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Stop Beautification Project $97k Spending until Economic Recovery

Stop Beautification Project $97k Spending until Economic Recovery

97 signatures 3 to reach 100
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Amanda D. signed
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Aine H. signed
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Bethany H. signed
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Bodeb L. signed
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Luke D. signed
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Caleb P. signed
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Levi W. signed
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Luke M. signed
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Joshua w. signed
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Dianne B. signed
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Started by Caleb Bouma 6 years, 3 months ago

Our Moscow ID City Council agenda for Monday evening includes approving the city spending $88k-$97k on a BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT. This is unacceptable considering the current circumstances:

Like our state and nation, Latah county has recently begun the worst economic disaster we have seen since the Great Depression. We are currently killing businesses with our COVID-19 shutdown, with an estimated job loss impact of over 3,500 jobs and economic impact of Negative $24 Million for JUST OUR COUNTY SO FAR!

Please sign this petition if you don't think they should be using our TAX MONEY on non-essential 3D Art Statues until we have a surplus of funds after economic recovery!

Here's the text of the Agenda:

"North Main Beautification Project Bid Result and Contract Award (ACTION ITEM) - Nate Suhr The 2020 City of Moscow North Couplet Beautification Project will prepare the area of C and Main Street for the installation of a metal three-dimensional sculpture public art piece entitled “The Homecoming”. The project includes installation of ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, curb extensions, electric and water service, and storm drainage, and replaces non-compliant sidewalks and driveway approaches. A concrete planter to shield pedestrians from vehicles will also be constructed. The public art piece and additional beautification projects, including additional sidewalk replacement and the installation of street trees throughout the corridor will be completed at a later date.

The City issued an electronic bid solicitation to five area contractors on March 20, 2020 and the Engineer’s estimate for the project was $89,057. Two responsive bids were received on April 3, 2020, with bids ranging from $88,714 to $92,772. Of those, Germer Construction of Moscow, Idaho submitted the low bid on the project of $88,714. A complete bid tabulation is attached.

PROPOSED ACTIONS: Accept the low bid from Germer Construction, Inc, award the contract in the amount of $88,714.00, and authorize staff approval of construction change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of the contract amount ($8,871.40), or take such other action deemed appropriate."

Link to the Agenda: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/581/Agendas-and-Minutes


Updates

April 20, 2020

I am gathering all these signatures to present to the City Council before the vote. Spending thousands on art right now is the wrong priority for our tax dollars.

April 20, 2020

The momentum is undeniable now. City officials can no longer ignore the clear message that our tax dollars belong elsewhere.

20 Comments

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Rod Story
6 years ago Featured

Moscow is facing an unprecedented financial crisis, a double wave from "stay at home" orders and cancelled University activities. Our local hospitals and businesses are already sounding the alarm. We call on the City Council to proactively protect our city by deferring all "non-essential" financial transactions.

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Luke Deacon
6 years ago Featured

A Beautification Project sounds great, especially in such a wonderful place as Moscow. But it would be extremely sad to walk round an even prettier town in a few months that was marred by the absence of its residents' favorite businesses. Please don't spend money on non-essentials when, currently, non-essential businesses aren't even allowed to function!

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Luke Mason
6 years ago Featured

To proceed with this project given the current economic environment would be irresponsible and an egregious waste of Moscow's money.

J
Jonathan Roberts
6 years ago Featured

As nice as a beautification project might be, it is a bit of a luxury. This is not the time to be spending public money on luxuries. Please use this money responsibly in a way that helps Moscow during this particular time.

K
Kathleen Ready
6 years ago Featured

This expenditure is foolish and irresponsible given our current economic situation. If you forcibly close businesses you deem are "non-essential" then you have no business spending the tax dollars of those impacted people on non-essential projects.

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Samuel Paul
6 years ago Featured

Essentials ONLY! How can these funds be spent in good conscience on a project like this when our small businesses are on the verge of failing? Use the funds to pay for tax breaks!

D
Daniel Bradley
6 years ago

Please don’t burden people who are already carrying heavy weights in their hearts from their less-than-ideal financial situations.

A
Alison White
6 years ago

I'm all for beauty, but this is not the time. The money for the art project could be so much better spent. Please work to relieve others who are in financial distress because of this situation.

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