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October 16, 2014 VOLU M E 1 2 | I SS UE 28 | F R E E
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Town manager to retire in spring Stevens will step down in April after 14 years on job By Mike DiFerdinando
mdiferdinando @coloradocommunitymedia.com
Chad Dubbs, project manager for Edward Kraemer and Sons, looks at work being conducted on the Highway 85 overpass that is part of the North Meadows Extension construction project on Oct. 9 in Castle Rock. Once complete, the bridge will cross two sets of raliroad tracks and a stream. Photos by Ryan Boldrey
One phase down, two to go North Meadows Extension project expected to alleviate traffic issues By Ryan Boldrey
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The first phase of the largest road construction project in Castle Rock town history is now in the books, and the final two phases are both underway. The North Meadows Extension, which broke ground near Castle View High School in October 2013, once complete will provide north and southbound interchange access to U.S. 85 and I-25, giving residents of the Meadows a second northern access point to I-25, and alleviating traffic on Meadows Parkway. On Oct. 9, Castle Rock town officials were joined by county commissioners, representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation and a handful of political candidates on site to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the $67.85 million project. Phase I included building a bridge over the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad tracks behind Castle View and installing sound walls near the apartments that stand between the two major thoroughfares. “The North Meadows Extension project could not have been done without the support of Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, as well as others,” said Mayor Paul Donahue. “A project like this, obviously doesn’t move forward
Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge addresses those who gathered at the site of the North Meadows Extension construction project on Oct. 9 in Castle Rock. As the project nears the completion of Phase I of three, multiple entities came together to celebrate the funding partnership that has allowed it to happen. without financing, and this project is going to require a significant amount of financing in order to make it happen.” The extension, expected to be complete in 2016, Road work continues on Page 12
It takes a community to deliver the news Dear reader: Each October, we ask our loyal readers to make a voluntary contribution to help offset the cost of bringing you your hometown newspaper. It takes a large team of highly skilled journalists, editors, printers, designers, carriers and administrative staff to bring you this newspaper, and your voluntary contribution goes a long way toward helping us maintain this staff. In 2014, we have won numerous awards and greatly expanded our websites. We also have significantly increased the use of full color, eliminating black-and-white pages, making our pages more interesting and vibrant. Next year, we plan on expanding our news coverage to have more local people mentioned each week while still keeping you updated on government, entertainment, sports, events and more. If you enjoy what we deliver, then we invite you to make a voluntary contribution. We are requesting $25 (48 cents per week), but feel free to contribute any amount, higher or lower. This year for a contribution of $25 or more, we will donate $5 to
one of three charities of your choice: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, the Disabled Veterans National Foundation or the Dumb Friends League. There are two ways to donate. Either locate the envelope inside this newspaper and mail your check to us, or you can go online at www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/readerscare and securely make your contribution. Thank you for being a loyal reader. We look forward to delivering more of your hometown’s news during the next year. — Jerry Healey, publisher
Castle Rock has begun the process of finding a replacement for Town Manager Mark Stevens, who announced he will be retiring in the spring. Stevens’ last day in the position will be April 3, 2015, at which time he will have spent 14 years on the job. He was appointed town manager of Castle Rock on April 2, 2001. Prior to coming to Castle Rock, Stevens had served more than Stevens 20 years in various local government executive positions in Illinois and Arizona, including 16 years as a city manager. Stevens also serves as a member of the boards of directors of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Castle Rock Economic Development Council. He has also served terms as chairman of Denver Regional Council of Governments committees. Stevens has been the recipient of numerous professional awards — most recently, 2003 and 2005 national awards from the International City Management Association for regional cooperation and governmental partnerships. The town charter requires council to appoint a town manager “within a reasonable time after a vacancy occurs in the position.” Recruitment and selection of a town manager typically takes several months and often involves assistance from an outside party. At the Oct. 7 meeting, town council voted 6-0 to create a subcommittee that includes Mayor Paul Donahue and Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Green to lead in the search for an outside firm to help in the hiring process. Councilmember Chip Wilson was not in attendance. “There are a lot of firms across the country who could bring experience and expertise to the process while still leaving council in the decision-making role,” said Kristin Zagurski, town management analyst. According to Zagurski, the town enlisted the help of an outside firm when hiring Stevens 14 years ago. Stevens, Zagurski and human resources manager Sue Morgan will assist council in the search this time around. Stevens said he would work with Donahue and Green to create a short list of firms to consider and go over proposals, and to schedule interviews with the firms if needed. Donahue and Green will present their recommendations to the rest of council at the Oct. 21 meeting. Once a firm is selected, the town will begin its search for qualified candidates. “I think the process of going outside makes all the sense in the world,” Donahue said. “This is a big decision. It’s a huge decision for Castle Rock moving forward. Mark has done a fabulous job. Obviously, we’ve had some great success using an outside firm before.” The town is hoping to have a list of finalists for the job in February and a new town manager hired in March.