Victorville awards $287,500 contract to local firm for Brentwood beautification

The Victorville City Council on April 1 approved a construction contract not to exceed $287,500 with Contractors Connect to demolish and relandscape roughly 35,000 square feet of public landscaping along Hook Boulevard in the Brentwood neighborhood.

City staff said the work will use xeriscape principles — drought-tolerant plants, decomposed granite and boulders — to reduce long-term water and maintenance needs. The project area is adjacent to Brentwood Elementary School and Brentwood Park and is one of two demonstration projects funded in part through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations and available Landscape Maintenance Assessment District (LMAD) funds.

Staff reported six bids were received and recommended the local firm Contractors Connect as the best-value bidder. The recommended award of $287,500 consists of a $250,000 base bid plus a 15% contingency to address unforeseen conditions.

Council members praised the local award and the xeriscape approach. Council member Jones moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; Council member Irving seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Staff said LMAD 3, which covers the Brentwood parcels, does not include an annual cost escalator and that parcel owners currently pay about $70 per year toward maintenance, a fixed assessment that has contributed to underfunding over time. The council has directed staff to pursue a Proposition 218 assessment-balloting process to consider an updated assessment and a cost escalator.

The contract award authorizes staff to proceed with construction subject to contract execution and available funds.