Title
Approval of Marketing Committee RFP for 2018 Flower Basket Watering Services
Recommended Action
Move to approve the staff recommendation to solicit a service provider to provide hanging basket watering services in 2018
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to proceed with finalization of an RFP to solicit a service provider to provide hanging basket watering services in 2018 for approximately 140-160 hanging flower baskets at least 6 days a week in the Downtown core
Staff Contact:
Mark Rentfrow, Downtown Liaison: 360-570-3798
Presenter(s):
Mark Rentfrow, Downtown Liaison: 360-570-3798
Background and Analysis:
For the past several years, the PBIA has purchased hanging flower baskets to be hung throughout the City’s downtown core. These baskets help to contribute to an inviting and vibrant retail atmosphere and are regularly cited by citizens and business owners who appreciate the PBIA’s efforts. The PBIA has used probation labor to water these baskets in the past, but have been asked by Probation Services to find a new contractor for the 2018 season as they are no longer able to provide services.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown business community has cited hanging flower baskets in past PBIA ratepayer surveys as an amenity that they appreciate and hope to see in the future. Citizens and tourists have also remarked favorably about the program and the beauty it brings to downtown
Options:
1. Proceed with RFP to identify and hire watering contractor for 2018 season
2. Re-imagine hanging flower basket program to include individual basket sponsors/waterers
3. Suspend hanging flower basket program for 2018
Financial Impact:
Previous estimates for flower basket watering of the size and scope being proposed have come in at between 22-26 thousand dollars for four months of daily work.
Attachments:
Hanging Flower Basket RFP