09.14.21 DMC Packet
DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
September 14, 2021
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
AGENDA
4:00 p.m. Roll Call Staff
4:00-4:05 Approval of the July 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes Board
4:05-4:20 Boulder Police Department (BPD) Update (Commander LeFebre)
CAGID Crime Data Dashboard
4:20-4:25 Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Update (Chip)
Consent Agenda – Topics will not be discussed unless there are questions posed by the Commission. Please
reference the consent agenda memo.
4:25-4:45 Public Comment
4:45-5:15 Matters from Staff Staff
• Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining in CAGID
• Ambassador Program Update (Chip)
5:15-5:45 Matters from Commissioners
5:45 p.m. Adjourn
Attachments:
- Draft July 13, 2021 DMC Minutes
- Special District Boards and Commissions Consent Agenda – September 2021
- Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining Program Memo
Commissioner Term Exp DMC 2021 Priorities
Andrew Niemeyer
Adam Knoff
Susan Nuzum
Don Poe
Stephanie Trees
Citizen-at-Large
Property Owner/Rep
Property Owner/Rep
Property Owner/Rep
Citizen-at-Large
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
• Participate in meaningful processes and dialogue exploring future downtown
transformations that strengthen the economy, diversify the user base, and
engage a broader public to “reclaim” portions of the downtown
• Participate in implementation of the Access Management and Parking
Strategy (AMPS) and Neighborhood Parking Permit Program and Parking
Pricing (NPP) to strengthen multimodal downtown access experiences and
infrastructure
• Consider repurposed portions of parking infrastructure to meet broader city
goals regarding diversity, art and neighborhoods
• Explore staff capacity to facilitate more creative board engagements
o Encourage cross-district collaboration of board/commission work,
including a more active collaboration and discourse with Downtown
Boulder Partnership (DBP) and the business improvement district (BID)
o Participate in structured engagement with City Council
09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 1
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NAMES OF MEMBERS, STAFF, AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS: Niemeyer, Poe and Trees (present)
Nuzum (absent) (Knoff resigned)
STAFF: Jones, Woulf, Bray, Landrith, Sgt. LeFebre (BPD), LaBonte
PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Heather Hayward, (303) 441-4191
TYPE OF MEETING: Regular July 13, 2021
Meeting called to order at 4:03 p.m.
Approval of March 9, 2021 DMC Minutes
Niemeyer moved to approve March 9, 2021 meeting minutes. Trees seconded. All in favor.
Approval of May 11, 2021 DMC Minutes
Poe moved to approve May 11, 2021 meeting minutes. Trees seconded. All in favor.
Public Participation
None.
Consent Items
Consent Agenda – No questions
Boulder Police Department (BPD) Update (Cmdr. Greg LeFebre)
LeFebre reported that the ambassador program launched in the downtown mall area and on the Hill a
week ago. BPD has met with them and will provide some training. Cleanups of encampments are being
done more frequently. He also said the jail has relaxed its Covid standards. This allows the PD an
additional tool for arrests for municipal violations when an individual has 3 or more failures to appear.
The new crime data dashboard coming out within next few days and will be available on city’s web site.
LeFebre said they’ve increased patrols downtowns on second and third watch. This has been going on for
2 months and has helped in reducing crime. Poe discussed video camera reimbursement program.
Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Update
Chip said that Bands on the Bricks and the Tebo Train have returned. He discussed the Buffaloes of
Boulder project. There will be up to 40 buffaloes created by artists that will be auctioned off and half of
proceeds will go to the artist. DBP is working with RRC to get cell phone data for downtown visitors.
Chip said this will be helpful to know where visitors are coming from, The data collection is anonymous.
Trees said she’d like to see data on the most common questions received. Chip said he could provide that
information. DBP board elections will be next week
Matters from Staff
Introduction of Block-by-Block Team
(See 07.13.21 DMC Presentation)
Draft July 13, 2021 DMC Minutes
09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 2
Jeremy Tandy introduced himself as the Operations Manager for the Downtown Boulder Ambassador
Program and discussed the details of the program. They’ve been assisting with use of mixed-use
receptacles on Pearl Street mall and removal of stickers and graffiti. They also provide business outreach.
They collect data on contacts and have made 1,500 general hospitality contacts and 163 business contacts
at this point. They have more ambassadors onboarding. Chip said that this program is a partnership with
DBP and the City and that ambassadors are training with the PD on details of the municipal code. Trees
asked about the role of ambassadors in terms of suspicious activity. Tandy said they’re observing and
reporting suspicious activity to PD if needed. Chip said the presence and the uniform serves as a deterrent
for certain types of behavior.
