Outlook Water I Parks I Roads I Town Council I Fire I Police I Development I Events
Town of Castle Rock
VOL. 13 | ISSUE 3 | WINTER 2019
CONNECTING WITH CASTLE ROCK
Snow
Be in the know about
2020 Budget State of the Town
2 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
INSIDE WINTER 2019
Cover photo: This winter, cozy up with family and friends at one of several gas fire pits located throughout Town. The Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park has a large, two-tier fire pit that is partially covered and overlooks a tranquil pond lined with trees adorned year-round with white lights. Schedule your next event at the Millhouse, and enjoy the warmth of the fire while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Following activities at PSM Park’s Miller Activity Complex, or after you’ve checked out the new outdoor adult FitGround, stop by the Plaza to relax at one of two large, oval fire pits. The fire pits face the sports fields and are available for public use from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Take in the magic of the season Downtown at Festival Park. And, stay longer and warmer next to one of two circular fire pits located at either end of the park. Each fire pit is available for public use from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. While you’ll have to forgo roasting marshmallows as you enjoy the Town’s fire pits, bring toasty beverages and yummy holiday cookies to savor.
Photo: Nick Lucey
Magazine team Assistant Town Manager: Kristin Read T. 720-733-3552 E. kread@CRgov.com Community Relations Manager: Melissa Hoelting T. 303-660-1365 E. mhoelting@CRgov.com Sr. Community Relations Specialist: KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay T. 303-660-1381 E. kmukhopadhyay@CRgov.com Community Relations Specialist: Carrie Martin T. 303-660-1387 E. cmartin@CRgov.com Community Relations Specialist: Lauren Vaccaro T. 303-660-1382 E. lvaccaro@CRgov.com
8 10 Downtown revitalization A healthy Downtown is key to a strong Town.
12 Parks and trails planning Ample outdoor space is a priority for Parks and Recreation.
14 How water rates and fees are determined Castle Rock Water regularly evaluates rates and fees to ensure customers pay only the true cost of service.
16 CRFD’s building inspections are critical to prevention The Life Safety Division uses education and regular inspections to help protect people and property.
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Photos by: Nick Lucey, Carrie Martin, Tim Tonge, Connie Rudd, Twain Wilkins, various staff and volunteers
CRPD’s Community Response Team
Design/illustration by: Carrie Martin
Proactive response is having a positive impact on the community’s well-being.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 3
WELCOME
A moment
with the Mayor It’s been an honor to serve the Town of Castle Rock as Mayor this past year. My time in office has been highlighted with quality connections and relationships. As we move into not only a new year, but a new decade, I encourage you to connect with those around you. We all need community to support and surround us. In fact, community is one reason many choose to call Castle Rock home. This time of year, the Town’s community character truly shines.
Starlighting is a tradition I look forward to each year. Our historic Downtown is filled with families and friends waiting together for the Star to illuminate the Town once again. It is an event unlike any other and a unique opportunity to share a moment with your community. Local shops, restaurants, breweries and more give Castle Rock a one-of-a-kind community feel. Whether you are shopping and walking under the Downtown lights, or strolling through the Outlets at Castle Rock with a cup of hot chocolate, you are supporting local businesses. Not only do the Town’s services and economy benefit when you shop locally, but it strengthens our community and gives you the chance to meet new people. As a business owner, I can’t count the number of times customers have turned into friends. Although community may look and feel different for each of us, I hope you feel a sense of belonging this season and take time to make new connections. Be sure to check out Pages 6-7 to read about the State of the Town in 2019 and look ahead to 2020. We should all be proud to call Castle Rock home.
Mayor Jason Gray
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TOWN COUNCIL
Your Town Council
Your elected Town Councilmembers set the Town's strategic direction and make major decisions regarding Town budgets, developments, laws and more. Unsure which district you live in? Enter your address and find out at CRgov.com/ElectionDistricts.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 5
2020 BUDGET
2020 Budget in Brief
6 STYLISH MAGAZINE OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
STATE OF THE TOWN
Crystal Valley is now better connected to other parts of Town, with the fall opening of a 2-mile extension of the East Plum Creek Trail between Crystal Valley Parkway and the area near Safeway. The trail travels north through Town, ending near Castle Rock Middle School. The trail will soon be extended further south thanks to a $2 million grant the Town was awarded this fall by Great Outdoors Colorado. McMurdo Gulch Trail will also be extended to the east thanks to the grant, connecting ultimately to the Cherry Creek Trail. Learn more about these exciting upcoming projects on Page 13.
2019 is winding down, making now an ideal time to review the state of our Town. Arapahoe Community College opened its Sturm Collaboration Campus in August, with roughly 600 students enrolled. The Town has provided $2 million toward the project, located north of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. The campus offers pathways in business, health and technology, using state-of-the-art equipment and software to help students reach educational goals up to a four-year degree. Also in August, a third School Resource Officer joined the Castle Rock Police Department’s ranks. Now, SROs serve at Castle Rock and Mesa middle schools, along with Castle View High School. (Douglas County High School is served by an SRO from the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office, as the school sits in an unincorporated area.)
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Castle Rock Fire and Rescue, meanwhile, saw new apparatus come to two of its stations over the summer, when replacement engines were brought online at Station 154 in The Meadows and Station 152 in Crystal Valley.
