All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Niwot Community Association board members agreed at the Jan. 5 meeting that the organization wanted to help Marshall Fire victims that have found shelter in Niwot. Board members Pat Murphy and Mark Brigham, both real estate agents, said several fire victims are being hosted in Niwot and the area, with some needing “just about everything,” according to Murphy. “And I know we will have more displaced families coming soon,” added Brigham. Board members discussed at length how they wanted to help the fire victims. Board member Craig Rahenka...
Work on a proposal to create a community garden space in Niwot is starting, Niwot Community Association board member Diane Zimmermann told NCA members at the Oct. 6 meeting. "The first step is to survey our NCA members to gauge interest and gather ideas, and then put together a community group made up of Niwot residents and NCA members interested in getting this project started," Zimmermann said. "We see so many Niwot residents with beautiful gardens and we could use their expert advice and...
The Niwot Community Association will hold its annual Clean Up Day from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 18 in the parking lot at Niwot High School, 8989 Niwot Road, Niwot. Any NCA member can bring two free trash loads, with additional loads costing $25 each; non-members will pay $40 a load. Loads equal a standard size pickup truck at bed level. "We suggest that people come early, because once our collection dumpsters are full we will have to close up," event organizer John Barto told NCA...
Niwot Community Association board members had a bit of a "green-storming" session at their August meeting. Niwot resident Terry Purcell approached the group with the suggestion that Niwot needs a community garden. "I've been talking to people as I work at the Niwot Market and everyone has been enthusiastic about the idea," he told NCA board members. "This could be a really wonderful social gathering place for the community." Purcell said he was bringing the idea to the NCA because of the...
Ever want to see the inside of an emergency vehicle, check out a fire engine pumper or watch K-9 officers and their human handlers strut their stuff? Maybe you'd also enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers, a free bike inspection from Niwot Wheelworks and rollicking music from the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band? If so, bring the family to the outdoor National Night Out (NNO) event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3 on Murray Street in downtown Niwot. Sponsored by the Niwot...
People strolling along Niwot's Second Avenue looking for a peaceful place to sit in the shade can thank their lucky stars that Chuck Klueber gives his time to Niwot. Klueber, who has been named the 2021 Grand Marshal of Niwot's 4th of July patriotic motorcade parade, is the quiet force in the background making sure that "streetscape" projects are completed in the town. The "bump out" patio in front of Old Oak Coffeehouse, allowing for inviting umbrella tables, chairs and trees, was one of the...
Niwot Community Association board members are sticking to their plans to hold a July 4th motorcade instead of a full-blown parade, even though Boulder County has loosened COVID-19 restrictions on large outdoor events. "We are erring on the side of caution this year," said parade coordinator Julie Breyer. "We want people watching from their front yards along the motorcade route to be as comfortable as possible." In addition, the NCA board also plans to have each area representative host an...
The Niwot Community Association board of directors has decided not to hold its traditional July 4 parade this year, NCA president David Limbach announced at the group's annual meeting on April 14. NCA board members agreed that it's too hard to predict what Boulder County's COVID-19 incidence rate and restrictions will be in July. "It would be nearly impossible to plan a traditional parade that doesn't promote gathering," said Limbach. Instead, the NCA will host a "motorcade parade" to bring the...
Members of the Niwot Community Association Board are cautiously exploring whether the group will be able to host some of its signature activities in 2021. "Will we see the same Covid-19 restrictions this summer after vaccines are more widely distributed? It's too early to know," said NCA Vice-President Tom Sesnic. He and area 5 representative John Barto co-chair the Niwot annual cleanup day usually held in May. That event was cancelled last spring due to Covid-19 restrictions set by Boulder Coun...
Niwot Community Association members heard from Boulder County Commission candidate Claire Levy at their July 1 virtual meeting. Levy, who was uncontested in the Democratic primary, faces Republican Cinda Kochen for the District 1 seat in November. Kochen will virtually meet with NCA board members at their Aug. 5 meeting, along with county commissioner candidate James T. Crowder from District 2. Crowder will face Democrat Marta Loachamin who won the Democratic primary over Jonathan Singer. While commissioners must live in one of three specific g...
