Outlook - Fall/Winter 2019

Water I Parks I Roadwork I Town Council I Fire I Police I Development I Events

Outlook Town of Castle Rock

VOL. 13 | ISSUE 2 | FALL 2019

CONNECTING WITH CASTLE ROCK

Council who is your Councilmember?

East Plum Creek Trail & Gateway Mesa Open Space trail construction

Growth QUALITY

The Town has a plan

Inside: Community Survey 2020 Budget priorities

2 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

INSIDE FALL 2019

Cover photo: Whether you enjoy trail bike riding, hiking or finding a perfect spot to enjoy stunning sunsets, Ridgeline Open Space is a great place to soak up some Colorado sunshine and fresh air. With its expansive ridgeline views, mountain vistas, scenic valleys, open grassland, abundant wildflowers and 13.5 miles of winding, soft-suface trails, this 370-acre open space is a favorite of residents and visitors alike.

The Ridgeline Open Space trail system is accessible via Coachline Road, throughout The Meadows trail system and from points within the Red Hawk development. Before you go, visit CRgov.com/Trails to download a trail map. Hikers, bikers and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Castle Rock has more than 6,000 acres of preserved open space and 87 miles of well-planned trails throughout the Town.

Plan your next outdoor Castle Rock

10 10 Focusing on flood control Castle Rock Water’s Stormwater Division works to protect people and infrastructure from the dangers of flooding.

12 Seeing traffic safety in a different light The Town’s Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Division works to provide safe roadways for drivers and pedestrians alike.

adventure by visiting CRgov.com/OpenSpace.

Photo: Nick Lucey

14 CRPD’s #9PMRoutine is working

Magazine team Assistant Town Manager: Kristin Zagurski T. 720-733-3552 E. kzagurski@CRgov.com

CRPD officers know how important it is to lock things up for the night, and residents appreciate the creative reminders on social media.

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

16

Community Relations Specialist: Lauren Vaccaro T. 303-660-1382 E. lvaccaro@CRgov.com

Unmanned Arial Vehicles are a game changer

Photos by: NickLucey.com, Tim Tonge, Lauren Vaccaro, various staff and volunteers

Go behind the scenes with Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s UAV Program.

Designed by: Carrie Martin

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 3

WELCOME

A day in the life

of the Mayor

Managing my business, spending time with loved ones and dedicating time as Mayor keeps me busy from sunrise to sunset. As a Castle Rock resident for 20 years, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Here’s a taste of my typical Thursday as Mayor:

4:30 a.m.: But first, coffee

I opened Crowfoot Valley Coffee in Downtown Castle Rock in January 1999. I still open the store at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. I get to sleep in until 6:30 a.m. on the weekends. My coffee of choice is a black house roast. In the morning, you can find me preparing coffee behind the bar and chatting with customers.

10:30 a.m.: Roast n’ run

I take time in the late morning to run errands around Town. Sometimes, this includes visiting my roasting facility on Park Street, where all of the shop’s coffee is roasted. I trade out my Honda motorcycle for a truck to transport the beans. In August, I will be splitting my time between two coffee shops, as we open a second location in the new Arapahoe Community College Sturm Collaboration Campus. Lunch on the go is usually a protein shake made by my wife, Kathryn.

3 p.m.: Change over

Although they say a business owner is always on duty, in the late afternoon, I end my shift at the coffee shop, change clothes and head off to Town Council commitments. These duties can include groundbreaking ceremonies, speaking engagements and meetings.

4 p.m.: Council chats

I meet with fellow Councilmembers one-on-one as much as possible. Often times, the topic of discussion is the upcoming agenda. Today’s meeting is at Burly Brewing Co. with District 6 Councilmember George Teal. It’s important to hear what is happening within various neighborhoods and stay up-to-date on Town topics.

5:30 p.m.: Planning Commission meeting

On the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, I have a Planning Commission meeting at Town Hall. The Town has 13 boards and commissions made up of local residents who provide feedback on specific areas such as planning and development.

Town meetings are a great way to get involved. Twenty years ago, before I moved here and was looking for a place to open my coffee shop, I attended Town Council meetings to learn about Castle Rock. Now, I attend numerous board and commission meetings each month in my role as Mayor.

So what else do I like to do? In my free time, I enjoy fly fishing throughout Colorado. I also spend as much quality time as possible with my parents, wife and two sons, who live with me here in Castle Rock. My advice for a future business owner – do your research, and get involved with the community you hope to be in.

Take a peek on the following pages for more behind the scenes with my fellow Town Councilmembers.

Mayor Jason Gray

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TOWN COUNCIL

Who is your

Councilmember?

District 1 Councilmember Jess Loban

District Jess Loban jloban@CRgov.com 720-733-3585

1

Outside of his Town Council duties, Councilmember Jess Loban keeps busy with his wife and five active children with Castle View High School football, 4-H and more. He is the founder of Spartan Corp., an engineering, cyber security and defense firm that serves a diverse set of civilian and government clients throughout the world.

