HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-110-11/16/2021-ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2022 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA RESOLUTION 2021-110
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2022 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA
WHEREAS, state and federal legislation may impact the citizens of Fort Collins, affecting
their duality of life; and
WHEREAS, such state and federal legislation may also influence or impact the operations
of municipal governments, including the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has an interest in providing input on proposed legislation; and
WHEREAS, CounciImembers and City staff are asked to state the City's policy position
on legislation; and
WHEREAS, in addition, on occasion the City has an interest in providing input on
proposed county, state and federal regulations; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 Legislative Policy Agenda has been updated to reflect the current
status of issues of interest, and:
• to focus on "Housing" rather than "Affordable Housing" in recognition of the broader
related issues;
to change the "Development Review and Land Use Planning" section to "Integrated Land
Use,Transportation Planning,and Development Review"for a more comprehensive focus;
and
• to add a "Small Business Support" section; and
WHEREAS, the Council's Legislative Review Committee reviewed the 2022 Legislative
Policy Agenda at its November 5, 2021, meeting and recommended Council approve it; and
WHEREAS, establishing the City's policy position assists the members of the Legislative
Review Committee in their review of, and response to, these matters, and assists City staff in
communicating and advocating the City's policy position on the same.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the policy statements contained in the attached 2022 Legislative Policy
Agenda accurately reflect the City's policies on these issues.
Section 3. That the City Council hereby adopts the 2022 Legislative Policy Agenda
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference.
-1-
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of port Collins this 16th
day of November, A.D. 2021.
Manor
ATTEST:
Interim City Clerk
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Home Rule and Local Cordrol........................................4
AirQuality......................................................................4
Beer a W Llpuor................_..... ...., w --4
Broadband and Cable....... . . ..............................„..5
............ ........................5
Climate.., ....„..,......,.......... .....,..._....._..................._.....3
FI eCt i0r►5....................................................................,......6
} ti En rgy............................................... 6
:a y' Finance............. 6
Hazardous Materials Ma^agement......».........................7
HealthCare_-...............»..................................................7
Housinrg..................................................................... .."._7
Hutran Resourtes......................... ........7
lmmigradon and National Border Conditions.......».......8
Integrated Land Use,Transportation Planning.
and Developrneri Review.................................................9
4. Marijuana......................................................................__9
Municipal Court............................................_.-.. , 10
- Oil and Gas..................... ....... .......... ....10
Open Records and Data Management.... ....—........._10
Parks and Natural Armand Public Amerrlties.............10
Public Health...................................................................11
Public Wet
R ecyding and Solid Waste RedtOon ..........12
Risk Kanagermnt and Liabi,lity.......»................»...........12
Small Business Support....„.............................................13
Transportation Inve5tTnent...................d.........................13
Urban Renewal and Downtown DevetoMent...............13
Water,Wastewater,and Stormwater..............„,.,,........14
City of Fort Collins Legislative Contacts... ...........—,-...14
2 Legislative Policy Statements 2022
INTRODUCTION The Fort Collins City Council annually The City has identified seven outcome
adopts a Policy Agenda ahead of the areas to ensure appropriate and effective
Fart Collins is a community of upcoming Colorado General Assembly resource allocation supporting the
Incorporated in
approximately 11 ,t residents. session for the purpose of guiding community's priorities.Outcome areas
1873 the City has grown to legislators and staff in supporting include Culture and Recreation;Economic
become the commercial,educational and community goals. Health;Environmental Health;High
cultural hub of Northern Colorado.The City adopted a home rule charter in 1954 and The Policy Agenda is broad set of policy Performing Government;Neighborhood
Livability and Social Health;Safe
statements meant to convey positions
operates under aCouncil-Manager form of government. on issues that affect the quality of life Community;and Transportation and
and the governance of our community. Mobility.The Policy Agenda identifies this
The City is a data-driven municipal It is structured to address areas of local alignment as it is important for City staff
organization that strives to fulfill its concern and to also reflect the strategic to ensure that advocacy supports specific
mission,"Exceptional service for an desired outcomes.
exceptional community,"through a planning that guides City of Fort Collins
organizational resource allocation and
vision of providing world-class municipal decision making.
services through operational excellence
and a culture of innovation.City leaders Fort Collins welcomes opportunities to
seek innovative solutions to issues facing work in partnership to leverage additional
the community and are often willing to resources and participate in regional
leverage emerging technologies. dialogue to achieve shared outcomes.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS appropriate state or federal representative
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW and advocate for the adopted position.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of the
COMMITTEE General Assembly,if a bill's subject matter
The Legislative Review Committee(LRC)is is addressed in this Policy Agenda,staff
a representative group of Councilmembers will proactively work with state and federal
that reviews and reacts to proposed representatives to advance the City's
Jeni Arndt Emily Francis legislation on behalf of City Council and the position as expressed in this legislative
Mayor Mayor Pro Tem.District 6 City.In taking a position on bills,the LRC policy agenda and other Council-adopted
970-416-2154 970.556.4748
jarndt@fcgovcom efrancis@Icgovconr interprets and applies the various policies plans and policies.Staff will provide
that are included in the Legislative Policy regular updates to the LRC and the full
Agenda. City Council regarding bills of consequence
Councilmembers presently serving on the to the City and will consult with the LRC
Legislative Review Committee are: regarding bills for which direction under
the adopted policy is unclear.
• Councilmember Tricia Canonico,Chair Staff liaisons support the LRC by
• Councilmember Shirley Peel contributing expertise in various areas
Susan Gutowsky Julie Pignataro • Mayor Jeni Arndt of municipal service.The City Attorney's
District District LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Office also reviews selected bills and
970-294-2575 970.556.2869 may provide confidential legal analysis.
sgutowsky@fcgoVcoro Iprgnatarc@kgovcom PROCESS Fort Collins also works with community
partners to support local projects and staff
In 2022,the City of Fort Collins will rely collaborates with representatives of other
heavily on the Legislative Policy Agenda, municipalities an mutually-held priorities.
the Colorado Municipal League,and the
Fort Collins actively seeks innovative
Colorado Communities for Climate Action
organizations for the majority of bill partnerships to leverage positive outcomes
for residents.
tracking and identification.
