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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 1/16/2018 - City Manager�S Monthly Update - January 11, 2018JANUARY 2018 JANUARY 11, 2018 Table of Contents ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 4 JANUARY 16 COUNCIL MEETING ............................................................................................................................4 JANUARY 16 ELECTRIC UTILITY ENTERPRISE ...........................................................................................................4 JANUARY 23 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................4 JANUARY 30 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................5 FEBRUARY 6 COUNCIL MEETING ............................................................................................................................5 FEBRUARY 6 URA MEETING ....................................................................................................................................6 SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION .................................................................................................. 6 MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ...................................................................................................................................6 CAPITAL PROJECTS ........................................................................................................................... 7 CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT ...............................................................................................................7 SUNIGA ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – COLLEGE AVE. TO BLONDEL STREET ................................................................7 DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................................8 NORTH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS – CANAL TO STATE HIGHWAY 1 .....................................................................8 LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – 1ST STREET TO LEMAY AVENUE ...........................................................................9 LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET ................................................................9 VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................................................................... 10 SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION ......................................................................................................... 10 RIVERSIDE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 11 LEMAY CULVERT EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................... 11 CAPITAL PROJECTS – PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ........................................................ 12 CRESCENT PARK ................................................................................................................................................... 12 CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES .................................................................................................... 12 EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK ............................................................................................................................... 12 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT ................................................................ 13 WALNUT STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................. 13 DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION DEWATERING IMPROVEMENTS ......................................................................... 14 MAGNOLIA STREET OUTFALL .............................................................................................................................. 14 UTILITIES UPDATE ............................................................................................................................ 15 WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT ................................................................................................................ 15 WATER ENGINEERING AND FIELD SERVICES ....................................................................................................... 15 LIGHT AND POWER .............................................................................................................................................. 15 CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 15 PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE ................................................................................................................. 15 POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 15 POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 18 BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY .............................................................................................. 19 PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES ........................................................................................................ 19 YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS ............................................................................................................................ 21 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 21 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 21 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 21 ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 22 COMMUNITY SERVICES UPDATE .................................................................................................... 