District Kevin Bracken kbracken@CRgov.com 303-663-4402

3

District 2 Councilmember James Townsend

District James Townsend jtownsend@CRgov.com 303-660-1396

2

Councilmember James Townsend is the Council’s other father of five. In addition to spending time with family and on Council duties, Councilman Townsend is an attorney with local firm Robinson & Henry, P.C. He practices family law, helping people navigate through difficult times in their lives.

District 3 Councilmember Kevin Bracken

Having competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in wrestling, coaching club wrestling and football at Castle View High School comes easy to Councilmember Kevin Bracken. Outside of his time coaching, Councilman Bracken spends time with his family and works as a national healthcare consultant for Vizient.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 53

TOWN COUNCIL

Do you know your Town Councilmember?

He or she could be your neighbor, work colleague or fellow parent.

Councilmembers are residents who have made a choice to serve and become involved in their local government. That commitment is beyond their family time, their day job and their hobbies.

So, who is your Councilmember outside of Town Council meetings? Take a peek on these pages to find out.

District 5 Councilmember Caryn Johnson

Councilmember Caryn Johnson has volunteered for years – as a Town board and commission member, a master gardener, a Girl Scouts leader and at local schools and libraries. Serving on Town Council, then, was a natural way for her to continue her service to the community.

District Jason Bower jbower@CRgov.com 303-660-1384

4

Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilmember Jason Bower

When he’s not serving Council duties – including liaising on many Downtown and business boards – Mayor Pro Tem Jason Bower is operating Castle Rock Music, which he owns. He has a degree in music and jazz studies and performs with various groups throughout the United States as a jazz trumpeter.

District Caryn Johnson cjohnson@CRgov.com 303-663-4403

5

District 6 Councilmember George Teal

ScoutingScouting and shooting and shooting are someare of District some of6District Council-6 man Councilman George Teal’s George favorite Teal’s pastimes. favoriteHe’s pastimes. an assistant He’s Scoutmaster an assistant with Scoutmaster Troop 780 with andTroop an NRA-certified 780 and an firearms NRA-certified instructorfirearms with theinstructor Boy Scouts with of America the Boy Scouts of America shooting shooting sports program.

His Hisday dayjob jobinvolves involvesworking workingas asaa key key member ofofthe theInformation InformationTechnology Technologyteam team at at FloWorks FloWorks International, International,aa wholesale wholesale distributor Distributor with with branches inin North NorthAmerica, America,Europe Europeand andAsia, Asia,based basedin inHouston.

Houston.

District George Teal gteal@CRgov.com 303-660-1371

6

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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

1980

1990 ‘81-’84

ZoningestablishedforTerrain, PlumCreek,TheWoodlands, Glovers/BaldwinPark, FoundersVillage, cobblestoneRanch, castlewoodranch

‘85-’86 Zoningestablished forTheOaks, TheMeadows, HeckendorfRanch, DawsonRidge

‘87 Town adopts home rule charter

‘87-’89

Zoning established for Factory outletMallarea, SapphirePointe, CastleMeadows

2000 ‘92

‘9‘5

Outletsat ZoningEstablishedfor castleRock CastleHighlands, opens Diamondridge

‘99 zoning established forredhawk

Annexation is the process by which properties in Douglas County become part of the Town of Castle Rock’s jurisdiction. The Town’s annexation map can be found at CRgov.com/Annexation.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 7

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Planning for

quality growth Since the 1990s, Castle Rock has been growing significantly. And, the Town is planned to continue growing into the future due to legal commitments it has made – many beginning in the 1980s.

If all currently approved developments build their fully authorized amount of homes, the Town’s population is estimated to top out around 140,000.

The neighborhoods where new homes are for sale today – Cobblestone Ranch, Crystal Valley, The Meadows, Terrain and more – have all been planned to be part of the Town’s growth for decades.

Just as the Town’s growth to date has occurred over decades, it likely would take decades to reach a population in that range. The Town’s estimated population today is about 70,000.

When it approved the growth, the Town set a maximum number of homes for each area. The number of homes built to date in the areas mentioned through first quarter 2019 is approximately:

Because the Town has been planning for growth for decades, it also has been planning its operations in accordance with that growth. Plans are in place to ensure the Town’s water, public safety and transportation services can serve the populations of the future.

• Cobblestone Ranch: 838 built of up to 1,245 homes allowed • Crystal Valley: 1,260 built of up to 3,500 homes allowed • The Meadows: 6,636 built of up to10,000 homes allowed • Terrain: 1,414 built of up to 2,767 homes allowed

The Town also insists on quality growth, with open space requirements, height limitations, and buffer zones between residential and commercial development in place to help ensure the quality of Castle Rock remains as high in the future as it is today.