The City works closely with the Colorado
The City currently maintains memberships Municipal League(CML)and the
Tricia Canonico Shirley Peel with the Colorado Municipa League
District District National League of Cities(NLC)on many
970-305-6296 970-217.5817 and Colorado Communities for Climate legislative items facing cities.Fort Collins
tcanonicoVegov.com speefafcgovoom Action-both groups maintain a fulltime
maintains membership with Colorado
presence at the capitol and engage in bill Association of Municipal Utilities(CAMU)
identification and advocacy consistent with which represents 29 municipal utilities
their own adopted policy agendas.The City throughout the state an utility issues,
influences both groups'policy agendas, Colorado Communities for Climate Action
and while not perfectly consistent with our
(CC4CA)which represents municipalities
own,both generally advance and protect
on climate issues.In addition,Fort Collins
the City's interests. actively participates in various trade
Kelly Ohlson Kelly DiMartino Bills introduced in the Colorado General organizations which represent specific
District 5 Interim City Manager Assembly,United States Congress and areas of interest to City operations.
970-493-7225 970-221.6505 federal,state or county regulations or
koWn@ngoveom kdimartinNefegow r. rulemakings are reviewed by City staff.
Bills,regulations and rules that are
identified as having a potential impact
on the City will be brought to the LRC
for discussion.If LRC adopts a position,
staff wil,convey that information to the
4 Legislative Policy Statements 2022
2022 LEGISLATIVE 5. Supports local control of the awarding disincentives and other market
POLICY STATEMENTS of contracts and the accountability of approaches that promote low emission
local officials for those actions. and zero emission alternatives to
6. Opposes mandates that increase the carbon-based fuels.
HOME RULE AND LOCAL complexity and cost of services without 6. Supports strengthening vehicle and
CONTROL improving those services. fuel efficiency standards,including
In order to consider and manage local 7• Supports collaborative regional programs and policies that promote the
conditions and desires,community issues efforts for the benefit of participating use of zero and low emission vehicles
and needs should be addressed locally. communities. (e.g.,electric)and the development of
For this reason,home rule authority is infrastructure needed to support the use
of utmost importance to the City of Fort 8• Supports potential legislation to clarify of those vehicles.
Collins.The City must be free to regulate when an email exchange among elected
officials constitutes a"meeting"subject 7• Supports programs or incentives that
local activities that primarily impact the reduce vehicle miles traveled,through
area within the City's boundaries,such as to the requirements of the Colorado
the speed of local traffic or the effects of Open Meetings Law,including possible enhanced
edaccess
development and
particular land use developments. The City identification of a safe harbor within enhanced access in alternative modes
also understands the accumulative effect which elected officials can communicate (e.g.,walking,biking and transit).
of these and other activities have statewide by electronic mail without constituting
ramifications that may call for statewide a meeting in order to preserve and BEER AND LIQUOR
regulation,to effectively manage such enable the use of this effective and SAFE COMMUNITY
things as overall growth and development now common-place technology within The City issues and renews liquor licenses,
in the state,traffic congestion in major appropriate transparency requirements enforces license rules,and holds hearings
transportation corridors and environmental and other reasonable limitations. for liquor license violations.
quality. AIR QUALITY Therefore,the City:
Therefore,the City: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 1. Supports greater local licensing final
1. Supports strengthening and preserving The City'sauthority for all types of licensing(New,
home rule authority of municipal Air Quality Plan reiterates the Transfers,Modifications,and Manager
governments. adoptedyCity Plan strong overall goal"t° Registration.)
protect human health and the environment
2. Opposes State or Federal intervention through continuous improvements in air 2. Supports a sharing of accountability
in matters of local concern or matters quality." of serving violations between license
that unnecessarily or adversely affect holder and individual server or store
the City's ability to manage and operate Therefore,the City: clerk.
pursuant to its home rule authority. 1. Supports programs and policies that 3. Supports permanent ability for licensees
3. Opposes changes that increase(and improve public health and air quality, to service alcohol on a temporary/
supports changes that lessen)the including attainment of National permanent basis in non-contiguous
burdens and limits on municipalities Ambient Air Quality Standards for areas.
associated with public or other ozone.
government records,public meetings 2. Supports local government authority to
and establishment of ethics standards improve air quality beyond minimum
and procedures,operation of municipal State or Federal requirements.
courts,and other matters of municipal 3. Supports implementation of expanded
operations or authority. air quality monitoring programs.
4. Supports enabling cities to choose the 4. Supports adequate authority and
provision of services through private resource at all levels of government to
enterprise in a manner that fosters cost enforce air quality regulations.
effective,sustainable,quality services. 5. Supports economic incentives,
s
BROADBAND AND CABLE telecommunication services and CLIMATE
ECONOMIC HEALTH facilities(such as matters subject to ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Reliable,high-speed,and affordable access negotiation,strategic planning,pricing, Making communities more resilient to
to broadband and cable programming sales and marketing,and development disaster and the effects of a changing
throughout the community remains a planning),along with any other climate has become more important to
priority and a long-term goal for the City conforming statutory changes. Colorado communities over the last several
to ensure our economic vitality and allow years as natural disasters have caused
for equal access for all residents and CHILDCARE significant human and property loss.In
businesses. ECONOMIC HEALTH;NEIGHBORHOOD response to the climate emergency,Fort
LIVABILITY 8 SOCIAL HEALTH Collins has adopted aggressive emission
Therefore,the City: The City of Fort Collins recognizes the
reduction goals and supports policies and
1. Supports maintaining local franchising criticality of quality,affordable and legislation helping communities and the
authority to preserve local governments' accessible childcare for families and state to achieve these goals and enhance
ability to negotiate in the public interest businesses in the community.The City's the environment as detailed in the Our
for cable channel space,institutional role is to help reduce barriers,increase Climate Future Plan.
