Ray’s October news letter

Know that the trains are required to blow their horns like they do by federal regulations.  That same federal regulations provides communities the opportunity to create “quiet zones”, however it is a very challenging process.  The City commissioned two studies to evaluate possible quiet zones along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) track that runs north-south west of College Ave.  The first study looked at the possibility of a quiet zone from Laurel St. north.  The second study looked at the possibility of a quiet zone from Laurel St. south to Trilby–including the Swallow crossing.  As you can imagine, both sections have challenges and costs associated with establishing quiet zones.

Congress is currently working on a possible long-term extension of the transportation authorization bill.  Recently, Senator Gardner was able to include an amendment to the bill, which would require the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the effectiveness of the 2006 Federal Railroad Administration’s rule on train horns at grade crossings.  The results of the study would inform the Federal Railroad Administration’s consideration of possible changes to the Train Horn Rule.  The highway bill, with Sen. Gardner’s amendments, passed the Senate but was not considered by the House.  The Senator is hoping to include this amendment in any highway bill that is passed in the near future.

We re working on a schedule to have a joint meeting with the Windsor Town Council to discuss the 392 interchange IGA.  This really pertains to allowing car dealerships on I-25 on the Windsor side of the interstate.

On October 20^th, an ordinance will be presented that updates the public nudity code provision.  There will be a public outreach by discussion with the Women’s commission and an online questionnaire that will be open for a week.

October 20^th will be a council decision about a police training facility, a joint effort with Loveland Police at the tune of $17m.  Should we move forward?  There are some concerns about how fast and how much we build, and can it be phased in.  Can we build as we need more space or is it more cost efficient to build all at once?  The O&M is about $750,000 each year after it is built.

ASCSU is concerned about the negative impact it is having on student relationships and housing needs.  I’m just as concerned that the ordinance unfairly attacks students and I believe there are better methods of dealing with the problem.

As staff prepares for the rental licensing discussion on October 27, that discussion should focus on the broader issue of neighborhood livability. Do we have the right tool(s) to address the problem? Would a rental licensing program help address the problem?

The October 19 deadline is quickly approaching to submit nominations for the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Award. The Human Relations Award recognizes individuals who promote diversity and acce…

We continue to rely heavily on more traditional public engagement methods. If you are interested in diving deep into a particular issue with the City of Fort Collins, I encourage you to consider applying to serve on a board or commission. We are currently accepting applications for citizen volunteers to fill vacancies on 27 boards, commissions and authorities.

Board and Commission members are vital community partners who study and provide input on important issues currently being addressed by City Council. Members are appointed by City Council, and in the last few years have aligned their work to the City’s seven key strategic areas: Community and Neighborhood Livability, Culture & Recreation, Economic Health, Environmental Health, Safe Community, Transportation, and a High Performing Government.

This service is a unique opportunity to work with City Council on policies and strategies that will impact the community for generations. It’s a chance to use your passion and expertise to make a focused investment in shaping Fort Collins’ future. Applications are available at fcgov.com/boards, and are due Oct. 16.

I am planning to ask council to support me with an ordinance that allows electric bicycles on the paved bike paths for senior citizens that have difficulty riding regular bicycles.  This would only require a modification of our existing ordinance.  As it exists today, only people with disabilities are allowed to ride on the paths.

This is a proposal for 402 apartment units in 18 buildings, which would include 509 parking spaces. The 11.93-acre site is on the Foothills Mall property, along the west side of Stanford Rd. This is a Major Amendment of a previously-approved plan to build an apartment complex with 800 units; the change in the number of units triggers another review process. The site is located in the General Commercial (CG) zone district and also within the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zone.

CSU is hosting several neighborhood meetings for community members and business owners who would like to learn more about construction projects on campus, ask questions or provide their feedback. Open to all; no RSVP is required. CSU will be mailing postcard invitations to residents within ½ mile of campus, and has asked us to pass the word as well. For more information, please contact Pam Jackson, Public Relations Coordinator at CSU, at pamela.jackson@colostate.edu or 970-491-5349. The meeting dates/times are:

Fort Collins Senior Center, Prairie Sage Room, 1200 Raintree Dr.

Spoke at Global Village Acadamy for Teacher  Appreciation Day