2019 is the first full year for the Town to receive water from its Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency partnership. The Town received 325 million gallons of WISE water in total during 2019 – a significant portion of the renewable water the Town needs for its future. Further, reuse water is now being used to irrigate the Town’s Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, saving 60 million gallons of water each year, and the ballfields at Metzler Ranch Community Park have been converted to synthetic turf, saving another 6.1 million gallons of water annually. c
2019 in review
Construction is winding down this fall to improve two key intersections in Town: Founders Parkway and Allen Way, and Founders Parkway and Crowfoot Valley Road. The Town thanks residents for their patience during the course of these improvements, as well as for during summer pavement maintenance work within The Meadows. Central Castle Rock will be the focus for pavement maintenance in 2020. Additionally, Plum Creek Parkway will be widened next year to four lanes between Gilbert Street and Eaton Circle, and roundabouts will be added at both of those intersections.
REUSE
WATER pu
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OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 7
STATE OF THE TOWN
Look ahead to 2020 In 2020, Castle Rock Water will finish upgrades at its Plum Creek Water Purification Facility and at its Sedalia pump station and pipeline, allowing the Town to supplement its drinking water with purified reuse water. This source is anticipated to account for 36% of the Town’s ultimate renewable water needs, demonstrating an incredibly efficient use of the Town’s existing water resources. Wastewater rates will decrease 3% for 2020, representing a .9% rate decrease in the total bill for the typical residential water customer. The Town’s property tax mill levy rate will also decrease from 1.330 mills to 1.187 mills. The Town Charter caps the growth in this revenue source to 5.5% annually, so the mill levy must be lowered due to an 18% increase in property valuation within Town. The proposed rate means in 2020, the owner of a median-valued home in Castle Rock ($427,537 as of May 2019) would pay $36.29 in annual Town property tax. 2020 is expected to bring a new park to Town – this time, in Cobblestone Ranch. 2019 saw the opening of the 5.5-acre Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park in The Meadows. The park features cornhole, pickleball and bocce ball courts, along with a shining memorial to honor Deputy Parrish and the entire law enforcement community.
2020 will bring more excitement to Downtown, with construction getting underway on the mixed-use Encore project, which will bring 308 public parking spaces, a Downtown railroad quiet zone and a new civic plaza to the block south of Town Hall, along with new options for Downtown living, shopping and dining.
The park’s opening was just one of 115 incredible community events hosted within Town during 2019. Many of the events are held in Downtown Castle Rock, where there were more than 100,000 people out and about during 2019 at events like the revamped farmers market, the First Fridays concert series and at the community-favorite steer drive.
Stay up to date on these projects and more at CRgov.com. Hover your phone’s camera here to watch Mayor Gray’s State of the Town message.
8 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
While the surrounding community grew, Downtown – the historical birthplace of Castle Rock – was languishing. Key elements were missing to bring people Downtown. Restaurants and businesses were closing their doors. One of the biggest threats of the decline was to historic buildings. Without healthy businesses in historic buildings, structures begin to deteriorate.
Revitalizing the heart of the community
A healthy Downtown is key to a strong Town
Downtown Castle Rock is the heart of the community, both geographically and historically. It’s also the civic heart of the community, with its centralized commercial, cultural and entertainment offerings. As the heart of the community, maintaining a strong, vibrant Downtown is critical for the vitality of the Town. Settled in 1874, Castle Rock has been a proud and independent town through much of its history – a county seat in a rural High Plains setting that first serviced mines, then the railroad and, after World War II, the Interstate Highway. The most recent generation ushered in an era of change. From 1990 to 2005, Castle Rock’s population increased by more than 325%, to 40,000 residents. The current population is 71,000. Projections indicate the Town will continue to grow to nearly 90,000 residents by 2030, and to nearly 140,000 residents at build-out, the time of which will be determined by market considerations.
Recognizing the need to preserve Castle Rock’s historic buildings and community character, Town Council in 2006 commissioned the development of the Downtown Master Plan and created a Downtown Advisory Commission – with representation from Council, residents, business owners and staff from the County, Library and School District. The goal of the Downtown Master Plan was to incorporate new policies to best position Downtown for the future. It lays out a development framework that relies on incremental, step-by-step investment by both the public and private sectors. To become a stronger destination for Castle Rock residents, the Downtown Master Plan encourages mixed-use investments such as boutique shops, small businesses and new residences. It also includes visual improvements such as attractive streetscapes, strategically located parking areas and distinctive gateways. This is the same formula that has generated new energy in historic downtowns all along the Front Range. “The groundwork for the revitalization of Downtown was established through a very thoughtful and deliberative process,” said Development Services Director Bill Detweiler.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 9
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Voters approved the formation of the Downtown Development Authority in 2008. The DDA is responsible for adopting and implementing the Plan of Development for Downtown. The DDA works to facilitate economic development and the redevelopment of properties and infrastructure within Downtown. It’s designed to be a self-sustaining champion that can create and leverage the resources and partnerships necessary to implement the Plan of Development.
The two-building mixed-use Riverwalk project, located on Wilcox Street adjacent to Festival Park, recently opened. The buildings include apartments, along with an office level and street-level retail. The new office space helps provide a strong weekday population to support small Downtown businesses during the workweek. The residential options provide a unique walkability factor that help create a vibrant Downtown during evenings and weekends.
To ensure a consistent look and feel, Council approved the Downtown Overlay District Ordinance in 2010. The ordinance specifies permitted use of properties Downtown and design and height standards. It also established the seven-member Design Review Board to review all development applications requiring a Downtown site plan to achieve the goals of the Downtown Master Plan, the Downtown Overlay District and the Historic Preservation Plan.
Downtown Alliance Director Kevin Tilson says the key to a vibrant Downtown is people.
