NCA May Meeting Recap

The Niwot Community Association held its monthly meeting on Wednesday May 8 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9 to discuss upcoming events, area reports, and provide a recap of what has happened in the past month.

Coordinator John Barto reported that preparations are underway for the upcoming NCA Niwot Clean-Up Day, and should lead to a smooth running event on Saturday, May 18. Cooperation with affiliates from Boulder County, Western Disposal, Wildfire Partners, and Community Cycles has proven successful and all groups, along with community volunteers, are eager to participate.

Other upcoming events include the Mural Restoration project in the Niwot Road underpass currently slated for May 19, which was rescheduled due to weather, the Slepicka Tractor Show on June 8, Niwot's Fourth of July celebration, and National Night Out on Aug. 6.

At the NCA's April 23 annual meeting, it was reported that while valuable information regarding wildfire mitigation was well-presented, the turnout at the meeting was less than expected. Speculation by board members was that the low turnout was due to either the community's satisfaction or ambivalence regarding the status of the NCA or interest in the St. Vrain Valley School District since Superintendent Don Haddad was the scheduled speaker.

Afterward, some also noted that Haddad did not provide specific answers with respect to improvements to be made to Niwot High School and Niwot Elementary School, but spoke highly as to the overall status and future of St. Vrain Valley Schools.

In the interest of wildfire mitigation and planning, NCA board members hope that community members begin to inform themselves by looking at Wildfire Partner's website. It was suggested that a working group of NCA board members and members of the public be formed to work with the Boulder County fire districts to address residents becoming firewise, evacuation planning, and public education.

The President's report, given by David Limbach, focused on the status and continuation of the road crew for Niwot events. After exploring a contract-style approach to have organizations coordinate road crew members, the NCA has decided to ask for donations instead. With events such as Jazz Fest, Honeybee Harvest Festival, and other town-based gatherings that require efforts and closure materials from the Road Crew, typically made up of members of the NCA, Limbach has been in contact with those organizers. Limbach said his message has been, "If you are unable to provide your own volunteers, we (the NCA) will kindly be asking for a donation... The amount is not specific, [however] consider the number of person hours required and decide if you will donate and how much."

All other goals that were set forth by the NCA board, including social media outreach, a new informational brochure, tracking land use, county budget and taxes, and push notifications/communications to include the NCA, are on track or accomplished. Continuation of area reports, monitoring of county updates, and all other goals will continue to be tracked and engaged by board members.