networks and public education and capacity,leverage assets,identify and
government(PEG)programming, respond to childcare needs,and lead by Therefore,the City:
and to charge franchise and PEG fees example as an employer. 1. Supports greenhouse gas(GHG)
to support local programming and Therefore,the City: emission reduction targets,planning,
compensate for the use of rights-of- mechanisms that support the gathering
way. 1. Supports programs and policies of data to inform greenhouse gas
that improve the severe shortage inventories,and implementation at all
2. Supports allowing communities to of childcare openings with licensed
offer and/or partner to offer high levels of government.
including programs
speed internet,Wi-Fi and other providers,and incentives that promote the 2. Supports market-based and regulatory
enhanced telecommunication services mechanisms to reduce emissions,
expansion of existing childcare centers
to residents,schools,academic and development of new centers, including incentives,enabling
institutions,and businesses. particularly those serving law-income legislation,regulations and other
3. Opposes restrictions on providing families and offering extended hours of mechanisms to achieve emissions
telecommunication services within City- operation. reductions and increase resiliency in
owned facilities and on City property, energy,waste reduction,transportation,
2 Supports regulations that streamline and water sectors.
and related restrictions on the manner requirements and reduce the complexity.
in which such services may be financed, and cost of childcare services,including 3. Supports protection of the Colorado
funded or structured. licensing and educational requirements, self-audit law.
4. Opposes infringement on municipalities' when those mandates are not clearly 4. Supports policies that put equity
ability to compete in the broadband benefiting the health and safety of at the center of decision-making to
marketplace. children and the community. consider systemic inequities in energy
5. Opposes right of way use contrary to and climate impacts,based on race
3. Supports increased funding for early existing aesthetic policies and practices, childhood education. or socioeconomic status,to justly
including the addition of any above 4. Supports workforce development in the transition and grow a clean energy
ground cabling. future.
early care and education field,including
b. Supports revisions to the Colorado scholarships,training programs and
Open Meetings Law to allow local simplified credentialing processes.
jurisdictions that provide or arrange 5. Supports increased and sustainable
for telecommunications services or
facilities to authorize executive sessions public subsidization of childcare costs,
including proposals to support living
for discussion of matters pertaining wages for providers and those that
to competition in the provision of reduce the cost burden on families.
6 Legislative Policy Statements 2022
ELECTIONS 4. Supports opportunities for local FINANCE
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT economic activities related to energy ECONOMIC HEALTH;HIGH PERFORMING
The City of Fort Collins conducts municipal efficiency,clean energy production,and GOVERNMENT
elections in April of odd years and special utility operations. Strong fiscal planning,prudent debt
elections as required by the citizen(or 5. Supports initiatives to reduce or management and investment policies,and
Council)initiative process.The City is eliminate natural gas and petroleum use preservation of the City's revenue base
committed to conducting a clear,lega;,and via beneficial electrification for thermal are vital in maintaining and improving
trustworthy elections process. and transportation needs. the City's financial health.Considering
Therefore,the City: 6. Supports initiatives which reduce the known impacts of legislation on the
barriers to coordinated integrated City's business community can help foster
1. Supports all efforts that assist the City in a stronger tax base and retain a strong
conducting fair and transparent election planning for energy supply and
demands. quality of life.
processes according to the City's Therefore,the City:
adopted procedures. 7. Supports state and federal funding for
2. Supports process improvements that resilience efforts to mitigate potential 1. Supports expanding municipal authority
encourage voter participation.
energy and climate related disruptions. to establish alternative funding
mechanisms,including financing tools
3. Supports additional mechanisms to 8. Supports federal and state incentives for such a public improvement fees tools
prevent election tampering,through renewable energy production,including and certificates of participation(COP).
increased cyber security around election wind power,and provide for"State
Implementation Plan"credits for 2. Supports increased funding for K-12 and
data and the election processes. renewable energy(excluding residential higher education,specifically Colorado
wood burning and corn-based ethanol) State University and Front Range
ENERGY ECONOMIC HEALTH;ENVIRONMENTAL and energy efficiency. Community College.
HEALTH 9. Opposes attempts to prevent or inhibit 3. Encourages the equitable treatment
As a municipally-owned electric utility,the provision of municipal electric service in of sales and use taxes to residents and
corporations residing or doing business
newly annexed areas.
City is committed to providing affordable,reliable,and clean energy services to 10. Supports smart grid technology in Colorado by limiting exemptions.
residents and businesses,as described adoption and grid modernization. 4. Supports the equitable distribution
in the Our Climate Future plan.Energy sales tax collections on e-commerce
11. Supports minimizing the environmental
issues extend beyond electricity to also impacts of energy production,reducing transactions.
encompass the community's use of natural fossil-fuel generated electricity and 5. Opposes efforts that inhibit the City's
gas and petroleum. eliminating the use of coal. ability and authority to increase its
Therefore,the City: 12. Supports efforts which promote the revenue base(sales,use and property
1. Supports efforts that promote energy development of regional electricity
taxes).
affordability in general for residents, markets. 6. Supports protections that do not
businesses and institutions and unnecessarily restrict the investments of
specifically for households with high government entities.
energy bill burdens. 7. Supports programs that provide
2. Supports efforts which promote safety economic assistance to organizations
in the generation,transmission and and individuals impacted by the
distribution of energy. COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Supports efforts and incentives
which promote energy efficiency,
conservation,distributed energy
resources,electrification and grid
flexibility.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HOUSING where there is policy alignment
MANAGEMENT NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY& SOCIAL between multi modal infrastructure and
SAFE COMMUNITY;ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH transit supportive housing densities.
