Castle Rock Town Council Meeting – June 3, 2025

The Castle Rock Town Council met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included multiple public hearings, quasi-judicial items, and discussion of the 2025 community survey. Notable actions included final approval of the Pine Canyon annexation and development agreements, a resolution supporting the Heroes Hall Veterans Center, approval of a site development plan for Founders Vista, financing arrangements for a new recreation center, and adoption of a Flock Safety drone-as-first-responder program. The meeting adjourned at 10:09 PM.

Consent Calendar

• ORD 2025-018 (Second Reading): Public Finance Agreement between the Town, CD-ACME LLC, Brickyard Metropolitan District No. 1, and the Castle Rock Urban Renewal Authority – approved 7-0.
• ORD 2025-019 (Second Reading): Amendment to Municipal Code for a town sales tax credit against public improvement fees at Brickyard – approved 7-0.
• RES 2025-063: Waiving bidding requirement for sole source acquisition of two ambulances from BNT Enterprises LLC – approved 7-0.
• RES 2025-064: First Amendment to Economic Incentive Loan Agreement with Brinkerhoff Restaurants, LLC for the Hummingbird Event Center – approved 7-0.
• RES 2025-065: First Amendment to Spot Water Lease Agreement with Dakan Ranch II LLC – approved 7-0.
• RES 2025-066: Second Amendment to Service Agreement with Burns & McDonnell Engineering for Front Street Downtown Connection, RWRWTC Pump Upgrades, and Liggett Road Pipe Upsize – approved 7-0.
• MIN 2025-011: Minutes of May 20, 2025 Town Council Meeting – approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pedestrian Safety: Jackie, a resident, raised concerns about vehicle incursions at Festival Park, citing a May 19 incident. She urged installation of retractable bollards. Staff will follow up.
• Pine Canyon Annexation: No public comment on all three ordinances (ORD 2025-016, 017, 020).
• Heroes Hall Veterans Center: Several speakers supported the resolution:
  • George Teal, Douglas County Commissioner, Army veteran, and VP of the Heroes Hall Foundation Board, stated the resolution would greatly aid fundraising efforts and provide a central hub for veterans.
  • Larry Underwood, American Legion member and Army veteran, noted the need for a meeting place for veterans and services.
  • Wayne Buser, Army veteran and treasurer, emphasized the importance of peer support and stated the building will help veterans with PTSD.
  • Brian, incoming commander of the Castle Rock VFW, thanked the Council and highlighted the need for a consolidated veterans center.
  • Luke (last name not given), a veteran, called the project an opportunity to serve Douglas County veterans alongside the VA.
• Founders Vista (Quasi-Judicial Hearing):
  • Doug Reagan, a 30-year resident of Gordon Drive, requested that the planned access road curve be moved 30–40 feet to avoid impacting his shed and vegetation. He acknowledged ongoing discussions with staff and the developer.
  • Brad Patton, a resident, questioned the operational impact of a 10% grade sewer line on the site. Castle Rock Water Director Mark Marlowe later confirmed the sewer system is all gravity and does not have the same concerns as Escavera.
• Flock Safety Drone Program: Susan McAfee, a retired air traffic controller and resident, expressed 100% support, drawing on her experience with border patrol drones.

Council Comments & Early Actions

• Mayor Gray extended sympathies to the Jewish community and reminded of summer events.
• Councilmember Dietz moved to bring a future item to consider waiving all Town fees for Heroes Hall. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Mayor Pro Tem Cavey addressed social media accusations about Council being “on the take” regarding Douglas County Home Rule, calling them “baloney” and urging residents to educate themselves. She also recognized Shannon Eklund with a Value Award.
• The agenda was accepted 7-0.

Discussion Items & Public Hearings

Pine Canyon Annexation and Development (ORD 2025-016, 017, 020)

The three ordinances were presented together but voted separately. Director of Development Services Tara Vargish noted no changes since first reading.

• Councilmember Dietz requested a new traffic study; Mayor Gray clarified impact studies will accompany each future development.
• Councilmember Davis asked about widening the road from Founders Parkway to Front Street to four lanes. The applicant’s representative stated the traffic study may call for that upgrade at the site development plan stage.
• Councilmember Dietz expressed frustration about density, water rights, and lack of developer giveback, stating he could not vote for the zoning.
• Councilmember Davis objected to the hotel in a residential area, citing traffic and community opposition.
• Councilmember Cavey voiced concerns about traffic on Founders Parkway and sought balance.
• Councilmember Bracken and Councilmember Brooks argued that voting no would risk the project being developed in the county, fulfilling the original agreement to annex into the town. They emphasized that site development plans will address details later.
• Votes:
  • ORD 2025-016 (Annexation): Passed 7-0 (Gray, Cavey, Hollingshead, Bracken, Davis, Brooks, Dietz all yes).
  • ORD 2025-017 (Initial Zoning): Passed 4-3 (Yes: Gray, Hollingshead, Bracken, Brooks; No: Cavey, Davis, Dietz).
  • ORD 2025-020 (Development Agreement & Vested Rights): Passed 6-1 (Yes: Gray, Cavey, Hollingshead, Bracken, Davis, Brooks; No: Dietz).

