A construction and maintenance agreement to implement a Downtown railroad quiet zone and a construction contract for Butterfield Crossing Park renovations were approved, and amendments to the 2022 Budget have moved forward following Tuesday’s Town Council meeting.
Here is a closer look:
- Downtown railroad quiet zone – Town Council approved construction and maintenance agreements with Union Pacific Railroad. The installation of a four-quadrant gate system at the Second and Third street crossings, and curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements at these plus the Fifth Street crossing will allow for the implementation of a railroad quiet zone that covers all three crossings in Downtown Castle Rock.
The estimated cost for the improvements is $1.8 million. The Encore development has contributed $900,000 toward the project as part of its development agreement with the Town. The Town will need to cover the remaining costs, which are currently estimated at $900,000. The Downtown Development Authority and Town Council approved the additional cost coming from sales tax from the Downtown Tax Increment Fee that would go into the DDA Special Fund. The fund can pay the cost in 2022 without alterations to previous commitments, and because the fund is composed of the incremental sales and property tax revenues from Downtown businesses and property owners, this is viewed as appropriate use. The Downtown railroad quiet zone has been a priority for the Downtown Alliance for several years.
The primary benefits of the project are enhanced safety for vehicles and pedestrians and improved quality of life for Downtown businesses, residents and visitors. Construction could start in the second half of 2022, with completion likely in the first quarter of 2023.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1368?meta_id=169527
- Butterfield Crossing Park improvements – Council approved a construction contract with American Civil Contractors Inc. for the Butterfield Crossing Park renovation project. Construction is expected to begin in May and be complete in 2023.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan identifies the need for renovation work at the park to improve accessibility, address life-cycle replacements and enhance the user experience.
Upgrades include the replacement of the basketball court, replacing the open court area with six pickleball courts, replacing and relocating the tennis courts, construction of a large and small pavilion, new trail connections, outdoor fitness area, bathroom and irrigation improvements, security lighting and a new accessible playground.
Throughout the design process, public feedback identified a strong community need for the addition of an inclusive playground at the park, where children and adults of all abilities can take part in activities. This site is ideal given its size, existing infrastructure and location. The Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation is currently fundraising for the fully inclusive Possibilities Playground and intends to make a significant contribution to the Town to support this effort. Construction of the playground could begin this fall, dependent on the outcome of fundraising efforts.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1368?meta_id=169545
- 2022 Budget amendments – Town Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the 2022 Budget. The Town Charter allows for budget amendments to address opportunities and changes that arise throughout the fiscal year.
Included in the budget amendment are staff recommendations for three additional police officers. Two of the officers would be dedicated to providing “real-time” strategic responses for active calls for service and critical incidents. Additionally, these officers would provide investigative and operational support. The third officer would staff a second community response team responsible for handling mental health and unhoused-related calls. The Town continues to see strong sales tax performance from 2021 and into 2022, allowing for these priority positions to be staffed.
The proposed budget amendment also recognizes the recent water bond issuance and includes parks and transportation-related items.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1368?meta_id=169537
Also on the agenda, Town Council approved the 2021 Water Resources Strategic Master Plan. The plan functions as a guiding document to help identify important strategic water resources projects over the next five years, and it provides a continuation of the roadmap to achieving the Town’s renewable water goals.
Additionally, Council directed staff to reactivate the Town’s Teen Court program. Teen Court is a community-based program that provides an alternative to the traditional justice system for first-time, nonviolent juvenile offenders. It operates on restorative justice principles of accountability, learning and community safety. The program also provides volunteer opportunities for youth ages 12 to 18 to serve as jury members for their peers’ cases.
Coming up
The next regular Town Council meeting is Tuesday, May 3. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments between April 28 and May 3 to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak via videoconference during the meeting. The meeting will be available live at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting. In-person attendance will also be available.
Questions? Email all Councilmembers at TownCouncil@CRgov.com, or find your Council representative at CRgov.com/Council; sign up for email updates by clicking “Get Email Updates.” Updates include summaries of top Council items, as well as previews of Council meetings.
View Town Council agendas at CRgov.com/Agendas. Watch Council live at CRgov.com/WatchCouncil, or catch a recording there after the meeting. Town Council meetings are also broadcast live and replayed on Comcast Channel 22.
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