To: Members of the Public Works Commission
From: Jacob Vargish, P.E., Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Manager
Title
Recommendation for an Intergovernmental Agreement with Douglas County for Operation and Maintenance of Traffic Signal at Crowfoot Valley Road and Macanta Drive
Body
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Executive Summary
This memo presents a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of a new County owned traffic signal located at Crowfoot Valley Road and Macanta Drive, near the Town-County boundary. Douglas County is preparing to construct the signal at Macanta Drive, while the Town is concurrently preparing to install a signal at Sapphire Point Boulevard, approximately 880 feet away.
The goal of the IGA is to ensure coordinated signal operations and streamlined maintenance that benefit the traveling public along this key corridor. The proposed agreement outlines each agency’s responsibilities and includes provisions for annual reimbursement to the Town to cover O&M expenses. The IGA would be effective through the end of 2029, with the ability to renew based on mutual agreement and future budgets.
The Town has precedent for such agreements, including a 2017 IGA with CDOT for the signal at Plum Creek Parkway and I-25, and Douglas County maintains similar agreements with the Town of Parker for signal responsibilities within the County adjacent to Parker.
Town of Castle Rock Responsibilities:
• Perform all operations and maintenance of the signalized intersection at Macanta.
• Invoice Douglas County annually for incurred O&M costs.
• Pay the electrical utility costs for the signal, with reimbursement by the County.
• Follow standard Town maintenance protocols, consistent with Town-owned signals.
Douglas County Responsibilities:
• Retain ownership of the traffic signal at Macanta Drive.
• Remain responsible for catastrophic or major repairs/replacement (e.g., damaged poles, mast arms, or cabinets).
• Reimburse the Town $320/month (adjusted each year for inflation) for the signal’s maintenance and operation ($3,840 annually).
• Fund the agreement annually, subject to budget availability (FY2025-FY2029).
Budget Impact
The Town's cost for maintaining a traffic signal is approximately $300 per month. The $320/month reimbursement from the County is expected to fully offset the Town's costs, including labor, materials, and utility expenses. This amount will be adjusted annually based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer price index for the Castle Rock area with the possibility for renewal every five years.
This agreement provides a fiscally neutral approach for the Town while enhancing system-level traffic management capabilities.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Public Works Commission forward a recommendation of approval to Town Council for the attached resolution authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Douglas County for the operation and maintenance of the traffic signal at Crowfoot Valley Road and Macanta Drive.
Proposed Motion
“I move that the Public Works Commission recommend that Town Council approve the attached Resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternative motions:
“I move to recommend that Town Council approve the attached Resolution as introduced by title, with the following conditions: (list conditions)”
“I move to continue this item to the Public Works Commission meeting on (date) to allow additional time to (list information needed)”
Attachments
Resolution
Attachment A: Signal Location Map on Crowfoot Valley Road