HEALTH The City recognizes that the affordability g. Supports funding and regional support
It is an important concern of the City and availability of quality housing is critical for homelessness prevention,housing
to safeguard Fort Collins'health and to a vibrant and diverse community.The coordination and placement,and
environmental safety by reducing City's Housing Strategic Plan establishes a supportive services to assist with
risks from the unauthorized release of community vision that everyone has stable, housing retention.
hazardous materials or hazardous waste. healthy housing they can afford. 10.Supports the development of
Therefore,the City: Therefore,the City: a statewide disparity study,in
1. Supports strengthening the 1. Supports enhancing funding for consultation with local governments,
enforcement of hazardous materials affordable housing throughout to assess the state and local impacts of
regulations. Colorado,including expanding the systemic racism on multiple indicators,
2. Supports increasing diversion of State Low Income Housing Tax Credit e.g.,housing affordability,social
hazardous waste from landf;l Is. program and providing funding for inclusion and economic opportunity,
affordable for-sale homes,but not educational attainment,mental and
3. Support City's ability and authority increases to unrelated fees. physical health,and more.
to review and approve locations of Supports increasing local government's
facilities that use or store hazardous ability to regulate,manage or generate HUMAN RESOURCES
materials or hazardous waste. alternative sources of funding for HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
HEALTH CARE affordable housing,including pubic- The City of Fort Collins is committed to
private partnerships. the health,safety,and well-being of its
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY&SOCIAL HEALTH;ECONOMIC HEALTH; HIGH 3. Supports maintaining stronger employees.The City works diligently to
PERFORMING GOVERNMENT amendments to construction defect be efficient and responsible stewards
The City recognizes that the rapidly laws to promote the construction of of tax dollars ensuring that employee
increasing cost of health care and health owner occupied-attached housing. compensation and benefits are meaningful,
insurance is a barrier to real wage growth, 4. Supports creati
equitable,market-based,and competitive.
ng an adequate supply equitable health outcomes,and economic of housing for all income levels and The City believes that its residents,
gains among many residents of Fort continued public and private sector through their elected representatives on Collins.The City further recognizes that support for these efforts. City Council,are in the best position to
employer-sponsored health care and determine appropriate City employee
varying state regulations that are not 5. Supports exploring expansion of compensation,benefits,appeal rights
consistent across the United States have Mobile Home Act to address rent pad related to disciplinary action and policies.
resulted in the system we have today_ stabilization,transparency in utility Therefore,the City:
billing,and other livability issues.
Therefore,the City: 1. Supports the City's ability and authority
Supports consideration of changes that 1. Supports health care policy that would permit municipalities to adopt to make decisions on employment
provides single-payer,not-for profit issues,including collective bargaining,
rent stabilization policies.health care to all residents. arbitration,compensation,appeal
7. Supports consideration of incentives rights related to disciplinary action and
2. Supports the portability of health care and/or requirements to encourage benefits to further an equitable work
plans across employers and state-lines. land use reforms that will increase environment.
3. Supports health care policies that end housing supply statewide,part[cularly 2. Supports the development and
the practice in the United States of through eliminating zoning barriers to expansion to the City's ability to
employers being the primary source of accessible,healthy,affordable housing. determine how best to manage
health insurance for residents. 8. Supports policies that intentionally link employee health and benefit programs.
4. Supports policies that allocate costs transportation funding and housing
to individuals and their families funding so that investment is prioritized
proportional to their ability to pay.
8 legislative Policy Statements 2022
3. Supports current state funding levels for IMMIGRATION AND NATIONAL • The site of a funeral,wedding,or
police officers'and dispatchers'death BORDER CONDITIONS other public religious ceremony;and
and disability benefits made available NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY&SOCIAL - Public demonstrations,such as a
by Fire&Police Pension Association of HEALTH;SAFE COMMUNITY;HIGH march,rally,or parade.
Colorado. PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
4. Opposes proposals that would allow The City recognizes that federal issues 5. Supports regulations and laws that add
employees and/or retirees with defined pertaining to civil rights at the United wage and labor protection requirements
States'borders and immigration law for workers currently excluded from
contribution or deferred plans to move into defined benefit plans if there is a more broadly have wide impacts that can minimum wages and overtime
cost to local government. directly impact the day-to-day life of Fort protections,breaks,and mandatory rest
Collins residents.It can also impact those days.
5. Opposes proposals that would limit residents'willingness and comfort with 6. Supports de minimus exemptions to
the ability test job applicants engaging with local public safety agencies Verification of lawful presence COST
for presence of alcohol controlled and other key service providers. §24-76.5-103 by adding a new section
substances or employeess at work for impairment due to consumption of Therefore,the City: (3)(f)to the State law that exempts
the City from following the verification
alcohol,marijuana,or other controlled 1. Supports the humane treatment process for any particular local public
substances or to set limits related to of persons who are detained by benefit that is valued at less than
such testing. Immigration Officials and the rapid $500.00,or that is not provided directly
6. Opposes proposals that expand resolution of legal proceedings to to the beneficiary by the City.
Colorado and federal anti-discrimination determine their status.
1. Supports local control over haw state
protections to allow individuals other 2. Supports pathways to legal immigration and federal funding for healthcare,
than employees to file claims against into the United States that is sustainab'e affordable housing and food security
public entities for violations,that in the long term,Including removing is allocated to meet the needs of all
expand the definition of"hostile work financial barriers and increasing access residents and their families regardless of
environment"beyond current state to legal services. immigration status.
and federal protections or that waive 3. Supports regulations and laws that
a public entity's sovereign immunity in support the use of employment
an action for injuries resulting from a eligibility verification by employers
discrimination or unfair employment
practice claim brought pursuant to 4• Supports the 2011 ICE memorandum
Colorado anti-discrimination law. on"sensitive locations"limiting its
immigration enforcement actions and
7. Opposes proposals that require a arrests at the following locations so
municipality to collectively bargain with as to preserve the health,safety and
its employees in conflict with a home educat'•on of aFl residents:
rule municipality's authority.
