Downtown BID reaffirms vice president, approves financial report and $400 for bridge buntings

The Downtown Westbend Business Improvement District board voted at its June meeting to keep Tracy Surwat as vice president, approved the monthly financial report and authorized up to $400 to buy decorative buntings for two pedestrian bridges.

Peggy, a BID board member who led the meeting, said, “so whether you want it or not, you're back to being the vice president. So motion carries. Uh Tracy Surwat will remain the current vice president for this board.” The confirmation was decided by voice vote.

John, who presented the financial materials, summarized the month’s ledger and a recent correction: “we did find the error that Larry pointed out last week. It was a typo,” he said, adding that expenses have been light over the past 30 days and that the report shows budgeted amounts, revised carryforwards and encumbrances. The board moved, seconded and approved the financial report by voice vote.

The board also approved a motion to spend up to $400 for decorative buntings on the two pedestrian bridges along the riverwalk. Members discussed materials and durability, debating nylon versus polyester before settling on the spending cap. One board member suggested polyester because “you could actually wash it,” a point the group considered while approving the expenditure by voice vote.

Members spent time on several other operational items: staff said they will reschedule a review meeting for façade grant applications (about eight this cycle) because the total requested funding exceeds available dollars; they also reviewed an annual contract proposal for holiday decorations (the so-called “bling” contract) that staff said totals $24,450, above an estimated $21,000 budgeted, and agreed to ask the vendor for a multi‑year pricing option before final approval.

The board heard updates on hanging baskets and banner brackets on Sixth Street, with staff noting some brackets are broken or differently sized; staff said they will coordinate with Public Works to rebalance banners and resolve installation issues.

The board confirmed it will not meet in July and will reconvene in August unless urgent business arises.

Votes and formal actions recorded at the meeting included the confirmation of the vice president, approval of the financial report and authorization of up to $400 for bridge buntings; all were decided by voice vote and recorded by the chair as carried.