Fire Restrictions

Due to the lack of precipitation, there is a significant threat of fire in our area. For the public health, safety and welfare of our citizens, the Douglas County Sheriff and the City of Castle Pines have imposed a restriction on all open fires and open burning. These restrictions are a proactive approach to eliminate human-caused fire ignition sources.

Prohibited Activities:

• Open burning of any kind
• Use and sale of fireworks (professional and personal)
• Use of charcoal grills and fires in chimineas, other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits

Allowable Activities:

• Cooking on gas or liquid-fueled stoves or grills

Several weeks ago, the City's Parks Department removed the charcoal grills from Elk Ridge Park. When conditions allow, those grills will be returned to the park. We live in a beautiful City, please follow these restrictions to ensure your safety as well as the safety of the entire Castle Pines community.

Public Works Projects Happening Around Town

As you may have noticed, IHC is doing some concrete removal and replacement in neighborhood streets. This work will complete numerous citizen work orders for concrete repair that were submitted in the last few months. Street sweeping began June 29, 2012 and was completed this past weekend. Striping will begin this week and will take several days to complete depending on weather conditions.

Over the next few weeks, the native grasses in Elk Ridge Park will be irrigated to improve their moisture content. Typically, native grass species do not require any irrigation during the summer months. In light of the wildfires and the dry conditions throughout the state, our Parks and Open Space Department is taking this step to reduce the risk of fire. The City is also in the process of removing and replacing several dead trees that were damaged by elk or did not survive transplanting in Elk Ridge Park.

In last month's News and Notes, residents were asked to be vigilant regarding suspicious after-hour activities in Elk Ridge Park. We are extremely pleased to report vandalism has been reduced significantly, no new graffiti has been observed, nor has there been any further malicious activity at the splash pad. The splash pad has been a VERY popular feature with the children of our community during its first full season of operation. With your assistance, this popular attraction has remained open. Thank you for working with the City and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to protect your park!

Community Survey Results Presentation

During the month of April, National Research Center (NRC) conducted a community survey. Over 1,400 responses were received, which surpassed the response rate projected by NRC. We want to thank everyone who took the time to complete this comprehensive opinion survey. GOOD JOB!

At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, NRC will present the results of the survey to City Council. All citizens are invited to attend this presentation and ask questions regarding the survey results. After the formal presentation has been made to City Council, the survey results will be posted on the City's website at www.castlepinesgov.com

TABOR Ballot Question

Last month's News and Notes contained an article on the TABOR issue facing the City. In order to educate the citizens of Castle Pines, City Council requested to speak at several board meetings of key organizations including the Master Association, the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District and the Castle Pines Chamber Commerce. We are happy to report that all three entities graciously agreed to allow City representatives to present information on the TABOR issue at their July board meetings. We welcome questions from these boards and any citizens in attendance. As part of the City's ongoing communications effort regarding the City's TABOR ballot question, it is the City's intention to reach out to as many residents as possible and to explain what the TABOR Ballot question means to you and its impact on City services.