This means there may be more growth to come in these areas and others, depending on remaining private land left available and market demands.

2000

2010 ‘03

zoning established forLanterns/Montaine

‘05 Largest numberof single-family permits issued:1,532

Zoning occurs after annexation and establishes what land uses are permitted and provides property owners and the Town with an expectation of how areas will develop and change over time. The zoning map is available at CRgov.com/Zoning.

2020 ‘13

‘14

CastleRock Zoning Adventist established Hospital for opens bellamesa, ParkPreserve

‘15

‘16

zoning established for Promenade

‘17

Castle Rock Parkway/ North Meadows Drive project complete

zoning established for Miller’s Landing

8 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

PARKS AND RECREATION

Exploring your community Partnerships help build new trail opportunities in Castle Rock

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 9

PARKS AND RECREATION

Tucked in the eastern portion of Castle Rock, Gateway Mesa is one of the community’s most valued open spaces. Many residents have walked across the flat caprock and through the open grassland and scrub oak the property provides. But, trail users may not realize there’s a whole different world waiting to be explored below the mesa.

Gateway Mesa consists of more than 275 acres of grassland mesa and mixed ponderosa-fir forest. The property offers native-surface trails and expansive views of the Cherry Creek Basin. And, that’s just the start.

Below the flat open grassland lies a unique forested portion of the property complete with a dense mature tree canopy, wetland understory and unique rock formations. It’s a different habitat than anywhere else in Castle Rock, and creating access to that is a priority for the Parks and Recreation Department.

“We are really excited about this undiscovered part of Gateway Mesa,” said Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Smullen. “We know our residents love parks and trails, and we understand the importance of expanding access to open space.”

In the 2019 Community Survey, 84 percent of respondents had visited the Town’s trails or open spaces in the past 12 months. Additionally, when asked to rank priorities regarding potential parks and recreation improvements, most respondents ranked developing new trails among the top priorities.

“We knew Gateway Mesa had untapped potential for a unique trail experience,” said Smullen. “But, the terrain and hiking-only restrictions require a more hand-built approach of construction. With the potential to extend the trail almost 2 miles, that is not a small task.”

That’s where Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation come in. A new hikingonly trail named Legacy Trail will connect to the existing Chuck’s Loop Trail at Gateway Mesa. Once complete, the trail will open a new area for exploration unlike anything else in Town.

The Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation decided to support the project through fundraising. This support means at least half of the project will be funded solely through donations. The foundation’s support was also instrumental in enlisting help from Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is a statewide organization that provides a volunteer workforce for outdoor stewardship projects, including invasive species management, habitat restoration, recreation improvements, and trail construction and maintenance. While designed by the Town’s trails planner, the new 2-mile, soft-surface trail is being built by volunteers coordinated through the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado program.

“So far, we’ve only held one work day,” said VOC Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator Alex Williams. “We’ve already recorded more than 830 volunteer hours. That’s amazing and really speaks to how important this partnership is for the community.”

Due to the length of the new trail and the terrain, the project is being completed in multiple phases. That means the community has the opportunity to get involved. Two more work days are scheduled this year, and additional volunteer opportunities are on the way.

The department knows it’s partnerships like this that really provide the community with the biggest bang for its buck. Much of this new trail will be funded through an anonymous donation. With careful planning, the Town is able to do more with less money.

“In Castle Rock, we are lucky to have great access to the outdoors,” said Smullen. “Any opportunity we have to get people outside, exploring their community, we are going to take.”

Looking to get involved? Learn more about future Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado work days at CRgov.com/TrailsDay. There is also additional information about the Town’s 87 miles of trails and more than 6,000 acres of open space on the Town’s website – CRgov.com/Trails.

10 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

CASTLE ROCK WATER

Focusing on flood control

Town’s Stormwater Division keeps the community flowing in the right direction They say if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait 5 minutes.

That’s never more apparent than summer days in Castle Rock.

Oftentimes, a storm comes in and dumps a bunch of rain, just before the sun starts shining again. While afternoon showers are a mild inconvenience for some, rain can be a big concern for Castle Rock Water’s Stormwater Division.

With more than 350 detention ponds and 227 miles of channel throughout Town, the division works to protect people and infrastructure from the dangers of flooding.

Around Town, pipes and inlets are in place to help direct water away from homes and businesses. Many flood-control improvements are also used to protect stormwater quality. But, what residents may not know is open space areas and even roads are part of the Town’s flood-control system.

“Flood control can be kind of a sleeping giant,” said Stormwater Manager David Van Dellen. “So many of our improvements are concealed by natural habitats and roadways.”

In many cases, storm drains along roads and boulders at pond outlet structures are visible. However, other stormwater infrastructure may not be as apparent. For instance, the new East Plum Creek Trail has concrete drop structures that mimic the natural habitat.

