HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 11/17/2020 - City Manager’S Monthly Report - November 2020
Spring Creek Trail – Taken by Grant Smith
November 2020
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
Table of Contents
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................... 4
NOVEMBER 17 REGULAR MEETING ....................................................................................................................... 4
NOVEMBER 17 GID NO. 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 4
NOVEMBER 17 SKYVIEW GID ................................................................................................................................. 4
NOVEMBER 24 WORK SESSION ............................................................................................................................. 4
NOVEMBER 30 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING......................................................................... 5
DECEMBER 1 REGULAR MEETING ......................................................................................................................... 5
DECEMBER 8 WORK SESSION ................................................................................................................................ 5
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................................... 6
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ......................................................................................... 6
CP - ENGINEERING................................................................................................................................. 7
CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT .............................................................................................................. 7
TIMBERLINE ROAD CORRIDOR PROJECT ............................................................................................................... 8
JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT ..................................................................................................... 8
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT ................................................................................................................ 9
NORTH MASON DESIGN – ALPINE TO HICKORY .................................................................................................. 10
DRAKE AND HAMPSHIRE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INTERSECTION PROJECT ................................................... 10
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................... 11
CITY PARK REFRESH ............................................................................................................................................. 11
POUDRE TRAIL AT I‐25 ......................................................................................................................................... 12
PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN ................................................................................................................. 13
CP - OPERATION SERVICES ............................................................................................................... 13
FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER ........................................................................................ 13
BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH .................................................................................................... 14
CP - UTILITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 14
CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM (CIS/OSS) ................................................... 14
GIS/GWD & ADMS ............................................................................................................................................... 15
MAPLE AND PEARL STREETS WASTEWATER MAIN REPLACEMENT .................................................................... 16
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY‐ HORSETOOTH ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY .................................................... 16
DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY SIDESTREAM TREATMENT ................................................................... 17
PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................... 17
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY.................................................................................................................................... 17
POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 18
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................... 19
BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW .......................................................................................... 19
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES ................................................................................................................................. 20
GRAFFITI UPDATE................................................................................................................................ 22
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................... 22
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 22
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 22
ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 23
UTILITIES ............................................................................................................................................... 23
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 23
WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 25
COMMUNITY SERVICES ....................................................................................................................... 26
RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
PARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 26
CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 27
NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 28
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 29
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION ................................................................................... 31
COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT ............................................................................................. 31
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17 REGULAR MEETING
Annual Appropriation Ordinance (Budget) - 2nd Reading
o Consider the annual appropriation ordinance and setting the City budget for fiscal year 2021,
which becomes the City’s financial plan for that year.
High Performing Government - 7.1 Provide world-class municipal services to
residents and businesses.
Airport Annual Appropriation (2nd Reading-consent)
o Appropriate the 2021 Budget for the Northern Colorado Regional Airport.
Downtown Development Authority Annual Appropriation (2nd Reading - consent)
o Appropriate the 2021 Budget for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Airport Master Plan
o Consider adoption of a resolution adopting the Airport Master Plan.
Transportation & Mobility - 6.5 Maintain existing and aging transportation
infrastructure and address missing facilities to meet community needs and
expectations.
Timberline Church Rezoning
o Consideration of a request for a rezone from Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood to Medium
Density Mixed-use Neighborhood.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health - 1.7 Guide development through community
planning, historic preservation, and efficient and effective development review.
Staff Report: CARES Funding Update.
NOVEMBER 17 GID NO. 1
GID No. 1 Annual Appropriation (2nd Reading)
o Appropriate the 2021 Budget for General Improvement District (GID) No. 1
NOVEMBER 17 SKYVIEW GID
Skyview South GID No. 15 Annual Appropriation (2nd Reading)
o Appropriate the 2021 Budget for General Improvement District (GID) No. 1
NOVEMBER 24 WORK SESSION
Our Climate Future Planning Update
o Seek Council’s input for the Our Climate Future planning process, which will be updating the
Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy and Zero Waste Plan.
Environmental Health - 4.1 Achieve Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020 goals and
continue progress toward the 2030 goals.
Fort Collins Connexion Update
o Provide community and Council with an update on the progress with Connexion.
Economic Health - 3.7 Deploy reliable, high-speed internet services throughout the
community.
Metro Districts Evaluation
o Review options for a system that further defines ‘extraordinary public benefits’ associated with
Metropolitan District Service Plans.
Please note that this list is subject to
frequent change. Please call the City
Clerk’s Office for up-to-date
information. 970-416-2774.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health - 1.1 Improve access to quality housing that
is affordable to a broad range of income levels.
Process for Filling Council Vacancy and Selecting a New Mayor Pro Tem
o To get feedback from Council on the process they would like to use to fill Mayor Pro Tem
Stephens’ Council vacancy and to select a new Mayor Pro Tem.
High Performing Government – 7.9 Proactively influence policy and legislative
development at all levels.
NOVEMBER 30 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Remote Participation Only
o Agenda posted online https://www.renewfortcollins.com/meeting-agendas
o https://zoom.us/j/98687657267
DECEMBER 1 REGULAR MEETING
Community Report: Commissioner Kefalas
o Larimer County Community Report and Survey
Appeal - 724 & 726 South College Avenue.
o Consider an appeal regarding the Landmark Preservation Commission decision related to the
denial of eligibility as a Fort Collins Landmark.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health - 1.7 Guide development through community
planning, historic preservation, and efficient and effective development review.
Legislative Policy Agenda
o Consider adoption of the 2021 Legislative Policy Agenda
High Performing Government – 7.9 Proactively influence policy and legislative
development at all levels.
Manufactured Housing Rezonings
o Conduct a Public Hearing and consider an ordinance to change the zoning map and rezone six
properties containing manufactured housing communities to the Manufactured Housing (MH)
zone district.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health - 1.1 Improve access to quality housing that
is affordable to a broad range of income levels.
Staff Report: Remington Street Stormwater Project
o Inform Council about the recently constructed Remington Street Stormwater Outfall Project.
This project has completed an important stormwater system connection between the College
and Prospect intersection to Spring Creek and provides flood mitigation, water quality treatment
of stormwater runoff.
