04-05-2021 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes April 5, 2021 Page 4 permanent fixtures policy, with includes beautification, because the city hosts many events downtown in conjunction with the association. Her understanding of the $5,000 was to be used towards permanent fixtures, not flowers. She stated the downtown association and the HRA made a joint purchase of the banner poles on the light fixtures. Ms. Eddy stated the policy does allow flower purchases from the $5,000. Chair Toth asked if the present hangers will accommodate the larger 23" baskets. Ms. Fischer stated she was not sure what weight restrictions were on the existing hangers but will find out. Commissioner Wagner also noted she personally received feedback that folks are missing seeing the lights on the trees. She stated she really liked the idea Ms. Fischer presented of the globe lights as an option of hanging on the poles instead of flowers. She wondered if having hanging flower baskets becomes difficult, she wondered if we do the lights instead of the flowers, or alternate flowers, banners, and lights. She stated she felt the winter baskets were nice because they were large and looked good. Commissioner Swenson stated she liked that idea. Commissioner Ovall asked where the plants came from last year. Ms. Fischer did not know but she found the best retail price currently is for what is called the weekender basket for $70, and they could receive a price break for purchasing a large quantity. She indicated she spoke to Green Valley and they explained getting their order in September allows the greenhouse to plan accordingly for the following May. She felt they had the best pricing for quantity orders. Commissioner Wagner stated last year's baskets were purchased from R&B Gardens, and in years past they have used Spikes and Green Valley in trying to stay with local companies. Commissioner Ovall stated he is in favor of getting some proposals from profession greenhouses to get consistent products. He stated he is in favor of seeking sponsorships to receive advertising support to cover some of the costs. such as Plaisted's covering soil costs or Green Valley Greenhouse. He stated he is not in favor of using volunteers as the logistics are too tough but perhaps some volunteers would assist staff and build on that over time. Chair Toth asked if the current poles can handle the lights. Commissioner Wagner stated the current poles should be able to handle the lights. Chair Toth stated he is not opposed to anything the commissioners are proposing as he loves flowers, but he still thinks the HRA must determine how the flowers will be maintain and who exactly is paying for it. Ms. Fischer stated it is important to be very transparent regarding costs and who is paying for what. She stated she can get additional pricing for this year from 2 different nurseries.