[0:12] >> Good evening. We'll open the invocation.
[0:17] Heavenly father, your guidance and support in this meeting.
[0:20] We gather intent on doing good work.
[0:24] We seek to represent those in our task.
[0:28] And give us clarity and strength to use our bless
[0:31] skills and residents. Bless our business and visitors
[0:36] and help us to continue doing good work in your name.
[0:39] Amen. Roll call, please.
[0:43] >> Council member Ryan Hollingshead.
[0:47] Council member [ En.
[0:57] Mark mark, max max, Tim Dietz. >> Please rise for the pledge
[1:00] of allegiance. [ Pledge of allegiance]
[1:22] >> I'll go ahead and start with council comments.
[1:26] One of the things I wanted to mention that a lot of people
[1:30] maybe do know or don't know about.
[1:34] I was -- thad privilege last week of fishing with project
[1:40] healing waters. It's an organization that takes
[1:44] out veterans fishing. It's a great organization
[1:47] that's nation wide. If you're a veteran, I more
[1:53] than suggest that you go ahead and reach out to Project
[2:00] Healing Waters. They're a great organization.
[2:03] If you want to volunteer, they're fantastic.
[2:07] September is suicide awareness and prevention month.
[2:10] You know, our veterans and young adults are the two
[2:16] highest suicide rates in America.
[2:20] And really sad, it's really hard.
[2:23] And I encourage you to reach out to people who are in need.
[2:27] Remember you can call 988 suicide hotline.
[2:32] It's completely anonymous and a good number to call when you're
[2:38] in need. With that,
[2:42] >> Thank you, mayor. I wanted to thank all town
[2:47] staff for last night. We had a nice turnout.
[2:50] Our staff is always so prepared.
[2:54] Tons of answers for everyone. Encourage you to go and get
[2:57] informed. Thanks.
[2:59] >> Thanks. Councilmember bracken.
[3:07] >> Thank you for everybody who came out and wanted to learn
[3:12] more about district three and saw a few faces out there today
[3:18] and happy to follow up on anything needed.
[3:22] >> Councilman Davis. >> I was fortunate enough to
[3:26] get a tour of the new rec center.
[3:29] This was exciting. Once you get inside and you
[3:32] start seeing all the basketball courts, pickleball courts,
[3:35] volleyball. Everything is kind of separated
[3:40] from junior high skills to high school skills and Brian from
[3:45] the rec department got to walk me and Dave through that.
[3:49] I went last Wednesday. I think it took about an hour
[3:52] and a half just to walk through this building.
[3:55] This rec center is just going to be fantastic.
[3:58] I wanted to say thank you for -- I think it's Saunders
[4:02] working on that. And great group.
[4:06] And Brian, just being the PM for that.
[4:10] He's doing a phenomenal job. That thing is turning out
[4:13] fantastic. I wanted to thank all of you
[4:15] for that. >> Thank you.
[4:20] Councilmember brooks >> First a shout out to parks
[4:24] and recs and everybody that works on the lost canyon,
[4:28] volunteers. Had an opportunity to get
[4:31] throughout today and get on one of the trails, probably ill
[4:35] advised for me to do so but I decided to jog for most of one
[4:38] of them. So, I've been chewing on Advil.
[4:48] I encourage you to come on out there.
[4:51] It's the highlight of the open house tour of the year.
[4:54] It's coming up this Thursday. No offense to anybody else, but
[4:58] let's just be real. It's this Thursday.
[5:02] It's my open house at the Lost Canyon open space.
[5:06] If you've not been yet, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
[5:11] All the departments will be up there.
[5:13] I know parks and rec will be up there talking about the trails
[5:17] they have, and trails that coming.
[5:20] They're groomed exceptionally well.
[5:22] Such a great piece of land over a square mile of conservation
[5:25] easement. I encourage you to come out and
[5:28] check that out if you've not done that.
[5:31] I want to mention a couple of things on the chambers
[5:34] 'calendar. One, at the calf Lowell ranch.
[5:40] Just south of town here. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
[5:44] September 23rd. If you're in the non-profit
[5:49] space in Castle Rock, this is a must attend.
[5:51] It basically is an opportunity to showcase your Castle Rock
[5:56] nonprofit. Sharing missions, recruiting
[5:59] volunteers. Something you cosign up for on
[6:02] the chamber website. So, I would encourage you to
[6:05] check that out if you're in the non-profit space, particularly
[6:09] if you're in Castle Rock. And finally, there's a town
[6:14] council candidate forum that the chamber is hosting, I think
[6:17] on their website it still says details will follow.
[6:20] That's on the fifth of October. So, time and location I don't
[6:24] think has been completely been put into stone yet.
[6:27] If you want to know who's running for the seats, three
[6:30] seats, mayor, district three and my seat, then definitely
[6:35] come out and listen to those candidates.
[6:39] >> A little lengthy but thank you.
[6:42] Council member Tim Dietz >> Thank you, council.
[6:46] I look at everybody here and I'm just grateful to god.
[6:50] Just grateful that he thinks we all can do and be and where we
[6:54] are today. So, I just want to praise god
[6:58] tonight. Thank you.
[7:00] >> Thank you. Laura Cavey
[7:05] >> Yes, I've been working with our assistant town manager for
[7:10] a couple of years with a partnership over at the Douglas
[7:16] county high school this Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00.
[7:19] It's free. So, anybody who needs to
[7:23] recycle some paint, please come over.
[7:25] I think there's also one of the sports teams out there, maybe
[7:29] trying to fundraise a little bit from one of their teams.
[7:33] So, please go over there and support them.
[7:36] Secondly, I want to talk about something good.
[7:39] I got to go to the horizon of hope event a couple of weeks
[7:43] ago, which is an event honoring all the people that helped open
[7:47] our new cancer center. So.
[7:50] >> Of you didn't know we have a new cancer center in town.
[7:54] Everybody up here on the council worked very hard to
[7:56] bring that to this town. We did a lot.
[8:00] We waved impact fees. We did a lot of things to help
[8:06] have our own cancer center here in this town.
[8:08] And they had to still do $14 million worth of fundraising,
[8:14] and they did it. Our cancer center is open.
[8:18] We got to hear from some of the people in the cancer center and
[8:22] how wonderful it is to have something like that in the
[8:26] community today instead of having to drive to Lone Tree or
[8:30] Denver. It's one of the amazing things
[8:36] this council has done. I want to encourage everybody
[8:39] to go over there and take a look.
[8:41] Final thing, I have an open house.
[8:43] It is on the 29th of this month and it will be at fire station
[8:49] 155 from 4:00 to 6:00. Thanks, mayor.
[8:53] >> Absolutely. Next on the agenda, I have a
[8:56] proclamation. Dyslexia awareness month.
[9:05] October 1st, 2026. Whereas dyslexia is a
[9:11] neurological difference that effects the development of
[9:14] accurate and fluid reading. Spelling and written language
[9:18] skills, while bearing no relationship to a person's
[9:23] intelligence, creativity or potential, and whereas children
[9:27] and adults can succeed when they received evidence-based
[9:32] structure from appropriately trained professionals and
[9:35] whereas Castle Rock is home to a way words, a specialized
[9:40] academic language therapy center that provides dyslexia
[9:44] therapy for those in local clinic and area schools,
[9:47] offering a level of specialized access for communities across
[9:50] the country that do not have. And whereas the center reaches
[9:54] many Castle Rock area students and families.
[9:57] DWLET need for a qualified dyslexia therapist and
[10:02] practitioners, continue to exceed services available.
[10:05] Whereas the inaugural drive will be held October 1st, 2026
[10:10] at the ridge Castle Pines north to raise awareness and funding
[10:15] for college-based training scholarships.
[10:18] And 100% of the proceeds will help build a sustainable
[10:22] network for qualified professionals to serve our
[10:25] students and families for years to come.
[10:29] And now the town of Castle Rock, Colorado, proclaims
[10:35] October as dyslexia awareness month in Castle Rock and
[10:39] recognizes October 1st, 2026, and encourages residents,
[10:44] schools, businesses and schools, organizations to learn
[10:47] about dyslexia. Recognize the strength and
[10:50] potential in individuals with dyslexia and support efforts to
[10:56] expand evidence-based intervention across the
[11:00] community and adopted by the town of Castle Rock in the town
[11:06] council of Colorado, first and final reading.
[11:09] I think we do have somebody who wanted to speak on that
[11:13] tonight? Thank you.
[11:17] It's a silver button. And my father had dyslexia as
[11:21] well. He took classes up until he was
[11:25] really an elder adult. So, thanks you guys.
[11:29] >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and
[11:34] members of Castle Rock Town Council.
[11:36] It's truly an honor for us to be here today.
[11:39] I thing it's incredibly important it's recognizing
[11:43] dyslexia because this reflects a significant number of people
[11:46] right here in the community. If we use the commonly sited
[11:50] estimate, siting that roughly one in five people experience
[11:55] characteristics of dyslexia, here in Castle Rock, we're
[11:59] talking about 16,000 people and that doesn't include parents,
[12:03] teachers, siblings and families who walk along side them.
[12:06] The numbers are significant but there's a hopeful message.
[12:09] With the right structured literacy intervention, they can
[12:17] become successful readers. Support from the town of Castle
[12:20] Rock and programs like your community grant program help
[12:24] strengthen the people and the organizations working directly
[12:27] with these members of our community.
[12:29] When we create awareness, provide support and connect
[12:32] with students with effective intervention, we can change
[12:36] outcomes. Thank you again to the town of
[12:41] Castle Rock for recognizing dyslexia and supporting the
[12:46] students and our family. >> Thank you, T.J.
[12:51] As he mentioned, the right intervention, students with
[12:54] dyslexia can become successful readers.
[12:57] But access to the kind of specialized instruction depends
[13:02] on having highly trained educators.
[13:04] That is one of the reasons that the charitable foundation
[13:10] created the drive for dyslexia. On October 1st, we will THOES
[13:14] inaugural drive for dyslexia golf tournament in Colorado
[13:19] with proceeds supporting scholarship for specialides
[13:24] dyslexia training. By increasing the number of
[13:29] educators with this training, we increase the number of
[13:32] students and family whose have access to effective
[13:34] instruction. We're deeply grateful to the
[13:37] town of Castle Rock for recognizing October 1st as
[13:43] drive for dyslexia day and helping bring greater awareness
[13:46] to this important issue. Thank you.
[13:51] >> Thank you, guys. [ Applause ]
[14:08] >> Next, the time is reserved for members to make a
[14:13] presentation on items or issues not in the agenda.
[14:18] And nor will council make decisions on the items at this
[14:22] time. You may refer to items in staff
[14:25] for follow up. Three minutes for speaker, 30
[14:28] minutes total. Residents will begin priority
[14:32] and already signed up and followed by nonresidents and
[14:37] businesses outside of town of Castle Rock as time permits and
[14:41] accepting public comment on crgov/comments.gov and be
[14:51] included in public record. I have a handful of people
[14:54] signed up to speak. There's several people who
[14:57] didn't put a number or unscheduled.
[15:00] So, Andre. I can't pronounce your last
[15:03] name. Are you on scheduled comment or
[15:07] scheduled? Unscheduled?
[15:09] Great. Please do.
[15:13] >> You can sit down and just push the mic.
[15:16] There you go. Null mic down.
[15:20] >> First time. Long time listener, first time
[15:23] caller. Sorry.
[15:26] Good evening, mayor, members of council, fellow residents.
[15:32] My name is Andre and I'm here to speak on behalf of
[15:39] councilman mark mark. I'm resident of district four.
[15:43] I'm a voter and I've lived here for 20 years.
[15:49] And I am speaking to address the recent attacks on Mark's
[15:57] integrity and express my unwavering confidence in the
[16:00] work he's doing here. And for this community and of
[16:04] course my district. Our neighborhood.
[16:07] When I cast my vote for Mark Davis, I did not vote for a
[16:11] passive seat warmer. I voted for a man of
[16:14] conviction, that would stand up against the unchecked, rampant
[16:19] growth that threatens the character and heritage of our
[16:22] town. He campaigned on real reform,
[16:27] specifically reigning in the high-density development and
[16:31] bringing account tonight unelected boards that have
[16:36] prioritized outside inters over families like mine who actually
[16:39] live here. We've seen a coordinated
[16:43] campaign aimed at sidelining him through these political
[16:49] attacked manufactured out rage and weaponides recall effort.
[16:53] They're not interested in the well being of every day
[16:56] citizens like myself and many of those in this room.
[17:00] They're protecting their own interests and trying to silence
[17:05] the one or one on the council that refuses to bend a knee
[17:09] thee developer lobby. Not saying the rest of you do
[17:12] that. Just making note of it.
[17:16] When a public servant pushes back against political
[17:21] pressure, the establishment calls it playing hardball or
[17:26] fabricates corruption. What we see Mark doing, as a
[17:32] voter, I see him standing up for me.
[17:35] I don't call playing hardball. I know that he has my interests
[17:39] at heart. Although this
[17:46] politically-motivated attack, I know he's refusing to be
[17:49] bullied and he stands up for us.
[17:52] And I would say he's proven himself a man of upright
[17:56] character, focussed on serving us, the families, the
[18:00] neighborhoods and the future of Castle Rock.
[18:02] He's taken the heat because he's actually doing the job we
[18:05] sent him there to do. Challenging -- holding the
[18:10] line, challenging the status quo and putting residents
[18:13] first. I urge council to reject tease
[18:20] partisan tactics and respect at the will of the voters that put
[18:24] him here. >> Thank you, Andre.
[18:27] Appreciate it. And you wanted them to, quote,
[18:32] vote without influence from us, end quote.
[18:35] You went on to reiterate at the meeting that quote, my look of
[18:39] support for this is 100% about I don't feel like it's
[18:45] necessarily our job to promote a vote on the ballot.
[18:49] I feel it needs to be reviewed without influence from council.
[18:54] At the September 25, 2023 meeting, you stated a similar
[18:59] resolution the previous year and it was unchanged.
[19:03] So, I went back to the September 2022 council meeting
[19:10] where you said it's not in the purview to influence which way
[19:14] they vote. I'm calling you out on your
[19:18] hypocrisy for using your elected position to promote
[19:22] your own bigoted beliefs and breaking your own
[19:26] self-professed moral code to do so.
[19:27] >> Thank you, Megan. Next Randy Reed.
[19:53] >> Mayor, council, thank you very much for this opportunity
[19:55] to address you tonight. This is an issue that I'm
[20:02] asking you to consider. This has been going on for
[20:04] about three years now. And it has to do with
[20:11] recreation amenity of the town of Castle Rock.
[20:14] The town is a full-service, free-standing community and in
[20:19] 1999, town of Castle Rock created the red hot ridge golf
[20:23] course. Obviously for residents and a
[20:26] resident recreational facility. Of course, we'd welcome
[20:30] nonresidents. About three years ago -- let me
[20:34] back up. At that time when the
[20:38] conception of the golf course, residents could have 8-day
[20:42] advance, and non-residents would have seven days.
[20:45] Three years ago, a policy was instituted that if you wanted
[20:51] to get a tee time prior to eight days but less than 30
[20:56] days, you'd pay an additional charge of $20.
[21:00] I think that was upped to $25 last year to do that, for
[21:04] the -- it was nonrefundable, $25 charge to get one
[21:08] outside -- above eight days and no longer than 30 days out.
[21:13] This actually has become a very deterrent to the residents and
[21:21] it was a recreational community for the residents.
[21:24] A non-resident, that increase of $25, only represents a 30%
[21:30] increase for their agreeing fee.
[21:32] A resident, it represents a 40% increase.
[21:36] Not fair to the resident for the resident is the -- what
[21:39] this recreational facility was created for.
[21:42] I understand the golf course is an enterprised fund, which
[21:47] means it's not a revenue generator for the town of
[21:49] Castle Rock. So, therefore, I'd say we need
[21:54] to take a good look at this. I understand that revenue helps
[21:59] the golf course -- it's a wonderful golf course.
[22:02] Great amenity to this community.
[22:03] But it's become a deterrent to the residents.
[22:08] This policy has worked against the residents of the town of
[22:11] Castle Rock. I know you don't want to give
[22:13] up that revenue. I get that.
[22:16] But I think there needs to be an adjustment and what I would
[22:22] propose to council to direct parks and rec, they would only
[22:30] have a $10 fee of the advanced tee time.
[22:33] Where the non-residents would pay 25.
[22:37] There needs to be some sort of adjustment there.
[22:57] He got up at midnight. It was 120.
[23:09] Next we have Janet. Can't pronounce that last name
[23:13] either. >> I'm here on behalf of Mark
[23:40] Davis to support him. I'm a Colorado native that
[23:44] lived in Castle Rock for 26 years.
[23:45] We went around to promote his Town Council integrity.
[23:58] One of the things he ran on. Most residents I think prefer.
[24:09] I think what happened was a mistake.
[24:12] He was trying to appease maybe the developer.
