01.12.21 DMC MinutesCITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NAMES OF MEMBERS, STAFF, AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS: Shapins, Niemeyer, Nuzum, Knoff (absent)
STAFF: Bowden, Jones, Woulf, Bray, Landrith, Dave “DK” Kemp (Sr. Transportation Planner),
Landrith
GUESTS: Chip (Downtown Boulder Partnership)
PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Heather Hayward, (303) 441-4191
TYPE OF MEETING: Regular January 12, 2021
Roll Call: Completed. Called to order at 4:06 p.m.
Approval of the November 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Niemeyer moved to approve the minutes. Shapins seconded. All in favor. Approved.
Public Participation
None.
Consent Items
Consent Items – Bowden discussed the State’s 5 Star Certification program. Applications for this program
will be submitted this week.
Shapins discussed issues with the homeless encampments, particularly by the Boulder Creek
Path and by the Municipal Building and asked about city strategy to address this. Bowden said
that the City has direction from Council on safety in public corridors and guidance around
services provided to the unhoused at this time. She reported that at the January 19 council
meeting, there will be a discussion about safe and welcoming public spaces and city’s
participation in those areas. Council members Young and Brockett have had several additional
meetings with the Human Rights Commission to explore the city’s policy.
DBP Update (Chip)
Chip provided further information on the 5 Star Certification Program. The County would need
to stay below red in the State’s COVID dial for two weeks before businesses would be able to
apply. Niemeyer discussed the Governor’s move of municipalities to orange level on the COVID
dial, even though the health department numbers are still at red. Because of this, if a business
gets 5 Star Certification at this time, they still stay at orange. Bowden said she anticipates the
County will go forward with the administrative committee putting in an application. That doesn’t
make everyone automatically move a level. It will continue to be driven by hospitalization
statistics.
Bowden stated that when the 5 Star Certification Program web page is live, it will be linked on
the City’s COVID business support page. Landrith reported that once the program gets going, the
County will be making announcements twice weekly on where we’re at on the COVID dial.
Chip discussed DBP outreach to downtown businesses regarding post-COVID outdoor dining.
They are also focused on communication with police regarding public safety. During December
the Business Improvement District funded some overtime police officers downtown. It was well-
received and they are exploring opportunities to extend this. They are scenario planning on
possible fall events and holiday events. Downtown Boulder Foundation is finalizing their
strategic plan. DBP has launched a Community Advisory Board. They will work on engaging
community downtown.
Chip and Bowden talked about Boulder’s recent ranking as the fourth strongest and most
resilient economy in the western region. https://bouldercolorado.gov/newsroom/boulder-
economy-ranks-no-4-in-nation-expected-to-remain-resilient
Matters from Staff
Downtown Boulder Bike Dismount Zone & Micro mobility Timeline (Dave “DK” Kemp)
(See 01.12.21 Presentation)
Matters from Commissioners
Niemeyer asked about plan for the street closure between 9th and 11th during COVID and
whether this might continue as a permanent extension. Bowden said that they’ve remained in
conversation with Chip in advance of council discussion regarding the length of the current
program. Any permanence would be informed by a larger process that would be considered by
Transportation Mobility. They remain in conversation with Chip as far as the current program
that is in effect until the end of February. She anticipates another extension. Chip/DBP is
beginning the process of outreach to see if a more permanent extension is something business
owners and surrounding community want and would come back to the city to discuss if so.
Ultimately, that decision would be made by Transportation.
Niemeyer asked about the Boulder Star and who decides how long this will remain illuminated.
Yvette said this is a decision of the Chamber working with Open Space and Mountain Parks
Department. Niemeyer would like to see the star lit until we’re all vaccinated. Nuzum agreed.
Chip will relay this information to John Tayer.
Meeting Adjourned: 5:16 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: March 9, 2021
APPROVED BY: DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Attest: ________________________
Heather Hayward, Secretary Jerry Shapins, Chairperson
Jerry Shapins (Mar 10, 2021 15:32 MST)