January 2021 Healthcare Workers Appreciation Event - City of Fort Collins
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Healthcare Workers Appreciation Event January 2021
JANUARY 14, 2021 Table of Contents ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL................................................................................................................. 4 JANUARY 19 REGULAR MEETING............................................................................................................................4 JANUARY 26 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................4 JANUARY 28 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING..............................................................................4 FEBRUARY 1 - STATE OF THE CITY ..........................................................................................................................5 FEBRUARY 2 REGULAR MEETING............................................................................................................................5 FEBRUARY 9 WORK SESSION ..................................................................................................................................5 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................................ 6 SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE ....................................................................................... 6 CP - ENGINEERING ............................................................................................................................. 7 TIMBERLINE ROAD CORRIDOR PROJECT ................................................................................................................7 LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT .................................................................................................................7 DRAKE AND HAMPSHIRE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INTERSECTION PROJECT ......................................................8 CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................9 VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS ..............................................................................................................9 TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROJECTS PRIORITIZATION STUDY ............................................................................9 CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................... 10 CITY PARK REFRESH ............................................................................................................................................. 10 EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY .................................................................................................... 11 PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN ................................................................................................................. 12 CP - OPERATION SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 12 FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER ........................................................................................ 12 BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH .................................................................................................... 13 CP - UTILITIES.................................................................................................................................... 13 CIS/OSS ................................................................................................................................................................ 13 GIS/GWD & ADMS ............................................................................................................................................... 14 LIGHT & POWER GENESIS64 SCADA UPGRADE PROJECT .................................................................................... 14 27” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE............................................................................................................. 15 WATER TREATMENT FACILITY SOLIDS HANDLING SYSTEM DESIGN.................................................................... 15 DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION FACILTY COGENERATION PROJECT .................................................................... 16 PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................ 17 POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................... 17 POLICE SERVICES.................................................................................................................................................. 18 PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION......................................................................... 20 BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW .......................................................................................... 20 GRAFFITI UPDATE ............................................................................................................................ 21 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 21
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 21 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................................................................................................... 22 ECONOMIC HEALTH ............................................................................................................................................. 22 UTILITIES............................................................................................................................................ 23 CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................................................. 23 WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 24 COMMUNITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 25 RECREATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 PARKS................................................................................................................................................................... 25 CULTURAL SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 26 NATURAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................................. 27 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 28 BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION ................................................................................. 28 COMMUNITY DASHBOARD HIGHLIGHT .......................................................................................... 29
ISSUES BEFORE COUNCIL 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.
JANUARY 19 REGULAR MEETING
Springer-Fisher Annexation No. 1-2
o To hold a public hearing and consider ordinances related to the Springer-Fisher Annexation
located at Mulberry and Greenfields Court, along the Mulberry Corridor.
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: Poudre River Whitewater Park
o Provide and update on the whitewater park following the inaugural season.
Culture and Recreation 2.2 - Plan, design, implement and maintain the City’s parks
and trails system.
Community Report: Irene Josey, Larimer County Treasurer & Public Trustee - provide an update
on the Treasurer & Public Trustee’s Office and discuss tax collection and distribution to the local
governments, schools and municipalities.
Community Report: Tom Gonzales, Public Health Director - provide an update on COVID-19
pandemic.
JANUARY 26 WORK SESSION
Regulatory Options for Siting New Oil and Gas Development
o Receive guidance from Council on siting regulations and provide an update on state
rulemakings, community involvement to date, and provide regulatory options in the context of
community input.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.7 - Guide development through community
planning, historic preservation, and efficient and effective development review.
Reimagine Boards and Commissions
o Review implementation of previous Council direction; discuss possible further changes to the
system of boards and commissions to increase diversity and inclusion and set up success into
the future.
High Performing Government 7.3 - Broaden methods of community engagement with
additional consideration to diverse backgrounds, languages and needs.
Housing Strategic Plan - Strategy Prioritization
o Review the prioritized strategies and community feedback associated with the Housing Strategic
Plan in advance of February 16 adoption consideration.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.1 -Improve access to quality housing that is
affordable to a broad range of income levels.
JANUARY 28 URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
Monday, January 28 at 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Zoom virtual meeting
Agenda posted at www.renewfortcollins.com/meeting-agendas shortly before meeting date.
.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 4
FEBRUARY 1 - STATE OF THE CITY
Monday, February 1, 2021
6:00 p.m.
Virtual Event - details forthcoming on https://www.fcgov.com/stateofthecity/
FEBRUARY 2 REGULAR MEETING
Plastic Pollution Code Amendment (tentative)
o To initiate a plastic pollution ballot measure for the April election.
Environmental Health 4.4 - Achieve the 2020 Road to Zero Waste goals and work
toward the 2030 zero waste goals.