[24:15] Maybe didn't do it in the right way as a Town Council person
[24:19] because he doesn't have any leverage to do anything outside
[24:22] of the whole board. I think this mistake is being
[24:26] politically motivated to try to upseat him so they can replace
[24:31] him with people that are part of the downtown development
[24:36] board and the design board. And one of the candidates
[24:40] that's running for mayor, they're all in cahoots with
[24:44] wanting to change what's happening with downtown Castle
[24:47] Rock. Mark stood his ground and he's
[24:50] being persecuted for it, I see. So, I just want to say I think
[24:55] he's a great Town Council district member and want to see
[25:02] him stay. >> Kevin Frazier.
[25:23] >> My name is Evan Frazier. I'm here to support Mark Davis.
[25:30] I didn't find out about this until last night.
[25:34] But I think the thing we're all hearing is whether Mark made a
[25:38] mistake or not, we're all sick and tired of the development.
[25:42] We don't want to see this high density.
[25:44] It is ruining our city. I think that's what we put Mark
[25:52] in charge of and that's why we wanted to stay.
[25:56] And I'd rather see developers and people like Miles Davis
[26:01] leave and not come back. Thank you.
[26:04] >> Thank you, Evan. I just got public comments.
[26:11] Moving on to the town report. >> Good evening.
[26:15] A few items to go over this evening.
[26:21] As we've been talking about, we have open houses.
[26:24] There we go. Council member Brooks is here
[26:31] on Thursday. If you haven't had an
[26:34] opportunity to get to Lost Canyon Ranch, this is your
[26:39] chance to do so. I think it's going to be
[26:42] spectacular at the ends of the day.
[26:44] We appreciate the community coming, in particularly, the
[26:48] residents in district five. You see the other open houses
[26:52] there as well. And we really appreciate the
[26:57] opportunity to hear from citizens I know that council
[27:03] members and Mayor ProTem do as well.
[27:08] I know we have the county employees years of service
[27:11] celebration. September 30th is a very
[27:14] important day in my life. It was the birthday of my first
[27:17] daughter. And they said September 30th is
[27:21] the most beautiful day of the year and it usually is.
[27:24] It's going to be a great morning to celebrate with our
[27:28] employees that years of service celebration.
[27:34] Moving into October, the state of the town event, the entire
[27:38] community is invited to attend that.
[27:41] On October 2nd, the fire department is hosting a values
[27:45] and vision celebration. Council, you are particularly
[27:48] invited to attend that as well. You all have been invited to
[27:55] the well spring event. The community and Town Council
[27:58] have been strong supporters of well spring.
[28:01] We like the go and celebrate with them.
[28:03] And then we've got on October 8 when the open house that Castle
[28:08] Rock water is hosting on their strategic resources master
[28:13] plan. It's a great opportunity for
[28:16] all of the community to come and learn about what we're
[28:19] doing for water now and what our plans are for in the
[28:22] future. We get questions at open
[28:25] houses. We're more than happy to
[28:28] respond to them in whatever venue you want.
[28:31] Email, phone call, come to an open house.
[28:34] But here's an opportunity to also engage with Mark and his
[28:38] staff in regards to the water plan that we have.
[28:41] And finally, you have on your calendars I we have an
[28:45] appreciation event for our boards and commission on
[28:48] October 29th. Just a few.
[28:53] We're kind of winding down the concert season there with
[28:59] another free concert here on the 17th of September.
[29:05] And that will be right after the open house.
[29:09] And then we've got Oktoberfest. Which I've learned doesn't
[29:14] always have to be in October. Apparently in Germany, they
[29:18] start early. So, we're starting early as
[29:21] well here, this weekend. And I know Kevin tillsen, the
[29:26] town down merchant's association, they put this on.
[29:30] We obviously have some help. And Kevin and Kara and that
[29:35] whole group do a good job putting that on.
[29:37] We certainly encourage the community to attend.
[29:40] And then we've got a few other items as well.
[29:45] On September 26th, parks is supporting an event at Los
[29:51] Canyon ranch. I started showing up.
[29:54] We're going to start clipping barbed wire that's left over
[29:58] from the old ranching days that make it feel more like open
[30:01] space. Going to be a neat event as
[30:05] well. And moving into neighborhood
[30:07] meetings. The town goes beyond what state
[30:11] law requires for development. We require a series of open
[30:17] meetings for proposed development.
[30:20] You see those set out there. These are hosted by the
[30:24] developer. We have town staff there to
[30:27] answer any kind of general questions.
[30:30] But these are the opportunities for the applicant to interact
[30:35] with their neighbors and anybody else interested in
[30:39] regards to that project. The one there on September
[30:42] 30th, that is obviously the town-owned Cantrel school.
[30:49] It's zoned >> Thank you, mayor, members of
[30:52] council. No report.
[30:54] >> Thank you. Moving on to the acceptance of
[30:58] the agenda. For motion to accept agenda as
[31:04] presented. Second by mayor pro tem and
[31:16] council member Bracken. >>.
[31:24] [ Roll call] >> Motion passes.
[31:28] >> Moving on to calendar. They've been voted on a single
[31:35] motion without discussion. Member six, proclamation,
[31:39] 2026-12. Fire prevention week.
[31:43] And October 10, 2026. Seven minutes, 23 minutes,
[31:48] September 1st, 2026, September council meeting.
[31:52] I accept the motion. >> Second.
[31:56] >> And second member pro tem cavey.
[32:00] Roll call, please. >> Council member Brooks,
[32:08] dietz. Mayor pro tem Laura Cavey, and
[32:13] Mayor Jason Gray. Motion passes unanimously.
[32:16] >> The following items are due-process hearings required
[32:20] under Colorado law. To afford all parties due
[32:24] process under law, they must be fair and impartial and decide
[32:27] whether an application should be approved with conditions or
[32:30] denied. Each council member must
[32:34] consider for the record, planning and recommendation,
[32:38] applicant presentation and public comment presented during
[32:40] the hearing and other public comments offered before or
[32:43] duffering the hearing. Under law, Town Council must
[32:48] evaluate the proposal solely on the record and criteria
[32:52] established under municipal code, which is highlighted in
[32:54] the staff report. For it's important each council
[32:59] member must remain objective on information offered into record
[33:03] during the hearing. If they feel incapable to vote
[33:07] on due process requirements, please describe the situation
[33:11] and recuse yourself from further participation.
[33:14] Does any council member have a conflict or interest he or she
[33:19] would like the discuss prior to the proceeding?
[33:22] Has this been properly noticed under applicable notes for
[33:27] these land-use hearings? >> They have.
[33:30] >> They'll hear from the applicant, public and staff,
[33:34] four minutes per speaker. 2026-30.
[33:40] Ordinance with 422 front street, Naples as local
[33:43] landmark, amending 15-64-060 of the Castle Rock municipal code.
[33:49] >> Thank you, mayor and Town Council.
[33:52] This is 422 front street, historically known as the
[33:56] Naples. It's located in the Craigen
[34:01] gull neighborhood, our first historical residential zone in
[34:04] town. About .2 acres incise and
[34:09] located south of fifth street. The history about this
[34:12] property. And as part of the local
[34:17] landmark process, we hire a contractor to do what's called
[34:20] a cultural resource survey on the property that goes into the
[34:24] details of the historical nature of it, that is in
[34:28] attachment to the staff report. This home was constructed in
[34:32] 1901 and 1902 by George Stewart.
[34:34] A 1.5 story classic cottage home.
[34:39] It was -- he had historical significance ties to the
[34:42] community. And a lot of different ways.
[34:44] But one of which is he also owned the land around the rock
[34:48] zone. We'll touch on that a little
[34:50] bit. Historically been a home.
[34:54] Front street does allow business uses in the same area
[34:56] too. Wanted to give a touch on that.
[35:01] Here's what the home looks like.
[35:03] Here's a picture. You can see that it is clad in
[35:10] locally-quaryed we lite. Construction finished in 1902.
[35:17] These are not historical windows.
[35:21] it's a roof with over hanging eves and you can see it has a
[35:24] small dormer on the front. On the front porch, the half
[35:29] porch is the main entrance. The other shows access off the
[35:32] rear side. It's served by front street and
[35:35] the alley behind it. It has a more modern handicap
[35:40] access to it now. So, how does a local landmark
[35:45] process work? We laid out the two main areas
[35:48] in the code. The property must meet two of
[35:51] the criteria and the first significance column and one or
[35:55] more in the historic integrity column.
[36:00] They found that it does meet four different ones under the
[36:03] significance column. Part of the early development
[36:06] of the Craig and gold addition to town.
[36:10] Classic cottage architecture style and clad in the rye lite
[36:15] and the Stewart family has owned it for more than four
[36:19] decades and they were prominent members of the community at the
[36:21] time. Under historical integrity,
[36:25] they meet all criteria. Staff reviewed it, took oo to
[36:30] the historical reservation board and found it met the
[36:36] criteria for landmarking. And the applicant, David BRAUN,
[36:42] I believe is in attendance tonight and we're happy to
[36:46] answer any questions you may have in consideration of the
[36:49] motion. >> Any questions for Tara?
[36:55] Would the applicant like to sneak he doesn't have to.
[36:59] If you want to. Yes, sir.
[37:11] If someone wishes to speak, come to the podium, state your
[37:16] name whether you're a resident, non-resident, business owner.
[37:20] Seeing none, we'll bring it back to counsel for further
[37:23] discussion and a motion. >> Motion to approve ordinance.
[37:25] >> Second. >> We have a first and a second
[37:30] and Mark Davis needs to speak. >> I need to recuse myself.
[37:33] I know the owner. >> Thank you, Mark.
[37:41] I have a first from council member brooks and a second from
[37:48] Ryan Hollingshead. Roll call
[37:52] >> Council member Ryan Hollingshead, council member
[37:58] Kevin Bracken, council member Max Brooks.
[38:04] And Tim Dietz. Motion passes 6-0.
[38:08] >> Thank you. Next discuss action items
[38:13] number nine. Direction, discussion,
[38:17] 2026-2022. Direction applications for the
[38:21] third quarter grant program and three eligible applicants.
[38:26] Trigs >> Thank you, mayor pro tem and
[38:29] mayor and council. I'm here to present the third
[38:33] quarter applications for the grant PRAgram.
[38:39] Some changes in the requirements.
[38:41] These are changes council approved in third quarter, I
[38:44] believe it was, 2025. I'm not going through all of
[38:47] those. I just want them up there so we
[38:51] can see what we're comparing applications to for approval.
[38:56] Overview of our current budget. Council had approved a $20,000
[39:01] budget for this program and we allocate that 5,000 per quarter
[39:05] and five grants per quarter would equate to $5,000 per
[39:08] grant. First and second quarter.
[39:12] Council provided three grants each of $1,000 each.
[39:16] We have spent 6,000. This is a lot of math.
[39:19] So, we spent 6,000. A remaining budget of 14,000
[39:23] for the year. We're looking at quarters,
[39:26] three. We've received three
[39:30] applications we believe are eligible for the grant program.
[39:32] One we did receive, we forwarded over to the art
[39:36] program because it was no longer eligible under the new
[39:38] requirements. First item the kids of Denver
[39:43] They've received grants in the past.
[39:45] They're doing a promotion called "choose for every
[39:50] shopper." So, they provide clothing and
[39:52] shoes to families or students of low income or in-crisis
[39:57] families. And they're trying to get --
[40:00] provide new shoes for about 153 students.
[40:05] They're asking for $1,000 to help in that effort.
[40:09] And the Alta charitable foundation.
[40:12] This is an organization out of Texas that you heard is a local
[40:15] focus here. And I believe they're called "a
[40:19] way words." And they're asking for a
[40:22] thousand dollars to fund education.
[40:27] Language training for therapy credentials.
[40:31] The last one we have is called the Aspen effect.
[40:38] Where they compare with mentors and they work with youth to
[40:44] prevent mental health crisis, harmful behaviors, and really
[40:48] the partnership between the mentors and the animals in that
[40:50] ranch setting. And they're asking for a
[40:53] thousand dollars as well. And that would be to support
[40:56] two Castle Rock families to participate in the program.
[41:00] So, those are the three organizations that we are
[41:03] presenting for consideration this evening.
[41:05] Quickly, I'm just going to show you the eligibility process for
[41:08] each of these. Clothes to kids of Denver.
[41:12] Every item, they met eligibility.
[41:15] It is not locally based but they do provide local benefit.
[41:19] That was something that council in the past always wanted to
[41:24] know with that organization. Similar to the Alta charitable
[41:31] foundation, not Castle Rock based but it is a local chapter
[41:36] of the Alta foundation. And aspen qualified for each of
[41:41] the five attributes we look for.
[41:44] There's that's all I have. And I believe there's members
[41:48] of each organization in the audience should you have
[41:51] questions or like to comment. >> Would any of the three
[41:54] organizations like to speak? You don't have to.
[41:57] Yes, sir. >> Mayor Gray and councilman.
[42:15] Thank you for this opportunity. We served -- I remember
[42:23] councilman Dietz were serving over 250 kids and this year
[42:32] over 300 kids. And we've started a
[42:35] parent-support program. So, I believe we can add value
[42:40] and I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be fund by the
[42:43] city. >> Thank you very much.
[42:46] Any questions? Thank you.
[42:52] I have no -- if anyone wishes to speak, come to the podium
[42:56] and state resident, nonresident or business owner.
[42:58] Four minutes to speak. Seeing none, we'll bring that
[43:02] back to Town Council for a possible motion and discussion.
[43:06] >> May MR mayor, I move funding to the following organizations
[43:13] agreement with Aloe source to help bring jobs and capital
[43:18] investment to Castle Rock. Primary employers are very
[43:22] important to our community. They provide jobs for our
[43:26] community. And allow our residents a
[43:30] high-quality of life. Because they can work and live
[43:33] in the same community. And so, that is what our
[43:37] organization strives to do. And just so everybody
[43:42] understands from primary employment.
[43:43] Those are jobs that create something and export those, 50%
[43:48] or more of the goods or services are outside of the
[43:51] community. And whathey go outside of the
[43:53] community and come back, they pay Castle Rock residents and
[43:57] that generates wealth in our community and that's what we
[44:02] want to do and that's exactly the goals council has given us
[44:07] for pursuing economic development opportunities.
[44:10] they're number one. They're drivers of the economy.
[44:15] Number two, they create jobs for Castle Rock residents.
[44:19] Three, they improve the quality of life.
[44:22] Reduce commute time, because it's in our community.
[44:24] It allows us to be that unique, stand-alone community that we
[44:28] have strived to be. And it allows our community
[44:32] members and folks working there to be participants in their
[44:35] community. If they don't have to commute
[44:37] up and down the corridor, they can then be involved in
[44:40] after-school programs of all sorts.
[44:44] Sports and getting engaged with our community in many different
[44:47] aspects. we think it's a great quality
[44:50] of life to have jobs here in Castle Rock.
[44:53] As you know, we're a younger community.
[44:56] So, our office space is limited.
[44:59] And so, while some of the stats are a little dated, the truth
[45:04] about the stats is not. And that is we produce a very
[45:10] high percentage of the work force commutes to work.
[45:14] That's changed significantly with covid.
[45:18] And since then we've been more of a remote-work community.
[45:23] We see lower office per capita because we're a newer
[45:26] community. We don't have as many office
[45:30] buildings as other places. one of the risks we run in
[45:33] Castle Rock is growing companies and growing job
[45:37] creators don't have room anywhere to move within our
[45:40] community and have to leave our community to find the office
[45:44] space that they need. And then a low-percentage of
[45:56] primary employees. And we have Dawson trails
[46:00] coming online. We look the primary component.
[46:05] And that's why this project checks a lot of the boxes
[46:09] that's we're looking to hit. And so, it's with great pride
[46:15] that we talk about AlloSource and a potential agreement with
[46:19] them. I want to talk a little bit
[46:22] about their project and their history.
[46:25] Their project is going to add about DAGS they're going to
[46:30] take about 25,000 square feet here in Castle Rock.
[46:33] We think that and they're going to sign a seven-year lease as
[46:36] part of this agreement. It's not an overnight kind of
[46:40] operation. They're in the health and life
[46:46] services bio life sciences industry.
[46:51] Phase one is they're going to start by moving some employees
[46:54] here to Castle Rock. And then they will hire about
[46:58] 75% of their employees from the Castle Rock market.
[47:01] And so, we think that is incredible.
[47:03] They're going to have to put about $5.5 million into the lab
[47:09] space that they're going to create here in Castle Rock.
[47:13] And there's a potential in the first phase for it to be about
[47:19] 300 jobs. And so, we're really excited
[47:22] about that. That will happen over the first
[47:26] probably three-five years. And then their second phase is
[47:31] saying we can ramp up to about 300 jobs here in Castle Rock.
[47:35] So, we're really, really excited about this opportunity.
[47:38] It makes use of a former lab space that we had there before.
[47:42] And so, we're really excited that these jobs are coming to
[47:46] Castle Rock. Er the -- the element of the
[47:54] agreement is a fee component is and the second is a
[47:58] pay-for-performance, which is outlined in the economic
[48:01] development policies. Which means they have to create
[48:04] the jobs first before they get any type of payment from the
[48:09] town and assistance in helping build out their lab space.
[48:13] These are the general tenants of the agreement.
[48:18] And we have the opportunity to secure this group.
