To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Resolution Waiving the Formal Written Bidding Requirement on the Basis of Sole Source and Approving an Equipment and Services Acquisition Agreement with Timberline TrailCraft LLC for the Santa Fe Quarry Trail Project [two-mile route around the Santa Fe Quarry Mesa and connecting Red Hawk Drive near Thatch Circle to Oleander Street]
Body
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Executive Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks Town Council approval of a Resolution Waiving Formal Written Bidding Requirement on the Basis of Sole Source and Approving an Equipment and Services Acquisition Agreement with Timberline TrailCraft LLC for the Santa Fe Quarry Trail Project. This project addresses community-identified goals for improved access, safety, and environmental stewardship while preserving the natural character of the site. The agreement will authorize project cost of $141,841, with a 10% Town-managed contingency ($14,184), bringing the total project budget to $156,025. Once approved, Timberline will initiate work as soon as possible to complete trail construction by the close of 2025.
Discussion
The Santa Fe Quarry Trail Project was developed in response to increasing public use of Town-owned open space surrounding the Santa Fe Quarry Mesa, an iconic feature within the Red Hawk community. No formal trail currently exists, resulting in unmanaged access patterns that lead to erosion and degradation of native vegetation. The planned trail will create a sustainable, designated route to the summit and enhance overall safety for users.
The proposed two-mile, single-track native surface trail network will formalize a route around the Santa Fe Quarry Mesa and connect Red Hawk Drive near Thatch Circle to Oleander Street. A developer portion of the trail will eventually then connect users to Coachline Road, across the street from the Ridgeline Open Space trailhead, forming a critical east-west connection across the base of the mesa. This alignment fulfills resident feedback from past planning efforts, supports outdoor recreation goals, and enhances connectivity to existing trail networks.
Timberline TrailCraft was selected for this project for their extensive experience in sustainable trail design and construction throughout Colorado and beyond. Timberline is currently under contract with the Town through an existing on-call services agreement for soft surface trail maintenance and construction, originally dated October 9, 2023, and amended through the First Amendment to that agreement. Their familiarity with the Town’s trail standards, construction practices, and environmental considerations ensures continuity and compatibility that are critical to the success of the Santa Fe Quarry Trail project. Utilizing Timberline TrailCraft allows the Town to maintain consistency across its trail network, leverage established workflows, and efficiently deliver a high-quality trail experience aligned with community expectations and departmental goals. Because the Santa Fe Quarry Trail is a defined, stand-alone project rather than on-call work, the Town is seeking a separate agreement to support a more streamlined workflow and project-specific financial tracking.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
Town staff initiated a robust public engagement process to ensure the final trail alignment reflects community priorities. A public open house was held on Monday, July 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course clubhouse patio. Approximately twelve people attended to learn more about the project and provide input on the proposed alignment. In addition, an online questionnaire was posted to a dedicated project webpage for 30 days at CRgov.com/RedHawkTrail, providing a convenient opportunity for broader community participation. Feedback collected informed final trail design decisions, and the public indicated majority support for the project.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed project details and trail alignment at their June 18, 2025 meeting and endorsed the project, noting it would enhance public access, improve safety through a designated route and improve connectivity.
Budget Impact
This purchase has been sole sourced as the services will allow for standardization with existing Town facilities, providing exceptional value. The Santa Fe Quarry Trail project will be charged to account number 110-5275-452.75-14 Annual Trail Improvements for $141,841; a 10% Town-managed contingency ($14,184) will result in a total project authorization of $156,025.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend approving the resolution as introduced by title.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternate Motions
“I move to approve the resolution, with the following conditions:” (list conditions)
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on [date], at [time].”
Attachments
Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Sole Source Justification Form
Attachment C - Agreement
Attachment D - Project Map
Attachment E - Trail Feedback Summary