Metro DPA Down Payment Assistance Partnership
o Consider a Resolution allowing residents of Fort Collins to participate in a down payment
assistance program administered by the City of Denver. This program expands the range of
down payment assistance available in the city to households earning up to $150K (most current
programs administered by City partners only go up to 80% AMI) at no cost to the City. This
responds to the Council priority of Affordable and Achievable Housing.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health- 1.1 Improve access to quality housing that is
affordable to a broad range of income levels.
Staff Report: Remington Stormwater Project
o Inform Council about the recently constructed Remington Street Stormwater Outfall Project.
This project has completed an important stormwater system connection between the College
and Prospect intersection to Spring Creek and provides flood mitigation, water quality treatment
of stormwater runoff.
Safe Community 5.5 - Address water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
needs for the protection of people, property and the environment.
Staff Report: Mail Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project
o Provide an overview of the project.
Environment Health 4.9 - Sustain and improve the health of the Cache la Poudre River
and its watershed.
FEBRUARY 9 WORK SESSION
Our Climate Future
o Provide a progress update to Council on Our Climate Future planning process.
Environmental Health 4.1 - Achieve Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020 goals and
continue progress toward the 2030 goals.
Montava Water Supply Process Overview
o Provide Council background and context around three key decisions related to Montava’s
proposed approach for the potable water supply system.
Environmental Health - 4.6 Provide a reliable, high-quality water supply.
Historic Preservation Property Survey and Designation Priorities
o To review current Historic Preservation practices around property survey and designation
priorities, to identify changes desired by Council.
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.7 - Guide development through community
planning, historic preservation, and efficient and effective development review.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 5
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT – UPCOMING EVENTS
MLK Celebration
To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City staff has been collaborating with community
partners in putting together different activities as part of the MLK Celebration. City-led activities for the
event include:
• Mayor’s MLK Proclamation
o Link: https://www.fcgov.com/council/
o Tune in on Tuesday, January 19 at 5:45pm to watch the Mayor honor the legacy of MLK
with a special proclamation.
• City of Fort Collins – Black/African American History & Tour
o Link: https://www.fcgov.com/historicpreservation/blackfortcollins
o Explore sites in Fort Collins that help tell the story of Black/African Americans in the city
from the 1880s through the 1970s. Great for a virtual tour from home, or a socially
distanced walk, bike, or drive around Old Town Fort Collins.
• MLK Candlelight Vigil
o Link: To request free luminary materials, please contact Neighborhood Services at
NSPrograms@fcgov.com
o As part of the celebration, the City of Fort Collins is hosting a virtual “candlelight” vigil on
the evening of January 18th. Neighbors across Fort Collins will set out luminaries near
their homes and surrounding important locations in the Black History of Fort Collins. The
solidarity demonstrated by the small lights along our sidewalks will honor the words of
Dr. King. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive
out hate; only love can do that.”
SALES TAX - MONTHLY & YEAR TO DATE
NOVEMBER SUMMARY OVER PRIOR YEAR
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 0.9% -3.6%
Net Use Tax Collected: -19.8% -10.0%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: -2.5% -4.6%
Year to date, sales and use tax collections excluding rebates are down 4.6% and total $124.0M.
NOVEMBER SUMMARY OVER BUDGET
Month Year to Date
Net Sales Tax Collected: 1.4% -4.1%
Net Use Tax Collected: -6.1% 0.8%
Net Sales and Use Tax Collected: 0.3% -3.4%
Year to date, the City has collected 3.4% less sales and use tax revenue, totaling $4.3M under budget.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 6
CP - ENGINEERING 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 ROW Project Details: This project will reconstruct South Timberline Road from Stetson Creek Drive to Zephyr Road to the City’s four lane arterial roadway standards. Zephyr Road to Trilby Road will be restriped to include two northbound lanes and one southbound lane. Planned improvements include intersection improvements at Kechter Road and Zephyr Road, multi-modal accommodations, raised medians and center turn lanes, access control, landscaping improvements, and roadway improvements. A pedestrian underpass crossing Timberline Road will also be constructed near Bacon Elementary School. This project serves to build upon the development improvements that have been completed along the corridor. This project will improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide improved accommodations for alternate travel modes. Project Status: In order to minimize construction impacts and better coordinate with current developments, the construction start date is being moved to fall 2021. This will move construction completion to 2022. More information is available at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/timberlinewidening LINDEN STREET RENOVATION PROJECT CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 7
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: Due to COVID-19 and the effect of the pandemic on the business community, the City of Fort Collins will be postponing the bulk of the Linden Street Renovation Project. The City will still move forward with constructing planned improvements at the intersections of Linden and Jefferson streets and Linden and Walnut streets starting in late January 2021. Access to Linden Street will be maintained, and outdoor dining areas will not be affected by this work. Completion is expected by Spring 2021. More information is available at: https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/linden-street-renovation/ DRAKE AND HAMPSHIRE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INTERSECTION PROJECT Funding Source: Safe Routes to School Federal Grant Estimated Project Budget: $620,000 Estimated Completion Date: Winter 2020 Phase: Preliminary Design Project Details: This project will add a signalized intersection and bike/ped improvements to the intersection of Drake Road and Hampshire Drive. Planned improvements include: full signalized intersection, pedestrian ramp improvements, crosswalks, and revised roadway striping to better accommodate cyclists. This project will provide a Safe Route to School connection between Blevins Middle School and the Spring Creek Trail. Project Status: CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 8
Project is currently out to bid. Construction is anticipated from mid-March thru end of April
2021.
