Here is the latest in the City from Councilor Ray Martinez for the month of September 2015

Concerning the old concrete pavers removed from Old Town Square (OTS).   It was brought to the DDA’s attention that pavers removed from the Old Town Square Renovation Project are being advertised for sale on Craigslist by a third party. Neither, the City or the DDA is selling pavers on Craigslist.

3-Unrelated ordinance:

Even though I do believe that the U+2 is an anti-student ordinance, it is technically legal, but from my perspective, principally wrong. Nevertheless, there is a process that Landlords or developers can go through to allow special extensions in certain zoning districts. The extra occupancy rental policy allows for up to 5 persons rather than 3 if certain conditions are met and within limited areas. This is regulated by Article 3.8.28 of the Land Use Code, which provides guidance on the use and size limitations as well as a density standard.

When US Congressman Polis was asked about the “3-unrelated” ordinance by ASCSU students, he responded: “That’s a bad law. You guys should try to repeal it. That would be the most substantial thing you can do. You have my support and I’m happy to lend my name to it and support it here and in Boulder. It’s an anti-student measure and it increases the cost of housing.”

David Sucher, author of City Comforts and Seattle-based urban planner

… will be visiting Fort Collins to share his ideas for the future of downtown and answer questions from the community. The event will be Thursday, September 24 at the Lincoln Center (Canyon West Ballroom) from 6 – 8 p.m. Those interested in attending this free event should RSVP in advance. The event will include a presentation by Mr. Sucher, an interactive question and answer dialogue and a community reception following the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

City Volunteers:

Last year, more than 9,000 volunteers donated approximately 110,000 hours to assist the City of Fort Collins with everything from leading nature tours to serving on a City board or commission to coaching a youth recreation team. The time donated by these generous volunteers equates to more than 55 full-time employees!

Phase 1 of Smoking ban in place:

Expanded smoking restrictions went into effect in many places throughout Fort Collins on Sept. 1. As part of the smoking ordinance adopted by City Council earlier this year, smoking is not permitted at City parks, trails or natural areas, or at any City facility and their grounds. This includes the three City-owned golf courses, the Lincoln Center, and all recreation facilities.

The second phase of the ordinance goes into effect next year. Beginning Jan. 1, large events and festivals that require a City-issued special event permit will be smoke free, as will a Downtown Fort Collins zone that includes Old Town Square and Oak Street Plaza. A detailed map is posted at fcgov.com/smokefree.

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Homelessness – The City is working closely with Homeward 2020 and other community partners to balance homelessness issues in our community. A work session was completed August 25 to discuss work done to date, action items moving forward, and what to expect in the future. I am cautious about creating ordinances based on a person’s station in life. We are designing a team of trained people to address people behavioral problems. The police are accused of placing people in jail because of their plight in life (homeless). To the contrary, Sheriff Smith has provided a jail population status of homeless people. All of them are in jail for various criminal charges from felonies assaults, burglaries, robberies, warrants, etc.

Multicultural Community Retreat – September 18-19, 2015 – CSU Mountain Campus – An opportunity for community members to learn about cross-cultural impacts, develop cultural proficiency, and become inspired to take action on behalf of our community’s well-being. You should have registered by August 15 at http://fcgov.com/socialsustainability/retreat. Doesn’t hurt to try anyway if you are late.

Affordable Housing Strategic Plan – Updated every five years to reflect current community needs and to create an action plan to address housing priorities. Needs identified in the plan will drive City funding decisions and inform housing-related policy decisions. Scheduled October 6 for Council consideration.

ECONOMIC HEALTH

SeonAh Kendall, a project and policy manager for the City’s Economic Health Office, attended a White House Forum on Economic Development in Washington, D.C. July 30 as one of only 50 invited economic development leaders and one of only 2 from Colorado.

Staff continues to work with the developers of the Foothills Mall on public infrastructure, including construction of the Foothills Activity Center, as the Mall continues to announce new tenants.

The City has begun public engagement efforts to gauge community interest in future use of the historic Trolley Barn at 330 N. Howes St. The City wants community help to identify uses before issuing a Request for Proposals. Several entities have approached the City about using the barn.

Councilman Gino Campana visited the White House–spoke with the Vice President of the United States regarding the “It’s On Us” program to help prevent/awareness of sexual assaults. The White House directed at universities started this program. We are the first City to adopt this program in the U.S.

FUNDS FOR NATURAL AREAS ENHANCEMENT ANNOUNCED

The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department (NAD) invites members of the Fort Collins community to propose enhancement projects for funding through the Natural Areas Enhancement Fund.

http://www.fcgov.com/sendstudio/link.php?M=464717&N=5269&L=2983&F=T

NISP / Glade Reservoir project:
City Council voted on a resolution to not support NISP until they answer some key questions that we have proposed. There are several more opportunities and phases to get through this process, and we made it clear that we are leaving the door open to change our view, as long as we can get some answers/solutions to some of the important questions that we have such as the “flush-flow” of the river and how that will occur. Thirteen communities are supporting NISP, and Ft Collins is the only one that is standing still for now until we have more dialogue. We are obviously concerned in how this may impact the Haligan Reservoir project for us as well. Our project is for future sustainability of water supply, whereas Glade is a key component for AG.

Here is what the final clause of the passed resolution 2015-082 says: “Now therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Fort Collins as follows:

Section 1. “That the City Council cannot support NISP as it is currently described and proposed in the SDEIS, with the understanding that the City Council may reach a different conclusion with respect to a future variant of NISP, such as the proposed Modified Alternative Number 4 as described in the City’s comments to the DEIS and comments to the DEIS and comments to the SDEIS.”