Jennifer Livingston, Nederland. The meeting of the Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) began at 6:05 p.m. on January 8, 2020, with the approval of last month’s minutes, and a warm welcome to its newest members Barbara Hardt and Andrew Dewart. Mandy Kneer has resigned from the NDDA to spend more time with her family. 

Public Comment was heard from Mike Foster and Deb DAndrea. DAndrea recently bought the much revered High Peaks Art Festival and is planning its twentieth year this year. She came before the NDDA seeking assistance with advertising for the Festival. Dallas Masters, liaison to Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) clarified that the Festival remains a for-profit venture though DAndrea’s “long term vision” is to make it a nonprofit. The NDDA believes they have historically contributed $250-$500 to the festival, a future agenda item may be expected. 

Foster heard about the NDDA’s request for proposal (RFP) for wayfinding signage around town, which is an effort to increase pedestrian traffic and visitor enjoyment. Unfortunately, Foster hadn’t heard about the RFP until after the deadline for submission, but was hoping that as a 26 year local with lots of relevant experience he might yet submit. 

Hope Jordan, Executive Director of the NDDA, explained that the RFP for wayfinding signage had gone out with a deadline and received two proposals, shortly before the last day for submission another potential bidder reached out requesting a deadline extension, which was granted. Then Foster requested another extension. However, for legal reasons, and because the first two bids had been made public, the NDDA was encouraged to review the first two bids in committee. The committee will make a summary recommendation to the NDDA and the BOT. There may be another RFP on the horizon. 

Additionally, the NDDA will work toward creating a list of local craftsman, artisans and businesses so that RFPs and other information is better communicated and so that locals would have a place to go to find needed resources and services. 

The mural project continues to move forward. A site may have been found and a proposal has been sent to the property owner. The NDDA is also moving forward with creating an arts district downtown with the assistance of Mandy Vink, a public arts specialist. Vink presented a number of ideas to the NDDA. Ideas are all driven with the intention to build on the character of Nederland and showcase the creativity and imagination of its people. Examples included artful crosswalks, potholes filled with bright mosaics, iconic sculptures that can inspire a cultish following, murals, scavenger hunts, and creative uses of loading zones for busking etc. The goal is to generate an arts committee and a plan for Nederland’s public art, by and for the people, with support from professionals in order to create a fundable and healthy arts district celebrating Nederland and encouraging visitors to stay and enjoy. Trustee Masters will request the BOT agenize a discussion of how the BOT may contribute to a local arts program. 

Jordan will be attending some Colorado Main Street (CMS) seminars to bring back fresh ideas and best practices to Nederland. CMS is a governmental organization that supports small towns across the state to create inviting and thriving spaces and economies. They host educational events and practice resources for town leadership, volunteers and citizens to enhance the character and economic viability of their downtowns. 

Claudia Schauffler has been working on devising ways the NDDA can create business incentives to support retail, and potentially affordable housing, so that workers can afford to live here. A sort of ala carte menu of incentives including assistance with refurbishing facades and signs, converting space to retail, refurbishing buildings, and focusing on mixed use projects is being compiled. The NDDA could assist by paying fees, reimbursing operators for some improvements, or offering matching funds. Schauffler will continue to look at best practices of other communities and create a menu of accessible options for Nederland.  

PROSAB and Xcel Energy have completed the design to install a transformer for electrical services to the performance space at Guercio Field. The electrical panel is being drawn by an engineer, will be reviewed by Safebuilt, and RFPs for installation will go out once permitted. Trustee Masters’ concern is that plans should be made in committee with certainty that all parties are indeed involved and in agreement with improvements to the site. Town staff and members of the NDDA assured Trustee Masters that conversations had taken place between users of the performance space, PROSAB, and the town.

Rick Dirr, Nederland Fire Department Chief reported on the $20,000 that the NDDA granted to the Department. The money was used to help fund a 30 hour per week position allowing a company firefighter and paramedic to cross train and become a Level 3 Inspector able to do plan reviews for Boulder County Housing Authority, fire and sprinkler inspections and revisits. Inspections had been handled by Boulder Mountain Fire and Boulder Rural Fire District in the past, but no longer. Therefore, funding for the position is very important so that projects in the area can continue to move forward in a timely manner and existing buildings remain safe. In addition, a software system is being implemented that allows fire responders to see floor plans and shutoffs for buildings greatly increasing the ability of firefighters to keep themselves and residents safe and save more structures. Dirr was very appreciative of the NDDA to assist with the funding which does help protect the downtown area and move projects along as the state currently has a four month inspection backlog.  

A new business is working on reopening the Pioneer Inn. It will most likely open just as restaurant first and get liquor license further on in the process.

Two applicants are being considered for the beautification position and the NDDA will interview and make a recommendation to the BOT. 

The next meeting of the NDDA will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Nederland Community Center Multi Purpose Room.

(Originally published in the January 16, 2020, print edition of TheMountain-Ear.)