The annual July 4 parade in Niwot will not take place this year. Members of the Niwot Community Association Board of Directors agreed at their June 3 meeting that proceeding with the parade "is just not feasible" in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic health restrictions. The NCA sponsors and organizes the annual parade. "The committee has agreed that we are not able to hold the parade safely this year," said NCA events coordinator Kim Hawksworth. "We just don't think the risks can be reasonably...
The stay-at-home order for Colorado due to the coronavirus has put the Niwot Community Association’s plans on hold. The group met April 1 by teleconference to discuss what should be done about the April annual meeting, the May Clean Up Day and the July 4 parade. The April annual meeting is cancelled. NCA members had proposed holding a live-streamed meeting, but the group decided that it was impractical. “The limitations of an online meeting would make it really difficult for many members to participate,” said NCA President David Limbach. “The...
The COVID-19 coronavirus has prompted Mountain View Fire Rescue district to close all its stations to members of the public until further notice to protect firefighters and first responders. In light of MVFR’s decision, the Niwot Community Association board is expecting to videoconference its April 1 meeting, which is normally held in the fire station’s community room. Community members will not be able to attend the meeting, but NCA board members are asking that any comments or questions from the community be sent by email to the board at info...
Niwot Community Association board members unanimously voted Feb. 4 to publicize the results of additional research they have done on the possibility of incorporating Niwot into a municipality. “We are a conduit of information and we want to make sure that our members, and the Niwot public, are well-informed on any incorporation issues,” NCA Chair David Limbach said. “We do not advocate for or against any issues or candidates. We work to make sure our members are educated about the issues.” Limbach told board members that many Niwot residen...
Passenger rail service from Fort Collins to Pueblo in Colorado could be a reality in seven to 10 years if the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is successful. Cue the skepticism. But Randy Grauberger, project director for the rail commission, told Niwot Community Association Board members at their Jan. 8 meeting that this group has the potential to be successful. “This group has the legislative mandate behind it,” he said. “We are charged to build, not just study. And we have strong interest in making this happen from...
After a busy fall coordinating the Niwot Veterans Banner project and taking part in the Great Pumpkin Party and Enchanted Evening, Niwot Community Association board members turned their attention to helping spread holiday cheer in Niwot. At the Dec. 4 board meeting, NCA board members agreed to add to their decorations at the corner of Niwot Road and the Diagonal Highway. The area currently has some lighted wreaths and a holiday snowman courtesy of the NCA and the property owner, and board...
Two members of the informal committee exploring whether it is feasible for Niwot to incorporate gave a presentation to Niwot Community Association Board members at the board’s Sept. 4 meeting. Mary Coonce and Anne Postle spoke to the NCA about the work being done by the informal committee. Members of that committee are Niwot residents Tony Santelli, Cotton Burden, Robert Discipio, Ron Bernal, Lane Landrith, Coonce and Postle. Committee members had suggested that an NCA board member be added a...
Editor's Note: The Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms will be collecting for the Rock & Rails tip jars on August 8, not on August 1, as stated in the Courier's July 31 Community Calendar. Want to dance the evening away to some “joyful” rock and roll? Want to increase the happiness quotient by supporting our military members? You have the chance to enjoy both activities at the Aug. 8, Rock & Rails concert in Whistle Stop Park. While Something Underground plays what band members call “joyful rock,” all t...
Want a break from cooking dinner at home one night? Love drones, K9 dogs and good music? Then come to the National Night Out event starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, on Murray Street between Second and Third Avenues in Niwot. The National Night Out event gives Niwot area residents the chance to meet and mingle with deputies and staff from the Boulder County Sheriff's department, Mountain View Fire & Rescue, the Longmont Emergency Unit and the Colorado State Patrol. The Boulder County...
Patty Strecker of Niwot is unabashedly red, white and blue patriotic. The co-founder of the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms will serve as the Niwot July 4 parade Grand Marshal, an honor given by the Niwot Community Association board which sponsors and organizes the parade. She has asked the entire cookie moms group – about 40 strong – to walk behind the grand marshal’s car in the parade. “I was just utterly shocked to receive this honor,” Strecker said. “I am not the only one who helps in this eff...