22 RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 22 PARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 22 CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 23 NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 23 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE ..................................................................................................... 23 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4 ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL JANUARY 16 COUNCIL MEETING  Amending City Code Relating to Special Events o Consider amending Chapter 23.5 of the City Code pertaining to Special Events and Demonstrations to be in alignment with current law and to more accurately reflect the City’s current processes and procedures.  Economic Health-3.4 Provide transparent, predictable and efficient processes for citizens and businesses interacting with the City  Long Pond Wireless Telecommunications Facility and Addition of Permitted Use o Consider an Addition of Permitted Use for a wireless telecommunications facility at 2008 Turnberry Road in the Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood (LMN) zone district.  Neighborhood Livability and Social Health- 1.5 Guide development compatible with community expectations through appropriate planning , annexation, land use, historical preservation and development review processes.  Proposed Lease of 11.85 acres of Running Deer Natural Area to Hageman Earth Cycle o Approve recommended 20-year lease of 11.85 acres of Running Deer Natural Area to Hageman Earth Cycle  High Performing Government-7.8 Optimize the use of City assets through capital improvement planning, preventative maintenance and asset management.  Staff report: Fort Collins Efficiency Collaboration with Xcel Energy o Fort Collins Utilities is the first community with natural gas only service to participate in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program. This partnership is developing new ways to collaborate, providing benefits to customers and to both organizations. The program is coordinating opportunities for expanded data analytics, joint program offerings and shared communications.  Environmental Health-4.5 Demonstrate progress toward achieving net zero energy within the community JANUARY 16 ELECTRIC UTILITY ENTERPRISE  Broadband Appropriation o The Board’s Ordinance represents the Enterprise’s agreement, authorization and direction to repay the $1.8 million to the General Fund when the Light & Power Fund receives the anticipated proceeds from the Enterprise’s planned issuance of revenue bonds for the broadband project.  Economic Health – 3.9 Encourage the development of reliable, high speed internet services throughout the community JANUARY 23 WORK SESSION  Community Behavioral Health-where do we go from here? o Update and discuss with City Council information about the Larimer County Behavioral Health Center Initiative, including where we are now, where we are headed, and how the City can work with Larimer County on this issue.  Neighborhood Livability & Social Health-1.2 Leverage and improve collaboration with other agencies to address homelessness, poverty issues and other high priority human service needs. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5  North I-25 Express Lanes Project Update o Provide an update to the planned improvements to the I-25 Corridor between SH-14 (Mulberry) and SH-402 (Loveland) beginning construction in spring 2018. Presentation will be made by City staff and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) project staff. City staff will also highlight the latest status of the Prospect Interchange component of the overall project, to include the financial partnership with the Town of Timnath and the local property owners to fund approximately $19M in construction costs for the Interchange and urban design. An existing IGA with CDOT provides $2.25M in budgeted City funds ($1.125M each year in 2017-2018) that covers our “local match” contribution to the overall $237M Corridor project, and an amendment to the IGA would include the $19M in Interchange and urban design costs. Projected approval of the amendment is by end of Dec 2017. Additionally, City staff can provide an update regarding ongoing efforts to secure funding to complete the corridor improvements south to SH-66.  Transportation- 6.4 Improve traffic flow for all modes of transporting people, goods and information to benefit both individuals and the business community.  Affordable Housing Capital Fund and Related Matters o Update Council on the work of the Internal Housing Task Force and discuss options for the use of the Affordable Housing Capital Fund.  Neighborhood Livability and Social Health – 1.1 Improve access to a broad range of quality housing that is safe, accessible and affordable. JANUARY 30 WORK SESSION  Broadband Update and Next Steps o Review governance and delegation of authority alternatives and recommendations associated with Broadband implementation  Economic Health – 3.9 Encourage the development of reliable, high speed internet services throughout the community.  Income Qualified Rate/Low Income Energy Programs o Gain direction from Council on a proposal for an Income Qualified Rate that would provide financial assistance to those customers meeting certain income qualifications and increase adoption of efficiency and resource conservation practices in this customer sector.  Economic Health-3.8 Maintain electric utility systems, services, infrastructure integrity and stable, competitive rates (Maintain competitive rate structures for utility customers that are consistent with environmental goals). FEBRUARY 6 COUNCIL MEETING  Water Treatment Facility Annexation Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 (First Reading-consent) o Annex and zone the Water Treatment Facility (Annexation Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4). The Water Treatment Facility Annexations form a flagpole-shaped annexation starting at the intersection of Sunset Street and Laporte Avenue and ends at 4316 Laporte Avenue  Neighborhood Livability and Social Health-1.5 Guide development compatible with community expectations through appropriate planning, annexation, land use, historical preservation and development review processes.  