CHERRY STREET ARTHUR DITCH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Capital Bridge Program
Estimated Project Budget: $750K
Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2021
Phase: Ready to award contract
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:
Ready to award construction contract.
Construction to begin mid-January 2021.
VINE AND LEMAY BNSF IMPROVEMENTS
Funding Source: Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG),
Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF), 2017 / 2018
BFO
Estimated Project Budget: $24M
Estimated Completion Date: 2021
Phase: Pre-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 is anticipated to begin in late February.
RFP is currently advertised to secure construction contractor, with plans to award by end of
the month.
More information is available at fcgov.com/engineering/vine-lemay
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
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 9
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: City staff from multiple departments, as well as Larimer County staff, are working with the engineering consultant to define the scope of the study. A list of locations to be studied will be determined as part of the scoping and kickoff phase. CP - PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CITY PARK REFRESH Funding Source: Building On Basics Total Project Cost: $850k-$1M Phase: Phase I project identification Estimated Completion: 2021 for Phase I project Project Details: Several concepts, master plans, and improvement ideas have been generated and shared with the community for feedback in 2016, 2018, and 2019 to address important refresh needs of City Park. The CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 10
City Park Restroom Project, which is part of Phase 1 improvements, will provide a new year-round restroom along with surrounding site improvements. Construction of the City Park Restroom began on September 7, with anticipated construction lasting from early September through late December. Landscape plantings may be delayed until spring of 2021, depending on weather conditions. Visit the project web site for additional information regarding the project at ourcity.fcgov.com/city-park-tomorrow. Project Status: Steady progress on the restroom structure continues. Construction on the structure is anticipated to continue through the end of January due to COVID-19 related delays in manufacturing of several building components. EAST PARK DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FACILITY Funding Source: Parkland Funds Total Project Cost: $2.5 - $5 million Phase: Design Development 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: Design Development drawings were completed in December and initial bidding process began. Final Development Plans will be submitted to the Planning Department this month. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 11
PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Project Status:
The Parks & Recreation Master Plan had its first reading by Council on January 5 and was
approved unanimously. Second reading is scheduled for January 19. Full details regarding
the planning process including documents and videos, along with the draft plan, are
available at ourcity.fcgov.com/parksandrec.
CP - OPERATION SERVICES
FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND POLICE TRAINING CENTER
Funding Sources:
$9.25M generated from bonds for the
City of Fort Collins
$9.25M from City of Loveland
$1M from DOLA Grant
Estimated Project Cost: $19.5M
Phase: Phase II Building – Punchlist and Training
Estimated Completion Date: January 2021
Firing Range Target System Installation
Project Details:
The City of Fort Collins is partnering with The City of Loveland to construct a new Police training facility
which will be located on the west side of the Loveland Airport. This new site will offer a 50-yard pistol
range, a 1.4-mile driving track, concrete skills pad, and classrooms for special training.
Project Status:
Phase II – Building Construction:
Contractor is working on punch list items:
- system testing and balancing.
- Owner training.
- Equipment startups.
- System commissioning.
Starting building air flush out for LEED.
Currently expecting LEED Silver for Admin building.
Plan to turn over to Police late January or early February 2021.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 12BLOCK 32/42 – CIVIC MASTER PLAN REFRESH Funding Source: Capital Project via BFO: $300,000 Estimated Project Cost: TBD Phase: RFP Estimated Completion Date: TBD Project Details: Space planning for Block 32 and 42 that was performed in 2013-2014 and needs to be updated. The new planning effort will involve each affected department to determine their space needs and anticipated growth over the next 10-12 Years. With the completion of the refresh the City can decide which departments to house in 215 N Mason, 300 Laporte Ave - Building A, and the new City Hall. The refresh will also help determine an appropriate size of the new City Hall. Once this is determined and a conceptual design is produced it will be submitted to Council for review, next recommended steps and approval. Project Status: Finishing up meetings with various departments associated with the Civic Center Masterplan re-fresh for blocks 32 and 42 to gather information on current and future needs. Conducting meetings with Development Review and Park Planning to discuss layout of the Civic Center Masterplan and gathering input from staff, community, and others as we look at refresh for Conceptual Master plan. Project team is scheduling a meeting with ELT mid-January to share findings and discuss what the future may look like for staff teleworking or in-office work environment. We plan to have a deliverable by late April 2021. We plan to present our deliverable to the new council in late April or early May. CP - UTILITIES CIS/OSS The Customer Information/Operational Support System (CIS/OSS) billing system project, delivered through Open SmartFlex (OSF), will be the technology interface customers rely on for accurate utility and broadband billing and customer service. The project team is continuing system testing, which assures the OSF platform supports delivery and accurate billing of more than $200 million in annual revenue from electric, water, stormwater, wastewater and broadband services. Visit fcgov.com/utilities/bill for more information. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 13
GIS/GWD & ADMS
Funding Source: Offer 5.23 Operational
Technology
Estimated Project Budget: $2,762,384
Phase: In Closeout
Project Details:
Replacement and upgrade of the existing
L&P mapping systems to a fully capable
Geographic Information System (GIS)
platform compatible with the City's enterprise
GIS.
