Council OKs one‑time lawn‑cleanup pilot, moves $20,000 to vegetation budget

The City Council authorized the mayor to enter a contract with Alterious Landscaping and Snowplowing LLC to perform a one‑time lawn and vegetation cleanup pilot on a list of city‑owned properties and approved a related budget transfer, the council decided at its meeting.

The mayor said the pilot responds to persistent public complaints about poorly maintained city parcels and would use private landscapers to clear vegetation and debris. “The original purpose of this meeting was to present a special resolution, to try a pilot program for our landscaping our our vegetation control program this year,” the mayor said. The mayor told the council the contractor would photograph each property before and after work and submit bills by address.

Under the approved resolution, the contractor will perform a one‑time clearout prior to the mowing season and then perform lawn mowing services as described in the pilot terms. Work will include removal of grass clippings and shrubbery and piling other debris neatly at the curb for Department of Public Works pickup; the contractor will notify the DPW supervisor when debris is ready for collection. The mayor and city codes staff will tour the listed properties with the contractor before work begins to confirm scope.

The council recorded the contract rate at $100 per parcel in discussion. Council members amended the proposed language to specify a one‑time clearing prior to the mowing season and to authorize the mayor to enter the contract consistent with the terms of the lawn‑cleanup pilot program. The council then voted to approve that amended resolve; Alderman Martisello, Alderman Carpenter and Alderman Holiday recorded “aye” votes.

Separately, the council approved a consent resolution authorizing a budget transfer to pay for the vegetation work. The enacted transfer decreases an expense line (maintenance) by $16,809 and increases vegetation expenses by $20,000 to cover the contract and related costs. The consent resolution was introduced by Alderman Martisello and passed with recorded “aye” votes by Alderman Carpenter, Alderman Martisello and Alderman Holiday.

Council members said the pilot will let the city evaluate private contracting for vegetation control and then decide whether to issue a broader bid for ongoing services. If the pilot meets expectations, staff indicated the city would prepare a formal solicitation for future work.

Votes at a glance: The council voted to (1) authorize the mayor to enter a contract with Alterious Landscaping and Snowplowing LLC to conduct a lawn‑cleanup pilot (approved; recorded ayes: Alderman Martisello, Alderman Carpenter, Alderman Holiday), and (2) approve a budget transfer moving $20,000 into vegetation expenses and reducing maintenance expenses by $16,809 (approved; recorded ayes: Alderman Carpenter, Alderman Martisello, Alderman Holiday).

The council adjourned after the votes.