Dear Editor,

I have been a member of the Nederland Board of Trustees since appointment summer of 2017, and then elected in 2018. I was disappointed to see the letters sent in the mail to all residents trying to sway the election with inaccurate information. I think most problems both governmental and personal are caused by poor communication.

The loss of Nedfest is one example where there was miscommunication between the Town and the festival. The financial challenges were also significant for the organizers. I hope we can work together to bring it back ASAP.

Mayor Kris Larsen made no back room deals on the Intergovernmental Agreement [IGA] between Nederland and Boulder County. Everything he discussed was first discussed in many public BOT meetings. The IGA prevents out of control development and allows Nederland residents a vote on all major annexations. The only major annexation on the horizon is Kayla Evans’ project. Most other expansion areas were removed because of public input. Mayor Larsen was responsive to the public and the BOT.

The Town and BOT and PROSAB (Parks-Open Space Board) and Boulder County all met with the USFS to discuss “fire mitigation” plans (clear cuts), as well as the camping situation at West Magnolia. Public input was sought at all times. The West Mag situation has improved because of Nederland police and staff, Boulder County outreach and sheriff, USFS, and many volunteer efforts. Much remains to be done.

Short Term Rental (STR) regulations have been passed in most U.S. cities that have tourist visits because they gobble up housing. The regulations choose between encouraging affordable long term rentals and unlimited profit making for STR investors. We tried to be fair but stood with people trying to rent long term, and neighborhoods not wanting to be party destinations. People who live in the houses can rent the houses for six months as STRs, they can rent them every night if they are on site. Absentee owners are limited to 45 nights. 

I advocated for the appointment of James Rawsthorne and was very disappointed when he rarely showed up for BOT meetings and then blasted us when he quit. He is frustrated with the STR regulations because he owns one. He had to recuse himself from STR discussions but there were lots of other agenda items.

Good people with no hidden agenda and lots of public meetings tried to build a greenhouse with county funds and mostly volunteer labor. The effort went on for 10 years and failed recently for a variety of reasons, including poor communication among interested parties. I hope we can decide on a good location and try again.

Alan Apt
Nederland