Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – May 7, 2024

The Castle Rock Town Council met on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, reports, and multiple action items. Council unanimously approved a consent calendar, directed staff to draft an intergovernmental agreement related to immigration enforcement, and approved resolutions for a railroad overpass, water facility expansion, and wastewater capacity. A discussion on transit funding and mobility hubs revealed council concerns about potential strings attached and public safety.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): Ordinance adopting the 2024 Town of Castle Rock Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual, a proclamation for National Public Works Week, and minutes from April 16, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during Unscheduled Public Appearances or the Advertised Public Hearings.

Discussion Items

• Trail Naming Process: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation, outlined a spring 2025 naming process for the trail corridor connecting Philip S. Miller Park to downtown Castle Rock (currently called Industrial Tributary). The community will submit name ideas via an online form; Parks and Recreation Commission will recommend, and council will make the final decision. Councilmember Cavey expressed safety concerns about a tunnel under the railroad, fearing homeless encampments. Staff noted increased activity from nearby developments would deter camping.
• Legislative Update: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager, reported on bills at the Colorado General Assembly. Notable: the ADU bill passed with local control amendments; the parking minimums bill passed with changes similar to the transit-oriented communities bill; the sensitive spaces bill (SB 24-131) passed, allowing municipalities to opt out of firearm prohibitions in government buildings. Councilmember Hollingshead emphasized the need to retain local parking requirements. Councilmember Brooks suggested reaching out to legislators about the failed construction defects bill (SB 106) for next session.
• Boards and Commissions Interview Schedule: Shannon confirmed 68 applicants; interviews scheduled for May 14. Council discussed scheduling conflicts and agreed to proceed with some adjustments.
• Douglas County Bus Ordinance and Lawsuit: Town Attorney Mike Hyman and Town Manager David Corliss presented. Council directed staff to draft an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) allowing the Douglas County Sheriff to enforce the county's anti-busing ordinance within town boundaries. Also directed staff to draft a resolution supporting the county's lawsuit against state immigration legislation (SB 19-131 and SB 23-291). Both motions passed 7-0. Councilmember Brooks noted the need for an opt-out clause in the IGA. Councilmember Cavey reported four additional counties had joined the lawsuit.
• Castle Rock Small Urbanized Area Direct Recipient Study: Dan Sailer, Director of Public Works, presented. The town is eligible for up to $1.8 million in federal transit funds. A study with Douglas County and Castle Pines (town's share $22,000–$30,000) will determine if the town should become a direct recipient of Federal Transit Administration funds or remain a sub-recipient. Councilmember Cavey opposed, fearing it would open the door to mass transit and illegal immigration. Councilmember Dietz worried about becoming a transportation hub for crime. Councilmember Brooks supported exploring connectivity within Castle Rock. Staff will proceed with the study and later invite CDOT consultants to present on mobility hub plans (three potential sites: Wolfensberger/I-25, Brickyard, Pine Canyon—staff reiterated opposition to Pine Canyon). Front Range Passenger Rail was also discussed; the rail district may seek voter approval for a tax measure. Council expressed cautious interest but decided to wait and see if a ballot measure appears.
• Town Attorney's Report: Mike Hyman discussed SB 24-131, which prohibits firearms in sensitive spaces including government buildings where council meets. The law goes into effect July 1, 2024, unless vetoed. Council unanimously (7-0) directed staff to draft an ordinance opting out of the prohibition to maintain the status quo.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution RES 2024-045 (Crystal Valley Parkway Overpass agreement with BNSF Railway): Approved 7-0. Total project cost estimated at $145 million; $618,000 encumbered for crossing closures, with an additional $1.3 million for flagging in a future package. Project completion expected by Q2/Q3 2027.
• Resolution RES 2024-046 (First Amendment to construction contract with Garney Companies for Plum Creek Water Purification Facility expansion): Approved 7-0. Total expected cost $74.17 million; work package one approved for $18.57 million. Plant completion targeted for spring 2028. The plant is already in compliance with EPA forever chemical standards.
• Resolution RES 2024-047 (Wastewater Capacity Reservation Agreement with Silver Heights Water and Sanitation District): Approved 7-0. District will pay $60,558 for additional capacity (6 single-family equivalents) and ongoing O&M costs.
• Directives to Staff:
  • Draft an IGA allowing Douglas County Sheriff to enforce anti-busing ordinance within town boundaries (7-0).
  • Draft a resolution supporting Douglas County's immigration lawsuit (7-0).
  • Draft an ordinance opting town facilities out of SB 24-131's firearm prohibition (7-0).
• Next Steps: Staff to proceed with the Small Urbanized Area study and invite CDOT to present on mobility hubs. Boards and Commissions interviews scheduled for May 14.

Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.