Douglas County commissioners approve $3.4M children's mental health unit, railroad crossing design and fee waiver

The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on May 26 unanimously approved a series of items that the board and staff said will expand local crisis care, improve transportation safety and remove a financial barrier to a home accessibility project.

The board approved a $3,400,000 public contract for services with Children's Hospital Colorado to develop a pediatric mental health emergency unit at the hospital's Highlands Ranch South Campus. Laura Ciconi, Department of Human Services, said the county's opioid settlement board approved drawing down regional settlement funds to support the project and that the county issued a competitive RFP before selecting Children's Hospital. "The contract scope of services outlines Children's commitment to engaging qualified professionals for architectural, engineering, construction, and related work needed to renovate space at the South Campus," Ciconi said.

Katie Denman, vice president for the hospital's Pediatric Mental Health Institute, described four rooms to be used for low- and high-acuity emergency services and behavioral-health observation for 48 to 72 hours. She said the unit will support stabilizing patients locally and coordinating care into outpatient resources. "Families like mine need a place where our kids can be assessed, supported, and stabilized close to home," a Douglas County family statement read during the presentation.

Commissioners framed the contract as a use of opioid settlement funds for a life‑saving, local response. After a motion and second, the board voted in favor; the chair announced the motion carried.

Votes at a glance - Resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Older Americans Month: motion moved by the county attorney, seconded by a commissioner; adopted unanimously. - Consent agenda: adopted unanimously. - Fee waiver — 6912 Rainbow Creek Road (building permit and plan review fees totaling $1,456.54): approved after a staff presentation and Shea representative testimony about donated labor and materials. - Children's Hospital Colorado — mental health emergency unit contract: approved, $3,400,000 (funded by the region's opioid settlement allocation). - BNSF agreement — Clay Street (Sedalia) railroad crossing design: approved, county contribution $209,980 (road and bridge mill levy fund).

The board also approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to fund design costs for the Clay Street crossing in Sedalia. Dan Roberts, Public Works, said the county's contribution covers design redesign work that will replace a confusing crossing geometry with a straight crossing to improve safety.

On a separate item, the board approved a fee waiver request for an 801‑square‑foot addition at 6912 Rainbow Creek Road that will include an accessible bedroom, bathroom and ramp for a child with mobility limitations. Tim Pendleton, deputy chief building official, said staff recommended approval; Scott Czarnick, a construction manager with Shea, described community and trade partner donations toward the build.

The board took each motion and voted "aye" when asked; no dissenting votes were recorded.

What happens next Staff said they will proceed with contract execution and project planning for the Children's Hospital unit and coordinate construction scheduling with county and hospital partners. Public Works will complete design work with BNSF and then schedule construction. The county will process the administrative actions related to the fee waiver and the other approved items.