Safe Community - 5.5 Address water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
needs for the protection of people, property and the environment.
DECEMBER 8 WORK SESSION
Possible Charter Amendments Relating to Elections
o Discuss potential Charter amendments relating to elections to be placed on the April 6 Municipal
Election ballot.
High Performing Government - 7.1 Provide world-class municipal services to
residents and businesses.
Plastic Pollution Ballot Measure
o Discuss a plastic pollution ballot measure.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6
Environmental Health – 4.4 Achieve the 2020 Road to Zero Waste goals and work
toward the 2030 zero waste goals.
Update on Equality Indicator and Principles of Community Work
o To provide Council with updates on both the equality indicators work, and principles of
community project, and to receive feedback.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health - 1.4 Co-create a more inclusive and
equitable community that promotes unity and honors diversity.
Housing Strategic Plan - Plan Update and Initial Summary of Ad Hoc Committee
o Review findings from community engagement and work to date to develop the Housing
Strategic Plan, confirm plan is on track for adoption in February 2021, and review an initial
summary of the Ad Hoc Council Committee’s work.
Neighborhood Livability and Social Health - 1.1 Improve access to quality housing
that is affordable to a broad range of income levels.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS
Home2Health/Housing Strategic Plan - November
Public engagement efforts for the next phase of the City’s Home2Health project will continue in
November and will be aligned with the public engagement process for the City’s Housing Strategic
Plan. Activities include online educational resources and community meetings.
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE
SEPTEMBER SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: -6.9% -4.5%
Net Use Tax Collected: 14.0% -8.1%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -3.5% -5.1%
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are down 5.1% and total $100.2M.
SEPTEMBER SUMMARY OVER BUDGET
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: -6.9% -5.2%
Net Use Tax Collected: 36.8% 1.7%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -0.9% -4.2%
Year to date, the City has collected 4.2% less sales and use tax revenue, totaling $4.4M under budget.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
CP - ENGINEERING
CITYWIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PROJECT
Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP)
Estimated Project Budget: 2019 - $1.1M
Estimated Completion Date: Ongoing
Phase: Construction
Project Details:
This project maintains a complete City sidewalk inventory, identifies sidewalk inadequacies, and access
needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and develops a prioritized work program to
achieve goals of providing unobstructed access for transportation and recreation.
Project Status: Completed ped crossing on Elizabeth adjacent to the Woodbridge apartments in
early May.
Project expanded sidewalks along Prospect Road from Remington to Stover; sidewalk
construction began September 12. As of October 21, all sidewalk construction is complete,
currently finishing re-landscaping work. See above before and after pictures showing
current construction.
More information is available at http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php
Capital Project
Updates are
indicated in bold.
Note: Only projects
with updates this
month are listed.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8
TIMBERLINE ROAD CORRIDOR PROJECT
Funding Source: Transportation Capital Expansion Fee
(TCEF), Developer Contribution, Federal Grant
Estimated Project Budget: $8M
Estimated Completion Date: 2021
Phase: Design and ROW
Project Details:
This project will reconstruct South Timberline Road from
Stetson Creek Drive to Zephyr Road to the City’s four lane
arterial roadway standards. Zephyr Road to Trilby Road will be
restriped to include two northbound lanes and one
southbound lane. Planned improvements include intersection
improvements at Kechter Road and Zephyr Road, multi-modal
accommodations, raised medians and center turn lanes,
access control, landscaping improvements, and roadway
improvements. A pedestrian underpass crossing Timberline
Road will also be constructed near Bacon Elementary School.
This project serves to build upon the development improvements that have been completed along the
corridor. This project will improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide improved accommodations
for alternate travel modes.
Project Status:
The project is in the final design phase, with anticipated design completion in early 2021.
Right of way acquisition is anticipated to begin in late 2020.
Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
More information is available at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/timberlinewidening
JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Funding Source: Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality (CMAQ) Funds, Building on Basics (BOB) 1.0
funds
Estimated Project Budget: $1.4M
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2020
Phase: Construction
Project Details:
The goals of this project are to develop preliminary
engineering design plans, to acquire rights-of-way and
easements for planned improvements, and to construct
short-term improvements along Jefferson Street
between College Avenue and the Mountain/Lincoln
Intersection.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
Project Status:
All sidewalk and crosswalk work has been completed. Restriping work remains and should
be completed in early November, with the completion date being weather dependent.
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT
Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP)
Estimated Project Budget: $3.8M
Estimated Completion Date: 2020
Phase: Engineering Design
Project Details:
The goals of this project are to renovate Linden Street between Walnut Street and Jefferson Street.
Initial concepts include converting this section of Linden Street to a “convertible” street; one that can
function primarily as a roadway but can also be closed to vehicles and converted to a pedestrian plaza
during specialty events.
Project Status:
Staff and representatives from KCI Construction have met with numerous business owners
to convey the planned construction start date, to gather business specific information, and
to listen to concerns. This outreach will continue in November and December.
More information is available at: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/linden-street-renovation/
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10
NORTH MASON DESIGN – ALPINE TO HICKORY
Funding Source: Transportation Capital Expansion Fee
(TCEF), Storm Water Utility, Urban Renewal Authority (URA)
funding
Estimated Project Budget: $1.0M
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2020
Phase: Conceptual Design
Project Details:
A collaborative effort between City departments and the North
College URA to find solutions to existing drainage issues
along the west side of College Avenue, north of the Poudre
River. The project was approved through the 2019/2020
Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process and will focus on
roadway and storm sewer alignments for North Mason.
Construction of the storm sewer backbone is expected to
occur in 2021/2022. No funding has currently been identified
for the roadway construction.
Project Status:
Beginning property owner outreach, fall 2020.
DRAKE AND HAMPSHIRE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INTERSECTION
PROJECT
Funding Source: Safe Routes to School Federal Grant
Estimated Project Budget: $620,000
Estimated Completion Date: Winter 2020
Phase: Preliminary Design
Project Details:
This project will add a signalized intersection and bike/ped improvements to the intersection of Drake
Road and Hampshire Drive. Planned improvements include: full signalized intersection, pedestrian
ramp improvements, crosswalks, and revised roadway striping to better accommodate cyclists. This
project will provide a Safe Route to School connection between Blevins Middle School and the Spring
Creek Trail.
