9 - Director's Report
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Commissioners
From: Betsey Martens, Executive Director
Subject: Director's Report
Date: February 2, 2011
This month's Director's report includes:
Consent: None at this time
Action: Board Development Topics
Proposed 2011 Work Plan Revision
Updates: TRG Appeal
Diagonal Plaza Redevelopment
HUD Budget Update
City Issues Affecting Affordable Housing (BVCP)
Attachments: 2011 Work Plan
Map of Diagonal Plaza
Summary of City Issues Affecting Affordable Housing
ACTION ITEMS:
Board Development
We like to start each year with a discussion of topics you would like to see on the Board
development calendar. The items below are suggestions.
1. 2010 Highlights Feb 7
2. Sunslvne laws and other Board bylaw requirements March 14
3. Solar Investments and Tax Credits April 11
4. Board Tour May 9
5. Tax Credits 202 June 13
6. Status of the Troubled 3 July 11
7. No Topic: Board Annual Dinner Sept 12
8. Central office operations and funding Oct 10
9. BHP 2012 Budget Nov 14
10. Actual to pro forma comparison: development. and operations Dee 12
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Proposed 2011 Work Plan Revisions
The Board adopted the 2011 Work Plan in November as part of the budget packet. As
we've been working on the implementation plan, we have several changes to propose. The
proposed Work Plan is attached, and the changes are summarized here:
Amended: the redevelopment planning of Walnut Place will be contingent on the
Moving To Work outcome
Removed: based on staff capacity, move the redevelopment planning of Glen
Willow to 2012
Added: initiate the exit fxom our Foothills tax credit partnership in 2011 which is
Year 10
Added: sell the Bluff duplex
Added: major review of our property management model: central versus site-based
Added: a resident satisfaction survey and a staff Q12 survey
There are a number of other clean up changes and housekeeping edits, but nothing that rises
to the level of policy discussion. A clean copy is attached.
UPDATES:
TRG Appeal
You will see in the Development Report that we have had very productive discussions with
the HHS staff in an attempt to clarify project intent and allow our projects to move forward.
Of the three requests, Lee Hill has been resolved; High Mar has preliminary approval of a
compromise solution and the Capital Improvements Project administrative fee issue will be
discussed this quarter when HHS staff initiates a public process about prograrn changes.
We should have a letter in the next two weeks closing out the funding process.
Diagonal Plaza Redevelopment
Every few years, the Diagonal Plaza Shopping Center at Iris Ave. and 28t" Street is
scrutinized for its redevelopment potential. Although many major retailers are or were
located at Diagonal Plaza (like Sports Authority, Ross, Albertsons, Rite-Aid, and 24 Hour
Fitness), the center has suffered from increasing vacancy rates and an aging appearance. Its
27 acres present a prime opportunity for infill development for residential, commercial, or
industrial uses.
At the end of 2010, the City's Planning, Transportation, and Economic Development staff
initiated exploration of City-lead redevelopment options at Diagonal Plaza. BHP has been
actively tracking this latest exploratory effort to ensure that the needs of our adjacent
Diagonal Court residents are served, and to offer our expertise as affordable housing
developers. We believe the site would be an excellent site to locate affordable rental
housing, either by itself or in conjunction with other non-residential uses, and have
suggested that BHP can take a role, either as a condemnation authority, redevelopment
partner, or advisor to the process. We believe Diagonal Plaza redevelopment would
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catalyze improvement, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of the entire northeast quadrant of
the city. Please see the attached.
Early investigative efforts by City staff include application for a Sustainable Cities
Community Challenge Planning Grant (offered by a joint HUD-DOT-EPA initiative) to
finance a concerted planning effort at the site. Simultaneously, an economic feasibility
analysis of different redevelopment options was commissioned by City staff and presented
to the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURR). BURA then recommended convening a
Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) of members of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to provide
City Council with recommendations on next steps, based on data gathered from Boulder
stakeholders. As a nearby property owner and corrununity stakeholder, BHP was glad to be
invited to give our opinion about Diagonal Plaza redevelopment to the ULI TAP on January
20.