“Our focus is to reinforce the drainageway while maintaining the natural habitat, diverse open space and flourishing wildlife residents have come to enjoy,” Van Dellen said.

Here in Castle Rock, stormwater charges are applied to every Castle Rock Water customer’s bill. The division is responsible for prioritizing improvements based on necessity, risk to other infrastructure and funding.

These improvements can include both flood control and water quality.

“Conditions can change quickly from just one storm event,” said Van Dellen. “That is what makes flood control such a challenge. We study flood

hazards and plan projects within the community, but sometimes, priorities shift depending on problems that arise. The division has crews available to address emergency situations, and in some cases, flood activity can generate the need for new projects.”

Within the community, roads and open spaces are subject to flooding and are used as part of the flood control system. During an afternoon storm, curbs and detention ponds that are normally dry can fill quickly. However, what seems like sudden lake-front property will not stick around, and that’s how the system is designed. Detention ponds and channels help keep runoff away from property, protecting people and infrastructure. These flood-control features also help with water quality. That’s particularly important when it comes to development.

“The Town requires developers to do their part to protect water quality,” said Van Dellen. “That means accommodating for stormwater runoff during construction and making sure construction debris and exposed soil are not impacting our watershed.”

While flood control is the main goal, the division pays special attention to development. That means requiring controls be in place before initial earthwork begins. These controls help make sure the stormwater system is not negatively impacted.

The division also signs off on initial designs to make sure what is being built can be protected. The new Riverwalk project Downtown is a great example. Town stormwater experts worked with design engineers to make sure the building was elevated above flood levels. Stream stabilization and an armored foundation were a couple of the additional requirements for the new building.

“As development continues, more pressure is put on natural streams to contain the runoff from snow and rain,” said Van Dellen. “Without a means to account for these changes, the entire flood-control system could be compromised.”

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 11

CASTLE ROCK WATER

The Town’s Stormwater Division works to protect people and infrastructure from the dangers of flooding, such as the historic flood in 1965.

Being prepared means being proactive In most cases, being proactive is the name of the game when it comes to flood control. That means addressing stream stabilization and stormwater runoff before new development begins. A prime example of that is the McMurdo Gulch Reclamation project.

In partnership with the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, Castle Rock Water is helping to stabilize the 6.5-square-mile basin. While the project was originally started in 2009, improvements will continue this year with additional boulder cascades, a drop structure, rock lining, bank protection and revegetation.

“Starting the process early is key when it comes to flood control,” said Van Dellen. “This partnership allows us to examine land use in the watershed, inventory the stream and conduct regular assessments as development continues.”

The purpose of the project is to preserve the natural beauty and character of the Cherry Creek Watershed while protecting health, property and water quality. This goal is similar in many of the Town’s drainageway improvement projects. Oftentimes, projects are centered on preserving, enhancing and, in some cases, reconstructing the natural floodplains in our community.

“It’s an important responsibility, and here at Castle Rock Water, we don’t take that responsibility lightly,” said Van Dellen.

Wilcox Bridge

Learn more about everything happening with Castle Rock Water’s Stormwater Division at CRgov.com/Stormwater.

12 OUTLOOK STYLISH MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

PUBLIC WORKS

Seeing traffic safety in a different

LIGHT

In a society of go, go, go, there is a group of people who understand the importance of slowing down. When the world is in a hustle, they take the time to analyze, plan and create at a pace that puts safety first. They care about your busy commute, frustrating traffic and neighborhood construction. In fact, it’s their job.

PU

B LI C W O R K

S

The Town’s Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Division works to provide safe roadways for drivers and pedestrians alike. The roads you travel, whether by car, bicycle or foot, have a huge impact on your daily life.

Through speed studies, review of development plans, intersection evaluations, crosswalk safety, annual crash reports and more, this team of engineers and planners keeps Castle Rock roads top of mind.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 13

PUBLIC WORKS

Driven by data

Neighborhood traffic calming

When there are so many roads to cover, how does the Town begin to prioritize safety? Each year, the Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Division creates an Annual Crash Report, which looks at traffic incidents across the entire Town.

This report reviews the past five years and helps engineers recognize patterns. Serving as a data-driven approach to prioritizing projects, the Annual Crash Report is an important piece to transportation planning.

Community feedback is another way the division addresses traffic. Through the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, residents can express concerns about traffic volume and speeds on their streets. What makes this comprehensive program unique is that it’s driven by the community as a tool to improve quality of life. The process starts with residents expressing concerns and signing a petition to show neighborhood agreement and participation in the program. The Town then conducts a speed study to determine if the area is eligible for the Traffic Calming Program.

Engineers identify the causes of crashes using advanced technology such as traffic cameras, which have been recently installed throughout Town as part of three-year traffic signal upgrade program.

