HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 4/13/2021 - City Managers Monthly Update - April 8, 2021
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April 2021
APRIL 8, 2021
Table of Contents
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL ................................................................................................................. 4
APRIL 13 WORK SESSION ........................................................................................................................................4
APRIL 20 REGULAR MEETING .................................................................................................................................4
APRIL 27 SPECIAL MEETING ....................................................................................................................................4
MAY 4 REGULAR MEETING .....................................................................................................................................5
MAY 7-8 POSSIBLE DATE FOR COUNCIL RETREAT ..................................................................................................5
MAY 11 WORK SESSION ..........................................................................................................................................5
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................................ 5
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ....................................................................................... 5
CP - ENGINEERING ............................................................................................................................. 6
COLLEGE AVE (SH 287) AND TRILBY ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................6
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................6
POWER TRAIL AND HARMONY ROAD GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING ...................................................................7
TIMBERLINE ROAD CORRIDOR PROJECT ................................................................................................................8
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT .................................................................................................................8
NORTH MASON DESIGN – ALPINE TO HICKORY .................................................................................................. 10
LAPORTE AVENUE ROADWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................ 10
TAFT HILL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – HORSETOOTH TO HARMONY .................................................................... 11
EAST PROSPECT WIDENING – SHARP POINT TO INTERSTATE 25 ........................................................................ 11
DRAKE AND HAMPSHIRE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INTERSECTION PROJECT ................................................... 12
CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS ................................................................................. 12
TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROJECTS PRIORITIZATION STUDY ......................................................................... 13
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................... 13
BUCKING HORSE PARK ......................................................................................................................................... 13
CITY PARK RESTROOM ......................................................................................................................................... 14
CRESCENT PARK STORAGE SHED ......................................................................................................................... 15
EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY .................................................................................................... 15
MAIL CREEK TRAIL................................................................................................................................................ 16
OAK STREET PLAZA WATER FEATURE .................................................................................................................. 16
POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25 ......................................................................................................................................... 16
SPRING CANYON DOG PARK ................................................................................................................................ 17
TRAIL HEAD PARK ................................................................................................................................................ 17
CP - OPERATION SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 18
FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER ........................................................................................ 18
BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH .................................................................................................... 18
CP - UTILITIES.................................................................................................................................... 19
CIS/OSS ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
DEMAND RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE .................................................................................................... 19
MILFRED OVERHEAD CONVERSION ..................................................................................................................... 20
STONEHENGE CABLE REPLACEMENT-PRIORITY #4 ............................................................................................. 20
UTILITY SERVICE CENTER REMODEL-SCO/NOC CONTROL ROOM ....................................................................... 21
27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE ............................................................................................................. 22
OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT ..................................................................................... 23
MAIL CREEK STREAM REHABILITATION AT TWO-CREEKS NATURAL AREA ......................................................... 23
PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................ 24
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 24
POLICE SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 26
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................... 27
BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW .......................................................................................... 27
GRAFFITI UPDATE ............................................................................................................................ 28
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 28
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 28
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 29
ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 30
UTILITIES ............................................................................................................................................ 30
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 30
WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 31
COMMUNITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 32
RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 32
PARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 32
CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 33
NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 34
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 34
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION ................................................................................. 34
COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT .......................................................................................... 35
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL
APRIL 13 WORK SESSION
Council End of Term Update
o Review Council’s priorities and progress made since April 2019.
High Performing Government 7.1 - Provide world-class municipal services through
operational excellence and a culture of innovation.
City Financial Status and Outlook
o Update Council on the City’s 2020 financial results, 2021 early results and 2022 outlook.
High Performing Government 7.7 - Address long-term projected gaps between
available revenue and what is require to meet known and emerging needs.
Hickory Park Mobile Home Park Sale
o Present information about a purchase option for Hickory Park Mobile Home Park being
coordinated with an affordable housing non-profit organization (Thistle).
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.8 - Preserve and enhance manufactured
housing communities as a source of affordable housing and create a safe and
equitable environment for residents.
APRIL 20 REGULAR MEETING
Wildfire Recovery Appropriation (2nd reading) and IGA
o Adopt the Ordinance appropriating funds for the unanticipated needs of watershed restoration
treatments and operational costs associated with treating fire-impacted water supplies and
enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for cost-sharing of post-wildfire watershed
recovery work with the City of Greeley, Larimer County, and other local water providers.
Environmental Health 4.4 - Provide a reliable, high-quality water supply.
Metro District Policy Amendment Adoption
o Consider adoption of an update to the Metro District Policies related to the approval of
Residential Metro District Service Plans.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.5 - Align land use regulations and review
procedures to guide development consistent with City Plan.
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
o Consider adoption of an appropriation ordinance to provide municipal funding of an
Immigration Legal Fund grant program to provide direct legal representation, offer legal advice
and clinics, provide self-advocacy resources and education, support assistance with application
and renewal fees for Fort Collins residents with pathways to lawful citizenship or legal presence
in the United States, and increase safe, equitable access to community resources.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.4 - Advance equity for all, leading with
race, so that a person’s identity or identities is not a predictor of outcomes.
APRIL 27 SPECIAL MEETING
New Council Organizational Meeting, Swearing in of New Council Members and Selection of
Mayor Pro Tem
Resolutions of Appreciation
o Adopt Resolutions of Appreciation for the outgoing Mayor and Councilmembers.
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
MAY 4 REGULAR MEETING
Gil Boyer Annexation - 241 N. Taft Hill Road
o To hold a public hearing and consider First Reading of the annexation and zoning ordinance
related to the Gil Boyer Annexation.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.7 - Provide a high-quality built
environment, support quality, diverse neighborhoods and foster the social health of
citizens.
Staff report: Nature in the City 5 Year Update
o Update Council about progress made by Nature in the City over the past five years and
highlight priorities for extending these efforts, and engaging the community, in the years to
come.
Environmental Health 4.8 - Expand the Natural Areas land portfolio while
simultaneously maintaining existing lands and improving equitable access to nature.
MAY 7-8 POSSIBLE DATE FOR COUNCIL RETREAT
Additional information forthcoming.
MAY 11 WORK SESSION
2020 Poudre Fire Authority District Annual Report
o Introduce new Fire Chief and review 2020 performance measures and metrics, goals, actual
spending to budget, benefits to the community related to strategic outcome goals, operational
efficiency, productivity improvements and areas of concern to the Authority, the District and the
City.