So far, the evidence gathered from the economic feasibility study and the recommendation
from the ULI TAP directs the City to take a more hands-off approach to the Diagonal Plaza
redevelopment on the assumption that a gradual, incremental development is the most
likely and feasible scenario. The economic feasibility study concluded that only a high
density mixed use development utilizing the City's redevelopment tools (like tax increment
financing or condemnation authority) would be financial viable, an option the City may be
reluctant to pursue. The ULI TAP session favored a long-term, consensus-based,
incremental approach to redevelopment.
In light of these recommendations, BHP has offered its willingness to partner in pursuing
more active options for the entire region surrounding Diagonal Plaza, through our
condemnation or financing authority. Although the City did not receive the Community
Challenge Planning Grant, we have suggested to the City that it first develop a
subcomrnunity/sub-area plan to guide a more incremental redevelopment approach. This
subcommunity/sub-area plan would be a key document we would refer to when considering
improvements at Diagonal Court.
We will update the Board on future conversations and actions taken concerning Diagonal
Plaza.
HUD Budget Update
The federal govenunent has been operating at FY2010 budget levels under a Continuing
Resolution that expires on March 4, 2011. The next step is not clear, however there is talk
of rolling back budget lines to FY2008 funding levels. NAHRO advises that we should
model our federal program funding at 18-21% reduction levels. We are at work on that
now.
City Issues affecting Affordable Housing
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) update: Every five years, the City of
Boulder in cooperation with Boulder County, updates the policies and maps in the BVCP to
keep it current. As it has been for many years, affordable housing has been high on the list
of action goals for the community. But due to changes in the local and national economy
and City regulations, some of the past forms of support for the provision of affordable
housing have been eliminated including the City's funds to offset fees for affordable
housing and waivers for affordable housing in the excise tax program.
Last year, we proposed a change to one of the policies in the Housing Policies section that
would require the community to consider adoption of a "community benefit" ordinance.
Under a community benefit ordinance, the City could provide incentives that would
encourage partners in the City to help meet City goals as part of a development project or
other initiative.
For the last few months, we have been engaged with the City staff in one phase of the
analysis of the proposed policy change. Using BHP projects as a possible example, wbere
we provided 100% affordability, or a very high level of environmental sustainability, we
might qualify for some or all of the following under a Community Benefit standard:
simplified grant funding applications and/or administration;
fee waivers;
an expedited development review process;
changes in the land use regulations that could include;
o issuance of development approvals earlier in the process;
o additional or expanded staff authority to consider variations; or
o a higher threshold for a call up;
enhanced business terms for financing; and
assignment of an internal advocate to manage a priority decision malting process
and expedite problem solving.
This analysis is in process and will likely continue through at least the first half of 2011.
Summary: There were several issues that staff identified for Board review that are
currently under consideration by the City of Boulder; a summary is included in the
attachments.
GOAL FOUR: Infrastructure/ Orgaolzabonal Outreach
4.1 Broaden the community's understanding of our work
1 Ensure consistent messaging and accuracy In BHP materials
2 Increase BHP's visibility as a housing provider in the community
3 Increase SHP's visibility in the community In order to attract higher (50% AM]) residents
4.2 Practice exemplary customer service
L2 2 1 Complete process improvement: recertification process for all federally subsidized programs
Complete process improvement: recertification packet for federally subsidized programs
