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West Bend BID tables 6th Street/library circle plantings after donor and maintenance questions
Summary
The BID discussed two planting designs with donor interest and estimated costs (installation ~$12k–$14k; library circle just under $6,000; ongoing maintenance ~26 visits at $150 each), but deferred a final decision to the June meeting while staff confirms donor support and funding for maintenance.
The West Bend BID Board on May 5 tabled a decision on new plantings at the 6th Street/Hickory intersection and the library traffic circle after staff outlined costs and a potential donor offer but board members raised concerns about ongoing maintenance.
John (city staff) described two planting concepts: a 6th Street at Hickory option estimated at "around 14" (discussed in meeting as roughly $14,000, with a lower-cost grasses option near $12,000) and a library circle design listed "just slightly under $6,000." He told the board maintenance would involve about 26 visits at $150 per visit, which he characterized as roughly $3,900 per year.
A potential donor told staff they might provide seed money to cover installation, and John said that donor interest could amount to about $22,000–$24,000. Board members, including Peggy Fisher (board president), welcomed the planting proposals but emphasized concern that BID funds should not become an ongoing maintenance obligation. "I do not want to become a maintenance program," Fisher said, noting she was open to funding a one-year maintenance commitment to ensure the project starts but not an indefinite program.
Business owners and other BID members suggested alternatives to reduce ongoing costs, including prioritizing perennial plantings (which require less annual replacement), relocating existing planters, or developing an "adopt-a" program for baskets and beds where donations or business adoptions cover upkeep. John said finance and city staff could structure an adopt-a-hanging-basket program online and that the city could accept smaller public donations for baskets if the board wanted to pursue that route.
Given the remaining questions about donor commitment and who would pay long-term maintenance, the board agreed to ask staff to confirm donor interest, discuss possible city support for maintenance, and return with more information at the June meeting. Staff said that, if the donor confirmed, installation could happen as early as late June or be moved to fall or next spring if the decision is delayed.
The discussion left costs and maintenance unresolved; the board explicitly postponed any vote to adopt a planting plan until staff returns with confirmed funding and clearer maintenance responsibilities.
