The township is looking into potential solutions after receiving a petition signed by 60 residents about the state of flower planters in Moorefield.
In a letter to council, petition organizer Nancy Stanners stated the citizens “are disappointed in the lack of thought put into choosing our hanging baskets.”
The letter states the flowers provided “no impact whatsoever,” and asked council to take a different approach for next spring’s planting.
“We appreciate the lovely barrels and beds planted by the horticultural society but the most impact for citizens would be large colorful hanging baskets. We hope next year you will give more thought to the flowers for Moorefield.”
While agreeing the planting done this year provided “no impact,” public works director Larry Lynch reminded council at the Oct. 7 council meeting “direction from council was they preferred the ground level planters as opposed to the hanging baskets.”
Lynch also said part of the problem was with the supply of plants available locally. He said staff followed council’s direction in trying to purchase locally.
“I believe that part of our problem there was trying to accommodate a lot of different directions. We don’t have a big greenhouse in the community. The reality is you have to have a greenhouse to grow these plants that early in the year,” Lynch explained.
Councillor Mike Downey said he understood there had been concerns expressed about flower planting from Alma residents as well.
Lynch said he would meet with local horticultural groups in both communities to try and come up with solutions for next year.
Councillor Neil Driscoll suggested meeting with local business owners, who had offered to assist in planning for spring planting.
“Several of the businesses who signed the letter said ‘let us help you with the planning and we’ll look after them,’” said Driscoll.
Downey suggested the municipality consider non-floral decorations.
“I suggest you look into the cost of putting banners up. They’re out there and they’re non-maintenance. We’ve argued about these flowers before and it’s a frustration for everyone,” Downey said.
Lynch agreed banners in the downtown area are worth considering.
“I see it in all kinds of towns – banners are the biggest impact,” he said.
Downey said using banners could be a cost effective solution when factoring in the cost of having staff water the plants.
Council agreed Lynch should meet with local stakeholders to consider solutions and directed a letter outlining council’s response be sent to the petition organizers.
