Outlook Winter Spring 2014 by Town of Castle Rock

TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

VOL. 11, ISSUE 2

Winter • Spring 2014

A magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock home

North Meadows Extension

Construction begins on the Town’s No. 1 transportation priority

What to know for snow Town snow plan ready to go

Customer satisfaction Connect to your water, your way

Castle Rock Recreation Center 2301 Woodlands Blvd. Castle Rock, CO 80104

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER CASTLE ROCK, CO

PRESRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CASTLE ROCK, CO PERMIT NO. 26

Looking back, moving forward As the famous song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” That’s surely true in Castle Rock, where a certain magic fills the air during this period, when the star is lit nightly, high above our Town.

In this issue

Water rates

Average resident’s water bill to decrease for 2014

Be prepared

What to consider in case of an emergency

Construction costs

Economic recovery means increased prices for projects

This spiritual season often makes us reflective. Turning my own thoughts back, I am proud of several of the Town’s accomplishments during 2013. Castle Rock was named one of the safest communities in America in March and in May started construction on the Town’s flagship Philip S. Miller Park and Fieldhouse, which we will see develop over the next several years. June brought two firsts: 1) The opening of the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility, which allows the Town to capture and treat renewable surface water as opposed to nonrenewable groundwater, and 2) Castle Rock’s first–ever–and very successful – half marathon. Yet another first occurred in August – the opening of the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Also of note during 2013 was October’s groundbreaking for the North Meadows Extension, and the strengthening of Castle Rock’s police and fire resources by adding personnel, replacing equipment and updating technology.

Town budget

So, when you pause this season and look up at our star – perhaps while making memories with your family at Rink at the Rock – give thanks that you live in such a special place. I know I do.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and your family this coming year,

Five priorities drive Town’s 2014 efforts

Citizen Academy

10-week course builds partnerships between public, police

Mayor Paul Donahue

where to call community resources at a glance Animal control/nonemergency Police Building permits Business licenses Chamber of Commerce Code enforcement Douglas County government Douglas Count Libraries Elections/voter information Fire Department nonemergency Main Town number Municipal Court Park rentals

A publication of the Castle Rock Community Relations Division Design Karen McGrath, Community Relations Creative Services Supervisor

303-663-6100 720-733-3527 720-733-2227 303-688-4597 720-733-3559 303-660-7400 303-791-7323 303-660-1367 303-660-1066 303-660-1015 303-663-6133 720-733-2260

Public Works/snow removal Recreation Center Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Town Council information Town employment Transit-dependent services Utility/water billing Water conservation

720-733-2462 303-660-1036 720-733-3500 303-660-1367 720-733-2218 303-814-6407 303-660-1373 720-733-6000

E mergency Mass Notification Life can change with just a moment’s notice. Make sure you are connected to emergency personnel. To register, visit CRgov.com/CodeRED.

Executive Editor

Fritz Sprague, Deputy Town Manager

Editors Kristin Zagurski, Management Analyst Karen McGrath, Community Relations Creative Services Supervisor Caroline Kipp, Community Relations Specialist

Photography Mark Sims, Versatility Marketing, Karen McGrath, Caroline Kipp and Tim Tonge On the cover Rink at the Rock is back this winter. Learn more on Page 19 in the Recreation Guide.

North Meadows Extension Construction starts, long road ahead

The initial phase of the North Meadows Extension is underway, and construction crews are on site. The Town and its partners officially broke ground on the new roadway in late October. It is the Town’s No. 1 transportation priority. The new road will extend from The Meadows, near Castle View High School, to U.S. Highway 85 and Interstate 25, improving traffic in northern Castle Rock. It will literally be a long road – stretching 2 miles, crossing a creek and two railroads and changing more than 20 stories in grade. It is expected to open to traffic near the end of 2015. Initial work includes moving underground utility lines to facilitate the new road and future street lighting, along with hauling dirt from the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital site to the roadway site. This new dirt will form the grade up to the bridge that will go over the BNSF Railway tracks. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Learn more and stay up-to-date on the project at CRgov.com/nme.

GOOD TO KNOW Town Council elections

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to next year. Town Council is elected on the first Tuesday in April of even-numbered years. In 2014, Districts 3, 5 and 7 are up for election. Learn more about running for Town Council and view a district map at CRgov.com/clerk (click Elections). The Town runs elections using mail ballots. Look for more information in early January at CRgov.com. CRgov.com

Typical water bill to decrease for 2014 The average Castle Rock resident’s water bill will decrease by 1.2 percent in 2014, if Town Council approved water rates as proposed. (Council’s final vote on 2014 water rates was after press time for this magazine.)