Hospitals;
Schools and scholastic bus stops
(pre-schools,primary schools,
secondary schools,post-secondary
schools,colleges and universities,
and other learning institutions such
as vocational or trade schools);
Churches,synagogues,mosques,or
other institutions of worship,such as
buildings rented for the purpose of
religious services;
INTEGRATED LAND USE, 8. Supports retaining and/or increasing MARIJUANA AND HEMP
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, local authority related to the siting, SAFE COMMUNITY
AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW des'gn and regulation of wireless After the State's legalization of medical
ECONOMIC HEALTH;NEIGHBORHOOD telecommunication facilities,including and recreational marijuana,the City
LIVABILITY& SOCIAL HEALTH both small cell and macro sites. of Fort Collins created local marijuana
City Plan and the Transit Master Plan 9. Supports local adoption of Building business licensing programs and adopted
guides the City's long-term decisions on and other related Codes,including ordinances to balance the needs and
land use and transportation investments addition of local amendments needed desires of the community related to legal
and regulations.Fort Collins uses tools to safeguard public health and safety marijuana.The City also regulates hemp
such as land use and building code,and by regulating building construction, cultivation and extraction.
well-established development review structural strength,sanitation,light, Therefore,the City:
processes ventilation,and energy conservation.
1.
Therefore,the City: 10. Supports local control and regulation Supports communities'ability to raise
necessary funds to maintain public
1. Supports requirements for of Building Department staff including safety and enforce marijuana and hemp
comprehensive land use planning that qualifications of Building in_�pectors possession laws.
organizes and directs growth to achieve performing plumbing and e�ectricai
Inspections. 2. Supports additional state marijuana and
stated community vision,policies and hemp enforcement resources,especially
goals. for field enforcement.
2. Supports policies,standards or 3. Opposes under-21 access to marijuana
programs that require the analysis of and supports increasing penalties
public health,sustainability,and equity to those supplying to underage
in land use planning and regulation. individuals.
3. Supports local governments'ability 4. Supports greater education and
to obtain financial compensation for research on the harmful effects of high
additional work of inspectors through concentrate THC and transparency in
fees or other means. the spending of dedicated marijuana
4. Opposes any unfunded state mandated education dollars.
review,permitting or inspection 5. Supports local opt-in provisions
requirements. regarding new permits and/or licenses
5. Supports local governments'authority or other marijuana-related activities
to determine zoning,development allowed understate law.
review,building and inspection 6. Supports further development of laws
standards,procedures,and timelines. and regulations to stop the proliferation
6. Encourages regional cooperation in land of gray and black-market marijuana
use,transportation planning,utility and while coordinating with the federal leve'
water resource planning,and fostering to help address safety through research
sustainable development.Supports and legal banking,and to reduce
intergovernmental agreements between conflict between Colorado and federal
a municipality and a county to establish laws.
boundaries and annexation of a GMA
and prohibit any outside parties to
annex said GMA.
7. Supports municipal discretion
concerning the imposition of
building and development fees and
requirements.
10 Legislative Policy statements 2022
MUNICIPAL COURT OIL AND GAS OPEN RECORDS AND DATA
SAFE COMMUNITY;HIGH PERFORMING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT
GOVERNMENT
Fort Collins residents have expressed HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The Fort Collins Municipal Court is continuing concern about the human and The City is the collector and keeper
responsible for administering the environmental impacts from local oil and of hundreds of datasets and recorded
operations of the judicial branch of City gas development.Additionally,community information and is legally bound and
government according to the City Charter members have expressed concern over responsible for responding to Open Record
and ordinances adopted by City Council. transported emissions from oil and gas requests.The City supports transparency
Cases adjudicated in Municipal Court operations outside of City limits that and open data initiatives.
include traffic violations,misdemeanors, contribute to local ozone formation.
civil infractions,and civil cases. Generally, Therefore,the City:
cases are brought to Municipal Court by Therefore,the City: 1. Supports clear requirements that allow
Fort Collins Police Services,Colorado State 1. Supports local authority to regulate for reasonable requests and timeframes
University Police Department,Animal oil and gas operations as granted in to provide information that is legally
Control,other City departments,and 2019 through Senate Bill 19-181,which available,
private residents. includes the ability to regulate the 2. Opposes mandates that include
Therefore,the City: siting of new development and surface unrealistic timeframes and requests that
impacts.i. Opposes limitations on the authority require additional staff time with no
of municipalities to enforce their own 2. Supports scientific studies that evaluate means to recover costs,
ordinances in municipal courts and impacts of oil and gas operations on 3. Supports cybersecurity efforts that
increased procedural requirements human health,the environment and protect the City,consumers,and
or limitations on municipal court property values, infrastructure.
proceedings,such as limitations 3. Supports air pollution monitoring, 4. Supports data privacy regulations,
on bonding requirements related emission characterization and modeling prohibiting the sharing of residents'
to municipal court warrants and studies to better understand the data with federal agencies without a
sentencing options. contributions of the oil and gas industry court-authorized subpoena,warrant or
2. Opposes the imposition of state to air pollution. other valid order.
surcharges on municipal court fines for 4. Supports the current formula allocation
the purpose of funding state programs. of State Severance Tax and Federal PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS,
3. Opposes any unfunded mandates Mineral Lease(FML)revenue to AND PUBLIC AMENITIES
imposed on municipal courts by the impacted jurisdictions so that they ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH;CULTURE&
state. might address impacts from resource RECREATION
extraction. The City is committed to providing the
5. Supports collaboration with operators, community with excellent natural areas,
state agencies and local governments parks,recreation facilities,trails,cultural
on oil and gas development within centers,and engaging programs. Our
and adjacent to the City's Growth residents and visitors enjoy improved health,
Management Area,and on City-owned less crime a higher quality of life,and a
properties outside of City limits. greater sense of community because of the
6. Supports legislation that protects public quality natural areas,parks and recreation
health,safety,welfare,the environment programs,and other public spaces.
and wildlife resources in consideration Therefore,the City:
of surface owners and mineral owner 1 Supports maintaining or enhancing
rights. funding for parks,trails,forestry,
horticulture,natural areas,cultural
centers,and recreation services and
facilities.
