To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Mark Marlowe, P.E., Director of Castle Rock Water
David Van Dellen, P.E., Assistant Director of Castle Rock Water
Title
Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.12 of the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code Pertaining to Camping and Waste Within Public Storm Drainage Systems, Stream Riparian Zones, and Floodplains, and Providing Penalties for the Violation Thereof (Second Reading - Approved on First Reading on June 6, 2023, by a vote 7-0) [Entire Town of Castle Rock]
Body
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Executive Summary
This memo is to request Town Council adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 12.12 of the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code pertaining to camping and waste within public storm drainage systems, stream riparian zones and floodplains, and providing penalties for the violation thereof. The Town has experienced an influx of unauthorized camping and temporary shelters within these water areas over the past several years resulting in significant safety concerns, including but not limited to, threats of water contamination, potential for flood risk. Public storm drainage systems, riparian zones and floodplains are subject to dangerous conditions with respect to fast moving water, inundation, flooding and storm drainage which can present an immediate threat to the health and safety of anyone camping or sleeping in these areas. Additionally, with the Town becoming more and more dependent on surface water sources for drinking water supply, it is imperative that our waterways remain free of contaminants, such as human excrement, discarded materials and other foreign substances that inherently come with people camping and sleeping within close proximity of floodplains and storm drainage systems. Finally, with the potential for flash flooding and snow melt runoff in the State of Colorado, there is a potential for loss of life and/or significant bodily injury to individuals occupying public storm drainage systems. Peoples’ possessions, camping equipment and other items, can block storm drains, pipes and inlets causing additional risk of flooding and damage to public and private property or public infrastructure. This ordinance will allow for the Town to regulate and protect the Town’s water sources and the health and safety of residents and visitors.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2023-xxx amending Chapter 12.12 of the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code pertaining to camping and waste within public storm drainage systems, stream riparian zones and floodplains, and providing penalties for the violation thereof.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Ordinance as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
“I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title, with the following conditions: (list conditions).
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on _____ date to allow additional time to (list information needed).”
Attachments
Staff Report
Attachment A: Ordinance