The Town will continue to invest in needed water, water resources, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, without issuing any debt – at least until 2050. That includes covering the cost of the Legacy Water renewable water projects.

Based on previous rate studies, residential water rates generally were expected to increase 1.5 to 2 percent annually through 2017, making the decrease even better news.

Typical commercial customers will see slight increases in their total water bills for 2014, ranging from .5 to 1.7 percent, depending on the size of the business’ water tap. Also increasing slightly, by 1 percent, are the system development fees for new homes.

Increases in growth, a decreased 2014 capital budget and operational efficiencies are driving factors that led Castle Rock Water to propose the decrease, which includes a 3 percent reduction in fixed charges.

Learn more about how the Town’s water rates are set and why at CRgov.com/waterrates.

Connect to your water, your way

Improved water bill We’re excited to send you our new and improved water bill in January 2014, making it easier for you to understand and manage your water use.

Enhanced online convenience In 2014, check out our new online billing system, where you can enroll in paperless billing, review your account and make and schedule payments.

Easy phone access Also, in early 2014, we’re introducing a new, enhanced phone system that will allow you to retrieve your balance and pay your bill 24/7. A mobile app will also be available to make payments.

Questions? 303-660-1373 CRgov.com/H2Oaccess 4

OUTLOOK

Winter • Spring 2014

Emergency

Preparedness Pl anning

A key component to surviving the elements As the saying goes, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” But what does it really mean to be prepared? Severe weather is one of the biggest hazards in Castle Rock, so winter is a good time to think about being prepared now, and throughout the year. While every disaster is different, there are some ways to be ready, no matter what. It starts with having the proper supplies with you, or readily available in a to-go container. The Castle Rock Fire Department, which would lead local disaster responses, recommends a three-day supply of food for each person. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little to no water.

In addition, CRFD recommends a variety of other items that should be part of any emergency kit, including a flash drive of important family documents, flashlights, and supplies for children or pets. View a full list at CRgov.com/prepare. Once supplies are in place, it’s important to have a plan and ensure the entire family knows what to do. Choose two places to meet if you have to evacuate your home: right outside your home, in the case of a fire, or outside the neighborhood, in case you have to evacuate and can’t return home. Meet with family and discuss how you will connect if the emergency happens when you are apart. The American Red Cross even recommends practicing that plan and driving the evacuation routes twice a year. Finally, make sure you can connect with family and emergency personnel. In Castle Rock, sign up for emergency notifications at CRgov.com/CodeRED. Also, choose an out-of-area emergency contact person; it may be easier to text or call someone outside the area if local phone lines are out of service. “We want to ensure that we are ready to engage any disaster that comes our way, but we can’t do it alone,” said Castle Rock Fire Chief Art Morales. “We need our community to be prepared for disasters by having emergency supplies, knowing exit routes and having a communication plan, should family members be separated. Disasters are a community event and require a community’s effort to successfully navigate.” Learn more about preparing yourself and your family at CRgov.com/prepare.

CRgov.com

Give your input on I-25 corridor Castle Rock has a unique identity, one that is obvious as drivers come over the hill and into Town. As Castle Rock grows, it is important to maintain focus on what residents and business owners want their community to become in the future. That’s why the Town is developing a strategy for the Interstate 25 corridor, called the I-25 Corridor Sub Area Plan. The purpose of the plan is to use community input to lay a framework for the area along I-25, including signs. The planning process began in 2013 and will continue in 2014. Community feedback is expected to be gathered in a variety of ways beginning after the first of the year. Watch for information at CRgov.com. The Town wants to hear from you.

Your vision, reflected Thanks to those of you who gave feedback on the Town’s Vision 2020 progress and shared your preferences for the new Vision 2030. Generally, community input supported carrying over the goals and objectives from the Vision 2020 to the Vision 2030. Town Council will have final approval of the Vision 2030 document. Once approved, it will be posted online, CRgov.com/vision2030. Following completion of the I-25 Corridor Sub Area Plan and the Vision 2030, the next step will be to update the Town’s comprehensive plan to a 2030 timeframe. Watch the Town’s website and social media feeds for opportunities to be involved in that process.