Implementation of a GIS-based Graphic
Work Design (GWD) system enabling
streamlined electric distribution design and
development and integration with GIS as
well as other key systems Screen capture of ArcFM
Replacement of existing electric distribution operational tools with a new Advanced Distribution
Management System (ADMS) that enables L&P’s Supervisory Control & Operations (SCO) staff to
performs a wide range of real-time analysis in the management of the City’s electric distribution
system.
Project Status:
All tasks with the vendor Schneider Electric are complete and we have signed off on all
project milestones. We are transferring to long-term support with the vendor.
Several issues with the GIS import to ADMS have been resolved and several enhancements
have been made.
The ADMS project team and ACS have met to finalize our project closeout punch list. There
are still a number of items to be resolved.
LIGHT & POWER GENESIS64 SCADA UPGRADE PROJECT
Funding Source: New Capital
Estimated Project Budget: $200,000
Phase: In Design
Project Details:
Convert the existing Iconics Genesis32 hardware, software,
and screens to Genesis64
Project Status:
ESCADA team is testing the process for extracting data
out of the Hyper Historian for data analytics.
Upgrading Iconics software to version 10.96.
The ESCADA team is working on integrating security
cameras with the new system.
SCADA Software
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 1427” POUDRE CANYON RAW WATERLINE Funding Source: Water Estimated Project Budget: $3,2000,000 Status: In Design Estimated Completion Date: 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 (WTF). 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. Preliminary design, final design, and construction of the selected alternative are included in this project. Project Status: Existing, exposed raw waterline Preliminary design of two alternatives is complete. in Poudre River Environmental Permitting Summary Memo draft is complete. Cost and Constructability Memo will be complete in January 2021. Construction Contractor RFP is complete, and proposals will be due in mid-January 2021 with contractor selection by March 2021. WATER TREATMENT FACILITY SOLIDS HANDLING SYSTEM DESIGN Funding Source: Water Estimated Project Budget: $575,000 Status: In Design Estimated Completion Date: April 2021 Project Details: This project will develop 50% design documents for the WTF Solids Handling System which will reduce the liquid loading of the existing lagoons (currently overloaded during peak times of the year) by mechanically separating the solids from the sediment basin sludge stream by applying pressure with a Belt Filter Press. The solids handling system will be contained in a new building between the WTF and the existing lagoons. This system will prevent violation of water quality and solid waste regulations. Project Status: Site survey is complete. Example Photo of a Belt Site selection work is in process. Filter Press System Criteria Workshop Part I is complete. Identified and reviewed belt filter press manufacturers. Design efforts are ongoing. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 15
DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION FACILTY COGENERATION PROJECT Funding Source: Wastewater Estimated Project Budget: $4,700,000 Status: Commissioning and Startup Estimated Completion Date: Mid-February 2021 Project Details: In partnership with Woodward, this project is the design and installation of a combined heat and power (CHP) system fueled by conditioned biogas to provide electrical power to the wastewater plant. Not only off-setting electrical demand from the power grid the units will provide heat via a hot water system to the plant’s anaerobic digestion process and house water heat exchangers to heat several of the plant’s buildings. Project Status: Project construction is about 95% complete. Final commissioning delayed MCC 1221 wire pull Issues discovered during final commissioning of the hot water system plumbing and gas conditioning insulation have delayed final completion. Material ordering and delivery may delay the restart of commissioning to compete the programming. Permanent power between the digester building motor control center (MCC) and the new low voltage switchgear completed. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 16
PUBLIC SAFETY
POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Carbon Monoxide Detector Notified Resident of Fire | Dec.
24
A candle fire caused significant smoke damage in a bedroom
in an early morning fire. The resident returned home at around
4:15 a.m. and heard the carbon monoxide detector going off.
He immediately called 911 and the Engine 2 Crew responded
to the home on the 2200 block of Clearview Ave. They found
that a candle had produced enough heat to ignite the wreath
around it and a tapestry underneath. It spread to the bed
nearby and up the wall. Thankfully, the bedroom door was
closed which contributed to the fire putting itself out. No one
was home at the time of the incident and there were no
injuries.
This fire highlights three important safety messages.
1.Having a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector is just as
important as having a working smoke alarm. This is a dynamic
duo every home needs. Fires cause carbon monoxide which is
odorless and can be lethal. Depending on the location of the
fire, a CO detector could notify residents before a smoke
detector.
2. It’s not just the flame that can be a risk factor in candles. Residual heat can contribute to a fire with
the right fuel nearby. Set a timer as a reminder to extinguish candles and use a lid when possible. Do
not place candles on or near combustibles such as greenery or decorations.
