Westfield Council approves youth councilsolar picnic tables using $15,000 grant

The Westfield City Council voted 4-0 to approve a Mayors Youth Council proposal to install solar-powered picnic tables in Grand Junction Plaza, authorizing purchase not to exceed $15,000. Lucy Alejandro, the youth councils budget lead, told the council the students had secured a $15,000 grant and listed line items: one table at $10,800, a plaque at $2,036, a $126 site surcharge, and $1,695 for shipping and handling.

The project teamincluding Jack Clark, Callie, Olivia Condrat and other Westfield and Westwood High School studentspresented design, siting and maintenance plans. Olivia Condrat recommended placing the table next to the cafe in Grand Junction Plaza to maximize pedestrian use and support nearby businesses. Student presenters said the preferred table is galvanized steel with wood seating, includes a 100-watt solar array, dual USB and USB-C charging ports, and an ADA-accessible space for a wheelchair. Mitchell Sindelar described a commemorative 24-by-24-inch plaque to be mounted at Building R in the plaza.

On maintenance and longevity, Hannah Patterson said panels typically carry 25-year performance warranties and degrade by less than 1% per year; battery packs were identified as the component most likely to require replacement on a roughly 10—15 year timeline. Renata outlined a seasonal maintenance schedule (spring damage checks, annual resealing, winter storage of battery components) and presenters said the Parks Department will provide installation and routine maintenance as an in-kind contribution.

Council questions focused on material choices (wood seating versus composite), lifecycle labor for resealing, battery replacement costs (presenters had no firm vendor quote but estimated replacement could be "a couple of thousand" dollars), ADA configuration and whether the project would follow standard public bidding processes. Presenters said bids had been solicited in developing the proposal and Parks would handle maintenance.

Councilor Weiniger moved to approve the proposal not to exceed $15,000; Councilor McCarty seconded. The council approved the motion on a 4-0 roll call. The students said a second table will be added through Parksin-kind support and their remaining contingency after purchases would be about $300.

The council set no additional conditions beyond standard procurement and the project team said they plan a ribbon-cutting tentatively around May 13. The project will proceed to purchase and installation steps coordinated with the Parks Department.