3~Condu t Resident Satisfaction Survey
1f Transition the website to be more interactive
51Audit rr systems to ensure they meet the operational needs of the organization
4.3 Invest in staff
1 Provide training for front line staff on referral options for clients
2 Continue to support, update and train supervisors In performance management
3 Expand new staff orientation to include cross departmental education and customer service training
a Complete process improvement: administration of BHP benefits with the city
5 Create a succession career planning program
6 Conduct training on Housing Authority Ethics standards
7 Conduct Q12 staff satisfaction survey
4.4 Enable efficiency and accuracy in monthly processing and financial reporting
1 Continue staff training across all departments on proper use of existing Yardl Modules.
2 Automate reporting for both internal and external users of financial, residential and statistical data
3 Review existing tenant data to ensure accuracy and completeness
4 Develop a standardized Yard! property level database with definitive property data and analytical reporting l
5 Document policies and procedures for each department/module to provide consistency and control
6 Improve process for managing capital grants to include using Yardi for draws FFF
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GOAL THREE; Provide Service Enriched Housing
3.1 Keep residents housed and promote their economic success
1 Develop a self sufficiency matrix and continuum by which resident success can be measured
2 Continue to expand the financial literary program
3 Manage the transition of resident programming at Red Oak Park Community center
4 Support High Mar Senior program planning
5 Cultivate opportunities to support residents who were previous!y homeless
6 Develop Interdepartmental procedures for eviction prevention
3.2 Promote safe and healthy communities
1 Promote formation of family site resident resident committees.
2 Bring service coordination/community building support to Glen Willow and Broadway East
4 Coordinate the volunteer effort to Install a Kaboom playground at Red Gal
5 Expand BS prevention education to any sites that demonstrate BB activity
6 Create an energy awareness program for residents
3.3 Engage residents and larger community In the protection of affordable housing assets
3.4 Mobilize local, state and federal resources
1 Continue to support the Foundation in its stewardship, advocacy and fundraising
3.5 Promote effective communication among BHP residents, staff and the Boulder community
1 Develop benchmarks to track core program Impact
2 Provide training for leasing, maintenance and admin staff on mental illness and special needs
3 Improve Resident Services page on webslte
4 Improve process for better tracking/understandfng/implications of resident exit data
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1.5 Moving to work
t Negotiate Contract '
2 Finalize MiW Plan
3 Begin Public Housing conversion planning
GOAL TWO: Add to the Inventory
2.1 Planning, financing and construction of current project commitments
1 Red Oak Park: Substantial completion of construction and lease up
2 a. Coordinate the team effort to install a Kaboom playground at Red Salt
3 High Mar Arrange for financing, apply for UHTCS, begin construction
4 Lee Hill Housing First: Begin neighborhood outreach, entitlement, and financing
2.2 Actively identify new opportunities to create and add affordable units to the portfolio:
1 Complete analysis of financing strategies and underwriting requirements for future purchases
2 rack, underwrite and seek approval of potential acquisitions
3 Mend partnerships using BHP advantages such as property tax exemptions and bank qualified tax exempt debt
4 Cultivate opportunities for homeless programs
2.3 Increase our capacity to respond to opportunities:
1 Complete analysis of opportunities and limitations of financing strategies for projects and acquisitions
a. Create and adopt a standard financial model
D. Identify opportunities for alternative sources for predevelopment funding
2 Establish checklist of information, obligations, and contact information for completed projects
2.4 Pursue opportunities to grow voucher program
1 Evaluate every notice of funding for new Section 8 vouchers
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Boulder Housing Partners 2011 WORK PLAN
In 2011, v:e vnll take the following actions to support the goals of PHP's Strategic Plan;
GOAL ONE: btalntaln and Enhance What we Own Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Notes;
1.1 Increase the quality, value, marketability and energy efficiency of all BHP properties
1 Complete major capital Improvement work at; Arapahoe East, Arapahoe Court, Manhattan, and Canyon Pointe
2 Begin major capital Improvement work at; Kalmia, Hayden Place, and Sanitas Place
3 Curb Appeal Plan; implement upgrades at a minimum of six sites
4 Complete Phase 3 of Brfdgewalk Renovation - site work, siding, windows, interiors
5 Refine Capital Needs Planning for LIHiC projects
