05-03-2021 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing and Redevelopment Minutes May 3, 2021 S. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6. Public Hearings There were no public hearings. 7.1 Proclamation for Elk River Meats Page 2 Chair Toth presented the Robecks with a proclamation for May 3, 2021, as Elk River Meats Day. The HRA thanked the Robecks for their presence in the community for the past 50 years. 7.2 Downtown Beautification Ms. Eddy presented the staff report on behalf of Suzanne Fischer. She reported DERBA will be purchasing 24 baskets for the 2021 season at $90/basket for a total of $2160. Staff is also recommending securing a professional services contract for seasonal maintenance including daily water, maintenance, fertilizer and deadheading. The two proposals they received weren't available in time for tonight's packet and they were $16,673 from Yardworx Outdoor Services and $20,790 from Speedcutters Outdoor Maintenance LLC with a seasonal date range from May 1 to Sept. 30. She noted these proposals were not received in time for the packet and if the HRA wishes, and the amounts were higher than anticipated so they could request additional proposals again. Finally, she stated when DERBA orders the 2022 flowers this September, the HRA will purchase 26 — 23" H2O Saver Baskets at $89/pot for a total of $1950 and take them to the nursery this September to be used for next year's flowers. Commissioner Ovall asked for clarification about Ms. Fischer mentioning she would try out one or two flower baskets using the new pots during the 2021 display season to ensure they would work well this year as well as feedback on what is viable for the flowers in the pots. He thought that was what was discussed at the last meeting. Commissioner Swenson asked if there was a deadline for purchasing for 2021. Ms. Eddy was not aware of a deadline. Chair Toth asked about direction for this year's flower purchases. Commissioner Wagner explained at the April DERBA meeting, the group approved to purchase of the flowers for 2021 at a cost of $95 per pot. She understood that Ms. Fischer was going out for bid to see what the cost would be for annual flower maintenance, and it seems the cost is double what could be done with city staff with a cost of $8200 for staff. She felt the pots don't have to be purchased today but the HRA does need to determine who will be taking care of the flowers DERBA is in the process of purchasing.