West Bend BID rejects $50,000 watering contract for new downtown planters

On April 2, 2024, the West Bend BID board voted down an amended motion to approve a one-year, not-to-exceed $50,000 contract with Scott's Landscaping to water and maintain newly ordered downtown planters and 26 hanging baskets.

The item, introduced by the board chair (Speaker 1) and presented by city staff (Speaker 3), described the scope: roughly 10 tree planters, 26 hanging baskets and five additional baskets at Old Settlers Park. City staff said the city will plant materials and Scott's Landscaping would provide watering, weed spraying and routine maintenance under an estimate rather than a lump-sum bid.

Debate focused on cost and who should carry long-term maintenance. One board member (Speaker 9) called the proposed $50,000 “$12,500 a month” for four months and said, “that just blows my freakin' mind,” questioning whether building owners should shoulder what amount to watering costs. Others argued the work is labor-intensive and that prior smaller downtown planting efforts required frequent early-morning attention and weekend work.

City staff (Speaker 5) outlined the broader funding picture: private-sector leaders pledged roughly $400,000 toward a larger downtown streetscape and planting package and the city is expected to contribute around $100,000, yielding a total project figure the staff described as about $500,000. Several board members warned that if the BID accepts ongoing watering obligations, that could amount to a decades‑long commitment and millions in cumulative costs for BID members.

Faced with those concerns, a board member (Speaker 8) proposed, and the maker of the motion (Speaker 2) accepted, a friendly amendment to limit the authorization to one year and to make the contract “not to exceed $50,000.” The board conducted a roll-call vote on the amended motion; the amendment failed and the chair declared the motion defeated.

Following the failed motion, the board returned to the financial report and approved the budget as originally presented, which retained a $30,000 landscaping line; city staff told the board how that figure would appear in the budget materials.

The BID will need to decide next steps for watering and maintenance of the new planters. City staff told board members several details remain unresolved — including final plant material, exact delivery dates and pipe/layout — and said they would work with BID members and private-sector partners to develop a plan should the board decline the contractor proposal.