While police officers and firefighters are on the scene immediately to help with a crash, traffic engineers are behind the scenes analyzing data after the fact, working to prevent reoccurring danger. Engineers identify the causes of crashes using advanced technology such as traffic cameras, which have been recently installed throughout Town as part of three-year traffic signal upgrade program. Several different departments also use these cameras. For instance, the police department uses them to help with investigations, while the snowplow team checks snow accumulation on streets during storms.

From the report, recommendations are made, such as an intersection reconfiguration to help reduce the number of crashes in a particular area, or a speed limit change. The report goes to Town Council, and plans are put into action. You can view past reports online at CRgov.com/Traffic.

The program then becomes a step-by-step process of possible solutions. You may have seen yard signs in an initial phase with sayings such as “don’t hurry, be happy,” or “see your neighbor wave.”

Educational tools like these are intented to grab a driver’s attention in hopes of getting them to drive at or below the posted speed limit, which improves the experience for all modes of travel. More permanent solutions can include everything from a speed cushion to a pedestrian median. The Town currently has two active neighborhood studies underway.

The proposed budget for Neighborhood Traffic Calming in 2020 is $25,000. Learn more at CRgov.com/TrafficCalming.

Looking ahead The Town’s Service Center is currently undergoing major construction. This hub for Public Works hasn’t been added to since it was first built in 1997. Part of the update will include a new Traffic Operations Center. As the community grows, new technology helps the Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Division maximize efficiency.

The Traffic Operations Center will house three to six monitors broadcasting live traffic operations. During major Town events, such as Starlighting, engineers will have the ability to adjust the timing of signals to relieve congestion in real time. Service Center construction and remodeling is expected to be complete in early 2020.

14 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

R E T H G I F E M I R C Y UNIT

881

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RESIDENTS

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H C T a w k c o r r o N UP f

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Community support is the most important factor in preventing and solving crime. And now, residents and local businesses with security cameras can easily help fight and solve crime by signing up for Rock Watch, a modern-day neighborhood watch program.

Last year, Castle Rock Police Department established the Rock Watch program, with the Community Partnership Unit leading the effort. Through the program, residents and businesses with exterior or public area security cameras are asked to register online at CRgov.com/RockWatch. When participants sign up, they volunteer to be contacted by the police department if there’s an incident or crime in their neighborhood.

“By teaming up with Castle Rock residents and local businesses, we are strengthening our reach to fight crime and serve our community,” said Police Chief Jack Cauley.

The department does not have access to the registered cameras, and officers cannot monitor or watch systems. When a camera is registered online for Rock Watch, a point on a map is created in the department’s software program. If an incident occurs in an area, police review the map and determine if anyone in the program may have recorded video of the incident. Officers reach out to those individuals through text messaging, email or by phone. The individual is asked to review their camera footage and voluntarily share any relevant information their camera captured with Castle Rock Police Department.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 15

CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

, r e h T e g o T S RK O W e n o y r e when ev E TRULY

W W O H S ’ THAT

Residents urged to remember the #9PMRoutine

The Castle Rock Police Department recently launched its #9PMRoutine social media campaign that uses entertaining nightly posts on the department’s Facebook page, @CRpoliceCO, to remind residents to bring in valuables and lock their vehicles and homes before they go to bed.

The goal: cut down on easily preventable crimes. Follow the department’s Facebook page to receive the helpful reminders in your feed.

“The more people who sign up for Rock Watch, the bigger the network becomes, and the greater the chance police will find video footage of an incident and solve the crime,” said Community Partnership Unit Officer Dan Moffitt.

Currently, around 375 cameras have been registered for Rock Watch.

Before the program, when an incident occurred, an officer would walk a neighborhood to see if anyone happened to see something or had a camera. This took significant time and police resources.

Now, all an officer has to do is contact the neighborhood residents signed up for Rock Watch. They request any footage within an established time frame that could provide evidence that confirms or disputes criminal activity.

“By developing this network of cameras, that one time we have a serious crime, we can easily reach out, obtain information, expedite the investigation and potentially save a life by getting the critical information compiled quickly that otherwise would take hours, or even days, to put together,” said Special Operations Sgt. Kevin Torrens.

In just a year, the program has already helped solve numerous crimes, such as theft of packages, vandalism and vehicular hit-and-run.

Castle Rock Police Department has Rock Watch stickers for participants to put in their windows to let people know they’re being watched, and to serve as a crime deterrent. Stickers are free and can be requested when registering for the program.

“When everyone works together, that’s how we truly prevent crime,” said Chief Cauley.

Don’t forget the #9PMRoutine!

