle yard. Go to http://www.fcgov.com/recycling for more information. Have you heard the City is branding implementation of its Climate Action Plan? We’ve moved from planning to implementation, and that means finding a shared vision – and specific language – that drives people to take action that will help the community reach its goals for 2020 and beyond. City Council will discuss implementation at its February 28 work session, which will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 LaPorte Ave. Starting April 2017, Fort Collins residents will have the option to have their yard trimmings collected at the curb. This service is now offered by all three residential trash haulers, and is offered from April to November of each year. Your hauler will charge a separate fee for this service – please contact your hauler for additional details or to sign up. For more information, go to www.fcgov.com/recycling. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Want to know more about the work of the Human Relations Commission? Watch a short video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Cu2BGsFe4 - on how the HRC assists the City organization and works with the community. 20 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE ECONOMIC HEALTH On January 23, the City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office joined local businesses Pos-En, McWhinney and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) at the CSU Powerhouse to educate about 50 local business leaders from across Northern Colorado about the state’s innovative Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program (C-PACE), which is a new and powerful financing tool that can help commercial building owners lower energy costs, reduce energy waste and improve their bottom lines, all while contributing to Colorado’s clean energy economy. The event included a hosted reception and panel discussion with C-PACE lenders, officials from the Colorado Energy Office and Colorado entrepreneurs with experience providing energy efficiency, renewable energy finance and commercial property upgrades. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE February Highlight: State of the City Over 230 people attended main event at The Armory An additional 50+ attended “Watch Parties” at The Lyric Cinema Café and Prost Brewing  All three locations featured a public engagement activity that allowed participants to show where they live, what they love about Fort Collins, and provide comments or ideas  Live streamed on YouTube has received nearly 450 views Project & Engagement Recap:  City Works101applications available – nearly 400 class alumni to date  Engage Platform – the City’s new volunteer management and registration system was fully launched in November and many departments have completed onboarding and are releasing to volunteers CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21 o 6,277 users o 2,072 active volunteers o 18 City departments/programs with active pages  City/CSU Stadium Open House: Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m., in the Drake Center West Banquet Room, 802 W. Drake Road.  Board and Commission Super Issue Meeting: Feb. 6 at the Lincoln Center. Topics included Road to 2020 implementation, Appropriate Use of Shared Public Space, and Broadband.  Traffic Operations Tour: Feb. 8 at 626 Linden Street. Upcoming Outreach:  Recycling Center Social Media Contest – Through February people can post a picture recycling at the new Timberline Recycling Center on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #mytrc and be entered into prize drawings – www.fcgov.com/recycling  Open House on City's Approach to Northern Integrated Supply Project – Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, Columbine Room, 417 W. Magnolia  Neighborhood Connections – Feb. 13, 5-8 p.m., at 222 LaPorte Ave.  Rec On Record – February 16, 11 am-Noon – Fort Collins Senior Center includes a live broadcast and is shown at later dates on FCTV and social media  Recreation Fall Survey – sent out each season to gather feedback on experiences and programs *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/ Commission unanimously recommended that Council adopt the Downtown Plan. The Plan will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board in March. Staff plans to bring the final document to City Council on March 21, 2017 for adoption.