Castle Rock Town Council Regular Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Castle Rock Town Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation for Dyslexia Awareness Month, public comments on several topics, discussion and votes on multiple ordinances and resolutions, and a budget presentation. Key actions included approval of a landmark designation, community grants, an economic development agreement with AlloSource, a comprehensive update of the municipal criminal code, and a ban on retail kratom sales. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamation 2026-012 – Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026) was approved for presentation on October 6, 2026. (Unanimous vote)
• Minutes 2026-023 – The minutes from the September 1, 2026 meeting were approved. (Unanimous vote)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Support for Councilmember Mark Davis – Three residents (Andre Geniac, Janet Zodaway, Evan Fraser) spoke in favor of Councilmember Mark Davis, urging the council to reject recall efforts and supporting his stance against high-density development. Geniac criticized a coordinated campaign to sideline Davis, while Zodaway and Fraser emphasized that Davis’s mistake was minor and that they prefer him over developers.
• Criticism of Council Hypocrisy – Resident Megan (last name not given) accused Mayor Pro Tem Cavey and another councilmember of hypocrisy for promoting personal beliefs on a ballot issue after previously stating it was not the council’s role to influence voters.
• Golf Course Tee Time Fees – Resident Randy Reid requested that the council adjust the advanced tee time fee policy at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, arguing that the $25 non‑refundable fee disproportionately hurts residents (40% increase for residents vs. 30% for non‑residents). He proposed a $10 fee for residents.
• Kratom Ban – Several residents spoke against the proposed kratom ban (Items 13):
  • Susan McAfee (toxicologist) distinguished natural kratom from synthetic 7‑OH products, arguing the ban should target synthetics.
  • Karen Ann Harlos opposed the ban, stating it is an overreach and that natural kratom is a pain management alternative.
  • Wayne Harlos shared his personal success using kratom for chronic pain after being cut off from opioids.
  • Jacob Brinksten, a recovered opiate addict, credited kratom for his recovery and asked the council not to ban it.
  • Joseph Dale Franciscan, a casual user, noted kratom helps with anxiety and urged the council to consider the impact on local businesses.
  • Travis Turner (American Kratom Association) asked the council to distinguish natural leaf products from synthetic 7‑OH, stating that the DEA/FDA target synthetics.
  • Misty Brown, a mother from Gordon, shared her story of using natural kratom to overcome opioid addiction and pleaded with the council to ban only synthetic products.
• Retail Theft Ordinance – Margie Muniz agreed with Police Chief Collie’s remarks that the retail theft reporting requirement (Item 14) is unnecessary and could deter retailers from locating in Castle Rock.
• Water Fee Increases – Morgan Cullen, representing the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, asked the council to reconsider proposed water fee increases, noting that builders already pay over $100,000 in fees per home and that permit activity has dropped sharply.

Discussion Items

• Dyslexia Awareness Month Proclamation – The council presented a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Dyslexia Awareness Month and October 1, 2026, as Drive for Dyslexia Day. Representatives from ALTA Charitable Foundation and Away with Words spoke about the need for trained educators and the upcoming golf tournament.
• Council Comments – Councilmembers thanked staff for open houses, highlighted the new recreation center tour, promoted the upcoming Lost Canyon open house, noted the new cancer center, and encouraged attendance at various community events.
• Town Manager’s Report – David Corless reviewed upcoming events, including open houses, the state of the town event, and neighborhood meetings for proposed developments. He noted that the town-owned Cantrell School is zoned for multifamily.
• Development Services Updates – Staff provided updates on calendar reminders, monthly department reports, and quasi‑judicial projects (no action taken).

Key Outcomes

• Local Landmark Designation (422 Front Street – The Maples) – Ordinance 2026‑030 was approved on first reading, 6‑0 (Councilmember Davis recused). The property, built 1901‑1902, meets local landmark criteria for significance and integrity.
• Third Quarter Community Grants – Council unanimously approved $1,000 grants to Clothes to Kids of Denver (shoes for 153 students), ALTA Charitable Foundation (language therapy training), and Aspen Effect (mentoring for Castle Rock families).
• AlloSource Economic Assistance Agreement – Resolution 2026‑101 was approved unanimously. AlloSource, a life sciences company, will occupy 26,000 sq ft, create up to 300 jobs with 75% hired locally, and receive a 50% permit fee waiver plus up to $300,000 in pay‑for‑performance incentives.
• Bella Mesa Metropolitan District Amendment – Resolution 2026‑102 was approved unanimously. The fourth amendment allows the district to provide covenant enforcement and design review services for new developments without HOA, and clarifies fee authority and dissolution terms.
• Title 9 Repeal and Reenactment (Criminal Code) – Ordinance 2026‑031 was approved on first reading, 7‑0. The updated code adds definitions, clarifies mental states, modernizes offenses (disorderly conduct, theft, damage to property), and codifies state law on penalties, restitution, and public service.
• Kratom Ban – Ordinance 2026‑032 was approved on first reading, 6‑1 (Councilmember Bracken opposed). The ordinance prohibits all retail sales of kratom products for human consumption, expanding upon the 2019 ban on sales to minors.
• Retail Theft Reporting Requirement – Ordinance 2026‑033 was continued to a future meeting after council agreed to refine the definition of “large retailer” and establish a minimum threshold for reporting, following concerns from the police chief that it could harm trust with retailers.
• 2027 Budget Introduction – The 2027 budget was presented as an introduction. Key elements include five new police positions, five new fire positions, funding for the new sports center, road maintenance ($18.6 million), and continued LINK on‑demand service. No vote was taken; the budget will return for readings in October.
• Water & Sewer Rates and Fees Study – The 2026 rates and fees study was introduced. Proposed changes include a 4.76% overall rate increase, a new high‑usage surcharge for residential customers over 50,000 gallons per month, and adjustments to system development fees. No vote was taken; the item will return for readings in October.
• Water and Sewer Enterprise Revenue Bonds – Ordinance 2026‑034 was approved on first reading, 7‑0. It authorizes the issuance of up to $66 million in revenue bonds (or a $30 million CWCB loan) to fund water infrastructure projects, with maximum interest of 5% and final maturity by December 2046.
• Executive Session – Council voted 7‑0 to recess into executive session for legal advice regarding enforcement of Chapter 2.05 of the Town Code, not to return to open session.