OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – November 7, 2023

Town Council — Tuesday, November 7, 2023
BodyCastle Rock, Colorado
SessionTown Council
DateTuesday, November 7, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:19:04

Transcript — Verbatim
0:55

Good evening.

0:56

Um my name is Jason Gray, Town Castlewalk Mayor, our town council.

0:59

I'd like to open up an invitation.

1:02

Heavenly Father West for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin the meeting.

1:06

We gather here today initially doing good work.

1:09

Tend to see representing the town fairly.

1:12

Those who give us this task help us engage in meaningful discussion and clarify and clarify and clarity and strength to use in our best skills and judgment and please bless the community, our residents, business and businesses, and business people and visitors, and help us to continue to do good work in your name.

1:29

Amen.

1:35

Councilmember Hollingshead.

1:36

Here.

1:37

Councilmember KB.

1:38

Yes.

1:38

Councilmember LeFleur.

1:40

Here.

1:40

Councilmember Brooks?

1:42

Present.

1:42

Councilmember Deeds?

1:43

Here.

1:44

Mayor Pro Tem Bracken?

1:45

Present.

1:46

Mayor Gray.

1:46

Here.

1:47

Oliver President.

1:48

Thank you.

1:48

I'd like to ask Jamie from Troop 260 to lead us in the Pledge Audience.

1:57

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

2:02

And to the Republic.

2:23

Sure.

2:24

Thank you, Mayor.

2:25

So yeah, just uh a few updates from uh from our uh open house.

2:32

So we had several questions.

2:34

Uh Councilmember Hollingshead and I both did our open house together since we share part of the uh part of the meadows together.

2:43

So um so yeah, a few few comments from that, uh mostly about um kind of growth around town, I think we're was probably the the major issue.

2:53

There was uh some speeding comments and and monitoring and and we do have that um uh speed comming program in place through the public works department that we actually had a uh uh a street uh a couple streets in the meadows recently that uh that are are re are getting speed bumps and um so yeah a lot of a lot of good discussion, a lot of feedback from that meeting and uh and so uh thanks for everybody that showed up and and thank you for the staff for uh for helping uh you know answer everybody's questions and needs and of course the town manager as well.

3:30

So uh um so yeah, that's the uh the the um sorry the the district update.

3:39

So um so recently um my work has kicked up pretty significantly.

3:48

And um so I've I've had uh really full plate and I haven't had the opportunity to uh to fulfill some of my uh duties as Mayor Pro Tem.

4:00

Um so in that I haven't haven't had the opportunity to do the manager's review and the attorney's review for their annual re annual review for their uh for their position.

4:11

Which uh which we did uh make the decision or or I did collectively make the decision to slide that back to later in the year.

4:18

So I felt it was more of a calendar year uh issue as most people think about uh you know the calendar year versus a uh you know a fall time uh review.

4:29

So um with that I I think uh what I'd like to do is hand off the position of Mayor Pro Tem over to another council member um and um and allow that process to follow up, especially since it's going to be up here relatively soon.

4:47

Um if it would be uh for the liking and pleasure, I'd like to uh request that uh councilmember LaFleur take over the Mayor Pro Tem position.

5:04

But in addition to that, I'd like to keep my seat in the third position uh to the right of the mayor, given that we are in we are in order of uh of district.

5:15

So um any comments to that.

5:19

Um do I need to make a motion or is there something you make the motion and and I'll do a second.

5:24

I uh I I motion the council member the floor uh take over the role of Mayor Pro Tem.

5:30

Second remainder of the term.

5:32

Uh comments that comes from our deeds.

5:34

Yeah, thank you.

5:35

And if it's my understanding, it will only be for the remainder until next election, correct?

5:41

Okay, so we'll just be for one year next.

5:44

I am okay with the situation.

5:48

Um there are a lot of responsibilities up here that all council members have to go through, including the mayor.

5:55

We all do have lives outside of here.

5:58

I do agree with that.

6:00

It can be very taxing sometimes, but there is an uh a thing where you know you make a commitment to this, and going forward, I'm glad that councilmember Bracken has stepped forward as he did.

6:14

But going forward, we need to make sure that we're on point before it becomes to this.

6:19

But again, this will just be for one year.