Project Status:
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
The combined Hampshire/Drake and HWY1/Douglas Rd Project is planned to be advertised
in early November, with construction at HWY1/Douglass Road occurring in December 2020
and construction at Hampshire/Drake occurring in Spring 2021.
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
CITY PARK REFRESH
Funding Source: Building On Basics
Total Project Cost: $850k-$1M
Phase: Phase I project identification
Estimated Completion: 2021 for Phase I project
Project Details:
Several concepts, master plans, and improvement ideas have been generated and shared with the
community for feedback in 2016, 2018, and 2019 to address important refresh needs of City Park. The
City Park Restroom Project, which is part of Phase 1 improvements, will provide a new year-round
restroom along with surrounding site improvements. Construction of the City Park Restroom began on
September 7, with anticipated construction lasting from early September through late December.
Landscape plantings may be delayed until spring of 2021, depending on weather conditions. Visit the
project web site for additional information regarding the project at ourcity.fcgov.com/city-park-tomorrow.
Project Status:
Construction of City Park Restroom improvements began on September 7.
Demolition work is complete and includes removal of the existing restroom structure, one
picnic shelter, as well as some concrete and asphalt.
Sidewalk along S. Bryan Avenue is in place and the new restroom foundation and
underground wet utility work are complete.
Use of hydro-excavation prior to trenching/excavation has been successful in identifying
and protecting the tree root system.
Upcoming construction will include restroom concrete masonry unit installation, framing and
concrete flatwork.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12
POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25
Funding Source: Conservation Trust Fund & GOCO Grant ($1M for Fort Collins
Total Project Cost: $2.7 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: 2022
Project Details:
Construction of this 2-mile section of the trail will complete the entire extent of the approximately 10-
mile Poudre Trail in the City of Fort Collins. Fort Collins partnered with Timnath, Windsor, and Larimer
County in 2019 to win a $2 million GOCO Connect Initiative Grant to complete all remaining segments
of the Poudre Trail. The GOCO project will complete approximately 4-miles of missing trail segments, to
complete the entre 40+ mile Poudre Trail from Bellvue to Greeley.
The Fort Collins project will connect the existing trail ending at the Colorado State Environmental
Learning Center through the future East Community Park to the proposed I-25 underpass to be
constructed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) with the North I-25 project, and
thereafter to the existing trail segment in Timnath.
Project Status:
The Natural Areas Department is partnering with Park Planning & Development to
incorporate the design and construction of a trailhead parking lot on Strauss Cabin Road
within the Poudre Trail at I-25 plan.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Project Status:
The drafted Parks & Recreation Master Plan is now available for review and input from the
community through November 20. Full details regarding the planning process including
documents and videos, along with the draft plan, are available at
ourcity.fcgov.com/parksandrec.
CP - OPERATION SERVICES
FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER
Funding Sources:
$9.25M generated from bonds for the City of Fort
Collins
$9.25M from City of Loveland
$1M from DOLA Grant
Total Project Cost: $19.5M
Phase: Phase I Site Work in Progress
Phase II Building in Pricing
Estimated Completion Date: January 2021
Project Details:
The City of Fort Collins is partnering with The City
of Loveland to construct a new Police training facility
which will be located on the west side of the Loveland Airport. This new site will offer a 50-yard pistol
range, a 1.4-mile driving track, concrete skills pad, and some classrooms for special training.
Project Status:
Phase I – Track & Skills Pad Construction: No change
Track and Skills pad have been turned over to Fort Collins and Loveland PD’s for use.
Phase II – Building Construction:
Admin building roofing is completed.
Admin exterior stucco finish is underway.
Interior drywall finishes are underway.
Installing mechanical and electrical systems.
Interior painting is to begin early November.
Restroom tile work is to begin early November.
Installing Firing range baffle system.
Firing range wall protection system is schedule to begin install early November.
Building system testing and balancing to take place in January 2021
Working through RFI’s to address contractor’s questions.
Building construction is to be complete late December.
Currently expecting LEED Silver for Admin building.
Winter Protection for Exterior Finishes
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14
Plan to turn over to Police early January 2021.
BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH
Funding Source: Capital Project via BFO: $300,000
Estimated Project Cost: TBD
Phase: RFP
Estimated Completion Date: TBD
Project Details:
Space planning for Block 32 and 42 that was performed in
2013-2014 and needs to be updated. The new
planning effort will involve each affected department to
determine their space needs and anticipated growth over the
next 10-12 Years. With the completion of the refresh the City
can decide which departments to house in 215 N Mason, 300 Laporte Ave - Building A, and the new City
Hall. The refresh will also help determine an appropriate size of the new City Hall. Once this is determined
and a conceptual design is produced it will be submitted to Council for review, next recommended steps
and approval.
Project Status:
We are moving forward with a work order for the design team to assist with looking at City’s staffing
needs with the many teleworkers we have today. We will be looking at new trends and understand
how this may impact our new space needs are for the various departments. We plan to have a
deliverable by March 2021.
Space planning Kick-off meeting scheduled with department leaders on November 4 where
we will layout the process for individual meetings for each department.
CP - UTILITIES
CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
(CIS/OSS)
The Customer Information/Operational Support System (CIS/OSS) billing system project, delivered
through Open SmartFlex (OSF), will be the technology interface customers rely on for accurate utility
and broadband billing and customer service. The project just completed round two of system testing
and entered round three. System testing assures the OSF platform functionality supports delivery and
accurate billing of more than $200 million in annual revenue from electric, water, stormwater and
wastewater services. At the conclusion of the third round of testing the team will recommend a final go-
live date and move into product acceptance and end-user training. Connexion billing began in August
2019. The project team is managing the final delivery of Utilities billing and self-service, and systems
testing assures our customers’ success. Utilities has begun customer outreach through bill inserts, web
updates, how to read your bill, and providing access to MyWater and MyEnergy portals. Visit
fcgov.com/utilities/bill for more information.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
GIS/GWD & ADMS
Funding Source: Offer 5.23
Operational Technology
Estimated Project Budget:
$2,762,384
Phase: In Production with
full vendor project team
support
Project Details:
Replacement and
upgrade of the existing
L&P mapping systems
to a fully capable
Geographic Information
System (GIS) platform
compatible with the
City's enterprise GIS.
