OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Castle Rock Town Council Meeting: October 3, 2023 – Budget, Ordinances, and Service Contracts

Town Council — Tuesday, October 3, 2023
BodyCastle Rock, Colorado
SessionTown Council
DateTuesday, October 3, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:02:52

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Thank you, Mayor Gray.

0:03

Friends, esteemed members of our town council and cherished community members.

0:07

As we gather here today, we're reminded of the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that make our community so vibrant and unique.

0:15

In this diverse assembly, we find unity in our shared commitment to the well-being and progress of our town of Castle Rock.

0:22

In this moment of reflection, let us put aside matters on tonight's agenda and instead focus on the values that bind us together.

0:30

Let us call upon the spirit of unity, respect, and cooperation that guides us in these endeavors.

0:36

Regardless of the paths we walk in our personal lives, we come together as one community, each contributing to the mosiac of our town's shared identity.

0:45

In this spirit of togetherness, let us bow our heads, close our eyes if you wish, and take a moment of silence to offer our own thoughts, prayers, or reflections according to our individual beliefs for the welfare of our community and all its residents.

1:13

May our town continue to thrive as a place of opportunity, understanding, and compassion.

1:18

May our leaders be guided by wisdom, empathy, and fairness as they serve the interests of all.

1:23

And may our collective efforts result in a brighter and more harmonious future for generations to come.

1:30

Thank you.

1:30

And let us commence this council meeting with a spirit of cooperation and goodwill.

1:36

Amen.

1:51

Councilmember Hollingshead.

1:53

Here.

1:53

Councilmember KV.

1:54

Yes.

1:54

Councilmember LaFleur.

1:56

Here.

1:56

Councilmember Brooks.

1:57

Present.

1:57

Councilmember Deeds.

1:58

Here.

1:59

Mayor Pretembracken.

2:00

Present.

2:00

Mayor Gray.

2:01

Here.

2:02

All are present.

2:02

Bless you.

2:04

Next, please rise with pleasure leadance.

2:31

I'm going to start with council comments.

2:33

I have two things I wanted to uh talk about fairly quickly.

2:38

First is that uh I'm always always uh heartened and not not disheartened uh when I get uh positive comments about how our council can deal with each other better and how we've been dealing with each other better, um, how we're doing respectful for our citizens, um respectful towards each other, and uh that's always nice to hear.

3:02

I got a couple of good comments the last few weeks.

3:05

Um with that, I mean I always tell people you know uh really try to figure out your self-reflection, um, what you can do better, what you can't do better, uh, what what you're what you've done, um, maybe unto others.

3:18

Um, but you know, you begin with yourself, but also be good to yourself, and uh that way you can be better to others.

3:26

Uh next, I wanted to uh just bring awareness to uh breast cancer awareness month.

3:31

Um my wife is is um past in her her breast cancer for a couple years now, and it's fantastic, but there are plenty of people out there that that don't make it.

3:41

Um so for all those who are fighting, um, for all those who will fight, and then for all those who have fought breast cancer, um uh my heart goes out to all of you, and hopefully we have a great month and and great future with with uh curing and and taking care of breast cancer.

3:57

And with that, Ryan Hollinson.

3:59

No comment tonight, thanks.

4:01

Laura Katie.

4:02

No comment this evening.

4:04

Thank you.

4:05

Deslafleur.

4:06

Yeah, I just want to say thank you to uh Dave and your team and all of our staff and department heads that take the time to attend our council open house.

4:15

Appreciate you guys.

4:16

I know they're supposed to show up.

4:20

But I can still show gratitude.

4:24

So thank you guys and appreciate your time for another successful open house season.

4:30

Max Brooks.

4:32

For those that weren't here last meeting, that's just simply retribution.

4:36

I got the same thing after mine.

4:37

I said thank you to staff.

4:39

They have to show up.

4:40

So I'm just I'm just getting even.

4:42

Um, I'd like to say thank you uh to a few different people.

4:45

Um first, I'd like to say thank you to uh constituent Bill Gernert.