Safe Community 5.3- Partner with Poudre Fire Authority to provide high-quality fire
prevention, community risk reduction and emergency response services.
Water Supply Requirements and Allotments
o Present and seek feedback on new methodologies for calculating water supply requirements
and annual water allotments for new developments.
Environmental Health 4.4 - Provide a reliable, high-quality water supply.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS
2020 City of Fort Collins Community Survey
City staff is getting ready to launch the 2020 Community Survey during the month of April. The Fort
Collins Community Survey serves as a consumer report card for the City by providing residents the
opportunity to rate the quality of life in the city and their satisfaction with community amenities and
their local government. Community members also provide feedback to the City on what is working well
and what is not and will identify priorities for community planning and resource allocation. Households
receiving the survey will have the option of answering in English or Spanish.
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE
FEBRUARY SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 13.1% 5.0%
Net Use Tax Collected: -8.9% -14.9%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 9.8% 2.4%
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are up 2.4% and total $25.9M.
FEBRUARY SUMMARY OVER BUDGET
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 21.8% 17.1%
Net Use Tax Collected: -7.5% -3.9%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 17.2% 14.3%
Year to date, the City has collected 14.3% more sales and use tax revenue, totaling $3.2M over budget.
CP - ENGINEERING
COLLEGE AVE (SH 287) AND TRILBY ROAD INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: CDOT / FHWA grants, Transportation
Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), Development Contributions
Estimated Project Budget: $5.5M
Estimated Completion Date: End of year 2022
Phase: Conceptual Design
Project Details:
Safety improvement project geared toward accident reduction
and improved safety. Dual north and southbound turn lanes,
multi-modal implementation, east / west (Trilby Road added
turn movements).
Project Status:
Project has moved through 30% and is in the process
of developing right of way plans.
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG),
Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), 2017 / 2018
BFO, 2021 BFO
Estimated Project Budget: $24M
Estimated Completion Date: 2021
Phase: Construction
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:
Construction work has begun along the entire corridor
including A4 Lateral stormsewer work, embankment
construction, rock walls, utility work and topsoil stripping.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
Project is on schedule to finish in 2021 pending final approvals from BNSF and PUC which
have been submitted.
More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay
POWER TRAIL AND HARMONY ROAD GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING
Funding Source: Federal Grant, Community Capital
Improvement Program (CCIP - Bike / Pedestrian Grade
Separated Crossings)
Estimated Project Budget: $7M - $10M
Estimated Completion Date: Pending funding
Phase: Preliminary Design
Project Details:
The Power Trail provides connectivity between the Spring
Creek Trail to the north and the Fossil Creek Trail to the south.
The Trail currently has a gap approximately three-quarters of a
mile long north and south of Harmony Road. The detour route
requires users to cross Harmony Road at grade at McMurry.
This project will design, acquire property interests, and
construct a trail underpass at Harmony Road as well as the trail
connections on either side.
Project Status:
Project team is identifying funding opportunities to accelerate the construction timeline.
Project is at 30% design.
More information is available at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/powertrailcrossing
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: 2022
Phase: Design and Right-of-Way Acquisition
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:
Project is currently at 90% design review with CDOT. Right of Way offers have been sent to
impacted property owners.
Anticipated to be bid in June/July for August/September construction start date.
More information is available at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/timberlinewidening
LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT
Overall Project Improvements
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
2021 Construction
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:
The City has completed reconstructing the two corners at the Linden/Walnut Intersection.
These are now available to pedestrians.
The City is currently reconstructing the Linden/Walnut intersection. The intersection is
currently closed to through traffic. Vehicular traffic is permitted on both Linden Street and
Walnut Street to access parking spaces and for deliveries. Pedestrian are encouraged to
use the designated detours across both Linden Street and Walnut Street.
The City is also working to reconstruct the western corner of the Linden/Jefferson
intersection. Jefferson Street is reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction to facilitate
construction. Vehicular traffic can access Linden Street while this work is occurring.
Pedestrians are encouraged to cross Jefferson Street via the eastern corners of the
intersection.
The City anticipates completing both the Linden/Walnut intersection and the western corner
of the Linden/Jefferson intersection by the end of April.
Overall completion of the 2021 construction is late Spring 2021.
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:
Project has finalized right of way alignment and is in process of developing legal
descriptions for acquisition.
LAPORTE AVENUE ROADWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: CCIP, Pedestrian Program, Capital Bridge
Program
Estimated Project Budget: $3.2M
Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2021 – Pending final
funding for roadway
Phase: Design
Project Details:
This project will replace two bridges over the New Mercer
Canal just east of Taft Hill Road along Laporte Avenue north of
the cemetery. One bridge is structurally deficient while the
other is functionally obsolete. This project will also design
pedestrian, bicycle and other roadway improvements from
Fishback to Sunset to provide a safer connection to amenities
including Poudre High School and PSD offices. The project is
currently only funded to provide 30% design for improvements along the entire corridor, however the
final design and construction of both bridges is fully funded through the City’s Capital Bridge Program.
Project Status:
Request for Proposals is being prepared to advertise for CM/GC contract to bring design
from 30% to 90% and begin Laporte Ave bridges in Fall 2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
TAFT HILL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – HORSETOOTH TO HARMONY
Funding Source: Larimer County Regional Road Fees (RRF),
Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)
Estimated Project Budget: $5.3M
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022
Phase: Preliminary Design
Project Details:
This section of Taft Hill Road currently experiences significant
congestion and safety concerns. In collaboration with Larimer
County, the City will construct a 4-lane arterial roadway from
the intersection at Horsetooth to Brixton Road (just south of
Harmony). Improvements will include sidewalk, curb and gutter,
bike lanes and storm sewer/utility improvements. The City and
County were awarded a federal STBG grant for design and
construction.
Project Status:
Project is advancing right of way plans for acquisition.
