Downtown railroad quiet zone, 2022 Budget amendments and Butterfield Crossing Park improvements top Town Council’s April 19 meeting agenda

A construction and maintenance agreement to implement a Downtown railroad quiet zone, amendments to the 2022 Budget and a construction contract for renovations at Butterfield Crossing Park will be topics on Town Council’s April 19 meeting agenda. View the full agenda online.

Here is a closer look:

Downtown railroad quiet zone agreement – Town Council will be asked to approve construction and maintenance agreements with Union Pacific Railroad. The installation of improvements at three public railroad crossings at Second, Third and Fifth streets would allow for the implementation of a railroad quiet zone 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 would need to cover the remaining costs, which are currently estimated at $900,000. The Downtown Development Authority approved and staff recommends that the additional cost come from 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 an 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. If the agreements are approved, construction could start in the second half of 2022, with completion likely in the first quarter of 2023.

2022 Budget amendments – Town Council will also consider 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 request 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. Staff 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 transportation-related items.

Butterfield Crossing Park improvements – Council will also be asked to approve a construction contract with American Civil Contractors Inc. for the Butterfield Crossing Park renovation project. If approved, construction would begin in 2022 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, 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. 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.

Also on the agenda, staff is requesting approval of 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.

Stay tuned

Town Council generally meets twice a month to make decisions that impact the community. Whether it’s a road project, construction contract or budget amendment, Town Council is working to represent you.

Wondering what happens next? Keep an eye on your inbox. A follow-up email will be sent detailing the outcomes of this meeting.

This will be a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Those planning to participate virtually are requested to visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments by 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak during the meeting by phone or web. Public comment may also be provided live in person and online during the meeting, which will be accessible virtually at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting.

Questions? Email Council.

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