Niwot Community Association board members agreed at their June 5 meeting to try a different approach with Boulder County Commissioners to find a solution for fixing subdivision roads. County officials are in the process of adding a public health element to the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed element includes a goal of “transportation pathways that are safe and accessible for all residents regardless of geography or transportation mode….” “I think we can approach transportation sa...
The Niwot Community Association did one of the things it does best at its April 17 annual meeting for members – connect NCA members with the broader Niwot area community. The group invited the principals of Niwot Elementary School, Sunset Middle School and Niwot High School to speak to meeting attendees about the academic and social achievements, strengths, school focus and infrastructure changes at each of the schools. The presentations grew from concerns from some NCA board members about e...
Niwot Community Association board members are gearing up for the group’s busy seasons. Kicking off the spring is the annual membership drive, already underway. Emails have gone out to members urging them to join for the 2019-20 membership year, and postcards are coming to those still waiting to join. Membership chair Johnny Barrett reported that membership stood at 248 households. In addition, the meeting will feature updates on membership as of April 3, and more members are expected to join a...
Niwot residents will soon be seeing reminders to renew their Niwot Community Association memberships in their mailboxes, email in-boxes and along Niwot Road. The membership drive will kick off the week of Feb. 17, with an email message to current members and posting of the “Burma Shave” style signs along Niwot Road, NCA President David Limbach told board members at their March 13 meeting. Currently Niwot residents can join the NCA by paying with a check or through PayPal. NCA board members are exploring adding Venmo by PayPal, a mobile payment...
About 35 people attended a public forum Feb. 7 at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot to give their opinion on proposals for bus rapid transit alternatives along Highway 119 (the Diagonal) between Boulder and Longmont. It was the second forum held in Niwot. Projections by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) show a 25 percent increase in vehicle traffic on the Diagonal by 2040 is possible, prompting RTD to work with Boulder County Transportation to find a way to lessen the use and impact on the...
Contributing to Niwot’s festive holiday decorations around town was on the minds of Niwot Community Association board members at their Dec. 5 meeting. The NCA put up holiday decorations this year at the Niwot Road entrance into town and board members agreed that they would like to add to that display. An informal subcommittee group, headed by Pat Murphy and Julie Breyer, are planning to hit the post-holiday sales to snap up decorations. In addition, board members expressed interest in working i...
Inspired by Niwot’s “wonderful” holiday decorations coordinated by the Niwot Business Association, members of the Niwot Community Association board decided at their Nov. 7 meeting that they wanted to contribute to the town’s holiday ambiance by adding some decorations at the west entrance to town along Niwot Road. “The decorations in Whistle Stop Park, our trees and throughout town are just beautiful, but we know the budget is already prioritized and plans are in place at this time,” NCA area 3 representative Pat Murphy said. She suggested t...
Mountain View Fire Rescue District Chief Dave Beebe met with Niwot Community Association (NCA) board members Aug. 1 to discuss the district’s proposal to put a mill levy increase on the November ballot. MVFR includes Niwot and some of unincorporated Gunbarrel in its service area. “We are in fact-finding mode now, but our district’s board needs to make a decision soon so we are gathering as much input as possible,” Beebe said. The district held four public open forums, including one July 17 in Niwot, and sent out mailings and surveys to district...
Niwot Community Association board members are drafting possible guidelines for groups and individuals requesting grant aid from the NCA. “We’ve noticed an uptick in funding requests to groups in Niwot and it would be good to have some guidelines in place for our own process,” said NCA board member Johnny Barrett at the NCA board’s July 11 meeting. Barrett and board member Lance Goff were tasked in June with developing draft grant guidelines. In general, NCA board members agreed that grant requests should be made in person. They also agreed...
A dedication to problem-solving on Niwot’s behalf is among the reasons Niwot Community Association board members chose former chair Dick Piland to serve as the 2018 Grand Marshal of the town’s July 4 parade. “I am honored to serve as Grand Marshal,” Piland said. “But frankly, I was very surprised to be nominated. I think there are several others more deserving than I am.” Piland’s willingness to pitch in is a strength others appreciate. “Dick jumps into projects without reserve,” said...