More information is available at: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/taft-hill
EAST PROSPECT WIDENING – SHARP POINT TO INTERSTATE 25
Funding Source: Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF)
Estimated Project Budget: $8M – Currently have $2M
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022 – Pending construction
funding
Phase: Final Design and right-of-way (ROW) acquisition
Project Details:
This project will widen East Prospect Road to the 4-lane arterial
cross section from approximately Sharp Point on the west end to
Interstate 25 (I-25) on the east end. This is a project being
coordinated with current CDOT improvements at the interchange,
as well as local development. This is the last major piece of
Prospect Road to be upgraded to the Master Street Plan 4-lane
arterial section, and involves constructing a new intersection at
the Frontage Road and East Prospect on the west side of I-25, as
well as improvements to the Summitview and Sharp Point intersections.
Project Status:
Project will resume work with securing ROW and advancing the project design beyond 30%.
ROW is anticipated to begin in early summer of 2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12
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:
Contract is currently being awarded to Sturgeon Electric for a June construction start date.
In conjunction with Drake/Hampshire, Sturgeon Electric will also install a signalized
intersection at Highway 1 and Douglas Road using CDOT and Federal grant funds
administered thru Larimer County.
CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Capital Bridge Program
Estimated Project Budget: $750K
Estimated Completion Date: April 2021
Phase: Completed
Project Details:
This project will replace Arthur Ditch under Cherry Street
between Wood Street and Grant Avenue. This bridge is
structurally deficient, and load posted. The replacement bridge
will be shallower and wider to allow for have full asphalt
thickness over the structure. This project is fully funded through
the City’s Capital Bridge Program.
Project Status:
Construction completed. Road opened to public on
3/19/2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROJECTS PRIORITIZATION STUDY
Funding Source: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP – Arterial Intersection
Improvements)
Estimated Project Budget: $400,000
Estimated Completion Date: 2021
Phase: Project Kickoff
Project Details:
In 2010, the City hired an engineering consultant to conduct a study to prioritize capital improvement
projects at arterial intersections based primarily on safety and congestion concerns. The resulting data
and list of prioritized locations allowed the City to program funds, receive grants for and construct
improvements at top tier locations.
The Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study (TCPPS) will produce a similar prioritized list of
improvements at arterial intersections as well as arterial corridors. The TCPPS will focus on safety and
congestion, as well as additional criteria such as multi-modal connectivity. A public outreach campaign
through the course of the TCPPS will gather input from and inform Fort Collins residents of the
progress of the study.
Project Status:
The City plans to initiate the project’s public outreach campaign starting in April 2021.
The City is partnering with Larimer County to include analyzing regionally significant
arterial corridors and intersections that have the potential to be annexed into the City.
These potential projects will also be prioritized.
Replacement bridge is 90% completed.
CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUCKING HORSE PARK
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $2.5 - $4 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: 2022 or 2023
Project Details:
Bucking Horse Park is a park planned for the Bucking Horse neighborhood.
Project Status:
Concept refinement for the park is progressing. Staff are currently developing plans for an
upcoming neighborhood meeting.
More information available on project webpage.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 14
CITY PARK RESTROOM
Funding Source: Building On Basics
Total Project Cost: $850k-$1M
Phase: Phase I project identification
Estimated Completion: Spring 2021
Project Details:
The City Park Restroom Project provides a new, year-round restroom along with surrounding site
improvements. Construction began on September 7, 2020 and landscaping is planned for spring 2021.
Visit the project web site for additional information regarding the project at ourcity.fcgov.com/city-park-
tomorrow.
Project Status:
Restroom structure is near completion.
Landscape plantings and the art-in-public-place art piece planned for spring 2021 installation.
Final building walkthrough scheduled for April.
More information available on project webpage.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
CRESCENT PARK STORAGE SHED
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland
Total Project Cost: $275,000
Phase: Construction
Estimated Completion: May 2021
Project Details:
The irrigation pump house remodel is under contract. The permitted addition will alter the existing
building to allow utility vehicle storage that will be used for operation and maintenance for parks and
trails in the northeast portion of Fort Collins, particularly for snow removal equipment.
Project Status:
Shed construction is in progress.
EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland &
Community Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $5 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Project Details:
A maintenance facility to serve the East Park District,
which includes multiple neighborhood and community
parks, is proposed near the intersection of Drake &
Ziegler near the water treatment facility. The
maintenance facility will house Parks Department staff, equipment, and some minor material storage.
Project Status:
Planning and zoning board approval received on March 11, 2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16
MAIL CREEK TRAIL
Funding Source: Multiple Funding Sources including Grants, TCEF, and Conservation Trust Funds
Total Project Cost: $750,000
Phase: Pre-Design
Estimated Completion: Fall 2022
Project Details:
When completed, the Mail Creek Trail will create a trail connection from Kinard Middle School to the
Power Trail, providing much needed trail access for southeast Fort Collins. Currently, design of the
Siphon overpass and Timberline trail widening/underpass are in progress, in partnership with the
Engineering Department.
Project Status:
City website recently updated with current project information and map.
More information available on project webpage.
OAK STREET PLAZA WATER FEATURE
Funding Source: GID
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: Summer/Fall 2022
Project Details:
Park Planning & Development will be improving the water
features in Oak Street Plaza to resolve drainage and safety
challenges in the plaza.
Project Status:
New water feature systems are currently being explored to improve maintenance and
operations of the plaza.
POUDRE TRAIL AT I-25
Funding Source: Conservation Trust Fund & GOCO Grant ($1M for Fort Collins)
Total Project Cost: $3 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: 2023
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
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17
Department of Transportation (CDOT) with the North I-25 project, and thereafter to the existing trail
segment in Timnath.
Project Status:
The project is in the design phase, with ongoing coordination between the GOCO partners, CDOT
and a private developer.
High community interest continues given I-25 Poudre River bridge construction and
ongoing media exposure.
SPRING CANYON DOG PARK
Funding Source: NIC Grant for $75,000
Total Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: Spring 2021
Project Details:
The water quality at Spring Canyon Community Park was
adversely affected by the drainage out of the dog park pond.
Particularly, issues like E. coli were difficult to manage and
put the dog park pond at risk of closure. Park Planning &
Development worked with Stormwater, Parks, and
Environmental Regulator Affairs to seek and receive a grant
from Nature in the City. This grant will allow for much
needed LID improvements and restoration work on the dog
park and SCCP water quality pond.
Project Status:
Design is underway with improvements planned for spring/summer 2021.
An engineering consultant has been selected and design work will begin soon.