Pay Plan Approval (First Reading-consent) o Review and approve the City’s Classified Pay Plan  High Performing Government – 7.1 Provide world-class services that meet the needs of the community. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6  Community Services – Proposed Natural Areas Land Sale (discussion) o Consider a request from a resident to purchase a 606 S.F. parcel of Pineridge Natural Areas land.  High Performing Government- 7.8–Optimize the use of City assets through capital improvement planning, preventative maintenance and asset management.  Marijuana Code Changes (discussion) o Consider additions and amendments to the medical and retail marijuana code. Staff is proposing to amend City Code regarding Addition of Medical Research and Development and Cultivation Licenses. prohibition of Transporter Licenses and Off-Premise Storage Permits and changes in ownership definitions and structure.  Safe Community-5.2. Enhance our Police Services capability to foster public trust and create a safer community. Sales and use Tax collection FEBRUARY 6 URA Meeting  URA Support of the Poudre River Whitewater Park Project o Urban Renewal Authority consideration for up to $300,000 in assistance for the Poudre River Whitewater Park Project in recognition of North College Plan Area benefits.  Economic Health- 3.5 Foster sustainable infill and redevelopment. o Status: Application pending. SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTION MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE NOVEMBER SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR Month Year to Date Net Sales Tax Collected: 3.7% 2.4% Net Use Tax Collected: -30.0% -13.3% Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -3.4% -0.7% Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are down 0.7% and total $124.5M. NOVEMBER SUMMARY OVER BUDGET Month Year to Date Net Sales Tax Collected: -2.8% -3.3% Net Use Tax Collected: -9.7% 8.2% Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -3.9% -1.4% Year to date, the City has collected 1.4% less sales and use tax revenue, totaling $1.8M under budget. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7 CAPITAL PROJECTS CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program Estimated Project Budget: 2018 - $1.1M Estimated Completion Date: Ongoing Status: In Design Project Details: This project maintains a complete City sidewalk inventory, identifies sidewalk inadequacies, and develops a prioritized work program to achieve goals of promoting walking for transportation and recreation. Project Status: • Upcoming project locations: No work scheduled at this time. • To date approximately 54,648 SF of sidewalk has been repaired/installed along with upgrades to 74 accessible ramps. • Current projects: Staff finalized the 2018 Pedestrian Improvement Program and is reviewing the respective bid documents with purchasing. More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php SUNIGA ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – COLLEGE AVE. TO BLONDEL STREET Funding Source: Building on Basics (BOB), COFC Utilities, Capital TCEF, Development Repay Estimated Project Budget: $3.8M Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2018 Status: In Design Project Details: Design of a new arterial roadway that connects existing Suniga Road, from Blondel St. to College Avenue. Project Status: • Project team currently working through preliminary design, rights of way legal descriptions, holding adjacent property owner meetings and reviewing previous associated designs. Staff is also looking at existing and needed utilities. • 60% design plans are completed and being reviewed for cost and constructability. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8 DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Federal Grants/Local Funds/DDA Funds Estimated Project Budget: $1.4M Estimated Completion Date: 2021 Status: In Design Project Details: The goals of this project are to provide various design and construction improvements within the Downtown River District. The project is focused on obtaining environmental clearances for planned improvements along Jefferson Street between College Avenue and the Mountain/Lincoln Intersection. The project will also design plaza improvements at the northern corner of Willow Street and Linden Street. Project Status: • Staff submitted the Jefferson Street Improvements Project’s ROW plans to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for review. Staff expects plans to be finalized by Spring, 2018. • Staff continues coordination with planned development located along Willow Street. Staff’s goals are 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 the development of property acquisition plans for the Jefferson Street Project. Staff will also continue design coordination with property owners along Willow Street, focusing specifically on improvements at the northern corner of the Willow Street and Linden Street Intersection. NORTH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS – CANAL TO STATE HIGHWAY 1 Funding Source: CMAQ Grant, URA Contribution, Pedestrian Program Funds, TAP Grant, County Funds, Transportation Capital Expansion Fee Funds Estimated Project Budget: $2.1M Estimated Completion Date: 2018 Status: In Design, Right of Way Acquisition Project Details: This project will construct pedestrian improvements along North College between the Larimer & Weld Canal (City limits) and State Highway 1, including pedestrian bridges crossing the canal. Project Status: • Right of Way plans have been submitted to CDOT for approval. Once Right of Way plans are approved by CDOT, the project will enter the Right of Way Acquisition Phase. City, County, and CDOT Staff continue to investigate ways to accelerate the project schedule. • The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently designing roadway improvements within the project limits, including curb and gutter, and storm sewer improvements. • Construction is anticipated in 2018. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9 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 Completion Date: December 29, 2017 Status: 100% complete Project Details: This phase of the overall Lincoln corridor plan includes improvements along Lincoln Avenue between 1st Street and Lemay Avenue. 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 Status: • Final elements of the 6’ privacy fence at 1st and Lincoln have been installed. LINCOLN CORRIDOR PROJECT – POUDRE RIVER BRIDGE TO 1ST STREET Funding Source: BOB 2.0 Estimated Project Budget: $5.4m Completion Date: December 21, 2017 Status: 100% complete 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 Status: • Hydro-seeding of denuded areas near the Lincoln bridge and Poudre trail is now complete and ready for re-vegetation in the Spring of 2018. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10 VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG), Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF) Estimated Project Budget: $22M Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2021 Status: In Design Project Details: The existing Vine and Lemay intersection, which includes the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway crossing, is severely congested with limited options to expand through or turn lane capacity due to land use constraints. Project Status: • Staff presented a project update at the October 24 Council Work Session • The City is in the process of right-of-way negotiations for the parcel containing the proposed realigned Lemay and Suniga intersection. • Staff is currently working on traffic studies and funding alternatives which will be presented at the March Council Finance Committee meeting. More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay SHARP POINT/NANCY GRAY CONNECTION Funding Source: Street Oversizing Funds, Funds Appropriated through 2015/2016 BFO Process Estimated Project Budget: $1.2M Estimated Completion Date: Summer 2018 Status: In Design, Railroad Negotiation Project Details: The City Master Street Plan identifies Sharp Point Drive and Nancy Gray Avenue as connected across the Great Western Railroad tracks. This project will construct the roadway and pedestrian connection, and railroad crossing. Project Status: • The project team has submitted an application with the PUC and is awaiting approval. • There are challenges with gaining Great Western and PUC approval and support for this project. • The PUC hearing for September was postponed as the City and Great Western are actively negotiating for Great Western support of the project. • The project team is working with the design consultant to finalize plans and get the project “shovel ready” to coincide with PUC approval and Great Western coordination. More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/sharppoint CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11 RIVERSIDE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Funding Source: Federal Grants and Bridge Funds Estimated Project Budget: $4.0M Estimated Completion Date: December 2018 Status: In Design Project Details: The project will replace the structurally deficient bridge over Spring Creek, and raise Riverside Avenue out of the 100 years flood level at the bridge location. This project is coordinated with Utility’s Spring Creek Restoration Project. Project Status: • 30% plans set completed. • CLMOR review is in progress. • Preparing for public meeting to be held in February/March. LEMAY CULVERT EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT Funding Source: Bridge Funds Estimated Project Budget: $800K Estimated Completion Date: April 2018 Status: In Design Project Details: The Warren Lake Outfall culvert failed late August 2017. The structure needs to be replaced by spring 2018 before the start of irrigation season. Project Status: • Project was advertised for construction bid on December 27. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12 CAPITAL PROJECTS – PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CRESCENT PARK Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Fund Estimated Construction Cost: $2.5M Status: Under Construction Estimated Completion: Soft Opening – Spring, 2018 Project Details: Crescent Park is a 7-acre neighborhood park located in the heart of the Maple Hill neighborhood. Construction for the park began this fall, and is anticipated to complete this winter. Due to the completion of the park in winter, a soft opening will be planned with a larger Grand Opening event next year, after the bushes and shrubs have been planted and take root. Upcoming Work: • Finalizing installation of playground equipment • Installing shelter CAPITAL PROJECTS – UTILITIES EAST HARMONY DUCT BANK Funding Source: Development Fees Estimated Project Budget: $4,000,000 Estimated Completion Date: End of 2018 Project Details: Three Phase Project: Phase 1 is in design, Phase 2 is complete, and Phase 3 will be completed in conjunction with Engineering’s improvements at Strauss Cabin & Harmony. Project Status: • Route identification is 100% complete on Phases 1, 2 and 3. Design is in progress for Phase 1. • Construction of Phase 3 began April 10, 95% complete. • Installation of two vaults and tie in conduit delayed until Fall 2017; waiting for Engineering’s final design of improvements. • Phase 2 is complete. Vault Installation CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CIRCUITS AND DUCT BANK PROJECT Funding Source: Development Fees Estimated Project Budget: $2,804,340 Status: Under Construction Project Details: 2.2 miles of duct bank and two new circuits from the Linden Substation to Colorado State University Project Updates: • Drake to Lake Duct Bank is complete • Cherry Street duct bank from College to Howes is under