[48:23] And I've said this many times before but primary employers
[48:27] aring a nostic. At the can be anywhere but
[48:31] choosing to be here. We're really excited about this
[48:33] opportunity. And we hope you will support
[48:37] the resolution for thugreement with AlloSource.
[48:42] We also have AlloSource folks with us here tonight.
[48:48] Dean Elliott and Cole Lancen. If you have questions for the
[48:52] applicant themselves. But we couldn't be more excited
[48:57] to present this opportunity for you guys.
[48:58] With that, I can answer any question use might have.
[49:03] >> Any questions for Frank or AlloSource.
[49:10] Bracken >> I know in the past, you've
[49:12] shown the slide that the amount of revenue generated with
[49:17] lunches, dinners, living, walking around Castle Rock.
[49:21] Do you still have that SNB do you have an updated number on
[49:26] what the full billed out, 300 people might represent to be
[49:31] infused within the downtown and around town?
[49:34] >> So, we don't have exact numbers on all of those.
[49:37] But what we do have is a multiplier.
[49:41] And so, usually the multiplier for life sciences company is
[49:47] probably two-three times their annual revenue.
[49:51] So, we know each one of the jobs that creates a need for a
[49:55] piece of a dentist. A piece of the retail business.
[50:00] A piece of. So, each one has an economic
[50:03] impact. And the full economic impact,
[50:08] we won't know until we know the jobs and the salaries of each
[50:12] individual job. But we know the multiplier that
[50:15] we have on these jobs, that it will be significant.
[50:19] And new revenue to Castle Rock. >> So, I think what you've
[50:23] discussed in the past. $100,000 income is 20 grand to
[50:32] annual downtown area, for example.
[50:35] I'm trying to look at it from the location and what folks
[50:39] benefit and get you -- >> Yeah, for the location.
[50:43] Where they are here in downtown, we would expect they
[50:46] would have a significant impact on downtown.
[50:50] That they would have lunch in downtown.
[50:52] They would draw services to the building in downtown.
[50:55] We think the economic impact could be significant.
[50:59] We haven't drawn them are the way out to the n-th degree but
[51:04] we can happily do that for you. >> Thank you.
[51:10] >> Davis. >> How many years to get to the
[51:14] full capacity of 300? >> Phase one is five years to
[51:18] get to about 300 employees. And sorry to get to 100
[51:22] employees. And phase two, would be to get
[51:27] 300 and that's an additional five years after that, plus or
[51:30] minus. The best part about the way we
[51:33] structure our incentives in Castle Rock is they don't get
[51:37] anything they don't produce. So, if they do not produce
[51:43] those jobs, we have a not to exceed amount of $300,000.
[51:52] We know they won't get anything
[51:57] unless they produce those actual jobs.
[52:01] >> Thank you, Frank. If someone wishes to speak,
[52:05] please approach the podium. State whether resident,
[52:09] nonresident or business owner. Four minutes to speak.
[52:12] Seeing none, back to Town Council for possible motion or
[52:15] discussion >> I move to approval as read.
[52:21] >> And first from Brooks and second from Davis.
[52:24] And go ahead. Brooks.
[52:27] >> I'd like to express my support for the resolution.
[52:34] And just over arching support of the efforts of the Castle
[52:40] Rock and really to have a healthy community.
[52:44] It's not just about having retail or great places to eat.
[52:48] It's not just about having Los Canyon, and awesome
[52:54] recreational spaces. There's a balance there.
[52:57] And what you're working to do here is to help create a
[53:03] balance where obviously heavily imbalanced already but gain a
[53:09] foot hold here in Castle Rock. That's something I feel is very
[53:12] vital to the town. I would like to applaud your
[53:15] efforts and particularly with this project, I think it could
[53:20] bring fantastic jobs here and we're excited to see this come
[53:23] to fruition. >> Thank you, I think it's the
[53:27] balance that allows us to attract employers like that.
[53:33] I did neglect to mention they will be seeking incentive from
[53:36] the county as well. So, we're only one portion of
[53:41] the incentive. >> Great.
[53:45] Any further comments? Roll call, vote, please.
[53:52] >> Council member -- [ Roll call]
[54:00] >> Thank you. Motion passes unanimously.
[54:03] >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much.
[54:07] Moving on to number 11 on the agenda.
[54:10] Resolution 2026-102. Resolution approving the fourth
[54:15] amendment to the service plan for Bella Mesa metropolitan
[54:21] district, authorizing the execution of the first
[54:25] amendment of the intergovernmental agreement by
[54:27] and between the town of Castle Rock and the district.
[54:29] >> Thank you. This is a fairly simple
[54:31] amendment. We're dealing with the Bella
[54:35] Mesa met rupall itten district. It's been amended three times
[54:39] previously. We're working on the fourth
[54:42] amendment. We're looking at a first
[54:47] amendment to the changes we're going to make.
[54:48] Next page. If you take a look, this is the
[54:52] property in -- that is highlighted, which is subjectb
[54:55] to the service plan. Really, it's that Bella Mesa
[55:02] neighborhood between founders village and Castle Rock.
[55:06] Thank you. My clicker.
[55:09] This is great. You'll notice part of the
[55:12] district has been built out. I believe approximately 190
[55:17] single-family homes down there at the bottom of the district
[55:22] east and south of mesa middle school.
[55:28] Okay. Well, let's see.
[55:30] There we go. Great.
[55:32] So, the district itself is located approximately 460
[55:35] acres. Again, northeast of Michaelson
[55:41] boulevard, south of state highway 86.
[55:45] West of Castlewood canyon road and it's within town
[55:49] boundaries. That's why we're here acting on
[55:52] the proposed amendment. Governed by the special
[55:56] district control act. 7.02 of Castle Rock municipal
[56:02] code. A little bit of background.
[56:06] A fairly old district. 22 years old.
[56:09] Originally approved in 2004 under the name this is at rock
[56:15] canyon. In 2026, a non-material first
[56:20] amendment, regarding general obligation bonds and the
[56:23] conditions under which those would issue.
[56:25] Fast forward 10 years. The name was changed bay the
[56:29] Douglas county district court to Bella Mesa metropolitan
[56:37] district. And they allowed to process
[56:43] an exclusion in their properties and amended in 2020.
[56:47] It updated financial plan and allowed for the issuance of
[56:51] debt. Now, the modifications being
[56:56] proposed here are fairly simple and really operational in
[56:59] nature. They're really not financial in
[57:01] nature. Under recent amendments to the
[57:07] special district control act, they can now provide coveted
[57:15] enforcement and design review within their boundaries.
[57:18] That's really the power that district is asking for.
[57:21] And the reason for that is while the original development
[57:25] has an HOA, developments proposed for the north and
[57:33] south end of the site will not have HOAs.
[57:37] So, the district will perform the typical services that an
[57:41] HOA performs regard to enforcing the covenants of
[57:47] those properties. The next modification, we'll
[57:51] clarify the ability of the districts to impose fees for
[57:56] providing operations and maintenance services.
[58:00] And then the last modification will clarify the district will
[58:05] not be resolved after the debt is paid off, if it has an
[58:09] ongoing obligation to provide those type of services under
[58:12] the service plan and as authorized by the town.
[58:17] I believe that there are representatives of the district
[58:20] here tonight. I see down in the corner.
[58:23] Yes, Jennifer's here. In case there's a question
[58:27] regarding the proposal. But other than that, some
[58:35] jurisdictional issues. We have jurisdiction over
[58:38] modifications of a UFSH is ises plan.
[58:40] That's what we're doing here tonight.
[58:44] The process is substantially the same, provided -- as
[58:48] provided for approval of the original plan.
[58:50] This public hearing. And basically, the plan meets
[58:57] the requirements and continues to meet requirements set forth
[59:02] in the special district act and in our oversight code.
[59:06] We've reviewed that fourth amendment and the service plan
[59:11] and the first plan to the IGA. We have no objection to the
[59:15] modification. The district has proposed.
[59:19] So, without further ado, I'll move to the motion screen and
[59:23] ask if there are any questions anybody has on council and
[59:28] certainly our friend in the back, if you want to come
[59:31] forward in case the council has any questions, probably good
[59:34] idea. >> Mayor pro tem Cavey.
[59:42] >> Sounds like the district is acting in an HOA?
[59:46] >> In this regard, it is. And I think, if you could
[59:50] explain the statutory requirements.
[59:54] This is something that the legislature has authorized
[59:56] districts to do. >> Jennifer, general council
[1:00:02] for the district. Thank you for the question,
[1:00:05] mayor pro tem. As Mr. Highman said, this is
[1:00:10] added after the rather old district was formed.
[1:00:13] The statute does enable special districs, if listed in the
[1:00:18] covenant or via an agreement, to enforcement the covenant
[1:00:25] inSTI stead of an HOA. This only comes into play when
[1:00:28] the only function of the HOA would be not providing services
[1:00:33] but enforcing covenants. We see more active HOAs when
[1:00:38] they own a clubhouse or improvements and those types
[1:00:41] would still exist. This is really limited to
[1:00:44] design review services and enforcement of covenants,
[1:00:49] rather than taking on active HOA functions.
[1:00:53] the existing portion of the district still has an HOA.
[1:00:58] That would stay in existence. This is really only for the new
[1:01:01] portion of the development so that if the developer decides
[1:01:05] it would be more efficient, instead of two entities, an HOA
[1:01:09] and the district, they could limit that just to the
[1:01:11] district. >> So, at some point, they
[1:01:16] would charge some kind of fee or something to the home owner?
[1:01:19] >> Yeah. That's where the fee component
[1:01:23] comes in since the district has been formed for quite some time
[1:01:27] and has existing residents. We obviously would only want
[1:01:30] those people receiving the covenant enforcement services
[1:01:33] to pay for it. We wouldn't want to incomber
[1:01:37] the existing home owners with the burden.
[1:01:39] There would have to be a fee on just that portion of the
[1:01:42] district receiving those services.
[1:01:44] >> Thank you. >> Any further questions?
[1:01:50] Michael or -- >> Thank you.
[1:01:55] If someone wishes to speak COMBHB to the podium.
[1:01:57] State your name, resident, nonresident, business owner,
[1:02:01] you'll have four minutes to speak.
[1:02:04] Seeing none, back to Town Council for further discussion
[1:02:06] and a possible motion. >> I move to approve resolution
[1:02:14] number 2026-102, as introduced by title.
[1:02:20] >> First and second. Any further discussion?
[1:02:23] Roll call vote, please. [ Roll call]
[1:02:40] >> Motion passes unanimously. >> Following three items will
[1:02:44] be introduced together but voted on separately.
[1:02:48] Number 12, ordinance 2026-031. Ordinance authorizing the
[1:02:53] repeal and reenactment of title 9 of the Castle Rock municipal
[1:02:57] code and amendment on other related sections.
[1:03:00] number 13, ordinance 2026-032, ordinance amending section
[1:03:09] 9.22.010 of the Castle Rock municipal code prohibiting
[1:03:13] retail sale of Cratom products for human consumption.
[1:03:19] Number 14, ordinance 2026-033. Ordinance amending title 9 of
[1:03:25] the Castle Rock municipal code of the addition of a new
[1:03:29] section, 9.09.050 requiring corporate inties to report
[1:03:34] theft. Public comment.
[1:03:38] >> We had that last week when we discussed the item.
[1:03:42] Essentially similar presentation I'll go through
[1:03:44] for the benefit of the public. Really what we're looking at is
[1:03:48] the primary ordinance we're considering tonight is a whole
[1:03:53] sale amendment to our title nine of the Castle Rock
[1:03:56] municipal code. And it's really our criminal
[1:04:06] code. It's the ordinances that we
[1:04:09] prosecute in our municipal court.
[1:04:11] Just generally, Town Council has this power to adopt
[1:04:15] ordinances that are necessary to protect the health, safety
[1:04:18] and welfare of the community. And you can date back to 1968,
[1:04:22] when we first adopted Title 9 for a comprehensive set of laws
[1:04:32] to be aDAPTed. If you look today, many of the
[1:04:36] provisions are either obsolawsuit -- obsolete or will
[1:04:48] require -- that's why we're doing the repeal and react.
[1:04:51] Like more modern provisions, like in chapter 9.06 aren't
[1:04:55] changing because we just adopted them a couple of years
[1:04:57] ago. Some that date back in the '60s
[1:05:01] and '70s are undergoing substantial revision.
[1:05:06] >> Basically, this is cooperative effort.
[1:05:11] We have a group of volunteers from our Castle Rock police
[1:05:14] department. They work closely with
[1:05:18] attorneys in our office on this update.
[1:05:21] We brought in our chief prosecutor, as well as the law
[1:05:27] firm of Hoffen Parker Wilson to also help assist in the
[1:05:31] preparation. So, once again, thanks to
[1:05:35] everybody who participated and chief, your team was wonderful
[1:05:40] and instrumental in getting this done.
[1:05:43] Much appreciated. >> So, just some of the
[1:05:46] highlights. We're adding a new chapter 9.
[1:05:50] This will make it easier. It's a definition section.
[1:05:53] we're taking out definitions that may have appeared
[1:05:57] internally in some of the code sections.
[1:05:59] Trying to make the code a little easier to use for our
[1:06:01] officers. We're also defining culpable
[1:06:05] mental state. Something our officers
[1:06:08] particularly requested. They're clearly defined now.
[1:06:12] Whether a criminal violation was done intentionally,
[1:06:16] knowingly, whether it was done with extreme recklessness and
[1:06:19] indifference. We're also adding a chapter
[1:06:23] 9.02. This is kind of clarifying your
[1:06:28] intent in adopting the code. And authorizing your police
[1:06:32] department to enforce this title nine in the municipal
[1:06:35] court. Chapter 9.04 was originally
[1:06:41] titled offense against public peace.
[1:06:44] We're really diving into that section and adopting some
[1:06:50] constitutionally-enforceable language for some of the more
[1:06:53] basic offenses. This includes assault and
[1:06:58] battery, trespassing, and theft.
[1:07:01] We're taking action to protect our law enforcement officers
[1:07:08] and citizens from someone who fails to obey an order and seek
[1:07:14] to disrupt public peace. And we're adding unlawful
[1:07:19] interference with educational institution.
[1:07:23] This is designed to protect students and teachers in the
[1:07:27] classroom. Then to chapter 9.08, offense
[1:07:31] against property. We're expanding the crime of
[1:07:37] damage to public property to address private property.
[1:07:41] That's a notable admission. Don't know why it was out of
[1:07:46] there but it's in there now. We're adding unauthorized
[1:07:53] CONNECTIONs to utility provider and I'm sure Mr. MAURo is happy
[1:07:56] about that, being our utility provider.
[1:07:59] And then we're creating a new chapter 9.09 and that's
[1:08:04] defenses against the administration of public.
[1:08:07] This is to clarify existing laws and prohibit false reports
[1:08:11] and crimes and emergency. Interference with public safety
[1:08:15] personnel. Then we're going to chapter
[1:08:20] 9.10. This is some of the more
[1:08:26] esoteric offenses and some of the things that you can charge,
[1:08:31] two people who assist in perpetrating crimes.
[1:08:35] So, we're going to add specific offense to responsibility on
[1:08:41] parents and guardians for the criminal acts of their minor
[1:08:47] chilled -- children. And is we're going to charge
[1:08:53] them. And 9.06, noise control.
[1:09:00] We've had a fairly recent case. We want to make sure it applies
[1:09:07] to the case, unless the legislature changes the results
[1:09:10] of that case. So, we may not permit any
[1:09:17] for-profit or commercial inty to achieve maximum noise levels
[1:09:22] set by state statute. Then a couple of other
[1:09:27] highlights. We're going to some other sections of the code.
[1:09:30] In particular, general penalty section in chapter 1.08.
[1:09:36] What we're doing is codifying the decision of the Colorado
[1:09:40] Supreme Court in the case of Enray people verses camp.
[1:09:45] So, any penalties imposed by the municipal court, cannot
[1:09:49] exceed the maximum penalty imposed by state law, where and
[1:09:53] this is very important. Where the municipal ordinance
[1:09:58] and state statute prohib that same conduct.
[1:10:02] All bets are off if they do not proohib that same conduct.
[1:10:07] So, we're going to make sure we takeb the maximum penalty we
[1:10:12] can do under state law for offenses charged in municipal
[1:10:16] court and impose a maximum jail time up to 364 days, a fine up
[1:10:24] to $2,650 as we're allowed to do under the municipal court
[1:10:35] statute. We're fixing an omission we had
[1:10:39] in the code. This is at the request of our
[1:10:42] chief prosecutor. We're going to add a new
[1:10:47] section regarding restitution and public service.
[1:10:50] So, it has clear authority, when appropriate, to award
[1:10:57] resitution and order a person who's convicted of a crime, if
[1:11:02] appropriate punishment, to perform public service.
[1:11:13] That pretty much takes care of ordinance 2026-031, the title 9
[1:11:21] rewrite. Here's the other ordinances
[1:11:24] we're looking at tonight. First one, 032, is for the
[1:11:34] large corporate retailers. Really to give them the
[1:11:42] impotent to report the theft of property to our law enforcement
[1:11:46] agencies within 96 hours of becoming aware of the theft.
[1:11:51] So, it also will make it unlawful retailer.