TRAIL HEAD PARK
Funding Source: Neighborhood Parkland Funds
Total Project Cost: $3.5 - 4 million
Phase: Design
Estimated Completion: December 2021
Project Details:
A new neighborhood park to be built in the Trail Head
neighborhood, located on East Vine Street. The park will
include typical park features including a shelter,
playground, multi-purpose field, basketball court, and play area for teens.
Project Status:
Groundbreaking for the park is being planned for spring/summer 2021.
Closed on raw water share purchase in March.
More information available on project webpage.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18
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
Estimated Project Cost: $19.5M
Phase: Phase III Added Site Amenities - Permitting
Estimated Completion Date: June 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
Northern Colorado Regional Airport. This new site will offer a 50-yard pistol range, a 1.4-mile driving
track, concrete skills pad, and classrooms for special training.
Project Status:
Phase I – Track & Skills pad is open and being used.
Phase II - Building Construction
Construction completed, open and being used.
107 KW Solar PV system installation is underway.
LEED Certification – Finalizing the submittals for USGBC review.
Phase III – Adding Site Items with project savings.
Storage Shed – Awaiting permit approval.
Blast pad – Finalizing design.
K9 Training area – Pricing.
Observation tower for Track and Skills pad – Permitting.
Plan to start construction on phase III items late April, weather permitting.
Scheduled to complete phase III scope in summer of 2021.
BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH
Funding Source: Capital Project via BFO: $300,000
Estimated Project Cost: TBD
Phase: Conceptual Master Plan
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2021
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.
Solar PV Installation on Roof of Firing Range
One Possible Conceptual Plan
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
Project Status:
Coordinating new conceptual plan with Planning, and Boards and Commissions.
Plan to incorporate what we learn from these meetings and make some modifications and
then bring an updated plan to Council in June.
We are looking at how the phasing for this project will work and see what BFO offer we
need to bring forward.
CP - UTILITIES
CIS/OSS
The Customer Information/Operational Support System (CIS/OSS) billing system project, delivered
through Open SmartFlex (OSF), is in a reduced activity phase that is primarily focused on prioritizing,
planning, and executing identified gaps within the live production OSF software that supports the
Connexion/ Broadband Service Area.
DEMAND RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
Funding Source: Offer # 1.14
Estimated Project Budget: $1,000,000 ($435,000 in 2021)
Phase: Design
Project Details:
The AT&T 3G network is used to communicate with the
controllers installed in electric water heaters participating in the
Peak Partners Program. This network is scheduled for retirement
by AT&T in Q1 2022 to release electromagnetic spectrum
bandwidth for upcoming 5G technologies. Over 2400 DCU3
have been deployed in the service territory of Fort Collins
Utilities and they will become stranded assets when the 3G
network is turned off. A technology refresh is therefore needed to
continue operating the resource, which shifts approximately 400
MWh/year from “On-Peak” to “Off-Peak” hours. The replacement
units will be 4G controllers, which will be a straight replacement
of the control unit and therefore a low to no-risk technology
refresh.
Project Status:
Scope of work is being finalized with the Peak Partner vendor, Itron, for a “turn-key” solution
including customer communications, customer care, scheduling services, field services, recycling
services and project management.
Current timeline calls to start customer communications and scheduling in Q3 2021 with field
replacement activities in Q4 2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20
MILFRED OVERHEAD CONVERSION
Funding Source: Offer 8.9
Estimated Project Budget: $310,000
Phase: Construction
Project Details:
This project involves converting 27 residential lots along
Primrose Drive and Milfred Lane from overhead power
located in the back of the lots to underground power
located within City Right-of-Way. The design will include
in the installation of primary cables and facilities, and
secondary cables and facilities located within the street
frontage, along with the installation of individual service
lines to each residential meter. It has also been
designed to include the installation of Connexion
throughout this neighborhood. The design also includes
the removal of 17 electric poles and roughly 2,560 linear
feet of overhead power getting the City closer to 100%
underground.
Project Status:
All primary cable and structures have been completed.
All secondary cable and structures have been completed.
Currently 93% of the residences have been converted over to the underground system.
The electric poles and overhead cables have not been removed and will remain in place
until all the residences have been converted to the underground system.
STONEHENGE CABLE REPLACEMENT-PRIORITY #4
Funding Source: BFO # 8.9
Estimated Project Budget: $283,500
Phase: In Construction
Project Details:
Electric primary cable has been evaluated through
the City based on year of installation, style of
cable and manufacturer to establish a prioritized
failure risk. This area was calculated as Priority
Area #4 citywide and involves the replacement of
one (1) section of 3-phase power and 56 sections
of single-phase power. The replacement primarily
occurs within the Stonehenge Subdivision located
east of S. Lemay Avenue along Stuart Street.
Project Status:
The project is currently designed and now under
construction.
Due to COVID 19 and with a lot of people working and learning from their homes, extra
construction planning around outages is needed and may require outages to occur after hours or
on weekends.
Approximately 10% of all the single-phase cable sections have been replaced.
Existing Electric Pole
Aerial view of priority area.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21
Currently the 3-phase cable section is still in construction planning.
Currently, 14% of the existing transformers designated for replacement have occurred with
minimum outages.
UTILITY SERVICE CENTER REMODEL-SCO/NOC CONTROL ROOM
Funding Source: ECON 8.25 (2020)
Estimated Project Budget: $2,620,000
Phase: Phase II Construction
Project Details:
Design and construct a remodel to the Wood
Street Utilities Service Center (USC) that:
a. Creates a cross-departmental (Light &
Power and Connexion) control room
for the Supervisory Control
Operations (SCO) and Network
Operations Center (NOC) personnel.
This includes updated operator
consoles and state of the art
Audio/Video (AV) technology for
dynamic mapping and SCADA
displays.
b. Reconfigures existing building space to create necessary office space for
Network Engineering, GIS, and Substation personnel.
c. Reconfigures existing building space to create new conference rooms that can
be utilized by all Utilities personnel at USC.
Project Status:
The concrete vault and select plumbing, electrical and HVAC components have been removed.
In-slab trenches have been cut to accommodate new plumbing and conduit runs. Wall framing
is underway. Door frames are being installed. Gypsum board installation will begin in mid to late
March.
The two new conference rooms (Room #509 & #510) on the north side of the building are
complete and were ready for reservations starting week of March 8. The folding panel divider
wall allows subdivision of Rooms 509/510. New tables were installed on April 1.
