Niwot LID board tackles busy March agenda

A second summer concert series and signs for Niwot's new public parking lot were just two of the pending issues before the advisory committee to the Niwot Local Improvement District at its monthly meeting on March 1. The group also met its likely future representative from the Niwot Community Association, heard a year-end revenue report from treasurer Bruce Rabeler, and put the finishing touches on its update to the Niwot five-year strategic plan.

Treasurer's Report

Boosted by robust earnings in December, businesses in the Niwot LID collected $269,286 in sales tax in 2021, the highest total ever, and more than 25% higher than 2020, Rabeler reported in his monthly update of the district finances. In the final month of 2021, as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was quickly spreading, the district earned $27,832, up slightly from November ($27, 229), and up significantly from the same period in 2020 ($18,580), when another wave of the pandemic was peaking.

Retail was again the highest earning sector in Niwot last year, with a 46.6% share of the total ($125,441), followed by accommodation/food service at 23.8%. The largest growth was seen in the manufacturing sector, which increased to $35,517 (13.3%), from $7,583 (1.6%) the year before. Likewise, there was a sizable jump in the share of collections from remote sellers, to $51,387 in 2021 from $31,443 in 2020.

During the same period, the LID board approved 31 funding requests totaling $202,467, though only $162,329 of those requests had been reimbursed by Boulder County through January 2022, a gap of $40,138. Most of that is costs related to the long-delayed construction of the public parking lot ($29,391), which will end up coming out of the 2022 budget. The rest is lower-than-estimated costs for snow removal, mowing, and various events. The remaining 2021 funds will go into the district's reserve balance, which is approximately $307,000.

As for 2022, through the end of February, the committee has approved $63,143.37 in funding requests, or 37% of its yearly budget of $170,666. After the five pending March requests were approved, the total rose to $94,120.63, or 55.1%.

Funding Requests

The LID board unanimously approved five funding requests for the month, all originating with the Niwot Business Association.

Up first was Michael Tomich of Old Oak Coffeehouse with a request of $2,500 for the House Blend Band's second annual summer concert series, running monthly from May through September on 2nd Avenue. The LID funds will go towards paying musicians and costs for signage. In 2021, Tomich and his wife Patty, who perform with the House Blend Band, were the primary funders of the "Light at the End of the Tunnel" series, which ran for five dates in 2021.

Up next was Chuck Klueber requesting $1,100 for 16 signs directing motorists to Niwot's new public parking lot, which is inching ever closer to opening, he said, not for the first time. The 16 blue and white parking and charging station signs will be installed on Niwot Road., 2nd Avenue, and Murray Street

LID member and NBA president Eric Bergeson then presented a two-part request: $8,905 to purchase container flowers for 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square Shopping Center businesses, and then $14,990 for maintenance and watering, as part of the NBA's "beautification efforts." This is approximately $1,500 higher than last year because it also includes costs to water the landscaping in the new parking lot. Carrie Wise of Wise Buy Antiques and a former LID member will again assume supervisory duties for the summer flower project.

Deborah Read Fowler then requested $3,473.27 for Lucky Niwot Day, slated for Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Like last year, the day will feature St. Patrick's Day themed-fun that the whole family can enjoy, including traditional musicians, a strolling leprechaun fairy, and Irish dancers. Other expenses include horse & carriage rides, marketing and advertising, and prizes for activities.

New Business

Committee members voted to retain Scott Firle, Bergeson, and Rabeler in their executive positions of chair, vice chair, and treasurer, respectively.

A scheduled presentation of the NBA's 2022 budget by Bergeson and member Mary Coonce, who is also NBA treasurer, was postponed until April.

Old Business

It turns out that the LID board won't have to wait until summer for its Laura Skaggs replacement after all. Later this month, the Boulder County commissioners are expected to appoint Jeff Knight as the new NCA representative, replacing Skaggs, a longtime member and former LID chair, who retired last month.

"The NCA is following the tradition that the NBA started by going through an internal process and choosing a candidate for the advisory committee," county liaison Mark Ruzzin told the members. "We're going to run a recruitment process starting in March, and have a two-week window. Jeff will apply, and I'm fairly confident we'll be able to get all of that done and have the appointment made before the April meeting."

Finally, members completed updates to Niwot's five-year strategic plan, and hope to release the new version in the coming weeks.

The next monthly meeting of the LID board is Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at the Niwot Inn.