3. A closed door is a strong line of defense in a fire. Even a standard house door can hold a fire back
for 20 minutes. A closed door keeps smoke out of bedrooms, which save lives, and can contain smoke,
which saves homes.
Thank You Health Care and Hospital Workers Events | Dec. 21
Poudre Fire Authority joined around two dozen EMS, fire, and law enforcement agencies throughout
Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties to say thank you to health care and hospital workers. Banners
signed by fellow first responders were delivered to nine hospitals along with cheers, elbow bumps, and
even Santa at a few visits. “We wanted them to have a tangible reminder of our support. We know how
long and hard they have been working and that there is still a long road ahead. We wanted to say, we
still see you.” said Acting Battalion Chief Shawn McGaffin who helped organize the events. Thank you
to all involved and to all the workers who have kept our hospitals open and staffed over the last 10
months. Watch a video of the events at https://youtu.be/GOktCO4Qbbo
Poudre Fire Authority Accredited by Commission on Fire Accreditation International | Dec. 15
PFA was recently accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for the
second time! As an agency, PFA embraces continually reviewing the agency, what it’s doing, how it’s
doing it, and looking for ways to improve. Accreditation provides a framework for measurement against
national best practices. The process included the submission of a thorough risk assessment and outline
of standards of cover, a site visit, and finally a public hearing before CFAI on Dec.15th. Although
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 17accreditation is valid for five years, the work won’t stop. PFA will provide yearly updates to maintain the status. This ensures that a strategic plan isn’t just written, but also followed. Only around 11% of the U.S. population is protected by an accredited agency and PFA is happy to include the people of its jurisdiction in that number. “We are proud to be a part of this organization that works to improve the fire service in departments large and small,” said Fire Chief Tom DeMint. Disposal of Ash or Embers Caused Fire at Home | Dec. 14 PFA units were dispatched to reports of a fire at a home on the 600 block of Collingswood Dr. The Engine 12 Crew was the first on scene and saw light smoke coming from the front of the home. They found a small fire on the deck leading to the front door. The firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Three people were inside at the time of the fire and all were able to safely evacuate. Firefighters found a dog during the secondary search, which also did not suffer any injuries. There was light smoke in the home, but the fire was reported and extinguished quickly, keeping it from spreading inside or fully involving the deck. The responding parties were walking by when they noticed smoke and called 911. Firefighters used a saw to cut out the burned wood from the deck and create a safe and clean area for repair. This also ensured the fire could not reignite and allowed firefighters to check for any remaining hot spots or potential fire extension. The fire was accidental and caused by the improper disposal of ash or embers the previous night. POLICE SERVICES Notable Cases Sexual Assault Arrest - Fort Collins Police detectives recently arrested a 42-year-old man for sexually assaulting a young teen he met online through a social meetup app. The victim’s parent contacted police after learning about ongoing interactions and shared concerns about their child’s involvement with an adult male. Upon further investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Strauss, who is a registered sex offender. Strauss faces charges of Sexual Assault (class 1 misdemeanor), Obscenity to a Minor (class 6 felony), and Unlawful Sexual Contact (class 4 felony). All charges are simply an accusation by law enforcement officers, and any arrested party must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. In a press release about the arrest, FCPS shared information about internet safety resources available at https://www.fcgov.com/police/digital-safety. Weapons Call Safely Resolved - On December 28, civil repossession company went to a residence on Longs Peak Drive to repossess a vehicle. The primary vehicle holder, as well as other residents of the home, confronted the crew and an argument ensued. At one point during the disturbance, one of the individuals associated with the residence threatened the crew with a handgun. Officers quickly arrived on scene and de-escalated the situation. The person threatening others with the firearm was safely taken into custody, arrested for felony menacing, and booked into the Larimer County Jail. Situations like this are extremely dynamic and dangerous. FCPS officers train regularly so we can do our best to resolve challenging incidents using strong tactical decision-making. Our priority is always to protect victims, bystanders, officers, and suspects. We're grateful this incident ended safely and appreciate the patience of community members whose travel may have been impacted by temporary road closures. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 18
Problem solving for a brighter future - In mid-December, FCPS responded to a disturbance involving an “out of control” 14-year-old boy. Officers Doherty and Rodriguez arrived at the home, and after getting to know the family a little better, learned that the young man recently moved here from Texas and was having trouble with the transition. To make things even more challenging, the family finances are tight, resulting in extremely cramped living conditions. They also learned that that the teen wasn't enrolled in school yet, and he had nothing to do all day, every day, which was making things even tougher. So, School Resource Officer Weis responded to help the teen get enrolled in school that day. SRO Weis stayed at the home and served as a liaison between school staff and the family until the process was completed. During the interaction, officers found out that the teen is a comic book fan, so once the initial situation was resolved, they went to a local bookstore and bought a few comics to brighten his day. What started out as a disturbance call to police resulted in some new reads and help connecting to a better future through education. This is exactly the kind of resolution we love to being part of. We're often called to show up during breaking-point moments brought on by a lot of complicated life factors. At the end of the day, the outcome we always want is to problem-solve with community members and work together to help create a safer, healthier community. Community Engagement Santa Cops Delivery Day – On December 19, Santa Cops volunteers delivered gifts for over 1,820 children in Larimer County. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the group was able to successfully organize this annual event and help families in need of a little extra assistance this holiday season. Santa Cops is a non-profit organization consisting of representatives from local law enforcement agencies who support local families experiencing hardship during the holidays. Centenarian Birthday - officers had the opportunity to wish a socially-distant happy birthday to 100- year-old Dr. John Matsushima during a December birthday parade. Dr. Matsushima won international awards for pioneering work with animal feeding during his career. He shared the following secrets to a long life: 1) follow a routine 2) go to bed early and arise early and 3) good friends. Other News After years of work, the Combined Regional Information Systems Project (CRISP) went live in December. CRISP unifies Larimer County emergency services providers under one software system to CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 19
more effectively manage records, centralize jail booking information, and provide enhanced dispatch
services across the region. Northern Colorado’s steep population growth rate has placed demands on
first responder agencies in ways that had constrained service, leading the three partner agencies and
10 external members to collaborate on a system that benefits all of them.
