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Council selects JMS Services as city lawn care contractor; contract includes limited herbicide use
Summary
Council approved awarding the annual lawn care contract to local JMS Services (owner John Sterling) for FY ending 09/30/2026 with an option to extend for up to four additional years; contract language restricts glyphosate (Roundup) to limited areas and requires weeding/edging for most sites.
Jay Chapel, maintenance services director, presented bids for the city's annual lawn care services. Staff received three bids and recommended JMS Services, a local small business owned by John Sterling, based on price and perceived value.
"He provided the best value," Chapel said, noting JMS was the lowest bid and emphasized local small‑business participation. The contract covers parks, facilities and designated city properties for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026, with an option to extend for four additional concurrent years.
Council members asked about herbicide use and planting/irrigation responsibilities. Chapel and Sterling said the contract restricts Roundup (glyphosate) to narrow 6‑inch bands around chain‑link fence bases at specific utility locations; otherwise, planters and park areas will be hand‑weeded and edged and herbicide will not be used. Sterling said JMS is pursuing irrigation certification and will wear uniforms and mark trucks while performing service.
Motion by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Quill, to select JMS Services carried unanimously. The previous contractor spoke to thank the council for the opportunity to serve.
Staff said the contract exhibits list all city properties included in the scope, including parks, cemetery and airport parcels. The contractor and staff will coordinate schedule timing to minimize disruption and to ensure high‑use parks are mowed earlier in the week where possible.