Implementation of a GIS-based Graphic Work Design (GWD) system enabling streamlined electric
distribution design and development and integration with GIS as well as other key systems
Replacement of existing electric distribution operational tools with a new Advanced Distribution
Management System (ADMS) that enables L&P’s Supervisory Control & Operations (SCO) staff to
performs a wide range of real-time analysis in the management of the City’s electric distribution
system.
Project Status:
Designer is in post-production support with the vendor. We are adding functionality to
accommodate temporary installations and removals as well as finding the best methodology
for annotating construction notes.
Functionality to enable more dynamic Designer text to be added to construction layouts is
ready and being implemented.
The LPO GIS Team continues to make additions and improvements to the GIS data as determined
by project needs.
The OMS functionality of the ADMS system is live and in production, operating in parallel with the
previous system.
The project team is working with ACS, the ADMS vendor, on system refinements to fix issues and
processes.
The ADMS project team is working on modifications to the mapping import to improve
switchpoint labeling as well as readability of certain operational devices.
Screen capture of ArcFM Mobile
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16
MAPLE AND PEARL STREETS WASTEWATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
Funding Source: Wastewater Fund
Estimated Project Budget: $737,000.00
Status: Construction scheduled to started October 5th
Estimated Completion Date: November 11, 2020
Project Details:
The Maple & Pearl streets wastewater main replacement project
will replace 1573 linear feet of 6-inch dilapidated clay tile sewer
with new 8-inch PVC sewer. Five brick manholes will be
replaced with pre-cast concrete manholes. The 47 sewer
services connections will be replaced with 1,747 square yards of
street asphalt replaced.
Project Status:
Project 50% complete.
725 Linear feet of new sewer Installed.
3 Manholes installed.
25 new sewer service connections completed.
First half of asphalt street paving under way.
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY-
HORSETOOTH ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY
Funding Source: Water
Estimated Project Budget: $3,200,000
Status: In standby operation mode
Estimated Completion Date: May 31, 2021
Project Details:
Norther Colorado Water Conservancy District (Northern Water)
has shut down the Soldier Canyon pipe outlet from Horsetooth
Reservoir started October 15, 2020 to conduct repairs. The
City, surrounding water districts, and PRPA collaborating on a
project to supply Horsetooth water from an alternative location
during this shutdown. This project involves constructing a
permanent pipeline connection to the Pleasant Valley Pipeline
(PVP) and a temporary pump station to connect between the
Hansen Canal (the outlet on the north side of Horsetooth
Reservoir) and the PVP which supplies water from the Poudre River to northern Colorado water
districts. This project is currently in standby mode and ready to provide Horsetooth water to the water
districts and the City during the Northern Water shutdown project.
Project Status:
Pumps and piping installed, connected, and tested.
Pumps are in standby mode ready for production operation during Northern’s shutdown
project which began on 10-15-20.
Northern has stated project is ahead of schedule and may be complete early November
2020.
Old Manhole Removal on Maple
Street
Pumps currently in standby
mode, ready for production
operations
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17
DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY SIDESTREAM TREATMENT
Funding Source: Wastewater
Estimated Project Budget: $4,700,000.
Status: In construction
Estimated Completion Date: December 2020
Project Details:
In partnership with Woodward, this project is the design
and installation of a combined heat and power (CHP)
system fueled by conditioned biogas to provide electrical
power to the wastewater plant. Not only off-setting
electrical demand from the power grid, but the units will
also provide heat via a hot water system to the plant’s
anaerobic digestion process and house water heat
exchangers to heat several of the plant’s buildings.
Project Status:
Project construction is around 90% complete
Gas Conditioning startup completed
System commissioning commencing mid-November
PUBLIC SAFETY
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Grass Fires | Oct. 31
At 10:33 a.m., PFA was dispatched to reports of fire in a field near the intersection of S. Shields St. and
W. Troutman Pkwy. Crews found two small fires burning in a grove of trees. One fire was active and the
other was smoldering. Firefighters quickly extinguished both and requested a fire investigator. Poudre
Fire Authority investigators determined that the fires were intentionally set and that juveniles were
involved. Younger children often start fires inside the home out of curiosity, while it is more common for
older kids to start fires in other locations. People of all ages often mistakenly believe they can control
the fires they set. Fire can travel quickly, as many Colorado communities have seen over the last
couple of months. PFA’s Youth Firesetter Prevention and Intervention Program offers one-on-one
support to kids that have shown an unhealthy curiosity about fires or who have started fires in the past.
With families at home more and colder temperatures, this presented an opportunity to remind the
community of this fire prevention program.
Firefighter Hiring Process Begins | Nov. 1 – Jan. 31
PFA is an all-hazards response agency that responded to 21,939 incidents in 2019. It is comprised of
uniformed career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and civilian employees. Outreach is underway to
help grow the PFA family. The Authority is searching for candidates to build an eligibility list for
upcoming firefighter positions, a process which happens around every two years. The first step of the
application process is to submit test scores through the National Testing Network. Test scores will be
reviewed and potential candidates will be invited to complete a PFA application. PFA is looking forward
to finding and training the next generation of first responders.
DWRF Sidestream Building and
Reactor
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18
Car Fire Involves Two Structures – Both Homes Saved | Nov. 5
PFA was dispatched to a car fire at 11:00 a.m. on the 2000 block of N. College. It was reported that the
car was near a building. The Engine 12 crew was the first on scene. The crew found a vehicle fully
engulfed in flames on the south side of a manufactured home. The fire had extended to the siding and
soffit of the home and was beginning to burn through to the interior. Firefighters quickly pulled a hose
line and attacked the flames both at the vehicle and on the side of the home. They moved to the north
and prepared a hose to further protect the home in case an interior attack was needed. Two people
were inside at the time of the fire. They were notified by a responding party and evacuated the home on
their own. Two people were medically assessed, and one was transported. A second home, on the
other side of the vehicle, was also involved. Its siding melted due to the heat. The fire was quickly
knocked down and both homes were saved.