1.2 Major redevelopments of aging properties
i Explore redevelopment options for North Haven-Q1
2 Vision plan and predevelopment for Walnut Place renovation-Q2
3 Vision plan and predevelopment for 101 Pearl as an income producing asset-Q4
1.3 Net-Zero Plan
1 Complete the Energy Performance Contract for Public Housing
2 Analyze energy performance results Impact of green improvements completed 2007-2010
3 Analyze capital improvement program Impact of green improvements completed 2007-2010
4 Analyze feasibility of implementing renewable energy at Bridgewalk and/or other workforce sites
5 Continue office transition to net-zero waste
1.4 Asset Work
1 Initiate tax credit exit for Foothills at year 10
2 Sell Bluff
3 Create and Implement work-out plans; Arapahoe East, Sanitas Place, and Hayden Place
4 Update the Portfolio Plan
5 Explore new approach to asset based property management
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ATTACHMENT
Summary of Current City Issues Affecting Affordable Housing
State of the City Address Delivered by Mayor and City Manager
At a well-attended event held at the Boulder Library, Mayor Susan Osborne and City Manager
Jane Brautigam jointly delivered the State of the City address, highlighting the accomplishments
of 2010 and upcoming goals and challenges for 2011. Most notably to BHP was the address'
mention of Red Oak Park's upcoming completion in 2011.
The address spoke to 2010 accomplishments in several key areas:
• Successfid containment of the Fouimile and Dome wildfires thanks to the efforts of
Boulder County and national firefighters, and the investment by the City in the Regional
Fire Training Center that supported the firefighting teams. No lives were lost during
these fires;
• Moving forward after the expiration of the franchise agreement with Xcel and looking
toward energy alternatives for the city including enabling legislation for solar gardens;
• Employment growth by the city's six largest employers and continued City priority to
incentivize and retain existing employers and start up initiatives;
• An increase in sales tax revenues and a flat City budget;
• Community literacy success through programing provided by the Boulder Library
system and continued strength in Parks & Recreation activities and capital
improvements;
• Competitiveness in City initiatives (bringing in Google ultra high-speed internet
infrastructure, immigrant civic integration efforts, and SmartRegs, for example); and
• Completion of transportation infrastructure improvements, such as the Broadway
improvements as well as many small additional improvements made around the city
(financed with significant Federal funding).
Housing and human services accomplishments were also called out:
• $2.5 million distributed to numerous non-profit services agencies;
• Creation of a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness;
• Another $3.7 million allocated to create 46 affordable rentals, 32 transitional units, and
38 affordable ownership units plus to complete capital improvements for EFAA, the
Carriage House, the Echo Home, Habitat for Humanity homes, and the Golden West
Senior housing complex; and
• More rigorous legislation passed to protect the rights of mobile home owners.
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In conclusion, the following anticipated 2011 events and accomplishments were mentioned:
• Project progress at the Valmont bike park and with the Broadway/Euclid;
• The upcoming launch of a new bike-sharing program in downtown Boulder; and
• Additional City restructuring and budget-tightening.
A recording of the State of the City address can be found on the City's homepage at
www.bouldereolorado.gov.
Area 111-Planning Reserve: Revisions to Expansion Policies
As part of its 2010 major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP), the
Planning Board in conjunction with City Council and County Commissioners decided to give
further study to the established process laid out for annexation and development within the Area
III-Planning Reserve. Please see the attached map showing the planning designations of the
undeveloped parcels surrounding Boulder.
The Area III-Planning Reserve is land considered appropriate for future development that
addresses unmet community needs that cannot be met elsewhere. Land in the Area III-Planning
Reserve is not considered immediately annexable and development is anticipated to occur on a
longer time horizon. However, several projects within the Area III-Planning Reserve requested
changes to their BVCP designation (from Area III to Area 11) in order to annex and develop. In
1993, the City and County decided that growth into the Area TIT-Planning Reserve should not be
made in reaction to individual requests, but instead as part of a concerted planning effort. To
that end, the Planning Board is now studying potential revisions to the decision-making process
to help effectively guide their deliberation when projects in the Area III-Planning Reserve corne
forward for designation change and annexation.
