Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Donation of Certain Property Which Shall Serve as the Future Site of the Colorado Springs Police Department Firing Range
Presenter:
Peter Carey, Chief of Police
Body
Summary:
The attached Resolution requests that City Council authorize the acceptance of the donation of certain property from the property owner, North Park 200, LLC, which consists of approximately 20.93 acres for the purpose of establishing a future site for the Police Department’s firing range.
Previous Council Action:
On June 14, 2016, City Council approved Resolution 56-16 modifying and authorizing execution of a Colorado Springs Utilities Declaration of Protective Covenants on the proposed donated property. The modifications allow development of a public safety training facility, to include a firing range, on this property.
On August 23, 2016, City Council approved a Supplemental Appropriation, Ordinance 16-80, to the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) Fund in the amount of $3,200,000 for Public Safety Projects. This included $1,050,000 for the future firing range project.
On December 12, 2017, City Council approved the 2018 Budget per Ordinance No. 17-116, which included an additional $1,000,000 appropriation for the firing range project.
Background:
Until recently, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) partnered with Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) to operate a public safety firearms training facility. PPCC has chosen to end our partnership and, because PPCC owns the land where the firing range is located, has asked CSPD and EPSO to find a new firing range training site. Dr. Lance Bolton, PPCC’s President, has allowed our agencies to continue to use the PPCC site until a new facility is constructed. However, CSPD’s continued presence at PPCC prohibits PPCC from moving forward with its planned projects and, therefore, would prefer CSPD to vacate PPCC property as soon as possible. CSPD and various members of City staff have worked diligently to locate, evaluate, and negotiate for a suitable site to construct a new firing range. CSPD believes the property described in the donation agreement (attached as Exhibit A) provides CSPD with an appropriate location for a new firing range. Additionally because the property is being donated by the owner, it represents a significant cost savings to the City.
Financial Implications:
Should the donated land not be accepted by City Council, CSPD will have to identify and purchase property which will further extend the timeframe for this project and limit the amount of funding available for construction.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
Because Public Safety Sales Tax revenue is the primary funding source for the construction of this firing range, this project, to include information regarding the donated property, has been presented to the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (the “PSSTOC”). The PSSTOC has given its full support to this project.
Stakeholder Process:
Staff has reviewed other sites and selected the subject property. Staff has initiated the due diligence on the subject property which includes: Title Commitment, property survey review, and an environmental site assessment. All of these services will be completed by closing.
Alternatives:
The City Council may approve, modify or deny adoption of the Resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing the City Council to accept a donation of certain property which will serve as the future Colorado Springs Police Department firing range.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A