Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes November 12, 2021


Present: Bob Yates, Paul Eklund, Burton McKenzie, Jane Brautigam, Fern O’Brien, Austin Kane, Richard Polk, Katie Olson, Chris Zachariasse, Chip, Molly Winter


Role of the Committee

The members discussed role of the committee going forward particularly in light of the upcoming downtown vision planning project in 2022 which will include all areas of downtown including infrastructure and will have broad downtown and community involvement. The committee agreed to stay focused on the following areas vis a vis infrastructure:

  • strategic thinking, staying focused on the bigger picture and long term implementation

  • relationship development and management - including the city, the downtown stakeholders including the County, and the broader community

  • prioritization, keeping committed to agreed upon projects and priorities.


Composition of the Committee

The committee charter specifies membership from the DBCI board and representatives from the DBP, the BID and the broader community. After discussion about member qualities based on the role of the committee, getting a variety of perspectives and an effective number of members , the committee agreed upon the following committee composition:


DBCI Board:

Bob Yates

Richard Polk, retiring from the board in 2022

Fern O’Brien

Jane Brautigam

Paul Eklund

Molly Winter


DBP Board

Katie Olson


BID Board

TBD - focus on design and development


Community:

Austin Kane, Unico

13th Street Representative, possibly from the Teahouse

Community Advisory Board representative, TBD


Downtown Vision Plan

Chip shared the overview of the DBP downtown vision planning process and the potential overlap with the DBCI Infrastructure Committee.


Next Steps on 2I and 2J

The committee reviewed the potential projects discussed to date:


Shorter term:

  • Pearl Street Mall bathroom renovation

  • Creation of a “Welcome Center” a combination of the visitors’ information center (VIC) and the bathrooms

  • West End improvements inspired by the success of the reimagining of the street as outdoor dining

  • East End improvements to create a stronger and more fluid connection with the Pearl Street Mall

  • North/south connections between the downtown and the Central Park area

Longer term:

  • Re-imagining the 1300 Block of the Pearl Street Mall to better support events

  • Addressing the Pearl Street Mall lighting vis a vis the dark sky ordinance.


The discussion included the potential of other sources of funding including Arpa and the recently passed Federal infrastructure funds, the importance of having a seat at the table with the city of Boulder in order to represent downtown interests and insure appropriate community outreach, outreach to the downtown community including DBP on feedback on proposed projects for 2I/2J and how to involve the broader community.


Pedestrian Alley Enhancements Update

Chip, Austin and Richard gave updates on the pedestrian alley improvements: the focus will be on sustainable energy use reflected in the art enhancements. The property owners will fund the lighting and art improvements; it is proposed that the city would cover the repaving. DBCI will facilitate a community driven, transparent selection process with property owner sign-off.



Next Steps:

Outreach to potential committee members

Follow up meeting with Chip, Katie and Molly re outreach to downtown boards regarding 2I/2J projects

Outreach to the city on next steps including Ali Rhodes (Parks and Rec) and planning

Determination of committee meeting schedule for 2022

Follow up with the city regarding pedestrian alley repaving