BRING IN valuables from your vehicle, yard, patio LOCK UP your vehicle, house, windows, garage, gates, shed TURN ON exterior lights, security cameras, alarm systems

OUTLOOK 1616OUTLOOK STYLISHMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are game changers It is the early morning hours of a difficult, hot night in late

“I can’t see a thing. The smoke is thicker here, so we might be getting close, but I can’t see anything!” shouts a firefighter to his crew, who are carefully combing the hillside for the source of all the smoke.

summer 2014. Teams of firefighters from Castle Rock Fire

Hot embers can ignite dry fuel up to six hours after a

and Rescue have been diligently searching for hot spots

wildfire has been extinguished. An extra-dry spring

along a ridge on the outskirts of Town. Firefighters have

and summer often sets the stage for a long night for

been working a wildfire that started when a late evening

many firefighters patrolling the countryside out of an

lightning strike touched the sun-baked, dried grasses on

abundance of caution.

a mesa, and then quickly spread to the lonely, outlying O

ACCR E

DI T N AG E CY

I NTE R NATI

LY AL N

ED

meadows just outside of Town.

F Y

20 17 - 2 0 2 2

the region with its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program, started

Castle Rock leads

by Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Fire

Prevention Officer and Investigator Rick L. Young.

It began with the purchase of a UAV several years ago.

With scenarios like the above in his mind, Young set out to

experiment with the various ways UAVs could assist the department,

in terms of cutting back on the number of personnel actually needed in the field,

as well as providing an extra layer of safety for responders to a fire emergency.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 17

CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE

“The smoke is so intense I can barely see my glove in front of my face. I sure don’t want to find it by stepping on it!” shouts a solitary figure, barely visible on the hillside, currently covered in thick, dark smoke. The diligence of these shadowy figures combing the hillsides and gulches, while residents rest peacefully, unaware of all the effort going on outside their windows and doors, finally pays off. The last of the smoking embers is found and extinguished. The success of the moment is fleeting, however, and all agree, it was a long, hot difficult night.

FAST FORWARD

“Use of the UAVs

FIVE

YEARS

and thermal imaging

allows us to quickly and efficiently locate hot spots or embers and guide firefighters to extinguish them more quickly

Rick L. Young atop Santa Fe Quarry Mesa

and efficiently than before,” said Young. “Also, the use

Young says the most common use is for videos

of multiple UAVs at a wildland fire allows us to find the

and photos of construction sites, showing routes

easiest path through the terrain, into the fire with one UAV,

into and out of the area during an emergency to

while another UAV with a thermal imaging camera monitors

quickly share with all the fire crews. “We utilize

the fire movement.”

the UAVs to assist Town partners, such as accident

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue has four quick-deploy, portable UAVs that can operate indoors or outdoors, that are used almost daily for one task or another. They also have two medium-duty UAVs, which fly outdoors only and can accommodate thermal imaging or high-definition camera technology.

scene documentation for Castle Rock Police Department, Parks and Recreation for special event video and photos, and before and after street repair videos and photos for Public Works.

All photography is high-resolution, and there is also 3D map imaging available,” said Young.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue has three FAA-licensed UAV

“It’s been great to see just how many ways we’ve

pilots, including Young, the program coordinator. Commercial

been able to utilize the UAVs. I’m most excited

operators are required to train and become FAA credentialed

about the opportunities to use the UAVs to get

by passing a rigorous FAA pilot certification test. On

visuals of a fire or incident, and avoid putting our

average, the department’s pilots fly a million flight feet each

firefighters in a potentially dangerous situation.”

year, and the program has only experienced one rough landing, with minimal damage, as a result of a battery failure.

18 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY SURVEY

SURVEY SAYS

Town services are tops 53 performance questions were asked.

Here’s how the ratings broke down:

very high ratings (8+/10) above average ratings (6-8/10)

average or below ratings (>6/10)

50 performance measures could be compared to 2017:

Loss of community/ loss of small town feeling showed improvement

Ratings improved for:

Castle Rock is a great place to live, and the Town’s services are top-notch, per results of the Town’s 2019 community survey.

The scientific survey covered 53 performance measures, and 46 of those received an above-average rating (6 or higher on a 0-10 scale). Fifty of the measures could be compared to the 2017 survey; of those, five showed improvement, and seven decreased.

The remaining 38 maintained similar satisfaction levels.

The survey indicated continued concerns over growth; ensuring well-planned, high-quality development continues as an area of focus for the Town.

remained comparable

• Keeping residents informed • Seeking residents’ involvement and input • Informing residents of water services/project • Informing residents of parks/rec initiatives • Transparency of Town business on website

decreased

Ratings decreased for:

• Overall quality of life • Direction the Town is headed • Employment opportunities in Town • Opportunities for youth • Castle Rock as a place to retire • Overall quality of water • Value for parks/rec fees paid

Another area for attention to which the survey pointed was traffic congestion and transportation. Scores in this area have improved since 2015; still, they are some of the Town’s lowest-related performance attributes, and work in this area will continue.

