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Council debates landscaping contract, litter pickup and tree‑trimming after residents complain city is ‘dirty’
Summary
Councilmembers discussed expanding litter and landscaping services, consolidating responsibilities, and tree‑trimming capacity; staff said contractor trimmed over 2,000 trees and the city increased tree budget from $80,000 to $100,000.
A wide-ranging discussion on citywide landscaping, litter pickup and tree trimming dominated the council’s non‑voting conversation, with council members and residents urging changes to services, contracting and oversight.
Councilwomen and councilmen said parts of the city—overpasses, canals, medians and corridors such as Biscayne Boulevard and Sans Souci Boulevard—need more frequent trash and debris removal. Councilman Burns proposed increasing litter/lawn services; members suggested raising the number of annual service visits above the current 28, with proposals ranging from 30 to 36 supplemental services per year. No formal amendment or contract award occurred; staff was directed to revise the scope and return with a recommended draft.
Jeff Geimer, assistant public works director, said the contractor recently performed work that resulted in more than 2,000 trees trimmed citywide, including about 1,200 trees in District 4, and that the city has roughly 14,000 swale trees. Geimer described the current rotation as approximately once every seven years at the present funding levels; he said the council last raised the tree trimming budget from $80,000 to $100,000 this year. Council members said they want staff to explore increasing seasonal supplemental pickups and consolidating responsibilities so a single contractor handles specific areas rather than splitting work among parks, public works and outside vendors.
Purchasing and manager’s staff told the council the previous bid did not result in a contract award. If the incumbent contractor (referred to in discussion as Country Bridal/County Bridal) agrees to honor prior prices, staff could consider re‑engaging that firm; otherwise, the city will issue a new request for proposals. The manager’s office agreed to prepare a revised draft scope within two weeks for council review and asked staff to include goals for local hiring and commitments to use local subcontractors where feasible.
Resident speakers and council members described visible trash, neglected medians and embankments and inconsistent maintenance as ongoing problems. The council also asked staff to review responsibilities for state‑maintained segments and confirm the city’s maintenance boundaries.
Why it matters: Landscaping and litter services shape daily quality of life, influence economic development and affect public safety concerns tied to overgrown trees and debris. Council consensus to refine the RFP and increase supplemental pickups signals likely changes to service levels and procuring approach in the coming weeks.
What happens next: Staff will draft a revised scope for the landscaping contract and present it to the manager and council for feedback within two weeks; the manager’s office indicated a new RFP/Request for Proposals will be used if prior pricing cannot be honored.
Ending: Council members said they want clearer contract boundaries, strengthened oversight and opportunities for local hiring commitments in future contracts.