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT &TRANSPORTATION
BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Monthly Reporting
Monthly construction reporting and mapping of development review proposals and construction can be
found by visiting:
http://citydocs.fcgov.com/?dt=MONTHLY+REPORT&dn=NEIGHBORHOOD+%26+BUILDING+SERVIC
ES%2FZONING&vid=2&cmd=showdt
For a detailed listing of development Proposals under review, please visit:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/proposals/
Home2Health and Housing Strategic Plan: The Housing Strategic Plan is on track for a work session
on January 26, 2021 and consideration of adoption on February 16, 2021 (First Reading). The month of
January will primarily focus on plan writing and prioritization of strategies with staff, Home2Health
partners, stakeholders, Boards and Commissions, etc. Plan draft materials, the final community
engagement report, a Policy 101 document to help community engage with the planning process, and
public comment opportunities are available at https://www.fcgov.com/housing.
E. Mulberry Plan Update
A City Council Work Session will be held on February 9th that outlines the strategy for updating the E.
Mulberry Plan. The first phases of public engagement are scheduled for this winter and spring with the
Plan Update anticipated to go to Council for its consideration by the end of 2021. A financial analysis of
a potential, phased enclave annexation of the E. Mulberry area is being prepared in a parallel effort.
Lighting Code
Revisions to the lighting code that promote nighttime safety and commerce, protect residential and
natural areas from artificial lighting, promote energy conservation, and minimize light pollution has been
scheduled for City Council consideration on March 9th.
YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON
2019 2020 YTD % Change
Development Project Submittals Received 421 369 -12.35%
Conceptual/Preliminary Design/Staff Reviews 232 241 3.88%
Building Permits Issued 16,663 4,686 -71.88%
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 20Building Permit Valuations ($M) $375.54 $135.05 -64.04%
Building Inspections Performed 27,095 32,220 18.97%
Zoning Inspections Performed 433 421 -2.77%
Zoning Plan Reviews Performed 2,796 3,039 8.69%
Overall Development Review revenues are ($1,743,870) under projection for 2020 as of December
31st with Development Review under by $(1,570,307) and Engineering Development Review under by
$(173,563).
GRAFFITI UPDATE
During the month of December 2020, the Graffiti Abatement Team abated 13 issues consisting of 243
tags measuring 2,159 square feet of graffiti-covered surfaces.
Month Access Hotline Pro-Active Total
FC
January 1 0 51 52
February 5 2 22 29
March 7 4 55 66
April 17 2 42 61
May 12 5 36 53
June 17 11 35 63
July 26 7 36 69
August 16 3 39 58
September 19 6 20 45
October 17 4 31 52
November 5 4 8 17
December 8 2 3 13
Total 150 50 378 578
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
January is National Radon Action Month
January is National Radon Action Month, and the City of Fort Collins is encouraging community
members to protect their health by testing radon levels in their homes. Radon is a colorless, odorless,
and naturally occurring gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon gas enters homes and other buildings through cracks and openings in basements, crawl
spaces, and slabs. Radon levels vary from house to house and have nothing to do with the age,
upkeep, or quality of the building; however, Colorado homes are at a higher risk for radon.
Testing the radon levels in your home is simple and inexpensive. The City of Fort Collins sells
discounted short-term ($6) and long-term ($20) test kits. These are available at the Fort Collins Senior
Center, located at 1200 Raintree Dr. And while supplies lasts, the first 50 people to request a short-
term kit, will receive one for free.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 21If your home has high radon levels:
Hire a professional. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides links to
contractors that are certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program and the National Radon
Safety Board.
Visit their website to find qualified radon contractors in your area.
For more information on radon and its health impacts as well as testing options visit fcgov.com/radon.