New Assistant Development Services Director aims to maintain ‘small-town appeal’ As Castle Rock’s new Assistant Development Services Director, Heather Lamboy oversees the Town’s building, planning and zoning operations, including related customer service initiatives. Her goal is to do so with emphases on innovation, efficiency, sustainability and responsibility. A desire to advance her career, prior experience working in Colorado and family living in the area initially drew Lamboy to Castle Rock. But it was the team here that cemented her desire to make the move from Santa Fe in October. Your vision, reflected Give your input on I-25 “I was very impressed with the collaboration among the different divisions and team members,” Thanks those you itwho gave on the Town’s place to work.” Castle Rock has a unique identity, one that is obvious as she said, to “and I feltofthat would be,feedback simply put, an enjoyable Vision 2020 progress and shared your preferences for the drivers come over the hill and into Town. new Vision 2030. Generally, community input supportIn addition to public and private sector planning experience in New Mexico ed carrying goals and objectives from the and with the over City the of Aurora, Lamboy has worked forVision cities in Florida As Castle Rock grows, it is important to maintain focus on what residents and business owners want their community 2020 to the Vision 2030. and Washington State. to become in the future. That’s why the Town is developing Town Council was to consider approving theinVision She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree Latin2030 American studies,a strategy for the I-25 corridor, called the I-25 Corridor November, afterdegree press time for this magazine. View planning – Sub Area Plan. asinwell as a master’s in community and regional finalthe Vision 2030 of document online, CRgov.com/viallthe from University Texas at Austin. She’s also licensed by the The purpose of the plan is to use community input to lay sion2030. American Institute of Certified Planners, and has 18 years a framework for the area along I-25, including signs. The of experience in the field. Following completion of the I-25 Corridor Sub Area Plan, planning process began in November and is expected to next step will be to update theteam Town’s be completed by March 2014. Community feedback is “Ithe look forward to working with our tocomprehensive provide plan to a 2030 timeframe. expected to be gathered in a variety of ways beginning afunsurpassed customer service, to grow the economy, ter the first of the year. Watch for information at CRgov. and to manage change to maintain Castle Rock’s Watch the appeal,” Town’s website and social media feeds to for opcom. The Town wants to hear from you. small-town she said, “through dedication portunities to beand involved in that process. the Town’s vision cornerstones.” 6 6

OUTLOOK Winter Fall ••Winter OUTLOOK Spring 2013 2014

Construction climate brings opportunities, challenges

Signs of economic recovery can be seen nationwide and here at home. Across the country, new construction was up 10 percent in 2012 and another 12 percent this year, according to information firm McGraw Hill. In Castle Rock, the number of new builds is up significantly. In 2009, the Town ssued 259 new residential building permits. That was the bottom of the economic downturn. Through October of this year, the Town has issued more than 700 new residential building permits. The Town in 2013 also began construction on two historic projects: Philip S. Miller Park and the North Meadows Extension road project. But with every action, there is a reaction, and the recovering economy has its challenges, too. The basic principles of supply and demand dictate that, as construction

increases, supply decreases, and costs rise. These challenges are being seen nationwide, including in Castle Rock, with both Miller Park and the North Meadows Extension. Paul Hindman, executive director of the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, who represents Colorado to the American Public Works Association, has seen this economic ebb and flow throughout his 30-year career. He said, in 2008, private projects came to a halt. Much of the construction work was in the public sector, and that was slowing, too. “Contractors were hungry for work,” he said, “so costs went down. It’s supply and demand.” As the economy began its recovery, building returned in the private industry (hence Castle Rock’s growth in home-building permits) and the public sector. Competition is back, and it’s reflecting in costs.

“We’re coming back to an appropriate balance,” Hindman said. “The prices we are seeing are realistic.” Within this construction climate, the Town remains committed to its top-priority projects. Miller Park will continue to be built in phases, as originally planned. The Town community contributed to a meaningful master plan, and the Town will still pursue that vision, with slightly smaller steps. The North Meadows Extension remains the Town’s No. 1 transportation priority, and with construction now in motion, the Town anticipates opening the road in late 2015. These projects are some of the largest in Town history, so it’s an exciting time in Castle Rock. Stay up-to-date on these important efforts online at CRgov.com/PSMpark and CRgov.com/nme.

259

Residential building permits issued

726

2013

Residential building permits issued

2009

2005

1,532

Residential building permits issued as of October 2013

CRgov.com

Town aims to accomplish priorities with 2014 Budget WATER Five major priorities will continue to drive the Town’s budget in 2014: securing long-term water, completing the North Meadows Extension, providing outstanding public health and safety services, creating jobs/expanding the tax base, and developing Philip S. Miller Park and Fieldhouse. The budget is balanced, with no tax increases and no new fees. It keeps the Town’s property tax mill levy at 1.703. That means that the owner of a $300,000 house still will only pay about $40, or up to 2.29 percent of his or her total property tax bill, to the Town in 2014. Town Council was set to adopt the budget at its Dec. 3, 2013, meeting. As of press time for this magazine, the budget included $225.16 million in expenditures and $166.53 million in revenues. The planned one-time use of reserves – mostly for the North Meadows Extension, Philip S. Miller Park and Fieldhouse and water and other infrastructure projects – will offset that difference. Details are available at CRgov.com/2014budget.

