City News

The agenda for the January 14 City Council meeting is now available. A study session will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the regular meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

City Council meetings are held as hybrid meetings, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Meetings are held at the Castle Pines Library Event Hall (360 Village Square Lane). Register to attend the meeting virtually.

Arctic-cold air is set to descend on Colorado from Orchard City to Olney Springs for about a week starting Thursday, and Black Hills Energy is sharing steps you can take now to save money before the temperature drops.

“Weather changes are a key driver in our customers’ usage and bills,” said Chris Downey, Black Hills Energy General Manager for Colorado Gas Operations. “We want people to know about a few simple things they can do right now to help save money and energy ahead of the low temperatures.”

1. Be winter-ready – Planning begins long before these kinds of weather events. As the cold sets in and customer demands for energy increase, the company focuses on delivering safe, reliable energy, while equipping our customers with ways to help reduce their usage. Click here for weatherization tips: Weatherization | Black Hills Energy
2. Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees – Making a small adjustment to your home temperature can have a big impact. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year by simply turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
3. Lower your water heater setting – Lowering your temperature setting a few degrees can also save energy. Reducing your water heater temperature to under 120 degrees can save you up to 10% on your water heater costs.
4. Utilize the natural heat of the sun – Opening blinds for all south-facing windows is a great way to let the sun heat your home during the day, so that you can turn down the thermostat and turn off the lights. Remember to close your drapes or blinds at night, which will help insulate your home from any energy leaking from windows.
5. Keep the warm air in – Use kitchen and bath ventilating vans only when necessary. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a house full of warm air.

“Black Hills Energy is ready for winter,” Downey said. “Although there is currently no cause for concern with these low temperatures, we are watching the weather carefully and are prepared for our technicians to support our communities when necessary.”

The company is also reminding the community of important natural gas meter safety tips. Snow and ice buildup on your meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and other appliances. Please follow these guidelines:

Natural Gas Winter Safety Tips

1. Gently clear snow away by hand or with a broom. Do not use a shovel, ice pick or other sharp tools, damage could result and make the situation worse.
2. Keep snow blowers and shovels away from gas meters and other above-ground equipment.
3. Carefully clear snow away from the outdoor vent on high-efficiency furnaces. The furnace won’t run safely and efficiently if the vent is blocked.
4. Safely remove ice buildup from overhead eaves that could fall and damage gas meters below.
5. Point out the meter and any other above-ground utility structures to anyone you hire for snow removal.

Black Hills Energy will continue to provide service updates on its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. For more information on cold weather energy efficiency tips, including steps to take after the cold weather passes, visit blackhillsenergy.com.

Wildfire mitigation is one of City Council's strategic goals and priorities. To help mitigate wildfire risk and protect the community, the City developed a grant program to provide financial resources for residents and homeowners associations to conduct wildfire mitigation projects.

How much funding is available for a project?

Homeowner associations and individual residents can apply for wildfire mitigation funding. The City will accept funding requests for up to $5,000 from an HOA and up to $250 from a resident. All funding requests require a minimum match of 50% from all applicants. If a resident has a wildfire mitigation project expected to cost $500 or more, they would be eligible to ask for the full $250 of City funds.

When are applications due?

Applications will remain open until March 29, 2025. If your project is selected, funds will be reimbursed after completion of the project. A final report, before and after pictures, and proof of payment or receipt(s) must be submitted to receive reimbursement.

What type of projects are eligible?

• Projects should focus on open space and vegetation mitigation.
• You can replace plants or trees susceptible to wildfire, remove vegetation encroaching on residential structures, or complete other projects to reduce fire hazards around your home.
• Any planted plants must be of a species on the approved Wildfire Resistant Plant List.

Visit the Community Wildfire Mitigation Grant webpage for more information.

The December edition of the City's e-newsletter is now available. Learn how to apply to serve on a new board or commission, view the 2025 annual budget, and more. bit.ly/TheSourceDecember2024

Visit the City's website to subscribe to receive future e-newsletters right to your inbox. CastlePinesCO.gov/NewsletterSignUp

We are excited to share the completion of the 2024 Monarch Boulevard Reconstruction project. Crews will remove road closure barriers today, Monday, December 9, and the entirety of Monarch Boulevard will reopen to traffic by this afternoon. Over the next few weeks, crews will work to complete sidewalk work, landscaping, and other smaller tasks. The road will remain open in both directions during this work.

This comprehensive project, stretching from Castle Pines Parkway to Berganot Trail, was a key component of our 2024 Road Solutions initiative. The newly reconstructed roadway marks a significant investment in our community's infrastructure and will enhance safety, traffic efficiency, and the overall quality of life in Castle Pines.

