LID approves funding for 2nd Avenue summer concerts and Lucky Niwot Day

The House Blend Band is back for a fourth summer of concerts on Second Avenue. The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) approved funding for the popular concerts, now known as 2nd Avenue Concert Series, based on an application from the Niwot Business Association, presented by Michael Tomich and Patty Machen of The Old Oak Coffeehouse.

Tomich explained that there would be five concerts this summer beginning May 18, an increase of one over last year. The headliner for the concerts is the House Blend Band, consisting of coffeehouse owners Tomich and Machen, as well family members, staff, and other musicians. "Patty and I don't take anything because the coffee shop benefits," Tomich said. Other musicians and a sound engineer are paid $100 per concert. Other expenses for the free concerts include advertising, posters and set-up costs.

Musicians from The Niwot Gig opened the concerts last summer, and Tomich explained that they would return this summer for the July and September concerts. He also expects to have local high school musicians perform between sets of the headliner band.

The estimated cost of putting on the five concerts is $13,420. The Niwot Business Association is contributing $500, while Tomich and Machen expect to put in $5000. The LID agreed to fund the balance of $7,920.

Another funding application was approved for Lucky Niwot Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. NBA Vice-President Deb Fowler presented the application, noting that the event was moved up this year because Easter comes earlier than last year.

"We've cut down a bit in our budget this year," Fowler said of the fourth-year event. The LID approved funding of $4,372 for the St. Patrick's Day-themed event, with the NBA contributing $500. Expenses include the cost of a horse-drawn carriage between 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square, Irish dancers, musicians throughout the business district, a face painter, a leprechaun fairy and a photo booth, as well as advertising and promotion.

NBA President Eric Bergeson, a member of the LID, noted that the NBA tries to plan one event every month in Niwot. Two other funding requests from the NBA were also approved.

Angela Hudgins, town administrator, presented the NBA's 2024 marketing plan, a budget request of $29,000 for the year. NBA Treasurer Mary Coonce, also a member of the LID, said, "We spent $40,500 last year from the LID, so we're $11,500 less than last year."

Advertising from 2023 that is not part of the 2024 budget included the Boulder Weekly, Boulder Magazine and Longmont Visitor Guide. The Longmont Magazine will continue through March per an earlier commitment, but will not be renewed. Advertising in the Left Hand Valley Courier was budgeted for $5,565. The Scout Guide for Boulder is included at a cost of $4,250.

The application stated, "This plan includes management of the website, weekly newsletter, subscriptions to our newsletter service, tracking and analytics, and advertising." Hudgins explained, "We want to get more analytics. We've reduced a lot of our print advertising, but we're keeping the Courier." The entire marketing budget for the year is $40,000, with $11,000 of the cost paid directly by the NBA. LID member Sarah Cioni said, "I love the idea that you're doing less print, and keeping the Courier."

Bergeson presented the 2024 funding request for Hudgins' position as Niwot Administrative Coordinator, also referred to as the town administrator. Bergeson proposed an increase in hourly pay for the position from $45 to $50 per hour, but with a cap of payment for no more than 40 hours per month. "This raises the annualized total from $21,600 to $24,000," he said. "The NBA will cover $1,000."

The application stated that the position was created in May of 2023, "to assist the NBA and other volunteer organizations in the coordination and execution of key tasks, projects and events on behalf of the Niwot business district. The new position and the incumbent have been very effective."

"We need someone like Angela who has a strong interest in the community," Bergeson said. "She's definitely working more than 40 hours a month." He noted that Hudgins is working with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association to assist with scheduling of events at Whistle Stop Park.

LID member Jeff Knight asked if Hudgins could assist the Niwot Community Association with certain tasks as well, and Bergeson responded that she could. The LID approved the funding request for $23,000.

Coonce also gave a treasurer's report to the committee, noting that revenues for 2023 were down 5.4% from 2022 through November. Revenues from remote sales in the LID appeared to be the main reason for the decrease with a 35% reduction from 2022. Coonce noted that Retail was down 7.9% and Food and Accommodations were down 6.8%.

The LID still retains a large reserve fund, which is expected to be over $480,000 when final numbers are in for December.