Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – July 5, 2022

The Castle Rock Town Council met on July 5, 2022, at 5:30 PM at Town Hall. The agenda included presentations from the Douglas County School District superintendent and a county commissioner on homeless initiatives, approval of an ordinance clarifying downtown development documents, allocation of a TABOR revenue surplus, and a presentation on downtown traffic capacity. The council also held an executive session on potential property acquisitions and issued a proclamation declaring Smart Irrigation Month.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 2022-072: Waived bidding requirements to purchase a valve maintenance trailer from Intermountain Sales, Inc. for Castle Rock Water (sole source).
• Resolution 2022-074: Waived bidding requirements to purchase a Bauer breathing air compressor system from Seawestern Inc. for Castle Rock Fire & Rescue (sole source).
• Resolution 2022-073: Approved the 2022 Spot Water Lease Agreement between the Town of Castle Rock and Centennial Water and Sanitation District for Chatfield Reservoir.
• All three items were approved by a vote of 7–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nate Ormond (resident): Expressed support for school accountability and charter schools, and cautioned against “compassion creep” in homeless initiatives. He stated that federal dollars come with strings attached and noted the lack of public transportation could turn a shelter into a permanent encampment.
• Larry Willits (resident): Raised concerns about parking near Castle View High School, road treatment killing trees, and excessive noise from modified exhausts on Butterfield Road. He requested speed enforcement and action on a sound wall. Mayor Gray referred the issues to staff for follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Douglas County School District Funding (ID 2022-069): Superintendent Erin Kane presented on district finances. Key facts: 89 schools, 64,000 students, 8,600 employees, $640M annual revenue. 75% of students attend neighborhood schools, 25% attend charter schools. Teacher pay is the lowest in the metro area, with an $18,000 gap compared to Cherry Creek. School funding is fixed by the state legislature; a mill levy override can increase funding by up to 25%, and capital needs are met through bonds. The district is considering a bond/mill levy override for the November 2022 ballot. Council discussed challenges of inflation and the need for community education. The district requested a resolution of support from the town.
• Douglas County Homeless Initiatives (ID 2022-075): Commissioner Abe Laydon outlined the county’s approach using four C’s: compassion, code enforcement, community services, and communication. He reported approximately 52 homeless individuals in the county, with 75% transient. Proposed tools include a Heart Team (peace officer + navigator), uniform signage to redirect donations, criminal reintegration transportation, and a Pallet program with case management. Funding would come from one-time federal ARPA dollars, not general funds. Council members raised concerns about attracting more homeless, the lack of public transportation, and long-term taxpayer burden. Commissioner Laydon acknowledged concerns and said locations for pallet shelters are still being evaluated, noting that the proposed site near the Justice Center is not final.
• Downtown Code and Guidelines Amendments (ORD 2022-013): On second reading, an ordinance to amend sections 15.64.200 and 17.42.080 of the municipal code to clarify that guiding documents are for guidance only and the code governs. No public comment. The ordinance passed 5–2 (Councilmembers Cavey and Dietz opposed).
• TABOR Revenue Surplus Expenditures (DIR 2022-014): Town Manager David Corliss presented the 2021 TABOR surplus of $14,641,727. Voters approved a 10-year timeout allowing retention of excess revenue for police, fire, and roads. Proposed allocations: $6 million for a new fire station in Cobblestone, $2 million for build-out of police headquarters, $1 million for wildfire mitigation initiatives, and $5,641,727 for continuing road maintenance. Council directed staff to allocate funds as recommended and prepare a budget amendment; motion passed 7–0.
• Downtown Land Use and Traffic Capacity Evaluation (ID 2022-074): Consultant Nick Vanderwick (AECOM) presented findings. The study evaluated existing and entitled land uses and intersection levels of service. Key findings: downtown has capacity for additional growth; 54% of downtown traffic is cut-through. The first intersections to reach capacity (at 25–30% growth) would be Plum Creek Parkway/Wilcox and 5th/Wilcox. The study did not evaluate maximum building heights or emergency vehicle impacts. Council questioned assumptions and asked about future transportation master plan updates. No vote was taken; the report will serve as a guiding document.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items (3 resolutions) unanimously (7–0).
• Approved Ordinance 2022-013 on second reading (5–2).
• Directed staff to allocate 2021 TABOR surplus as recommended and prepare a budget amendment (7–0).
• Received and discussed the downtown traffic capacity evaluation; no formal action.
• Executive session held on potential acquisition of four parcels (property east of downtown, open space east of town boundaries, open space in south central area, and a fire station site on Wolfensberger Road). Report read into record; no improper actions noted.
• Proclamation for Smart Irrigation Month (July 2022) read (approved June 21, 2022 by a 7–0 vote).
• Meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.