Completing the extra Phase 4 work this year significantly reduced the timeline for Monarch Boulevard’s reconstruction efforts in 2025. The 2025 Monarch Boulevard Reconstruction project, from Berganot Trail to Winter Berry Place, will not begin until June 2025. No additional construction disruptions are planned for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.

Project Highlights:

In addition to the complete road reconstruction, this project utilized a partnership with the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District to replace aging water infrastructure. The 2024 reconstruction project included:

• 27,550,000 pounds of asphalt
• 8,900 linear feet of reconstructed roadway
• 8,900 linear feet of new 16-inch waterline
• 26 new water valves
• 6 new ADA ramps
• Improved sidewalks and bike lanes

We recognize the impact construction had on your daily routines and appreciate your patience and understanding during the reconstruction process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

Meeting highlights from the December 3 City Council meeting include:

• Approving the conveyance of certain recreation properties from the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District to the City of Castle Pines.
• Approving the adoption of the 2025 budget.
• Approving the levying of general property taxes for 2024 for law enforcement expenses and for parks, recreation, trails, and open space improvements and maintenance.
• Approving a resolution to appoint Kori Salazar to fill the vacancy for one of the Castle Pines City Council District 2 seats for a one-year term.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for 2025 on-call engineering services.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. for on-call professional land development review and general engineering services.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Tendit Group, LLC for 2025 street sweeping services.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Stone and Concrete, Inc. for Public Works street maintenance services.
• Approving a public improvements dedication, operation, and maintenance agreement with The Canyons Metropolitan District No. 7.
• Approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Mile High Flood District for the design and construction of drainage and flood control improvements for Happy Canyon Creek at Monarch Boulevard.
• Approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Castle Rock for cost-sharing for the completion of a Federal Transit Administration Direct Recipient Study.

View the December 3 City Council Meeting Agenda for more information about all agenda items. Visit the City Council Meetings webpage to watch the recording.

The agenda for the December 3 City Council Meeting is now available. The Regular Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

City Council meetings are held as a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Meetings are held at the Castle Pines Library Event Hall (360 Village Square Lane). Register to attend the meeting virtually.

The November edition of the City's e-newsletter is now available. Learn about the upcoming tree lighting event, improvements to Coyote Ridge Park, and more. bit.ly/TheSourceNovember2024

Visit the City's website to subscribe to receive future e-newsletters right to your inbox. CastlePinesCO.gov/NewsletterSignUp

Mayor Tracy Engerman signed an official Proclamation recognizing November 18-22 as "Crash Responders Safety Week." The proclamation urges all citizens to join the Mayor in this special observance and remember that the State of Colorado has a “Move-Over” law requiring drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, a tow truck, or a highway maintenance vehicle when their emergency lights are activated. View Mayor Engerman's official Proclamation.

Meeting highlights from the November 12 City Council meeting include:

• Approving a lease agreement with the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District for the Community Center at 7404 Yorkshire Drive.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Broken Arrow Landscape & Design, Inc. for Elk Ridge Park landscape maintenance services.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Colorado Designscapes, Inc. for 2025 snow removal services.
• Approving a professional services agreement with Lighthouse Transportation Group, LLC for traffic and pedestrian signal and street light maintenance.
• Approving a resolution declaring a vacancy in the office of one of the City Council Members representing District 2 as of December 3, 2024.
• Approving the conveyance of certain recreation properties from the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District to the City of Castle Pines.
• Approving an ordinance to allow for certification of delinquent Stormwater Utility Fees to the County Treasurer to be collected and paid in the same manner as property taxes.
• Approving Phase 1 of improvements to Coyote Ridge Park, including improvements to accessibility and mobility, the playground, and fencing at the basketball court.
• Approving a resolution supporting Colorado Gives Day in Douglas County on December 10.

View the November 12 City Council Meeting Agenda for more information about all agenda items. Visit the City Council Meetings webpage to watch the recording.

