NBA seeks LID funding for October events

Whether it's pumpkins and costumes or lederhosen and beer that come to mind when the words "October celebration" are mentioned, the Niwot Business Association has it covered. At its virtual monthly meeting on Aug. 3, the Niwot Local Improvement District advisory committee approved two funding requests from the group for events that will bring back autumn-themed fun to 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square. The LID board also discussed the projected 2022 budget, and bid goodbye to longtime member Bruce "Biff" Warren, appearing in his final meeting.

Treasurer's Report

The Niwot LID saw "good numbers," in May, at least on the revenue side of the ledger, treasurer Bruce Rabeler reported in his monthly financial update. The LID collected $19,763 in sales tax for the period, bringing the year-to-date total for 2021 to $95,714, more than 26% higher than the same period in 2020, and 28% higher than in 2019.

The accommodation/food service sector continues to rebound, with $5,193 in total revenues in May, the highest total since December 2019. The retail sector, meanwhile, generated $8,761 in May, or approximately 44% of the total. Of those, $3,665 was for online sales, or about 18.5% of the total. For 2021, retail sales account for just under half ($46,965) of total LID collections, while food service is now at 19.2%, followed by wholesale (10%) and manufacturing (10.5%), a sector that has grown "through the roof," this year, Rabeler said.

"It's already generated $10,000 in tax dollars, and that's three times more than it did last year or the year before."

As for the other side of the ledger, Rabeler reported that the LID board has approved funding requests totaling $175,109 so far in 2021, surpassing its budget allotment ($149,313) by 17%. After August requests were approved, the total jumped to $182,744, or 122% of the allotment. Ultimately, Rabeler anticipates the LID will outspend its allotment by $50,000 in 2021, but should earn "a comfortable amount" more than that in revenues.

Funding requests

Deborah Read Fowler appeared on behalf of the NBA to request $3,500 for OctoberFamilyFest, a new event that she said will have "something for everyone."

"We want to capture family activities in the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m, and then after five, have a more typical Oktoberfest."

The Fest is slated for Saturday, Oct. 9, and will have a "German-Apple" theme. Events will be held on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square, and retailers and restaurants will be encouraged to offer refreshments that complement the theme.

Fowler said that "a big chunk" of the LID funding will go towards hiring a polka band, and the rest will be spent on promotion and advertising, the horse and carriage, and decorations.

The request was approved unanimously.

Pat Murphy appeared next to request $4,135 for the 2021 Great Pumpkin Party and Halloween Parade, a decades-long tradition that had to be put on hold in 2020. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 30, and will feature a petting zoo, magician, and potentially a haunted house, if an appropriate location becomes available. Other expenses include costs for advertising and promotion and a permit from Boulder County to close 2nd Avenue. This request was also approved unanimously.

New Business

Boulder County liaison Mark Ruzzin and the LID members discussed the 2022 budget allocation, and agreed to set it at $170,666, or 80% of 2020 revenues ($213,335).

Old Business

Ruzzin reminded the board that the recruiting period for the LID's unfilled board seat closed on Aug. 6, and then announced that there is at least one candidate, meaning the position is expected to be filled as of Sept. 1, and Warren's belated retirement from the LID will officially begin. Warren and recently retired LID member Jim Eastman were part of the original LID Advisory Committee formed by the County Commissioners in 2008, and Warren served as the first chairman of the committee. Once term limits were established in 2011, Warren served two five-year terms, and then extended his appointment by six months when no eligible candidate came forward for the open seat earlier this year.

"I personally would like to just thank Biff for everything he's contributed to the committee over the years, which predates my involvement with the committee," Ruzzin said. "I think about not just the work that comes up on a month-to-month basis that you're doing, but extracurricular efforts, and everything from the parking lot...and Children's Park, and the list goes on and on. I just wanted to express our appreciation from the staff-side for everything you've contributed to the committee and the community. It makes it a pleasure to work for you all."

Other members also offered their comments on Warren's retirement, including committee chair Scott Firle:

"In my four years of being on here, whenever you were in the room, and there was a difficult conversation or something that needed context, it was just always so comforting that you would be there with historical knowledge and insights that will definitely be missed."

The LID will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 7 at 7 p.m.