On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 6 p.m. the Nederland Downtown District Authority (NDDA) met for their first scheduled meeting of the new year to discuss Public Art and Beautification initiatives for 2023. The NDDA also heard a proposal from Nederland Town staff for grant funding for a Town-sponsored winter event, “Nederdays,” to take place March 24 and 25, 2023.

The NDDA heard from Danielle Crouse on the Public Art Committee’s proposal to focus on one large mural, as well as other projects, for 2023. The proposed mural would be located on the 41-foot by 15-foot west-facing wall of the Mountain People’s Co-op building. The mural would be clearly visible from the center of town and, at 615 square feet and $15 per square foot, would cost a total of $9,525 when adding the $300 preliminary design fee for the artist.

The owners of the building are on board with the mural project and have reviewed the contract in preparation for the NDDA’s decision on whether they approve the mural site. NDDA board members discussed the potential requirements that mural artists be OSHA approved, provide their own liability insurance, and provide their own scaffolding. It was suggested that the Public Art Committee should set aside money from their budget for scaffolding so as not to dissuade any artists from applying for the chance to create the mural.

Crouse and the Public Art Committee are also currently planning a “mural walk” for the summer, which would feature local mural artists and bring foot traffic through different areas and businesses in town. The mural walk would hopefully coincide with the painting of the proposed mural at the Mountain People’s Co-op, so visitors can stop and watch its progress.

The NDDA passed a motion to approve the proposed location of the Mountain People’s Co-op west-facing wall for the creation of a 615-square foot mural.

NDDA Executive Director Kate Masingale and Master Gardener Judy Evans presented to the Board a breakdown of the 2023 budget for the Beautification Committee. The committee’s budget of $30,000 covers $16,250 for the hiring of a professional gardener during the late spring and summer, and $9,650 for the design fee and transport of the annual flowers.

The water truck used last year needs to be replaced as a result of its gravity-based watering system causing issues with the wick system in the planters. The Beautification Committee wishes to work with the Town of Nederland to use a Town water spigot, and asks for $1,500 from their budget to fund a water cart to help facilitate a more efficient watering system.

Evans spoke to the NDDA about her desire to include more perennial beds and flower pots throughout other areas in Nederland, such as the traffic circle, in addition to the areas in the Central Business District that are beautified yearly.

A motion was made to move the matter of approving the 2023 budget for the Beautification Committee to an action item, which was seconded and approved. The NDDA voted to approve the budget.

The NDDA heard a proposal from the Town of Nederland and event coordinator Stephanie Andelman for grant funding for “Nederdays,” a Town-sponsored free event which aims to drive traffic to Nederland businesses and focus on the local community. The Town of Nederland’s Public Works and Parks Departments will be directly involved through the planning and orchestration of the event which is being planned for March 24 and 25 of this year.

The request is for $8,500 to cover the costs of the proposed main events of Nederdays, which include a Street Square Dance, an Ice Carving Contest, a 5K Trail Run, a Sledding Course, and many more. The hope is for Nederdays to bring additional revenue to the town during the slow late winter months through encouraging local businesses to host corresponding events during the same time of the festival and drive foot traffic into their stores.

Andelman explained to the NDDA the four main objectives of Nederdays: to bring the community together; to highlight local businesses and create an economic “bump”; show that the Town of Nederland and its staff are supportive of local events; and to promote positivity. Andelman reiterated that the event would be family friendly and community-focused, specifying that the advertising range is not planned to immediately reach “down the hill.”

The NDDA also heard from Parks Manager Nicki Dunn, Town Administrator Miranda Fisher, and Property Manager for the Caribou Village Shopping Center Claudia Schauffler.

Dunn addressed the NDDA about how Public Works and the Parks Department will be supporting traffic control and zero-waste efforts. Schauffler noted that the intention of Nederdays is to give all of Nederland’s businesses the opportunity to be involved and participate. Schauffler mentioned that she has been polling businesses and, though all the data has not yet been compiled, the majority of the responses have been positive.

Andelman answered the NDDA’s questions regarding whether or not food and alcohol vendors from outside of Nederland would be present at Nederdays. Andelman stated that outside vendors would not be present and that Nederdays will remain as an opportunity for local businesses only. She added that local businesses are encouraged to create their own corresponding events in conjunction with Nederdays in order to drive foot traffic all over town.

Administrator Fisher assured the NDDA that Nederdays is owned by the Town of Nederland, with Andelman being hired as the event coordinator. The Town’s major contribution to the festival is Town staff dedicating their time and effort. Fisher answered the NDDA’s questions regarding law enforcement for the event, stating that a third-party security company will be hired, as was done for the 2022 Farmer’s Market Harvest Festival.

With Fisher specifying that Nederdays is owned by the Town, stating that she is who the NDDA hands the check over to, and promising to adhere to the NDDA’s provisions, which includes supplying an itemized receipt of all expenses paid, the NDDA voted unanimously to grant $8,500 to fund the festival.

Nederdays, as the festival is currently named, will be held on March 24 and 25, 2023. Expect more developments and information on Nederdays to be found here in The Mountain-Ear.

The Nederland Downtown Development Authority meets the second Wednesday of every month. Their next scheduled meeting is for Wednesday, February 8, 2023, and will be held online as well as in person at the Nederland Community Center. For more information go to: https://townofnederland. colorado.gov/government/boardsand commissions/ downtowndevelopment authority.