Castle Rock Town Council Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Castle Rock Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 North Wilcox Street. The meeting included the appointment of a Water Commission member, a detailed report from the Municipal Judge, consideration of a quasi-judicial rezoning, an annexation petition approval, purchase of open space, and amendments to property disposition procedures. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 2026-002 – Appointing substitute judges for the Municipal Court. Approved unanimously.
• Minutes 2026-001 – Meeting minutes from December 16, 2025. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-001 – Reappointment of David J. Thrower as Presiding Judge and approval of his service contract. Moved to separate vote; approved unanimously after comments from Councilmembers Brooks, Bracken, and Hollingshead praising Judge Thrower's professionalism and the positive feedback from the community.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Crystal Valley Ranch PD Amendment (ORD 2026-001):
  • Susan McAfee, a Crystal Valley resident, spoke against the rezoning. She criticized the developer for not attending the Planning Commission meeting, alleged a lack of transparency regarding a 135-foot buffer promised to the neighborhood, and stated that the developer's map did not show the buffer as agreed. She urged the Council to hold the developer accountable and not proceed with the amendment.
  • No other public comments were made on other agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to Castle Rock Water Commission: Chuck Coacher was appointed for a partial term ending May 31, 2026, following an interview panel recommendation. Councilmembers noted Coacher's regular attendance at meetings and expertise. Unanimous approval.
• Municipal Judge's Report (David J. Thrower):
  • Judge Thrower reported on his nine months on the bench, highlighting smooth transitions due to professional staff and the Osmus Law Firm's prosecution services. He noted 3,047 new cases filed in 2025 with 3,886 dispositions (some from prior years), approximately 90% being traffic and parking violations. The court is in session the second Wednesday of each month, with trials on the last Wednesday.
  • He discussed the December 22, 2025 Colorado Supreme Court ruling that municipal court penalties cannot exceed state penalties for similar offenses, which will require adjustments. Councilmember Brooks expressed disappointment in the ruling, calling it an overreach of state authority and questioning home rule. Councilmember Dietz noted the Supreme Court is appointed by the Governor.
  • Judge Thrower stated he will comply with the current law and is involved in discussions via the Colorado Municipal League on potential code changes.
• Update: 2026 Major Projects List and Calendar Reminders: Town Manager David Corliss presented an overview of major projects already approved in the 2026 budget and provided calendar updates, including the Fire & Rescue annual banquet, a multi-jurisdictional coffee event, Parks and Recreation’s winter ball, and neighborhood meetings for several developments.
• Development Services Project Updates (Tara Vargish): Pre-applications presented for projects across council districts, including an 800 sq ft addition to a medical office building at the hospital, 22 townhomes in The Meadows, an interactive game show attraction in the industrial park, a 322-unit multifamily development near the movie theater, a rezoning for 51 single-family homes (Alexander Place), a 7,000-linear-foot fiber build-out in The Lanterns, a Quick Trip fueling center with 20 pumps south of downtown, and three potential sites for CDOT's mobility hub. Also noted a first inquiry on the Cambridge Heights Planned Development (5 acres for neighborhood commercial, 7 acres for 100 multifamily units) zoned in 2003.
• Quasi-Judicial Hearing: Crystal Valley Ranch PD Amendment No. 7 (ORD 2026-001) – First Reading:
  • The proposal rezones a 45-foot strip of public land (Rhyolite Park) to residential use in exchange for a 0.915-acre public land dedication on the east side, shifting the development area westward to create a larger buffer for existing homes. The developer agreed to a single-family layout (112 units) instead of allowed multifamily, and the swap was memorialized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) approved in October 2025.
  • Councilmembers expressed concerns: Mayor Pro Tem Cavey said the developer has shown no compromise; Councilmember Dietz suggested the developer contribute $500,000 and adjust the plan for a larger western buffer; Councilmember Bracken and Town Attorney Hyman noted that rejecting the amendment could trigger default on the MOU, allowing the developer to build as originally entitled (multifamily with no buffer).
  • The motion to approve passed 4-3 (Gray, Hollingshead, Bracken, Brooks in favor; Cavey, Davis, Dietz opposed).
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Annexation (RES 2026-003): Resolution finding the petition in substantial compliance with state law and setting an eligibility hearing for February 17, 2026. The property (16.5 acres, unincorporated Douglas County) is served by Castle Rock Water but has its own septic; annexation would require full town services. Staff recommended approval. Passed 7-0.
• Lost Canyon Ranch Purchase (RES 2026-004): Resolution approving the purchase and sale agreement for a 35-acre inholding adjacent to Lost Canyon Ranch open space (purchased in 2023) from the Guardian Angel Trust for $1,100,000, including non-tributary groundwater rights and well infrastructure. Funding from Conservation Trust Fund and a contribution from Castle Rock Water. The seller is a willing seller, and the town has a 60-day diligence period with an April 1, 2026 closing deadline. Councilmembers praised the acquisition for safeguarding open space and scenic views. Passed 7-0.
• Ordinance Amending Property Disposition and Lease Code (ORD 2026-002) – First Reading: Amendments to Sections 14.02.040 and 14.02.050 of the Municipal Code to (1) allow council to approve property exchanges by resolution, (2) allow conveyances to nonprofit entities under certain conditions with a reversion right, (3) authorize the Town Manager to administratively vacate unimproved rights-of-way or easements no longer needed, and (4) simplify leasing by allowing council approval by resolution instead of ordinance. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Chuck Coacher appointed to Castle Rock Water Commission (unanimous).
• Consent Calendar (adjusted): RES 2026-002 and MIN 2026-001 approved unanimously. RES 2026-001 (Judge Thrower reappointment) approved unanimously after separate vote.
• Quasi-Judicial: ORD 2026-001 (Crystal Valley Ranch PD Amendment) approved 4-3 (Gray, Hollingshead, Bracken, Brooks yes; Cavey, Davis, Dietz no).
• Annexation: RES 2026-003 (St. Francis of Assisi substantial compliance) approved 7-0; eligibility hearing set for February 17, 2026.
• Open Space Purchase: RES 2026-004 (Lost Canyon Ranch 35-acre acquisition) approved 7-0.
• Code Amendment: ORD 2026-002 (property disposition and lease amendments) approved 7-0 on first reading.
• Meeting Adjourned at 7:17 PM, moved by Councilmember Bracken, seconded by Councilmember Hollingshead, approved unanimously.