Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – November 19, 2024

On November 19, 2024, the Castle Rock Town Council held a regular meeting at Town Hall. The council addressed proclamations, appointments, public comments, a consent calendar, quasi-judicial hearings, and several advertised public hearings and discussion items. Notable actions included approval of a Costco site development plan, granting an appeal for a home design in the historic Craig & Gould neighborhood, first reading of an ordinance amending the landscape criteria manual, and approval of 2025 service contracts and grant awards.

Consent Calendar

• Approved resolution 2024-113 for purchase of a Velocity 105’ aerial ladder truck from Front Range Fire Apparatus.
• Approved resolution 2024-114 for construction contract with 53 Corporation, LLC for McMurdo Gulch Stream Reclamation Priority 3.
• Approved resolution 2024-115 for third amendment to the participation agreement for McMurdo Gulch stream reclamation.
• Approved proclamation 2024-014 commending Mayor Pro Tem Desiree LaFleur (to be presented December 3, 2024).
• Approved minutes of November 5, 2024.
• All consent items passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jacqueline Fuller (resident): Commented on bicycle safety laws, alleging a police officer was unaware of Colorado’s safety stop law and that the police vehicle was parked illegally at an intersection. She urged better education for officers and investment in bike infrastructure.
• Sandy Shet (resident): During the 104 North Lewis Street appeal, noted there is a lot of variety in buildings in the Craig & Gould neighborhood, implicitly supporting the appellants’ design.
• Gerald Bennett (resident of Lanterns District 1): During additional unscheduled public appearances, expressed concern about the Lanterns Metropolitan District No. 1 bond proposal. He argued that infrastructure costs are being borne only by District 1 while Districts 2 and 3 benefit, and that some improvements (e.g., Crystal Valley Parkway Bridge) lie outside district boundaries, potentially out of compliance with the service plan. He asked the council to review allocation.

Quasi-Judicial Hearings

Costco Retail Warehouse and Fueling Station (Resolution 2024-116)

• Staff presentation: Tara Vargish, Director of Development Services, described the proposed <160,000 sq ft warehouse with a fueling station on ~20 acres northwest of the new Crystal Valley Interchange. The project meets zoning and design standards; planning commission recommended approval 7-0.
• Applicant presentation: Larry Jacobson (West Side Investment Partners) and Stacy Weeks (Norris Design) highlighted the architecture, landscaping, and community outreach (three neighborhood meetings). They requested approval.
• No public comment.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Dietz noted the gas station would be welcome in that area. Motion to approve by Councilmember Brooks, seconded by Bracken. Passed 6-0.

104 North Lewis Street Appeal (ID 2024-127)

• Staff review: Tara Vargish explained that the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) had conditionally approved a new home design, requiring changes to siding (from 6-inch to 4-inch lap siding and removal of vertical board-and-batten accents). Staff found the design met guidelines and recommended approval; the HPB vote was not reconsidered.
• Appellants’ presentation: Steve and Susan Thayer argued that their design (6-inch lap siding and board-and-batten accents) is compatible with the neighborhood, citing prior HPB approvals of similar materials and a survey of historic homes showing variety. They asked for unconditional approval.
• Public comment: Sandy Shet voiced support for the Thayers.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Brooks moved to grant the appeal, stating the design satisfies the spirit and intent of Castle Rock Style guidelines and the HPB’s condition ignored past approvals. Councilmember Cavey apologized for the “ridiculous debacle.” Motion seconded by Mayor Gray.
• Vote: 6-0 in favor of granting the appeal and approving the design without conditions.

Advertised Public Hearings & Discussion Action Items

Third Amendment to The View at Castle Rock Redevelopment Agreement (Ordinance 2024-025, First Reading)

• Staff presentation: Kevin Tilson (Downtown Alliance) and Banks Floodman (Sunflower Development) explained the amendment addresses delays due to labor shortages and subcontractor issues. The project includes a public parking garage and mixed-use development.
• No public comment.
• Council discussion: Motion to approve by Councilmember Hollingshead, seconded by Bracken. Councilmembers Cavey and Dietz voted no. Passed 4-2.

Downtown Historic Preservation Grant ($25,000) to Little School on Perry Street (Resolution 2024-117)

• Staff presentation: Tara Vargish described the grant for exterior work on the locally landmarked Saunders House. The Historic Preservation Board recommended approval 4-0.
• No public comment.
• Council discussion and vote: Motion to approve by Councilmember Cavey, seconded by Dietz. Note: Minutes state the motion failed despite a 6-0 vote (all present voted yes), but the transcript clearly shows the motion passed 6-0. (Discrepancy recorded.)

2025 Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program (DIR 2024-021)

• Presentation: Pete Mangers (Finance) and Nate Marsh (Public Safety Commission Chair) recommended awards totaling $45,000 to five organizations.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Hollingshead explained the missions of Christ Episcopal Church (school lunches) and New Hope Presbyterian (emergency assistance). Councilmember Brooks noted the need for more funding.
• No public comment.
• Motion by Councilmember Brooks, seconded by Hollingshead, to approve the recommended allocations: American Legion Post 1187 ($5,000), Christ Episcopal Church ($4,000), Crisis Center ($13,500), Help and Hope Center ($13,500), New Hope Presbyterian Church ($9,000). Passed 6-0.

2025 Service Contract Funding Requests (ID 2024-128)

• Presentations: Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Castle Rock Museum, Douglas County Youth Initiative, Senior Activities Center, Economic Development Council, Douglas County Housing Partnership, Downtown Development Authority/Merchants Association, and Douglas County Community Foundation presented their requests.
• Council discussion: Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the organizations and their value to the community.
• No public comment.
• Motion by Councilmember Hollingshead, seconded by Brooks, to direct the town manager to execute the service contracts as requested. Passed 6-0.

Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual Update (Ordinance 2024-026, First Reading)

• Presentation: Mark Marlowe (Castle Rock Water) detailed changes to address non-compliance with ColoradoScape standards, including requirements for multiple hardscape materials, increased plant coverage, and allowance for alternative turf (Tahoma 31). Outreach to builders generated no significant opposition; Castle Rock Water Commission recommended 6-0.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Bracken asked about enforcement; Marlowe confirmed inspections and firmer criteria. Councilmember Cavey noted the need for higher community standards.
• No public comment.
• Motion by Councilmember Cavey, seconded by Dietz, to approve on first reading. Passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar: Approved all items 6-0.
• Costco site development plan: Approved 6-0.
• 104 North Lewis Street appeal: Granted (design approved without conditions) 6-0.
• View at Castle Rock amendment (first reading): Approved 4-2 (Hollingshead, Bracken, Brooks, Gray yes; Cavey, Dietz no).
• Historic Preservation Grant: Minutes show a failed motion despite a 6-0 vote; transcript indicates passage. (Discrepancy noted; see above.)
• Philip S. Miller Resource Grants: Approved recommended allocations 6-0.
• Service contracts: Approved as presented 6-0.
• Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual (first reading): Approved 6-0.
• Additional unscheduled public appearance: Gerald Bennett’s comments received for record.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.