All Local, All The Time

Niwot LID to fund new fall events, tree sculpture repair

At their virtual meeting on Sept. 1, the Niwot LID advisory committee members got a preview of what could prove to be a very busy fall around town, with funding requests for a slew of upcoming events as well as plans to preserve the Native American tree sculptures carved by the late artist Eddie Running Wolf.

Treasurer's Report

LID Treasurer Bruce Rabeler went first with an update on the district's finances, though there was nothing new to report on the revenue side, as the Colorado Department of Revenue has not yet released reports for June 2020. Through May, the district has earned a year-to-date total of $75,716, which is about 1.4% higher than the same period in 2019 ($74,658).

On the expense side, the LID has pledged $219,310 in expenses so far in 2020, including $101,512 for the public parking lot approved in August. With September funding requests, the total rises to $238,170, or nearly $90,000 more than this year's budget allocation of $149,313. This will mean a supplemental allocation from the LID's reserve balance, which is currently around $220,620.

At the same time, Rabeler reported that some expenses previously approved by the LID in 2020-notably the 4th of July parade-will likely go unclaimed, as events are rescheduled and retooled. Of the expenses approved so far, just $36,282 has been submitted to Boulder County for reimbursement.

Funding Requests-Repairs to "Spear Lodge Man"

Plans to preserve or repair the deteriorating tree sculptures along Niwot Road have been under consideration for years, but the untimely August death of the artist who carved the iconic Native American images has added a "higher level" of urgency to the project, according to Chuck Klueber, head of the Niwot Business Association's streetscapes committee.

"With the passing of Eddie Running Wolf, the motivation for doing something to preserve his memory and the artwork that he's created has, in my opinion, risen. It's motivated me to jump on it a little more than I have in the past."

Though Running Wolf has been weatherproofing the willow tree sculptures on an annual basis, that hasn't stopped a colony of carpenter ants from infesting "Spear Lodge Man" and contributing to the stump rotting from the inside out. Klueber requested $4,000 for a treatment process that could salvage most of the imposing sculpture, though perhaps not all in one piece.

"The plan is to eventually repair all the sculptures, but the Spear Lodge Man is the one in the worst disrepair," Klueber said, adding that the other two, "The Eagle Catcher" and "Cheyenne Holy Man," are also likely suffering internal damage that isn't yet visible.

"We're going to cut out the individual sections, and then we're going to have to examine them and clear out any of the rot, keeping as much of the outside as possible. Then we have to put the pieces in some sort of storage area to dry out."

The next step is to subject the pieces to a pricey two-step wood restoration system manufactured by the corporation Abatron, which will harden and "re-establish" the remaining wood, according to Klueber. Then the pieces will be repaired with epoxy, mounted individually, and eventually placed somewhere in Niwot as a tribute to Running Wolf.

Klueber consulted local residents Josh Morin, of We Love Trees, Inc., and Jeff Wolcott, who volunteered their time, space, and expertise to the project. He also plans to consult members of the Arapaho Nation before proceeding with any work on the sculptures.

Klueber estimates the project will start sometime later this fall, with a completion date sometime next summer. Eventually, the NBA hopes to have the other two sculptures repaired, but specifics of that have yet to be determined. The request was approved unanimously.

Funding Requests-upcoming events

Sidewalk Sale

Reprising her role from the August LID meeting, Fly Away Home's Kathy Trauner appeared on behalf of the NBA to request $2,785 for a second Sidewalk Sale, slated for Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. As reported last month, July's sidewalk sale was a "fantastic day" for many Niwot businesses, and the NBA was only too happy to oblige demands for a bigger and better one.

"There were many requests to do it again and do it more frequently," Trauner said, adding that another sale has been scheduled for Oct. 10. "And the one we're planning for September 12th is actually double the duration."

Once again, merchants from 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square will be selling their wares in outdoor spaces, in order to give customers a "COVID-aware" way to gather and dine in Niwot. There will also be live music, gift bags for kids, and treat trucks selling ice cream and "other goodies."

The biggest projected expense ($1,450) is for musicians, who will be performing in two-hour shifts at either end of 2nd Avenue. Other major costs include advertising ($335), sign printing ($300), and food trucks ($400). After some discussion about the total amount, the request was approved unanimously.