POLICE SERVICES
FCPS launches digital safety resource page - The opportunities to connect with others through
digital platforms are expanding each day. It's important for parents and caregivers to talk regularly with
their device-holding kids about the risks of virtual interaction. Last month, Fort Collins Police Services
launched a new page online to provide information about digital safety and resources related to child
exploitation.
Internet Safety presentation held online – Police Services normally hosts a popular “Keeping Kids
Safe on the Internet” several times a year. Due to COVID, in-person presentations had to be canceled
in 2020. In light of the high demand for information from community members, as well as the alarming
number of child exploitation cases the Crimes Against Persons Unit has seen this year that started
online, FCPS decided to host this presentation virtually. Spanish interpretation was provided, and a
wide variety of community members attended this virtual event!
Police investigate major cases crimes – Detectives were busy in the month of October investigating
a number of crimes that impacted our community members, including a stabbing and two shootings.
Fortunately all of the victims in these cases are expected to recover and police found all suspects.
These cases are extremely resource intensive and require a quick, professional response from highly-
skilled officers. The Criminal Investigations Division has continued to rise to the challenges that occur at
all hours of the day and consistently provide compassionate, professional service to all.
The FCPS CRASH (Collision Response and Scene Handling) Team investigated a major collision at
Harmony and Timberline on October 14. A motorhome pulling an SUV was traveling east on Harmony
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
Road approaching multiple vehicles stopped for a red light at Timberline Road. The motorhome failed
to stop for the traffic and collided with several vehicles. In total, 16 vehicles were involved in the crash.
Several occupants were extricated from vehicles by Poudre Fire Authority and 22 people were treated
for injuries. Five of those injured were transported to area hospitals with two sustaining serious injuries.
Sadly, one of those individuals passed away as a result of his injuries.
Drug Takeback Day - On October 24, FCPS staff set up a drive-thru in the north parking lot of the
Police Services building for Drug Takeback Day. A total of 120 cars came through, dropping off a total
of 260 pounds of meds for safe disposal! This will keep homes safer and our watershed cleaner. If
community members missed the event and still have unwanted, unused, or expired medications,
people can always stop by our lobby Monday through Thursday from 8-4 to drop them off in our
disposal kiosk. This is a free service for our community members.
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION
BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Monthly Reporting
Monthly construction reporting and mapping of development review proposals and construction can be
found by visiting:
http://citydocs.fcgov.com/?dt=MONTHLY+REPORT&dn=NEIGHBORHOOD+%26+BUILDING+SERVIC
ES%2FZONING&vid=2&cmd=showdt
For a detailed listing of development Proposals under review, please visit:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/proposals/
Lighting Code
At the beginning of November, the Draft Lighting Code Update was released to the public for review
and comment. The project seeks to promote nighttime safety and commerce, protect residential and
natural areas from artificial lighting, promote energy conservation, and minimize light pollution.
Community engagement will occur throughout the months of November and December, with
presentations scheduled to several City Boards, the police department, Downtown Development
Authority, Chamber of Commerce, several City departments, and two public meetings. A Technical
Team comprised of business owners, lighting designers, landscape architects and architects will
convene to discuss the mechanics and more technical aspects of the code. Revisions to the draft are
anticipated based on community conversations. Adoption is scheduled for early 2021.
Home2Health and Housing Strategic Plan: Community engagement and beginning work on an
evaluation framework for strategy identification have been the primary focus for Home2Health and the
Housing Strategic Plan during the month of October. Staff working on these efforts have hosted more
than 17 different workshops and small-group discussions. Input from these workshops will be combined
with feedback received through partner-led engagement and responses to an online worksheet
associated with a new online “at your own pace” engagement option available at
https://fcgov.com/housing (English) or https://fcgov.com/vivienda (Espanol). A summary from fall
engagement and a draft evaluation framework will be shared with Council at a work session on
December 8.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON
2019 2020 YTD % Change
Development Project Submittals Received 356 313 -12.08%
Conceptual/Preliminary Design/Staff Reviews 187 205 9.63%
Building Permits Issued 14,577 11,892 -18.42%
Building Permit Valuations ($M) $317.42 $284.86 -10.26%
Building Inspections Performed 22,973 26,341 14.66%
Zoning Inspections Performed 368 347 -5.71%
Zoning Plan Reviews Performed 2,392 2,540 6.19%
Overall Development Review revenues are ($1,418,400) under projection for 2020 as of October 31st
with Development Review under by $(1,279,148) and Engineering Development Review under by
$(139,251).
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
Neighborhood Development Review
The Neighborhood Development Liaison is spearheading efforts to educate members of the public on
what to expect at Planning and Zoning Board Hearings, and how to provide effective public
comment. This includes updating written materials and developing videos.
With the continued threat of viral transmission from in-person engagement opportunities, the
Neighborhood Development Liaison is also exploring opportunities to deliver Planning Academy
content online through synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.
Neighborhood Services Mini Grants
Neighborhood Services Mobile Home Park Mini Grants Round 3 are being awarded through a
partnership with La Familia-The Family Center and two local contractors skilled in mobile home
improvements. La Familia-The Family Center is assisting with outreach for residents in need of window
and door replacements and coordinating the scheduling of work with the residents. Replacing old or
damaged windows and doors add to the aesthetics of the neighborhood and make mobile homes more
energy efficient, which is particularly important as we head into winter weather.
Mini Grant applications have been moved into the E-proval online management system. Staff is working
on updating instructions for neighbors and streamlining the approval process among City Departments.
Legal Eviction Fund (CARES Act)
The Neighborhood Services Team completed contracting and continues to work closely with service
providers under the Legal Eviction Fund under the City’s CARES Act allocation. One “Know Your
Rights” training session for tenants and landlords on eviction avoidance and defense was held on
October 28th with presentations and sign-ups for Legal Clinic/Ask A Lawyer appointments by the
Colorado Poverty Law Project and Fuerza Latina. A service provider training for community partners is
scheduled for November 9th. All contracted service providers are conducting outreach and the City
created a postcard for distribution to vulnerable neighborhoods identified through the work of the
Vulnerable/Susceptible Populations Team Opportunity Index.
