Parks and Recreation Commission

Inger Hiller, Chair Sarah Grider, Vice Chair Parks and Recreation Commission Rebecca Dunn Meeting Minutes Shawn L'Esperance Madeline Self Michael Smith Wednesday, July 21, 2021 5:00 PM Central Service Center 1400 Caprice Drive Castle Rock, CO 80109 NOTE: THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THREE OR MORE COUNCIL MEMBERS MAY ALSO ATTEND THIS MEETING, DURING WHICH THE ITEMS LISTED HEREIN WILL BE DISCUSSED. TIMES SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED DUE TO CHANGES TO THE AGENDA. CALL TO ORDER Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair Sarah Grider called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Council Liaison Caryn Johnson was present, as were Town staff including Jeff Brauer, Jeff Smullen, Jennifer Martin, Bob Maloney, Mike Kilman, Dan Wahl and Maia Aman. Marne Hansen, Administrative Director of the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation, also attended. Present 5 - Commissioner Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Sarah Grider, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Michael Smith, and Commissioner Madeline Self Not Present 1 - Chair Inger Hiller ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA None. PUBLIC COMMENT DURING THIS TIME, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AND STAFF ON ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA. COMMENTS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN FOUR (4) MINUTES. None. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING PRC 2021-017 Approval of the Minutes of June 16, 2021 It was motioned by Rebecca Dunn and seconded by Shawn L’Esperance to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. "I move to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting." Yes: 5 - Commissioner Dunn, Vice Chair Grider, Commissioner L'Esperance, Commissioner Smith, and Commissioner Self Not Present: 1 - Chair Hiller AGENDA TOPICS Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 21, 2021 PRC 2021-018 Town Manager Update on Ballot Measures Town of Castle Rock Town Manager Dave Corliss provided Parks and Recreation Commission members and staff with an update on various ballot measures to address anticipated funding shortages. Although the recent community survey indicates strong resident satisfaction with the municipal services provided - including police, fire and parks and recreation - the Town’s high growth rate necessitates a continual need to expand its services, which will require additional revenue sources. While existing impact fees do help address growth, they can only be used for new capital development projects. On July 20, 2021, Town Council approved on first reading four ordinances to place four measures on the upcoming election, including: a lodging tax to support parks and recreation services; a .1% sales tax increase to fund the acquisition and maintenance of open space; a new home construction tax of $7 per square foot to add new Fire and Police positions between 2022 and 2026; and a 10-year timeout from revenue restrictions of the state’s TABOR law to maximize existing resources. The second and final reading of the ordinances will be held on August 17. Shawn L’Esperance expressed support of the lodging tax measure as this seems very standardized across the country. Shawn also asked if Castle Rock maintains a grocery tax and Dave confirmed that the Town does have a grocery tax that generates approximately $9 million per year. Madeline Smith asked how the new home tax could potentially impact the rate of development. Dave noted that although the impact fee rates were adjusted in 2019, the pace of growth has not slowed down despite the increase in costs to developers. Sarah Grider asked for clarification regarding the TABOR surplus and Dave explained that the Town would essentially retain surplus revenue for 10 years. Rebecca Dunn asked if the ballot measures get approved, when construction would commence on the Crystal Valley interchange. Dave noted that the design will be completed in 2023 and that construction will likely be completed 2025-2026. Members of the Commission and Marne Hansen of the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation thanked Dave for sharing the information and providing an update. PRC 2021-019 East Plum Creek Disc Golf Course Proposal Assistant Parks and Recreation Director presented a draft proposal from Throw Colorado to build and maintain a new disc golf course adjacent to the East Plum Creek Trail. Castle Rock’s current course is lacking many qualities desired by disc golf players. Throw Colorado’s proposal featured an 18-hole facility with some interesting terrain variety and beautiful mountain views. The proposed course could also take advantage of a future parking area for the trail near the Central Service Center and potential course. Staff asked the Commission for their general feedback before proceeding with the proposal. Jeff also noted that there would be a comment period made available to the public to gain additional feedback. Whenever changes are made to an existing property, the department completes public outreach. The proposed site was originally maintained as agricultural land and is now designated as open space. The course will not significantly impact the area. The new facility would provide an affordable amenity to residents. Throw Colorado would provide the labor to construct the course and the Town would provide baskets and concrete tee boxes. The maintenance would be shared. Department staff would occasionally mow Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 21, 2021 and Throw Colorado would maintain the areas around the tee boxes, as well as assist with signage. Throw Colorado would also like to host tournaments. Shawn L’Esperance asked for clarification regarding the cost estimates of various items outlined in the proposal. Jeff explained that the details would need to be worked out prior to moving forward and also noted that most of the costs are unknown due to labor. Portable restrooms could be provided at cost to the Town but they would benefit both trail and disc golf course users. Caryn Johnson asked what would happen to the existing disc golf course. Jeff explained that Throw Colorado and staff think that the existing course is worthwhile to leave in place as its more of a beginner course and provides options for residents across Castle Rock. Caryn also asked for confirmation that the course would be designed in a way to prevent discs from ending up on the trail. Jeff confirmed that she was correct. Rebecca Dunn asked for clarification regarding whether the course would be reservable and the fees associated with potential reservations. Jeff confirmed that Throw Colorado would work with the Town to determine reservation fees and noted that the fees would only pertain to tournament usage; no fees plan to be required for general course use at this time. Madeline Smith noted that she loves the idea of adding a course to Castle Rock, and the Commission expressed general support in moving forward with the agreement. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS Staff provided Commission members with the following updates: · Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation Administrative Director, Marne Hansen, provided an overview of the Foundation’s work and current projects. Marne invited the Commission to attend the next Tunes for Trails free concert at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park featuring FACE Vocal Band on August 19. · The Weed Management Plan and related ordinance changes were approved unanimously by Town Council on second reading. · Staff thanked everyone who participated in the successful groundbreaking event of Cobblestone Ranch Park. · Upcoming events include Pedal the Moon, Parking Lights and Movie Nights, Western Heritage Welcome and First Fridays featuring Tusk. Ongoing events such as the farmers market and free yoga and fitness activities will continue throughout the remainder of summer. · Scott Smeeton, the department’s Athletics Supervisor of over 20 years sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. The prayers and family visits have been greatly appreciated by his family members - Rhonda, Trevor and Tyler. Scott’s contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department and the Castle Rock community were immeasurably valuable and will always be remembered and greatly appreciated. COMMISSION COMMENTS Rebecca Dunn noted that she is thrilled with the number of activities available for the residents who live in Castle Rock. Rebecca also noted that it would be wonderful if vegetarian options could be provided through the food trucks at the events. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:36 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 21, 2021