Council approves up to $25,000 for downtown flowers, projects to be implemented by administration

The Waterville City Council voted to allocate up to $25,000 for downtown beautification after hearing a public presentation on the program and costs.

Terry Masushi, who has coordinated the pilot floral displays this year, outlined costs and timing for expanding the program. She said the project would add 44 additional light-post planters and about 40 sidewalk containers, estimating the initial brackets at roughly $440 each and the total initial purchase for the remaining poles at about $19,500. "The refills of the 11 that are on Farnsworth would be estimating $13.20 to refill those for next year," Masushi said, noting delivery charges may apply from the Bluffton vendor.

Council members asked staff about installation logistics and timing; Masushi explained that brackets are installed first and plants are delivered already planted, usually before Memorial Day, with roughly 15–20 minutes of labor per pole. Administrator John Kochenauer told council the cost can be included in the 2027 budget and that public works would handle implementation details.

A motion to "spend up to $25,000 on beautification for the downtown area" was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote. Council directed staff to carry the appropriation forward into next year’s budget and to coordinate sign removals, any required post adjustments, and delivery timing with the vendor.

The council’s action authorizes the administration to finalize vendor arrangements and implementation; the council asked that staff report back with exact vendor pricing and any recommended changes to placement or signage before deposits are made.