Adopt A Neighbor
Volunteer Services shifted daily management of the expanded Adopt A Neighbor program back to
Neighborhood Services Program Staff. We continue to offer expanded volunteer opportunities
necessitated by COVID-19 recovery and community health concerns like grocery and prescription pick
up. Staff contacted all unmatched Adopt A Neighbor volunteers to confirm interest in being matched for
COVID-related needs, snow shoveling, and one-day projects like community clean-up. There are 275
active volunteers and 80 adopted neighbors currently in the program. Adopt A Neighbor is also pairing
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21
volunteers with neighbors in need as a substitute for the Fall Clean-Up leaf removal previously offered
by CSU that was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
Mobile Home Park/Manufactured Housing Community Residents’ Rights
City-initiated rezoning of existing mobile home parks is underway. City Staff continues to work on water
utility billing transparency issues in mobile home parks and we are awaiting updates on the progress of
the first complaint from Fort Collins to go through the state’s new complaint and investigation process
that was filed in September.
The Mi Voz resident group is taking the lead on content for the Mobile Home Park Handbook. JC Ward
met with Mi Voz Leadership Group to discuss the handbook outline, prioritize topics, and brainstorm
format. The design of the handbook will be more infographic or storytelling than other mobile home park
handbooks already available, so the Graphics Department will play an integral role in the timeline for
creating content. CDNS has underspend dollars available from 2020 for graphic design and legal
consulting work and Staff is working to develop an updated timeline to get the project developed
quickly.
Immigration Legal Fund Research
A cross-departmental team of City Staff from Neighborhood Services, City Attorney’s Office, Social
Sustainability, and the Communications and Public Involvement Office was assembled to articulate the
greatest challenges for our local immigrant populations in Fort Collins and the role the City can play in
addressing these challenges. Because of the understandable reluctance of undocumented immigrants
to self-identify and open themselves and their families to risk of deportation, the Team is working with
local and statewide advocacy groups with existing relationships with Fort Collins immigrants to conduct
a local needs assessment, research existing and projected conditions in Larimer County for the
immigrant community, analyze other municipal immigration fund program and budget models, and
conduct public engagement. The City is partnering with subject matter experts with exceptional cultural
competency from Alianza NORCO, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Fuerza Latina, Colorado Bar
Association, Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (ISAAC), and Vera Institute for Justice
on the research and needs assessment in Larimer County to provide options to City Council for a
potential municipal immigration legal fund.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22
GRAFFITI UPDATE
During the month of October 2020, the Graffiti Abatement Team abated 52 issues consisting of 100
tags measuring 1,976 square feet of graffiti-covered surfaces.
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Election Sign Disposal
Wondering what to do with political signs? Most election signs are not recyclable and should not be put
in your curbside recycling bin.
Signs made of corrugated plastic should be thrown away in the trash.
Plastic sleeve-style signs (made of stretchy plastic material like grocery bags) can be recycled as
plastic film at the City’s Timberline Recycling Center (1903 S. Timberline Rd.).
Election signs made of cardboard or paperboard can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin or at
recycling drop-off locations after removing the metal wicket.
Metal sign wickets on all types of signs can be recycled as scrap metal at local scrap metal dealers
or taken to the Timberline Recycling Center Hard-to-Recycle Materials Yard ($5 entry fee applies).
Visit: https://www.fcgov.com/recycling/atoz/ to learn more.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Daytime Inclement Weather Shelter
A temporary, inclement weather daytime shelter for those experiencing homelessness was approved to
begin in November at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1709 W. Elizabeth St. This shelter is
temporary and will be operated by Homeward Alliance from November through April only during
inclement weather days. Shelter information is as follows.
Month Access
FC
Hotline Pro-Active Total
January 1 0 51 52
February 5 2 22 29
March 7 4 55 66
April 17 2 42 61
May 12 5 36 53
June 17 11 35 63
July 26 7 36 69
August 16 3 39 58
September 19 6 20 45
October 17 4 31 52
Total 136 44 362 542
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when high temperatures are predicted not to get above
freezing, when the National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning or Windchill Warning,
or when the combination of precipitation, wind and temperature creates conditions that are
hazardous to life and limb.
Homeward Alliance staff and Precision Security will be onsite during hours of operations. They will
be able to answer security questions/concerns in real time as they arise. For on-site operations
questions, contact Precision Security at: 303-335-9437 or Homeward Alliance at: 970-682-3193, for
questions for the City, visit Access Fort Collins at fcgov.com/contactus, and for emergencies call
911.
For more information about shelter options for those experiencing homelessness go to:
fcgov.com/socialsustainability.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
City of Fort Collins Small Business Assistance Program Launches Phase 3 for Food & Beverage
Businesses
The City of Fort Collins is inviting restaurants, bars, brewers, and other food & beverage businesses to
apply for the 3rd Phase of the Small Business Assistance Program. The Small Business Assistance
Program is a $1.8M financial assistance program through Coronavirus Relief Federal funds to provide
relief to businesses and nonprofits that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next
phase of the program, which is specific to restaurants and bars, will launch Wednesday, November 4,
2020, and will close on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
The 3rd Phase will allow restaurants and bars to apply for up to $5,000 if they:
Are physically located within the City of Fort Collins boundaries
Haven been in full operation since July 1, 2019
Have an active City of Fort Collins sales tax license
Have no unpaid code enforcement or tax liens
Have verifiable loss of income due to COVID closures and/or regulations
Owner has lawful presence in the U.S.
Restaurants and bars who meet the criteria can apply at fcogv.com/business. This assistance will not
have to be repaid.
The applications will be also be available in Spanish.
UTILITIES
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS
The distribution of digital and printed Home Energy Reports to community members has resumed.
Home Energy Reports provide energy use benchmarks (aka neighbor comparisons), customized
efficiency tips, an interactive web portal, and other educational resources. The reports have been
paused since October 2019 as the program transitioned to a new vendor with expanded capabilities.
Water Conservation Staff is now accepting applications for the Allotment Management Program to
assist with customers impacted by Excess Water Use surcharges. Full applications are due by
December 1. Six pre-application and two full applications have been approved. Current 2020
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24
participants saved an average of $6,000 on their Utilities bills and three participants were able to lower
use below their allotment within the first year of participating in the program!
