New Iberia Council creates contracted grass‑cutting program and authorizes mayor to sign contracts

Mayor Frederick de Court told the New Iberia City Council on Aug. 19 that the city will launch a contractor‑run grass‑cutting program using a reverse‑auction platform already used by neighboring municipalities. The council approved Resolution No. 25‑91 creating the program and later approved an amendment authorizing the mayor to negotiate, act on and sign contracts related to the platform.

The program will allow prequalified contractors to bid to perform private‑lot cuts the city currently handles. According to the mayor, contractors must meet insurance and qualification requirements before accessing the portal; each lot will be photographed and described in the bidding system, contractors will upload “after” photos before payment, and invoices will be generated automatically by the platform. The mayor said public‑works crews will continue to handle public areas while outsourcing private‑lot cuts to free staff for drainage and road patching.

Councilmembers asked about contract length and whether a lowest bid would hold a property for a year. City staff clarified the year‑long contract in the paperwork refers to the software subscription, not to individual lot awards; individual lots will be rebid when needed. Council members also insisted on vendor oversight: the city will inspect completed work and withhold payment if photos or inspections fail to show acceptable performance. The council added that tree work is explicitly excluded and vendors must follow a defined scope (edging, upload of before/after photos).

During the meeting the council introduced a special ordinance to amend the general fund and provide $40,000 to start the program this fiscal year, with additional funding to be proposed in the next budget cycle. Mayor Frederick de Court said any unused portion from this year would roll into next year’s program budget if needed.

The council approved the resolution and the amendment on voice vote using the council’s voting machines; the meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally in the transcript supplied. The program will be implemented through the city’s compliance staff and a designated portal operator and will require monthly administration, contractor prequalification and on‑site inspection before payment.