RDC awards Trades District landscaping contract to Mother Nature Landscaping; commissioners flag bid disparity

The Redevelopment Commission on July 21 unanimously approved Resolution 25-90 to contract Mother Nature Landscaping for landscape maintenance in portions of the Trades District not covered by the mill’s property management agreement. The one-year contract amount presented to the commission totaled $19,275.

Staff said two firms responded to the competitive solicitation and that Mother Nature Landscaping submitted the lowest responsive bid. Commissioners and staff discussed that the bids were difficult to compare line-by-line; staff produced a spreadsheet breaking scope and costs down by service. Commissioners noted the winning bid was substantially lower than a past contract amount and asked whether the lower price reflected reduced coverage or a narrower scope.

Staff explained the mill now mows several large lots on the north side of the district, which reduced the RDC-managed footprint, and that Mother Nature Landscaping already holds a contract with the mill for parts of the district; awarding the RDC contract to the same vendor will streamline operations and reduce potential overlap. City staff said they will visually monitor the contractor’s work in the coming season and coordinate oversight among Economic & Sustainable Development, mill management, and city field staff.

The resolution passed unanimously. Commissioners requested ongoing updates in subsequent reports so the commission can evaluate service quality and any necessary contract adjustments.