With a plan, clear vision and a strong economy, Downtown is evolving, and has begun thriving. A gravel parking lot until 2007, Festival Park was redesigned in 2018 and is now a gem of Downtown. The park features outdoor fireplaces, a grass seating area, a picnic pavilion, trail access and a splash pad. It’s a destination on its own and home to some of the community’s most treasured events. Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., 519 Wilcox St., is a recipient of a 2019 Town Design Award. The awards team found the project represents an outstanding example of adaptation using old and new architecture, and the building sets the standard for future reuse of notable structures. The property includes a historic 1902 Victorian house that was previously converted to a restaurant, an 1875 Carriage House that is now used for private events and the newly constructed brewpub space.
Wild Blue Yonder
“Vibrancy occurs where there is activity during the day, in the evening and during the weekend,” said Tilson. “This means places for people to work and places for them to live to allow that activity to occur.” With the addition of Riverwalk and other projects, more people are coming Downtown to live, work and visit, and established businesses are seeing a change. Union American Bistro owner Dennis Dickey says he’s noticed more vibrancy and activity Downtown over the past year. “The opening of Festival Park as a central focal point has made a big impact,” said Dickey. “There seems to be a buzz of people out and about.” Investment in our community is what keeps Castle Rock vibrant. Continued efforts will focus on guiding and encouraging the type of projects that help maintain a vibrant Downtown, enhance our history and maintain a strong sense of community character. “A strong economy and projects consistent with the Downtown Master Plan are leading to continued investment and success,” said Detweiler.
Riverwalk
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PUBLIC WORKS
BE IN T
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How do you plan for plow operations before a storm? Before a storm, Public Works will obtain meteorological data from a number of weather services and local media. After data collection, a team of plow and truck operators will be put on standby. Sometimes, plow drivers will pretreat How many snowplows the roadways to help minimize snow from freezing on the surface. does Castle Rock have? Cold, dry conditions are best for pretreatment, as precipitation washes the mixture away. Plow drivers work around the The Town has 13 plow trucks, 10 4x4 trucks with front clock to ensure roads are being cleared before plows, three front-end loaders, a snow blower and a rush hour. motor grader. All of these vehicles work together depending on the significance of the storm.
Why don’t the plow drivers specifically clear to the north side of the street? For safety and efficiency, plow drivers cannot change plow directions based on the street. Especially when snow is actively falling, it is not possible for them to choose a specific side of a narrow, residential street. Town priority is to plow residential roads from the center outward, providing one passable lane, placing the snow along the side. This prevents favoring one side over another and is time efficient.
what kind of deicer does the Town use? Ahead of a storm, the Town uses a product called Torch. It is a proprietary blend of salt water, complex sugars and a small amount of rust inhibitor. Treating roads before a storm helps prevent icing, especially on elevated roadways and bridge decks.
How does the Town prioritize plowing? The Town decides where to begin plowing based on an established method of street classifications and priorities. Streets are classified as either primary or residential streets, based on function, traffic volume and importance to the community. Primary streets are then split into first and second priority, and residential streets are split into third and fourth priorities. A map of all primary and residential roads, color-coded by priority, can be found online at CRgov.com/Snow.
Priority No. 1
High-volume, primary streets that connect major sections of Town. Think Plum Creek Parkway, Wolfensberger Road or Mikelson Boulevard, for example.
Priority No. 2
Smaller, primary streets, bus routes and roads that provide access to schools.
Priority No. 3
Residential streets.
Priority No. 4
Cul-de-sacs and alleyways of residential streets.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 11
PUBLIC WORKS
THE KNOW ABOUT SNOW Public Works takes the guessing out of snow management Last snow season was memorable. From the infamous Bomb Cyclone to heavy storms at the end of May, the Town faced more than business as usual. From plow crews on the roads, to parks maintenance teams on the trails, and residents shoveling sidewalks, the entire Town works to make snow manageable.
What are residents responsible for clearing? Town Code requires all business and residential property owners and/or tenants to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours of each snow event, withP 2 inches Sor more of BLIC WORKis required accumulation. If you live on a corner, snowUremoval on both sidewalks – in the front and on the side of your property. Residents should also keep curbs and gutters free of ice, to allow drainage and prevent buildup.
Are some areas plowed more than once? Plow drivers will take a second pass on roads after first priorities have been addressed. While snow is falling, plow drivers are actively maintaining access to primary roads, which can mean multiple passes as snow accumulates. New technology allows plow drivers to view a real-time map of roads that have been plowed on a tablet. This technology increases efficiency and helps with the overall goal to return roads to normal operations as quickly why didn’t as possible. the ice-breaking
machine come to my neighborhood?
The Town has invested in two ice-breaking attachments to address major ice buildup issues. Residents can request ice breaking in a specific area, but Public Works evaluates icy areas of Town and prioritizes treatment in the same manner as plowing, based on the severity of the ice buildup and the traffic volume in the area. With the amount of sunny days in Colorado, some icy areas will be left to melt on their own.
What does the Town do with snow Downtown?
Although Colorado weather can never be predicted, the Town wants to take the guessing out of snow management. After revisiting resident feedback from last season, the Town has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help residents be in the know about snow.
When can I expect snowplows in my neighborhood? Residential streets are plowed after primary roadways, and when snow accumulation reaches a specified amount. From March 15 to Nov. 15, snow accumulation on residential streets must total 8 inches before being cleared by plows, due to warmer temperatures. From Nov. 15 to March 15, snow accumulation on residential streets must reach 4 inches before being cleared by plows. To follow the paths as plows clear the streets, visit CRgov.com/PlowTracker.
