The Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) elected new officers during a regular, virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 6 p.m. The Board also approved funding for the Nederland Fire Protection District and the Public Art program and approved an investment policy update.

During the Annual Board Chair and Vice Chair Election, two Board members applied for chair: Andrew Dewart and Barbara Hardt. Dewart was not able to be present for the meeting.

In his application letter, Andrew Dewart said he moved to the Nederland area in the summer of 2003. Presently, he and Hunter Harris are the partners behind Harris Dewart LLC, a Class A licensed general contractor throughout the Front Range, specializing in commercial tenant finish, medical tenant finish, government work and some residential projects.

“I believe that I am qualified to act as the chair on behalf of the NDDA for several reasons beyond my education, business administration skills and professional development. I have a deep love for the area and have seen how growth can have both positive and negative impacts on a community.

“I have loved Nederland for its character and don’t want to see it change. I also realize that we as a community are not immune from the economic engines of the Front Range and what the power of growth and development can have if not properly administered. I believe that we are in a great position to keep the spirit of Nederland alive and execute our collective vision.”

Barbara Hardt, Publisher of The Mountain-Ear newspaper, wrote that she has lived in the Peak to Peak community for more than 34 years. “I have owned and operated my own business since 2007 and co-own and have assisted in operating my husband’s business since 2010.

“I have held numerous paid and voluntary positions in the region. I have extensive relationships with community members, government officials and many local for profit and nonprofit organizations.

“I have business relationships with most business owners within town limits. The goal of the NDDA is to promote economic development and infrastructure improvements in the NDDA downtown district. I believe I am the right person to fill the NDDA chair position and continue to advance the goals of the organization.”

Later in the meeting, Karowe announced that, according to Board member votes, Barb Hardt is elected chair, and Andrew Dewart is elected vice chair. Karowe said he will help with the transition.

The Nederland Fire Department requested that the NDDA continue to support their budgetary needs in 2021. Fire Marshall Rik Henrikson provided the NDDA board with figures on how the Fire Department determined the funding amount to be $22,897.

In 2021, the Fire Department requested that funds continue to be paid one time, annually.

Henrikson told the Board they talked about this at the last meeting, and they have updated the report with more details.

Board members said the Fire Department is critical to the well-being of the town and approved continued funding.

New Board Member Danielle M. Crouse introduced funding for the Public Arts Program. The Ned Public Art Committee (NPAC) is ready to install a mural at Business Connection.

This mural project’s expenses have been outlined in detail. NPAC now needs access to funding to move forward in the installation of the mural surface. Crouse attached a resolution for review and vote.

Crouse said they have a closing for the RFQ for the mural on July 17 and have several applications. They plan to purchase most supplies from ACE Hardware in Nederland in an effort to keep things as local as possible. She asked that the Board approve this budget so the committee can move forward.

Board members said this is an exciting thing, well done, and approved the resolution.

Treasurer Ron Mitchell said he will put Crouse on the account at ACE tomorrow and she can get anything she wants.

Treasurer Ron Mitchell introduced an investment policy update. The Nederland Board of Trustees has requested that the NDDA Board include language in its investment policies that states that they will not knowingly make investments in oil, gas and military venders.

The protocol for investments was also requested to be addressed. It has been proposed that the Treasurer will bring all investments to the Board for a full vote. These updates have been included in the draft for review and vote.

Steve Karowe told the Board that Dana Edwards created this as a living document and it can be modified at any time. The Board approved the policy update.

The Board discussed July 4 fireworks. Mitchell said this is just a discussion item, but this year on July 4, the Town was empty by 2:30 p.m. Businesses in town will be in favor of fireworks.

The Town would need to hire a pyrotechnic company, Mitchell said. “You have to have them do it.” The fire department did it for several years, but doesn’t have the expertise for this.

New Board Member Steve Roundtree said the reality is the fire danger. The Fourth of July celebrations and parade were great.

Hardt said she organized fireworks for three years in Nederland, and stopped because of fire danger. She said the fireworks cost $20,000 the last year.

The Town had a picnic at Chipeta Park, and had it be over by 3 p.m. Let them go somewhere else to see their fireworks, Hardt said.

Crouse said the Town should invest in a light show, music and a picnic in Chipeta Park. Henrikson said the fire danger is the biggest concern. “We don’t know what the spring or June is going to bring. On short notice it has to be canceled. People get things in their eyes.”

“We don’t have anyone in-house and don’t have that expertise, he said. It would have to be an outside company. It’s not sounding like a good idea.”

Mitchell suggested doing a survey to see if town businesses are interested. The cost has gone up triple digits to $60,000 for a fireworks display. Hardt said you have to pay the entire amount upfront, and you don’t get the money back if the show is canceled because of fire risk.

Mitchell said he would like to pursue this from all aspects, and Karowe said to bring it back with more information. Hardt said she could put a survey together, without cost to the DDA. Mitchell and Hardt agreed to work on a survey.

The next meeting of the NDDA will be on August 11, 2021, at 6 p.m. Go to https://nederlandco.civicweb.net/ Portal/ MeetingInformation. aspx?Org=Cal&Id=434.