M
2. Supports local discretion to use Great 5, Supports legislation or regulatory 2. Supports the City's right to use camera
Outdoors Colorado and other sources efforts that restrict and better ensure enforcement of traffic laws,reduce
for funding municipal government the prevention of firearm purchases operational restrictions on the use of
projects addressing local needs and of those individuals convicted of a camera enforcement,and increases the
priorities. violent criminal offense and those who fines associated with violations.
3. Supports equal or greater funding levels have been involuntarily committed to 3. Supports protocols and funding for
a mental institution or are otherwise
of Great Outdoors Colorado grants shared,statewide emergency response
awarded to municipalities suffering from a severe mental communications,including supporting
4. Supports maintaining or enhancing tax condition. Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority
incentives to private landowners for 6. Supports pubic health research and (LETA)and other efforts to resolve 911
voluntary land conservation. necessary funding related to the root diversity(back-up/resilience)issues.
5. Supports protection of the Cache la
causes and effects of gun violence to 4. Opposes increased 911 provider tariffs Poudre River and local urban streams. better inform prevention strategies. without clear documentation of cost
7. Supports legislation that prohibits the needs.
6. Supports programs and funding for sale or transfer of unregistered firearms.
equitable access to public space and 5. Opposes initiatives that have the
services. 6, Supports legislation that greatly potential to compromise officer safety.
reduces or eliminates the incidence of 6. Supports minimum training criteria
PUBLIC HEALTH smoking and vaping.Specific measures and professional mediator certification
may include the elimination of flavored
SAFE COMMUNITY; NEIGHBORHOOD that formally legitimizes the field of
LIVABILITY s SOCIAL HEALTH vap:ng cartridges,an increase in the Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR).
The City of Fork Collins strives to be a
legal smoking age,state-wide retail 7 Opposes municipal liability for
healthy,livable City that is a welcoming licensing for tobacco and vaping
and inclusive community for all,including products,and identical treatment of prisoners'self-inflicted wounds while in
cigarette products to police custody or detention facilities.
vaping and a
residents who may be experiencing the traditional forms of tobacco. 8. Opposes efforts to undermine local
challenges of homelessness,mental health issues,addiction,depression,and other 9. Supports funding and/or programs control or enforcement of activities on
challenging life situations.The City also to address disparities in social public property.
supports primary prevention strategies to determinants of health(e.g.housing, 9. Supports a state adopted fire and
reduce the injuries and deaths associated income,educational attainment,access building code,the code of choice being
with gun violence. to healthcare)to improve community- the International Fire and Building Code,
Therefore,the City: wide health outcomes. while allowing municipalities to adopt
their own codes and local amendments.
1. Supports maintaining or increasing the PUBLIC SAFETY 10.Opposes limits to local enforcement of
funds available through the state and SAFE COMMUNITY the International Fire Code as adopted
federal government for community- with local amendments,imposing
focused non-profits to provide human The City of Fort Collins recognizes the
services and housing support. critical importance of maintaining public inspection requirements or preventing
safety,providing a safe environment,and collection of permit or inspection fees as
2. Supports providing communities protecting the lives and property of the required by the local jurisdiction.
with resources to address chronic residents of Fort Collins on a daily basis 11. Opposes restricting any local jurisdiction
homelessness,supportive housing, as well as through preparedness and from requiring the installation of fire
mental health,and substance use resiliency planning efforts.
sprinklers.
disorders,including tobacco prevention
programs. Therefore,the City: 12.Supports the City's ability to prohibit
3. Supports a standardized statewide 1. Supports greater protections to victims the use and sale of fireworks and allow
approach to addressing homelessness. of crime,regardless of immigration counties and fire districts to prohibit and
status. otherwise control fireworks within City
4. Supports statewide efforts to enforce boundaries.
retail tobacco sales compliance.
12 legislative Policy Statemeois Z022
13.Supports efforts to reduce abuse and RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE products to be designed for reuse,
improper disposal of over-the-counter REDUCTION recycling,or composting and maintain
and prescription drugs. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH local control of recycling programs.
14.Supports exclusive digital The City of Fort Collins endorses a multi- 7. Opposes CRS Section 25-17-104,
communication networks for public pronged approach to waste minimization which currently limits local authority
safety personnel during emergencies. that includes recycling,re-use,composting, to regulate packaging materials(e.g.,
IS.Opposes the reduction and loss of and source reduction,and which also single-use plastic bags).
qualified immunity for government applies Zero Waste principles such as 8. Supports establishing a refundable
officials. redesigning systems to reduce pollution deposit fee on beverage containers
16.Supports practical standards related and waste.Additionally,the City has to increase recovery rates and pay for
to use of force which appropriately adopted a goal of diverting 75 percent of recycling programs.
balance the rights and safety of Fort community waste by 2020;90 percent by 9. Supports state and regional economic
Collins residents with the safety of first 2025,and 100 percent by 2030. tools for existing and new businesses
responders. Therefore,the City: that provide end markets for recycled
17.Supports increased reporting of crimes 1. Encourages integrated,sustainable materials in support of a domestic,
by refraining from inquiries about waste management planning and circular economy.
legal immigration status unless such implementation policy,including but 10.Supports incentives and programs
inquiry is pertinent to a crime;supports not limited to centralized data collection to encourage the use of compost,
continuation of non-restrictive U-Visa requirements,local hauler licensing and developing end markets to help divert
certification policies that allow victims initiatives to reach statewide diversion organic material from landfills(food
of crime to access important legal targets. and yard waste),and developing
protections. 2. Supports a regulatory authority role for composting infrastructure.