construction; however, 10 underground gas tanks were discovered and will need to be removed by property owner. Project on hold for 3-6 months. • Howes/Laurel duct bank is complete • The Vine Drive duct bank is complete • Circuits are 90% complete; once Cherry St Duct Bank is complete, final circuit section will be pulled in WALNUT STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT Funding Source: Water Estimated Project Budget: $613,000 Status: In Construction Project Details: This project replaces two 100-year-old undersized water mains in Walnut Street between College Avenue and Linden Street. The new water main that will be constructed will be 8” in diameter and 480’ long. Additional work includes 12 new water service connections, 2 new 6” fire services, and 2 new fire hydrants. Walnut and Pine Streets will be resurfaced later in the spring when temperatures rise. Project Updates: • Final design complete • Notice to proceed – January 2, 2018 Similar work on Pine Street last fall Vault Installation CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14 DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION DEWATERING IMPROVEMENTS Funding Source: Wastewater Estimated Project Budget: $4,270,000 Status: In Design Project Details: Addition of 2 new centrifuges at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility. This project will provide redundancy for the dewatering process at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility. Construction will be completed at the end of 2018. Project Updates: • Issued-for-construction drawings • Pre-construction meeting MAGNOLIA STREET OUTFALL Funding Source: Storm water Estimated Project Budget: $300,000 (2017 only) Status: In Design Project Details: The Magnolia Street Outfall is a proposed large diameter storm sewer outfall into the Poudre River. The proposed conceptual alignment runs west along Magnolia Street to Shields Street. Pipe diameters range from 60” up to 132”. Construction methods include open cut with the potential for tunneling under Riverside Avenue, College Avenue, Mason Street, and Mulberry Street. Project Updates: • Meeting with City Manager January 2018 High water marks at College/Mulberry from August 10, 2017 storm 3D model of dewatering building CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15 UTILITIES UPDATE WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT No update this month. WATER ENGINEERING AND FIELD SERVICES The Magnolia Street Outfall stormwater project is a major project to mitigate flooding in the downtown area. The project team recently completed a guidance document outlining the feasibility and cost estimate for the project. The next phase will be evaluating design alternatives and financing options. LIGHT AND POWER The construction of the Cherry Street Duct bank encountered an unanticipated and unknown underground storage tank on an easement on the J&M Precision Automotive property along North College. The CSU duct bank project is on hold temporarily until the property owner can remove the underground storage tanks so construction can be completed in the utility easement. CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS Water Conservation was awarded a $15k grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board to bring a comprehensive commercial water audit training to Colorado to benefit Fort Collins and several other utilities in Colorado. The Urban Sustainability Director’s Network has provided funding for a low income clean energy-focused project proposal titled “Ensuring Equity in Energy Transformation and Innovation.” Fort Collins is a “core” city, along with Burlington, Berkeley, Aspen, Buffalo, Park Forest, Toronto and Sacramento. Utilities will execute with Sustainability Services. As a result of Utilities staff outreach, more than 50 customers increased water allotments for their accounts before the December 29th, 2017 deadline. The total paid by customers increasing their allotments was $4,340,298.12. Many customers were able to address their allotment shortfalls through conservation measures and will not need to increase their allotments. Colorado State University issued a Request for Proposals to obtain renewable electricity up to 100% of the electric load at all of their campuses in September 2017. Utilities and Platte River Power Authority have been in touch with CSU to coordinate throughout the process. CSU will be evaluating the short-list of responses in early January. Utilities and Platte River have made staff available to CSU to answer questions. Once the CSU process is complete, Utilities, Platte River and CSU will meet to discuss next steps. PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY JAN. 2 | House fire at 640 Endicott St. A single-family dwelling near Old Town sustained significant damage in an early-afternoon fire. There were no reported injuries. PFA was dispatched to 640 Endicott St. at 3:33 p.m. The first-arriving units encountered significant fire on the south side of the home. Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire within a few minutes of arriving. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire, but arrived within minutes as they were notified via their wireless fire alarm system. PFA's Customer Assistance Response Team (CART) was on-scene to provide the homeowners with necessary resources. PFA CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16 was assisted by their partners at Fort Collins Police Services and UC Health EMS. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Dec. 19, 2017 | Coloradoan features cancer-prevention efforts at PFA Read more at: https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2017/12/19/cancer-adds-new-element-pfa- firefighter-safety/962356001/ Dec. 17, 2017 | Investigation results from Dec. 8 Riva Ridge fire A Poudre Fire Authority investigation found the cause of a Dec. 8, 2017, fire involving two Fort Collins homes to be undetermined. Investigators, following a time-intensive and scientific process that included use of the PFA unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, determined the fire started in the area of a loveseat located in the side yard between two homes on Riva Ridge Drive. Burn patterns indicate the fire traveled to a fence and ultimately spread to two homes, at 3532 and 3538 Riva Ridge Drive, causing significant fire and smoke damage to each structure. Smoke alarms in the two-story homes went off and prompted residents, at home at the time of the fire, to evacuate. One firefighter suffered a minor injury during the response; theirs was the only reported injury. Read more at: http://bit.ly/rivaridgeinvestigation Dec. 13, 2017 | 4801 W. County Road 38E fire PFA firefighters worked quickly early Wednesday morning to extinguish a fire in a mobile home west of Fort Collins, stopping the fire before it spread to nearby units. There were no reported injuries. A 911 call came in at about 12:30 a.m. PFA firefighters arrived on scene, at a mobile home in a small park at 4801 W. County Road 38E, west of Horsetooth Reservoir. They had the fire under control within about an hour. One person was living at the home at the time and escaped unharmed. The unit sustained significant fire and smoke damage. Nearby homes were in danger by fire spread and wind; however, crews protected them from fire and contained the fire to the single unit. They also ensured evacuation of surrounding units. Dec. 9, 2017| Two graduate from Front Range Fire Consortium Fire Academy Aaron Kerst and Joseph Tenuta graduated from the FRFC Fire Academy and will represent PFA as probationary firefighters. A third probationary firefighter, Cara Dunsmoor, started with Engine 12 B- shift before Kerst and Tenuta. If you see them out and about, be sure to say “hello” and hear why they’re humbled to serve this community. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17 Dec. 8, 2017 | Citizen Lifesaving Award Presentation at Fossil Ridge High School Because of Amber and Summer's quick actions and calm under extreme pressure, their dad survived a potentially life-ending medical event. He is here today and able to celebrate the holidays with his family. Read more at: http://bit.ly/siverts CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18 POLICE SERVICES Police Search for Missing Woman Kimberlee Graves, 41, was last seen at her home on the night of December 4, 2017. On December 8, her friend called police to request a welfare check when she couldn't reach Ms. Graves. Officers tried to contact Ms. Graves at her home on Akin Avenue, but nobody answered the door and her car was gone. On December 10, the concerned friend entered Ms. Graves' home and called police to report that the residence had been ransacked. Officers responded to investigate further. On December 13, Ms. Graves’ vehicle, a red Toyota Rav4, was found in a parking garage at College Avenue and Mulberry Street. Ms. Graves is still missing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Fort Collins Police or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County. K9 News Fort Collins Police said farewell to two outstanding K9s in 2017 and welcomed a new nose to the force. K9 Zeus retired in October after serving Fort Collins for nearly six years. He will spend what is hopefully a long, happy retirement with his handler’s family. While more naps in the sunshine may be in his future, Zeus will undoubtedly be kept on his toes by his new furry brother, Ivo… K9 Ivo (pronounced eevo) is a 2.5-year-old Belgian Malinois from Holland. Ivo will replace Zeus on the street; this talented pup is a dual-purpose K9 trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. He completed a rigorous training program and has already started putting his amazing nose to work. K9 Yago medically retired at the end of 2017 after overcoming several significant health problems last year. This seven-year-old Shepinois (German Shepherd/Malinois) will continue diligently patrolling the couch at his handler’s home. We wish our K9 retirees the best and welcome K9 Ivo to the road! Cops Get Invited to the Coolest Party In Town When three-year-old Tristan woke up on his birthday, he had no idea that his birthday party would be so real. When Officer Justin and Officer Phil woke up that day, they had no idea that they’d get invited to such a sweet gathering. As luck would have it, Tristan’s mom invited the officers to stop by her son’s party and they were able to make it over. Between the jail cell- fies, edible donut display, and a chance to sit in the front seat of a police cruiser, this quick visit was an experience the birthday boy and officers will never forget. Santa Gets An Assist from Helpers in Blue In the month of December, Colorado kids received a special surprise from Santa’s blue elves. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19 Santa Cops of Larimer County delivered over 7,000 presents to more than 2,300 local kids in need. Shop with a Cop gave 60 local kids a chance to get presents (all funded by donations) for their families. Cops Fighting Cancer brought officers from all over Colorado to Children’s Hospital in Aurora. Officers visited patients, bringing gifts and well-wishes to these young warriors and their families. Thank you to everyone who's supported these amazing causes throughout the year. There's nothing better than seeing the joy and surprise on the faces of families and young people in our community and beyond! BUILDING AND PLANNING ACTIVITY PROJECTS OF NOTE-STATUS AND UPDATES City Plan  Work is almost completed to develop a snapshot and a “report card” of previous plans of Fort Collins in 2017  Preparation has begun for an intensive community engagement process that commences in early 2018  The public kickoff event for City Plan has been scheduled for the evening of Monday February 12th at the Drake Centre. More details available soon Lincoln Corridor Plan – Neighborhood Project Implementation  Of the ten funded neighborhood projects, seven are complete and three are ongoing  The neighborhood artwork and Streets Facility park enhancements are being managed by City staff in various departments  PDT and APP staff are working on a reappropriation for the remaining lasing funds to complete the final three art projects (wayfinding, art at the new Streets park, and the light/street post art)  Sidewalk updates and entrances in Alta Vista currently being worked on and looking to be complete in 2018 Mulberry Enclave  An executed annexation petition has been submitted by ownership of the Cloverleaf Mobile Home Park that would bring a 40-foot-wide strip of land into the City. This annexation, coupled with annexation of the adjacent BNSF railroad property, and a small parcel owned by CDOT fronting on SH 14 will result in creation of an E. Mulberry Enclave.  