Limited available land within Boulder directly drives up the value and purchase price of
developable land. This adds considerable challenges to BHP's efforts to acquire and develop
new affordable housing. Policy changes that enable the addition of new developable land for the
provision of community benefit (such as affordable housing) improve BHP's ability to purchase
land and develop at a low overall cost.
Planning Board considered moving forward with both improvements to the decision-malting
process as well as the idea of beginning comprehensive planning in regards to the Area III-
Planning Reserve. Discussion concluded with several recommendations:
• Perform a baseline study to determine if comprehensive planning and process
improvement for the Area III-Planning Reserve is appropriate at this time. If Planning
Board decides to move forward, begin a study of costs required in order to provide
necessary utilities, services, an park expansion into the Area III-Planning Reserve;
• Begin a flexible comprehensive planning process to guide future development in the Area
III-Planning Reserve;
• Start work on creating a set of objectives/principles that preserves an acceptably high
threshold when decisions are made about the Area III-Planning Reserve
• Consider ways to shorten the decision-making process by changing the roles of Planning
Board, City Council, and/or the County Commissioners in decision-malting;
• Move forward with changes to the BVCP:
o Create a consolidated section within the BVCP that specifically addresses how
and why a given parcel/project in the Area III-Planning Reserve should be
allowed to be re-designated to allow annexation and development
o Create a clear statement of intent about unmet community needs appropriate when
considering Area III-Planning Reserve re-designation
As more information becomes available about aspects of the major update to the BVCP that
impact affordable housing in Boulder, we will report to the Board.
CU Master Plan Includes Affordable Housing Component
For the past two years, BHP has participated in the University of Colorado's (CU) process to
create a master plan for its campus, including its Graduate Student/Family housing sites.
Recently, CU completed this master plan, which was reviewed at a study session by City Council
on December 14.
Six hundred and fifty units of Graduate Student/Family housing are located along the north bank
of the Boulder Creels between 17t" Street (Boulder High School) and Folsom Street. CU plans to
develop these parcels to two to three times the density, where a portion of the new units would
be affordable and/or mixed income rental housing, rather than student housing. CU has similar
plans for its housing near East Campus, as bordered by 30t" Street.
As CU is seeking development partners in redevelopment of these parcels, BHP will continue to
be involved and will update the Board on any changes as they occur.
Boulder Selected to Pilot New Sustainabili Database Tool
The City of Boulder has been selected as one of 10 US communities to test a beta version of a
new database tool that measures sustainability on a community-wide scale, called the STAR
Community Index. Others cities selected to beta test the STAR database include Austin,
Washington D.C., New York City, Atlanta, St. Lotus, and Des Moines.
The STAR Community Index has been jointly developed by the US Green Building Council
(USGBC), the International Council for Local Enviromnental Initiatives (ICLEI), and the Center
for American Progress (CAP). The STAR Community Index is intended to allow municipalities
to measure and analyze sustainability metrics within their city, to allow for effective policy- and
decision-making. Information available in one city will be available for use by other cities
around the country. The City of Boulder will be asked to provide actual data to be entered into
the database and used to test the tool's accuracy, usefulness, and user-friendliness.
Because BHP has performed such a significant amount of sustainability-related upgrades to so
many of our properties, there may be a role the BHP can play in providing data for the beta
STAR Community Index.
More information about the STAR Community Index can be found at:
www. icl eius a. org/pro grams/sustainabi lity/star-community-index
City Council's 2011 Goals and Priorities
Between January 18 and 22, the City Council discussed and decided upon its 2011 Goals and
Priorities and reviewed the priorities of its various Boards and Commissions (including those of
the BHP Board of Commissioners). We will provide a more detailed summary from the City
Council's goal-setting sessions as the formal documents become available. In the interim, please
see the attached articles from the Daily Camera.