View full results from the survey, to which 588 residents responded, at CRgov.com/2019Survey.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 19

2020 BUDGET

BUDGETS

require choices A growing community means many needs when it comes to Town services. At budget time, that means choices are required, as resources are not unlimited.

There are more than 550 full-time employees in the Town’s work force, and paying and providing benefits to employees is one of the Town’s biggest costs, at $61.5 million this year. That cost increases every year, as employees earn performance-based pay increases, and as healthcare costs rise.

The Town depends on sales tax revenue for its operational needs in key areas like police, fire and roads. The average Castle Rock homeowner pays only $40.66 in annual property tax to the Town, bringing in about $1.2 million a year. Sales tax, meanwhile, is expected to bring in about $49.2 million to help run the Town this year.

Town staff has been working hard this spring and summer to prepare the Town Manager’s recommended 2020 Budget. That budget projects sales tax revenue will be $51.2 million in 2020.

Although a projected 4 percent increase in sales tax revenue is healthy, choices will need to be made in balancing increasing needs with those resources. This year, Town Council will be asked to adopt a five-year financial plan for the Town.

Moving forward, this reality will mean even more choices: does the community wish to increase the resources available for the Town to operate, so needed positions can be added, or does it wish for the Town to cut back on its services? The Town anticipates engaging the community in such dialogues in 2020 and beyond, as it plans for future needs like additional fire stations and more police officers to keep the community safe.

Stay up to date as the 2020 Budget and five-year financial plan progress at CRgov.com/2020Budget.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ACC Sturm Collaboration Campus offers innovative higher-education opportunities The Arapahoe Community College Sturm Collaboration Campus at Castle Rock is set to open in mid-August, and it brings an exciting change to the higher education landscape for local students and the surrounding community.

The campus, located between Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and Castle View High School, is a joint venture between ACC, the Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Economic Development Council, Colorado State University and Douglas County School District.

“This alliance serves as a national model for communities seeking to create a collaborative higher-ed hub that builds a local talent pipeline and drives regional and statewide economic growth,” said ACC President Dr. Diana Doyle.

Educational pathways

State-of-the-art technology

Armed with knowledge and statistics from regional economic data, and after conducting regional focus group research, three initial academic pathways have been identified to supply the most in-demand jobs in the region: business, health and technology.

Students can complete their degrees through a hybrid of in-person labs, classroom learning, on-thejob learning, and online coursework. The pathways will evolve as industry needs change over time.

The campus features state-of-the-art technology that isn’t found on many college campuses, including a virtual dissection table in the biology and health labs and gamification environments in the cyber lab. The learning experience will be amplified through integration of game mechanics, such as reward and competition, to motivate participation and engagement.

Students will have access to apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities with local industry. For instance, ACC is launching a Water Operations apprenticeship with Castle Rock Water and will expand its successful apprenticeship programs with Centura Health.

“The campus is designed to bring students, industry partners and residents into the building to experience a true community-engaged facility.”

The campus also has licensing to use some of the best synchronous technology available to enable real-time distance learning. Many rooms at Sturm Collaboration Campus are being designed to include virtual, immersive classroom environments that contain a mosaic of screens, a high-definition video wall, cameras, lighting and an audio system.

Intentional design The design of the campus is very intentional, with interior flexible spaces that are mobile and expandable to adapt to fit a variety of learning styles and activities. Glass provides transparency and adds to the energy and excitement of what’s happening inside the facility. An industry pitch room can be used for meetings where people from all over the world can join remotely, and there’s a 25,000-squarefoot outdoor commons area that can be used for community and business events.

“The campus is designed to bring students, industry partners and residents into the building to experience a true community-engaged facility,” said Dr. Doyle.

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OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 21

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Partnerships CSU, Douglas County Schools and Arapahoe/Douglas Works are leasing space at the Sturm Collaboration Campus in an effort to provide more robust services for the community. Businesses like the 3D Printing Store and Innosphere, a high-tech business start-up incubator, are also leasing space at the campus.

CSU will start by offering two bachelor’s degree options at the campus, with lower tuition rates than their home campuses. The first is a CSU Fort Collins program in business with an accounting concentration. The second is a CSU Pueblo program in computer information systems with a cybersecurity concentration.

ACC also partnered with the Sturm family on an up to $10 million gift through the Sturm Family Foundation. The gift is being used for campus operations and staffing, and technology upgrades, and has matching opportunities through scholarships, a program innovation fund and a future investment that includes construction of an additional building on campus.

“We believe we’re offering the most high-quality, yet the most affordable post-secondary options for students in our community,” said Dr. Eric Dunker, associate vice president and dean of business, technology and workforce partnerships. “We want to be pushed, we want our stakeholders to engage with us, and we want to be the listening college that takes informed, deliberate action.”