[1:11:59] It's really similar in scope to the ordinance that was
[1:12:02] considered by our Douglas county board of commissioners
[1:12:05] earlier this year. Then 033 is a prohibition
[1:12:17] against distribution of Kratom products.
[1:12:23] This will is have a blanket within the town.
[1:12:26] It does expand the action taken by the 2019 Town Council.
[1:12:31] To prohibit sales of kratom's to minors.
[1:12:42] So, what this really is, is acknowledging more recent
[1:12:46] information that's been developed that indicate Kratom
[1:12:56] has significant health and safety risks.
[1:12:58] I wanted to go ahead to this slide, to the chief of police,
[1:13:02] I'm speaking for our friend, chief collier.
[1:13:05] And our office recommended Town Council move forward with the
[1:13:08] adoption. Of the comprehensive updates to
[1:13:12] title 9. That's 031.
[1:13:15] And pursuant to your direction at the last council meting and
[1:13:31] weather it's the corporate reporting of retail theft or
[1:13:35] the ordinance banning retail sales of Kratom and I believe
[1:13:39] we have comments that have been submitted to council along
[1:13:42] those lines. Anything else you want to point
[1:13:51] out? >> No.
[1:13:53] The way you published the agenda, the theft ordinance is
[1:14:00] number 33 and Kra it tom ban is 032.
[1:14:03] >> My apologies. I think I saw an earlier copy.
[1:14:08] We're going to reverse them. So, when you look at this, my
[1:14:15] apologies. 32 and 33 are reversed.
[1:14:21] Anyway, we're here now to the proposed motions.
[1:14:24] Happy to answer any questions you might have and certainly I
[1:14:31] think Mr. Corilous and chief -- are available as well.
[1:14:37] >> You showed, at council's request worked with our
[1:14:42] business license. Division and we did send out a
[1:14:47] communication to what we knew were the retailers that sold
[1:14:51] Kratom in the community. I'm not pledging that we got
[1:14:55] everybody. And I sent a communication to
[1:15:01] the center. And retail theft.
[1:15:14] And that's what you did on the two ordinances.
[1:15:21] >> Thank you. Regarding 33, the retail theft.
[1:15:28] Is there any specification -- I know it reads, as large
[1:15:32] retailer, but is there any way of describing what that is?
[1:15:38] Is it by number of employees? Gross annual sales?
[1:15:43] Council, I'm sure we all saw it, saw an email from somebody.
[1:15:48] That is clearly not part of this.
[1:15:51] But yet I still think it raises an overall concern from a
[1:15:55] business community and justifiably so that unless
[1:15:59] perhaps we have those guardrails in there about who
[1:16:02] really qualifies, what is a large retailer, I don't know
[1:16:06] if -- is that something we can put in there or is that
[1:16:10] something that is in there that I missed?
[1:16:13] >> Right now there's really not anything in there,
[1:16:16] councilmember Brooks. It talks about a corporate
[1:16:19] entity. So, if you feel that is
[1:16:23] something that we would want to considerer, we can certainly
[1:16:26] take look at this and bring this back for consideration at
[1:16:30] a later date. We're happy to take look at
[1:16:36] whatever direction you wish to give us in that regard.
[1:16:39] >> For me personally, I think that would give me a level of
[1:16:43] comfort and perhaps give the business community a level of
[1:16:46] comfort to know who's excluded to say exactly who is included
[1:16:52] in what we're going after. It's truly large retailers but
[1:16:55] I think a definition is probably helpful.
[1:16:59] I don't know if anyone else wants to weigh in or not.
[1:17:02] >> I would agree with that. >> Council member Bracken.
[1:17:18] >> So, I spoke with a few officers in the police chief.
[1:17:22] And I think on this issue, they're not really asking for
[1:17:28] action from council to make this change for the reporting.
[1:17:33] So, I'm not sure it's really necessary that we adopt this.
[1:17:39] If we're doing things that department's not asking fo --
[1:17:48] in form of a question. Why if they're not supportive
[1:17:56] of the action? >> Councilmember Brooks?
[1:18:00] >> I think there's a distinction important to draw
[1:18:02] the. The difference between not
[1:18:04] being supportive or not particularly asking for
[1:18:06] something. I think there's a vast
[1:18:09] difference between that. I don't think it's fair to
[1:18:14] classify means they're not supportive of it.
[1:18:18] And at the same time, anything with the police or fire
[1:18:23] generally we set the rules, government, town government
[1:18:26] will set the rules and they execute according to that.
[1:18:29] So, I think they're very helpful.
[1:18:33] Otherwise I don't think the chief of a police would have
[1:18:36] given staff the thumbs up that they're fine moving forward
[1:18:39] with it. As far as how that's enacted
[1:18:42] and pursued, I think some of that, to be perfectly honest
[1:18:48] with you, might be somewhat ceremonial.
[1:18:51] I think what it helps to do is not necessarily -- we're not
[1:18:55] necessarily, in my mind, putting a thumb on the police
[1:18:59] force, saying we need to do this, and say if somebody's
[1:19:03] going to walk without a couple grand of goods and services,
[1:19:07] the option is not to wave and say have a nice day, that
[1:19:10] there's a duty to report. I understand there's a duty to
[1:19:15] protect their employees. But if they're stealing from
[1:19:18] large retailer, sometimes in the thousands of dollars,
[1:19:21] they're stealing for thum town of Castle Rock.
[1:19:25] Retail tax is the very life blood of this town.
[1:19:27] I think that having that duty to report in there comes down
[1:19:32] more on the very large retailers.
[1:19:37] Not so much being something that is a difficulty for our
[1:19:43] police officers. erse really more on the
[1:19:46] retailers, in my opinion. >> I would respectfully ask
[1:19:56] chief collier to weigh in on this.
[1:20:11] >> Evening, mayor and members of council.
[1:20:15] Happy to answer any questions you might have.
[1:20:18] >> My question is how do you and the department feel about
[1:20:23] this motion for the number 14. That would be for the theft.
[1:20:30] >> We gave this a lot of thought, myself and command
[1:20:34] staff. A little history, maybe.
[1:20:37] Because I don't know the full council dates back as far as
[1:20:40] our discussions have been when it comes to retail theft and
[1:20:44] organized retail crime. And the police chief on January
[1:20:51] 3rd, 2012. And January 12, 2012 I healed
[1:20:57] department-wide meeting to discuss our initiatives and
[1:20:59] what we needed to do to move forward.
[1:21:01] One of the items I discussed was organized retail crime and
[1:21:06] the importance of us taking a strong stance against retail
[1:21:09] theft. I fully support the intent of
[1:21:13] the ordinance. We definitely want the
[1:21:19] retailers to report theft to the police department.
[1:21:21] Fully support it. We're in a very unique
[1:21:25] position, as opposed to other law enforcement agencies, in
[1:21:29] that we've been working organized retail crime and
[1:21:32] theft for more than 14 years. We have wonderful partnerships
[1:21:37] with our retailers, collaboration.
[1:21:41] We just held our second retail summit, cohosted by Castle Rock
[1:21:45] police. And the 23rd district
[1:21:49] attorney's office. George Brocker was there.
[1:21:53] Where we talked with retailers again, what are their barriers
[1:21:57] to reporting? And how can we help?
[1:21:59] And we learned a lot. We surveyed them.
[1:22:02] One of the things we learned is this particular issue, across
[1:22:10] the country. Because this isn't spiff took
[1:22:14] Castle Rock or the state of Colorado.
[1:22:16] It's a problem across the country.
[1:22:18] And you're right. There is a problem with
[1:22:21] retailers not reporting retail theft.
[1:22:24] There's barriers of what we learned of why this occur cans.
[1:22:28] One of them is the fact that when many of the retailers are
[1:22:33] reporting the thefts to their local police departments, the
[1:22:36] local police departments don't respond.
[1:22:40] Or they respond two days later or when they do, they don't
[1:22:42] take action. And the retailers that are
[1:22:54] meeting, made it clear this isn't happening in castle rock.
[1:22:58] We respond and we're fortunate because of the resources Town
[1:23:02] Council has given us, as far as our allotment of officer os.
[1:23:06] Our technology and our training.
[1:23:08] We're able to be very effective and we're able to respond
[1:23:13] quickly and take action and arrest the perpetrators and we
[1:23:17] take them to jail. I mean, that's something that
[1:23:20] we worked with the D.A.'s office on.
[1:23:23] We talk this very seriously. So, it's something, again, that
[1:23:29] we've been working on for 14 years.
[1:23:33] And we've seen great success from it.
[1:23:36] Trust is a big piece of this. The retailers trust us.
[1:23:41] They trust the town. They trust the police
[1:23:43] department. That when they call us, we're
[1:23:46] going to respond and takeb the appropriate action.
[1:23:51] One of the other criticisms and barriers to the retailers not
[1:23:56] calling the local police departments is because when the
[1:23:58] police do respond, when they do, they're not professional at
[1:24:02] times and they just don't know how they're going to react and
[1:24:05] they don't want to put employees an at risk or their
[1:24:10] customers or the community. So, we're on the right track.
[1:24:26] We, again, fully support the intent that what we built over
[1:24:33] the last 14 years is working. And we're just concerned of
[1:24:39] perhaps putting at risk the trust that we've built with the
[1:24:42] retailers. We don't want to erode that
[1:24:45] because that's key to any police department and certainly
[1:24:48] ours. It's critical for us.
[1:24:50] Not just with the retailers but the community at large.
[1:24:55] So, again, retail theft is a concern of ours.
[1:24:59] It places the retailers at risk from public safety perspective.
[1:25:04] Places their employees at risk and the community at large at
[1:25:07] risk. That's why it's very much a
[1:25:10] priority of ours. We have, as you know, stood up
[1:25:15] on strategic resource center. Which is basically a real-time
[1:25:20] crime center. And we have officers in the
[1:25:23] field specifically trained to respond to and to take action
[1:25:29] on organized retail crime and theft.
[1:25:32] Er whether it's a big box store at that outlets or whatever.
[1:25:35] And we do that on a regular basis.
[1:25:37] And I'm proud to say our officers are very, very good at
[1:25:41] it. They know what they're looking
[1:25:44] for and they've been very effective.
[1:25:55] Obviously we'll take any direction that the Town Council
[1:25:57] give us. We feel it would be sue
[1:26:02] pufferilous with what our council members have to date.
[1:26:07] >> So, is it -- by attacking them, is that your perspective
[1:26:11] that can break the relationship or the intent of it?
[1:26:15] What's the -- I guess, where's the breakdown so maybe we can
[1:26:21] address it in the ordinance in particular?
[1:26:24] >> I think if we're are building a relationship that
[1:26:27] we -- with the retailers and we're telling them you don't do
[1:26:36] x, y, and z, you could be at risk of us charging you with a
[1:26:42] crime, that doesn't necessarily play well the trust
[1:26:45] relationship we've built, because weave addressed it with
[1:26:50] them already and we feel the cooperation is working and
[1:26:55] we're addressing the crime as it's occurring.
[1:26:57] If they're -- if they feel like if they report it and it's over
[1:27:01] 96 hours and perhaps we're going to get charged, they may
[1:27:05] not report it. And so, we have success so far
[1:27:08] with them. We would like to continue down
[1:27:11] the road that we've been going. >> Anymore questions for jack
[1:27:17] or anybody else? I do have several people signed
[1:27:21] up to speak on item number 13. And I'll move to that.
[1:27:25] Thank you, Jack. >> Thank you.
[1:27:28] >> Number 13, I have several people signed up to speak.
[1:27:35] Susan McVEE. >> Good evening, mayor and
[1:28:00] mayor pro tem, council members. I'm member of Castle Rock and
[1:28:04] toxicologist. I'm speaking to you on Kra it
[1:28:08] tom. It effects one person adversely
[1:28:15] may not effect another the same way.
[1:28:18] It comes from the tropical Evergreen tree in the coffee
[1:28:21] family. Made up to southeast Asia whose
[1:28:25] leaves have been used as an herbal supplement in
[1:28:28] traditional medicine. It's not a drug.
[1:28:30] It's not an opiate. It's not a synthetic substance.
[1:28:36] Naturally occurring cratem is a safe, herbal supplement that
[1:28:42] appears as a new Opioid recenter and used for
[1:28:48] depression and anxiety. It contains no opiates but does
[1:28:52] bind the same recenter sites in the brain.
[1:28:55] Chocolate and coffee effect the same recenter thins brain.
[1:29:01] And in large doses it can cause serious side effects.
[1:29:06] I have seen people hospitalized for drinking too much coffee.
[1:29:10] The issue is there's manufacturers making it into a
[1:29:16] synthetic DWRUG. These drugs contain high levels
[1:29:22] of synthetic Kratom, as well as other toxic ingreed YNTZ that
[1:29:27] can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms
[1:29:31] characteristic of classic Opioids such as opium and
[1:29:39] hydrocodone. There's been a proliferation of
[1:29:43] concentrated oh products sold online.
[1:29:46] The enhanced amount of 7OH is sin thatically derived through
[1:29:53] oxidate chemical conversion through isolates or Kratom
[1:29:58] extracts. given the 708s naturally
[1:30:03] present, direct extraction of 70H from plant material would
[1:30:07] be unfeasible economically. And the company to manufacture
[1:30:13] synthetics to increase the levels and to cause addiction.
[1:30:17] On July 1st, 2026, the DEA announced the start of a
[1:30:24] temporary schedule process and to a notice of intent for 7OH.
[1:30:29] Above a proposed specified cash level above three synthetic
[1:30:33] derivatives. Pseudo indoxyl, mgm15 and 16,
[1:30:40] which do not naturally occur in the Kratom plant.
[1:30:44] Even the American Kratom association believes it should
[1:30:49] be regulated and controlled to eliminate the yeahs of
[1:30:53] synthetics and make it only available to adults under
[1:30:56] supervision of their doctors. Under the current look of
[1:31:00] standardization and regulation, foods such as gummies and other
[1:31:03] readily available food that appeal to children, make
[1:31:08] substances easily attainable by children.
[1:31:10] There's no oversight on the amount of synthetic Kra it tom
[1:31:16] or oversight of the side effects of compounds in the
[1:31:20] manufactured substances. It's like making fentanyl laced
[1:31:25] with other compounds legal. As we've seen unregulated use
[1:31:29] of drugs can have serious consequences.
[1:31:33] Products with unknown quantities of Kratom and
[1:31:41] synthetic should not be made readily available for children,
[1:31:46] especially in the form of gummies.
[1:31:49] >> Next carol Ann Harlos. >> Hello, I'm here on the exact
[1:32:02] same thing. I'm going to say the exact same
[1:32:05] things. And we do not need morality
[1:32:09] police to protect us from ourselves.
[1:32:12] I was speaking on the same thing about five years ago.
[1:32:15] Can I ask you where on the doll the Kratom hurt you?
[1:32:20] In reading the alleged justification, I heard it can
[1:32:23] have similar effects to prescription Opioids.
[1:32:26] The last speaker I think dealt with that well.
[1:32:29] For some that's a feature, not a bug.
[1:32:32] This is to get people off of actual addictions.
[1:32:36] If you want to look at a pain patient and someone who uses
[1:32:40] these types of things with you're looking at that person.
[1:32:44] Or do you actually presume that it should require your
[1:32:47] approval. I need your approval?
[1:32:52] You must be able to be fortunate not to understand the
[1:32:57] sufferers of chronic pain that is not adequately dealt with in
[1:33:01] the traditional system. Oh, but it can be addictive?
[1:33:05] Yes, so? That is your business over our
[1:33:08] bodies. Exactly how?
[1:33:11] Do these turn into marauding, Kratom-invested hoards that
[1:33:19] will be storming downtown Castle Rock.
[1:33:21] I don't think banning is the answer.
[1:33:24] But it's even more ridiculous considering what a private sin
[1:33:27] this is. And if you are so concerned
[1:33:35] about the public morals, when am I going to see your
[1:33:39] proposals to make Castle Rock a dry city coming?
[1:33:43] Alcohol by far is an alleged moral hazard but that would be
[1:33:46] an unpopular decision. It's easy to pick on and niche
[1:33:51] invisible product. You say health and safety but
[1:33:55] isn't that redundant, don't you mean you're concerned about
[1:33:59] health? Where's the safety?
[1:34:00] Unless you're thinking safety in health?
[1:34:02] I think that's a fancy way to get control.
[1:34:06] What about sugar what about caffeine?
[1:34:09] What about McDonald's? More people die from being fat
[1:34:12] and that's just an absolute fact.
[1:34:15] But I don't see you wanting to ban those.
[1:34:17] But maybe I shouldn't give you any ideas.
[1:34:21] You know, I always understood and I used to be the national
[1:34:25] secretary of the libertarian party.
[1:34:27] So, I'm not politically naive. I heard Castle Rock was suppose
[1:34:31] stood be conservative, though now it seems to encompass
[1:34:36] foreign regime changing the, wars and murdering citizens in
[1:34:41] the streets but hopefully we're better than that here.
[1:34:43] But I have to ask is this the proper role of limited
[1:34:47] government? Sitting behind a dias does not
[1:34:52] give you special rights to ban the peaceful choices of
[1:34:55] peaceful people, even if you don't like them.
