Castle Rock Town Council Meeting - January 16, 2024

The Castle Rock Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers. The seven-member council (all present) addressed an update on the AdventHealth Cancer Center, presented two Keepers of the Star proclamations, and voted on several items including a denied T-Mobile wireless tower lease, an approved ordinance prohibiting marijuana delivery, and an approved SCADA system contract. All formal votes were 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): Resolution 2024-005 for McMurdo Gulch Stream Reclamation services with Muller Engineering Company, Inc.
• Approved unanimously (7-0): Resolution 2024-006 waiving bidding requirements and approving golf course equipment acquisition from Colorado Golf & Turf, Inc.
• Approved unanimously (7-0): Minutes of the January 2, 2024 Town Council Meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• T-Mobile Tower (Bison Park): Seven residents and one online caller opposed the lease. Speakers cited obstructed views, property value loss (citing a 7.6% decline within 500 feet), health concerns about 5G/ RF radiation, the proximity (86 feet to the nearest home, 35-foot structure), and noted the Planning Commission had recommended denial. They requested alternative sites (e.g., the Grange). The applicant (Kevin Trujillo, T-Mobile) stated the location was chosen in coordination with the town due to zoning constraints, and offered to continue working with the town on alternatives if denied.
• Marijuana Delivery Prohibition: Two speakers supported the ordinance. One resident said marijuana legalization changed Denver's atmosphere and she wanted Castle Rock to remain family-friendly. A non-resident from Parker cited increased car accidents after legalization and supported protecting youth.
• Pickleball Facilities: Four residents spoke. One (Jim Johnson, pickleball coordinator) noted 59 years of pickleball and that noise complaints arose only recently; he urged middle ground. A resident living within 200 feet of a court said the noise is less disruptive than youth sports and supported sound dampening rather than removal. Another resident backing Butterfield Park supported the courts, noting other park activities (baseball, soccer) are louder. A third resident backed the courts and suggested landscaping to mitigate noise.

Castle Rock AdventHealth Cancer Center Update

• Marcie Blaher, breast cancer survivor and Rock of Hope fundraiser, announced $7.1 million raised toward a $14 million goal. Jeremy Pittman, CEO, stated the hospital diagnoses about 600 cancer cases/year and aims to keep care local. They plan to treat the first chemotherapy patient in 2025. Councilmembers thanked donors and shared personal cancer experiences.

Proclamations: Keepers of the Star

• Mayor Gray presented proclamations to Tammy Denhard (35 years of service) and Matt Rettmer (26 years) for maintaining the historic Castle Rock star. The proclamations had been approved January 2, 2024 by a 7-0 vote.

T-Mobile Wireless Communication Tower Lease (Bison Park) – Denied

• Staff (Jeff Brauer) presented the proposal: T-Mobile would build a 35-foot restroom/ cupola structure (450 sq ft) for wireless equipment at Bison Park (1394 Clear Sky Way). Lease terms: rent-free for first 5 years (for constructing restroom), then $3,500/month with 3% annual increases for four optional 5-year extensions. Distance to nearest home: 86 feet. The restroom was in the master plan but not in the current 5-year CIP. Council discussed the strong community opposition (over 100 public comments opposing vs. about 10 in favor).
• Motion to deny (Mayor Pro Tem LaFleur, seconded by Hollingshead) passed 7-0. Councilmembers noted the need for better cell coverage but found this location incompatible. The applicant agreed to work on alternate sites.

Ordinance Prohibiting Marijuana Delivery (First Reading) – Approved

• Staff (Matt Gohl, Chief Cauley) explained that Colorado law does not automatically prohibit delivery. This ordinance would allow police to cite violators. Penalties include municipal fines and reporting to the licensing board (potential loss of license). Medical marijuana delivery is prohibited, but individuals may obtain medical marijuana outside the town and use it at home.
• Council asked about enforcement and penalties. Chief Cauley noted it adds a tool for public safety, especially regarding youth access and high-potency products.
• Motion to approve (Brooks, seconded by Dietz) passed 7-0.

Discussion/Direction: Pickleball Facility Operations

• Staff (Jeff Brauer) provided an inventory: 27 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts across seven parks, plus dual-use tennis courts. The fastest-growing sport (48.3 million U.S. adults have played). Noise complaints (41-signature petition) led to adjusted hours at Butterfield Crossing (programmed 8 AM-10 PM, with lights off at 9 PM). Decibel readings at nearest residence were 40-48 dB (up to 58 with cheering). Staff recommended a 200-foot setback from residential property lines for new courts, citing challenges with sound barriers (vandalism, view obstruction). They are exploring quiet paddle technology (OWL) and vegetative screening.
• Council discussed voluntary later start times, the uniqueness of pickleball noise vs. other sports, and the desire to accommodate both players and neighbors. No formal vote; direction was given to staff to continue mitigation efforts (landscaping, technology) and bring back future recommendations.

Logical Systems SCADA Agreement – Approved

• Staff (Mark Marlowe) presented Resolution 2024-009 for a $1,489,315 contract with Logical Systems Inc. for the Factory View Screen Development Project, part of the SCADA Master Plan (originally approved 2019, $12 million, now updated to $15.2-15.3 million). The project converts control systems from Bristol Babcock to Allen-Bradley with a Red Lion gateway for interim compatibility. Work must be completed by April 2024 before irrigation season. Budget is available. Castle Rock Water Commission had no questions.
• Motion to approve (Mayor Pro Tem LaFleur, seconded by Dietz) passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0.
• T-Mobile Lease (Bison Park): Denied 7-0. Applicant will seek alternative locations.
• Marijuana Delivery Prohibition (First Reading): Approved 7-0. Will be returned for second reading.
• Pickleball Direction: Council directed staff to continue noise mitigation (landscaping, quiet technology) and consider 200-foot setback for new courts; no formal vote.
• Logical Systems SCADA Agreement: Approved 7-0.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.