4:50

He reached out to me when he found out that um there was an idea about not naming, not carrying forward the Philip S.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████13%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████12%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Public Safety█████████9%
Economic Development████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Parking Management███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Legal and Judicial████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – October 3, 2023

The Castle Rock Town Council met on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting included a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, a review of a metropolitan district bond issuance, introduction of the 2024 proposed budget, presentations from service contract organizations, and first readings of two ordinances related to morals offenses and meeting protocols. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Grey read a proclamation declaring October 8–14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week in Castle Rock. The proclamation had been approved on September 19, 2023 by a 7-0 vote.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 2023-120: Approved an agreement with Wilson & Company Inc. for the Industrial Tributary Trail Project connecting Downtown Castle Rock to Philip S. Miller Park.
  • Minutes: Approved the minutes from the September 19, 2023 council meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dana Bonham (unscheduled public appearance) argued that the council should not have endorsed the school district's MLO bond measure during the September 19 meeting, as some members or their spouses are employed by the school district. She asked for a revote with those members recused.
  • Dana Bonham (on ORD 2023-024) expressed that drag queen shows are inappropriate for children and asked for age restrictions, calling such events a form of child abuse.
  • Amy Windju (on ORD 2023-024) supported the morals ordinance as a protection for children and community values, stating it is not directed at any specific group.
  • Dana Bonham (on ORD 2023-025) requested the town's website be amended to clarify that signing up online to speak does not guarantee being called if no one appears in person.

Town Attorney's Report – Lanterns Metropolitan District No. 3 Bond Issuance

  • Item: Review of a proposed bond issuance for the Montaine development (Lanterns Metropolitan District No. 3). The district plans to issue three series of bonds totaling approximately $16.6 million to finance public improvements (water, sewer, storm sewer, roads, trails) for two communities—including a 55+ active adult community—totaling about 378 single-family residences. The service plan debt cap is $87 million; the mill levy cap is 63.6 mills; the maximum tax term is 35 years.
  • Discussion: Councilmembers asked about the existing mill levy (Districts 1 and 2 have levied; District 3 has not), the purpose of the funds (public improvements to be dedicated to the town), and the rationale for three separate metro districts (phased development and cost allocation). Councilmember Dietz clarified the 35-year term and surplus fund mechanics.
  • Outcome: Staff recommended allowing the bond issuance; no vote was required; council accepted the report.

Discussion Items

1. Introduction of the 2024 Town of Castle Rock Proposed Budget

  • Presentation: Town Manager David Corliss outlined a budget focused on public safety, with projected sales tax growth of 3% (down from a budgeted 6% in 2023) and a decline in single-family building permits to 400 (down from about 800 historically). Property tax revenue will increase by only about $80,000 town-wide; the town's property tax mill levy will drop below 1 mill. The budget adds three new police officers and three new firefighters, funds the design of a new fire station on Castle Oaks Drive, and reduces sales tax allocation to transportation from 25% to 20% to support public safety staffing. Capital projects will slow due to reduced impact fee revenue. The budget also includes $5 million for open space acquisition, notably the potential purchase of Lost Canyon Ranch (680 acres).
  • Water Rates & Fees: Mark Marlowe, Director of Castle Rock Water, presented the annual rates and fees study. Proposed increases: water fund 4.5%, stormwater 4.5%, water resources 7.5%; wastewater 0%. Overall average residential bill increase is approximately 4%. System development fees will rise 10% per year for water. A temporary inter-fund loan of $28 million from wastewater to water is planned to maintain capital projects during the downturn.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Outcome: Council unanimously directed staff to prepare the 2024 budget ordinances for first reading.

2. 2024 Service Contract Funding Requests

  • Presentations: Seven organizations presented their funding requests for 2024:
    • Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce: Requested approximately $11,000 more (about 12% of its budget); supports ArtFest, Douglas County Fair Parade, Starlighting, and workforce development.
    • Castle Rock Downtown Alliance (DDA & DMA): Requested $205,000–$220,000 (town match) for downtown projects, parking initiatives, and events. The Merchants Association requested a 3% increase ($2,875) to produce six core downtown events.
    • Castle Rock Economic Development Council: Requested a 3% increase to $240,709 for business retention and recruitment.
    • Castle Rock Historical Society: Requested a 6% increase to $92,200 for museum operations and community programming.
    • Castle Rock Senior Activity Center: Requested $150,000 (no increase), despite growing membership (up 8% to 1,200) and increasing demand for services.
    • Douglas County Community Foundation: Requested $17,857 (no increase) to offset administrative costs.
    • Douglas County Housing Partnership: Requested $35,000 (no increase) for housing counseling and development.
    • Douglas County Youth Initiative: Requested $19,800 (no increase) for youth programs.
  • Discussion: Councilmembers discussed parking challenges downtown, including the need for better wayfinding signage and communication of available parking (e.g., Douglas County garage open on weekends). Councilmember Brooks noted the Senior Center's need for more space.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Outcome: Council unanimously approved directing the Town Manager to execute 2024 service contracts at the requested funding levels.