Utilities will host four focus groups, the first being held on Nov 4, to get feedback from developers and
stakeholders on proposed updates to the water supply requirements. This feedback will be used to
finalize and shape final recommendations for council. Staff expects to finalize changes by Quarter 2 of
2021 and go to council in Quarter 3 of 2021, with the goal to implement any approved changes in Jan
of 2022.
The residential Xeriscape Incentive Program has inspected 61 completed residential projects, issuing
rebates to each of those customers for converting high-water use landscapes to low-water/no-water
landscapes.
The commercial Xeriscape Incentive Program is wrapping up the 2020 program year having
supported seven projects on over 13 total acres of private property. Water savings for these projects is
estimated at 4.6 million gallons annually. The commercial Xeriscape Incentive Program will fund seven
commercial-scale projects in 2021.
In 2020, Utilities Community Engagement has reached 5,980 participants through 174 outreach events
and programs. In the month of October, Utilities offered the following engagement opportunities:
October 1, 15, 29 – Front Range Community College (FRCC) Education Programs: In a three part
series, Environmental Science class from FRCC learned about the Poudre River Watershed and how
the City manages the health of the water, spent two hours deliberating the best ways to address the
increasing demands on water with decreasing availability, and provided feedback for Our Climate
Future (OCF) and learned about next steps with OCF.
October 6th – Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Vendor Kick-Off – A virtual
presentation was held by LEAP staff for updates to the 2020-2021 LEAP season. LEAP vendors from
around the region attended this meeting.
October 8th – A Real Estate Professionals Guide to Using Epic Certificates in Fort Collins Real
Estate: This virtual presentation gave real estate professionals a comprehensive overview of Epic
Homes and the Epic Certificate, and taught them how to join the Epic Homes Real Estate Ally
Network in order to help sell homes with efficiency upgrades.
October 14th – Working Families Thrive: A virtual meeting for the Working Families Thrive group
was held to provide updates from local non-profit organizations. Staff provided an overview on payment
assistance resources and Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) updates.
October 16th – CSU Hydrology Class: Link Muller from the Water Reclamation Facility met with a
small group of students from CSU outside by the river. They discussed variability in the timing and
quantity of treated wastewater discharge along with other questions from students.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25
October 20 and 22 – Multifamily Q&A: Two virtual
meetings were held for multifamily property managers
in lieu of the in-person luncheon. City staff presented
on the Horsetooth Outlet Project, Connexion, Epic
Homes and the Building Energy and Water Scoring
updates.
October 30th – Trunk or Treat: Utilities partnered
with the Holiday Twin Drive-In to support their Trunk or
Treat Halloween event with an educational booth about
how to save water and energy. All COVID safety
guidelines were followed (masks, gloves, social
distancing).
In the month of November, Utilities will offer the following engagement opportunities:
November 5, 19 – Utilities Affordability Programs (UAP) Board Updates: Utilities
Affordability Programs staff will present an update on the UAP offerings and progress in 2020 to
the Affordable Housing Board on November 5 and the Water Board on November 19.
November 12th – Fort Collins Benchmarking Ordinance Overview: Building Energy and Water
Scoring: This overview will include information on the benefits of benchmarking, who is required to
comply, what is required to comply, and what resources are available including data requests.
November 18th – Epic Homes Solar 101 – Solar and the Real Estate Transaction: Attendees will
gain an understanding of available solar options and tools to help clients take advantage of incentive
programs and navigate clean, renewable energy systems.
WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS
Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division continues to participate in the statewide wastewater
epidemiology collaborative. Samples are provided from both Fort Collins Utilities wastewater
facilities twice per week to Colorado State University for analysis.
Water Quality Services Division finished its annual Lead and Copper testing at the Water Quality
Lab. All results passed well under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Action Levels,
highlighting the effectiveness of the Water Treatment Facility’s Corrosion Control program.
The Mulberry and the Drake Water Reclamation Facility were recognized as Platinum Level Peak
Performers by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Both facilities have
maintained 100% permit compliance for six consecutive years.
The Mulberry and Drake Water Reclamation Facilities were recognized as Gold Level
Environmental Leaders by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Gold Leaders are those companies with a fully operational, facility-specific Environmental
Management System (EMS). They must meet beyond-compliance requirements with no regulatory
violations.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RECREATION
Enforcing Face Covering Wearing Training:
Facility attendants, front line, and full-time staff all participated in a virtual training provided by the
Colorado Parks & Recreation Association on enforcing mask wearing and facility regulations with a
positive customer-focus.
Funtime Preschool Program:
Recreation just received our state childcare license for preschool. Our team is undergoing new
staff training protocols and updating parent & staff manuals.
Families shifted to an online health profile platform, ePACT Emergency Network, to maintain
contact information and health records.
New drop-off/pick-up, daily health screenings, activity and handwashing protocols were
implemented to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.
The 3-day/week Pre-K class is running at 66% capacity; the 2-day/week Preschool class will begin
in November.
Holiday Artisan Market:
The Traditional Holiday Artisan Market will be virtual this year
taking place throughout the month of November. Click to
view vendor items.
Treatsylvania:
Treatsylvania sold out within one hour of registration opening
on October 1st. We had 432 who registered and attended a
safe, physically-distanced event at the end of October.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
The Parks & Recreation Master Plan draft is now available for review and comment from the
community. View the plan, along with supplemental documents and videos, at
ourcity.fcgov.com/parksandrec.
PARKS
Potable water irrigation systems blown out to conform with the HOP
Fall sports seasons finished up
Cyclocross season at Rossborough Park underway until December
Downtown holiday lights installation completed
Storm damage: Strong winds on October 11th caused limb and whole tree failures City wide -
cleanup efforts continue (Spruce tree in Grandview pictured below)
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27
CULTURAL SERVICES
American Chorus—Love and Everything After by Suchitra Mattai
The Right to Herself
New Exhibit Debuts at The Lincoln Center Art Gallery. “The Right To Herself” exhibition
celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, its complicated promise of
human rights, liberty and equity, and the search for agency through diverse works of art. This free
exhibition reflects on the vote as a promise for agency and voice within society, and its relationship
to diverse communities. Organized by the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, it is
exhibiting jointly at The Lincoln Center and the Clara Hatton Gallery at CSU. The exhibit can be
viewed at The Lincoln Center by reservation, Noon to 3:00 pm, Tuesday-Friday, through November
28.