New Conference Room 351A (adjacent to the main lobby) is complete. We are awaiting the
arrival of a white board, monitor and ClickShare for this room.
The NOC lab located by the two adjoining conference rooms is in progress. Counter tops and
computer racks to be installed April 2021.
Map of Renovation Area
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22
27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE
Funding Source: Water - BFO#12.21 (2021)
Estimated Project Budget: $3,2000,000
Status: In Design
Estimated Completion Date:
• Final Design – March 2022
• Construction - August 2023
Project Details:
The goal of this project is to ensure the structural
integrity and operational longevity of the City’s 27”
raw waterline in the Poudre Canyon. An existing,
exposed section of the pipeline in the river near
Gateway Natural Area will be replaced to eliminate
the risk of failure which ensures the continued
delivery and reliability of raw water from the Poudre
River to the Water Treatment Facility. The design will
consider the existing geomorphology of the river to
develop a long-term solution which may require pipe alignment modifications and deeper burial depths
of the pipeline. Final design and construction of the selected alternative are included in this project.
Project Status:
Contractor Master Service Agreement and Pre-construction Work Order are being finalized
Project Teaming and Kick-Off meetings have been scheduled for April 2021
View of Construction as of February 17.
Alternative Pipe Alignments
being evaluated
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
OAK STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Funding Source: Stormwater
Estimated Project Budget: $2.0M (Design), $23M (Construction), $25M Total
Status: In Design
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022 (Design), Winter 2024 (Construction)
Project Details:
This project is for the design and construction of stormwater
infrastructure for the Oak Street Stormwater Improvements
Project (OSSP) that is part of the larger Downtown
Stormwater Improvement Program (DSIP). The project is
generally located on Oak Street from Mason to Jackson and
will include storm laterals extending to the blocks both north
and south of Oak Street. There will be approximately 8500
LF of new storm pipe installed with this project, ranging in
size from 78” to 48”.
Project Status:
Data Collection: field locates, and preliminary potholing
are primarily finished; remaining potholing will be
completed in April; field reconnaissance with Light &
Power, Stormwater Field Operations and Wastewater
Collection Field Operations to be scheduled for
April/May
Public Engagement and Communication Planning
underway, including planning for a Design Charette for the
streetscape design; likely to be held early summer
Conceptual design is underway, anticipated completion in late April
Contractor selection process is mostly complete; once contract negotiations are completed the
awarded contractor will be announced
MAIL CREEK STREAM REHABILITATION AT TWO-CREEKS NATURAL
AREA
Funding Source: Stormwater
Estimated Project Budget: $3,100,000
Status: In Design
Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022
Oak/Shields Intersection, Utility
Potholing
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24
Project Details:
The Mail Creek at Two-Creeks Natural Areas stream reach is within an urbanized corridor and is
experiencing bed and bank erosion, which in some cases is threatening private property.
Rehabilitation, using bio-engineered stream sections, typically includes replacing existing grade
control structures and disconnected channel segments with riffle drops and pools to promote native
fish passage and improved aquatic habitat.
Mail Creek at Two-Creeks Natural Areas is located just northwest of Fossil Creek Community Park in
southeast Fort Collins. This reach is approximately 3,240 feet in length and intersects at the
confluence of Fossil Creek.
Project Status:
Design Consultant Under Contract
Preliminary Design Data Collection
Project notification and coordination
Field Construction is scheduled in 2022
PUBLIC SAFETY
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
One Deceased Adult Found in
Residential Fire | March 28
PFA units were dispatched to
reports of smoke coming from a
single-family home on the 800 block
of Peterson St. Firefighters found
active flames and smoke coming
from the back of the house. They
immediately pulled an attack line
and additional resources were
dispatched. Firefighters located a
deceased adult inside during the
primary search. The victim was the
only person home at the time of the
fire. There were no other injuries or
structures involved. The house was
filled with smoke when firefighters
entered and there was no visibility.
The Engine 1 Crew attacked the flames while the Tower 1 Crew searched the home and sadly,
discovered the victim. Using thermal imaging, firefighters detected that the fire had extended through
the floor and into the joists below. They carried a hose line into the basement and extinguished the
fire. There was extensive smoke damage throughout the house. The damage from the flames was
mostly contained to the kitchen and floor.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25
Women in the Fire Service | Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, PFA shared information about the past, present, and future
of women at PFA and the fire service overall. The number of women in the fire service is growing, yet
it is still low, a fact that many departments around the country, including PFA, are hoping to help
change. The national average for uniformed female employees on paid departments is 4 percent. PFA
is proud that its average is almost double that and it has a goal to reach 10 percent in 2021. Education
and resources were shared to help women interested in careers in the fire service including those
developed by the U.S. Fire Administration and Women in Fire.
PFA Received the Red Cross Mountain Hero Award | PFA is honored to be a recipient of the Red
Cross Rocky Mountain Hero Award for contributions to the Cameron Peak Fire response. Firefighters,
like most first responders, do not see their work as heroic, but as their duty as part of the community.
"What's better than an individual hero, is a heroic community, and I think we have that," said Captain
Ryan Thomas who was interviewed for the video. There were over 2,000 responders working the fire
at its peak. PFA was a piece of a much larger effort and would like to share this recognition with all
those that helped bring this fire to 100% containment. The Red Cross produced individual videos for
each award recipient. Watch the full PFA video here.
Horse Rescued from Icy Pool | March 19
PFA units, including the Large Animal
Rescue Team (LART), were dispatched to
the 6500 block of Kyle Avenue on a large
animal rescue. When units arrived, they
found an approximately 1,200-pound female
horse named Krissie, in a partially filled
swimming pool. She had escaped from a
corral and fell into the pool. Firefighter’s
priority was to keep the animal calm and
make sure its head stayed out of the water.
Two firefighters donned ice recue suits and
got into the pool with the horse, while other
firefighters started rigging ropes to remove it
from the pool. About 7:20 p.m., the horse was
successfully removed from the pool, and
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26
firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and others began working to warm the horse. A veterinarian
from CSU was on-scene and began providing emergency care. Krissie was loaded into a trailer and
transported to the CSU Veterinary Hospital for a full assessment and overnight monitoring.