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan • Boulder Colorado
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Area I
Area II
Area III - Planning Reserve
XN Area I I I - Rural Preservation Area
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Page 1 of 2
Boulder City Council plans on 'realistic' 2011 goals
By Heath Urie Camera Staff Writer
Boulder Daily Camera
Posted: 01/01/2011 04:31:34 PM MST
If you go In a few weeks, the Boulder City Council will once again meet in a two-day marathon retreat to set
its goals and priorities for the coming year.
What: Boulder City Council But the arrival of 2011 also brings challenges and distractions for the nine elected leaders, including
annual retreat a leftover work plan of unfinished goals from 2010 and the beginning of an election season in which
five council seats are up for grabs.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Jan, 21, 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 22 This year's retreat will be held Jan. 21-22 at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux
Drive. In preparation for the retreat, the council will hold a study session Jan. 11.
Where: East Boulder
Community Center, 5660 On the agenda this year: setting a realistic agenda.
Sioux Drive
Boulder City Council, 2010 "Something we're really going to focus on this year is setting realistic goals and timelines," said
highlights Alisa Lewis, the city clerk.
March: Created an appeals Lewis said the council would likely be asked to make "tradeoffs" if it wants to add new projects in
201
process for contractors who 1.
were hit with unexpected back
taxes. Energy a dominating topic
Aprll: Approved a municipal Mayor Susan Osborne said the council understands how busy its staff is, and will try to focus on
nudity ordinance banning ongoing projects first.
below-the-waist nudity in
public. "I don't suspect people are going to add new things to the work program," she said. "It seems to me
there's a lot already."
May: Approved new
regulations for the medical That includes what's sure to be the biggest item on the council's table in 2011, the debate about
marijuana industry. where and how Boulder should get its energy for decades to come. Last year, the council decided
not to renew an expiring franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, and successfully asked voters to
August: Decided not to renew approve a five-year tax on the utility to give the city time to consider its options.
an expiring franchise
agreement with Xcel Energy. That set the stage for a renewed debate this year about whether Boulder should become a
municipal utility.
September: Approved
SmartRegs, forcing energy- "The biggest thing is, honestly, just to make sure that we really are all aligned on the clean-energy-
efficiency upgrades to plan work that's going to happen this year," Osborne said.
thousands of rental units.
The council has already indicated a desire to work toward a November ballot measure on the issue,
October. Strengthened the which means the group will have to agree what that question is by the summer.
rules for residential and
commercial snow removal. Osborne said other topics likely to come up at the retreat include reviewing the city's affordable
housing program; the rollout of energy audits through the "Two Techs and a Truck" program; and a
November: Approved an review of the "infamous compatible development" rules that set size limits for houses.
ordinance that protects trees
in the public rights of way. 2010 achievements
December: Approved a The mayor said the council's greatest achievement in 2010 was probably the approval of
legislative agenda that
includes lobbying for reform of SmartRegs, which will require the owners of thousands of rental properties in the city to make
immigration laws. energy-efficiency upgrades in the coming years.
Other achievements from the past year include the approval of an ordinance that bans nudity below
the waist, a sweeping set of regulations for the medical marijuana industry and fixing a back-tax issue that impacted hundreds of
contractors.
Deputy Mayor Ken Wilson said he hopes the council will spend more time this year paying attention to the overall health of the city's
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budget.
"We can't borrow money like the federal government," he said, "We can only spend what we bring in. So I think the budget is going to be
a very serious issue for a number of years."
Wilson said he also thinks the council has a lot on its plate, and shouldn't add new projects at the retreat unless something else it
removed.
Still, the council will also have to contend with the leftovers from its 2010 agenda.
'I'm tired of waiting'
By the end of its retreat last year, the council agreed that revitalizing University Hill should be one of its top priorities in 2010.
