www.castlepinesgov.com

November 2009

We look to the winter season with much work and accomplishments behind us, preparing us for the many challenges ahead.

At the Oct. 22 City Council meeting and public hearings, the City Council unanimously approved the annexation of The Canyons development. This unique and unparalleled planned development that will be part of our city is of tremendous importance to the exciting and solid future of Castle Pines. More important, it gives our community a voice, input and participation in how this development will take shape during the many years to come.

Another current challenge has been mitigating the heavy morning and afternoon traffic resulting from the new school that opened in September. The city has been working closely with representatives from American Academy Charter School and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to significantly improve the traffic flow and lessen the impact to citizens. As a result of this coordinated effort and the cooperation of American Academy parents, progress continues to be made, and we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this initial transition period.

Additionally, the city is currently working with the Master Association and Metro District to consolidate the number of e-mail alerts that are sent out from the different entities in Castle Pines. Our goal is to have a streamlined e-mail alert system that provides more efficient messaging, which many of you have requested.

I hope everyone will pause Nov. 11 to give thanks to all our veterans for their service to our country. To veterans everywhere, we salute and thank you.

Sincerely,
Maureen A. Shul

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2009 city election results

The votes are in, and the people have spoken. Castle Pines citizens voted for the following city officials on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Detailed results are available online.

Mayor
Jeffrey Huff
Ward 1
Jennifer Havercroft
Darwin Horan

City Clerk
TBD
Ward 2
Kim Hoffman
Shelley Hamilton-Bruer

City Treasurer
Mark Shively
Ward 3
Doug Gilbert
John Ewing

City offices closed for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving

City Council has set the city's holiday schedule for 2009. City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. All holidays are noted on the online City Calendar, along with the dates of upcoming meetings.

City approves annexation of The Canyons

After a public hearing, the Castle Pines North City Council voted unanimously to approve an annexation petition and development agreement with The Canyons at the Oct. 22, City Council meeting. The decision formally brings The Canyons into Castle Pines North, giving the city and citizens oversight of the planned development and adopting agreements, which expect to bring more than $45 million in tax revenue to the city during the life of the project. Read the full press release and review The Canyons documents.

Stay connected to city news

The city is working to help keep citizens informed about city decisions and activities through its Web site. City staff members continue to add new pages and details to share important city information – so check it often! For example, City Council agendas are posted prior to each meeting, and a brief summary of the meeting is posted the day after meetings occur.

The site also provides several ways for you to stay up-to-date. You can sign up to receive periodic alerts and this e-newsletter via e-mail; you can take advantage of the site's RSS feed; and you can check out the city's Twitter page, which allows you to get alerts via mobile phone. If you received this city e-newsletter directly in your inbox, we appreciate your interest. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to visit www.castlepinesgov.com and sign up as well.

Remember: Your council members from Wards 1, 2 and 3 also hold regular meetings for their constituents in each ward. The ward meeting schedule is kept up-to-date on the City Calendar.

Thanksgiving safety tips

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, here are some important tips to remember when you prepare your holiday meal:

Wash hands, utensils and countertops often to avoid contamination while preparing food.
Use a food thermometer to ensure your food is cooked properly.
Use different cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.
Keep your fridge below 40º to inhibit bacteria growth on food.

City Council meeting date change

November's second City Council meeting has been changed to take place Monday, Nov. 23, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The study session will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Take a look at the City Calendar for other upcoming events of importance.

Additional November Dates

Incorporated Feb. 12, 2008, Castle Pines North is a city of about 10,000 located 20 miles south of Denver in Douglas County. For more information on Castle Pines North and to sign up for e-mail alerts about city news, visit www.castlepinesgov.com.