18.Supports continued use of body- local government to ensure the efficient 11. Supports incentives and programs to
worn cameras,protections for management of recyclable material and develop end markets for construction
public recordings of police,and the solid waste,including application of and demolition waste materials and
maintenance and reporting of such laws that prescribe the use of county- other potentially recyclable materials.
data that does not compromise police funded disposal facilities for certain
operations or public safety.Opposes types of wastes,and other local bans RISK MANAGEMENT AND
unfunded legislative mandates in regard on landfill disposal for certain types of LIABILITY
to such programs. debris. HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
3. Encourages"buy recycled"or The City of Fort Collins recognizes the dual
"environmentally preferable
p Purpose of the workers'compensation
purchasing"policies for government
system-providing benefits promptly
agency procurement. to injured employees in a cost-effective
4. Supports incentives and funding for manner and minimizing costly litigation.
programs that promote waste reduction, The City also recognizes that the City's
reuse and recycling,and development self-insurance program is a cost-efficient
of related infrastructure. method to insure workers'compensation
5. Supports continued or increased and that government intervention or
funding for programs to collect and taxation can negatively impact the City.
monitor data on trash volumes,rates Therefore,the City:
of diversion from landfill disposal and 1. Supports improving administrative
economic impacts of recycling. efficiency of the Division of Workers'
6. Supports extended producer Compensation.
responsibility initiatives that fund
recycling programs and incentivize
2. Opposes increased insurance premium new business formation owned by Fund(HUTF)or any appropriations from
costs to employers. women,minority,low-income and the state using the same formula.
3. Opposes administrative burdens or veteran individuals. 9. Supports enhanced ability to implement
taxes to self-insurance programs, railroad quiet zones in municipalities,
4. Supports limits to insurance claim
TRANSPORTATION further options in pursuing various
litigation. INVESTMENT degrees of quiet zones,and an overall
TRANSPORTATION&MOBILITY reduction in train horn decibel and
5. Opposes limiting the City's options duration requirements.
and ability to manage workers' The City actively promotes transportation
compensation claims;including infrastructure that facilitates the safe and 10.Opposes divesting highway roads
actions like removing existing offsets efficient movement of people,goods and in urban areas from the state and
a
to a workers'compensation benefits or services regardless of mode.Infrastructure making them the sole responsibility
limiting the compensation
ability designate improvements will be in concert with land of local jurisdictions without adequate
treating physicians. use development while being respectful of compensation for ongoing maintenance.
community values and the environment.6. Opposes efforts to presumptively 11. Supports safe operation of railroads
expand workers'compensation Therefore,the City: through timely track inspections,joint
coverage to illnesses or injuries that are 1. Supports alternative methods of training and communication between
not work related. funding transportation infrastructure railroad and emergency personnel,and
7. Opposes efforts to reduce or weaken needs• the use of safe equipment.
protections against liability through 2. Support funding the anarysis and 12•Supports local regulatory and design
governmental immunity or other implementation of inter-and intra- standard control of public roads,
statutory provisions. regiona!transit linkages,including pedestrian paths,and bike lanes to
future commuter rail connectivity. address all modes of transportation.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT 3. Encourages flexibility in federal funding
ECONOMIC HEALTH;HIGH PERFORMING and regulations in order to better meet URBAN RENEWAL AND
GOVERNMENT the needs of small to medium-size DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
The COVID pandemic has further communities. ECONOMIC HEALTH
underscored the need for strong and stable The state of Colorado has empowered
A. Supports guaranteed levels of federal
small businesses in every community in funding for transportation and local authorities to use Urban Renewal
the State.The City of Fort Collins actively allocation of all federal motor fuel taxes Authorities(URA)and Downtown
supports small businesses throughout and other federal transportation trust Development Authorities(DDA)to
their stages of formation and growth. funds for their intended transportation encourage downtown revitalization
Changing consumer habits and increased purposes. and the elimination of blight.The main
online competition threaten to disrupt the funding tool for URAs and DDAs is Tax
faltering recovery for small businesses. 5. Supports funding for the build out of Increment Financing(TIF)generated
Therefore,the City:
Interstate 25 improvements. through property taxes.In its best
1. Supports efforts to reduce the cost of 6. Supports additional funding options intention,urban renewal and downtown
and availability for active transportation revitalization restores economic vitality
food delivery for small businesses by modes. and improves the safety of a designated
managing third-party delivery fees and encouraging statewide licensing of 7. Supports broadening the definition area,with limited financial impact to other
these service providers. of the gasoline tax to a"fuel tax"that government jurisdictions.
2.Supports continued efforts to enable encompasses other fuel options as they Therefore,the City:
municipalities to consider local
become more prevalent. 1. Opposes limitations on municipalities'
minimum wage policies. 8. Opposes reductions to the present ability to utilize financing mechanisms
allocation formula of 60 percent state, such as TIF.
3. Supports efforts to enhance state-wide 22 percent counties,and 18 percent
funding for small business support- municipalities for Highway User Tax
including enhanced services to support
14 legislative Policy Statements 2022
2. Opposes efforts to increase influence of and wastewater environmental being able to more easily share
non-City jurisdictions over the use of TIF regulatory programs, treated water supplies between their
within City limits. 2. Supports reasonable water quality distribution systems.