[1:34:58] As I always end these talks, government is force.
[1:35:04] Be cautious how you wield it. >> Thank you, Carry Ann.
[1:35:12] Wayne harlos. Thank you, mayor, thank you
[1:35:24] Town Council. My son in law was involved in a
[1:35:28] dirt bike accident about ten years ago, maybe 12.
[1:35:33] He broke his foot off. He had 28 surgeries to repair
[1:35:36] it. He was prescribed Opioids to
[1:35:41] keep the pain managed so he could function.
[1:35:46] He became addicted each and every variety.
[1:35:52] Finally they said you can't have anymore Opioids.
[1:35:55] He could not function. He couldn't stand up.
[1:35:59] He couldn't function at all. A friend of his turned himn to
[1:36:06] Kratom. That solved his problem.
[1:36:09] He did not get addicted to it but it kept the pain
[1:36:12] manageable. Since then he turned, and my
[1:36:16] wife and me on to Kratom. I have four ruptured disks.
[1:36:21] Two in my neck and two in my back.
[1:36:26] And with stenosis in the two in the back.
[1:36:29] I can't function on Oxycodone and besides that I can't get
[1:36:33] more than four at a time from my doctor.
[1:36:36] So, it doesn't work. Kratom provides me with the
[1:36:42] mechanism to keep the pain manageable so I can function in
[1:36:44] daily life. I find it reprehensible that
[1:36:50] any city or town would try to controll a person's private
[1:36:56] opportunity to make their own choices how they manage their
[1:36:58] pain. My doctor's a big fan of
[1:37:06] Kratom. Big fan.
[1:37:09] And she's been an advocate of our use of it since we started.
[1:37:16] I hope that the Town Council reconsiders supporting a ban on
[1:37:25] cratemer because it gives
[1:37:31] people manage their pain. Or would you rather have people
[1:37:34] on Ambien? Which is much more expensive?
[1:37:44] By the way, a lot came from the farm suitdle industry because
[1:37:48] they don't want competition. So, Kratom was not the natural
[1:38:08] product. I hope you reconsider this very
[1:38:11] strongly. And frankly, if any of you have
[1:38:18] been a pain patient and the only option you had was
[1:38:23] Opioids, that you were addicted to, what would your plan B be?
[1:38:28] You don't have one. You slushed on Scotch?
[1:38:34] That's fine. What's better?
[1:38:37] I think people should have the personal opportunity to make
[1:38:39] their own choices. And right now, if you consider
[1:38:45] this motion, you can take those choices away from the people of
[1:38:47] Castle Rock. Thank you.
[1:38:51] >> Thank you, Wayne. Next I have Jacob.
[1:39:01] >> Thank you for your time, mayor and council.
[1:39:05] My name is Jacob, a recovered Opioid addict and a full-time
[1:39:09] single dad. And I've livered in Castle Rock
[1:39:14] since 1996 and I are have seen addiction issues take many of
[1:39:20] my friends in Castle Rock from drug and alcohol abuse.
[1:39:27] I'm here to ask for September 11th, nine years ago, I quit
[1:39:34] opiates after my best friend died of an accidental fentanyl
[1:39:37] overdose. After two weeks of being
[1:39:40] miserable, I found cratem, by walking into a Kratom shop.
[1:39:48] And I no longer use Kratom very often but I think it would be a
[1:40:02] grave mistake to the possibility of someone like me
[1:40:05] trying to find an alternative treatment for pain management.
[1:40:10] Kratom isn't the problem. 7HO is.
[1:40:14] >> Thank you, jake. Next Joseph DAEL Franciscan.
[1:40:33] Thank you, mayor. So, excuse my experience.
[1:40:41] I've been a resident of Castle Rock, Colorado for eight years.
[1:40:45] Around eight years. And I have been an occasional
[1:40:50] Kratom user for about three of those years.
[1:40:55] It's a wonderful thing and a wonderful helper of people who
[1:40:58] have pain and people that deal with constant anxiety and
[1:41:02] stress. I don't think it would be a
[1:41:08] thought-through idea to make this ban, especially when
[1:41:13] pharmaceuticals have been known to be way more synthetic than
[1:41:16] something that naturally comes from the ground.
[1:41:21] I incur you to think about the businesses in Castle Rock that
[1:41:25] I've grown accustomed to that give me wonderful customer
[1:41:29] service and great respect because this would also hurt
[1:41:32] those businesses. Thank you for giving me your
[1:41:36] time and that's all I have. Thank you.
[1:41:41] >> Next I have Travis Turner. >> Good evening, council
[1:41:58] members, I'm here behalf of the Kratom association.
[1:42:03] Was it on? It was on?
[1:42:05] >> It was. >> Sorry.
[1:42:08] A consumer advocacy organization that works to
[1:42:11] protect access to safe, natural Kratom-leaf products and to
[1:42:17] advance science-based consumer protection standards.
[1:42:21] The AKA supports and actively works to pass appropriatet
[1:42:27] Kratom-consumer protection regulation at the state,
[1:42:29] federal and local level. We appreciate how difficult it
[1:42:33] is for a city to enforce complex product regulations
[1:42:37] with limited resources. We thank council for one
[1:42:41] notable part of the ordinance. It does not direct penalties at
[1:42:44] consumers. Criminalsing the very people an
[1:42:48] ordinance is meant to protect would be WRAUPG and we thank
[1:42:51] you for that. Our concern is it does not
[1:42:56] clearly distinguish between traditional Kratom products and
[1:43:02] those incorrectly classified as Kratom, such as concentrated
[1:43:09] [ Inaudible ] also known as 70h.
[1:43:12] They agree synthetics should be taken off the shelves.
[1:43:17] FDA and DEA draw the line clearly.
[1:43:21] I ask you look at the FDA's website, and the federal
[1:43:26] government has began the scheduling process for 70h.
[1:43:31] They've been clear the actions target
[1:43:35] chemically-concentrateded versions of the compound, not
[1:43:36] the natural leaf. The traditional -- not the
[1:43:41] traditional leaf products. Again, the AKA's mission is to
[1:43:45] protect consumers. Millions of Americans safely
[1:43:49] use traditional Kratom products without issue, often for
[1:43:55] chronic pain conditions. We feel it's imperative Castle
[1:43:59] Rock make the same distinction. Address the soon to be
[1:44:06] scheduled 7oh products quickly. Don't let the Kratom leaf get
[1:44:11] swept up in the ban. The federal government says
[1:44:16] natural Kratom leaf should not be scheduled or banned.
[1:44:21] We welcome to meet each council members and discuss support for
[1:44:26] state-wide consumer legislation.
[1:44:27] Thank you. >> Thank you, Travis.
[1:44:31] Next I have misty Brown.
[1:46:02] [ Inaudible ] >> Thank you, misty.
[1:48:50] >> Oh, was I not talking in the microphone?
[1:48:53] >> You're fine. >> Oh, man.
[1:48:59] Next Margy Nunez. >> Good evening, Mayor Jason
[1:49:19] Gray and Town Council. I'm here regarding the retail
[1:49:22] theft ordinance. I wanted to say I agree with
[1:49:28] chief collie and my concern is there's no minimum amount set
[1:49:44] forth in the ordinance for reporting theft.
[1:49:48] And there's, in addition to what councilman Brooks said.
[1:49:58] So, I guess I'm saying not in favor of it.
[1:50:02] So, the other consideration here is that we don't want to
[1:50:08] deter retailers from coming to do business in Castle Rock and
[1:50:14] with something like this on the books, they might look at that
[1:50:17] and say I don't want to be accused of a crime if I don't
[1:50:20] report. Something that might be a $5
[1:50:24] left. So, those are my comments.
[1:50:29] thank you for hearing me out. >> Thank you, Margy.
[1:50:35] I have no one else signed up to speak.
[1:50:37] Anyone who wishes to speak, come to the podium, state your
[1:50:41] name, resident, nonresident, business owner.
[1:50:44] Four minutes to speak. Seeing none, I'll bring it back
[1:50:47] to Town Council. Yes?
[1:50:50] >> Before we motion, it's procedural, so I I guess it
[1:50:53] doesn't mat PRP tell me what's easier, really from staff's
[1:51:00] perspective. Is it, if we were to be in
[1:51:04] agreement to pass the retail theft ordinance, is it easier
[1:51:07] to pass it now, revise it later or would you rather pull it out
[1:51:13] to be able to address minimums that have been mentioned, that
[1:51:17] I think are very fair and comments I have on what a large
[1:51:22] retailer is? >> I would recommend you just
[1:51:25] move to continue the ordinance to the next meeting.
[1:51:27] That way that will give us a chance and look at what might
[1:51:33] be appropriate along those lines.
[1:51:35] >> Okay. Thank you.
[1:51:40] Yes, please. I can make a motion, yes.
[1:51:46] >> Yeah, please. >> Well, comments or questions?
[1:51:48] Because we haven't made the motion yet.
[1:51:53] >> Comments after the motion. >> Okay.
[1:51:58] >> Yeah. I had seen some nodding heads
[1:52:03] to this earlier. And if not, I suppose I'll get
[1:52:06] some no votes. I would move to continue the
[1:52:09] retail theft piece of this to a future meeting and then we can
[1:52:12] vote on the other pieces. >> Second.
[1:52:16] >> Right. First by councilmember Brooks
[1:52:20] and second by Davis. Roll call vote, please.
[1:52:27] [ Roll call] >> Thank you.
[1:52:40] Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you.
[1:52:54] >> I move to introduce title 2026-10 -- let's just start
[1:53:03] with 31. I move to approve ordinance
[1:53:11] 2026-031 >> A first from Brooks and a
[1:53:14] second from -- >> I I want to be clear,
[1:53:18] 2026-031 is the comprehensive update of Title 9?
[1:53:25] >> Any discussion on that? Roll call vote, please.
[1:53:31] [ Roll call] >> Thank you.
[1:53:45] Motion passes unanimously. >> I move to approve 2026-032,
[1:53:51] as introduced by title. >> A first from Brooks and a
[1:53:55] second from Davis. >> And discuss a little bit I
[1:53:59] guess. You know, is there -- is there
[1:54:05] a way to carve out the natural out of the ordinance?
[1:54:11] >> If I may respond to that, the definition of Kratom
[1:54:17] product we're adopting in 031 is identical to that adopted by
[1:54:24] the state in the act I breve our last speaker referred.
[1:54:32] So, the definition basically means any product containing
[1:54:39] the leaf of the plant. The plant contains the
[1:54:43] alkaloid. Boy, I tell you.
[1:54:46] I'm glad I did not major in science and chemistry.
[1:54:51] The alkaloid mitt ruJuneen or
[1:55:00] hydroxeen. And contains the -- so, you
[1:55:05] have distinction in the definition.
[1:55:09] Theoretically we could revise the ordinance to make the
[1:55:13] distinction along the lines of quote unquote natural Kratom,
[1:55:18] which I believe is defined in part A.
[1:55:21] And synthetic, DH is defined in part B.
[1:55:25] So, it could work fairly easily.
[1:55:27] >> Thank you. Any further questions?
[1:55:32] Council member Bracken and >> We did look at this years
[1:55:39] ago with a prier council. Kratom and Kava were reviewed
[1:55:43] at the same time. At the time, there was a
[1:55:47] national push, within each state, for doing a review and
[1:55:51] having it become legal. But what we found, at that
[1:55:56] time, was a lot of the providers were bringing in
[1:56:02] popery in bags and processing them as consumable to the
[1:56:06] marketplace. Since then, this product and
[1:56:14] Kratom and KAUFBau have now been regulateded and
[1:56:17] distributed. I voted against having Kratom
[1:56:25] in Castle Rock last time. And now, keeping in spirit with
[1:56:31] supporting business owners and people's ability to function,
[1:56:38] there's a store right over SmashBurger and closing
[1:56:43] somebody's business after the fact I don't think is fair.
[1:56:47] I don't thing it's in the spirit of what we do and how we
[1:56:51] do. And I agree with not some of
[1:56:53] the uses. The reason I opposed in the
[1:56:57] first place is it was unknown and unregulated.
[1:57:01] It seems that we're defining now the natural you.
[1:57:05] For and if we can STRINTH restrict the synthetic, I think
[1:57:12] I would be in support. For that's what I know about
[1:57:16] it, bayed on what I've read. I've read emails, testimony and
[1:57:20] bad stuff too. I think most of the bad stuff
[1:57:30] has come away. I will not be in support of
[1:57:34] banning it but I will be in support of banning the
[1:57:38] synthetic option with safety as the forefront of my vote and
[1:57:42] not hurting businesses. That we voted last time,
[1:57:45] several years ago to allow it. >> Thank you.
[1:57:53] Mayor Pro Tem Laura Cavey >> Can I ask you a question?
[1:57:59] Chief collie? Do we see an issue with this in
[1:58:13] town with children? That's what I'm concerned about
[1:58:16] is minors. >> In speaking with the --
[1:58:23] there's a concern with kids with this.
[1:58:26] For as far as adult population, we haven't seen anything that's
[1:58:30] been problematic as far as anything that we can have data
[1:58:34] to point to. But obviously, when you're
[1:58:37] talking about kids, I think we have to be very careful on what
[1:58:40] they have access to and allowed to consume.
[1:58:44] For >> Thank you.
[1:58:46] Sorry for the out of order. >> Thank you.
[1:58:51] But dave -- Michael and David. >> I want to be clear we did,
[1:58:58] in 2019, ban the sale of Kratom to minors.
[1:59:02] >> And it is banned, it's still banned under the ordinance you
[1:59:09] just introduced. This would just take it further
[1:59:13] to all retail sale. Council member HoLLingshead
[1:59:25] >> I wonder if we can do it in a way to restrict sale to
[1:59:29] minors. The gas station version, verse
[1:59:35] as specialty shop. Can we restrict it to a place
[1:59:39] where it's educated on it and can differentiate between the
[1:59:42] two. I think it might be something
[1:59:45] to consider. >> Councilmember Brooks.
[1:59:51] >> Mr. Mayor, thank you. Couple things.
[1:59:54] Don't dislike the intent of that.
[1:59:56] I think the execution of that is rather sticky.
[2:00:02] The state has already ruled on the 7OH.
[2:00:07] So, us making the distinction between them is unnecessary.
[2:00:12] And in trying to separate this. You know, I'm for the ban of
[2:00:20] it, period. We don't allow marijuana sales.
[2:00:26] Natural leaf marijuana, by the way.
[2:00:28] We don't allow natural leaf marijuana here.
[2:00:32] Why? As a matter of fact, the food
[2:00:36] and drug administration is very, arguably, more kind to
[2:00:42] marijuana than Kratom. They actually restrict the
[2:00:48] import of the leaf. The food and drugged a
[2:00:54] minstration restricts the leaf. They take a harder stance on
[2:00:57] Kratom sales than they do marijuana.
[2:01:02] There are ten states -- I'm not talking about municipalities.
[2:01:07] Parker, monument, that have already out-right banned Kratom
[2:01:11] sale said. Ten states ban it.
[2:01:16] At the state level. So, when we're talking about
[2:01:20] this, we're not talking about criminalizing.
[2:01:23] We're not talking about prohibiting use.
[2:01:26] In the same way, we don't allow natural leaf marijuana here in
[2:01:31] Castle Rock. People can still use it.
[2:01:35] They can still take a drive up i-25 and purchase it there, as
[2:01:39] they can do with Kratom products.
[2:01:42] Not prohibiting the use of it. People will still be able to
[2:01:46] get ahold of it. If that's important for them
[2:01:49] and they're on a journey of coming off of opiates and I
[2:01:52] appreciate the stories. At the same time, man gets
[2:01:57] involved with jacking things up all the time.
[2:01:59] There are native cultures that used to chew just on the Coco
[2:02:02] leaf. Until somebody decided to throw
[2:02:08] gasoline on the and all the sudden we have a cartel
[2:02:11] SLINGing it on Miami streets. Opium is natural.
[2:02:16] So, natural does not mean it's good for you through that.
[2:02:22] So, this is a drug. This is an is substance that
[2:02:28] has seen, already, considerable difficulty with it.
[2:02:34] That has included the necessity to engage legislatively at the
[2:02:40] state level. There will, I think, continue
[2:02:43] to be issues with this. We have received emails about
[2:02:47] folks that have O.D.'d. As far as the role of
[2:02:51] government, there's a punchline about making sure that we're
[2:02:53] not allowing foreign invasions. Didn't exactly do a good job of
[2:02:57] that several years ago. But also, federal government
[2:03:01] does control commerce. This is an area in regulatory
[2:03:07] nature that is absolutely within the role of government.
[2:03:11] I'm 100% for limited and small government.
[2:03:14] Don't consider this an over reach whatsoever.
[2:03:18] Consider it more in the realm of what we've already done with
[2:03:22] natural leaf marijuana. So, I'll be in favor of the
[2:03:26] outright ban because it's not consistent, in my mind
[2:03:30] whatsoever, this town. As far as businesses.
[2:03:37] Its are arlittle over the top to say it would shutter a
[2:03:40] business. I would be hard pressed to
[2:03:42] think of a business that only, only sells Kratom.