Examples of how the budget accomplishes the five major priorities:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Securing long-term water: $4.98 million included to implement the WISE water-importation agreement and $2 million for a new water tank in northeast Castle Rock • Completing the North Meadows Extension: Up to $67.9 million provided to construct this new roadway from near Castle View High School to U.S. Highway 85 and Interstate 25 • Providing outstanding public health and safety services: Fully funds three police officer positions, hired in October; adds an administrative support position in the Police Department and a fire safety inspector to Castle Rock Fire and Rescue; and begins building financial capacity to operate another fire station when it’s needed in the future • Creating jobs/expanding the tax base: $4.7 million is in the Economic Development Fund for projects to create jobs and sustain sales tax growth

PHILIP S. MILLER PARK PUBLIC SAFETY

• Developing Philip S. Miller Park: $1 million is budgeted to construct an Adventure Playground and soft-surface trails at the park, to open in fall 2014 with the Fieldhouse, athletic fields and park-wide infrastructure authorized in 2013 Items yet to be engaged include a TABOR revenue issue for 2013 and the years ahead, meaning Castle Rock voters may be asked in 2014 to exempt the Town from TABOR’s revenue restrictions.

OUTLOOK

Winter • Spring 2014

NORTH MEADOWS EXTENSION

On the inside:

Citizen Police

A cademy gives exclusive look at police work

Castle Rock resident and Metropolitan State University chemistry/criminalistics student Jennifer Balcazar wanted to get closer to her community’s police department. So, she enrolled in the Castle Rock Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy for 2013. The Citizen Police Academy is a 10-week course held each spring that provides members of the public with a condensed version of the training police officers complete. Topics covered include laws, investigations, community policing, victim assistance, self-defense and firearms safety. “The academy’s goal is to build partnerships between our residents and the officers who serve and protect them,” said Commander Jason Lyons, who leads officers in teaching the program. The academy accomplished that goal in Jennifer’s view. “It’s nice to get a truthful background as to what they do here,” she said. “Our men and women are really dedicated to protecting the people of Castle Rock.” Now, Jennifer is part of that team. She volunteers about 30 hours per week in the Investigations Division, combing over pawn tickets, creating reports on crime statistics and more. She hopes after graduating with her bachelor’s degree next year to become a crime scene or death investigator.

Want to see for yourself? Join the 2014 Citizen Police Academy Meets from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays from March 24 through June 2 Up to 30 students will be accepted; apply starting in mid-February at CRgov.com/academy Questions? Contact Commander Jason Lyons, 720-733-6016 or jlyons@CRgov.com CRgov.com

SNOW H ATownPplanPreadyEto goN S Weather is unpredictable in Colorado, which means the job of a snowplow driver is, too. They wake up early (or head out late), check their plows for safety, and then hit the road for 12 hours – all in an effort to keep Town roads passable and safe. Dennis Meredith is in his ninth winter driving a snowplow in Castle Rock. He’s plowed nearly every area of Town over the years and says there’s a sense of satisfaction when the road is safer for motorists. It’s plow drivers, like Dennis, who work around the clock as the Town strives to reach its winter weather response goals. Main thoroughfares and school bus routes are the Town’s main priority and are plowed for every snow event. From Nov. 15 through March 15, residents can expect plows to clear one emergency access lane on neighborhood streets when 4 inches of snow or more is predicted to accumulate on the road. After March 15, the Town’s threshold for plowing neighborhood streets is when 8 inches of accumulation is anticipated.

The Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department removes snow from public properties, including paved trails, when snow reaches 2 inches of accumulation. It’s a lot of work to maintain clear, safe roads and public areas, and these folks need the public’s help: • When on the road, yield to plow drivers, and avoid passing them on the right (that’s where the snow is headed). Feel free to wave and show thanks. • Property owners are legally required to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after 2 inches or more of snow accumulate. Please do not place snow from driveways, sidewalks or private property in water quality ponds or into the street. • And, if you can, pay it forward. Help neighbors who are unable to shovel and clear snow from nearby fire hydrants, so they are accessible for emergency response.

What to know for snow:

During severe winter weather, the Town will provide updates on its homepage, CRgov.com, and on Facebook and Twitter (@CRgov). Track the plows at CRgov.com/plowtracker.

OUTLOOK

Winter • Spring 2014