Board Position Elections
Election of Nuzum as Chair
Niemeyer nominated Nuzum as Chair. Poe seconded. All in favor.
Election of Poe as Vice Chair
Trees and Poe self-nominated as Vice Chair. Trees seconded Poe’s self-nomination. All in favor.
CAGID 2022 Budget Recommendation (Woulf and LaBonte)
(See 07.13.21 Presentation)
Poe asked about the forecast of EcoPass and anticipation of staff returns. Woulf said they’re having
ongoing discussions with RTD about the EcoPass. They’re taking a conservative approach and holding
the funds for the full cost of ridership are continuing to monitor changes and work with RTD.
Poe asked about charging for parking in garages on weekends. Jones said charging for garages on
weekends wasn’t factored into the budget and that the intent of pricing approach is to be as revenue
neutral as possible. They will be providing some different options for council to consider by end of year.
Bowden said as they start to work on their communications plan, they will be asking for commissioner
input on FAQ’s.
Niemeyer asked about city-owned vacant retail space in CAGID. Bowden said the city charges less than
the average property owner for retail spaces. There is currently one vacancy that has been advertised
through their broker, CBRE. Woulf said they’re looking at which properties are more appropriate for
affordable opportunities.
Approval of Motion to Recommend Approval of the 2022 Community Vitality proposed budget
including the 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan
Niemeyer moved to approve. Poe seconded. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: September 14, 2021
APPROVED BY: DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Attest: ________________________
Heather Hayward, Secretary Susan Nuzum, Chair
Draft July 13, 2021 DMC Minutes
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City of Boulder
Special District Board Consent Agenda
University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission (UHCAMC) – September 7, 2021
Downtown Management Commission (DMC) – September 14, 2021
Boulder Junction Access District (BJAD) Commissions – September 15, 2021
Updates on Community Vitality work plan programs and projects for city special district boards. These
updates are for informational purposes only and require no discussion or votes.
Special District Updates
•UHGID - University Hill Hotel Project Site Tenant Relocation Planning Support - As
construction for a new hotel on University Hill at the SW corner of Broadway and University
Avenue approaches this fall, Community Vitality Department staff have been working with the
19 impacted tenants of the existing shopping center at that future hotel site to help them plan for
business relocation. At this time, 11 businesses have signed leases for commercial space on
University Hill or within Boulder.
•CAGID/UHGID – Downtown and University Hill Ambassador Pilot – The ambassador
program, operating in the downtown, Civic Area, and on University Hill, has been extremely well
received from both visitors and business owners. There are 13 ambassadors currently, including
the operations manager and two team leads.
•CAGID - Colorado CarShare Brings Electric Vehicle Option to 1500 Pearl Garage - A new
mobility option is currently available in a downtown CAGID parking garage. Effective August
23rd, an all-electric shared vehicle was made available to Colorado CarShare members at the
1500 Pearl parking garage. The City of Boulder is providing one reserved parking spot to
Colorado CarShare. Colorado CarShare will pay the costs to charge the electric vehicle and will
pay one-third of the costs for the vehicle’s annual parking pass. The city will fund the remaining
portion of the parking pass.
•CAGID - CU Student Housing Move-in and CUSG Live Music Series on The Hill –
University of Colorado guided a successful process to reduce the impacts of dormitory move-in
during the week of Aug. 15-19. CU Student Government and CU staff along with the city and
Hill merchants have debuted BuffStreet on The Hill, bringing together the Boulder community
for live local music each Thursday from Aug. 26 through Sept. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the corner
of 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Details may be found here.
City of Boulder Updates
•AMPS Implementation: Revitalizing Access in Boulder - The AMPS team updated City
Council in July on the proposed strategies for updates to our parking pricing, fine structure and
the NPP. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive and Council provided their
support to move into the implementation phase of the work. However, Council requested
additional feedback from both the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) and the Human
Special District Boards and Commissions Consent Agenda – September 2021
09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 4
Relations Commission (HRC) to ensure the proposed strategies furthered our goals for
sustainability and equity. Council also requested that staff do additional analysis before
implementing paid garage parking on weekends. Staff has begun programming and testing new
parking rates, drafting ordinance changes and guidelines for the new permit types, and putting
together a marketing strategy to communicate these changes with the community prior to their
implementation January 1, 2022. Items implementing phase 1 projects (NPP annual permit,
pricing adjustments, on-street rate changes and fine adjustments) will be included in the City
Budget approval materials scheduled for Council review on September 28, 2021, Questions or
comments: Cris Jones (jonesc@bouldercolorado.gov) or go to: www.access4boulder.com.