3. Supports maintaining the ablity of regulations that are cost effective and 8. Supports reducing legal barriers and
downtown development authorities can show identifiable benefits. clarifying legal ambiguities related to
to utilize the full offering of tools and 3. Supports municipal flexibility to water reuse and greywater projects,
powers provided in the DDA Act. manage instream flows to preserve or while protecting the integrity of
4. Supports maintaining the ability of improve the natural environment,while Colorado's appropriation doctrine,
Urban Renewal Authorities to utilize protecting the integrity of Colorado's protecting the City's water supplies,and
the full offering of tools and powers appropriation doctrine,protecting the preventing injury to other water users.
provided for in state statute. City's water supplies,and preventing 9. Supports streamlining federal and state
injury to other water users. permitting requirements for water
WATER, WASTEWATER, AND 4. Opposes unfunded mandates. development projects that increase
STORMWATER coordination between permitting
5. Opposes barriers to financing for water agencies,reduces administrative and
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH;SAFE conservation projects.
COMMUNITY financial burdens on permit applicants,
The City operates a water utility,a 6. Supports funding for the recovery and ensures robust and enforceable
wastewater utility,and a stormwater utility and treatment of the Fort Collins environmental protections.
in a financially sound,reliable,safe,and water supply,its watershed,and 10.Supports the enlargement of Halligan
environmentally responsible manner.The other waterways impacted by natural Reservoir as a common-sense,
availability of adequate water supplies is disasters and human-caused events, cost-effective,and environmentally-
critical to the City and is managed by the including fires. beneficial approach to meet Fort Collins
Water Supply and Demand Management 7. Supports enhanced municipal authority Utilities'future water supply needs.
Policy,the Water Efficiency Plan,and other to protect and increase the flexibility
water-related codes,rules,regulations, and resiliency of the City's water
plans,and policies. supplies under Colorado's appropriation
Therefore,the City: doctrine,without causing injury to other
water users and without adversely
1. Supports expanding the authority affecting instream flows or the natural
delegated to the state to administer environment.This includes potential
federally mandated water,stormwater, bills related to treated water providers
CITY OF FORT COLLINS LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Name — — 0 District/Title Email
I Councilmember Tricia Canonico,Chair I District 3 tanonico@fcgov.com 970-305-6296
Mayor Jeni Arndt Mayor jarndt@fcgov.com 970-413-3146
Councilmember Shirley Peel District 4 speel@fcgov.com 970-294-2575
Kelly DiMartino Interim City Manager kdimartino@fcgov.com 970-416-2028
Carrie Daggett City Attorney cdaggett@fcgov.com 970-416-2463
Tyler Marr Legislative Staff tmarr@fcgov.com 970-416-4205
Ginny Sawyer gsawyer@fcgov.com 970-416-2354
LEGISLATIVE STAFF LIAISON MEMBERS
TopicPhone
L _
i Affordable Housing and Social ' Meaghan Overton Housing Manager moverton@fcgov.com 970-221-6752
Sustainability Beth Yonce Social Sustainability Director bsowder@fcgov.com
Air Quality Cassie Archuleta Environmental Program Manager carchuleta@fcgov.com 970-416-2648
Broadband Chad Crager Broadband Director ccreager@fcgov.com 610-224-6001
Cable Television Franchise Carson Hamlin Cable Television Manager chamlin@fcgov.com 970-221-6510
Childcare Adam Molzer City Grants and Community amolzer@fcgov.com 970-221-6757
Partnerships Coordinator
Climate Honore Depew Climate Program Manager mfinchum@fcgov.com 970-224-6143
Environmental Protection Lindsay Ex Environmental Services Director lex@fcgov.com 970-224-6085
Elections,Liquor and Tammi Pusheck Interim City Clerk tpusheck@fcgov.com 970-416-8025
Marijuana Licensing
Energy Tim McCollough Light&Power Deputy Utilities Director tmccollough@fcgov.com 970-416-2622
John Phelan Energy Services Senior Manager jphelan@fcgov.com 970-416-2539
Finance Travis Storin Chief Financial Officer tstorin@fcgov.com 970-221-6795
Economic Health Josh Birks Economic Health Director jbirks@fcgov.com 970-221-6324
Fire Protection and HAZMAT Derek Bergsten Division Chief Poudre Fire Authority derek.bergsten@poudre- 970 566-7274
Mangement fire.org
Human Resources Teresa Roche Chief Human Resources Officer troche@fcgov.com 970-221-6826
Natural Areas,Open Lands Zoe Shark Interim Natural Areas Director zshark@fcgov.com 970-221-6263
and Cache la Poudre River
Issues
Building Services Russ Hovland Interim Chief Building Official rhovland@fcgov.com 970-416-2341
Parks and Recreation Mike Calhoon Director of Parks mcalhoon@fcgov.com 970-416-2079
Aaron Harris Interim Director of Recreation aharris@fcgov.com 970-416-2225
Planning and Land Use Paul Sizemore Community Development and psizemore@fcgov.com 970-224-6140
Neighborhood Services Director
Rebecca Everette Planning Manager reverette@fcgov.com 970-416-2625
Public Safety Greg Yeager Deputy Chief of Police gyeager@fcgov.com 970-416-2185
Recycling and Solid Waste Caroline Mitchell Environmental Program Manager cmitchell@fcgov.com 970-221-6265
Reduction
Risk Management Claire Goodwin Safety,Security and Risk Management cgoodwin@fcgov.com 970-221-6774
Director
Stormwater Theresa Connor Interim Utilities Director tconnor@fcgov.com 970-221-6671
Andrew Gingerich Water Field Operations Director agingerich@fcgov.com 970-221-6232
Transportation Dean Klingner Planning Development and dklingner@fcgov.com 970-221-6511
Transportation Deputy Director
Utilities Customer Connections Gretchen Stanford Interim Deputy Director Customer gstanford@fcgov.com 970-416-2627
and Water Conservation Connections
Water Supply and Quality Theresa Connor Interim Utilities Director tconnor@fcgov.com 970-221-6671
City
of
Fort Collins
Auxiliary aids and services are available for perso%with disabilities.V/TDD:711 -