When the Downtown Business Association paints the town red, they will have to use their own funds, said the city. At Tuesday's Winnemucca City Council meeting, the DBA asked for a donation from the city to help purchase paint for downtown businesses but got flower pots instead.
The DBA has plans to spruce up the exteriors of downtown businesses with fresh coats of paint, and representatives from the organization showed the council how the downtown could look with a slide presentation. The plans include fixing up some of the crumbling stucco and brick, and ordering signs describing the history of the downtown neighborhood. The signs could direct tourists and local history buffs on a walking tour of the area.
DBA board members Jacy Jackson, owner of Le French Twist Salon and Dana Brown, owner of the Bar M, were at Tuesday's meeting. Jackson said the downtown business owners were onboard with the painting. To entice owners to participate, the DBA wanted to supply the paint with the help of a monetary donation from the city in addition to their own funds.
Jim Billingsley said he applauded the efforts of the DBA but the business owners should take responsibility for their own business and purchase the paint themselves. Other council members agreed.
Mayor Di An Putnam offered a different way to donate to the project. Instead of helping to purchase paint, the city would provide up to $6,500 to remove the unsightly and dying trees on Bridge Street and replace them with planter pots. The grates surrounding the trees, the drip irrigation system and any electrical boxes would be removed. Rubberized matting would replace the grates and save people from tripping, said Putnam.
The DBA had planned on using community service hours from people attending drug court to do the painting. However, Steve West, city engineer/manager said he did not think the DBA would be able to use volunteers to complete the paint work because licensed contractors are required for any work done on a commercial building.
According to their website, the DBA is comprised of board members Jackson, Brown, Feyia Wolicki, Elizabeth Barela and President Danielle Flores. Their primary objective, listed on the website, is to promote business and enhance the downtown area (Railroad Street to I-80 and Baud to Monroe). Some of their events include the Bridge Street Fair, the Lemonade Stand Contest and the Santa Crawl.[[In-content Ad]]