•RTD Transit Center Update - RTD will be offering service changes during September to
include increased service on the BOLT, SKIP, 204, and 206. RTD received much public
comment on the GS service between Golden and Boulder which has been suspended through the
end of 2021. Due to an ongoing shortage of transit operators, RTD has no plans to reopen the
Boulder Junction at Depot Square station.
•City of Boulder Financial Update – https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/covid-19-funding
Council received an overview on the American Rescue Plan Act during the August 24, 2021
Study Session. This included a discussion on legislative guidance, a summary concerning staff’s
recommendations related to timed receipt and uses of locally available funds. The City of
Boulder will receive just over $20M to address local impacts of the pandemic, a figure which
supplements many federal, state and local funds deployed to aid individuals and businesses
directly. Council expressed support for staff’s recommended allocation of 20% of the funding in
the short term. This includes $2.1 million for immediate needs related to the recovery, $868,400
for gap funding related to service restorations, $1 million for public health needs and reserves of
$1 million for emerging community needs. Council also received a preview of an upcoming
Adjustment to Base proposal and the 2022 budget. Together, these projections and
recommendations will allow the city to restore many COVID-impacted city services, support
immediate needs of the community, and fund efforts to plan for potentially shovel-ready efforts
should a federal infrastructure package be approved. Finally, Council provided input to criteria
which will be used to determine uses of the remainder ARPA funds available in Boulder. Details
may be found here.
•CV Front Desk Operations – The front desk no longer requires an appointment for service, but
strongly encourages customers to do so. Appointments cut down on wait times and repeat trips to
facilitate a more efficient process for customers and staff. Appointments may be made at
https://cityofboulder-parkingservices.as.me/. The team also encourages customers to utilize the
new online parking portal to purchase or renew their parking permits. All visitors to the front
desk must wear masks per city building requirements. For questions regarding appointments or
the portal, contact the front desk at 303-413-7300 or parkingservices@bouldercolorado.gov
•Boulder Business Recovery Program review – Pursuant to Emergency Order 2020-16, the City
implemented an outdoor dining expansion effort citywide to mitigate the impacts of social
distancing and indoor dining restrictions on the residents, visitors, workers and restaurant
operators. The order is set to expire on October 31, 2021 and Council will receive an update from
staff as well as an overview on efforts to advance a post-pandemic Downtown Boulder Outdoor
Dining Program during their meeting on September 9, 2021. Staff’s memo may be found in the
Sept. 9, 2021 city council agenda packet.
Special District Boards and Commissions Consent Agenda – September 2021
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CITY OF BOULDER
Downtown Management
Commission
September 14, 2021 meeting
To: Downtown Management Commission (DMC) - Susan Nuzum, Don Poe,
Andrew Niemeyer, Stephanie Trees
From: Yvette Bowden, Assistant City Manager & Community Vitality Director
Date: September 10, 2021
Subject: Exploration of Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining Program in CAGID area
I.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant to Emergency Order 2020-16 and 2020-18 (as amended), the City of Boulder undertook
several initiatives in 2020 aimed at ensuring public health and COVID-19 pandemic related
indoor dining restriction compliance. In addition to gift cards, third-party delivery subsidies,
four rounds of small business grants and industry-specific webinars, the above-referenced
Emergency Orders allowed the city to implement the Boulder Business Recovery Program
(BBRP) including:
•Citywide waiver of parking minimums and continuation of the evening discounted parking
in Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID)-owned downtown parking garages
•Addition of curbside drop off/pick up locations
•Temporary modification of alcohol licenses (as approved by the State of Colorado)
•Temporary outdoor dining service area expansions including repurposed use of adjacent
public right of way and expansions on private property
•Waiver of applicable city fees and expedited review of temporary modification applications
•Rerouting of the HOP bus line through residential areas
•City-facilitated street closures along the west end of Pearl Street and on the University Hill
Event Street including signal changes
•Provision of closure barricade and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible
infrastructure, signage and temporary art installations as afforded by grants awarded to the
City of Boulder
Boulder’s locally impacted restaurant industry expressed great enthusiasm for the program and on
August 2, 2021, long-time city nonprofit partner Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) requested
city collaboration exploring the feasibility of a post-pandemic outdoor dining program in
Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining Program Memo
09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 6
Boulder’s downtown core (Attachment A).