3. Resolution 2023-121: 2024 Water Conservation Rebate Incentive Program

  • Changes: Increased the rebate for converting turf to Coloradoscape from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot; eliminated the requirement to attend a Water Wiser class. Total program funding increased to $300,000.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Outcome: Council unanimously approved the resolution.

4. Ordinance 2023-024: Offenses Related to Morals (First Reading)

  • Summary: Adds a new Chapter 9.06 to Title 9 of the Municipal Code, creating municipal-level offenses for public indecency, indecent exposure, and public nudity. The ordinance mirrors state law except that it omits the felony enhancement for indecent exposure in view of a child (since municipal court cannot hear felonies). Public nudity is defined as showing post-puberty genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or anus with less than a fully opaque covering, but does not address exposing the female breast due to prior court rulings.
  • Public Comment: Two speakers (Dana Bonham, Amy Windju) supported the ordinance as a means to protect children and community moral standards.
  • Outcome: Council unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading.

5. Ordinance 2023-025: Meeting Protocol (First Reading)

  • Summary: Amends Section 2.02.040.C to allow a simple majority vote of council members present to extend a regular meeting beyond the current 9:30 PM cutoff (previously required a unanimous vote after 10:00 PM). The extension can be to a set time or until specified agenda items are completed.
  • Public Comment: Dana Bonham requested the town's website be updated to clarify that online sign-ups may not guarantee being called to speak if no one appears in person.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Cavey noted the change allows the council to hear all public comment.
  • Outcome: Council unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading.

Key Outcomes

  • Directed staff to prepare the 2024 budget ordinances for first reading (7-0).
  • Approved 2024 service contracts at requested funding levels (7-0).
  • Approved the 2024 Water Conservation Rebate Incentive Program (7-0).
  • Approved Ordinance 2023-024 (Offenses Related to Morals) on first reading (7-0).
  • Approved Ordinance 2023-025 (Meeting Protocol) on first reading (7-0).
  • The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you, Mayor Gray. Friends, esteemed members of our town council and cherished community members. As we gather here today, we're reminded of the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that make our community so vibrant and unique. In this diverse assembly, we find unity in our shared commitment to the well-being and progress of our town of Castle Rock. In this moment of reflection, let us put aside matters on tonight's agenda and instead focus on the values that bind us together. Let us call upon the spirit of unity, respect, and cooperation that guides us in these endeavors. Regardless of the paths we walk in our personal lives, we come together as one community, each contributing to the mosiac of our town's shared identity. In this spirit of togetherness, let us bow our heads, close our eyes if you wish, and take a moment of silence to offer our own thoughts, prayers, or reflections according to our individual beliefs for the welfare of our community and all its residents. May our town continue to thrive as a place of opportunity, understanding, and compassion. May our leaders be guided by wisdom, empathy, and fairness as they serve the interests of all. And may our collective efforts result in a brighter and more harmonious future for generations to come. Thank you. And let us commence this council meeting with a spirit of cooperation and goodwill. Amen. Councilmember Hollingshead. Here. Councilmember KV. Yes. Councilmember LaFleur. Here. Councilmember Brooks. Present. Councilmember Deeds. Here. Mayor Pretembracken. Present. Mayor Gray. Here. All are present. Bless you. Next, please rise with pleasure leadance. I'm going to start with council comments. I have two things I wanted to uh talk about fairly quickly. First is that uh I'm always always uh heartened and not not disheartened uh when I get uh positive comments about how our council can deal with each other better and how we've been dealing with each other better, um, how we're doing respectful for our citizens, um respectful towards each other, and uh that's always nice to hear. I got a couple of good comments the last few weeks. Um with that, I mean I always tell people you know uh really try to figure out your self-reflection, um, what you can do better, what you can't do better, uh, what what you're what you've done, um, maybe unto others. Um, but you know, you begin with yourself, but also be good to yourself, and uh that way you can be better to others. Uh next, I wanted to uh just bring awareness to uh breast cancer awareness month. Um my wife is is um past in her her breast cancer for a couple years now, and it's fantastic, but there are plenty of people out there that that don't make it. Um so for all those who are fighting, um, for all those who will fight, and then for all those who have fought breast cancer, um uh my heart goes out to all of you, and hopefully we have a great month and and great future with with uh curing and and taking care of breast cancer. And with that, Ryan Hollinson. No comment tonight, thanks. Laura Katie. No comment this evening. Thank you. Deslafleur. Yeah, I just want to say thank you to uh Dave and your team and all of our staff and department heads that take the time to attend our council open house. Appreciate you guys. I know they're supposed to show up. But I can still show gratitude.

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