HUMBOLDT — Downtown Humboldt is going to get an upgrade to its look.
The Humboldt Downtown Business Improvement District and the City of Humboldt are installing new bike racks, benches, planters, garbage/recycling receptacles and picnic tables. The cost of the project is around $94,000 plus tax, with the BID paying 60 per cent of the cost.
“I'm quite excited about that and it really will help the downtown,” said Brent Fitzpatrick, the BID’s executive director.
“I'd like to just pass along some kudos to the previous board of directors of the BID because in their prudence they thought of just salting away money over the course of the years for something significant within the downtown area.”
The project was divided into two bids: one for the bike rack and one for everything else.
“The bike racks were separated from the flowerpots and the benches simply because we wanted to ensure that local businesses who kind of specialize in the metalwork only would be able to bid on that,” Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick said when the bids were ready, he made sure local businesses knew.
Both the BID and the city didn’t just judge the bids on the price, but on how well certain specifications, like a uniform look for all of the items, were met. The two organizations made their decision independent of each other.
“Fortunately for both parties, we both came to the same conclusion that 1 Stop Playgrounds’ submission was the most suitable option for both of these competitions,” said Michael Ulriksen, the city’s community services director.
1 Stop Playgrounds is based in Humboldt.
At a special meeting on May 13, council voted in favour of the two bids. Councillor Lorne Pratchler declared a conflict of interest and was not present for the debate or vote.
The two bids were originally submitted for approval at the April 27 meeting, but councillors told city staff they wanted more information on how the bids were selected before making a decision.
Fitzpatrick said the new furniture will last the city for decades.
“One of the most important things for me as we're coming out of this COVID lockdown, I think it's important that the business community sees the city, the BID, the chamber, everybody working together to help revitalize that core area business community and this is doing that.”