Updates concerning BBRP and DBP’s proposal were presented to Council and discussed during
the September 9, 2021 Council Meeting. During that meeting, council expressed support for
public safety-related extension of the BBRP program through April 30, 2022, and for the city’s
continued exploration of a post-pandemic program as proposed by DBP. DBP has acknowledged
that any post-pandemic outdoor dining effort in Boulder’s downtown core requires thoughtful
consideration of safety, access, fiscal and other compliance and quality of life impacts.
Appreciating DMC’s advisory role related to the CAGID district’s access and vibrancy, staff
provides this memo as relevant background and will solicit input from DMC in response to
questions provided below. DMC’s feedback will aid next steps in the city’s continued exploration
of post-pandemic options with DBP.
II.STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that DMC support the city’s continued work with DBP toward the development
of a post-pandemic outdoor dining program balancing the varied needs and interests of residents,
workers, visitors, the city and businesses in the achievement of community goals (safety,
equity/inclusivity, fiscal and environmental sustainability, etc.). Staff further recommends that
this exploration specifically address and include:
•Codification of guiding principles for any post-pandemic outdoor dining program and an
engagement plan for interim (3-year pilot) outdoor dining effort (including, but not
limited to, compliance with safety vehicle and ADA access as well as consideration of
surrounding property owner interests);
•Adherence to state and local licensure and regulatory guidance;
•Identified pilot program metrics related to access, safety, fiscal sustainability (including
general fund revenue offset); and
•Clarity regarding physical scope and duration of the pilot
If and as these recommendations are supported by DMC, they will become components of any
negotiated agreement with DBP.
III.BACKGROUND
Many businesses in Boulder currently operate outdoor dining areas through the city’s patio lease
permitting efforts or as part of their leased space arrangements (rooftop decks, garaged windows
and enclosed plaza space, as examples). BBRP has allowed other businesses to explore the
operational benefits and challenges associated with outdoor dining expansions (see Attachment B
maps) and to evaluate their degree of interest in continuation of this popular opportunity.
The city and DBP are working together to develop a plan for a post-pandemic pilot downtown.
Pursuit to subsequent negotiations between the city and DBP, a potential three-year pilot allows for
further study and community outdoor dining options while appreciating current DBP and city work
plans/staffing resources, role clarity, exploration of potential alcohol licensure implications and
Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining Program Memo
09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 7
development of infrastructure and operating plans ensuring community safety as well as city and
DBP operational efficiency. Such a pilot program would allow for continued evaluation and
outreach including, as the parties might agree, future consideration of Pearl Street Mall Refresh
and/or Civic Area Vision Plan implementation efforts.
That notwithstanding, any post-pandemic outdoor dining program must consider program scope,
costs, operational impacts, sustainability, and safety implications as well as other intended and
unintended implications in the short- and long-term. Recently, staff met with DBP’s stakeholder
group and shared a timeline provided below which would anticipate program launch in the spring of
2022. Of course, any ultimate agreement concerning a DBP-facilitated program in downtown
Boulder would supplement, not replace, existing expansion opportunities already available for
restaurants citywide including, for example, private property expansions, garage-dooring windows
and patio leasing.
IV. ANALYSIS
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boulder community members and business
operators have expressed general support for efforts, including BBRP, that have aided retention of
employees, small business viability and safety of residents. DMC should note:
Varying perspectives and interests
1. Though the majority of downtown Boulder’s 43 current BBRP-permitted restaurants
operators have benefited from the program, some have since removed their temporary
expansion areas. Still others have expressed enthusiasm but suggested that the program is
not equitable as they have had to pay for safety-related infrastructure while business in
closure area(s) have not. A few have expressed discontent with the closure area as
impacting nearby parking needed for pick-up orders and deliveries (especially in winter
months) and many restaurants remain shuttered or have closed as the pandemic’s impacts
linger.
2. Municipalities across the Front Range (and, indeed, the Country) are exploring the impacts
of repurposing initiatives in public spaces, related alcohol licensure and risk. In Colorado,
alcohol related State guidance concerning individual business licenses, communal
consumption and entertainment districts is evolving.
