Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Maintenance Automation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee defers contract for robotic mowers after safety and cost questions
Summary
The Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee deferred one meeting a resolution to contract with My Goat Incorporated for robotic mowers after members requested additional safety testing, staffing context and cost comparisons.
The Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee on Feb. 4 deferred for one meeting a resolution to approve a contract between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and My Goat Incorporated to provide equipment, services and software for robotic mowers for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Committee members and Parks Department staff discussed where the vendor’s machines would be used, the contract’s cost, staffing impacts and safety testing before voting to delay consideration. The department said the machines would be targeted to athletic fields to free up staff time and that, if fully funded for five years, the contract could total $2,000,000.
Parks Department staff said the mowers are intended for “athletic fields” and are placed “behind our gated athletic fields” to reduce the chance the public will tamper with equipment. The staff member also summarized the contract value: “If we were to receive funding that we've asked for, for 5 years, it'd be $2,000,000.”
Committee members pressed for additional information on safety protocols, fail‑safe systems and real‑world testing in other municipalities. One member asked for documentation and comparative pricing for other municipal customers; the department responded that the municipality is getting “the same prices or better” than other cities where similar equipment is used.
Committee members also sought context about Parks’ maintenance budget and staffing. A Parks staff speaker said the department’s parts division budget is about $21.5 million and that the grounds crew is roughly 101–105 positions; staffing shortfalls and upcoming new or renovated parks (including Mariposa Park, Mill Ridge phases and Fort Negley renovation) mean the department anticipates needing more staff and fleet capacity.
After discussion, a committee member moved to defer the item one meeting to allow staff to return with additional safety testing, fail‑safe documentation and comparative pricing. The motion to defer carried and the committee recorded the item as deferred one meeting.
The vendor representatives offered a demonstration; staff said the vendor will bring a mower and be available 30 minutes before the next committee meeting to show features and operation.
