In the Issue
Utility RatesFall in Fort CollinsMake Efficient ChoicesTrash Pilot DistrictMake a Difference Day CityNews ArchiveCULTURE CORNER
The Manhattan Transfer
Matinee Sat., October 31 at 2:00 p.m.Tickets from $39 - $45Join the 10-time Grammy Award winners as they celebrate the release of their new greatest hits retrospective. www.lctix.com
CHARACTER QUALITY
Responsibility
Knowing and doing what is expected of me
For more information about Character Fort Collins, visit characterfortcollins.org or call 266-2671.
City Council
City Manager
- Doug Hutchinson, Mayor
- Kelly Ohlson, District 5
- Ben Manvel, District 1
- Lisa Poppaw, District 2
- Aislinn Kottwitz, District 3
- Wade Troxell, District 4
- David Roy, District 6
- Darin Atteberry, City Manager
CITY HALL
300 LaPorte Ave.
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
221-6505 TDD: 224-6001 fcgov.com
Spotlights
Proposed Utility Rate Changes
Utility services are an important element of Fort Collins’ economic health and overall quality-of-life.
On Tuesday, November 3 City Council approved the 2010-2011 Budget with some changes from the City Manager’s Recommended Budget. Council chose to remove funding for building a “Smart Grid” system so that they can discuss funding the program without a rate increase. Not pursuing the program reduces the increase in electrical rates to 7.48 percent rather than 9.5 percent.
The City is still pursuing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), but will look into alternative funding, such as bonds. The City also received $15.4 million in federal economic stimulus funding from the Department of Energy for smart metering and other items.
Electric Rates
The Recommended Budget includes a 9.5% rate increase in 2010. This adjustment is partially due to an increase in purchased power expenses. The City purchases wholesale power from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA); a portion of the 9.5% rate increase is due to “pass-thru” increases from PRPA. The electric rate increase is also needed to fund implementation of energy conservation programs and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
AMI, also known as smart metering, installs automated meter reading technology in homes and businesses to report real-time data on energy use. By providing consumers with up-to-the-minute information about how much energy they are using and at what cost, customers can adjust behavior to save both energy and money.
Water
The proposed 3% rate increase for the water utility will vary by rate class and will fund general operations and infrastructure improvements.
Wastewater
The Wastewater Utility is proposing rate increases in 2011 to fund the outstanding debt obligation for the Mulberry Plant improvements and to maintain operations. The Mulberry Treatment Plant improvements will bring the plant up to current water quality standards and prepare it for more stringent water quality standards anticipated in the future. The budget proposes a 10% average increase; increases will vary by rate class.
Stormwater
The Stormwater Utility is not proposing a rate increase for 2010 and 2011.
Conservation
As rates change, many of us are looking to conservation to help offset increases. Fort Collins Utilities offers a variety of programs, rebates, and initiatives to help you cut back on energy and water use which helps lower your costs.
Weigh in on the Recommended Budget
- Public Hearing: Oct. 6, 6 p.m., City Hall
- online: fcgov.com/yourvoice
City Council Adoption of Budget
- 1st Reading: Oct. 20
- 2nd Reading: Nov. 3
Fall in Fort Collins
Sunny days and cooler temperatures make Fall the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors. Check out these upcoming events designed to help you take advantage of those perfect Fall days.
NATURE EVENTS
Nature of the Poudre River Tour
Saturday, October 17, 4-6 p.m.
Lee Martinez Park, lower parking lot by the tennis courts
Discover the beautiful Cache la Poudre River as it flows near downtown on a 2-hour walking tour loop on paved and soft-surface trails. Tours are family friendly.
What’s So Special About Soapstone?
Sunday, October 18, 10-11 a.m.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, north parking lot
This program highlights amazing characteristics of the land to enhance your experience and understanding of how Soapstone Prairie came to be your newest and largest natural area.
Bobcat Ridge Stars
Thursday, October 22
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
A 30- to 45-minute program is followed by viewing the night sky with telescopes, courtesy of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Reservations required.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Whether you’re looking for a fright or just a frightfully good time, the City of Fort Collins offers a variety of events from family friendly to downright spooky.
Treatsylvania Trick-Or-Treat Street
Friday and Saturday, October 23 & 24: 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, October 25: 1-3 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park (600 N. Sherwood)
Tickets: $5 in advance for kids 10 and under, no charge for adults!
Your little trick-or-treaters won’t want to miss this haunting event! Activities include a trick-or-treat street, a not-so-spooky haunted house, hayrides and cookies for everyone. Tickets go on sale October 1.
9th Annual Terror Tours
Friday, October 23 and Friday, October 30
7:30 – 10 p.m., every 30 minutes
Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center
Tickets: $3 per person
Bloody accidents, murders, apparitions, and strange noise… learn the creepier side of life in Fort Collins in this 60-minute walking tour of Old Town. Museum staff members share the true tragedies as well as the myths and legends of haunted Fort Collins. Dress in costume and join us for a hauntingly good time! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to content.
Tiny Tot Halloween
Friday, October 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Town
Tiny Tot Halloween is a FREE special event designed just for tiny children and their parents. Meet in Old Town Square at 10:00 a.m. and receive special goody bags, then trick-or-treat your way throughout downtown to see all of the friendly characters that line the streets giving away candy.
Halloween Enchanted Garden
Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gardens on Spring Creek
$2.00 per child
The Children’s Garden at the Gardens on Spring Creek becomes magical with a talking pumpkin, pond fairies, dancing scarecrows, and magicians. Appropriate for small children.
Features
Make Efficient Choices to Heat Your Home
During the fall and winter months, we turn our attention from the outside of our homes to the inside. A home that operates efficiently feels more comfortable, uses less energy and water, and contributes to improved air quality.
To get the most out of our homes, Fort Collins Utilities emphasizes the importance of the “whole-house approach,” which views the house as a “system” that needs to work together to perform at its highest level.
This approach identifies the cause of the problem, rather than just dealing with the symptoms (an uncomfortable home) by looking at:
- the shell of the home (insulation, air sealing windows, moisture control)
- mechanical systems (heating and cooling, hot water)
- lighting (energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures)
- appliances (ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense® appliances)
- healthy indoor air (combustion safety, pollutant control, ventilation)
Each of us can improve the comfort and efficiency of our home by utilizing the whole-house approach. According to ENERGY STAR, some tried-and-true energy-efficiency measures include effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and efficient household appliances and lighting.
Trash Pilot District
City Council recently approved a pilot project to test the effectiveness of consolidated trash services (districting) at reaching key community goals. Council is looking at northwest Fort Collins to see if districted trash and recycling services can minimize the negative impacts that trash trucks have on neighborhoods, increase recycling, and provide affordable, high-quality services.
The City is currently accepting proposals from qualified companies and by mid-October/early-November, competitive offers will be evaluated and ranked. If any one offer has sufficient merit, the City intends to provide trash collection and curbside recycling for the District, and to charge for this service through the City’s monthly utility bill.
This issue has generated a lot questions and opinions. As a result, a public hearing is scheduled for November 17 at City Council’s regular meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Residents are invited to attend to ask questions and provide feedback.
Make A Difference Day 2009
Throughout the week of October 19-24 thousands of Larimer County residents will join together to make a real difference in our communities. Will you be one of them? Join Hands. Lend your muscle. Volunteer.