The council did host a study session April 27 to discuss the Hill, and approved having its staff work with an ownership group to pursue
"big ideas" of forming a residential service district and an innovation arts district on the Hill,
Councilman George Karakehian said he wants to see more happen with the Hill in 2011, including the pursuit of a conference center,
"My big priority, bigger than No 1, is a conference center for Boulder," he said. "I'm tired of waiting. I'm hoping we can have it as a
priority."
Also last year, the council dedicated nearly the entire first day of its retreat to a lengthy discussion about the need to set new rules for
how council members and the public should treat one another during meetings.
Almost a year later, the group has yet to approve proposed "Rules of Decorum" that would dictate how council meetings operate and the
expectations for public and official behavior.
The council also spent time talking about the need to end its meetings before 10:30 p.m.
Getting done in a timely fashion has proven to be an elusive goal for the group over the past several years. From January to the end of
November, the council had 25 meetings. Of those, fewer than half concluded before 10:30 p.m., according to the city records.
In an effort to cut down lengthy meetings, the council may talk at this year's retreat about scheduling extra evenings for public comment
on big projects, like the upcoming approval of the West Trail Study Area a process that's expected to draw large, opinionated crowds
this spring.
'It's going to be a distraction'
By early summer, the council will also have to deal with the distraction of election season.
With five council seats up for election, and at least two incumbents expressing an interest in retiring from the group, election officials say
the open seats will probably draw a large number of candidates.
"There's no questions it's going to be a distraction," said Karakehian, who is up for re-election this year.
But Karakehian, who plans to run again, said he hopes politics won't get in the way of city business.
Contact Camera staff writer Heath Urle at 303-473-1328, or urleh@dailycamera.com.
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Page I of 3
Energy issues to dominate Boulder's agenda in 2011
Council members talk about tree plan, 'Peace Department' at retreat
By Heath Urie Camera Staff Writer
Boulder Daily Camera
Posted: 01/22/2011 03:25:54 PM MST
In their own words Editor's note: This story has been changed to clarify that Crystal Gray wants the City Council to support the
formation of a U.S. Department of Peace.
The Boulder City Council
concluded its annual retreat Developing rules that would require Boulder residents to plant new trees when old ones are cut down, and
Saturday with a discussion supporting a U.S. "Department of Peace" were among the ideas tossed around by the City Council on the
about each council members' final day of its annual retreat Saturday.
individual goals for 2011.
Here's a look at what each of
the nine elected leaders said But figuring out Boulder's energy future will be, by far, the city's dominate focus this year, the council they wanted to see happen agreed.
this year.
City Manager Jane Brauligam made it clear to the nine elected leaders on Saturday that a large portion of
Suzy Ageton Boulder's staff and resources will be dedicated to planning options for where and haw the city gets its
energy in the coming years.
Consider bonds and other
measures to support the city's "The energy future of Boulder is the main thing we're working on this year," Brautigam said. "It is one of the
budget: "I'm very focused, as I reasons we can't free up as many resources as we'd like" for other programs.
have been all along, on the
financial health of the city." The intense focus on energy issues, which could include drafting a November ballot measure, means the
council was asked to restrain itself in adding new projects in 2011.
Conduct a community-wide
survey to "see whether we are But a few new projects could still be added.
in sync with our community"
on a variety of issues. Councilman Macon Cowles said he wants to adapt a "tree plan" for the city that would require new trees to
be planted when old ones are cut down, so that "the rest of the beauty of the city is not seriously harmed by
Matt Appelbaum it."
Create a ballot measure to Cowles also said it was an "ill-conceived" idea to give the downtown Band Shell landmark status, and that
fund capital improvements: "I he'd support de-listing it as a protected landmark to make way for a new civic project.
think that whole concept of
how we get more money for Councilwoman Crystal Gray said she wants the council to draft a resolution supporting a U.S. Department of
capital improvements is pretty Peace.
critical."