An initiating annexation will soon be scheduled for Council’s consideration. Mulberry Frontage Metro District (Miller/Mokler)  A Metro District has been created on the property  The development site has contiguity with the City’s municipal boundary; therefore, future development is subject to criteria found in the adopted Intergovernmental Agreement between Larimer County and the City. Downtown/Transition Area Compatibility Standards  Community engagement activities will begin in January 2018 to review potential code changes  A City Council Work Session has been scheduled for May 8 to provide an update on the draft Compatibility Standards. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20 Hughes Stadium  CSU will begin deconstruction of Hughes Stadium in March. An RFQ/RFP process will begin in early 2018 followed by the analysis of submissions prospective developers and selection by the Board of Governors. The property is scheduled to be annexed into the City by June 2018. 1407 Ash  A zoning inspector has continued to periodically drive by to verify the property is still in compliance  We have been advised by legal counsel that identifying proper vehicle/ownership on license plates is outside of our scope and we need additional evidence related to the sales of lawnmowers prior to issuing a notice of violation  The occupancy investigation at 1407 Ash was sustained as having four occupants. The follow-up home inspection found that the property reduced the occupancy load to within legal limits and found to be in compliance; the case was subsequently closed Neighborhood Connections  Expanded outreach underway for 2018  Childcare and interpretation offered for 2018 core education classes  Winter session starts January 27,2018 – two (2) Saturdays, 20 registrants as of January 2, 2018  Spring session starts April 2018 – Tuesday lunch hour, 2 registrants as of January 2, 2018  Continuing education classes begin January 10, 2018  All 2018 Continuing Education classes now open to all residents Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant  9 applicants/neighborhoods awarded funding out of 15 applications for 2017  Applicants were notified in November  Neighborhood Services staff is working with City Attorney’s Office, Purchasing, other city departments, along with neighborhood representatives to create and finalize formal agreements for each project  Funds for several projects will be released as soon as contracts are signed by HOAs and City Staff  2018 planning is in process with internal departments with an official launch planned for late January  Working with CPIO to release a February City New Piece Sign Code Update – Phase 2 • The second phase on an effort to update the Side Code recently began that focuses principally on new regulations for electronic message center signs, downtown signs, historic signs and code refinements based on recent court actions Smoking Ordinance Expansion Options  Efforts are underway to prepare for a Council presentation on December 5th  Enforcement continues in the Downtown Smoke Free Zone as time allows  All efforts for additional receptacles and signage have been placed on hold pending discussion with Council in November Electronic Plan Review  Submittals for all new buildings must be submitted electronically (some exceptions apply)  Minor Amendments, County Referrals and Wireless Telecommunication development review project submittals are now being submitted electronically  Working with Utilities to improve Solar PV submittal process including electronic submittal requirement  Hardware and software has been purchased and installed for all staff involved in development review  Security review/scan process implemented for all flash drives CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21 Historic Preservation Code Review  Clarion’s white paper on Areas of Adjacency is being reviewed by the CAC and LPC  The 2nd community presentation on compatibility, organized by the NoCo Chapter of the AIA, the City, and DDA, will occur on November 2  A Council Work Session is scheduled for April 10, 2018 on improvements to the historic preservation codes and processes  A joint Planning/Historic Preservation Council Work Session is scheduled for December 12, 2017 to discuss proposed compatibility standards Joint Historic Preservation and Recreation Department Grant Application for the James Ross Proving Up House at Lee Martinez Park  The City was awarded $16,080 in federal funding. The scope of work is being finalized and the grant contract is being processed YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS 2016 YTD 2017 YTD % Change Development Project Submittals Rec’d 363 344 -5.23% Conceptual/Preliminary Design Reviews/Staff Reviews Performed 302 277 -8.28% Building Permits Issued 7,323 8,493 +15.98% Building Permit Valuations ($M) $516.01 $511.29 -0.91% Building Inspections Performed 31,789 33.921 +6.71% Plan Reviews Performed 2,650 2,723 +2.75% Overall development review revenues are $308,952 over projection for 2017 as of December 31st with Development Review over by $132,778 and Engineering Development Review over by $176,174. SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES • The City wound up in second place for the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Residents should be proud of this accomplishment – Fort Collins came in behind Fargo, N.D., out of 50 communities in the competition! Over two years, from 2014 through 2016, Fort Collins residents reduced their energy usage 5.4 percent, which is the equivalent of powering 9,800 homes for a year. • The City's annual free Christmas tree recycling program runs through January 15. Collected trees will be chipped on site and processed into wood mulch for residential use. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY • The City has its Emergency Weather Shelter Plan ready to assist community partners with more shelter capacity and transportation options when extreme weather events occur. More details are available at https://www.fcgov.com/socialsustainability/. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22 • The Human Relations Commission announced the recipients of the 2017 Human Relations Awards in December: Youth – Herman Chavez; Adult – Dr. Janina Farinas; Senior – Sue Ferguson; Organization – ChildSafe; Police and Emergency Services – Lt. Jeremy Yonce. • The City has joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a professional peer-to- peer network that helps local governments address racial inequities in their communities and organization through collaboration and information exchange. Fort Collins is the first Colorado jurisdiction to join. ECONOMIC HEALTH • As part of the City’s efforts to increase business engagement, the Economic Health Office recently conducted a survey of businesses that will help the City assess its level of service for the business community against other cities. The City received 560 survey responses. Results will be released in February. • Watch https://www.fcgov.com/business in January for the 2018 Targeted Industry Cluster funding application! COMMUNITY SERVICES UPDATE RECREATION APP Project at Foothills Activity Center Installed An Art in Public Places Art Mural was added to the gymnasium at the Foothills Activity Center. Artist Mario Echevarria created a youth focused mural with athletics as the theme. Therapy Pool and Instructional Pool at EPIC Opened The Recreation Department, working closely with Operation Services, finished the renovation of the EPIC Therapy and Instructional Pools. The popular pools are primarily used for Adaptive Recreation programs and Learn to Swim classes. Vietnam Commemorative Partners The Parks & Recreation Departments have become commemorative partners with the Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration. This is a two- year commitment to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans and their families, and those who served with or in support of, the Armed Forces. Pottery Studio Improvements The Pottery Studio, located in City Park, reopened after receiving some improvements to the interior floors. The Pottery Studio floors were repainted and the wood floors were refinished. PARKS Waste Recycling Changes The Parks Dept. has made a major change to the way we handle recycling waste. At the request of Waste Management, we no longer leave single stream recycling in the bin liners when we dump recycling in the dumpster for the Waste Management trucks to pick up. Waste Management has said that the bin liners get caught in the sorting machines resulting in shut downs and on rare occasions causing fires at their sorting facilities. PDCA for Streetscapes Contract The Parks Department has begun the PDCA process for contract changes with the Streetscapes contracts. The Parks Department is currently updating streetscapes data in GIS as well. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23 Median and Parkway Flower Designs Finished The Parks Department has completed the annual flower designs for medians/parkways, Engineering projects and city-owned facilities. CULTURAL SERVICES Lincoln Center Success in December Over 25,500 people passed through The Lincoln Center’s doors in December. Including sold-out performances of Jersey Boys and A Charlie Brown Christmas, among many other holiday themed community events. Lincoln Corridor APP Project Fort Collins artist Mark Leichliter worked with the Lincoln Corridor Project team to develop art for this site. The artwork is integrated into the design and is intended to accentuate the corridor and provide wayfinding elements. The artworks, entitled Terralogue Totems, consist of sculptural metal monoliths, bike racks, and stone and metal bollards. NATURAL AREAS Land Conservation Land conservation is a key activity of the Natural Areas Department. In 2017, 913.03 acres were purchased (outright, “in fee”), and 1,334.52 acres were conserved through conservation easements. Ranger Program 20th Anniversary Rangers are everyday heroes that safeguard visitors and natural areas. Their jobs have changed quite a bit as the community has grown and the issues they encounter are more serious. Natural Areas’ Ranger Program was recognized on its 20th anniversary through a Coloradoan article by Jacy Marmaduke, social media posts, website information, and an electronic newsletter story. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE Feature: Broadband Project – Engagement Soars • 1.8K total visits • Completely organic engagement • 687 visitors participated in mapping tool in first days of project OurCity 2017 Recap – The first year of our new tool • Site opens in spring of 2017 and gathers traction in October • Top Projects: Fort Collins Broadband; FoCo Creates; City Plan; 2018 Strategic Plan Update OurCity 2018 – A look ahead The next year is filled with big projects that require even bigger participation. The following projects will be featured on OurCity • BFO/KFCG • Broadband Link to full calendar: https://www.fcgov.com/events/ CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24