POLICE SERVICES
Police safely arrest armed suspect | On March 4, 2021 at approximately 12:42 p.m., Fort Collins
Criminal Impact Unit detectives contacted Daniel Warro, 39, of Fort Collins to serve an arrest warrant
for violating a protection order and violating bail bond conditions. Warro was initially compliant, but
during the interaction, he became uncooperative and reached for what appeared to be a weapon. After
a brief struggle, police were able to safely take him into custody. A handgun was recovered from the
suspect’s waistband. Warro sustained minor injuries during the incident and was transported to an
area hospital for evaluation. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail and faces the following
charges:
Felony Menacing – 5 counts (class 5 felony)
Resisting Arrest (class 2 misdemeanor)
Violation of Bail Bond Conditions – 2 counts (class 6 felony)
Violation of a Protection Order (class 2 misdemeanor)
Response to shooting violence | The violent acts that claimed 18 lives in Atlanta and Boulder shook
communities far and wide, including here in Fort Collins. Chief Swoboda shared a message honoring
the lives that were tragically lost, talked about some of the ways FCPS has responded, and urged
community members to unify around a common goal: creating a safer future for all. Watch the video
here.
Community policing highlights | Officer Rowe took a few minutes to
spend time with Sgt. Brycen, a law enforcement hopeful who’s still working
on his driving skills. Officers frequently take opportunities to connect with
community members young and old to talk about ways that we can keep
Fort Collins safe together!
FCPS has been working
with Ellie Gassman, a
Community Connections
intern who’s passionate
about serving the autism
community. Together with Poudre Fire Authority and
UCHealth, FCPS officers have taken part in a “Safe
Strangers” presentation designed to ease anxiety and
create positive connections between first responders
and people with autism. In addition to sharing an
educational video, first responders have also visited with small groups to talk about their work and
answer questions.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27
NCLETC Grand Opening | the Northern Colorado Law Enforcement Training Center officially opened
on March 5. This world class facility will serve
as a valuable resource for Fort Collins Police
Services, Loveland Police Department, and
regional law enforcement agencies to
continuously advance their skills and support
the safety of our Colorado communities.
The NCLETC includes:
* A 1.4-mile driving track and 5-acre skills pad
for opportunities to safely train a variety of
vehicle maneuvers, high-speed scenarios,
and seamless connectivity to the indoor
training area for combination scenario
practice
* A 50-yard tactical range that allows for
flexible scenario setups, the integration of
different vehicles and structures, and various lighting environments
* Classroom and conference space equipped with audio, video, and wireless connectivity resources
After eight years of hard work, local partnerships, and an enduring vision for the future of local law
enforcement, the NCLETC is a reality that will serve our communities for many years to come. Thank
you to all who helped make this project a reality!
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+SERVI
CES%2FZONING&vid=2&cmd=showdt
For a detailed listing of development Proposals under review, please visit:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/proposals/
Exterior Lighting Code Update
The Exterior Lighting Code update passed unanimously on First Reading on March 2, 2021. Staff is
now working on informing the development community of these changes, collaborating with Utilities to
align the Energy Code with Lighting Code, and developing training materials and resources for staff
and developers.
Local Oil and Gas Regulations
Staff is launching a second round of community engagement in early May 2021 for the Local Oil and
Gas Regulations project and will use input to draft regulations. Staff anticipates going to City Council
for initial feedback on draft regulations in late summer, 2021.
Mediation and Restorative Justice Services
The City’s Mediation Program broke recent records with 8 mediations taking place in the month of
March. (Typical would be 2-3 mediations in a month) This is due, in part, to the program’s
collaboration with Larimer County Small Claims court who are referring cases to the City’s program
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 28
and the new pilot workplace mediation program for City employees, a collaboration with City’s HR
department.
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON
2020 2021 YTD % Change
Development Project Submittals Received 39 31 -20.51%
Conceptual/Preliminary Design/Staff Reviews 58 62 6.90%
Building Permits Issued 2,858 2,281 -20.19%
Building Permit Valuations ($M) $99.37 $61.31 -38.30%
Building Inspections Performed 6,393 7,358 15.09%
Zoning Inspections Performed 109 105 -3.67%
Zoning Plan Reviews Performed 710 795 11.97%
Overall Development Review revenues are $28,700 over projection for 2021 as of March 31st with
Development Review over by $29,815 and Engineering Development Review under by $(1,115).
GRAFFITI UPDATE
During the month of March 2021, the Graffiti Abatement Team abated 24 issues consisting of 61 tags
measuring 256 square feet of graffiti-covered surfaces.
The issues were distributed throughout the City in the following Council Districts:
Month One Two Three Four Five Six
January 12 0 3 2 6 2
February 5 3 0 3 2 6
March 4 1 0 3 5 11
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Fort Collins Receives Clean Air Champion Award for Winter 2020
Late last year, the City of Fort Collins received the Clean Air Champion award from the Regional Air
Quality Council (RAQC) for Winter 2020. This award is given out twice a year and the recipients
receive a $500 donation to a non-profit of their choosing.
The City has been actively involved in addressing air pollution at a local level and working regionally to
address air pollution on a larger scale for more than 25 years. At the community level, the City
supports efforts related to transit and electric vehicle readiness for the community. At the municipal
level, the City organization strives to lead by example in efforts to improve local air quality by reducing
emissions from its own operations.
Some key efforts specifically related to electrification of operations for the City organization include:
Month Access FC Hotline Pro-Active Total
January 7 2 17 26
February 8 2 9 19
March 5 2 17 24
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 29
Municipal Lawn and Garden Equipment Replacement. Since 2017, the City has leveraged
$55K in grant funding from the RAQC to pilot the use of commercial grade electric lawn and
garden equipment and accelerate progress toward a full fleet of electric powered equipment for
municipal lawn and garden maintenance.
Municipal Fleet Electrification. The City has a strategy to “Increase electric vehicles in the
organization’s fleet by making 100% of light duty vehicle purchases plug-in electric by 2025.” In
addition to vehicles, purchases have included an electric ice re-surfacer and an electric street
sweeper.
The City chose to donate its award money to Meals on Wheels. To learn more about the City’s efforts
to promote clean air in the Northern Colorado region, visit: fcgov.com/airquality.
Election Sign Disposal
After the 2021 municipal election, community members can follow these steps to dispose of political
signs easily and responsibly. Most election signs are not recyclable and should NOT be put in your
curbside recycling bin.