Plastics Pollution Community Survey
City Council has identified reducing plastic pollution in the community as a priority and is seeking
community input for developing a plastics reduction ordinance prior to an April ballot vote. Prioritizing
plastic pollution, specifically single-use plastic pollution, will help protect the health of the Cache la
Poudre River and make progress on our community’s zero waste and climate action goals.
Community feedback on a proposed single-use plastic ordinance will help Council finalize the details of
the ordinance and related ballot measure for the April 2021 municipal election. Council discussed
proposed ordinance language during a Work Session on January 12, 2021 with tentative consideration
at the February 2 and February 16 meetings. Take the plastics pollution survey at:
https://ourcity.fcgov.com/plastics.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Equity Indicators Project
As part of the City’s efforts to advance equitable outcomes for all, leading with race, CUNY Institute for
State and Local Governance was selected to lead the Equity Indicators project and establish a
framework for measuring and understanding equality gaps in Fort Collins and how they change over
time. Equity indicators are one tool local governments use to measure and track the experiences of
equality among community members to proactively address systems that perpetuate racism and/or
oppression. After data has been collected and equity indicators have been chosen, the City will create
an external-facing dashboard to enhance accountability and transparency for its equity efforts. This
dashboard will be available early in 2021.
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Colorado Small Business Relief Program
As part of the Colorado Special Session, Senate Bill 20B-01 was passed to provide one-time
emergency relief payments to eligible small business owners who have been impacted by capacity
restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic that demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 20%.
Businesses that are included in this legislation authorizing this funding include:
Restaurants (including food trucks)
Breweries
Wineries
Distilleries
Caterers
Fitness Centers/Gyms/Recreational Sports Facilities
Movie Theaters
A full list of eligibility requirements and additional information can be found at
www.larimer.org/sbr.
Larimer County Level Up Program
Larimer County’s “5 Star” certified business variance program, locally known as the Level Up Program
was approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Office.
Update to the Level Up Program - with the move to Level Orange, all Larimer businesses may open
to the orange capacity effective Monday January 4 at noon. Businesses that have been certified for
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 22the Level Up program will need to wait to operate at yellow until the state determines we are eligible based on local metrics. That likely will be one to two weeks if our case trends continue to stay low. The County will continue to accept applications and pre-certify businesses, but businesses will not be able to move to yellow until Larimer is officially told when. Apply for the Level Up Certification Process here UTILITIES CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS To support customers impacted from the Excess Water Use surcharge error Water Conservation Staff has extended the application window for the Allotment Management Program to Jan 31. To date five pre-application have been submitted and six full applications have been approved. Current 2020 participants saved an average of $6,000 and a collective water savings equated to over 5 million gallons! Water Conservation will receive technical assistance from two consulting firms - Water Demand Management and Western Resource Advocates - to develop and advise on residential water budgets from Jan. to May 2021. In 2020, Utilities Community Engagement reached 6,018 participants through 178 outreach events and programs. In the month of December, Utilities offered the following engagement opportunities: December 3 – Commercial Water Supply Requirement Focus Group: This was the second focus group in a four-part series providing stakeholders the opportunity to share feedback on new water supply requirement process considerations. December 16 – Fort Collins Benchmarking Ordinance Overview: Building Energy and Water Scoring: This overview included information on the benefits of benchmarking, who is required to comply, what is required to comply and what resources are available including data requests. December 17 – Utilities Affordability Programs (UAP) Water Board Update: Utilities Affordability Programs staff presented an update on the UAP offerings and progress to the Water Board. In the month of January, Utilities will offer the following engagement opportunities: January 4 – Virtual CSU Housing & Dining Services Staff Resource Fair: Utilities staff gave four presentations on Utilities Affordability Programs to CSU Housing & Dining Services staff. January 14 - Commercial Water Supply Requirement Focus Group: This is the third focus group in a four-part series providing impacted stakeholders the opportunity to share feedback on new water supply requirement process considerations. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 23
WATER RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPERATIONS Environmental Regulatory Affairs Division Staff at Utilities’ Environmental Regulatory Affairs (ERA) Division is collaborating with Park Planning & Development, and Nature in the City Program at Natural Areas to redesign the existing outlet from the pond in the dog park located in Spring Canyon Community Park to better treat its discharge into Spring Creek. Staff is designing an innovative treatment system that will use Low Impact Development techniques with a special media design using a carbon filters (biochar) to remove e.coli from the effluent. This collaboration effort will involve funding and design assistance from Nature in the City program; funding, design and construction assistance from Park Planning & Development and Parks Maintenance; and funding and design assistance from ERA. When complete, the system will be monitored to show the effective of using new LID techniques to ensure compliance with state and federal water quality standards. The planned design will also include an outreach and education component explaining to the public the importance of keeping pet waste from our waterways. Design has kicked off as of late December with an anticipated construction completion date of Memorial Day weekend, allowing the wet pond to be filled in time for summer activities. Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division Process Control Supervisor Ramon Arguello of Water Reclamation & Biosolids Division was featured in Treatment Plant Operator (TPO) Magazine in the article “Teamwork Does It.” The headline captured his leadership role in fostering a workplace culture of empowerment: “This operator's approach is simple: Channel people where they are strong. Understand that every person is different. Ramon Arguello CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 24
creates and nurtures a workplace culture and environment that helps bring out team members’ talents
and achieve impressive results.” Read more: https://www.tpomag.com/editorial/2020/12/this-operators-
approach-is-simple-channel-people-where-they-are-strong-understand-that-every-person-is-different
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RECREATION
Recreation Staff worked with the Fort Collins Optimists Club to distribute over 300 holiday gift cards
to PSD students experiencing unstable housing, and also to assist The Family Center/La Familia in
providing gifts for their Adopt-a-Family program this holiday season.
