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Bid board authorizes up to $3,200 to start downtown hanging‑basket plants
Summary
The West Bend BID Board approved up to $3,200 to start plants for downtown hanging baskets and seasonal planters so growers can begin spring production before the next meeting.
The West Bend BID Board voted to authorize an expenditure not to exceed $3,200 to start plants for downtown hanging baskets and other seasonal containers so growers can begin production before the board’s next meeting.
Board member Mark, who announced his upcoming April 15 departure, moved the authorization as a time‑sensitive step to ensure plants reach the right size for installation; Larry seconded the motion. The board approved the expenditure by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Board members and staff said the $3,200 is intended only to cover initial plant startup costs if a decision must be made before the board’s next scheduled meeting. Staff and committee members told the board they are still developing a full program plan that would define which pots remain perennial and which will be planted seasonally (annuals in summer, mums in fall, greens for the holidays), a maintenance schedule (watering and fertilization), and a plant list keyed to sunny and shady downtown locations.
Carissa and parks staff are working with growers to prepare specifications so vendors know what to plant for each location. At the meeting staff said growers typically begin planting in February so containers will be ready for spring display; that timing motivated the immediate authorization.
Board members emphasized the authorization is limited to initial startup; they signaled a preference to wait for a full costing and vendor decision before committing to larger contract awards. One member said staff will return with a complete budget allocation showing the BID contribution, city share and private‑sector sponsorships before any further commitments.The board also discussed the possibility of bundling plant and maintenance purchases in a single bid to seek better pricing rather than awarding multiple smaller contracts.
The motion carried by voice vote. Staff said they will report back to the board with a full program cost breakdown and vendor recommendation at the next meeting.