Depending on the material, it should be disposed of accordingly:
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 located at 1903 S. Timberline Rd.
Election signs made of cardboard or paperboard can be recycled in a 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 a local scrap metal dealer or
taken to the Timberline Recycling Center Hard-to-Recycle Materials Yard ($5 entry fee applies).
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Equity Indicators Report
The equity indicators report is now available. Staff are currently working on opportunities to share
more about the findings, including creating a public-facing dashboard to track progress—you can
check back here for updates.
Click here for a one-pager that provides an overview of the project and helps guide interpretation
(excerpt below):
WHAT ARE THE EQUITY INDICATORS FOR FORT COLLINS?
The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG) engaged our community to prioritize which
indicators the City should track, a subset of which will be included in a public-facing equity dashboard.
All fall in the following 10 categories, with indicators for each listed in the report:
1. Housing
2. Economic Opportunity
3. Education
4. Criminal Justice & Public Safety
5. Civic Engagement
6. Environmental Justice
7. Services
8. Public Health
9. Social Inclusion
10. Transportation
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 30
This initiative evaluated a wide range of data. While some indicator data represent Fort Collins’
population specifically, data were also gathered from partner institutions such as Larimer County,
Poudre School District and Health District, and may represent varying geographic areas.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Nosh NoCo promotion
In partnership with the City of Fort Collins, restaurant patrons enjoyed free delivery April 5 –7 when
ordering food through Nosh NoCo website or app.
Nosh NoCo is a local, independently-owned food delivery service, so when you eat with Nosh you’re
also supporting your favorite Fort Collins restaurants and keeping more dollars local. Check out
NoCoNosh.com or download it in the appstore.
UTILITIES
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS
Staff will present changes to the Water Supply Requirements at a SuperBoard meeting on April 26
and is scheduled to go to a Council Work session in May 2021. The final proposal will be presented to
Council in September of 2021, with the goal to implement any approved changes in January, 2022.
Residential water budgets: Water Conservation received technical assistance from two consulting
firms - Water Demand Management and Western Resource Advocates - to develop and advise on
residential water budgets from January to May 2021. Water budgets help with demand management in
several ways and can be used during water shortages in lieu of restrictions.
Allotment Management Program (AMP): This program assists customers impacted by Excess Water
Use surcharges. Six applications have been approved for 2021. These projects are estimated to save
1.3 million gallons of water. Applications for AMP projects and waiver surcharges to begin in 2022 are
now open. Preapplications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2021, and full applications are due by Dec. 1,
2021 for full consideration.
Fort Collins Utilities and PRPA hosted a webinar to discuss Cold Weather Impacts to Fort Collins
Utilities, and the impacts of winter storm Uri to business customers. Numerous communities
nationwide experienced extended utility outages and dramatic rate impacts. Staff from Utilities and
PRPA presented on the minimal impacts to our system, the resiliency of our systems, and the pre-
storm preparation. Approximately 35 businesses attended and the video was posted to the Utilities’
website.
In 2021, Utilities Customer Connections has reached 421 participants through 22 outreach events and
programs.
In the month of March, Utilities offered the following engagement opportunities:
March 1 – Poudre School District Global Leadership Presentation - Staff provided a virtual
presentation to 23 8th grade Global Leadership students (and two teachers) about Our Climate
Future and facilitated a climate change deliberation.
March 3 – XIP Basics Training - Staff provided a virtual presentation to 69 residents on how to
participate in the Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Program and be eligible to receive a 2021 rebate for
transforming their high-water use areas into water-wise landscapes.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 31
March 4 – UAP Roadshow Fuerza Latina - Staff provided a virtual presentation about Utilities
Affordability Program offerings to 12 ISAAC call center volunteers.
March 8 - Solar Contractor Orientation – Staff conducted a virtual orientation for 21 potential and
existing Participating Solar Contractor representatives. Utilities customers working with
Participating Solar Contractors can be eligible to receive the residential solar rebate.
March 16 – Multifamily Benchmarking Training – Staff presented to 21
participants at NoCoRHA on how to comply with Utilities Benchmarking Ordinance.
March 22 – Water Deliberation Program - 29 Front Range Community College students
deliberated over how to address the increasing demand and decreasing availability of water in
Colorado and discussed what each of us could do to get involved.
March 29 – Watershed Education – Utilities staff wrapped up a 3-part program with 29 Front
Range Community College Environmental Science students at the Poudre River Whitewater Park.
Students were provided an overview of our watershed and conducted hands on water quality
testing.
In the month of April, Utilities will offer the following engagement opportunities:
April 3 – XIP Basics Training Staff present virtually how to participate in Utilities Xeriscape
Incentive Program and be eligible to receive a 2021 rebate for transforming their high-water use
areas into water-wise landscapes.
April 16 – UAP Housing Catalyst Resident Resource Event – Utilities, N2N, Bike Fort
Collins, and Larimer County Conservation Corps are collaborating with Housing Catalyst to bring
resources to their residents at Stanford Property.
April 23 – Werner Elementary Earth Day Celebration – Utilities and Environmental
Services will join the Werner Elementary Earth Day celebration to share simple actions that help
the earth and thank them for participating in the SHIFT Earth Day Challenge.
April 26- West Vine Basin Public Meeting – Join this virtual public meeting to learn and ask
questions about proposed changes to the West Vine Drainage Basin.
WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS
Environmental Regulatory Affairs (ERA) Division
Senior Environmental Regulatory Specialist Errin Henggeler was invited to speak on “Collaboration
and Goal Alignment: Fostering Partnerships to Better Serve the Community” at the South Carolina
Emergency Management Association on April 7. It is the same presentation she gave for the
International Association of Emergency Managers in 2020. The purpose is to show how environmental
health and emergency management can support each other through shared goals. Many
environmental regulations have an emergency management component built into the regulation, such
as Spill Prevention and Control Countermeasure (SPCC), Risk Management Plan (RMP), American’s
Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). Aligning these goals can benefit both departments and better serve
the community. Errin’s efforts in the emergency management arena are above and beyond her main
job duties and functions, yet are critical in making ERA a more agile group!
Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division
The Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division has submitted its application to American Water Works
Association (AWWA) Partnership for Clean Water, a global optimization and recognition program for
wastewater utilities. The wastewater treatment optimization program focuses on process
improvements to achieve beyond regulatory compliance standards in an energy efficient manner. This
program supports the City’s spirit of continuous improvement through the completion of wastewater
performance self-assessments, goal setting, improvement plans, and ongoing utility peer-reviewed
optimization reports. Special recognition to Project Lead Rhonda Barton and Plant Operator John
Davenport for their expertise, organization, and determination to see this through to completion. Nice
work, everyone!
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 32
Water Quality Services Division
The Environmental Protection Agency ensures protection of drinking water by requiring that
laboratories become certified to analyze drinking water samples. One annual certification requirement
is that the laboratory must successfully analyze blind samples to verify testing proficiency. The City's
Water Quality Laboratory performed this proficiency testing early this year and was recently notified
that the analytical tests successfully met all requirements. This is the fourth year in a row with a perfect
passing score for the lab.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RECREATION
In March 2350 people, largely from BIPOC and low-
income communities, were vaccinated at either
Northside Aztlan Community Center or the Fort
Collins Senior Center where pop up clinics were
being held by both Salud Family Centers and
Larimer County Health.
The Magical World of Hogwarts virtual event began
at Club Tico on 3/27, where 160 families attended
in scheduled time slots that allowed children to
meet characters from the recorded video classes,
collect craft & science supplies, and experience an
enchanted photo op. The event culminates on 4/3
with live, virtual classes hosted by CSU science
professors & their teams. The event brought $4,000
in revenue to the department.
EPIC hosted a regional high school girls swimming conference meet.
PARKS
Response and recovery continues from the 4th worst
spring snowstorm on record in Fort Collins.
Pond lining project at SouthRidge was completed prior
to the spring storm.
Hourly hiring underway for summer season.
The programming season for the park facilities/fields
began the third weekend of March, albeit delayed one
week due to excessive moisture.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 33
CULTURAL SERVICES
Newly installed artwork Acumen at the Northern Colorado Law Enforcement Training Center.
In a joint project between the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland Art in Public Places programs,
the new sculpture Acumen was recently installed at the Northern Colorado Law Enforcement
Training Center. Created by Mark Aeling, the artwork references an Ammonite, an ancient
ancestor to the Nautilus found in fossilized remains all over the Front Range. Related to being
commissioned for the training facility, the definition of acumen is “The ability to make good
judgements, take quick action and overcome challenge within a particular arena.” Additionally the
artwork is lit in blue, in honor law enforcement.
The Gardens on Spring Creek’s popular Annual Spring Plant Sale will again be virtual year this
after the success of the 2020 virtual event! Mark your calendars for the following dates: Tuesday,
May 4 Member Presale Opens, Thursday, May 6 Public Sale Opens, Sale extends until Monday,
May 17 at 5:00 pm with curbside pickups between May 12 – May 21.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 34
NATURAL AREAS
Wetland Restoration Shows Early Signs of Success
An important part of the Natural Areas Department’s
mission is restoring wildlife and native plant habitat.
Goals and metrics guide projects such as the wetland
restoration on Gadwall Pond at Kingfisher Point Natural
Area. Here, one ecological goal was to improve habitat
for native amphibians and other wildlife. Before
restoration, the steeply sloping banks of the pond
provided little wetland habitat for breeding amphibians.
During the restoration, completed in 2018, the pond
banks were graded to form gentle slopes, allowing for
wetland vegetation plantings to support a variety of
wildlife including frogs and toads.
Native amphibians, such as boreal chorus frogs and
Woodhouse’s toads are easy to detect during surveys
of their audible calls which serve as indicators of
wetland ecosystem integrity. A native amphibian
survey was conducted before and after the restoration
project to establish a baseline and determine the
success of the ecological goals. The initial results show a clear increase in Woodhouse’s toad calls
which suggests successful habitat establishment. Chorus frogs calls were fewer, which can be
explained by several suspected reasons and it is not expected to be a long-term trend. Regular
amphibian surveys at Kingfisher Point Natural Area will help to understand long-term trends for these
species and the continued success of the restoration.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Budget 2022 Community Partners Forum
City staff hosted a community partners forum on March 3 as part of the Budget 2022 public
engagement activities. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the budget,
as well as other major public engagement efforts happening across the City this summer and fall. The
Budget 2022 public engagement process will continue throughout fall 2021.
BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION
Monthly Reports
Connexion is publishing our monthly reports on our website. Visit www.fcconnexion.com/reports to
view and download.
Outside Plant
Construction begins downtown starting in April! Details are being finalized but there will be limited
boring work. The Connexion team is working with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 35
communications with businesses and tenants is underway.
KCSU Spring DJ-a-Thon
Connexion is a sponsor for this year’s DJ-a-Thon, a biannual event to raise funding for Colorado State
University’s local radio station. Tune in April 5th-10th to 90.5 FM and help support local student-lead
radio!
Know Your City Series: Connexion
In case you missed it our Marketing Manager, Erin Shanley, presented at the recent “Know Your City”
series with the Council Tree Library on March 24th. Erin discussed Connexion services, the
construction roll out, and Connexion’s digital equity program. This series, in partnership with Poudre
River Public Library District, takes a closer look at different departments throughout the City. To watch
the recording, please visit www.poudrelibraries.org.
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 37 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 Culture and Recreation Outcome Area.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 36
Analysis:
• Total Q4 visitation was 22,215 visitors, a significant increase from previous quarters due to a highly
successful Garden of Lights which added 9 additional nights and expanded hours to meet County
health guidelines. Timed tickets were essential to ensure social distancing and will be a part of the
event going forward to ensure a safe and high-quality guest experience.
• The number of visitors allowed for our largest events at Halloween and Garden of Lights will have a
direct impact on both visitation and revenue generated. We continue to work with the County
Health Department on all events.
Definition:
The total number of participants at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Why is this metric important?
This metric provides an indication of the popularity of these facilities which, in turn, indicates how well
the facilities are meeting the needs of the community.
City’s impact on this metric:
High – The Parks Department directly influences the number of participants by providing a quality
experience at the Gardens on Spring Creek. The Parks Department also influences participation
through marketing and outreach of these facilities.
Benchmarks:
Benchmarking in progress
To view the entire Dashboard, please visit: http://fortcollins.clearpointstrategy.com/