Several upgrades were started and completed at the Fort Collins Senior Center.
o A new electric vehicle was purchased to reduce the carbon footprint of the Recreation
Department.
o The social wing at the was renovated to have a new coffee lounge.
o A bean to cup coffee machine was added in the lobby of the Senior Center.
Over 97% of drop-in lap swimming slots were utilized at EPIC and Mulberry Pool.
PARKS
Hosted COVID-safe Wreaths Across America event in Grandview Cemetery
Roof replacement at Rolland Moore Ballfield Complex beginning
Installed multi-cultural holiday display at Library Park
Nature in the City Grant awarded for the Spring Canyon Community Park dog pond project
Installation of trail etiquette yard signs throughout the trails system
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 25CULTURAL SERVICES
Marina Avila and Carla Gamboa
Bistro Nautile Barrier Mural Artists
Art in Public Places (APP) Program has announced the opportunity to apply to the 2021 Pianos
About Town Project. The APP Program, in cooperation with community partners Bohemian
Foundation and Downtown Development Authority, seeks to involve local artists/teams by
commissioning them to paint murals or otherwise artistically decorate working pianos. The program
is looking for diversity in artwork styles and concepts, with a preference for emerging artists and
new and exciting ideas. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $1,000. To apply, artists must
submit a letter of intent and concept rendering. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. MST on Feb.
1, 2021.
The Art in Public Places Program has also recently updated the Program’s website. After a busy
2020, which included over 50 different mural commissions, the site has many new additions.
Highlights include: the Maple Hill Community Mural; the completion of a major commission In Praise
of Poudre installed on Willow Street; the Downtown Barrier Murals installed to support restaurants
in Old Town; and, the addition of new walking tour guides such as Fossil Creek Trail.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 26NATURAL AREAS Northwest Fort Collins – Acquisitions On November 20th, Natural Areas expanded its conservation efforts with the purchase of 21.028 acres near Willox Ln. and N. Shields St (pictured above). The area is highly valued for its rural character, scenic views, and local agriculture. This acquisition preserves open space between Fort Collins and Laporte. The site offers the possibility for enhanced wildlife habitat, local food production, and appropriate public access. On December 18th, Natural Areas purchased the second property of many needed to conserve a wildlife corridor along Dry Creek from Willox Ln. to Highway 287 (pictured below). The site is highly valued for its wildlife habitat, scenic views, and protection of the Dry Creek. If the remaining properties are acquired, the corridor could also provide a trail connection for residents along the west side of North College to the Poudre River Trail south of Willox. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 27
Mark Sears, Natural Areas Manager, Announces Retirement Mark Sears shared that he will be retiring on June 4, which will be just shy of his 41st anniversary with the City. In his retirement notice he stated, “I have been blessed to work for this community for almost 41 years. My biggest joy has been the people I have had the pleasure to work with. Second has been the incredible opportunities to use my God-given talents to serve and better the community that I am fortunate to live in. As Darin (Atteberry, City Manager) says so eloquently, “it is the It, the We, and the I” that has kept me and my family very satisfied and happy over these 41 years. Being the Natural Areas Manager has been my absolute dream job, I still get goose bumps when I think about it.” PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Collaboration with Community Partners to Identify Needs of Vulnerable Groups City staff from different departments have held meetings with community partners through the internal Vulnerable and Susceptible Populations Group. The purpose of the meetings has been to identify pressing needs among vulnerable groups in the community and explore opportunities for collaboration. Staff is currently working alongside partners to capture COVID-19 resource information to be included in a community resource brochure, which will be distributed across the community. BROADBAND – FORT COLLINS CONNEXION Industry News Broadband Executive Director, Colman Keane, and Broadband Manager, Erin Shanley were panel speakers at the Fiber Broadband Association's 2020 Virtual Fiber Connect Conference. The Fiber Broadband Association provides advocacy, education and resources to companies, organizations and communities who want to deploy the best networks through fiber to the home, fiber to the business and fiber everywhere. The 3-day virtual conference brought together industry leaders to help inform, educate and provide real world strategies around fiber deployments. Construction Video The Connexion Team launched a new video highlighting the construction process at the December 22nd Council Work Session. View this and other Connexion educational videos at https://www.fcconnexion.com/videos CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE 28
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