Why is only one lane cleared on residential streets? When clearing narrow, residential streets, plow drivers will make a single pass to ensure one lane for emergency access. Parked cars, trash cans and other obstacles tend to line residential roadways. Curb-to-curb plowing is time consuming and would take valuable resources away from primary roads. After one lane is cleared, residents should make an effort to get to and drive on that path.
why do plow drivers dump snow on my freshly-cleared driveway or sidewalk? Snow is never intentionally dumped onto cleared driveways and sidewalks; however, it will happen as plows move quickly. To help with this issue, pile snow onto the grass rather than the street, and continue to clear driveways as plows visit your neighborhood. Snow that is piled on the street will likely be pushed back into your driveway by a plow.
Downtown has its own plow route. Plow drivers will clear a lane in each direction, with snow pushed to the middle. If a significant storm occurs, trucks and a snow blower will haul away snow. More often, plow drivers will slush out the snow, moving it back and forth across the road to help it melt. It is recommended that businesses choose one parking stall on each block to pile snow into, so the rest remain available for use. Throughout snow season, follow the Town on social media for More questions? Snow-tifications and plowing updates. Residents can also visit Reach out to Public Works at Roads@CRgov.com CRgov.com/Snow for more information on snow operations.
or at 720-733-2462.
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PARKS AND RECREATION
Planning for the future Castle Rock Parks and Recreation makes outdoor space a priority The great outdoors is a place where memories are made. A park means more to a neighborhood than just providing playground equipment, and a trail means more to an area than just connectivity. These features help bring a community together. The parks, trails and open space in Castle Rock are a big part of what make our Town a great place to call home. In the Town’s last community survey, when ranking priorities regarding potential parks and recreation improvements, respondents ranked developing new trails the second-highest priority behind only purchasing land to preserve open space. The Town is taking that feedback and running with it, literally.
Planning for parks Trails, gathering space and places to play. When the Cobblestone Ranch community was asked what they’d like to see in their next neighborhood park, those were a few of the answers. And, the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department is anxious to deliver. “A park means a lot to a neighborhood,” said Brauer. “Ultimately, this site in Cobblestone Ranch will be huge – about 60% the size of Philip S. Miller Park. So, before work can really begin, we need to determine the plan for the entire area.” The Cobblestone Ranch Park Master Plan will incorporate more than 168 acres. For the first phase of the project, the Town has allocated $4 million to develop roughly 10 acres, which is intended to serve the immediate neighborhood. While the plan is still in the works, possible features include additional trails, athletic fields, and other elements like pavilions and playgrounds. “Residents in Castle Rock have come to expect the best from Parks and Recreation,” said Brauer. “We are trying to meet those expectations in Cobblestone Ranch. We are excited about some of the ideas generated through this process and can’t wait to share them with the neighborhood and Town Council.”
“We know being active outdoors is part of the Colorado lifestyle,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer. “Our residents enjoy a variety of great outdoor spaces, and we are planning several more to be complete in the next few years.” The Town requires developers to set aside 8 acres of park space for every 1,000 new residents. The main goal is to make sure residents have close access to neighborhood parks. “Ensuring all residents have a park within walking distance and keeping the community connected with additional trails is how we meet the demand of our growing community,” said Brauer. “That’s why new neighborhood parks, like the one in the works in Cobblestone Ranch, are so important.” A public process was conducted to determine the location of the Town’s next neighborhood park, and Cobblestone Ranch was selected. Now, the Parks and Recreation team is hard at work on the park’s master plan.
Residents value their parks, so making sure existing parks are safe and beautiful is also critical to the Parks and Recreation Department mission. Over the next five years, department staff will reach out to the community to improve existing parks, including Mitchell Gulch, Butterfield and Plum Creek, with others to follow. Community engagement will focus on what’s working, needed repairs and opportunities to improve the parks.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 13
PARKS AND RECREATION
Planning for trails
Cobblestone Ranch residents are not the only ones who will see trail improvements in their neighborhood. The Town was recently awarded a more than $2 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to help keep the community connected.
The Great Outdoors Colorado Connect Initiative aims to increase access to the outdoors by completing trail gaps. GOCO invests a portion of annual Colorado Lottery proceeds into trails, parks, open spaces, playgrounds and more. The newly awarded grant will help the Town construct three segments that are critical to completing the Colorado Front Range Trail through Castle Rock. The envisioned network of the Colorado Front Range Trail will ultimately connect communities from Wyoming to New Mexico. Completing the final three segments in Castle Rock would extend the East Plum Creek, Hangman’s Gulch and McMurdo Gulch trails. The northern segment will connect McMurdo Gulch Trail with the Cherry Creek Trail through the Cobblestone Ranch park site. The middle segment will connect the existing Hangman’s Gulch Trail with McMurdo Gulch Trail through the Terrain neighborhood. The southern segment will continue the newly completed East Plum Creek Trail southern extension through the Montaine neighborhood to the northern edge of Bell Mountain Ranch. “Being awarded the GOCO Connect Initiative grant is really exciting,” said Brauer. “These final three segments are a key component to getting trail users through Town on a safe trail and ultimately connecting neighborhood to neighborhood, providing the opportunity to go from Colorado Springs to Denver. This grant will make that possible even sooner.” In total, the project is estimated to cost about $5 million. In addition to the grant, funding will come from the Town’s trail development fund, Douglas County Open Space and developers in Castle Rock’s Terrain and Montaine communities. Douglas Land Conservancy and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation are also partners on the project by providing land easements through the Lowell Ranch site. Castle Rock’s portion of the Colorado Front Range Trail is scheduled to be complete within the next three years. Stay up to date at CRgov.com/ConnectTrails.
