LID agrees to Grange funding request

Grange funding approved

The Left Hand Grange is on a mission to make the iconic building in the center of Niwot's downtown business district even more of a community center.

Jim Dorvee, president of Left Hand Grange, Inc., which owns the building on the southwest corner of the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Franklin Street, presented a funding request to the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) at the LID's regular meeting Dec. 6. Dorvee asked for a contribution of $15,000 towards a total cost of $20,000 to replace the aging linoleum floor on the first level.

Dorvee explained that the Grange and other community organizations which use the Grange would contribute the balance of the funding needed. He expects the work to be completed by February.

The Left Hand Grange, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, which has owned the building since 1945, is in need of funding assistance to make the building more accessible and attractive for community uses. Dorvee explained that Left Hand Grange No. 9, which is a fraternal organization affiliated with the national Grange, has only a few members, and only one member still actively farms. Of the $50 annual membership dues, $39 goes to the national Grange organization.

The building has been available for use by other community groups and individuals, with a modest rental rate. Dorvee explained the pandemic was especially hard on the Grange, as building rentals dried up and the Grange had to use its reserve funds just to pay the utility bills.

Dorvee also noted that the Grange had updated its use policies, and now allows alcohol at private events, such as wedding receptions and birthday parties. Events held at the Grange by other nonprofit organizations can now apply for a liquor license and rent the Grange. Insurance coverage is the only other requirement.

Tony Santelli, Bruce Warren and Kathy Koehler also spoke in support of the funding request. Koehler, a Grange member who is also president of the Niwot Historical Society, said, "We'd like to bring more people in during business hours. Before the pandemic, lots of businesses were asking about using the Grange." She also noted that the NCA "donates a very nice amount to the Grange every year," and stores traffic control signs in the former Volunteer Fire Department building on the property.

Dorvee said that other improvements are being considered for the future, saying, "The upstairs is underutilized. The stairs are a problem." An elevator would alleviate the upstairs access issue, but adding an elevator to the building would be expensive. "I see no end to the projects we could do to improve the property," Dorvee said.

Warren, who appeared representing the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, said, "The NCAA has agreed to contribute $1,000 toward the flooring project." Several other community organizations were co-applicants with the Grange, including the Niwot Business Association, the Niwot Community Association, the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, the Niwot Historical Society, the Niwot Community Connection and the Women's International Niwot Club (WINC).

The Grange has offered to make the building available to each of the supporting organizations at no charge, unless an event charges admission. Dorvee said, "If anyone is charging for an event, we will work something out." Paying renters would still have priority for use, he explained.

LID members discussed the request at length, wondering if approving the request would set a precedent if similar requests were received. Several members noted that the request came from a nonprofit organization, rather than a for-profit business, and that the Grange had been a community center for many years. They also noted that increased use of the Grange would result in more visitors to Niwot businesses, and as a result, would bring additional funds to the LID from retail sales.

Mary Coonce moved to approve the funding request, and following a second, all seven members present voted to approve.

LID revenues up over 2021

LID Treasurer Bruce Rabeler gave a report, noting that through September, sales tax collections totalled $215,724, which was $24,369 more than in 2021, a 12.7% increase. But he cautioned, "This was the second month in a row that revenue has been down compared with the same month in 2021."

Retail sales were about the same as 2021 through September, while accommodations and food service tax collections were up by 25% over last year. So far in 2022, the LID has approved funding requests totalling $222,402. Rabeler reported that the LID's reserve fund was estimated at 307,356.

Rock & Rails reports $70,000 benefit to the community

In other business, Warren submitted a report on the Rock & Rails summer concert series, which received $9,999 in LID funding. The event produced a net profit of $30,136, which is divided equally between the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and the Niwot Business Association, which have co-managed the concert series since 2014 with the help of over 100 volunteers.

Although the net profit was down from $43,000 in 2021, Warren noted that over $11,000 in park improvements were made in 2022, and that only $600 was spent in 2021 on similar expenses. The NCAA uses its share of the net profits to fund maintenance of the Niwot Children's Park, which costs approximately $14,000 per year.

Warren said, "The tip jars benefitted 23 different projects," with an average of almost $2,000 each night. When the net profit, tip jar proceeds and park improvements are added together, the event produces over $70,000 in total funds for the community.

Fletemeyer & Lee hired to provide planning services

The LID sought bids from three firms to provide planning services for the business district, and selected local landscape architecture firm Fletemeyer & Lee Associates to assist in updating the 2012 connectivity plan.

A subcommittee of the LID recommended approval of the proposal. Heidi Storz, who served on the committee, said, "The thing that is most pressing is the Highway 119 project," referring to the plan to build a bike and pedestrian path in the median of the Diagonal along with other intersection improvements. LID member Cornelia Sawle said, "The tunnel under the Diagonal [connecting the path to Niwot] is very important."

Storz described why she supported hiring Fletemeyer & Lee. "They are Niwotians, and they are willing to work with us on how they get paid. Their proposal is much lower, and they are already involved in building a structure [to protect Niwot's tree carvings]." Their Phase One proposal, to be completed in December and January, was not to exceed $10,000. Their proposal for Phase Two, an Integrated Downtown Niwot Master Plan, was $15,000 to $25,000.

Following a brief discussion, the LID voted unanimously to approve the proposal.