[2:03:48] This is a convenience product. An oh, by the way, let me get
[2:03:53] this at the vape shop. Get somewhere else.
[2:03:56] Every single business I've researched that sells Kratom,
[2:04:00] sells another product. We're not putting anybody out
[2:04:02] of business. I would not support that.
[2:04:06] I want to be clear that when it comes to protecting businesses
[2:04:09] in town, I'm very sensitive to that.
[2:04:12] However, this is one product they can pull off of their
[2:04:15] shelves and they can continue to sell the other products that
[2:04:18] they do sell. I'm in favor of this.
[2:04:23] >> Councilmember Dietz. >> I'm of the same persuasion
[2:04:31] as councilmember Brooks. Castle Rock has a lot of things
[2:04:36] that we -- we want to keep it in a different status.
[2:04:40] All these other things are already in place.
[2:04:42] There are other places you can get it.
[2:04:44] Place use go. You'll still be able to use it
[2:04:47] in Castle Rock. So, I won't be in favor of the
[2:04:52] ban myself. >> Thank you.
[2:04:55] Any further discussion? >> See, I just feel we already
[2:05:01] decided and the businesses have been selling it.
[2:05:07] And kind of tough to go in reverse.
[2:05:09] I wish the vote would have passed to ban the first go
[2:05:16] around and now I've kind of stated my position.
[2:05:20] So, that's where we're at. But I'm not in favor.
[2:05:24] That's all. >> Further discussion?
[2:05:28] Roll call vote, please. [ Roll call]
[2:05:47] >> Thank you. Motion passes 6-1
[2:05:52] >> Thank you. Moving on to number 15, which
[2:05:56] we will not vote on. It's 15 and 16 together.
[2:06:05] 2026-104 in addition to the 2027 budget for it town of
[2:06:09] Castle Rock. Number 16, we will vote on.
[2:06:14] 2026-105, introduction of the 2026CRW rates and fees, study
[2:06:18] and additional changes to development fees.
[2:06:27] >> It's my privilege to provide you with an overview of the
[2:06:32] proposed 2027 town budget. Before we get into some of the
[2:06:39] specifics, I want to specifically extend my personal
[2:06:44] appreciation to our budget team.
[2:06:46] A number of them are here this evening.
[2:06:51] Cathy ingle. In addition to that, Melissa
[2:07:00] Everett, in the budget office. Christian and Matt and myself
[2:07:04] make up the budget team, along with all the department HET
[2:07:08] heads that work hard to present the proposed budget.
[2:07:12] Town law provides that town manager shall recommend, on an
[2:07:17] annual basis, a budget. It is my role to propose.
[2:07:21] It is your role to dispose. So, what my goal is, is to make
[2:07:26] sure that you know the major elements of the 2027 budget.
[2:07:33] I appreciate the opportunity to have briefed you here in the
[2:07:37] past few weeks. On this budget.
[2:07:42] We will then plan on first and second readings in October.
[2:07:49] Significantly on October 6, we'll consider the first
[2:07:51] reading of, not only the budget ordinance and the mill levy
[2:07:54] ordinance. And then we also have some
[2:07:59] affiliate budgets for the general improvement district of
[2:08:02] downtown development authority in the business improvement
[2:08:06] district for miller's landing. O, we do it concurrent with our
[2:08:12] budget adoption. We'll have the service
[2:08:16] contracts that you all approve as well.
[2:08:18] We usually put those on the consent.
[2:08:20] Calendar. And if you have questions, we
[2:08:24] can have those pulled off. And then the county assessor
[2:08:28] gets us, usually a little bit after Thanksgiving.
[2:08:33] The final assess evaluation. But because property taxes are
[2:08:37] such a small part of the budget, we're able to proceed
[2:08:39] before that. But we do then provide for
[2:08:44] second reading of the mill levy ordinance there on December
[2:08:47] 1st. So, that is our budget calendar
[2:08:51] for the rest of the year. The primary role of budgets is
[2:09:02] to reflect town priorities. I've been listening to council
[2:09:07] as to what you believe community's priorities are.
[2:09:10] And it's our role to recommend the appropriate level of
[2:09:13] resources the community provides through taxes and fees
[2:09:16] that respond to those priorities and respond to your
[2:09:19] direction. And that's what we're trying to
[2:09:23] do with 2027 budget. I want to point out we've been
[2:09:27] involved in a lot of outreach in regards to the budget.
[2:09:34] We encourage the community to come and learn about our budget
[2:09:37] and all the different priorities that are set out and
[2:09:41] how we use the funds that are intrusted from the community to
[2:09:45] the town. Obviously your open houses, we
[2:09:48] have discussions about the budget as well and we have
[2:09:52] boards and staff members to talk an about town budgeting.
[2:09:58] Significantly, we go beyond what is required by state law
[2:10:01] in regards to a public hearing. We're introducing it tonight.
[2:10:08] We've encouraged public comment throughout the summer in
[2:10:11] regards the budget preparation. We put together a budget and
[2:10:15] brief that tries to explain the budget in a couple of pages.
[2:10:19] and for those that like lifetime evening reading, we
[2:10:24] have, on the town's website, the recommended budget, which
[2:10:27] totals 400 pages. A little bit over that.
[2:10:31] So, we've got the entire budget available for public review and
[2:10:37] scrutiny and we welcome questions in regards to that.
[2:10:42] Going back to the priorities we know that one of the top
[2:10:47] priorities that town council values is public safety or
[2:10:50] police and fire departments. and you see here that we are --
[2:10:54] have been intrusteded with the voter-approved 2A to continue
[2:10:59] that plan. We're fortunate our revenues
[2:11:03] are continuing to allow us to build beyond what we promised
[2:11:07] in the staffing 2A plan for the police and fire department.
[2:11:10] Here you see we're adding a total of five staff persons in
[2:11:15] the police department in 2027. A detective, a dispatcher, an
[2:11:20] additional traffic officer and two additional officers.
[2:11:24] Primary deployment is in the realtime crime center.
[2:11:27] But they'll be available for other assignments as well.
[2:11:30] I want to make it very clear the reason why we're continuing
[2:11:35] to be able to put resources on the top priority of public
[2:11:39] safety continues to be the healthy sales tax growth.
[2:11:44] We had double digit increases 2025 over 2024.
[2:11:50] And we continue to enjoy sales tax growth this year.
[2:11:53] Roughly about 5%. Over the numbers that we've
[2:11:57] seen year to date. Comparing 2026 to 2025.
[2:12:01] We obviously watch that closely.
[2:12:07] As a quick digression, I have my daughter in town and we took
[2:12:10] a picture of a Costco sign down at Dawson trails.
[2:12:15] We're budgeting to include additional revenue from Costco.
[2:12:19] Which is obviously very important for the community as
[2:12:22] well. And helps us achieve the
[2:12:27] staffing levels necessary to protect the community and other
[2:12:29] things as well. There's equipment increases.
[2:12:35] You've heard me talk so favorably about software
[2:12:41] maintenance contracts. I won't go einto that.
[2:12:44] But we continue to see growth in that area as well.
[2:12:47] We have funds set aside for the expansion of our dispatch
[2:12:51] center. We get funds from the existing
[2:12:56] tax that we all pay on our monthly phone bills for 911.
[2:13:00] We get some of that money. But we're going to need spend
[2:13:04] more money from the town in regards to the expansion.
[2:13:07] And we're going to fix the stairs there at the pd head
[2:13:10] quarters. if you've been by, you know
[2:13:13] they're failing. And we have a safety concern
[2:13:17] that we need to fix there as well.
[2:13:19] We've got that in the budget. This next slide includes both
[2:13:23] police and fire department.
[2:13:26] Befofore I go into more depth of the recommendations for fire
[2:13:30] department in 2027. I've been privileged to be with
[2:13:33] the town since 2015. The first budget was for 2016
[2:13:39] that I was involved into create.
[2:13:41] You see the staffing levels and their total budget in 2024.
[2:13:46] 2026, that's the budget y'all have adopted for this year.
[2:13:50] 2027 is the budget staff is recommending for 2027 and
[2:13:53] you'll consider here in the coming weeks.
[2:13:57] You see the growth both in staffing.
[2:13:59] You also see the growth in cost.
[2:14:01] We budget for oneiary. We plan for five.
[2:14:05] So, while we're budgeting for 2027, we're doing multi-year
[2:14:11] plan. You adopt that plan but it's
[2:14:13] not a budget until we consider the 2028 budget roughly this
[2:14:18] time next year. And you see that growth in
[2:14:24] staffing and in cost. So, that in the period from
[2:14:31] 2016-2026 our public safety department total cost was $24
[2:14:35] million in change in 2016. 26 in 20 TWEKS.
[2:14:40] And it continues to grow as we add staff and as costs
[2:14:43] increase. I know I'm not the only one in
[2:14:49] town that wants more sales tax. But I think I'm the chief
[2:14:53] proponent of it. But that continues to help us
[2:14:58] be able to meet these demands. As promenade has helped us with
[2:15:05] meeting our public safety needs and other sales tax needs over
[2:15:09] the past decade. We're thinking Dawson trails is
[2:15:13] going to have probably a little bit smaller bought similar
[2:15:18] impact in regards to the ability to do the sales tax
[2:15:22] related projects. It's no small task to go from
[2:15:27] spending 24 million in 2016 to what's estimated to be $83
[2:15:33] million in 2031. Point that out.
[2:15:41] Our fire department. Again when the 2A plan was to
[2:15:45] add additional paramedics. To the staff of the fire rescue
[2:15:49] department. That helps us fully staff
[2:15:53] station 136, which you know is currently under construction
[2:15:56] under Castle Oaks drive. It will be opening next summer.
[2:16:02] It also have additional staffing in the fire rescue
[2:16:06] department. A deputy chief or
[2:16:08] administration. Emergency manager position.
[2:16:13] That will be a multi-department position.
[2:16:17] They'll be helping Mark and his staff in Water, Public works in
[2:16:24] regards to emergency management.
[2:16:27] All the other departments impacted not just by fire
[2:16:32] incidents but any number of calamities that might hit the
[2:16:37] community. So, we're excited to have that
[2:16:40] position on board. And we're rounding out the
[2:16:44] necessary training captains and adding another training
[2:16:47] captain. In the fire department, we're
[2:16:52] recommending we add five more positions as well.
[2:16:55] We're updating our wildfire protection plan.
[2:16:58] We have off wear that helps us predict some of the concerns in
[2:17:03] regards to that area. Reclassifications is an H.R.
[2:17:07] term for increasing compensation for certain
[2:17:10] positions and that's what we're doing there as well.
[2:17:13] Gear supplies and vehicles for the positions listed.
[2:17:18] Significantly, the 2027 budget has -- and we've got a pretty
[2:17:24] good estimate because we know what it cost to run a fire
[2:17:28] station from utility standpoint, from a supply
[2:17:31] standpoint as well. And we have funds in the 2027
[2:17:35] budget to help us make sure that we've GA utthe money to
[2:17:40] successfully operate station 1 GIKS when it joins our other
[2:17:46] stations in serving the community.
[2:17:48] Probably third quarter next year.
[2:17:49] We'll see. We know we want that up and
[2:17:54] operating as quickly as we can. Moving on to other priorities
[2:17:58] in the budget. Roads.
[2:18:00] We all drive. We're all experts on the
[2:18:04] driving around the community. And we appreciate the fact we
[2:18:11] continue to maintain our streets.
[2:18:13] And you've heard this before is roads don't heal themselves.
[2:18:17] We have to go in and fix them. And we do a lot of preventive
[2:18:22] maintenance to make sure we don't have to rebuild the
[2:18:23] street. Streets are like any other
[2:18:27] structure, susceptible to the elements.
[2:18:31] Freeze THEY in this part of the world and 18.6 million with a
[2:18:38] primary focus in the southern part of town.
[2:18:40] We get economies of scale by targeting certain areas of the
[2:18:45] community and touching streets in that area.
[2:18:47] We're adding one staff person for public works department.
[2:18:52] A traffic signal technician. And if you're going to have one
[2:18:56] of those, you need a bucket TRUK make sure we can get that
[2:19:01] person up to make sure the traffic signals are working all
[2:19:03] the of the time. You all made the one-year pilot
[2:19:08] commitment for link on demand. The funding is included in the
[2:19:14] 2027 budget but roughly this time next year that you look at
[2:19:18] full year's data and see whether or not you want to
[2:19:21] continue it. I provided you with the August
[2:19:24] data. The first full month for link
[2:19:28] on demand. Roughly I think 49 DHN mands in
[2:19:34] the Castle Rock area that link on deMANTD mand provided.
[2:19:41] You all will make a decision whether you want to continue or
[2:19:45] not. We'll put that in the budget
[2:19:48] accordingly. One of the other challenges
[2:19:51] that we had inputting the budget together is -- yes,
[2:20:00] mayor >> Mayor Pro Tem Laura Cavey.
[2:20:02] >> Can I ask a quick question on link?
[2:20:04] >> Yes, ma'am. FRFRTS
[2:20:07] >> When the contract comes up next year -- I know you sent a
[2:20:12] report about how many rides we've had.
[2:20:15] Can we just get feedback from the community before we make
[2:20:22] decision I was talking to some folks a that art fest -- at
[2:20:38] the -- and theyhead been using it.
[2:20:40] I wanted to get a feel from the community and not just
[2:20:44] statistics.
[2:20:46] >> That's a very good suggestion.
[2:20:49] One of the suggestions you'll make.
[2:20:53] We'll decide is. One the citizen survey again.
[2:20:59] And you may want a section about link on bemand.
[2:21:04] How you've used it, what for, what do you think?
[2:21:08] What other questions you might want to get a scientific survey
[2:21:12] to do that. And we also can't have the
[2:21:16] opportunity to collect anecdotes and other reports as
[2:21:18] well on that. >> I mean it's one thing when
[2:21:23] you see the number of rides but I want to hear from the
[2:21:26] community do they like it? Do they not like it?
[2:21:31] They do they think we're wasting money?
[2:21:34] >> They're good suggestions. You want factual statements and
[2:21:41] statements from citizens beyond the numbers.
[2:21:43] >> Yes, please. Thank you.
[2:21:49] >> So, this is our CIP five-year plan for how we want
[2:21:53] to invest in our transportation network.
[2:21:59] One of the challenges we're having is that, as you know
[2:22:04] growth has slowed down in Castle Rock.
[2:22:07] I'm waiting for the thank you note from a few citizens.
[2:22:10] It has slowed down. Last month we got -- we issued
[2:22:15] three single-family detached building permits.
[2:22:20] So far this month, 15th of September, we've issued two.
[2:22:27] So, cost of money, mortgage and lot availability.
[2:22:38] Just the overall cost of housing.
[2:22:41] When you hear from the home builder's association friends,
[2:22:45] they say it's got something to do with impact fees and system
[2:22:49] development charges. Don't know if that's the case
[2:22:52] but we'll have that discussion again.
[2:23:03] But our revenue slows down. So, we don't have the revenue
[2:23:09] we traditionally would have, for example, for street
[2:23:12] projects. Four years ago, we were doing
[2:23:16] 100 building permits per month. We're now doing substantially
[2:23:20] less. We're getting less revenue.
[2:23:26] We're committed, obviously, to finishing the fifth street
[2:23:31] widening project. We have a traffic signal
[2:23:37] improvement where we're going to need spend money for traffic
[2:23:41] signals. We have some for the first
[2:23:45] phase of the widening of wolfensberger.
[2:23:51] We have some for a round about, location to be determined.
[2:23:56] We have funding we have on design for the round about on
[2:24:01] west loop road and crystal valley parkway.
[2:24:04] And we're going to have a board.
[2:24:06] You've seen it. That shows the proposed
[2:24:11] configuration of the round about.
[2:24:13] So, we've got money for that. Some of the outer year
[2:24:18] projects, we're going to have to watch our revenue.
[2:24:22] If it's not there, we're probably not going to be able
[2:24:25] to do the project because we're probably not going to be able
[2:24:29] to move money around to do it. That's a real concern.
[2:24:32] Growth slows down. Impact revenue slows down.
[2:24:36] Our ability to respond to the demand of growth slows down as
[2:24:41] well. Just want to makes that point
[2:24:44] clear. I believe in Castle Rock.
[2:24:46] I think we're still going to see some level of growth within
[2:24:49] the community. We also know the community has
[2:24:52] significant concerns in regards to that.
[2:24:55] So, we're trying to reINTAUND to all of those things as well.
[2:25:01] But here you see the recommended five-year CIP for
[2:25:05] transportation. Parks and Recreation is one of
[2:25:17] our top priorities. We're making great progress on
[2:25:21] the sports center. If y'all want a tour, let me
[2:25:28] know, give me specific dates. Ryan peterson is a guide
[2:25:35] excellent. They're project madger can talk
[2:25:41] construction stuff. I was very impress would the
[2:25:47] facility. If there's opportunities you
[2:25:54] want to look at, it's on schedule.
[2:25:59] Way the tell you on schedule, that means ahead of schedule
[2:26:04] but we'll see. One of the significant things
[2:26:10] the parks and recreation department is going to do is
[2:26:15] offer multi-center pass for the community, that community can
[2:26:19] buy a pass for either an individual or family and they
[2:26:24] can use either the rec center, mack or the new sports center
[2:26:34] for each individual one. So, we have a comfort level we
[2:26:38] can do that. That's important because while
[2:26:44] we're paying for the sports center.