Learn more about ACC Sturm Collaboration Campus by calling 303-660-3160, or by visiting arapahoe.edu/CastleRock.

22 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY

Shopping for a cause

Outlets at Castle Rock uses annual Shopping Extravaganza event to raise money for local charities

Building a community means something different for everyone. For Outlets at Castle Rock, giving back to those in need is what makes a community great. That’s the main motivating force behind the mall’s biggest annual event – Shopping Extravaganza.

Tickets include a day of shopping fun with exclusive discounts, catered lunch, live entertainment, dessert bar, wine tasting and more than $80,000 in prize giveaways. Discounts range from 30 to 70 percent off retail prices at dozens of top-brand stores.

“Here at the Outlets, we believe giving back to the community is extremely important,” said Marketing Director Jen Simpson. “Shopping Extravaganza is not only a wonderful day of exclusive discounts, it’s a fun and practical way to support your favorite local charity.”

“This event is a win for everyone involved,” said Simpson. “Our participating organizations are able to spread awareness and raise money for their various projects, the stores get people coming through their doors, and our shoppers get to take advantage of some amazing deals.”

The 14th Annual Shopping Extravaganza will make Saturday, Sept. 14 one of the biggest shopping days of the year. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this shop-for-a-cause event will take giving back to the community to a whole new level. $20 of every $30 ticket sold goes directly back to the buyer’s participating charity of choice.

Charities participating in 2019 include: Big Brother Big Sisters of Colorado, Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, Susan G. Komen Colorado, Healing Warriors and more.

Tickets are available at OutletsAtCastleRock.com. Cash-only tickets will also be available for day-of purchase, along with additional prize drawing tickets.

For many of the charities involved, this event helps fund their organization for the entire year. And, the sales tax generated at the Outlets helps fund Town services like road maintenance, public safety and park improvements.

“We know how important this event is to everyone involved,” said Simpson. “We’ve worked with many of these charities for so long, they now feel like family. We just want to do everything we can to support our local community.”

Tickets and more information is available at the Outlets at Castle Rock website – OutletsAtCastleRock.com.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 23

CONTEST

HOW WE LL DO YOU KNOW

YOUR TOWN? Let’s put your knowledge of Castle Rock landmarks to the test, and have some fun! Identify these six iconic features found throughout the Town by name, or specific location, for a chance to win one of four $25 gift certificates to Clubhouse Grill at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. Submit your answers at CRgov.com/Contest

by Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

First

I s ee tonight

Keep chug g ing along, you’re almost there

C ome, sing along!

Stand tall and light up the night

D edication and s er v ice

Stars and Str ipes fore ver

Official Rules: The contest runs from Aug. 10 to Sept. 16, 2019. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Four winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via email by Sept. 20, 2019. Winners will also be announced online at CRgov.com/Contest. Each winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Clubhouse Grill at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ON DATE OF ENTRY TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON ONLY. WINNERS NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

2 OUTLOOK 24 OUTLOOKMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

100 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104

MAILING PANEL AREA *****ECRWSS*****

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

POSTAL CUSTOMER CASTLE ROCK, CO

EVENTS BINGO Not sure what to do in Castle Rock this season? We’ve got you covered – make this fall memorable and cross of squares as you go. Share your experiences with us on social media by tagging @CRgov. For details on each event, visit CRgov.com/Events.

Touch a Downtown Spooktacul a r Touch at the MAC Artfest Truck –– Oct. Oct. 2626 aTruck – Sept. 7 & 8 – Sept. 28 Get your glow on at Zumba at PSM park

Cas–tlOct.e of12,Terror 18, 19,

Creepy Crawlies at the Rock – Oct. 2612

Get involved and attend a Town Council Meeting – first and third Tuesdays

Grab

Watch a sunset

– Sept. 20

Coffee Downtown Downtown

25 & 26

– try Ridgeline Open Space or Rock Park for a great greatview view

First Fridays: Artrageous Experience

Pie Bake– Nov.Off2

– Sept. 6

Get sweaty at – Sept. 14 Shoppi n g a new fitness Exatattthetheravaganza class – try Barre, Extravaganza etsets Zumba or HIIT – Sept.OutlOutl 14 at the REC Climb Challenge Hill at PSM

Hike a new Trail

find our trail map online at CRgov.com/Trails

Coffee with a Cop – Sept. 12 & Oct. 2

Castle Rock Trail Fes– Oct.tival5 Rueter-Hess Pick a Reuter-Hess Pumpkin Paddle Days

Festival Park Wicked Wednesday Farmer’ at the Outlets – Sundayss Market through – Oct. 30 September

Pooch Pooch –– Sept.Sept. 77, Oktoberfest Starlighting Plunge nge at Butterfield Pool – Nov. 23 – Sept. 28 at Butterfield pool

Select days through Sept.