Holiday lighting, dancing and planning on LID agenda

All nine members of the Niwot Local Improvement District advisory committee (LID) were present for the Nov. 1 meeting at the Niwot Inn. Treasurer Bruce Rabeler reported that revenues continue to climb as collections through August are up over $26,000 from a year ago.

He noted that with an approval of the loan funding request on the agenda, the LID would have approved over $222,000 in expenditures for 2022. The 2022 LID budget is only $170,000, but Rabeler reminded the committee that the budget is set at 80% of collections from two years ago.

August revenues were $21,606, down somewhat from 2021, but higher than any other previous August. Overall, 2022 revenues are over 16% higher than 2021 through the month of August. The LID retains a strong reserve of over $300,000, far exceeding the $60,000 reserve established as a minimum.

A funding request from the Niwot Business Association for holiday lighting in the amount of $8,371.10 out of a total cost of $8,630.00 was presented by NBA Treasurer Mary Coonce and unanimously approved. Coonce reported that the request is made on an annual basis, and includes new lighting as well as the cost of labor to install the lights and remove them after the holidays.

The lights are installed on 30 lamp posts along Second Avenue as well as in Whistle Stop Park and the Niwot Sculpture Park.

Catherine McHale gave a report on Dancing Under the Stars, a summer-long event in Cottonwood Square that is partially funded by the LID. The event, now in its third year after a Covid pause in 2020, offers free dance lessons and dancing on 14 Friday nights from June through September.

The LID funded $5,005, covering approximately half of the cost of Dancing Under the Stars, with sponsors ($4,000) and the NBA ($1,000) contributing the rest. “Nine hundred and fifty dollars from the tip jar went back into the event,” McHale said.

While the cost per event was approximately $647, McHale reported that 72 rolls of duct tape were needed to hold the portable dance floor in place. “We need to get a sponsorship for duct tape,” she said with a smile.

Most nights saw 150 to 200 people attending, and even the one rainy night brought out 80. “The most popular is salsa at 200,” McHale said, with swing next at 150 based on rough headcounts. Other genres include ballroom, contra and folk dancing.

McHale was excited to report that 6,173 Instagram accounts were reached with videos and photos of the event. She noted that there are 850 followers on Facebook and 280 followers on Instagram, so many other accounts were reached through sharing. She was especially fond of the videos posted. “It shows people - this is what it feels like.”

McHale also reported that local merchants had positive reports on business. Steve of Raza Fresa reported an extra $500 to $1,000 in sales, “and many were faces he doesn’t usually see.” Winot Coffee set up a table outside to serve beverages as the coffee shop is closed in the evenings.

She also complimented the many volunteers she had, “even from the audience sometimes, but mostly from the community.”

In other business, NBA president Eric Bergeson reported that the Niwot Future League had met with Fred Simmons and two others to discuss a proposal to put affordable and workforce housing on a parcel of land near the Boulder Tech Center. Simmons has offered to donate the property, which is encumbered by a conservation easement granted to Boulder County that would prohibit development unless it is lifted. The proposal is still in early stages and Simmons was given a suggestion to meet with the Niwot Community Association.

Bergeson also spoke of the need for a master plan for Niwot, perhaps updating the 2012 Connectivity Study that was conducted by Boulder County with Niwot residents and business owners. He mentioned signage around town, the Niwot Sculpture Park and improvements along Niwot Road and the north side of Cottonwood Square as matters that would benefit from a master plan.

“What would we like to see?” Bergeson asked. “What could we do to enhance the look and feel coming into town?” He suggested that a professional planner be engaged to work with the county, and the LID agreed to pursue the request.

“The timing is urgent,” Bergeson said. “They are moving quickly on the highway,” referring to the proposed bikeway down the middle of the Diagonal, which at this point, does not have an easy connection to Niwot.

Heidi Storz said, “This marries well with our strategic plan and revisiting the connectivity plan developed 10 years ago.” Other comments noted that hiring a planner would allow the LID to play more of a leadership role, and that it fits with the LID’s goal of having more communications between the LID and other organizations.