6:21

Thank you.

6:26

I just have a question.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use███████████████████19%
Procedural███████████████15%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Annexation██████████10%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Arts And Culture████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – November 7, 2023

The Castle Rock Town Council met on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers (100 North Wilcox Street) and adjourned at 9:19 PM. Mayor Jason Gray presided; all seven council members were present. The agenda included a Mayor Pro Tem appointment, a proclamation, public comments on pickleball noise, the consent calendar, multiple first-reading ordinances, quasi-judicial approvals for affordable housing, two annexations, park naming, public art planning, and adoption of updated codes. All votes taken during the meeting were 7-0.

Council Comments and Mayor Pro Tem Appointment

  • Mayor Gray acknowledged the recent passing of former Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge.
  • Councilmembers gave district updates, including neighborhood speeding concerns, the local election, police outreach, and winter road preparations.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Bracken resigned from the Mayor Pro Tem role and nominated Councilmember Desiree LaFleur to serve for the remainder of the term. Council confirmed LaFleur by a 7-0 vote.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Gray presented the Crash Responder Safety Week proclamation for November 13-17, 2023.

Public Comments

  • Scott and Deborah Rhodus, residents of Butterfield, presented a petition with close to 100 signatures asking the Town to reevaluate pickleball courts because of noise. They cited noise from about 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., residences 92 to 130 feet from the courts, decibel readings above 70, and lights shining into homes. They referenced Centennial's 250-foot separation rule and requested shorter hours, regulations, or court relocation.
  • Dave Rhodus, resident, supported them and said children cannot sleep because of lights and noise near bedrooms, and that park hours are not being followed.
  • Paul Bicknell, resident, said the noise affects quality of life and detracts from the community's peaceful character.
  • Council did not debate or decide these items during unscheduled public comments.

Town Manager's Report and Informational Updates

  • Town Manager Dave Corliss highlighted upcoming events, including the Boards and Commission Appreciation Event on November 14, Starlighting on November 18, and several neighborhood meetings for development proposals.
  • The Third Quarter Financial Review, period ending September 30, 2023, showed revenues slightly below plan; staff were managing expenditures to maintain a balanced budget. Major projects were generally on track, with some later than planned.
  • Development Services Director Tara Vargish reviewed pre-applications, including a proposed fire station near Cobblestone Ranch, a proposed conversion near Wolfensberger Road for residential units for adults with disabilities, and potential annexation of CORE Electric parcels. Town Attorney Mike Hyman reported new legal staff hires.

Consent Calendar

  • Council approved the consent calendar 7-0, including:
    • ORD 2023-026 adopting the 2024 Town budget.
    • ORD 2023-027 amending stormwater, renewable water, water/wastewater development fees and rates/surcharges.
    • ORD 2023-028 and ORD 2023-029 levying 2023 property taxes for the Town and Downtown Development Authority, collectible in 2024.
    • ORD 2023-030 sales/use tax code simplification, including standard definitions, economic nexus, and marketplace facilitators.
    • ORD 2023-031 approving the ACM Dawson Trails VIII JV LLC property exchange and temporary easements for the Crystal Valley Interchange.
    • RES 2023-130 GOCO grant agreement for the Colorado Front Range Trail.
    • RES 2023-131 sole-source waiver and Trojan Technologies agreement for the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility membrane filter #2 replacement.
    • RES 2023-132 construction contract with 53 Corporation, LLC for Tank 6B site restoration.
    • RES 2023-133 confirming a second Assistant Town Manager position and appointing Matt Gohl.
    • PROC 2023-013 designating Commander Tim Gorman Day for presentation on November 21, 2023.
    • MIN 2023-020 approving the October 17, 2023 Council minutes.

Fourth Amendment to 2023 Budget (ORD 2023-032)

  • Finance Director Trish Muller presented a $4,815,784 increase in expenses, offset by $4,616,807 in related revenue. The amendment covered parks and recreation special events, Paint Brush Park turf replacement, Cantrell renovations and ADA lift, rec center repairs, water well A3 work, a fire prevention officer vehicle, and transportation fleet and Glovers project costs.
  • Council approved the ordinance on first reading 7-0. Note: The minutes label this as a second reading, but the agenda and transcript identify it as a first reading.