The Niwot Community Association will hold its annual Clean Up Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12 in the parking lot at Niwot High School, 8989 Niwot Road, Niwot. The event is free for NCA members; non-members will pay a $40 per carload fee. “We collected quite a bit last year and we expect a pretty good turnout this year,” NCA member and event organizer Tom Sesnic told NCA Board members at the May 2 meeting. “We suggest that people come early, because once our collection dumpsters are full we will have to close up.” In 2017, the pop...
Niwot and Gunbarrel residents should be extra cautious about clearing out valuables and locking their vehicles along with making sure their garage doors are down, Boulder County Sheriff’s Department Commander Mike Wagner told Niwot Community Association board members at the board’s April 4 meeting. “We are seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts, along with crimes of opportunity,” Wagner said. “People are having their cars stolen, along with items from their unlocked vehicles or open garages.” Wagner said the sheriff’s department believes ther...
Niwot Community Association Board of Directors are gearing up for the organization’s annual meeting in April. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Left Hand Grange, 195 Second Avenue, Niwot. All NCA members are invited to attend the meeting; those who are not members can join that evening as long as they live in the NCA’s service area, which includes the greater Niwot area and a small portion of Gunbarrel. The cost for an annual NCA membership is $30. During the meeting, outgoing NCA President Dick Piland will outline...
Recent infill development in downtown Niwot has prompted Boulder County land use officials to reconstitute the Old Town Niwot Design Review subcommittee. The subcommittee had lost members and stopped meeting over the years, but with the current development and recent proposals, county officials decided the committee should be active again. New members of the subcommittee include Niwot Business Association members and Niwot business owners Pat Murphy (Niwot Real Estate), Tim Wise (Wise Buys Antiques), Nick Mastronardi (1914 House) and Margo...
The Niwot Community Association Board will see some changes in leadership for 2018. At the Jan. 3 NCA meeting, President Dick Piland announced that he will not run again when his current term ends in April. Piland has served as NCA president since April 2013. New officers will be voted on at the NCA’s annual meeting for members. That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot. NCA board members are putting together a slate of candidates for the open positions, and will also take nominations at the a...
Niwot Community Association board members showed their support for the Niwot Fire House Museum restoration project by voting to donate $2,000 toward the project at the NCA board’s Oct. 4 meeting. Proceeds from the NCA’s July 4 pancake breakfast were used to make the donation. The restoration project, which must be done to meet Boulder County historic preservation requirements, is expected to cost more than $10,000, according to Niwot Historical Society President Kathy Koehler. “We must follow Boulder County requirements because this build...
Following a successful July 4 parade, the Niwot Community Association board has turned its attention to working with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office to hold a National Night Out event in Niwot. The National Night Out will be held at 6 p.m. Aug.1 along a portion of Murray Street in Niwot. National Night Out is a nationwide, annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The event was previously held in Gunbarrel in the Heatherwood neighborhood, but the county sheriff’s dep...
Niwot resident and volunteer Riki Frea said she was “completely shocked” when she was told she had been selected as Grand Marshall for this year’s Niwot July 4 parade. The Niwot Community Association, which sponsors the parade, publicly announced its choice at the board’s June 7 meeting, citing Frea’s hard work and enthusiasm for volunteering in the community. “Oh my goodness, I’m just a Niwot mom who likes to be involved,” Frea said. “I have a lot of fun doing what I do, but this was totally...
A need for sturdier event, detour and road closed signs in Niwot led to a spring project for welding students at St. Vrain Valley School District’s Career Development Center (CDC). “This is a win-win for everyone,” said Niwot Community Association President Dick Piland.”We get better road signs and the high school students were able to put their skills to use on a community project.” Last winter, NCA board members investigated purchasing five stands for road signs, but were concerned about high...
Three “absolutely outstanding volunteers” were honored by the Niwot Community Association at its annual meeting April 19. Heidi Storz, Julie Breyer and Neal Anderson were recognized for their service to the organization and Niwot. “We are so appreciative for everything these people have done for both the NCA and the town,” said NCA President Dick Piland. “They really exemplify service and the giving spirit of our town.” Storz served on the NCA board, as vice president and as president of the NCA. She organized and coordinated the annual Niwot C...