[2:26:45] We're going to get impact fee revenue and then our portion of
[2:26:50] the sales tax. And 100% of the logic tax to
[2:26:56] help us retire the certificates of presentation for the sports
[2:27:01] center. It's very similar to the rec
[2:27:08] center. For it's operated with a very
[2:27:12] modest tax subsidy. They get 5.25% of the town's 4%
[2:27:16] sales tax. The rest of the comes from
[2:27:21] membership admission fees, tournament fees.
[2:27:29] So, that's how we operate those facilities.
[2:27:33] We never recover the capital costs.
[2:27:36] we make sure it can operate in the small amount of sales tax
[2:27:40] it gets and we add membership fees.
[2:27:44] We're adding five full time for the new sports center.
[2:27:48] We'll have a number of part-time staff.
[2:27:53] And then operate accordingly there as well.
[2:27:58] We are planning funding to do the planning for the connection
[2:28:04] up to the county's open space. That includes trails.
[2:28:10] We've talked about trails in the room.
[2:28:13] We're working to make sure that happens.
[2:28:16] We're getting public land dedication.
[2:28:18] We actually have it. We own it at the southern end
[2:28:22] of Dawson trails. we want to plan that property.
[2:28:30] I'm going to ask next meeting we have an executive section
[2:28:34] where we can talk about an ice hockey facility.
[2:28:37] I think we're far enough along we can talk more specifics in
[2:28:41] regards to that at the property there closer to Costco.
[2:28:45] We'll talk about that as well. We're continuing to make
[2:28:58] improvements on Los Cantrell ranch.
[2:29:01] And here are the elevation of the sports center.
[2:29:06] And encourage you all to taken an opportunity.
[2:29:08] Be more than happy to schedule opportunity to get in and give
[2:29:11] a tour. Opening.
[2:29:18] Maybe next year. Not going to talk about water
[2:29:21] because Mark's going to talk about water.
[2:29:26] And you see these -- this is the 50,000 miles up kind of
[2:29:36] view of water and water rates. We won't spend time on that
[2:29:41] because Mark's going to spend a lot more time on it.
[2:29:44] We're adding other staff positions.
[2:29:46] And adding a new fire station and the new sports center.
[2:29:50] We need another senior maintenance technician in the
[2:29:54] facility division. That's mot in the parks
[2:29:57] department budget. In part of the town manager's
[2:30:02] office. We need another computer tech
[2:30:05] in our do-it division. Y'all are very familiar and you
[2:30:11] need to contain your excitement about the fact we're getting a
[2:30:14] new financial software here soon.
[2:30:18] We need a financial systems analyst to help us with that
[2:30:21] project. Want to add another sales tax
[2:30:27] auditor. We have a successful program
[2:30:30] where we work successfully with businesses to recover funds due
[2:30:34] and to make sure everybody has a level playing field as far as
[2:30:40] paying for sales tax. $100 million this year with
[2:30:44] sales tax. $1.6 million for property tax.
[2:30:55] Would I trade property tax for sales snacks sure.
[2:30:58] Do I want to be responsible for the measure where I'm asking
[2:31:02] for more property taxes? Not so much.
[2:31:12] We feel comfortable moving forward on that.
[2:31:15] It's a different pay plan for public safety employees than
[2:31:19] the rest of employees as well. That's all outlined in the
[2:31:23] budget and letter. Health insurance costs.
[2:31:37] 15% increase. It's not going to be a 15%
[2:31:40] increase to town and employees. There will be premium
[2:31:44] increases. The rest of the is on the town
[2:31:46] as the employer. But I don't know what to do
[2:31:51] about health care. If you think it's expensive,
[2:31:59] wait it till the federal government makes it free.
[2:32:06] It's a large expense bought necessary benefit.
[2:32:09] It's one of the reasons we continue to attract and retain
[2:32:13] the quality employees we do now.
[2:32:16] So, we'reed like to protect that program and keep our
[2:32:20] health plan healthy. With that, I'm happy to respond
[2:32:24] to questions. You'll have questions on the
[2:32:27] water as well but you can wait for mark on his presentation.
[2:32:30] Happy to respond to that. Be sure and read the
[2:32:34] transmittal letter. Appreciate the work from staff.
[2:32:38] Kristen does a great job of word smithing that transmitling
[2:32:42] letter to give youditional details in regards to the
[2:32:45] budget and there's 400 pages of budget.
[2:32:52] Not quite a million dollar as page but kind of feels like it
[2:32:55] sometimes. It's a very important document.
[2:33:00] Serves as an our Marching orders.
[2:33:02] Once you adopt it, we implement it and that's the direction we
[2:33:07] want to proceed once we know you all have seen the budget
[2:33:11] and spent time asking questions about it.
[2:33:14] The cover of the budget really should be along the themes of
[2:33:18] we don't look for good ideas, just for all the revenue to pay
[2:33:21] for them. We've got a lot of great ideas
[2:33:25] on what to spend money on. And y'all have mentioned a
[2:33:29] number of them in briefings. I don't disagree with them but
[2:33:32] this is a packet high and tight and make sure the top priority,
[2:33:38] public safety, is well attended to.
[2:33:40] That's what we've tried to do in this budget.
[2:33:44] Happy to respond to questions >> Since we're not voting on
[2:33:50] this, questions or comments. >> We had quite a bit of public
[2:33:58] out reach involving trails in town.
[2:34:02] I know just what you talked about.
[2:34:05] There's a big long list of wants.
[2:34:07] But we've got to get to the needs first.
[2:34:11] Still, that being said, is there money to deal with
[2:34:26] improvements, not what the public asked for but maybe meet
[2:34:30] halfway to make things better for the bicycle users, single
[2:34:34] trike users in town? >> Thank you for your question.
[2:34:37] I think the answer is yes. We have funding to be able to
[2:34:41] attend to some of the maintenance needs.
[2:34:43] Er there will be a shift in some of the park staff away
[2:34:47] from turf management to being able to work on the trail
[2:34:52] management, including contractors to do rehab
[2:34:55] maintenance of some of the trails you heard described that
[2:34:57] needed attention. Got a commitment from parks
[2:35:00] that they're going to be able to get to that.
[2:35:04] And we're planning, everybody knows where the Mccanta
[2:35:07] development is. In the unincorporated county
[2:35:12] immediately adjacent to valley road, which, in my driving
[2:35:16] experiences. Looks like the town got
[2:35:21] finished work on that. The county has received I think
[2:35:25] approximately 350 acres of open space.
[2:35:28] And they're planning a trail system there that will be
[2:35:32] available for biking, mountain biking included in that.
[2:35:37] And we're involved in that planning and providing a
[2:35:41] connection from Castle Oaks Drive and some of the trails we
[2:35:46] have in regards to that. A connection from that over to
[2:35:51] Mccanta. We're expanding the number of
[2:35:58] mountain biking-type trails within the general community as
[2:36:02] is usual with so many of the things we have to do.
[2:36:05] We have to look for a partner. In this case, the partner is
[2:36:09] Douglas county in regards to their open space.
[2:36:12] I believe we're paying attention to that concern.
[2:36:22] >> Questions or comments from council?
[2:36:25] >> You want public comment on the budge incident.
[2:36:27] >> Sure. I had no intent to speak.
[2:36:31] Please approach the podium and please state your name,
[2:36:34] resident, nonresident, business owner.
[2:36:37] You have four minutes. Seeing none, we'll move on to
[2:36:41] number 16. >> Thank you, mayor and
[2:36:48] council. I do want to make sure this is
[2:36:51] just an introduction of the rates and fees tonight.
[2:36:54] I want to make sure we're on the same page about that.
[2:36:57] We won't be voting on this tonight, I don't think.
[2:37:02] >> I was told we were. >> I think just go ahead and
[2:37:08] have Mark bring back the ordinance, similar to the one
[2:37:13] on the entire budget but that's fine.
[2:37:15] >> Great. First I want to thank Nicole
[2:37:23] busy. She's here tonight.
[2:37:26] As council knows, we do a rates and fees study every year.
[2:37:30] We bring in an outside consultant, nationally
[2:37:35] recognized consultant that is an expert in this area.
[2:37:39] This is not something every water utility does.
[2:37:42] Typically they do these on a five-year basis.
[2:37:47] Castle Rock water does by bed Zion every year and that's
[2:37:51] primarily because we're a cost of service utility and we want
[2:37:55] to make sure rates and fees we're charging are appropriate
[2:37:59] for the cost of the actual service being provided.
[2:38:02] And so, we review that every year and as you know, we bring
[2:38:06] these back to council for consideration.
[2:38:11] There's really two pieces to this that are important.
[2:38:15] Rates and fees for existing customers.
[2:38:18] And then we'll talk about system development fees for new
[2:38:23] development where the concept is that growth pays for growth
[2:38:27] with respect to water. So, just a little bit of quick
[2:38:31] history. I know typically rates don't go
[2:38:35] down but I do want to point out 2022, we did reduce rates that
[2:38:39] year. But this is what we've done
[2:38:44] since 2022 through 2026. And this is what we've done on
[2:38:47] system development fees. And I will point out there's
[2:38:51] pretty big numbers here.
[2:38:59] And there's a reason for that. Renewable water supplies have
[2:39:04] gone up faster than inflation. I was looking at the Colorado
[2:39:10] big Thompson project, and the cost for that water have gone
[2:39:14] up over 700% since 2010. So, very large increases in the
[2:39:20] cost of some of the water. So, some of the things that
[2:39:24] we're considering. As council knows, we're still
[2:39:29] trying to convert to renewable water supply for the community.
[2:39:33] And that's the primary long-term cost we continue to
[2:39:36] face. Some of the big things that are
[2:39:41] in that include this wise project that we have to
[2:39:45] eventually provide desalination for to remove salt from the
[2:39:49] water. Our customers might be very
[2:39:51] upset. And several other big projects
[2:39:55] here that we need to continue as part of a long-term water
[2:39:58] supply. From a financial standpoint, we
[2:40:03] do plan this out through 2065. We look at the capital budgets
[2:40:08] out to 2065 and we have financial models for each of
[2:40:11] the separate enterprises. We track storm water, is
[2:40:15] separate from water resources, separate from waste water and
[2:40:19] water. And each one has a financial
[2:40:25] model, modeled through 2065. The idea here, for doing that
[2:40:32] is to try to smooth rate increases so we don't have rate
[2:40:35] shock in any one particular year, especially with respect
[2:40:39] to existing customers and we want to maintain specific
[2:40:43] balances for reserves. And that's catastrophic failure
[2:40:49] reserves, rate revenue stabilization reserves.
[2:40:51] For example in a year where we maybe have more rain than we
[2:40:55] expect and we don't sell enough water.
[2:40:59] We may need stabilize those rates with that reserve.
[2:41:03] And of course, debt is what we're looking at.
[2:41:08] As you know we already have debt and looking at several
[2:41:14] more issuances over the next five to ten years.
[2:41:18] Growth forecast. Obviously we have to forecast
[2:41:21] what we think we're going to have in terms of growth and
[2:41:25] it's really slowed down what corilous said.
[2:41:29] And no different than it rest of the town, that could very
[2:41:34] well impact the speed with which we can build renewable
[2:41:39] PRAUTer projects because those obviously help provide
[2:41:43] economies of scale for us to be able to build those projects
[2:41:46] more quickly. We've assumed an average annual
[2:41:51] growth of 390 residential units.
[2:41:55] And we do have extra territorial areas as well
[2:42:00] and we get additional growth in those areas.
[2:42:04] Outside of what the town sees. And Mccanta is one of the
[2:42:10] areas. And we have to look at water
[2:42:15] supply, verses water demand every year.
[2:42:21] And looking at every year how much water he needs and the
[2:42:27] timing of the water as we continue to grow.
[2:42:28] Things that impacted the costs. Construction costs, water
[2:42:33] costs, renewable water, scarcity.
[2:42:37] Council's well aware of the scarcity issues with Colorado
[2:42:39] river and some of the other rivers we're dealing with.
[2:42:43] That just drives up the cost for renewable water supplies.
[2:42:49] Much faster nan home building costs, I believe.
[2:42:54] And we have many other issues, regulatory and permanent and
[2:43:00] then we have reserves we put in place.
[2:43:03] And these reserves are there. We have an operational reserve,
[2:43:08] a catastrophic failure reserve and a rate revenue reserve.
[2:43:14] And currently throws 1.2% of the total assets.
[2:43:21] Rate structure strategy. There's one thing looking at
[2:43:26] going forward. Our water resources fee is a
[2:43:29] fixed fee. And we've continued to have to
[2:43:33] address that fee every year. We're looking at next year
[2:43:37] taking a look at converting some of that increase to a
[2:43:43] variable rate fee, based on how much people use to try to
[2:43:48] balance that. As you know, variable rates
[2:43:53] help us send a conservation message and if our fixed fees
[2:43:58] become too high and variable fees to low, we won't be
[2:44:04] spending the conservation message in a strong enough
[2:44:06] manner. We'll look at that this year
[2:44:09] however, not this year. Five-year C IP, the five-year
[2:44:20] number has come down a little bit.
[2:44:23] The biggest portion of the costs are in the water
[2:44:24] resources fund. That's where you see the really
[2:44:28] big dollars and that's part of the conversion to renewable
[2:44:31] water supply. Projects we're looking at in
[2:44:35] the five-year window and I'll hit mainly on 2027.
[2:44:41] Going to do a big rehab projected down in young
[2:44:44] American. Rehab is really important.
[2:44:48] Sometimes we forget about rehab in replacement of the old
[2:44:52] infrastructure. Er when you have 500 plus lines
[2:44:56] under the roads, you need fix them PAEFSH 50 or 60 years.
[2:45:05] You can see eight million for the water and 1.FRIEFB the
[2:45:11] waste water for the young American project.
[2:45:14] And we're going to continue out master plan projects.
[2:45:18] We're on an it 10-year time frame to replace all our
[2:45:22] control systems. Cybersecurity and all things
[2:45:25] related to that. We're going to be making major
[2:45:30] upgrades to the ray waterman treatment plant for pumping and
[2:45:35] tanks we need to build in the five-year window.
[2:45:37] The water resources side we're going to be finally building a
[2:45:44] pipeline from east plum creek to reservoir.
[2:45:48] The good news is we did get a federal grant of $1.75 million
[2:45:54] to help with that. Looks like we're kn eing to get
[2:45:57] a grant from the state as well. That might be larger than at
[2:46:02] the grant from the federal government.
[2:46:07] Fingers crossed we find out Thursday.
[2:46:11] You can see 27.5 million for 2027 and we started the project
[2:46:17] this year to the tune of about 5 million.
[2:46:23] We've got team budget for this. We have to currently
[2:46:30] contractually rebuild by 2030. And that's a tremendous amount
[2:46:34] of money. The good news is we're looking
[2:46:37] at potentially partnering with aurora water to push that out.
[2:46:41] So, we're actually trying to push the costs out and that is
[2:46:45] becoming a real possibility. But we have to budgetet for it
[2:46:49] until that contract gets revised.
[2:46:52] We have several other large projects to build to make sure
[2:46:56] we can take full advantage of the capacity at the plum creek
[2:47:04] water pureification facility and another raw water pipeline
[2:47:09] from reservoirs at sedalia that have be to upsized.
[2:47:15] I want to make sure council understands we have money for
[2:47:19] the collection system but that will not come from Castle Rock
[2:47:21] water. That money will be from either
[2:47:25] the county or system development fees paid by people
[2:47:29] connecting to the system. And then storm water, we've got
[2:47:35] one major project planned. And it's the seconds of the
[2:47:40] gullch that goes through the county and the town.
[2:47:45] And we're moving that forward. I'm not -- and support as well
[2:47:53] for that project. Major operational cost impacts?
[2:47:58] We're finishing up advanced metering infraSFRUKture.
[2:48:04] We have our wise operating costs.
[2:48:09] We're knowing to take our full subscriptions in the coming
[2:48:12] years. Electricity cost continue to
[2:48:18] rise. The good news is we're not
[2:48:22] asking for any new positions in 2027.
[2:48:27] Would you like, the -- so, these are the proposed rates
[2:48:35] for 2027 and we're also showing what we've got going through
[2:48:38] 2031, base on our five-year plan.
[2:48:49] 4.82%. Similar to last year.
[2:48:53] 4.76, roughly. Fairly close to what we were
[2:48:59] projecting for 2027. And that's what we're budgeting
[2:49:05] for this year. And the biggest number is in
[2:49:07] the water resources fee and that's the conversion to
[2:49:10] renewable water. Did want to mention something
[2:49:15] that we would like council to consider for us to take, bring
[2:49:20] forward is a part of the rates and fees and that 400 customers
[2:49:36] that exceed 400 gallons and then 50,000 gallons and up.
[2:49:41] To as much as over 100,000 gallons.
[2:49:45] Now, typical home in Castle Rock uses about 8,000 gallance.