Move forward with an energy "We need it now, more than ever," she said.
conservation ordinance for
businesses: "Where is it? My Asked to give staffers an idea of which potential large-scale project should have available staff hours
plea would be not that this dedicated to it when possible, five of the council members said they would like to work on building a civic
has to be the focus of the center.
year, but that it doesn't get
off the radar screen." Three others said they would work on studying uses for the city's planning reserve in north Boulder, and one
person Councilman George Karakehian said he wanted to work on bringing a conference center to the
KC Becker city.
Fix the process for There appeared to be little support to spend time on the potential redevelopment of the Diagonal Plaza, a
considering projects for the 24-acre shopping center at 28th Street and Iris Avenue.
city's planning reserve area: "I
feel like it's disingenuous and The council agreed to have a "check-in" meeting this summer to refine its priorities, and give clearer
a little dishonest not to follow direction about which projects should move forward.
through on this. It's something
we have to address." That's in addition to the dozens of other projects that are ongoing, including:
Review house -size rules: g
Discussions about expanding services for Boulder's homeless population,
actually interested in having
staff talk to folks to say,
'What's gone well, what hasn't The future use of the Camera's former building at 1048 Pearl St.,
and what are those
unintended consequences."' A review of the SmartRegs energy policy,
Macon Cowles An update of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan,
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Ramp-up an energy A possible community-wide survey,
conservation ordinance for
businesses: "The city can do Ballot measures that could include funding capital improvements and transportation, and
some things that would
enable commercial property The possible development of an early childhood learning center at the former Mapleton Elementary
owners" to "green-up their School.
buildings."
Also on tap for this year is a review of the city's policies for allowing dogs to run free on open space through
Work with Boulder County to the "green tag" program.
find "more opportunities for
sustainable agricultural and
shortening the distance Contact Camera Staff Writer Heath Urie at 303-473-1328 or uriehodattycamera.com.
between field and plate."
Crystal Gray
Take "bold steps" to reduce
Boulder's carbon footprint: "I
really want to make sure we
pay attention to the
hydroelectric issue."
Create a U.S. "Department of
Peace" that would support
families and help create a
welcoming place for alt: "We
need it more now than ever."
George Karakehian
Get a conference center built:
"I think we need to stop
waiting for the University (of
Colorado) and we need to
take this into our own hands."
Consider changing downtown
zoning rules while considering
the best use for the Camera's
former building at 1048 Pearl
St.: "As far as redevelopment
or development of it, I'd like us
to be flexible."
Lisa Morzel
Work to find affordable
housing options: "I certainly
would like a bit more
consideration of what we do
with regard to permanent
housing for the indigent or
homeless people. We have
people on the street right now
who are exposed to the
elements and a dangerous
situation."
Find stable funding for
Boulder's libraries: "I see
libraries as probably one of
the most important things the
city does after police and fire"
services.
Susan Osborne
Focus efforts on the city's
energy future: "Clearly the
most important thing, the
legacy of this year maybe, is
how we deal with the clean
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energy plan. That just simply
has to be our purpose."
Keep an eye on development
of Boulder Junction at 30th
and Pearl streets: "I think, at
this point, it's watching it
unfold and making sure that
what happens there is
meeting our expectations and
the community's
expectations."
Ken Wilson
Come up with new ideas for
redeveloping University Hill
after being "disappointed" in a
lack of accomplishments in
2010: "1 don't think you can
get the property owners down
there to vote to approve a
special improvement district."
Work on changing land-use
rules for businesses that sell
alcohol, addressing hours of
operation, limiting the types of
liquor service and other
zoning issues: "We have been
working on that for a decade."
Camera Staff Writer Heath
Urie
Boulder City Councilman
Macon Cowles speaks during
the Boulder City Council
retreat at the Boulder Senior
Center on Saturday. Cowles
said he wants to adopt a "tree
plan" for the city that would
require new trees to be
planted when old ones are cut
down, so that "the rest of the
beauty of the city is not
seriously harmed by it."
Jeremy Papasso/ Camera
Boulder Mayor Susan
Osborne laughs while having
a discussion Saturday during
the Boulder City Council
retreat.
Jeremy Papasso/ Camera
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