Council to Reconsider Application for Dissolution

At its first meeting of 2012, the Castle Pines City Council voted to initiate the process to withdraw the dissolution action against the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District. The termination of the dissolution process will enable the city and the district to begin to work together in a spirit of mutual cooperation. Council’s unanimous decision marks the beginning of a renewed effort to work with the district on projects and goals of common interest to the community. Newly elected council members Kathy DesRosiers, James Einolf and Marc Towne joined returning council members Kim Hoffman, Tera Radloff and Mayor Jeffrey Huff in the vote. Council will consider additional public input on the matter at their regular meeting on February 14 at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

City and District Adopt Resource Sharing Agreement

Board members of the Castle Pines North Metro District adopted an agreement with the City of Castle Pines to share district vehicles and personnel with the city for purposes such as snow removal. The sharing of community resources is an important step to ensure that taxpayer dollars are utilized in the most efficient manner possible. During the board meeting Mayor Huff stated, "The city will continue to seek opportunities to coordinate activities and projects with the district whenever possible." Board President Steve Labossiere reiterated the district’s willingness to work with the city to achieve mutually beneficial objectives.

Snowy Winter...

If it seems to you that we have had more snowfall during the past 6 weeks compared to the past two years you would be absolutely correct. According to snowfall measurements taken in the City of Castle Pines, 37.1 inches of snow has fallen in the city between December 1, 2011 and January 13, 2012. This compares to 13.9 inches of snowfall that occurred one year ago and 16.4 inches of snow that was measured two years ago, during the same period of time. Since October 1, 2011 the community has received 55.2 inches of snow.

Snow removal during the months of December and January is particularly challenging because of short days and long, cold nights. Melting that does occur during the day usually quickly refreezes when the sun sets. In December, the city spent in excess of $105,000 plowing snow and placing snow melting material on the streets. In addition to our normal activities, the city hired two independent contractors with road graders and loaders to remove ice and plow snow in problem areas. Homeowners can help by clearing gutters to allow melting snow to flow into the storm drains and by preventing snow from blocking access to fire hydrants.

For more information on weather conditions, precipitation reading, and snowfall totals in the City please login to the National Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network and look for data from station CO-DG-25. This data has been collected here in Castle Pines by one of our longtime residents, Mr. Galen Crowder.

Please contact Public Works Director Brad Meyering with snow management questions.

By James McGrady
Interim City Manager

KEEPING INFORMED:

For further information on City of Castle Pines meetings, events and news, please visit www.castlepinesgov.com