2024 Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Recommendations

  • Public Safety Commission Chair Nate Marsh presented recommendations for six applications under the $45,000 grant program. Council approved 7-0:
    • American Legion Post 1187: $4,000
    • Christ Episcopal Church: $2,000
    • Crisis Center: $1,750
    • Help and Hope Center: $17,500
    • New Hope Presbyterian Church: $4,000
  • Bridge of Hope was not recommended for funding because the Commission found it would not serve Castle Rock residents as directly as the other applicants. Councilmembers thanked the Commission for its diligence.

Downtown Historic Preservation Grants (RES 2023-134)

  • Council approved 7-0 grants to the Castle Rock Chamber Foundation ($8,210 toward roof replacement at Christensen House) and J & L Rental, LLC ($7,146 toward nine second-story windows at the historic Cantrell Courthouse). The combined grants totaled just over $15,300. The Historic Preservation Board had voted 4-0 to recommend approval.

Unity on Park Street – Site Development Plan (RES 2023-135)

  • Council approved 7-0 a use-by-special-review site development plan for the former La Quinta Inn at 884 Park Street. Wellspring Community and Douglas County Housing Partnership will convert 60+ hotel rooms into 42 multifamily units (22 studios and 20 one-bedrooms). All units will be at 30-80% of area median income, and about 50% of units are reserved for adults with disabilities. The project provides 66 parking spaces versus 63 required. Planning Commission had voted 6-0 to recommend approval.
  • Public speaker Damon Bunch spoke in support. Wellspring Executive Director Nicole DeVries and Douglas County Housing Partnership Deputy Director Artie Lehl presented financing, tenant screening, and security plans.

Unity on Park Street – Fee Waiver (RES 2023-136)

  • Council approved 7-0 a full waiver of town permitting, impact, and system development fees totaling $661,365 for the Unity on Park Street project. Total project costs were estimated at just over $11.3 million, with $3.5 million from Douglas County and over $4 million from the State of Colorado. A condition requires the building permit to be pulled by December 31, 2023. Councilmember Brooks said the project would not happen without the waiver.

Alexander Way Annexation and Initial Zoning (ORD 2023-033 / ORD 2023-034)

  • Council approved the 73.76-acre Alexander Way annexation 7-0 and the related initial zoning/rezoning of a 4.20-acre adjacent parcel 7-0, both on first reading.
  • The plan includes 55 large-lot single-family detached homes, 22 live/work units, a 1.5-acre neighborhood park, and 31.25 acres (40%) of open space. The applicant agreed to dedicate excess groundwater rights and provide traffic mitigation payments. Staff said density is just under one dwelling unit per acre.
  • Public speakers, including residents of Diamond Ridge, Silver Heights, and Puma Ridge and a neighboring property owner, spoke in support. Council discussion addressed annexation's extraordinary/exceptional value standard, infill benefits, wildlife referrals to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the slower absorption rate of large-lot development.

Crowfoot Valley Road Annexation and Initial Zoning (ORD 2023-035 / ORD 2023-036)

  • Council approved 7-0 each the annexation of 5.31 acres of town-owned right-of-way adjacent to Fire Station 155 and its initial zoning as Public Land District 1 (PL1). The purpose is to clean up jurisdictional boundaries and maintain the Crowfoot Valley Road right-of-way. No public comment was received.
  • Note: The minutes describe these items as second readings, but the agenda and transcript indicate first readings.

Emerald Park Neighborhood Park Name (RES 2023-137)

  • Council approved 7-0 naming the new Plum Creek North neighborhood park Emerald Park. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer reported nearly 500 open-ended suggestions and 230 naming preferences; Emerald Park was the top choice. The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously endorsed the name.

2023 Public Art Strategic Plan (RES 2023-138)

  • Council approved 7-0 the 2023 Town of Castle Rock Public Art Strategic Plan. The plan includes six goals: beautification, community engagement, conservation and maintenance, creating an art destination, making art part of the conversation, and researching/expanding funding opportunities. A community questionnaire found that 90% of 121 respondents agreed or strongly agreed that arts and culture enhance quality of life. Public Arts Commission Chair Jennifer Perry spoke in support. Councilmember Brooks encouraged pursuing private and grant funding.