Holiday Lighting

Klueber was also on hand to request $7,830 for holiday decorations and lighting along 2nd Avenue and in Whistle Stop Park, a slight increase over the past two years ($7,680) due to higher labor costs. Installation will take place the week before Enchanted Evening, which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27, and will proceed even if Niwot's annual holiday celebrations are canceled or modified.

"It will be nice to have something that's normal, and that we expect, and that we remember," LID chair Laura Skaggs said after Klueber's request was approved unanimously.

Niwot Tasting Tour

Niwot Economic Development Director Catherine McHale appeared before the board with a request for $475 to fund the Niwot Tasting Tour, a "quick and easy campaign" to encourage diners to patronize area restaurants. Running through the end of September, diners who spend more than $10 in at least five of the 14 participating locations can send in their receipts to be entered into a drawing for $500 in vouchers, good at any Niwot business.

"Niwot restaurants, like restaurants across the world, are really suffering right now," McHale said. "I wanted to find an easy way to try to encourage loyalty and use of our Niwot establishments."

Expenses for the campaign include graphic design, printing, and the prize fund. The NBA will also be contributing $300 to the project. After some discussion about the process of reimbursing the vouchers, the request was approved unanimously.

Fall Pumpkin Walk and Niwot October Feast

Traditional fall gatherings might be off the table this year due to public health restrictions, but the NBA is bringing two socially distant versions to Niwot with the Fall Pumpkin Walk, scheduled for October 1-31, and the October Feast, a modified, progressive Oktoberfest celebration, scheduled for Sept. 26.

"The creativity is running high at the NBA, and we're very appreciative," Skaggs said of the requests, presented by NBA vice-president Deborah Read Fowler. "You're reinventing old events in COVID-acceptable ways, and that's very much to your credit. Thank you so much for the energy you're putting into these projects. It's really wonderful."

Fowler requested $2,500 for the Walk, a month-long event that she likened to people's choice voting for the Why Not Niwot? juried art show. Participants visit one of 15 participating local businesses with a Pumpkin Pass and receive a small, autumn-themed gift provided by the NBA, such as mini apple-spice candles, pumpkin cookies, or a turkey candleholder.

"You have a bag of swag at the end of it, but it's not just terrible stuff, like candy," Fowler said. "There's something that should appeal to everybody."

The NBA will be contributing $853 towards expenses, bringing the project total cost to $3,353. Most of the funding will go toward gifts, which have been sourced from local merchants when possible. Fowler is also projecting $1,295 for design and printing for ads and signs. The request was approved unanimously.

Planning is still ongoing for the subject of Fowler's second request, so details about the proposed single-day October Feast are still scarce. Like the Pumpkin Walk, the Feast will also encourage participants to visit different Niwot establishments, but instead of autumn trinkets, they'll be treated to fall-themed drinks and appetizers, such as apple strudel.

"I had a meeting with Tara at the Tavern and a couple of the other Cottonwood businesses, and they really want to do an Oktoberfest, but a progressive one," Fowler said. "So it's the same idea. People walk around town, and they get a little nibble...It's like the Sidewalk Sale, but the food version."

Fowler requested $1,270 for the event, with the NBA pledging an additional $400. Most of the costs are for food, but Fowler also anticipates expenses for printing and advertising. The request was also approved unanimously.

New Business

With nothing urgent to address and term limits bringing new members to both boards early in the new year, the LID board voted unanimously to postpone its annual meeting with the Boulder Board of County Commissioners until 2021.

Old Business

Member Biff Warren updated the board on the progress of the new public parking lot on the west side of Niwot, near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Murray Street. Bids for construction are being sought for the $101,512 project through the county's RFP system and the NBA expects to have a general contractor in place in the coming weeks. The county has already received multiple bids to build the electric vehicle charging stations, which are being funded primarily through grants from Xcel Energy and Charge Ahead Colorado. Groundbreaking on the stations and the 14-space lot is planned for later this fall.

The LID advisory committee will hold its next monthly meeting in virtual format on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

 

Reader Comments(0)