3. Some residential neighbors in the downtown core have expressed discontent concerning
outdoor dining related noise and spill-over parking impacting their quality of life. There
have also been concerns expressed regarding uses inconsistent with traditional mall rules
(prohibitions on dogs, bicycles, etc.) Nevertheless, there is substantial intercept survey
data expressing support for continued outdoor dining.
4. Priorities for downtown infrastructure and programs vary. In recent years, the community
has expressed interest in downtown safety-related initiatives, public restroom access, art,
transit connections, sustainability features, historic preservation and other efforts which
have or may compete for consideration and public support.
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09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 8
Risk, safety, operations, and access
1. There is no city precedent for permanent closure or long-term repurposing of public space
(including but not limited to uses of the right of way) without substantial public input.
Even periodic street closures related to special events are limited, require public notice
and, in most cases, require the agreement of 80% of the block face to proceed.
2. Much of Boulder’s downtown is in impacted by the flood plain and critical to the smooth
operation of city streets, utilities, transit, maintenance, and safety operations. The
operation and infrastructure associated with winter weather months also proves
increasingly challenging and safeguards should be taken to ensure ADA access year-
round. Semipermanent or permanent infrastructure changes would be cautiously viewed
under Boulder’s code and ordinances to maintain access and ensure public safety.
Impact on general fund revenue and fiscal responsibility
1. Many municipalities, including Boulder, charge for parking in their downtown core.
Boulder has charged for use of the right of way since 1943, with those revenues going to
the city’s general fund. Excluding city operated surface parking locations and all city-
operated garages, the CAGID district currently includes 962 parking spaces (roughly 200
square feet each). Presently, 106 (11%) of the district’s 962 parking spaces and 58 loading
zones are being repurposed to accommodate temporary BBRP outdoor dining expansions.
This does not include much of the right of way utilized along the Pearl Street Mall bricks.
Staff estimates that during the course of a normal year, these on-street parking spaces
generate in excess of $500k for the general fund as limited by the current levels of
utilization. In addition, staff estimates waiver of $89k in permitted patio licenses, most of
which are on the pedestrian mall area. Recent capital improvements installing signage and
improved pay station kiosks may also warrant relocation and reimbursement consideration
if and as impacted by any short- or long-term outdoor dining program.
2. The staff’s initial proposal discussed with DBP repurposed on-street paid parking locations
in the CAGID area as offset by a lease/license fee which would have eliminated the need
for any full street closure, fully reimbursing the General Fund for anticipated loss and was
achievable on either a seasonal or year-round basis. This proposal also ensures emergency
vehicle, HOP route and ADA access in Boulder’s downtown core.
Sustainability, Equity, Inclusivity and Evolving Outdoor Dining Concepts
1. There are many urban concepts across the country currently testing and measuring the
impact of right-of way repurposing initiatives. In Boulder, these concepts and metrics
have not been explored under the current Emergency Orders. It should also be noted that
inclusive access and required emergency vehicle and utility access will have many
iterations across the CAGID area where curbs, sidewalk widths and other infrastructure
significantly vary and contribute to the way the CAGID district functions and is
experienced (i.e.: bike lanes, tree wells, lighting, sight lines).
2. Some community members have stressed that designating public space for specific for-
profit purposes must be considered a repurposing of public assets and will have impacts on
future possibilities in the area including consideration of art installations, performances,
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09.14.21 DMC Packet Page 9
special events and competing business and public concerns.
Given the foregoing, staff seeks DMC’s input concerning the following questions:
1. Does DMC support the city’s continued exploration of a post-pandemic Outdoor
Dining Program in Boulder’s downtown core/CAGID district?
2. What suggestions does DMC have concerning community engagement contributing
to the development of agreement terms for any 3-year pilot licensure agreement with
DBP which might accommodate a Downtown Boulder Outdoor Dining Program
beginning in 2022?
3. Given DMC’s advisory role related to CAGID access and vibrancy, what suggestions
does DMC have regarding metrics which might be tracked during any post-pandemic
Downtown Outdoor Dining program pilot?
V. NEXT STEPS
Subject to DMC’s responses to the questions above, DMC should anticipate the following next
steps:
September 2021 City/DBP continued exploration of post-pandemic pilot program concepts
October 2021 (est.) Council IP and potential presentation of license agreement on consent
December 2021 Publication of guidelines and application
April 2022 Tentative program launch
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Post-Pandemic Outdoor Dining Program Memo
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