As the membership drive for the Niwot Community Association kicks into high gear, the town is sporting banners at some town entrances, posters and brochures in Niwot businesses, and Burma Shave-style signs along Niwot Road -- all urging Niwot area residents to join the NCA. The NCA membership committee also has sent out emails to current members reminding them to renew and soon will mail renewal brochures to current and potential new members. The committee also plans to post a membership reminder on NextDoor, an online social network for...
A “very lovely” park bench donated by the Niwot Community Association remains “rather homeless” in Niwot as NCA members work to find an agreed-upon location for the bench, NCA Board members were told at their Jan. 11 meeting. The metal park bench, which was donated by the NCA in 2016, is in storage until a permanent location can be found. Originally the NCA had discussed locating it near 1914 House restaurant on Second Avenue, but that location turned out not to be suitable. So now the NCA is working with the Cottonwood Park West Homeown...
Niwot Community Association (NCA) board members agreed at the Nov. 2 meeting on a 2017 budget that shows the group finishing the year in the red, but approved it with the understanding that membership revenues are being conservatively estimated for the budget. The group estimates that 2017 operating revenues could be about $14,475 while expenses could total $16,420, leaving the group about $1,945 short. However, stronger membership numbers could make up that shortfall, NCA President Dick Piland said. The NCA also has “healthy” financial res...
Niwot Community Association (NCA) board members agreed at the Nov. 2 meeting on a 2017 budget that shows the group finishing the year in the red, but approved it with the understanding that membership revenues are being conservatively estimated for the budget. The group estimates that 2017 operating revenues could be about $14,475 while expenses could total $16,420, leaving the group about $1,945 short. However, stronger membership numbers could make up that shortfall, NCA President Dick Piland said. The NCA also has “healthy” financial res...
Niwot Community Association (NCA) board members agreed to continue the group’s policy of serving only as an information conduit for the Niwot/Gunbarrel community when St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) officials asked for the group’s endorsement of the district’s proposed mill levy increase on the November ballot. Although several board members expressed individual support for the measure and praised the school district’s student academic achievement and fiscal responsibility, the NCA board agreed that the NCA’s primary function...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) has been stymied in its efforts to host a debate among Boulder County Commissioner candidates. Schedules for the candidates were already filled, Kim Hawksworth, NCA events chairperson, explained. “We found a few dates that we hoped would fit into the candidates’ schedules and the Left Hand Grange’s open dates, but as we contacted the incumbents and the challengers we heard that those dates were already booked,” Hawksworth said. “The alternate dates also had conflicts. So the NCA board decided to concentra...
Members of the Boulder County Planning Commission voted 4 – 3 to support changing the land use designation to medium density for 20 acres in the Twin Lakes area in Gunbarrel at its Sept. 21 meeting. But that vote could have had a different outcome if it had happened before board chairwoman Natalie Feinberg Lopez had to leave the meeting early to catch a plane. Earlier in the meeting, Feinberg Lopez had indicated that she did not support the land use change, and her vote could have pushed the o...
The Niwot Community Association plans to hold a candidates’ forum in early October for the four candidates for two open seats on the Boulder County Board of Commissioners. Democrat incumbent Deb Gardner of Longmont is being challenged by Republican Paul Danish of Longmont. Republican Kevin Sipple of Eldorado Springs is running against incumbent Democrat Elise Jones of Boulder. Commissioners are elected by all Boulder County voters but represent districts where they reside while on the board. The forum will be informational and not a debate, the...
Boulder County residents will have the chance to vote in November on a proposal to increase property taxes to fund road projects in both municipal and unincorporated areas of the county. At their August 4 meeting, Boulder County Commissioners unanimously agreed to put the proposal on the November ballot. The measure was proposed by a citizens group with members from Pine Brook Hills Homeowners Association, the Niwot Community Association, and Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District. The proposal calls for increasing property taxes on all...
Boulder County residents donated more than $10,000 in less than 36 hours to take their legal fight to the Colorado Supreme Court in a bid to force Boulder County Commissioners to rehabilitate and repave county subdivision roads without new taxes. Boulder County Fairness in Road Maintenance (BoCo FIRM) announced July 19 that they intended to appeal a June 30 ruling by the Colorado Court of Appeals, which said homeowners do not have legal standing to bring their claims against Boulder County. Along with that announcement, BoCo FIRM asked for dona...