Is indoor recreation more your game? The Parks and Recreation Department has you covered there, too. The Recreation Center and Miller Activity Complex have a whole host of opportunities to stay active, while staying indoors in our newly refreshed gym and fitness studios. New state-of-the-art cardio equipment has been installed at the Recreation Center, and the indoor cycling studio received a face lift, with new bikes and a connected experience. These new amenities will offer exciting options for residents looking to get a great workout. More details and class schedules are on the way. Check CRgov.com/Fitness for updates. If the treadmill is not your thing, head over to the MAC. The new Functional Fitness area offers great nontraditional fitness options such as kettlebells, tires and agility-building equipment. Located on the first floor by the artificial-turf fields, this new area is a unique opportunity for a fresh take on your fitness routine.
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CASTLE ROCK WATER
CATCH UP WITH
CASTLE ROCK WATER How rates and fees are evaluated each year Castle Rock is a beautiful community for a lot of reasons. The surrounding landscape is amazing, the weather is enjoyable, and the quality of life is excellent. Residents know there’s a lot to love about the location of our Town, but being situated in a semi-arid environment isn’t easy. The men and women of Castle Rock Water work every day to make sure our community continues to have a reliable long-term water supply. Securing renewable water, uncovering additional water rights, conserving resources – it’s what gets the department’s employees out of bed each day. And, careful planning is key. “It’s no secret that Castle Rock is a thriving community,” said Castle Rock Water Director Mark Marlowe. “The community’s growth was accounted for in our long-term water plan. Our partnership with customers is key to meeting those water goals.” Part of that partnership is helping share the challenges ahead. Castle Rock Water works hard to limit rate increases and maintain an open and transparent relationship with customers. Each year, rates are evaluated to make sure current customers are paying the true cost of service and not carrying the burden for future growth. Based on this year’s study, Castle Rock Water will be lowering wastewater rates in 2020 by 3%. That means the average resident can expect to see an annual decrease of almost $13 in their wastewater rate. All other residential rates will remain the same for the coming year. There will be some changes, however, to nonresidential rates. “Our annual rates and fees study also focuses on managing how new and updated infrastructure will be paid for,” said Marlowe. “While the monthly rates customers pay keep water service running, fees paid by development will cover the costs of infrastructure and water needed for new development.”
System development fees help make sure current customers are not paying the price of development. In 2020, the typical fee for a new home will be increased by 2.9%, to approximately $26,667 per connection. With these fees, developers not only pay for the infrastructure necessary for their residential or commercial development, but also for future water supply needs. “Current customers should not be paying for future growth,” said Marlowe. In every Colorado community, rates can fluctuate as strategies shift to secure a long-term water plan. New capital projects, infrastructure improvements and new water sources can impact rates each year. Using financial projections and a strong financial management plan, Castle Rock Water works strategically to make sure any rate changes are as small as possible. In fact, when compared to other Front Range communities, Castle Rock Water’s rates are average with other water providers. Keeping rates comparable while still ensuring the community’s water future is a top priority for the department. “Rates and fees are one of our toughest considerations,” said Marlowe. “It’s a delicate balance to keep rates manageable for our customers while still providing the department with the resources needed to keep the community moving forward with its water needs.”
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 15
CASTLE ROCK WATER
Breaking down your statement Castle Rock uses a tiered water budget rate structure. In a tiered structure, the more water you use, the more you pay. Rates are progressively charged at a higher rate as a customer’s water use increases. A tiered structure has been proven nationally to help encourage conservation. “Because of where Castle Rock is located, conservation will always be key,” said Marlowe. “It doesn’t matter how much water we import, or how we’re maintaining a renewable water supply, preserving the resources we have is important.” As part of the tiered structure, customers in Castle Rock are assigned a water budget. Water budgets are individualized for each account. Indoor water budgets are based on a customer’s water consumption during the winter. Outdoor water budgets are calculated on a customer’s irrigation needs over the summer.
Indoor usage: Average of a customer’s total water usage in November, December, January and February.
Outdoor usage: Calculated by using the monthly supplemental water needs of each customer’s irrigated area.
Excessive useage: For use above budgeted consunsumption and charged at a higher rate to encourage conservation.
Residential surcharge: An additional surcharge is added for residential use in excess of 40,000 gallons.
TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4 Castle Rock’s tiered water budget rate structure
It’s really not as complicated as it sounds. Tier 1 is based off a customer’s average winter monthly consumption. This is calculated by taking an average of a customer’s total water usage in November, December, January and February.
These fixed charges are organized separately from a customer’s water usage. The charges remain stable throughout the year and include water, stormwater and wastewater services and securing renewable water resources.
The average winter monthly consumption is recalculated each year, for every customer with indoor water use, and the new number is applied to the April billing statement. This is the average amount of water used in a home for things like showering, washing clothes and cooking.
The fixed Water Charge is the cost of providing water service for distribution and treatment to each customer, regardless of how much water is used.
