Happy New Year!

Water, wastewater and storm water rates will remain the same in 2012 as they were in 2010. While other communities in Douglas County and throughout Colorado are raising their respective water-related utility rates, this will be the second consecutive year we have refrained from raising rates. (Enjoy the reprieve while it lasts. We evaluate rates annually.)

We extend warm and sincere congratulations to returning Castle Pines City Councilwoman Tera Radloff and the three members of City Council's incoming freshman class Kathy Des Rosiers, James Einolf and Marc Towne each of whom the people of Castle Pines elected in November. Recognizing that the Metropolitan District and the City Council have different roles and responsibilities, we welcome all four as colleagues and look forward to collaborating with them in the public interest. Please join us in recognizing these new City leaders during their special swearing in ceremony at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, located in the Castle Pines Safeway shopping center, at 5:00PM on Monday, January 9, 2012.

It goes without saying that we are equally eager to positively re-engage Mayor Jeff Huff, Councilwoman Kim Hoffman and Councilman John Ewing in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.

We also recognize retiring Councilwomen Maureen Shul and Shelley Hamilton-Brewer and Councilman Doug Gilbert for their years of service on City Council. Despite our disagreements with their vision and efforts relating to the future of the Metropolitan District, we respect the time and personal sacrifices each made in guiding the City in directions they thought best.  We wish all three good health, peace and prosperity as they transition back to private life.

In closing, we bid a fond farewell to our own Past President, Director Andy Rhodes, who officially retired from the Board in December. Director Rhodes is a man of tremendous integrity — a candid, smart and savvy public servant whose leadership we will deeply miss.

As of the Monday, December 19th deadline, we received multiple letters of interest from prospective candidates seeking appointment to the Board. We anticipate appointing a new Director shortly after interviewing each candidate.