Heroes Hall Veterans Center (RES 2025-067)

Town Manager David Corliss presented the resolution of support. Councilmember Dietz, a Navy veteran, thanked all veterans. Mayor Pro Tem Cavey thanked them for their service. Passed 7-0.

Founders Vista Site Development Plan (RES 2025-069)

The quasi-judicial hearing considered a 511-unit residential development on 180.5 acres west of Ridge Road. Staff detailed a reduction from the original 904 units permitted in 1985. The developer pulled homes back from the ridgeline and increased open space.

• Mayor Pro Tem Cavey asked about widening Ridge Road; Public Works Director Dan Sailer confirmed the developer pays their portion as per a development agreement.
• Concerns about blasting: A representative from Buckley Powder explained starting from the center, using seismographs, pre-blast surveys, and drapery systems. Fire Chief Croom stated the town tightly regulates blasting and has worked with this company before without issues.
• Traffic engineer Mike Rocha said the development would not degrade operations on Ridge Road, given recent improvements.
• Public comments: Doug Reagan requested the curve of the access road be moved to avoid his shed. Staff and the developer noted the road is needed for detention pond maintenance but will look at final design. Brad Patton questioned gravity sewer line grades; Mark Marlowe confirmed gravity system is sound.
• Councilmember Cavey commended the developer for incorporating community feedback.
• Vote: Approved 7-0.

Castle Rock Urban Renewal Authority Board Meeting

Commissioners Teal (present) and Myers (absent). The board approved minutes and a resolution approving the Public Finance Agreement for Brickyard redevelopment. Commissioner Teal spoke in favor, stating the county will benefit from increased property tax revenue over time while the town provides services. Resolution passed 7-0.

Additional Advertised Public Hearings

Recreation Center Financing (ORD 2025-021) and Agreement (RES 2025-068)

• ORD 2025-021: Authorizes up to $75.5 million in certificates of participation (COPs) for a 145,000 sq. ft. sports center at the Brickyard. Parameters include a maximum interest rate of 5.25%, option to prepay after 2036, and maximum total repayment of $155 million. Approved 7-0.
• RES 2025-068: Approves a development agreement with CD-Acme LLC for construction management. Approved 7-0.

Territorial Road Annexation (RES 2025-070)

Substantial compliance hearing for a 4.7-acre parcel. Set eligibility hearing for July 15, 2025. Approved 7-0.

Flock Safety Drone-as-First-Responder Program (RES 2025-071)

• Mayor Pro Tem Cavey recused herself due to employment with Verizon, a partner of Flock.
• Police Chief Jack Cauley presented the program as a natural evolution in technology. A three-year lease at $200,000 per year for two drones. The program includes automatic battery swap, radar, and FAA waiver coordination. Councilmember Davis inquired about anti-drone defenses; Chief Cauley explained they would locate and warn unauthorized drone operators. Councilmember Brooks asked about funding; Town Manager confirmed it is not from 2A funds and is a budgeted enhancement.
• Vote: Approved 6-0-1 (Cavey abstained).

Community Survey Discussion (DIR 2025-021)

• Assistant Town Manager Kristin Read presented highlights: 98% of performance questions scored 5 or above; town earned a 3.5-star rating (consistent since 2017). Key findings: 52% of residents said managing growth is the top issue; a new question found that population and housing growth are perceived as too fast, while infrastructure is perceived as too slow. Town Manager Corliss noted the challenge of funding infrastructure and open space, suggesting a review of impact fees and potential targeted transportation capital fees. Councilmember Cavey proposed requiring developers to maintain current roadway level of service and ensuring dedicated open space is usable. Councilmember Davis supported better signage about county parking. Councilmember Hollingshead highlighted upcoming infrastructure projects like the Crystal Valley Interchange and recreation center that will show planning results.

Key Outcomes

• Pine Canyon Annexation approved (7-0); zoning approved (4-3); development agreement approved (6-1).
• Heroes Hall Veterans Center resolution of support approved (7-0).
• Founders Vista site development plan approved (7-0).
• Brickyard Urban Renewal public finance agreement approved (7-0).
• Recreation Center COPs parameters and development agreement approved (7-0).
• Territorial Road Annexation substantial compliance approved (7-0); eligibility hearing set for July 15, 2025.
• Flock Safety Drone Program approved (6-0-1).
• Executive Session on Town Manager and Town Attorney annual performance evaluations continued to June 17, 2025 (7-0).
• Meeting extended to completion (7-0) and adjourned at 10:09 PM.