During the November 12, 2024 City Council meeting, the Council approved the Phase 1 improvements to Coyote Ridge Park. These improvements, estimated to cost nearly $4,000,000,  focus on improvements in three main areas:

1. Accessibility and Mobility Improvements
   • Provide assessable walk connections to existing shade structures
   • Replacement of one picnic table under existing shade structure to be ADA compliant
   • Provide assessable walks between the north and south sides of the drainage between the playground and ballfield parking lot
   • Possibility of adding a plaza and pollinator garden
   • Addition of a new pedestrian connection to the community
   • Addition of bike racks adjacent to existing playgrounds and shade shelters
   • Provide improved maintenance access along the north side of the playground to the multipurpose field
2. Playground Improvements
   • Replace existing play area equipment, creating an updated all-inclusive play area for all ages
   • Create age-separated play areas for 2–5-year-olds and 5–12-year-olds
   • Replace play area surfacing with more inclusive poured-in-play surfacing or synthetic turf
3. Fencing at the Basketball Court
   • Provide fencing at the edge of the existing basketball court to minimize the balls going into the drainage area

Next Steps

Following the City Council’s approval of these improvements, City staff will now work with a consultant to finalize construction drawings and design for the Phase 1 improvements. Improvements are anticipated to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by early 2026. View the City Council meeting presentation for more information on the proposed Phase 1 improvements. The timing of future phased improvements to Coyote Ridge Park will be determined by recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and approval by the City Council.

Learn More

Visit the Future Park Planning webpage to learn more about future park improvements in Castle Pines.

The agenda for the November 12 City Council Meeting is now available. The Regular Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

City Council meetings are held as a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Meetings are held at the Castle Pines Library Event Hall (360 Village Square Lane). Register to attend the meeting virtually.

Winter Wonderland is back! This season's festivities kick off Friday, December 6, with the annual Castle Pines Tree Lighting at The Ridge. Activities will include a meet-and-greet with Santa, reindeer, train rides, food trucks, carolers, and a drone light show.

Other Winter Wonderland favorites return, including a scavenger hunt, holiday movie night, gingerbread house decorating, Holly Jolly Brunch, and more! Some events require advanced reservations or ticket purchases. Ticket sales and reservations open this Friday, November 8. Spots will fill up fast, so reserve your ticket early!

Visit the City's event calendar or review the events below for more information on this year's festivities. We can't wait to see you there!

LEARN MORE

The October edition of the City's e-newsletter is now available. Learn about the upcoming pumpkin and leaf composting event, the 2025 proposed budget, and more. bit.ly/TheSourceOctober2024

Visit the City's website to subscribe to receive future e-newsletters right to your inbox. CastlePinesCO.gov/NewsletterSignUp

Sheriff Weekly has ordered Fire Restrictions in Douglas County to be moved to Stage 1, effective 10/31/2024.

Stage 1 means NO open burning and NO fireworks (including the use of model rockets). Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $1000.00 fine and a $10.00 surcharge.

Allowable Activities are fires within liquid fuel or gas stoves, grills, fire pits, or liquid-fueled or gas appliances, and small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites in fixed permanent metal or steel fire rings (rock fire rings are considered temporary and are NOT permanent).

Joint Statement: Update Regarding October 28 Sewer Line Blockage

As reported on October 28, 2024 by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, debris from the Monarch Boulevard road and water line replacement project caused a temporary blockage to a sewer line near Monarch Boulevard and Happy Canyon Creek. This caused nearly 1,000 gallons of sewage to spill into nearby Happy Canyon Creek.

Crews cleaned up the spill on the morning of Monday, October 28. The contractor, Elite Surface Infrastructure, will pay for costs associated with the cleanup effort, and no public funds from either the City of Castle Pines or the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District will be used for the cleanup efforts.

Happy Canyon Creek is not a source of drinking water, and there is no impact on drinking water quality or safety. The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District is working with state agencies to ensure the creek bed area is safe before reopening it. Nearby trails remain open and are safe for use. The area highlighted in red in the map below identifies the impacted creek area.

Questions? Contact the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District at 303-688-8550.

The City of Castle Pines is asking businesses and property owners to share ideas for physical improvements to the Village Square business area. The City formed an urban renewal authority in 2023 to support investment in the Castle Pines Village Square area by existing businesses and property owners.

The Castle Pines Urban Renewal Authority is now asking community businesses and property owners to come up with creative ideas for beautification, increased accessibility, and other improvements that will make the area better for business. More information about available resources is available at CastlePinesCO.gov/CPURA.

We also invite tenants and property owners to an information session to learn more about how we can partner to improve businesses and buildings in Village Square. The meeting will be held on October 30 at 7:30 a.m. at the Castle Pines Library. Register to attend by visiting CastlePinesCO.gov/CPURA.

The agenda for the October 22 City Council Meeting is now available. The regular meeting will begin at 5 p.m., and a study session is scheduled immediately after.

City Council meetings are held as a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Meetings are held at the Castle Pines Library Event Hall (360 Village Square Lane). Register to attend the meeting virtually.