Tier 2 is the amount of water available for outdoor irrigation from April through October. That number is calculated by using the monthly supplemental water needs of each customer’s irrigated area. In layman’s terms, it’s the amount of additional water needed, beyond rainfall, to keep your outdoor landscape happy and healthy. Tiers 3 and 4 are considered excessive use tiers and are charged at a higher rate to help encourage conservation. “In Castle Rock, a customer’s usage can nearly quadruple during irrigation season, so we try to take out some of the guess work,” said Marlowe. “These budgets help keep us all on the same page as irrigation season moves forward.” Castle Rock Water is a little different than many other local water providers. Other communities may have special districts that provide services such as fire protection, parks and recreation, and stormwater. However, The Town of Castle Rock is a full-service municipality. As part of that approach, Castle Rock Water includes four additional fixed charges on customers’ bills.
Additionally, water from rainfall, snowfall and other runoff must be managed to prevent flooding and damage to private property, public infrastructure and the environment. That is what the Stormwater Charge covers. The Wastewater Charge includes a fixed amount to cover the cost of providing the service of treating wastewater, regardless of how much wastewater a customer generates. The charge also includes a variable fee for the collection, transport and treatment of the used water flowing out of a home or business – think the water that flows down the sink drain or the toilet. Finally, the Renewable Water Resources Charge goes toward securing a sustainable water supply. This includes acquiring renewable water for the Town’s future to replace our deep Denver Basin nonrenewable groundwater resources. This charge has been a part of Castle Rock customers’ bills since 2006. “Castle Rock Water is more than just a water provider,” said Marlowe. “We are passionate about providing high-quality services to the public in a fiscally responsible way.” Learn more about Castle Rock Water’s entire billing process at CRgov.com/WaterRates.
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CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE
Efficient enforcement keeps the focus on safety for Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s
Safety is the No. 1 priority of the Life Safety Division of Castle Rock Fire and Rescue. As the code enforcement division of the Fire Department, the division has primary responsibility over inspections, public education and fire prevention.
Life Safety Division
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
flammable or combustible liquids, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, unblocked exits, keys, fire alarm systems, furnishings, decorations and storage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
FireMarshal Brian Dimock, a 23-year veteran of the department, is intent on the safety of the residents of INSPECTION Castle Rock. He has assembled a team of professionals focused strategically on different aspects of safety, including inspections of all Castle Rock’s commercial buildings, schools, apartment buildings and more.
Castle Rock currently has two inspectors in the Life Safety Division: Jamie EDUCATION INVESTIGATION Duncan and Christina Jenkins, both also educators with the department. Inspectors work with businesses ahead of inspections by providing a Common Fire Code Violations guide to help businesses optimize safety for employees and guests. The guide also helps educate business owners and “Castle Rock Fire and Rescue isn’t just about putting out fires,” said employees about the sort of things fire inspectors will be looking Dimock. “We spend considerable time and resources preventing for during their yearly inspections. fires through the Life Safety Division by carefully evaluating buildings throughout our Town.” While the Town’s fire inspectors take their job very seriously, they strive to create professional connections with the businesses and Inspections of existing buildings required by code are a very employees they work with on a regular basis, to educate them important part of the fire service. Inspections validate the about what they are looking for and why. This makes official building owner and tenants are keeping the building safe. inspections less stress-filled affairs. Annually, the Life Safety Division inspects all buildings in Town, which is no small task, as there are 500 buildings, with roughly 2,200 businesses within those buildings, requiring yearly inspection. Last year, 467 initial inspections of new buildings were completed and included building interior and exteriors, and spaces within buildings for fire code compliance – a 273% increase from previous years. There were also 830 follow-up inspections to verify that the corrections required were up to code. Castle Rock’s Life Safety inspectors check regularly on items such as electrical systems, emergency lighting, hazardous materials, presence of
While performing the inspection, they also educate the employees to increase compliance in the future. “I find a friendly, educational approach most effective when teaching employees safety best practices. Sometimes my co-workers tease me for being too nice,” said Jenkins. “It’s all good-natured kidding, but the important takeaway is connecting safety procedure with safety practice. It can make all the difference.” Said Dimock: “Regular inspections are a critical part of prevention. They play an important role in protecting people and property. Our inspectors are often unsung heroes.”
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CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE
Fire safety at home: Four things to know about carbon monoxide alarms Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is toxic. Often known as the “silent killer” because of the undetectable nature of the gas, carbon monoxide can be deadly. A carbon monoxide alarm is the easiest way to keep you and your family safe. Cooler temperatures mean spending more time indoors. The Life Safety Division reminds everyone to check carbon monoxide alarms to ensure everyone's safety. 1. What does a carbon monoxide alarm do? It detects poisonous gas and provides early warning necessary to escape your home during an emergency. In the event of a carbon monoxide leak, it is critical that you get to fresh air as soon as possible. Every second counts. 2. What causes carbon monoxide leaks? Any fuel-burning device in your home, such as the furnace, dryer vent, fireplace or chimney, can be subject to carbon monoxide leaks. It is important to have your heating system, Rick L. Young atop Santa Fe Quarry Mesa water heater and any other gas-, oil-, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician yearly to help prevent any potential safety issues. 3. Where should you place carbon monoxide detectors in your home? You should have alarms on every level of your house and within 15 feet of every bedroom. Alarms can be placed on either the wall or ceiling. 4. How often should you test and replace your carbon monoxide alarms? Test your alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly. If your alarm has replaceable batteries, change them every 6 months. Alarms have an approximate lifetime of 5 years, and it is important to replace them to ensure optimal safety of family and guests in the home. Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms are not encouraged, as the smoke alarm has an approximate lifetime of 10 years. A carbon monoxide alarm's lifetime is only approximately five years, leaving occupants vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning during a portion of the smoke alarm’s life.
Remember, when snow piles up outside, make sure to clear all vents of snow to prevent carbon monoxide build-up indoors.
