Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Beautification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EDA lowers flower‑pot sponsorship price, plans planting by mid‑May and to honor volunteer with $200 gift card
Summary
Dayton City EDA approved lowering the flower‑pot sponsorship fee to $125, will plant whether or not pots are sponsored by May 15, and directed a $200 gift card for the volunteer who maintains the planters.
The Dayton City Economic Development Authority agreed March 18 to set the sponsorship fee for downtown flower pots at $125 and to provide a $200 gift card to the volunteer who plants and maintains them.
John, a city staff member, told the board that planting and maintenance costs average about $100 per pot for both summer and winter plantings; the total last year for flowers alone was about $800. Staff said plaques were inexpensive and that the volunteer currently performs planting and upkeep without pay. The board directed that the city will plant the pots regardless of sponsorships and set a practical deadline for sponsorships by about May 15 to align with planting schedules.
Board members discussed outreach options to recruit sponsors, including a communicator notice and direct letters to Dayton businesses. Several EDA members volunteered to sponsor pots if outside sponsorship does not materialize; Dayton Wine and Spirits and other EDA members said they would take one or more pots as a last resort. The EDA also agreed to improve plaques so sponsors receive recognition.
Why it matters: the program is an aesthetic investment in downtown that the EDA said should not operate at a loss; reducing the sponsorship fee and active outreach are intended to increase public participation.
Next steps: staff will publish sponsorship information, accept sponsors through mid‑May and purchase the agreed $200 gift card for the volunteer who maintains planters.
