Castle Rock Town Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Castle Rock Town Council met on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Councilmember Kevin Bracken was absent due to a family loss. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including proclamations, legislative updates, water quality maintenance, 2026 safety improvement projects, a downtown parking study, revisions to water and wastewater system development fees, and approval of construction contracts. All votes were unanimous except for the budget amendment where Mayor Pro Tem Cavey recused herself.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0) without discussion:
  • Resolution 2026-048: Approving the 2026 Spot Water Lease Agreement between the Town of Castle Rock and United Water and Sanitation District.
  • Proclamation 2026-007: Declaring May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month.
  • Minutes 2026-011: Approving the minutes from the April 7, 2026, Town Council meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan McAfee (resident): Expressed concern about the lack of ADA-accessible parking downtown, noted that new developments are attracting older residents who need more ADA spaces, and stated that shuttles are not helpful if not ADA-compliant.
• Kevin Tilson (Director of Castle Rock Downtown Alliance): Expressed support for a pedestrian bridge to the Fairgrounds, called the parking study a great resource, and offered to answer questions at public meetings.
• Morgan Cullen (Home Builders Association of Metro Denver): Spoke in support of the proposed tiered system development fee structure, stating it better reflects actual water demand, helps missing-middle housing, and noted that Castle Rock has the highest impact fees in the Denver metro area, which affects housing affordability.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Mayor Gray read proclamations for Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, and for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Heather Johnson accepted the latter, and Ann Barrington (Parker Council) spoke on behalf of Covered Colorado, a nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking.
• Legislative Update (ID 2026-044): Kristin Read presented updates on state legislation. Council approved a motion (6-0) to affirm staff’s recommended positions, including support for Senate Bill 172 (Front Range Passenger Rail local option) and moving one bill from opposed to monitor.
• Water Quality Maintenance (ID 2026-045): Mark Marlowe reported that the transition from chlorine back to chloramines will begin May 11, with a target completion by May 15. He also gave a drought update, noting that snowpack is at record lows and that a Stage 1 drought declaration will be requested on May 19, with a potential Stage 2 in mid-June.
• 2026 Safety Improvement Projects (ID 2026-046): Dan Sailer presented a $600,000 annual program including raised speed tables, pedestrian beacons, and signal enhancements. Council discussed how locations are selected and typical costs ($25,000-$30,000 per crossing).
• Downtown Castle Rock Parking Study (DIR 2026-012): Nick VanderKwaak (Fehr & Peers) presented findings. Key findings: on-street parking is heavily used but garages are underutilized; many parkers exceed the 2-hour limit. Strategies discussed include improving wayfinding, educating businesses, considering higher fines for habitual violators, and multimodal access. Mayor Pro Tem Cavey cautioned against fines that could deter customers, especially for businesses like Copper Falls Spa where clients stay for hours. Councilmember Davis noted the county parking garage top floor is underused. Councilmember Dietz suggested exploring a pedestrian bridge to the Fairgrounds. Town Manager Corliss outlined next steps: refresh wayfinding, educate downtown businesses, evaluate fines, look for new parking opportunities, and monitor future growth.
• Water and Wastewater Fee Revision (ORD 2026-014): Mark Marlowe presented a revised methodology for calculating fees for new single-family homes based on finished square footage, reflecting reduced water use due to the no-turf ordinance. Fees would range from 42% of a full single-family equivalent for homes under 2,000 sq. ft. to over 100% for larger homes. The change is expected to reduce revenues by about $4 million (10%). Councilmember Cavey expressed concern that this could drive construction of smaller homes. Councilmember Brooks noted broader state regulatory issues affecting housing. The ordinance passed 6-0 on first reading.
• Eminent Domain for Wastewater Project (ORD 2026-013): Mark Marlowe presented the first reading of an ordinance authorizing eminent domain for a 20-foot-wide easement for the Highway 85 wastewater force main. The town has already negotiated with most property owners; the process started in October and offers went out in April. Mayor Pro Tem Cavey expressed general opposition to eminent domain but voted yes after clarification that specific property disputes would come back to council. Passed 6-0 on first reading.
• Industrial Tributary Trail Project (RES 2026-049): Jeff Brauer presented the third amendment to the agreement with Wilson & Company, increasing the contract by $421,000 for design services. The trail connects Philip S. Miller Park to downtown Castle Rock. Passed 6-0.
• Link On Demand Microtransit Pilot (RES 2026-050): Town Manager Corliss and County Commissioner George Teal presented the IGA with Douglas County. The program will provide on-demand rides within Castle Rock and to Lone Tree and Parker, costing $2 million annually ($400,000 from town funds). No public comment. Passed 6-0.
• 6400 East Tributary Dam Reconstruction (RES 2026-051): Mark Marlowe presented the low bid of $3.35 million from 53 Corp. LLC for reconstructing the dam at Paintbrush Park and downstream rehabilitation. The pond will be drained for 13 months; fish will be relocated and restocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The project includes new fishing docks. Passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Legislative positions affirmed (6-0): Support for SB 172 and other positions as recommended by staff.
• Budget amendment (ORD 2026-012) approved on second reading (5-0, Cavey recused).
• Microtransit IGA (RES 2026-050) approved (6-0).
• Trail amendment (RES 2026-049) approved (6-0).
• Eminent domain ordinance (ORD 2026-013) passed first reading (6-0); second reading and potential property-specific hearings scheduled for May 5 and May 19.
• Water fee methodology (ORD 2026-014) passed first reading (6-0); second reading on May 5 with implementation planned for July 1.
• Dam reconstruction contract (RES 2026-051) approved (6-0); construction to begin in spring 2026 with a 13-month schedule.
• Parking study was discussed; no formal vote. Staff directed to proceed with wayfinding, education, and other next steps.