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CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Department is positively impacting community’s mental health The Castle Rock Police Department takes great pride in providing a high level of service to the community. That is one reason the department jumped at the opportunity to be the first emergency response agency to partner with the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative and pilot the Douglas County Community Response Team – the first program of its kind in the region. Prior to the establishment of the Community Response Team in 2017, first responders were at the front lines, grappling to address the increasing number of mental health-related calls. This limited their ability and opportunity to provide meaningful help or resources needed to curb repeat contact with the same individuals, or high emergency systems users. First responders had been required to take individuals with mental health episodes to an emergency department for medical clearance and a mental health assessment before they could be placed into care. Many of the individuals were released into the community with limited to no follow-up. It was evident something needed to change. “It was challenging to respond to those struggling with mental health episodes, knowing we weren’t able to connect the individuals to the support they really needed,” said CRPD Special Operations Division Commander Jason Lyons. The Douglas County Mental Health Initiative’s Community Response Team consists of 40 partner organizations, with the goal to avoid taking people to jail or emergency departments when not needed, and to directly connect people with appropriate mental health or substance use disorder treatment and resources.
The model integrates a mental health professional into a team of traditional first responders. This approach streamlines access to care for individuals and prevents those in need from falling through the cracks of the mental health system. At Castle Rock Police Department, a mental health clinician and specially trained law enforcement officer are on call 40 hours per week, on a shift determined by highest volume of mental health-related calls. A patrol officer responds first to a suspected mental health emergency to make sure the scene is safe and to determine needs. Once the Community Response Team is called in, they triage the individual. The clinician can make an immediate referral to any level of treatment or place the individual directly into inpatient care. The team uses a special medical clearance that treatment providers accept in lieu of an emergency room visit. “It’s about getting people the right help at the right time, when they’re the most vulnerable,” said Lyons. The team also makes follow-up visits and conducts preventative visits to individuals who have been identified as high users. A case management team can coordinate ongoing care. Since the Community Response Team’s inception, the Castle Rock Police Department has seen a dramatic drop in repeat contact with high users. “By helping people connect to resources and get the assistance they need, they are more effectively dealing with their issues rather than continuing on destructive paths, which leads to emergency response calls,” said Community Response Team Officer Tom O’Donnell.
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CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
The team plays a critical role in changing the way the mental health system – from crisis to treatment – has traditionally worked in Castle Rock, and across Douglas County. Agencies are collaborating and communicating like never before. First responders are finding relief from long-time high users, and the repeat users are finding relief from being caught in a revolving door that didn’t lead to sustained treatment. “This co-responder program, adapted to meet the specific needs of our community, has been one of the most profound initiatives I’ve been a part of in my career,” said Lyons. In May 2019, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners appropriated more than $331,000 to assist in the ongoing effort for mental health services – specifically, a Community Response Team for youth. The Youth CRT is designed to improve communication between law enforcement, including School Resource Officers, schools, the Community Response Team, families and community providers.
The Youth CRT will respond in the schools and in the community to ensure young people and their families are getting connected to the needed mental health and substance use disorder resources. They will also ensure there is communication that links school, home and community when needed. “The Community Response Team is breaking down the old siloed ways of doing things and bringing together the best experts and resources in our community to improve the lives of people who are struggling with mental illness,” said Police Chief Jack Cauley.
Let’s talk If you or someone you know feels isolated or is struggling with the daily stresses of life, you are not alone. We understand and want to help. Resources are below, so let’s talk. • Community Response Team: 303-663-6100 • National Suicide Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text 38255 • Chat online: ColoradoCrisisServices.org
20 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Castle Rock Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight. We’re happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland. Over the holidays, residents know, Castle Rock is truly a winter wonderland. The snow is glistening, and around Town is most definitely a beautiful sight. And, that’s not by accident. Town staff invests a lot of time and energy to make sure the Season of the Star shines bright in Castle Rock. Starting in October, the Town’s Parks Division works to deck the halls Downtown. Stringing up more than 100,000 lights and nearly 1,000 feet of garland, the entire project takes between six and seven weeks. “The process is a lot like decorating your own home,” said John Jorgensen, parks/open space supervisor, “but with a lot more lights. We have to get started early to make sure everything is ready for the season.” The team starts with the prep work. Thousands of light strands are checked one by one, and there really is not an easy way to do that. According to Jorgensen, all you can do is plug in one strand at a time. Contracted companies take care of the 30-foot fully decorated tree at Festival Park and the “blue” tree at the Douglas County building; the parks team is in charge of everything else Downtown. That includes the white lights that adorn the more than 200 trees along Wilcox Street between Plum Creek Parkway and Interstate 25, lights on trees along Perry Street, lights on Town Hall and Police Headquarters, and the rest of the decorations at Festival Park.
It sounds like a lot of work, but lighting Downtown has become a time-honored tradition. “We really do take decorating for the holidays very seriously,” said Jorgensen. “This is a tradition that people have come to love and expect, and we do our best to not let anyone down.” The Great Depression was a hard time in the country’s history. People were jobless, hungry and down on their luck. In Castle Rock, when times get hard, the community comes together. And, that’s just what happened in 1936, when the Star atop the Rock came to be. Local officials wanted to raise residents’ spirits over the holiday season. So, Castle Rock Hose Company No. 1 – the original name for Castle Rock Fire and Rescue – and several local businesses came together to build the Star. With donated materials, used electrical wire and volunteers, the Town’s time-honored tradition was started. From the Saturday before Thanksgiving to the National Western Stock Show in mid-January, the Star shines brightly over the Town. While decorating the Town is a lot of early mornings, hard work and coordination for the team, Jorgensen says it brings the entire department together as a family.