[2:49:50] So, what we want to do is provide additional incentive
[2:49:55] for some of the really large residential users to bring the
[2:50:00] water use down. We want to propose -- if you go
[2:50:05] above 50,000 gallons, instead of a 1083 surcharge, you would
[2:50:15] go to a $20.66 surcharge. Between 50 and 100.
[2:50:19] Er if you're going over, 1 100 --
[2:50:32] per gallon surcharge. We'd like to propose that to
[2:50:36] bring down some of the usage or encourage that.
[2:50:39] The other thing I did want council to know, we're looking
[2:50:45] at that senior discount. What we'd like the bring back
[2:50:48] and we won't have it for this rates and fees study.
[2:50:52] We'd like, instead of a senior discount, more of an
[2:50:56] income-based discount. Because the bottom line is
[2:51:00] we've got other folks very much like seniors on fixed incomes
[2:51:05] that may have income challenges and we feel like that would
[2:51:09] probably be a more appropriate approach than just addressing
[2:51:13] seniors. We're going to bring it back in
[2:51:17] a couple months but it require as little more study.
[2:51:26] This is what an average bill would look like in the winter
[2:51:32] and summer. And shows you the increase that
[2:51:36] we're proposing would look like in the winter and summer.
[2:51:47] And then this is on an annual basis.
[2:51:49] This shows you what the costs look like on an annual basis
[2:51:53] and what the changes are on an annual basis.
[2:52:02] And you can see what we were projecting for 2027 is fairly
[2:52:06] close to what we have come back with recommending.
[2:52:13] This -- always like to show how we compare to other water
[2:52:18] providers around us. We're the green bar and purple
[2:52:22] is some of our competition. I think we continue to be
[2:52:26] fairly competitive with our surrounding water providers,
[2:52:32] respect to existing customer rates and fees.
[2:52:39] Now, I'm going to switch to system development fees.
[2:52:44] These are the things where growth pays for growth.
[2:52:47] And unfortunately, the costs are really going up for
[2:52:52] improvements and additional infrastructure needed to
[2:52:56] support that additional growth and as I said, renewable
[2:53:02] water's not getting any cheaper.
[2:53:03] It's going up very fast in cost.
[2:53:06] So, you can see the proposed fees.
[2:53:12] To be clear, the total, in the cherry creek or plum creek
[2:53:19] basin. That's what the various numbers
[2:53:23] in the bottom refer to and that's based on the storm
[2:53:26] water. There's a reason the cherry
[2:53:30] creek number has gone up so much.
[2:53:32] The amount of development projected has decreased
[2:53:37] significantly. While the cost of improvements
[2:53:43] have not decreases. Those costs are carried over a
[2:53:49] smaller number of equivalents in the cherry creek basin.
[2:53:53] I do want to point out that last year, when we presented
[2:54:02] these, we already knew we were a lit little behind on some of
[2:54:08] our system development fees and we were trying to phase in
[2:54:12] these large increases over a number of years.
[2:54:15] And so, this is what 2027 and 2028, this is generally what
[2:54:23] those looked like in the previous rat proposal in 2025.
[2:54:31] We do see we're going to continue escalating those going
[2:54:38] forward, unless costs go down. I do want to point out -- as I
[2:54:44] said we did introduce these numbers to the economic
[2:54:49] development committee, water subcommittee several weeks ago.
[2:54:56] So, we've done out reach already about these costs.
[2:54:59] And we will be meeting with the head of the metro-Denver HVA to
[2:55:05] talk to him about some of the costs.
[2:55:08] And I know we've had comments from some home builders
[2:55:12] already. I do want to point out that we
[2:55:17] worked very hard on our system development fees.
[2:55:22] As you know several months ago, as we went through 2026 and we
[2:55:30] took time to insure they were acI RLTly reflecting the usage
[2:55:36] by various housing and we DHIEM conclusion it was based ontual
[2:55:42] square footage for the house. What you see is, for smaller
[2:55:49] houses, there's a discount to the system development fees.
[2:55:54] I want to point this out boss this helps us understand where
[2:55:59] we really are with respect to cystdom investment fees.
[2:56:02] The two orange bars near the top are full system development
[2:56:07] fee for us. I want to note, if I go back,
[2:56:19] the average house is around 4500 square feet.
[2:56:25] What that means is they're paying .87% of that full system
[2:56:32] development fee, which drops you down to the next two orange
[2:56:35] bars. Now, there's been a lot of talk
[2:56:42] about astainable housing. And the bottom line is my
[2:56:51] understanding is atonable landing is they're talking more
[2:56:56] about 1400 square feet and that puts us way down in the bottom
[2:57:01] of the chart. If you add a basement to the
[2:57:08] 1400 square feet at 2400 square feet, you're just below Arapaho
[2:57:13] county. And if you use the square footage that used in the
[2:57:26] impact study, it puts us just below Parker water.
[2:57:30] The two orange bars, more in the middle.
[2:57:32] All right. So, this is the introduction
[2:57:35] tonight. We'll go to water commission in
[2:57:44] a week or two and then first and second reading in October
[2:57:47] and I'm happy to answer any questions.
[2:57:52] Er >> Mayor Pro Tem Laura Cavey.
[2:57:54] >> I just have to ask who uses 40,000 gallance -- I'm sorry.
[2:58:02] That's insane to me. >> Well --
[2:58:07] >> I don't need somebody's name.
[2:58:09] But what are you doing to use that kind of water?
[2:58:12] >> Unfortunately, most of it is out door use.
[2:58:16] So, irrigation. Again, and that's a great
[2:58:21] question. It's a tremendous amount of
[2:58:26] water when you thing the average home is only using
[2:58:33] about 125,000 gallance for an entire year.
[2:58:49] >> I would agree with you. That's just crazy.
[2:58:52] Anyway, thank you. >> Anymore questions for Mark
[2:58:56] or staff? Seeing none.
[2:59:03] Non-resident speaker signed up. Morgan column.
[2:59:24] Good evening, mayor and council members.
[2:59:28] I'm here tonight on behalf of the home builder's association
[2:59:32] of metro Denver. First of all we recognize
[2:59:36] Castle Rock has significant responsibilities when it comes
[2:59:39] to maintaining reliable and sustainable water supply and
[2:59:43] support responsibility investment in the town's
[2:59:45] future. We're doing is carefully
[2:59:48] consider the proposed increases and water fees, given the
[2:59:52] substantial cost of building a home in Castle Rock today.
[2:59:56] They're paying over $100,000 for a typical single-family
[3:00:01] home and that's a tremendous upfront cost that effects the
[3:00:06] feesent and affordability of new housing.
[3:00:15] And when development fees cost -- become too high, fewer
[3:00:20] projects move forward. That means fewer building
[3:00:23] permits and less permit revenue for the town.
[3:00:28] We're already seeing that trend.
[3:00:31] Castle Rock has processed only 105 residential permits and
[3:00:37] zero in July and August. I think dave mentioned five or
[3:00:42] something. There's a discrepancy there.
[3:00:45] Three years ago the town was averaging nearly 500 permits
[3:00:50] during the same period. That decline should give all of
[3:00:53] us pause. And increasing fees may
[3:01:02] increase revenue on an individual permit but can make
[3:01:05] projects less feasible. Further reduce construction
[3:01:09] activity and reduce the overall revenue generated by the
[3:01:12] permits. We're not asking renewed
[3:01:15] development to avoid paying its fair share.
[3:01:20] We're asking the costs be reasonable, proportional
[3:01:28] against the real balance of activity.
[3:01:31] At a TWHIEM the cost of building is is is already at
[3:01:35] historic levels, we should look for ways to moderate the costs,
[3:01:39] not continue adding to them. We respectfully ask council to
[3:01:45] consider the magnitude of propose under creasess and work
[3:01:49] with the development community on a more balanced approach.
[3:01:52] Thank you for your time this evening.
[3:01:55] >> If someone wishes to speak, come to the podium and state
[3:01:58] your name, whether you're a resident, nonresident, business
[3:02:01] owner. Four minutes to speak.
[3:02:04] Seeing none, back to Town Council.
[3:02:12] I was told yes but we're not. >> Make a quick comment.
[3:02:16] This is something I wanted to address in my council comments
[3:02:19] but I think I was at 20 minutes on those.
[3:02:25] I figured maybe I could seam in it here a little bit.
[3:02:29] When it comes to the budget increases with fire and police,
[3:02:32] those are substantial increases.
[3:02:33] I want to point out that in the Castle Rock fire department,
[3:02:38] the report that we're given in our packet, I notice that calls
[3:02:44] this year to date had increased by 350.
[3:02:48] If my math is not completely off, it's somewhere around 7-8%
[3:02:52] increase. Overall, CRFD, in the month of
[3:02:59] August, fielded 23 calls per day.
[3:03:01] 23 calls a day. So, continuing to make these
[3:03:05] staffing changes. Staffing up in fire and police.
[3:03:10] Just something, even though the numbers can be a little
[3:03:13] staggering. Something that we have to do
[3:03:16] because the demand is continuing to increase as well.
[3:03:19] Just quick point I wanted to make.
[3:03:21] Thank you. >> It's a good point.
[3:03:25] And aids would call fire department more.
[3:03:29] >> I appreciate your bars and different colors there.
[3:03:33] 20% increase seems huge but I recognize the smaller houses,
[3:03:38] that won't be significant. When you come back, can you
[3:03:42] bring a 2,000 square-foot house, 4,000, 6,000-square foot
[3:03:48] house, what it was in 2024 and now in 2027.
[3:03:52] How some will be increase and some will be significant?
[3:03:55] >> Absolutely. I guess the key, just to make
[3:04:01] sure we're clear, and I'm going back to the chart to make sure
[3:04:04] we all understand. There's still an increase for,
[3:04:10] say, a 1400 square foot home proportional.
[3:04:16] It's that the actual total cost is much lower.
[3:04:20] And so, attainable housing, the smaller housing can really
[3:04:25] moderate those fees to be more competitive.
[3:04:28] If you look across the Denver metro area -- I was trying to
[3:04:32] do a little bit of the research over the last week or so.
[3:04:37] Castle Rock has pretty big houses compared rest
[3:04:43] of metro Denver area. Our fees become can
[3:04:50] competitive. Especially when the houses are
[3:04:54] small. We didn't have the square
[3:04:58] footage percentages in 2024. >> And maybe close to a
[3:05:04] decrease or flat, I would think.
[3:05:07] Thank you, Mark. See you in a few weeks.
[3:05:15] Number 17, ordinance 2026-034, ordinance authorizing the
[3:05:22] issuance of sale of water and sewer enterprise revenue bonds
[3:05:26] or revenue refunding bonds or both.
[3:05:30] Payable solely out of the net MRENLed revenues to be derived
[3:05:33] from the operation of the town's water and sewer
[3:05:35] enterprise. Providing other details
[3:05:38] concerning the bonds, including, without limitation,
[3:05:41] covenants and agreements in connection therewith.
[3:05:45] Roviding other matters relate thereto, and repealing
[3:05:50] ordinance number 2025-029. Finally adopted on August 19,
[3:05:55] 2025, relating to 2025 bonds. >> You can't get rid of me just
[3:06:01] yet because I have this one as well.
[3:06:03] I want to point out there's a dead issuance in the 2027
[3:06:08] budget for Castle Rock water. This similar to August of last
[3:06:26] year. If you were a councilmember in
[3:06:31] 2025, we did this ordinance that provided us a year to
[3:06:35] issue revenue bonds under certain parameters.
[3:06:37] And what we want to do is basically re-up that and
[3:06:43] continue to both watch the market and also look at when
[3:06:48] we're actually going to need to issue these revenue bonds.
[3:06:52] And one of the key things that growth is slowing down in
[3:06:55] Castle Rock. And we can't build our
[3:07:00] renewable water projects as fast as we were.
[3:07:03] That may push the revenue bonds out, potentially.
[3:07:07] But we do need the flexibility for this if we need to move
[3:07:14] forward more quickly to build the infrastructure.
[3:07:18] This repeals the previous one and puts a new one in place.
[3:07:23] It reserves that flexibility for us to watch the market
[3:07:28] conditions, cash flow, and the timing of projects for the best
[3:07:33] time issue debt. And as part of this ordinance,
[3:07:45] there's one piece we hope will definitely go forward.
[3:07:49] We're seeking a loan prom the Colorado water conservation
[3:07:53] board because we get a reduced rate through them.
[3:07:56] So, a rate better than what we would get if we go with revenue
[3:08:00] bonds on the open market. So, about a half a percent.
[3:08:05] We're looking at a loan of around $30 million from CWCD
[3:08:14] and the primary focus is to pay for the east plum creek
[3:08:21] pipeline project, which has to go forward because of our
[3:08:26] federal grant and hopefully Colorado state grant that we're
[3:08:29] going to get. We're going to find out if we
[3:08:34] get the Colorado water conservation board loan in
[3:08:37] November. And if we get that loan, this
[3:08:42] ordinance amount of revenue bonds that we can issue
[3:08:47] by the amount of that loan. It calls for up to $66 million
[3:08:54] in revenue bonds. If we get this loan, that would
[3:08:57] be reduced by the amount of the loan automatically.
[3:09:03] Now, the net effective interest rate maximum is 5%.
[3:09:12] Final maturity no later than November 2026.
[3:09:16] I will say the cwcd loan is the 10-year loan.
[3:09:20] Right now in terms of the loan and revenue bonds or a better
[3:09:25] deal than 20 or 30-year revenue bonds from an interest-rate
[3:09:30] standpoint, if we can afford it.
[3:09:34] We can definitely afford the loan.
[3:09:37] The revenue bonds, we'll to wait and see how it turns out.
[3:09:43] We're one slight change to the ordinance than last year.
[3:09:46] We're asking for refunding authority for the three bond
[3:09:50] issuance that we have out now in case interest rates allow us
[3:09:57] to put ourselves in a better position and reduce our
[3:10:02] borrowing costs. I'm not sure I expect that to
[3:10:06] happen. And then obviously there's
[3:10:14] projects that have to be tied to that.
[3:10:16] These are the projects the revenue bonds would be issued
[3:10:19] for. These are the same projects in
[3:10:22] the budget essentially. So, I won't spend a lot of time
[3:10:26] there. And of course, there's no
[3:10:31] immediate impact to the budget until we issue the revenue
[3:10:37] bonds. Now, annual debt service by the
[3:10:41] ordinance is limited to 5.5 million and total repayment
[3:10:47] costs of 108 million. That's also part of this.
[3:10:49] And you can can see the debt service is just based on the
[3:10:54] water and sewer revenues. So, that is all that can be
[3:10:58] used to pay these back. And they're on parity with our
[3:11:02] other bonds. And then the refunding bonds
[3:11:07] also, they have a maximum repayment of 4.3 anualy and 33
[3:11:15] million total. And this is the schedule for
[3:11:20] this one. This is first reading on this
[3:11:23] one tonight. And the reason for that is we
[3:11:26] want to go ahead and get this in place so that we are able to
[3:11:36] move forward if interest rates end up in a good place.
[3:11:41] The other thing this does allow us to do -- or you passed at
[3:11:48] the last council meeting is allows us to go back 60 grays
[3:11:55] and use anything from the date this is passed back 60 days, we
[3:11:59] can use these revenue bonds for as well.
[3:12:03] And with that, any questions? >> Any questions for Mark?
[3:12:08] Seeing none. I have no one sign upped to
[3:12:11] speak. Anyone wishes to speak,
[3:12:14] approach the podium, state your name, resident, nonresident,
[3:12:17] business owner. Four minutes to speak.
[3:12:20] I'll close public hearing and bring item back to Town Council
[3:12:23] for further discussion and motion.
[3:12:27] >> I move to approve ordinance 2026-034 as introduced by
[3:12:32] title. >> Same.
[3:12:34] >> First and second. Any further discussion?
[3:12:38] A lot of good information. Thank you, Mark.
[3:12:44] Roll call vote [ Roll call]
[3:12:53] >> Thank you. Motion passes unanimously.
[3:12:55] >> Thank you. Number 18 --
[3:13:02] >> Given the time, I would request that council consider a
[3:13:06] motion to extend the meeting past 9:30 to the conclusion of
[3:13:12] the executive session discussion.
[3:13:14] >> Even though we're not returning?
[3:13:17] >> Yes, because you're meeting. An executive session meeting.
[3:13:22] >> I vote to extend. >> Second.
[3:13:26] >> First and mayor pro tem. Role call vote.
[3:13:36] [ Roll call] >> Thank you.
[3:13:40] Motion passes. >> Thank you.
[3:13:43] Number 18. Adjourn to executive session,
[3:13:46] not to return. 2026-011.
[3:13:51] Consider a motion to recess einto executive session for the
[3:13:54] purpose of having conference with the town attorney to
[3:13:58] receive legal advice regarding enforce provisions related to
[3:14:04] chapter 2.05 of the Castle Rock town code, all pursuant to
[3:14:15] CRS24-6-402 (4) (b) and will not reconvene at the conclusion
[3:14:25] of the executive session. First and second.
[3:14:29] Roll call vote. [ Roll call]
[3:14:32] >> Thank you. Motion passes.
[3:14:36] >> I'll gavel out and we will not return.
[3:14:39] Thank you for coming.