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery groundbreaking exhibition “Mental Health: Mind Matters”
continues through January 10th. This important exhibit aims to build a greater understanding of the
importance of mental health and create a safe space for important conversations about mental
illness. Hands-on experiences throughout the exhibit bring the visitor closer to the facts, feelings,
and issues surrounding this topic that touches so many lives. To experience this special exhibition,
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 28
reservations must be made. And, as a bonus, there is no admission charge to the Museum during
the run of this exhibit!
NATURAL AREAS
Hawk Canyon Ranch Conservation
The City contributed $1,074,864 to Larimer County’s purchase of the 1,029 acre Hawk Canyon Ranch
in October, adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space. Hawk Canyon Ranch serves as important wildlife
migration corridor, offers spectacular vistas, and provides significant buffers to existing conserved
lands. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) supported the purchase and the continued commitment to
conserve lands in the Laramie Foothills. City Council approved the Intergovernmental Agreement that
authorizes the City’s partnership on these transactions in September.
The Laramie Foothills area, about 25 miles north of Fort Collins, is an important regional conservation
focus given its high ecological and cultural resources values. Land conservation in this region began in
2004 with the inception of the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains partnership and generous GOCO
funding, in which over 50,000-acres of land was successfully conserved. Several other land
conservation projects are underway in the Laramie Foothills, see map below.
Black-footed Ferret Monitoring
The City of Fort Collins is the only municipal partner in the nationwide effort to recover the most
endangered mammal in North America, black-footed ferrets.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 29
Annual monitoring of black-footed ferrets at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Meadow Springs
Ranch confirms the presence of the endangered species, and is an opportunity to improve their
chances of survival through vaccinations against canine distemper and sylvatic plague. In October,
Natural Areas staff along with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service observed
black-footed ferrets on three Soapstone Prairie prairie dog colonies (ferrets’ primary prey are prairie
dogs). Of the four individuals detected, three were born in the wild. This successful monitoring effort
again confirmed that ferrets are reproducing in the wild and are thriving.
In November, additional black-footed ferrets are planned to be released on a large prairie dog colony at
Meadow Springs Ranch that surrounds the National Black-footed ferret Conservation and Breeding
Center.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Community Meeting with Community Partners
City staff continued its series of meetings with The Family Center’s Leadership Program “Mi Voz.”
Meeting participants learned about Utilities’ Affordability Programs, eviction-related resources and
services, and community mediation programs.
City’s Equity Indicators
City staff from Sustainable Services in partnership with the CUNY Institute continued its public
engagement efforts for the creation of the City’s Equity Dashboard. Part of the activities consisted of
workshops and meetings covering topics related to preliminary data found related to existing inequities
in Fort Collins.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 30
Poudre Library District Dia de Muertos
City staff joined Poudre Library District and other community partners in their Día de Muertos yearly
celebration. The library organized a series of family educational activities to celebrate and honor this
cherished tradition. Community partners set up traditional altars for community members to learn more
about the history and significance of the event. City staff from CPIO’s Graphics team were there to
capture part of the celebration by taking photos of the altars as well as of visiting community members.
Photos will be uploaded into the City’s Flickr account.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 31
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION
Homeowners’ Association Colorado 811 Awareness & Education
Fort Collins Connexion is partnering with Loveland Pulse to provide a free webinar for homeowners’
association board members, property management companies and their residents about changes to
the Colorado 811 laws that may impact their communities. The event is on
Tuesday December 8, 2020 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm MST. For more information and to register, visit
fcconnexion.com/hoa.
New Hire Announcement
The Connexion Team recently welcomed Chad Crager as our new Outside Plant Manager! Chad has
been with the City of Fort Collins for 3.5 years as an engineer within Planning, Development and
Transportation. We are thrilled to have Chad as a valued member of our team. Welcome!
Upcoming Work Session
The Connexion team will provide City Council and our community with an update on the progress of the
community-wide broadband roll out on Tuesday November 4th.
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Join the Connexion community—get updates and information on
services and more! @FCConnexion @ConnexionFC
COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT
The Community Dashboard features performance data and information that highlights how the City is
doing in achieving its seven Outcome areas: Neighborhood Livability and Social Health, Culture and
Recreation, Economic Health, Environmental Health, Safe Community, Transportation, and High
Performing Government. The Dashboard is made up of 36 total metrics that are published quarterly and
demonstrate where the City is doing well and where there are opportunities to improve. The color
status of performance for each metric is determined based on the actual result for the quarter
compared with the target. The color status of performance for the Outcome is determined based on the
average calculation of the performance of each metric within that Outcome.
Each month the City Manager’s Update will highlight a metric from the Community Dashboard. This
month’s feature is from the Economic Health Outcome Area.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 32
Analysis:
Note: This metric is reported two quarters in arrears since the data takes 6 months to be reported by a
third party agency; current performance is based on the results from the two quarters prior.
This is a quarterly measure - fourth quarter 2019 data is available at this time. The status is
based on a two quarter delay, reflecting the fourth quarter 2019.
4Q2019 is very slightly over target. The target is current quarter measured against the same
quarter of the prior year. EHO will continue to track for trends.
The total impacts of COVID-19 on our business community remains to be seen as we are
seeing more business closures. Will monitor this closely as it will impact some industries more
than others.
Definition:
This metric provides an understanding of business and job growth in the City. The total number of
business establishments in Larimer County is divided by the current Larimer County population to
understand job and business growth relative to population changes. The data reported is 2 Quarters in
arrears due to the timing of receipt from Larimer County.
Why is this metric important?
# Business Establishments per Capita measures business growth relative to population growth. If the
number of businesses per capita increases, it indicates that economic growth is is serving more than
the community.
City’s impact on this metric:
Medium – The activities of the Economic Health Office directly relate to business expansion and
retention, however, the City does not focus on business attraction.
Benchmarks:
We are looking at other Front Range cities and some peer city data to see if these benchmarks gives
an indication of how well the City is competing to capture the value in this market..
To view the entire Dashboard, please visit: http://fortcollins.clearpointstrategy.com/