The Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) met on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, for their second meeting devoted to drafting the organization’s 2025 Budget. Board members focused on potentially implementing a new paid position for the Authority, as well as what projects are to be funded in 2025.

The NDDA were scheduled to discuss many questions pertaining to their 2025 Draft Budget, which is expected to appear on their agenda for approval in September. The discussion was aimed to address which projects the Authority should fund in the coming year, and revolved mainly around the future of the Outdoor Performance Space project.

The first budget question pertained to whether the Authority should fund the salary of a Secretary position. The Secretary would be responsible for bookkeeping and data entry, in order to allow NDDA Executive Director Kate Masingale time to focus on Board and project management.

Masingale stated that her expertise would be better utilized in project development rather than in Quickbooks. It was also hypothesized that the incumbent of the new position would create the ability to support web development, district outreach, and hands-on help with events.

The position was pitched for five to eight hours a week at $20 an hour. Though it was noted that staffing such a limited position could be difficult, and that creating limited roles could encumber the Authority’s processes, most Board members agreed that the position would be a benefit to the organization and suggested budgeting a salary of up to 20 hours a week.

Board members then addressed the question as to whether the Authority should fund the Outdoor Performance Space project in 2025.

Chair Andrew Dewart and Board of Trustees (BOT) Liaison Tania Corvalan, as members of the Performance Space subcommittee, suggested that the project continue to be funded through 2025. It was also suggested that a landscape architect be hired, as well as a sound engineer, in order to maximize the potential of the location.

The proposed location, which is a section of Barker Meadows Park between the AmeriGas propane tanks and the Town Shop, was questioned by some members. The land is partially in a floodplain, which presents some difficulties but, according to Parks Manager Nicki Dunn and JVA, Nederland’s engineering consultants, this can be rectified.

Those against the location felt it was a compromise to attempt to build on the land, with Guercio Field noted as being a more ideal location. It was reiterated, however, that Guercio Field is not an option as an event space because of the Great Outdoors Colorado grant which funded its reseeding.

It was discussed how the NDDA has already spent money on projects and studies assessing the viability of that area, and has named that location in project specifications on grant applications. Some Board members felt there still was not enough hard data and consideration for the logistics of how the performance space will be used to support the Authority’s mission.

Masingale and Town Administrator Jonathan Cain explained how the discussion concerning the applicability of the performance space is important in setting a precedent for how the NDDA should operate in collaboration with the Town of Nederland.

It was noted that the Authority should begin to update its own Plan of Development, and to ensure that it is coordinated with the Town’s Comprehensive and Sub Area plans, which are currently being drafted and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Cain classified a performance space as a big boon to economic development.

“It’s one of the tools that you can use not only to control a crowd that comes but also to make sure that a crowd comes,” Cain said. “The way that you can align and program it really has a direct impact on how people stop and spend money in your community.”

It was agreed that a work session should be scheduled at the proposed location, as Masingale stated that it would be helpful for Board members to walk the site.

Dewart wished for the group to consider the recommendations from consultants Downtown Colorado Inc. regarding how the NDDA can collaborate with the BOT on fulfilling certain needs within the business community, before returning to further discuss what projects will be funded for 2025.

Cain noted that the Authority is empowered by state statutes to provide light infrastructure needs, such as lighting, ADA compliance, and sidewalks for the downtown area. He also stated that the NDDA and Town of Nederland can collaborate on providing matching funds on big grants to help fix the sewer concerns below East 1st Street and offer better water and sewer service to downtown businesses.

With the Authority’s recent change in leadership, Board members were tasked with voting to approve signatory changes in bank accounts with Citywide and Sunflower Banks.

A motion was made to approve the change, which was seconded. Board members voted unanimously to approve having the previous NDDA Chair’s name removed from all banking documents, and to have the name added of the new Vice Chair, Barbara Hardt.

The Nederland Downtown Development Authority meets the second Wednesday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6 p.m. and will be held online as well as in person at the Nederland Community Center.

For more information go to: https://townofnederland.colorado.gov/downtowndevelopment authority.