2023 National Electrical Code and Related Codes (ORD 2023-037)

  • Council approved 7-0 on first reading an ordinance adopting the 2023 National Electrical Code, updated elevator and platform lift codes, and clarifying accessibility code references. Chief Building Official Jon White presented the changes. The new codes take effect January 1, 2024; production home builders have until July 1, 2024, to bring master plans into compliance. Staff held eight stakeholder meetings.

Key Outcomes

  • Removed the executive session for Town Manager and Town Attorney annual performance evaluations from the November 7 agenda and moved it to the next Council meeting by unanimous vote.
  • Accepted the agenda as amended 7-0.
  • Approved the consent calendar 7-0.
  • Approved ORD 2023-032, the fourth 2023 budget amendment, 7-0.
  • Approved the 2024 Philip S. Miller grant awards 7-0.
  • Approved RES 2023-134 historic preservation grants 7-0.
  • Approved RES 2023-135 and RES 2023-136 for Unity on Park Street 7-0.
  • Approved ORD 2023-033, ORD 2023-034, ORD 2023-035, and ORD 2023-036 annexation/zoning items 7-0.
  • Approved RES 2023-137 naming Emerald Park 7-0.
  • Approved RES 2023-138 Public Art Strategic Plan 7-0.
  • Approved ORD 2023-037 code updates 7-0.
  • Adjourned at 9:19 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Um my name is Jason Gray, Town Castlewalk Mayor, our town council. I'd like to open up an invitation. Heavenly Father West for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin the meeting. We gather here today initially doing good work. Tend to see representing the town fairly. Those who give us this task help us engage in meaningful discussion and clarify and clarify and clarity and strength to use in our best skills and judgment and please bless the community, our residents, business and businesses, and business people and visitors, and help us to continue to do good work in your name. Amen. Councilmember Hollingshead. Here. Councilmember KB. Yes. Councilmember LeFleur. Here. Councilmember Brooks? Present. Councilmember Deeds? Here. Mayor Pro Tem Bracken? Present. Mayor Gray. Here. Oliver President. Thank you. I'd like to ask Jamie from Troop 260 to lead us in the Pledge Audience. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic. Sure. Thank you, Mayor. So yeah, just uh a few updates from uh from our uh open house. So we had several questions. Uh Councilmember Hollingshead and I both did our open house together since we share part of the uh part of the meadows together. So um so yeah, a few few comments from that, uh mostly about um kind of growth around town, I think we're was probably the the major issue. There was uh some speeding comments and and monitoring and and we do have that um uh speed comming program in place through the public works department that we actually had a uh uh a street uh a couple streets in the meadows recently that uh that are are re are getting speed bumps and um so yeah a lot of a lot of good discussion, a lot of feedback from that meeting and uh and so uh thanks for everybody that showed up and and thank you for the staff for uh for helping uh you know answer everybody's questions and needs and of course the town manager as well. So uh um so yeah, that's the uh the the um sorry the the district update. So um so recently um my work has kicked up pretty significantly. And um so I've I've had uh really full plate and I haven't had the opportunity to uh to fulfill some of my uh duties as Mayor Pro Tem. Um so in that I haven't haven't had the opportunity to do the manager's review and the attorney's review for their annual re annual review for their uh for their position. Which uh which we did uh make the decision or or I did collectively make the decision to slide that back to later in the year. So I felt it was more of a calendar year uh issue as most people think about uh you know the calendar year versus a uh you know a fall time uh review. So um with that I I think uh what I'd like to do is hand off the position of Mayor Pro Tem over to another council member um and um and allow that process to follow up, especially since it's going to be up here relatively soon. Um if it would be uh for the liking and pleasure, I'd like to uh request that uh councilmember LaFleur take over the Mayor Pro Tem position. But in addition to that, I'd like to keep my seat in the third position uh to the right of the mayor, given that we are in we are in order of uh of district. So um any comments to that. Um do I need to make a motion or is there something you make the motion and and I'll do a second. I uh I I motion the council member the floor uh take over the role of Mayor Pro Tem. Second remainder of the term. Uh comments that comes from our deeds. Yeah, thank you. And if it's my understanding, it will only be for the remainder until next election, correct?

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