“After spending so much time hanging lights, it can be easy to fall out of the festive spirit,” said Jorgensen. “But, our team is really proud of what we do. It’s a big community effort, and the whole department chips in. In the end, we feel really good about what we’ve accomplished.” The holidays would just not be in the same in Castle Rock without the golden lights lining the streets, the tree standing proudly in Festival Park and the Star overlooking the community.
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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Celebrate the Season of the Star in Castle Rock
The winter season is particularly special in Castle Rock. We light the Star, and our community shines just a little bit brighter. Every year, the Town, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Alliance host a series of family-friendly events to help residents celebrate the holiday season. Grab some warm clothes and your festive spirit for a ton of holiday fun.
2019 holiday events Castle Rock Starlighting Saturday, Nov. 23 I 2-7 p.m. Downtown
Rink at the Rock – Nov. 23
through Feb. 16 I White Pavilion
Carriage Rides at Festival Park I Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 28 I 5-8 p.m. I Festival Park
Storytellers and S’mores I Saturday, Dec. 7, I 5-7 p.m. I Festival Park
The holiday tree at Festival Park lights up at Starlighting.
Reindeer Games
Friday, Dec. 13 I 3-6 p.m. Philip S. Miller Park Learn more at CRgov.com/Events.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
True to its name, Encore to follow Riverwalk, creating more gathering places Downtown Featuring the same timeless design as the successful Riverwalk project, the new Encore development will take shape in Downtown, just south of Festival Park and Town Hall, over the next few years. The 181,000-square-foot, mixed-use development will maximize the idle lots of a former liquor store and two emptied-out auto service centers. The project furthers several core priorities for Downtown redevelopment, including more development that combines employment, retail, restaurants and entertainment. The project will be seven stories tall, measuring 84 feet, 4 inches at its tallest. By comparison, the southern Riverwalk building across Wilcox Street from Encore is six stories tall and measures 74 feet at its tallest point. The development will bring 124 for-sale condominiums to Downtown Castle Rock – a living and homeownership option the developer believes is in demand. The project will include almost 18,000 square feet of retail space on the street level and about 12,000 square feet of office space. As part of the project, a new civic plaza will be constructed between Town Hall and Encore, creating another community gathering spot. A dog park available for public use will also be constructed.
To build the parking garage, public parking on the corner of Perry and South streets will be unavailable during construction. Available parking locations can be found on the Downtown Parking Map at CRgov.com/DowntownParking.
A strong Downtown needs more public parking for the future. Through a public-private partnership, Encore will generate the necessary revenues to pay for a parking structure without taking funds away from transportation, nor any other Town needs. The parking garage will contain over 600 parking spaces, 308 of which will be public parking spaces owned by the Town – more than tripling the public parking spaces previously available at the lot on the corner of Perry and South streets. The project also provides $900,000 in funding for the implementation of a Downtown railroad quiet zone. The Town will fund a roundabout at Wilcox and South streets over the course of the project, as well. Learn more about this project at CRgov.com/Encore.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 23
GOOD TO KNOW
2020 Census: Did you know? With an infinite amount of information at your fingertips, it is important to check your source. The Town of Castle Rock has verified social media accounts which can be recognized by a blue check mark. All official Town news will come from an @CRgov handle or Town of Castle Rock Government screen name.
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DEC. 26 - JAN. 31
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Founders Park, Metzler Ranch Park & Paintbrush Park
You can report many concerns to the Town; however, IREA’s online form is the most effective way to report broken and non-functioning streetlights.
Pothole
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Which of these things can you report online at CRgov.com/Concern?
CRgov.com/TreeRecycle
parks division
christmas tree
recycling
Unregistered solicitors Broken/non-functioning streetlight Visit IREA.coop, then select Report a Streetlight Outage under the Outage Center header.
24 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
MAILING PANEL AREA
T W I N T E R
B I N G O
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There is so much to do in Castle Rock this season. Make this winter memorable, and cross off squares as you go. Share your experiences with us on social media by tagging @CRgov. For details on each event, visit CRgov.com/Events.
NOV. 23
TRY OUT THE TRAMPOLINES AT THE MAC
GO CAROLING WITH FRIENDS
DEC. 26 - JAN. 31 RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
ATTEND A COUNCIL MEETING
WARM UP BY A FIRE PIT AT PSM OR FESTIVAL PARK
BUILD A SNOWMAN
VISIT THE CASTLE ROCK MUSEUM
SEE THE LIGHTS AROUND TOWN
HELP A NEIGHBOR SHOVEL SNOW
BUY A GIFT FROM A LOCAL SHOP
RING IN 2020
FREE SPACE
REINDEER GAMES
DEC. 13
GO SLEDDING AT RED HAWK RIDGE GOLF COURSE
ENJOY A CUP OF HOT COCOA
GO ICE SKATING DOWNTOWN AT RINK AT THE ROCK
TURKEY TROT
STORYTELLERS AND S’MORES
NOV. 28
TAKE A CARRIAGE THANK A RIDE AT FESTIVAL PARK SNOWPLOW DRIVER NOV. 29 - DEC. 28
GO SNOWSHOEING ON A TOWN TRAIL
VISIT SANTA CLAUS AT OUTLETS AT CASTLE ROCK
DEC. 7
VISIT THE TREE AT FESTIVAL PARK
COFFEE WITH A COP
DEC. 12