San Antonio council approves multiple contracting packages for lead abatement, lot cleanup and habitat biology

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio City Council on Feb. 28 approved a set of contracting packages to address lead hazards, clear blighted vacant lots, secure vacant structures and hire a biologist for the South Edwards Plateau habitat conservation plan.

Council approved the measures during its regular meeting after presentations by Neighborhood and Housing Services and Development Services staff. The contracts are intended to address public-health risks from lead, reduce blight and secure structures that pose safety or code-compliance problems, and to provide biological services tied to a regional conservation plan.

Neighborhood and Housing Services Director Verónica González told the council the lead-abatement package would contract certified firms to remove lead hazards as part of the city’s Healthy Homes program. The proposed procurement covers an initial two-year term with three one-year renewal options. The office reported seven responses, six proposals evaluated, and recommended six qualified firms; the estimated value presented to the council was $6.5 million for the initial term and options as described. González said contractors would be required to follow applicable state regulations and to be certified for lead-hazard work.

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