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BID to seek quotes for power‑washing and spider‑web removal on downtown walkways and bridges
Summary
After complaints about extensive spider webs downtown, staff will obtain quotes for power washing and manual removal; staff cautioned treatments may require repeated applications and some bridge areas may be inaccessible for power washing.
The West Bend BID directed staff to obtain quotes for power‑washing and spider‑web removal in downtown walkways and along the Riverwalk; staff described the first year as a trial to identify whether power washing and a follow‑up treatment would reduce spider‑web buildup.
Staff said exterminators generally do not provide outdoor, high‑reach cleaning and that the practical options were either a power‑wash treatment using a lift or manual removal by workers on a lift with wands. The city has a spider‑control liquid used on city buildings, but staff noted it is unclear how long the outdoor treatment would last and whether retreatment would be necessary in fall.
“The first year will be a little bit of an experiment of what works, doesn't work, what those timelines are, and then we'll actually have an understanding of it so that then we can probably have a better system next year,” John said. Staff pointed out that power washing under the large bridge span would be harder to reach and that treatments over water bodies are likely not recommended.
Board members asked staff to gather cost estimates and to be cautious about historic‑property façades when using power washing. One board member suggested getting quotes for both power washing and a contractor willing to sweep or manually remove webs from elevated walkways.
Staff will return with written quotes and a recommended schedule for an initial treatment and any subsequent follow‑ups.
