Karen Gerrity, Town Administrator. As we wrap up the second month of 2019, it is a great time to reflect on the many accomplishments of 2018 and what we have to look forward to this year. There is a lot to celebrate.

• Voters approved a debt authorization ballot item in April 2018 in support of a Biosolids facility, a construction project to improve the treatment process at the Waste Water Facility. Staff secured a Division of Local Affairs grant for $950,000 and a 0 percent interest loan for the project. The construction of the new facility is underway and will be completed in 2019.

• Voters also approved a 0.25 percent sales tax increase in the same election to support in-town road improvements. Funds collected from this tax will be dedicated to restoring town roads and improving Nederland’s storm water management efforts. Even though the projected annual revenue from this initiative represents a small fraction of the total needed, staff is confident these funds, aided by in-house collaboration and grant opportunities, will contribute to significant roadway improvements in 2019 and future years.

• The town faced an emergency situation during the 2018 Frozen Dead Guys Days when the water main broke at the traffic circle, which greatly impacted traffic flow through town as well as water service. Staff quickly restored water to a significant number of residences and businesses within 24 hours. Once the break was located and isolated, it took several days to restore the water to those most seriously impacted. The town staff, residents and businesses mobilized to provide water, coffee, a place to shower and other goods and services to people in need. Town Hall was the communication hub and source of notifications regarding the status of the water main break and repair; these status updates were posted and updated around the clock on social media and the town website. Staff also went door-to-door to update businesses and residents. This challenging situation brought out the best in our mountain town.

• The town hosted a Community Engagement Forum on May 10, 2018, which about 20 people attended including the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and newly appointed Trustee Jonathan Baumhover. After a potluck gathering, Facilitator Beth Osnes led the group through interactive activities to establish shared values. She then led the group through the steps associated with the town’s review of a hypothetical land use application. Participants were invited to provide both verbal and written feedback during each step of the decision-making process. Town staff transcribed this information and shared it with the community. Outcomes of this forum include the approval of Ordinance 793, which extends the amount of time a planning application is processed; this will give the community more time to review and provide feedback on new applications. Ordinance 794 also reduces the amount of copies applications require.

• After securing a Great Outdoor Colorado grant, town staff and volunteers made significant improvements to Chipeta Park including a renovated Kid’s Fishing Pond area, improved trails with ADA accessibility and more benches.

• The town negotiated a night-time Police Services contract with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office in 2018. This gives the town nearly around-the-clock police coverage, which hasn’t been the case for many years. This hybrid approach to policing is the first in the region and resonates well with community members who made it clear they didn’t want to lose their local police department. This contract is in place for 2019 as well.

• The Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) hired part-time Executive Director Josiah Masingale. Under his direction, the NDDA approved using funds in 2018 to make improvements to the Visitor’s Center and the traffic circle, and to add hanging flower baskets to businesses. Follow its 2019 programs and progress at nederlanddowntown.org. In 2018 town staff also secured a Boulder County Economic Development grant which allowed the Visitor’s Center to open more hours thanks to the ability to hire an additional staff person.

• In an effort to meet the goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, the town signed a Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreement with Oak Leaf Solar. The solar garden should be complete in early 2019; the system will generate bill credits that will be applied to monthly invoices from our Public Service Company for electric services. The town also signed a Memo of Understanding with Xcel Energy stating that the two sides will collaborate to find ways to reduce energy consumption and costs. Town facilities continue to be upgraded with new lighting for energy efficiency.

• The Board of Trustees (BOT) approved a 26-unit affordable housing project submitted by the Boulder County Housing Authority. These units will be located across the highway from the RTD park-n-ride and construction is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer this year. The Board of Trustees also adopted Ordinance 784 to eliminate barriers to mixed-use development in the Commercial Zoning Districts. This resulted in some cases where a multi-structure containing a mixture of commercial and residential uses will be a use by right and not require special review. In 2019 the BOT continues to research and consider regulations for accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals.

• The Nederland Community Center is now the Family Resource Center for western Boulder County due to its partnerships with the Nederland Food Pantry and the Peak to Peak Human Services Alliance. The Community Center provides office space for the Emergency Family Assistance Association for the Mountain Resource Liaison. In 2019, the Community Center will continue to work on facility improvements including a much-needed roof repair.

• Town staff secured a Division of Local Affairs matching administrative grant that will be used for the survey and final design of an emergency egress in the Big Springs neighborhood. The survey is underway, and the design will be completed by mid-year 2019. Town staff continues to research funding sources for the construction. In other emergency preparedness news, the town hosted a Firewise Clean-Up Day on Saturday June 2, 2018 at the Transfer Station and it was a huge success. Approximately 85 vehicles full of trash, recyclables, reusable building materials, scrap metal and scrap lumber were dropped off.

While much was accomplished in 2018, the town looks forward to a productive 2019 as we continue to work with area residents, volunteers and business owners to identify and address the community’s needs.

(Originally published in the February 21, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)